Plan commission approves plats tied to Microsoft expansion; approvals contingent on annexation

The La Porte Plan Commission approved several preliminary and final plats related to the Microsoft data‑center expansion, recording each approval as contingent on the pending super‑voluntary annexation that must be finalized by the La Porte City Council.

Paul Penske, representing Kimley Horn and working for Microsoft, asked the commission to consider preliminary plat 26‑04 and final plat 26‑05 together; staff recommended approval because the proposed subdivisions conform to Chapter 82, Article 5 of the La Porte Municipal Code. Staff described one city parcel that will be split into a 1.45‑acre parcel and an 18.56‑acre parcel and said retained areas will remain city stormwater management and wetland property.

Commissioners then considered plats submitted by Clayton Prairie Farms (preliminary plat 26‑05 and final plat 26‑06). Staff reported parcel sizes of approximately 22.13 acres (to be retained as an existing farmstead) and 225.19 acres (to be transferred). Staff recommended approval for both plats contingent on annexation.

Motions to approve preliminary and final plats for both city and private parcels were made, seconded and approved. Multiple commissioners noted the approvals are contingent on annexation; staff said the annexation petition has been introduced to council and that recording the plats will follow successful annexation.

The approvals keep the project moving toward detailed design and utility connections, but the city and petitioner said technical work (noise studies, water and traffic modeling) will continue during the design phase before construction begins.