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After heated public hearing, council approves special‑use permit for asphalt plant near Triangle Drive
Summary
Council approved a special‑use permit (ordinance 8,252) to allow a hot‑mix asphalt batching plant on a light‑industrial parcel near Triangle Drive; nearby residents opposed, citing health, odor and property‑value concerns; developer offered mitigation including an 8‑ft solid metal fence and possible relocation of the plant within the lot.
The Amarillo City Council approved a special‑use permit (ordinance 8,252) on July 28 to allow a hot‑mix asphalt batching plant in a light‑industrial area adjacent to Triangle Drive and Loop 335 after a public hearing that included several residents opposing the proposal.
Planning staff noted the property lies in a manufacturing and logistics place type near Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport and that existing industrial uses, including an operational asphalt plant, are in the area. Staff also noted two property owners within the 200‑foot notice area had submitted a protest that triggered a super‑majority vote requirement for council approval.
Nearby residents—including Arthur Dyke—told council they fear health impacts, odors and decreased property values and said they prefer the plant locate farther from homes. Dyke said he has lived on the site since 2003 and that the proposed batching plant would place fumes close to his back door. The developer’s representative, David Reif, said the proposed facility would be sited on the south portion of the parcel, that the plant could be moved further south if needed, and that the company will install an 8‑foot solid metal fence along the west boundary as a mitigation measure.
Council moved to adopt the ordinance and approved the special‑use permit by the required super‑majority vote after deliberation. Staff emphasized the applicant must still satisfy state TCEQ permitting and local building/drainage requirements before operation. Council members asked about distances to the nearest residence (staff estimated about 750–800 feet from the front door by one metric and noted lateral measurements indicated approximately 209 feet from the batching pad to the west property line and another ~200 feet to the residence—figures staff said required further verified measurement and TCEQ review).
The council action makes the special use a conforming use in the light‑industrial zoning for that site, subject to remaining state and local permits and conditions.
