Commission approves expansion of Encore electric substation with drainage study requirement after flood concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 5 recommended approval of PD24-34, a planned development to allow expansion of an existing Encore electric substation on roughly 3.8 acres at 1918 and 1922 South Cooper Street, by a vote of 7–1.

Principal planner Clifford Golson told commissioners the existing site currently houses Encore infrastructure and that the proposed expansion adds equipment and increases the developed equipment footprint. He noted deviations expected to involve landscaping, screening and buffering and said the southern portion of the property is mostly within a floodplain, requiring a drainage study and engineering review during the plat phase.

Seth Sampson, representing Encore, said the substation is aging and needs equipment upgrades to meet growing load demand: "Our demand planning teams have told us that we need to upgrade at this location," Sampson said. He added that the applicant’s engineers are working on a drainage plan and that the company will meet the city's engineering standards.

Several commissioners, including Commissioner Carter, pressed for measures to prevent additional downstream flooding and for outreach to neighborhood associations. Staff and engineering staff explained that a third‑party drainage review and plat-level engineering are required before construction permits would be issued. Commissioner Blake moved to approve; Commissioner Payne seconded and the motion passed 7–1.

The approval is subject to the applicant completing the drainage study and meeting the city’s third‑party review and platting requirements before construction may proceed.