Commission approves SUP and tree‑variance for Baylor Scott & White emergency‑center addition

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a Specific Use Permit (Case 2025‑53) and an amended concept/site plan allowing Baylor Scott & White to add parking and increase impervious coverage for an emergency medical center at 511 West FM 544. Commissioners voted to grant the Tree Preservation variance after staff and applicants described trade‑offs between required tree credits and operational parking needs.

Reagan, presenting the staff report, estimated the proposal would remove approximately 100 caliper inches of protected trees and said the applicant will plant 44 caliper inches of new four‑inch trees (packet notes 11 new 4‑inch caliper trees). "With the roughly 100 caliper inches of trees that would be removed, there would be a negative tree credit amount of negative 300 credits applied to the site," Reagan explained, and noted the city currently lacks a payment‑in‑lieu option so a variance is the practical remedy.

Physician Jason Fish, who said he has worked at the clinic since it opened, described daily parking shortages that have affected patient access, saying the practice serves more than 10,000 patients in Murphy and surrounding communities. "The parking is an absolute need," Fish said, describing staff parking off‑site and short‑term lease arrangements that are not permanent solutions. Applicants and their representative, Caitlin Flaherty of Kimley Horn, said the plan adds 26 spaces while removing 3 (a net increase of 23 spaces) and that staff and engineering reviews did not raise drainage concerns for the revised civil plans. Commissioners balanced the preservation of trees against the facility’s role in local health care and approved the SUP and variance; the item will move to City Council for final action consistent with usual procedures.