Planning & Zoning - Regular Meeting

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this meeting of the City of Tyler Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. We're happy to have, and the date is June the 2nd, we're happy to have all of our friends and neighbors and interested parties come to see city government at work. All of our activities, all of our meetings are in public. And we welcome those who have an interest in what happens here and are willing to take their time and come down and participate in this process. The first order of business is the roll call.

James Nguyen.

Here.

Scott Williams. Here. Phillip Humber. Present. Christina Davis. Michael Carmichael.

Present.

Roy Martinez.

Present.

David Hudson.

Present. We have a quorum of members of the commission, and I want to stop just for a moment. We have two people who are brand new to the Planning and Zoning Commission, although they're not brand new to a city government. One is James Wynn, who's sitting to my right. This is his first meeting at Planning and Zoning, but it's not his first meeting in city government. He's been active for many, many years. And to my left is Scott Williams, who is also a new member of the commission. Scott's, I don't want to advertise, but he's a important restaurateur in Tyler, and you may have seen him or had an opportunity to visit one of his businesses. And because he's in business here, he knows some things about planning and zoning already. The Planning and Zoning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. Any item approved today will be heard by the City Council at its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, commencing at 9 a.m. If you received a notice for this meeting, you also have received a notice for the City Council meeting. If any item is denied... The applicant has 10 calendar days to file a written appeal with the planning department. The appeal will then be acted upon by the city council. If you're here to speak for or against an item, please state your name and address for the record. Comments should be limited to five minutes or less, although extensions of time may be granted by the chair upon request. And those comments should come from this podium up here where the microphone is. At the conclusion of this meeting, we will have a workshop to plan for next month's meeting and that will be directly at the conclusion of this meeting. And like all of our meetings, it's open to the public and it will be held across the street at the Tyler Development Center at 423 West Ferguson in the large conference room. At this time, the agenda calls for the consideration of the minutes from our last meeting. Commissioners had an opportunity to review those minutes

Make a motion to approve the previous minutes. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded to approve the minutes from the May 5th meeting. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Those minutes are approved. It's not the common thing for most people to come to Planning and Zoning meetings or to City Hall unless they have an important business or an interest in what happens here. And so this procedure may not be familiar to everybody that's in the room. And so today I'm going to ask our planning director, Kyle Keema, to give a little description of how this process works. And I've been here for... I've been here for 12 years, and I'm sure that I'll learn something from his comments, which will be helpful to all of us, whether you're a member of the public or a member of the commission or just an interested citizen. Mr. Kingman? Good afternoon, everybody.

So the Zona requests that are on today's agenda were initiated by the property owners or their representatives. When an application is submitted to the city, the planning staff and the planning department does review the request for consistency with the Tyler Comprehensive Plan, the zoning ordinance, as well as the surrounding development pattern. Staff then prepares an analysis and recommendation to the Planning Commission for their consideration. During the hearing, the applicant and the members of the public will be given an opportunity to speak on any of the items. You have the right to ask questions, the right to know the facts, the right to speak, as well as the right to a decision based on the rules. With that, the plan of commission will then consider the application, ask any questions of the applicant to the public, also to staff if they need any more information. And ultimately, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council who makes the final decision at a later date. And with that, I'd like to introduce Anna Luna, the Senior Planner. She will present the first item.

The item on our agenda is Z26-011 Tyler Iron and Metal and Seabanks Construction LLC. Anna?

Good afternoon, commissioners and everybody present today. This is a zone request. It is currently zoned C1 and R1A, and the proposed zoning would be M2, which is our general industrial zoning. It is along West Northwest Loop 323 and the West 34th Street. As you can see, a majority of adjacent properties to the subject property are zoned residential. As you can see, to the west-south and some to the east, there is also some M2 as well as some C1, which is our light commercial. The future land use would be amended from neighborhood residential to manufacturing and logistics. As you can see, adjacent properties are undeveloped. Like I stated before, they are zoned residential. To the northeast, there is an outreach center. And majority of the, to the south, to the north, there is an existing industrial use. This is the property. The applicant is requesting the zone change to allow for the use of a metal recycling operation. The applicant is proposing to purchase the property contiguous to the existing Tyler Iron and Metal site and is requesting the rezoning of the adjoining property to accommodate the expansion of existing metal recycling operation. The subject property is currently zoned C1, which is our light commercial, which serves as a transition between the existing non-residential uses and surrounding residential properties. While the unified development code includes buffer yard requirements, the proposed rezoning to a heavy industrial zoning would introduce a land use that is inconsistent with the existing development pattern and the surrounding residential character of the area. Of the 13 notices that were mailed, three notices were returned in opposition and none in favor of the request. this resulting in a protest calculation of 2.51%. An additional 14 opposition letters were received from individuals outside of the 200 notification area citing concerns related to public health, safety, environmental impact, and quality of life. Staff has performed a technical review and finds that it is not consistent with the approval criteria. Staff recommends denial of the request.

