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Council approves Encore substation expansion with conditions after neighborhood concerns
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Summary
The Nacogdoches City Council unanimously approved a specific-use permit to expand an existing Encore substation along Southeast Stallings Drive, adding transformers and a masonry screening wall and requiring staff-recommended mitigation measures after residents raised concerns about noise, proximity and nighttime work.
The Nacogdoches City Council on April 21 approved a specific-use permit allowing Encore to expand a substation on Southeast Stallings Drive, with conditions staff recommended to reduce impacts on nearby homes.
City Planner Juan Paulette told the council the site is approximately 2.91 acres and that the southern portion would be expanded. He said staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended conditions including an 8-foot masonry screening wall, preservation of existing vegetation where feasible, limiting access to Stallings Drive, and measures to minimize noise and light from maintenance activities. "The proposed expansion is consistent with the future industrial land-use designation and the recommended conditions are intended to reduce potential impacts and maintain compatibility with adjacent residential properties," Paulette said.
Encore project manager Ashton Miller said the utility has operated the substation since 1969 and plans to replace two aging transformers and add two additional units to improve reliability. Miller said the project will move equipment farther from nearby yards: "The closest transformer is about 47 feet from the back property line today; after construction the closest transformer will be over 62 feet away," he said, and added the masonry wall will provide increased visual shielding.
During council questioning, members asked whether energy-storage systems might be sited at the location and whether crews would work at night. Miller said it was unlikely storage would be colocated given nearby residences, and that Encore’s area manager had agreed crews would avoid nighttime work except for emergencies: "During construction, we’ll adhere to the city’s allowable hours; in emergency situations, we would work as needed to restore power," he said.
Resident Judy Montgomery asked whether construction would take place at night; Miller reiterated crews would comply with the city’s construction-time rules and would not schedule routine nighttime work. The council reopened the public hearing to receive the question on the record before returning to council discussion.
Councilmember (3) moved to approve SUP2026-03; the motion was amended on the floor to include the staff-recommended conditions presented at Planning and Zoning. The amendment and the amended motion were adopted by voice vote, and the council carried the item unanimously.
The permit approval includes the conditions recommended by staff; if the applicant proceeds, staff will enforce the permit conditions and require any exterior work to go through the Historic Landmark Preservation Committee if applicable. The council’s action authorizes the permit as conditioned; construction and any contract work will proceed under subsequent permitting and compliance steps.
