Council approves special‑use permit for asphalt plant near Triangle Drive after resident protests

The Amarillo City Council voted to adopt ordinance 82‑52 to allow a hot‑mix asphalt batching plant on a light‑industrial parcel near Triangle Drive and Loop 335, passing the specific‑use permit by a 4–1 count after a public hearing. Planning staff told council the property lies in the city’s manufacturing/logistics place type and that the applicant still must comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permitting.

Local residents spoke strongly against the proposal. Arthur Dyke, who lives adjacent to the site, said the plant would put “toxic” asphalt fumes near homes and claimed that his family and nearby businesses would be harmed. His son Justin Dyke, who provided a site‑plan and referenced TCEQ guidance, asked council to deny rezoning and the special‑use permit or continue the matter for 30 days. The applicant’s representative, David Reef, said the plant would be located toward the south of the parcel, would comply with state distance rules and proposed an 8‑foot solid metal fence along the west boundary as a mitigation.

Planning staff summarized public input received by the Planning & Zoning Commission and noted an appraisal the applicant provided that concluded the project "will not adversely affect the property values of adjoining properties." The staff report also said two property owners within the 200‑foot notice area signed a protest, triggering a super‑majority requirement to approve the permit. Councilmember (mover) made the motion to adopt and the measure passed with four ayes and one nay. The ordinance makes operation of a batching plant a conforming use in the area only after this specific‑use approval and subject to state permitting and any city conditions.