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Council directs staff to continue talks on proposed 69-acre OPUS light-industrial project
Summary
A developer asked to continue coordinating on a 69-acre, roughly 800,000-sq.-ft. light-industrial project adjacent to Hutto's wastewater service area; council voted 6-0 to direct staff to keep engaging with the applicant.
A developer seeking to combine two parcels just north of Hutto's wastewater certificate of convenience and necessity told the City Council on May 7 that the site could support about 800,000 square feet of light-industrial uses and would be a large tax-base addition to the city.
Amanda Swore of Drenner Group, representing OPUS, said the project would combine a 50-acre annexed tract with an adjacent 18-acre parcel that is currently outside city limits. "This would be a projected $125,000,000 total investment into the city of Hutto," Swore told the council and asked for permission to continue negotiating with staff toward annexation, a development agreement and subdivision permitting.
Council members asked about potential impacts to nearby neighborhoods and environmental or hazardous-waste risks. Swore said the team had been evaluating service options with the city and does not anticipate tenant types that would create conflicts with neighbors; she added that the combined frontage and prospect of building the road infrastructure could accelerate a collector road the city has identified on its thoroughfare plan.
After discussion, Councilmember Porterfield moved and Councilmember Gordon seconded a motion to direct staff to continue engagement with the developer. The motion carried on a 6-0 vote.
Why it matters: The proposal would bring a substantial taxable investment and new jobs if it proceeds; the council's vote does not approve annexation or zoning but clears the developer to continue formal negotiations and studies with city departments and engineering staff.
Next steps: Council's direction allows staff and the applicant to move forward with entitlement steps (comprehensive plan amendment for the unannexed tract, annexation, utility/service analysis and a possible development agreement). If those advance, future public hearings and formal votes on annexation, zoning and infrastructure will be required.