Thank you, Annie. Commissioners, any questions for city staff? If not, I have an extensive list of persons who signed up to speak on this item. And the first name on my list is Laurie Stimson Ortega.

While I wish to speak in protest of the proposed zoning change requested by Tyler Iron and Metal operating under the legal umbrella of M. Lipsitz and Company of Waco, Texas, McLennan County, I also want to convey a possible feasible solution. My concern is that once the M. Lipsitz Company operating as Tyler Iron and Metal receives an M2 zoning change, that singular change will open the floodgates for the purchase of the raw and undeveloped land currently for sale around Tyler Iron and Metal on the North Loop to become specifically for M2 businesses, thereby affecting the development of the future communities proposed by the city. This zone change will limit once again much needed access to future parks, future neighborhoods, future schools, grocery stores, et cetera. There will be no large scale houses or gated communities that mimic the south for those wanting an alternative on this side. A zone change will continue to suppress this area of real and viable change. and its landscape will look like the current business lot of not only Tyler Iron and Metal, but the other 13 locations throughout the state. And while Tyler Iron and Metal has a staff of six to 10 generally nice employees, Is the number of employees enough to go against the 30,524 residing in the northern sector of Tyler? This limited employee for profit company with 103 year history, 13 locations in the state of Texas and one in Oklahoma, has created no documented scholarships, charitable donations, pledges, or community drives in any of the areas it operates, let alone in this area or county. The majority of businesses within the M2 status in our city are located to the outer perimeters of Loop 323 or in neighborhoods that receive M2 status by being grandfathered in. At present, there are also several vacant and for sale industrial properties on both the outer and inner loop currently zoned for M2 status that could be presented to MLPSTS as alternatives for expansion. Under the state of Texas ordinances, a city can offer a company tax breaks on the purchase or development of a property if it feels it will lead to economic development that will attract new businesses or stimulate local growth. the marketing by the city in tandem with commercial realtors, and ultimately the selling of those properties in the northeast sector could be another way to rid the northeast sector of some of its large-scale eyesores while also providing labor-oriented jobs. So I am not in favor of the expansion of Tyler Iron and Metal. Thank you. Thank you.

miss miss are taking could you come back to the market i may have missed it but would you state your name and address for the record i i may have missed it you may have said it uh... sixty twenty southern drive insider and your name is lori steps in our take any questions from this or take if not thank you for your your time and and presence here uh... the next thing i have on the list is norma kennedy Miss Kennedy, is Norma Kennedy, oh there we go.

Good afternoon, my name is Norma Kennedy. I'm at 13713 Mock Drive there in Tyler, Texas. And I'm here to speak on the rezoning of the property which is in question. I'm looking at it as not only a developing area, but it also holds a historical cemetery there in part of that property in which it's supposed to be developed. And that historical cemetery is the Hartsfield Cemetery. It also is part of developing where we can rezone and put affordable housing that will also help that area that you said is vacant. So I'm here to go against the rezoning of that area and also to speak of rezoning North Tyler altogether because actually we have property over there that we have to have some interest in it that is not developed with a lot of different companies in residential areas. And I would also like the rezoning of it where we can develop a neighborhood that not only come out of South Tower into our area, but to beautify us as what we are looking at in order to make North Tower a better place to come in and observe, other than the zoo. So that's what I have to say on the resumption of all of that.

