Council advances first reading to rezone Horizon Center parcel to IND‑3 as applicant cites nuclear work

Council held a public first-reading on an ordinance to change the zoning classification of Development Area 5 in the Horizon Center Industrial Park from IND‑2 to IND‑3. Staff and the applicant said IND‑3 is required for upcoming proprietary activities that the applicant characterized as nuclear‑related; the city manager has secured state grant funding to hire a consultant to evaluate a potential dedicated nuclear zoning district.

Wayne Blasius, speaking for staff and the applicant, told council that the applicant "has plans for their future phase, which will not be allowable under IND‑2 by their estimation of reading the ordinance" and that the planning commission and staff recommended approval on first reading. Public commenters noted the site’s proximity to greenways and residential subdivisions and questioned the assertion that the area is "isolated."

Councilwoman Smith raised technical and safety concerns about applying IND‑3 near conservation easements and neighborhoods and questioned whether the presence of radioactive materials justified IND‑3 zoning for nuisance or hazard reasons. A company representative explained licensing would be handled by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Mike Tesser, representing the purchaser, said the activity "is related to a nuclear work... The NRC license will do that."

The council approved the ordinance on first reading with recorded voice vote counts in the meeting record (motion approved on first reading with two nays recorded). Council members asked staff to provide more specific technical information and to have applicant experts available at the final reading so the council can evaluate health, safety and land‑use implications.