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Commission recommends planned-development approval for Palladio expansion allowing chemical manufacturing
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend a planned-development rezoning allowing Palladio to expand a chemical manufacturing operation with a binding site plan that includes a 116,000-sq.-ft. building and rail spurs; residents raised health and odor concerns and staff noted TCEQ permitting and site-specific conditions will apply.
The Temple Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 17 recommended approval of a planned-development rezoning to allow an expansion of Palladio’s Temple facility that includes a 116,000-square-foot production building and added rail spurs. Staff described the proposal as an amendment to the site’s existing industrial permissions and said they prefer a PD (planned development) framework so conditions can limit unintended heavy-industrial uses.
Planner Deckman said the PD will include a binding site plan and conditions mirroring recent conditional-use permit conditions and that the PD explicitly permits chemical manufacturing at this location under the stated conditions. "We're going with light industrial zoning, and this is the site plan... this is binding," Deckman said, describing options to redesign a nearby city sewer line to accommodate a new rail spur and noting required permits and reviews.
Why it matters: The staff presentation emphasized the parcel sits within an established industrial park with nearby rail access, existing 12-inch water mains and fire hydrants, and proximity to Loop 363 and I‑35. Staff recommended PD approval because it allows a tailored set of conditions rather than broad heavy-industrial zoning, which could allow other high-risk uses without public notice.
Residents and public commenters urged caution. Garrett Kreps, who said he lives at 6171 Shine Branch Road near the site, urged commissioners to terminate the item over health and safety concerns and listed chemicals he associated with the process, saying, "These hazardous off gases are toxic," and specifically naming acrylonitrile and hydrogen cyanide. His wife, Carly Kreps, said families worry about long-term health risks and asked the commission to consider the community’s exposure risk.
Staff response and safeguards: Deckman told the commission that buildings and any emissions are subject to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting and reminded the body that many of the products are polymers and monomers used in water treatment, industrial processes and fracking additives. He also pointed to site-specific PD conditions governing fire protection, drainage, and compliance with state permitting. "They're already subject to TCEQ permitting for any discharges, fumes that that has to be contained," Deckman said.
The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of FY26-2-ZC, forwarding the PD and binding site plan to City Council for final consideration on the scheduled readings Dec. 4 and Dec. 18.