Ms. Kennedy, thank you for your time and presence. Any questions for this lady? If not, again, thank you for your time and presence. The next name I have on my list is Stephanie Murphy. Ms. Murphy, if you'd just state your name and address for the record.

Good afternoon, Chairperson, Planning Committee, and community members.

Thank you for your presence.

My name is Stephanie Murphy and I am a resident of 1907 North Glenwood Boulevard. I am here this afternoon to respectfully oppose the proposed zone change from C1 light commercial district and R-1A single family residential district M2, General Industrial District on a portion of Lot 47 and Lots 39A, 39B of NCB 773-G, located south of the southeast intersection of West Loop 323 and West 34th Street for the use of metal recycling operation. This is about more than one business expansion. It is about protecting the health, safety, stability and future of nearby neighborhoods and the broader North Tyler community. Industrial zoning introduces a level of activity and exposure that is fundamentally different from commercial use. Residents near this proposed site are deeply concerned about increased truck traffic, noise pollution, air quality impacts, lighting, storm runoff, and the long-term effects industrial operations could have on nearby homes and families in broader North Tyler. Many of the neighborhoods surrounding this property include children, seniors, working families, churches, and long time homeowners. These residents should not be forced to absorb the burden of industrial encroachment so close to where they live, sleep, worship, and raise their children. One of my greatest concerns is the increase in heavy truck traffic and industrial operations that could occur day and night. Industrial zoning opens the door to uses that are far more intense than the current commercial destination. Increased diesel exhaust, machinery noise, loading activity, and industrial lighting can negatively impact public health and quality of life for years to come. For example, breathing in toxins and irritants, babies and kids developing asthma, pregnant women at risk, those who already have asthma, and the elderly potentially dying from pneumonia, including cancer. We are all concerned about the precedent this zoning would set. If this industrial zoning is approved, future industrial uses may become much harder to restrict. This could permanently alter the character and safety of nearby residential neighborhoods, impacting the heart of North Tyler. We respectfully ask, has a full traffic impact study been completed, including how these trucks move through our neighborhood, impacting our streets? Neighborhood streets are not designed to support the weight of multi-ton trucks. What is the long-term strategy for this area? Has an independent environmental review been conducted? What protections will exist for nearby homeowners? What guarantees can be made regarding noise, emissions, hours of operation, and future industrial expansions? Why is this location appropriate for industrial zoning when residential neighborhoods are located so close? Another example of profits over people. This request appears incompatible with the surrounding residential character and raises serious concerns regarding long-term community planning, environmental impact, and public welfare. Economic growth is important. Businesses are important, but growth must be responsible, balanced, and compatible with the community it impacts. We too would welcome developers to view our neighborhoods as growth opportunities, the same as the West Loop and South Tyler expansions, and not as the proposed rezoning to expand salvaging metal and iron. We respectfully ask Tidal Metal and Iron to consider relocating its current salvage operation to a more suitable industrial location. This would allow the city of Tyler economic development partners and neighborhood stakeholders to explore future uses of this property that are more compatible with nearby residential areas and that better align with the long-term vision of our community. We believe there is an opportunity to create development that enhances quality of life, encourages investment, and benefits not only our community, but the entire city of Tyler. Residents should not be expected to give up their health, peace, safety, or property values to support industrial expansion so close to their homes. With that said, we respectfully ask you to deny this rezoning request and protect the integrity and well-being of our community where we live, sleep, worship, raise our children, and enjoy nature. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you, Ms. Murphy, for your time and presence. Are there any questions for Ms. Murphy? If not, the next name on my list is Mariah Brooks-Burks.

Good afternoon. I am going to be speaking. I'm sorry. State your name and address. I'm sorry. My name is Mariah Burks. My address is 2707 North Confederate Avenue, Tyler, Texas. I'm going to be speaking as a 77 and a half year old lady who's lived in North Tyler. These are my personal feelings about my community. I have been a resident of North Tyler for over 60 plus years. I have always enjoyed my community, my community, because of the fresh air, the trees, the quietness, and not a lot of heavy traffic from big trucks and commercial trucks in my neighborhood. My grandchildren used to visit me from Dallas, Texas years ago. And they would call my home the country because of all the big, beautiful, tall trees that were surrounding my home and in my neighborhood. Now with this proposed rezoning, all the trees will be cut down. Things will never, ever be the same again. We will have to contend with air pollution, possibly water pollution, heavy equipment that's going to be next to our homes, and our children's playgrounds. I am adamantly opposing the rezoning of my community. We want our community to be wholesome, clean, pollutant-free as possible. We want our community to be as clean as our neighbors in surrounding communities in Tyler, Texas. Thank you for listening to me.

