Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends employment‑center plan for Encore switch station with requested visual screening
Summary
The commission recommended approval of an employment center plan for a proposed Encore switch/substation on US‑79 at Taylor’s western entrance; staff and Encore described a 6‑foot berm with native grasses for screening and said the facility would tie into existing transmission infrastructure.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of an employment center plan for Encore’s proposed Muscovy Switch station near the US‑79 entrance to Taylor.
Staff described the site as an employment center place type on roughly 51.19 acres (Williamson CAD parcels including R565218) and said the applicant voluntarily presented to the commission even though state rules could allow the project to bypass this step. Staff and commissioners focused on visual mitigation because the site is a gateway into Taylor: staff recommended either a mix of evergreen trees and shrubs or a precast masonry wall; Encore proposed a 6‑foot earthen berm with drought‑tolerant ornamental grass as the primary screening.
Commissioners asked whether the employment‑center designation implies job creation on site; staff responded that the place type permits a range of high‑employment uses but that switch stations may not have continuous on‑site staff. Commissioners also asked about easements and whether other infrastructure (waterlines, roads) would cross the site; staff said engineering has not raised concerns on existing easements and that detailed driveway and turn‑lane work would be addressed with TxDOT and site development review. Encore representatives said one other substation lies on this stretch of 79 and described the proposed berm and distance of equipment from US‑79.
Vice Chair Fraser recused from the vote due to a family member’s employment with Encore; the commission recorded approval on a 7–0 vote with Fraser abstaining.
Next steps: Recommendation will go to City Council for final action; site development plans and coordination with TxDOT and engineering staff will follow.
