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Commission backs city request to allow utility‑scale solar on Hamby A tract
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional‑use permit for utility‑scale solar across roughly 2,200 acres of city‑owned Hamby A tract; commissioners expressed preference for solar over other generation and approved the measure unanimously.
Planning staff told the commission the city is seeking to apply a conditional‑use permit to approximately 2,200 acres of agricultural land known as the Hamby A tract to allow utility‑scale solar generation. Mason Teagarden, planning manager, confirmed the request and told commissioners staff recommended approval.
Landowners who addressed the commission expressed questions about land value, whether the city or a private company would develop and where substations and access roads would be located. One property owner asked whether the whole acreage would be covered in panels; commissioners noted parts of the tract lie in flood zones that may be unsuitable for panels. Commissioner discussion emphasized that solar generation is preferable to other types of large generation facilities that might use water or have larger operational impacts. The commission voted to recommend approval; staff will forward the recommendation and supporting materials to city council for final action.