Thank you, Ms. Burks, for your time and presence. Any questions for this lady? If not, again, thank you for your time.

The next name I have on my list is Pastor Brian Leitner.

Good afternoon. My name is Brian Leitner. I'm the pastor of St. James CME Church located right behind us here at 408 North Border Avenue. And I'm representing the constituents that are members of my church and live in the area. My personal address is 2508 Meadow Glen Court, Tyler, Texas. I'm standing before you because I concur with the recommendation that's already been presented by your staff, which is to deny this request as it is incompatible with existing zoning. But I'm here because it's bigger than just the additional four acres that Tyler is looking to purchase. It's a decision whether industrial uses should continue expanding and two, established residential neighborhoods. Residents in the area already live next to industrial activity, though it is titled light zoning. But approving Additional industrial zoning would move that boundary closer to homes and create a precedent for future expansion, and that's what I'm afraid of. My concerns are practical. It's not emotional. I didn't live in the area and grow up there, but I drive there all the time. And right there at that corner of 323 and you turn down 34th, it's already an eyesore. And with that said, I'm in favor of economic growth and prosperity for North Tyler in particular. Yet increased industrial land typically means increased truck traffic, more heavy equipment, more noise, and greater pressure on neighborhood streets that were never designed to function as an industrial corridor. That's not what it was designed for. And I'm concerned about environmental impacts. I'm not alleging wrongdoing by any business, and that's not what I'm here for. But by approving additional, this heavy equipment industrial zoning, residents deserve clear answers regarding stormwater management, runoff, dust and long-term impacts of nearby homes. Question has been asked and I wanted to just reiterate it. What specific protections are being provided to nearby homeowners if industrial activity expands in this area? We should also ask whether this rezoning is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Well, I believe in the beginning it was no, it's not. Planning decisions should protect existing residents as well as support economic development. Growth, yes, is important, but growth should occur in appropriate locations and with appropriate buffers. If this request is approved today, what prevents future requests for additional industrial expansion into our neighborhoods tomorrow? So I respectfully ask that this council denies the rezoning request or at a minimum, require independent traffic, environmental and compatibility studies before moving forward. If that's not already been done, it needs to. But my vote is no. Thank you for hearing me out.

Thank you, Mr. Lightner. Any questions for this gentleman? If not, the next name on my list is Arethia Mason.

Good evening. Good evening.

Good evening to this board. I appreciate the fact that you're donating your time to this city, hopefully in the efforts to make it a better place. I live at 1707 West 29th Street. I was born and raised at 816 West 27th Street. My name is Orenthia Delois Mason. I am a proud Tyler Rose, having grown up and still live in the North Tyler area. When a neighborhood is rezoned from single-family residential to industrial, it triggers a chain reaction that reshapes the community's environment, the economy, the long-term livability, and when that neighborhood is a black community, the impact tends to be sharper and more damaging because of the long-standing patterns of environmental racism and political under-representation. Here's what that shift usually means. warehouses, distribution centers, traffic. Our roads, in case you don't know it, are already torn up. Every time they build something in our community, and I appreciate the neighborhoods that are growing, but our streets are sinking at the same time. storage yards, logistics, in other words, heavy traffic, noise, pollution, and a higher demand maybe for even more infrastructure. It's not compatible with residential living. And the planners know this. The moment a residential area is rezoned, home values fall. Banks are hesitant to give loans to us. Insurance rates have a tendency to rise, and investors swoop in to buy homes cheaply so that they can do what they wish to do with that land. I like my friend Mr. Banks, so I'm not here to speak against him. I am here to speak for the development in the city, the community in which I live. Black communities already face high asthma rates, cancer rates, due to historic shifting of industrial facilities and rezoning into our areas. I have lived in this, I'm 73, let me say it with pride. I have lived in this area all of my life. It's time to see more residential development. And less of these zonings where you're having all of this traffic that is causing our streets to be destroyed and is a danger to our children. As a child, I used to walk over to that area. As children, that was a neighborhood that we loved. Let's keep that neighborhood a wonderful place. Let's don't deteriorate our homes. I know for a fact when people call and want to know where they should buy a home, They don't call our areas. And the more they hear what's going on and the less of the beautiful developments, I believe it would just cause an issue that we'll not be very proud of. I want to thank you for listening to me during this time. I am not for this rezoning. I am for zoning for housing development. Thank you.

