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Odessa approves two West Main rezoning requests to allow light‑industrial expansion
Summary
The commission approved two rezoning requests (RZ042026 and RZ052026) to change parcels along West Main from agricultural to I‑1 light industrial, enabling planned industrial expansion by Greenup Holdings/associated businesses; staff recommended approval, supporters cited job growth and opponents raised runoff and chemical‑use concerns.
The commission voted to approve two rezoning requests along West Main — RZ042026 (about 25.96 acres) and RZ052026 (about 32.932 acres) — changing the parcels from agricultural zoning to I‑1 light industrial.
Staff introduced both applications and recommended approval. Regarding RZ042026, staff noted the rezoning would not take effect unless the property is annexed into the city; RZ052026 is inside city limits and not contingent on annexation. Staff cited the standard packet materials, including application forms, location maps, mailed notices and relevant code sections.
A business representative speaking in favor described plans to purchase the site and expand manufacturing operations in Odessa. The Advanced Industries CEO said the company buys raw aluminum and performs cutting, welding and assembly operations and emphasized local job creation, saying the expansion would allow the company to "double" capacity over time and continue as a major local employer. The representative characterized the work as aluminum fabrication rather than chemical processing and pointed to OSHA and state rules that control workplace hazards.
Neighbor Timothy Von England, who said his family farm is adjacent to the site, emphasized that he welcomes jobs but wants details about what would be located there and raised concerns that runoff from the parcel flows onto his property. He asked specifically what chemicals or materials would be handled and urged assurances about environmental protections.
Commissioners questioned the applicant about noise, materials storage and the likely footprint of any future buildings, and staff said road improvements (West Main, Action Road and Ryke Road) would be an area of focus if industrial development proceeds. Staff also said the rezoning and related infrastructure work would be considered by the board on April 27 (staff noted next‑step review by the Board of Aldermen/board as part of the process).
A commissioner made a motion to approve RZ042026 and another moved to approve RZ052026 as applied for; both motions were seconded and the chair called the roll and declared the motions approved. The record shows both measures passed; the chair recorded that the motion was approved but explicit numerical roll‑call tallies were not read into the public transcript.
Why it matters: Both rezonings clear a primary land‑use step needed for industrial development on West Main. Supporters framed the change as a chance to expand a local employer and add jobs; neighbors asked the city and applicant to clarify environmental protections, traffic impacts and buffering before large‑scale construction begins.
What's next: Staff will continue to coordinate necessary annexation steps for the parcel that is not yet inside the city, follow up on road‑improvement needs and include related documents and easements in the record for future Board of Aldermen consideration.
