Econ-development update: permits rising, Freeman Toyota and CTDI projects advance; Ironwood intersection estimated at $3.5–$4M

Economic-development staffer Mr. Swanky briefed the Haslet HCEDC on local development activity July 15, reporting permit volumes and updating the board on several large projects.

Swanky said the city had 124 active permits in June and 15 new permits added that month, noting that permit reporting runs a month behind. He highlighted several projects: Freeman Toyota along I‑35 is progressing with vertical construction and public-infrastructure work; CTDI on Port Parkway has completed mulching and irrigation for landscaping but continues to operate under a temporary certificate of occupancy because a few items remain to be cleared for a final CO; and improvements at 850 Transport Drive (new guard shacks, driveway widening and lighting) are moving forward after council approval.

Swanky also described the Ironwood project, which submitted site, landscape and photometric plans and will come before city council in August; the engineering estimate for an intersection improvement at Harmon Road and Blue Mound Road tied to that project is roughly $3.5–$4.0 million pending bids. "That's just the estimate this time until they get the bids in, but that's what our engineer says is approximate cost," Swanky told the board.

Staff told the board two zoning cases for industrial uses along Intermodal Parkway and North Westport Parkway will be forwarded to Planning & Zoning for review. Swanky also said the P&Z commission is reviewing lighting standards and plans to require lighting plans with site-plan submissions to reduce spillover at lot lines.

No formal action was taken on these project updates; several board members asked clarifying questions about timelines, vendor selection for master-plan work, and potential costs for proposed beautification and lighting projects that were discussed later in the meeting.