The Planning & Zoning Commission debated a final plat for the El Paso Lower Valley Commerce Center, a proposed 65.146-acre subdivision at the southeast corner of North Loop and Estates Drive, during the Jan. 6 meeting. Staff recommended approval of the final plat; the record lists the property owner as PGF No. 2 Sarratt LLC and the applicant representative as T.R.E. and Associates.

The discussion focused on likely future uses, traffic impacts on North Loop and coordination with TxDOT, and preservation of existing pecan trees along frontage. Multiple commissioners said they understood the plat met technical standards but were concerned the site could be developed as warehousing rather than commercial or residential uses the community prefers.

An applicant representative acknowledged there are no final leases or contractors and said, "it looks like it will be a warehouse," while also saying the project team had submitted a traffic impact analysis and was coordinating with the irrigation district. A consultant for the applicant said the developer was willing to "leave pecan trees as a landscaping feature" where technically feasible and to coordinate irrigation with the El Paso County Water Improvement District.

Commissioners sought authority to attach conditions to preserve landscaping and irrigation; legal counsel warned that final plats are judged on narrow technical criteria under the Texas Local Government Code and that disapproval must cite specific statutory grounds. Counsel also noted the applicant submitted the plat on Nov. 6 and explained that if the municipal authority fails to act within the statutory period the plat can be deemed approved by operation of law.

The commission first considered a motion to approve with conditions; that motion failed for lack of a second. A later motion to deny, made by Commissioner David Estada and seconded by Commissioner Yolanda Rodriguez, recorded affirmative votes and one abstention; the motion did not result in a disapproval. With no conclusive action taken on the final plat at the meeting, staff and counsel indicated the 30-day statutory timeline could render the plat approved unless the commission or council takes specific action within the applicable statutory window.