Lufkin council delays vote on proposed Crown Colony electric substation after resident concerns

The Lufkin City Council voted to postpone action on a first‑reading ordinance that would allow a new electric substation on about 5.8 acres in the Crown Colony North subdivision.

City planner Alana Hilton described the application as a request for “a special use permit for an electric substation on 5.8 acres of land.” Residents and neighborhood leaders raised concerns about the proposal, and Ward 4 Councilmember Kim Ogden — who said she lives in Crown Colony and has met with both residents and the applicant — moved to delay the vote until the next council meeting on Feb. 3. “I would like to…make a motion to postpone the vote on this agenda item until our next meeting on February 3,” Ogden said.

Ogden told the council she had met with the neighborhood homeowners association and with representatives of the applicant, Encore, and said residents wanted additional time to compile questions and continue discussions. The motion to postpone was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Alana Hilton also told council that the request affects “approximately 5.8 acres” in Lot 1A1, Block 1 of the Crown Colony North subdivision and that staff will be available to answer follow‑up questions prior to the rescheduled hearing. No public speakers registered during the portion of the meeting when the item was considered; Ogden said residents had asked for the postponement.

The council’s action delays any decision on the substation until the Feb. 3 meeting, when the item will be placed back on the agenda for further public hearing and council consideration.