Contested rezoning hearing: recycling-sorting operation seeks I-3 zoning at 1471 Old Spanish Trail

The council opened discussion on a rezoning petition for 1471 Old Spanish Trail Highway to change the zoning from I-1 (light industrial) to I-3 (heavy industrial restricted). Miss Alamo told the council the planning commission recommended approval with conditions. Jennifer Staley of SMEDA summarized an economic-impact study prepared for the applicant, saying the company committed to creating 25 direct jobs at an average salary near $40,000 and estimated about $3 million in capital expenditures; the three-year tax estimate was roughly $218,000.

A representative for Acadiana Way Services described the operation as an indoor sorting and baling facility for plastics, aluminum, paper and cardboard and said all processing and storage would be inside the building. The applicant requested a clause allowing an affiliate or subsidiary to operate. Several residents and council members pushed back strongly, warning that an I-3 designation allows a broad range of heavy industrial uses and that rezoning adjacent to residential properties could lead to incremental expansion into noisier or more disruptive activities. Counsel and staff said the council can approve rezoning with detailed stipulations (inside-only operations, restricted materials, hours, decibel limits) and that any materially different future use would require a separate rezoning or review. The council discussed tightening stipulations before a final vote.