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Commission backs amendment to Fairmont PUD to add social and organizational uses; residents raise truck-traffic concerns
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of a SCUP amendment to allow NAICS 81-series uses in Reserve 3 of the Fairmont Parkway PUD, including civic/social organizations and labor unions; supporters said a union hall and hiring center would bring jobs and residents, while nearby homeowners warned about truck traffic and neighborhood impacts.
The commission voted to recommend City Council approve SCUP20260002, an amendment that would add six NAICS 81-series uses to Reserve 3 of the Fairmont Parkway PUD (11921 W Fairmont Parkway). Johnna Matthews, planning staff, told commissioners the amendment applies only to Reserve 3 and that staff mailed 56 notices and received two letters of opposition before recommending approval with the PUD’s previously adopted conditions remaining in force.
Chris Couch, representing ODI Fairmont (the applicant), said the added uses are lower-intensity and would generate mostly passenger-vehicle traffic compared with retail or heavy industrial uses. "We believe the proposed additions are likely to be a far lower threat of truck traffic than retail or hospitality would be," Couch said, and he emphasized voluntary design commitments intended to ensure the development fits the area.
Public comment was sharply divided. Charles Montgomery, a retired member of the ILA, urged approval and described plans for a large union hiring hall that he said would bring higher-income residents and economic activity: "We want to build a union hall on 60 of those 72 acres and reserve 3," Montgomery said. Gabriel Garza, president of Local 24, said the union would develop only the acreage needed for a hiring hall, keep the remainder as retention areas and partner with local schools to provide training opportunities. Conversely, several Morgan's Landing residents, including Dave Francis and Kyle Dobbs, urged caution or rejection over uncertainty about the eventual tenant and concerns about increased truck traffic and impacts on property values. "I would say to vote no because there's not enough information out there where you're being asked to approve civic clubs and all these vague things," Francis said.
Commission discussion focused on whether adding these uses would be less intense than some previously approved options, and on the risk that denying the amendment could result in an even more intense use. Commissioners ultimately voted to recommend approval with staff-recommended conditions and the PUD’s design guidelines unchanged. The recommendation will go to City Council for final action.