Thank you for your time and presence. Any questions for Dr. Mason? If not, again, thank you for your time and presence here. The next name I have on my list is Ben Hartsfield.

What am I supposed to say after all of that? My name is Ben Hartsfield. I'm a property owner at 1403 West 34th Street. I received notice, for those that are within 200 feet of the proposed zoning change, received notice about the hearing. And when I received notice, that's why I'm here. That's my interest, just on that part. Okay, ma'am. The proposed change in the zoning from the current C1 light commercial and R1A single-family residence to M2 heavy commercial, that's why I'm here to address that issue. Now, the Tyler Unified Development Code, they have a two-pronged test they look at when it comes time to change the zone or entertaining the change in the zone. The one thing they look at is the compatibility. Will the new zone coming in, will it be compatible with the existing zone? And we're asking now for the M2 to be adjacent to the residential. And the question is, will this be compatible? Second thing that they look at in the second prong is will this changing zone be consistent with the future plans that the zoning, the planning and zoning has for the city itself. So the two prong test, is it compatible and is it consistent? Now an M2 general industrial district is fundamentally incapable, it's incompatible with adjacent and single family residence uses and exceeds the intended transitional role of the existing C1 light commercial buffer. The current C1 zoning functions as a transitional buffer between residential neighborhoods and more intensive uses. Replacing that buffer with M2 destroys the land use compatibility structure established by the city zoning conference. This hearing is not just about the applicant's intended use. Rezoning runs with the land. Once property is zoned M2, Future owners may establish any use permitted within the M2 district. Approval would establish a precedent for industrial encroachment in the M2 residentially buffered areas elsewhere in the city. Now the city zoning ordinance intentionally places C1 districts as transitional, lower intensity buffers adjacent to residential neighborhoods. M2 General Industrial is expressly intended for medium and heavy industrial activity involving noise, dust, odor, lighting, traffic, and outdoor operation. Replacing a transitional C1 buffer with M2 adjacent to the residential properties is incompatible with the stated purposes of the zoning districts established by the city itself. Now, let's look at the parties that's making the request. Now, Tyler Iron and Metal, as one speaker has already said, they are owned by a pairing company, M. Lipset, out of Waco. Now, M. Lipset owns about 14 different companies like this throughout Texas and Oklahoma. However, our study has shown that currently they don't have any of them that's been designated as M2. So what'll happen now, if this particular facility is designated as M2, those other 13 locations, they'll ship their heaviest metal and junk to the Tyler location if this particular one is designated as M2. Now, C. Banks Construction, Mr. Banks, he's kind of in the middle. Businessman, he has businesses here in Tyler. His primary business location is in Irvin, but he has businesses here in Tyler, and he's just a businessman trying to do business. That's what it is. Now, let's look at the property itself. Mr. Banks owns 39A and 39B. Tyler Iron Miller owns 47. Now, those three sections together, now, it makes about, and this is what's on the petition that they filed. It makes up about 7.1 acres. Now, let's do in our mind's eye, what does 7.1 acres look like? Now, everybody that's going to a Tyler Lee game at Rose Stadium on a Friday night know what it looks like at the Rose Stadium football field. That 7.1 acres equals out to about five and a half football fields. Think about that. That's 7.1 acres. So this is gonna let you know they intend to have a massive, a massive operation going on there. 7.1 acres is gonna give you five and a half Rose Stadium. Now, along with that large section of action going on there, you're going to have increased traffic. And I was just thinking about this. I hadn't even written this in my notes. Just thinking about it the other day. When you have those 18-wheeler trucks that's going to be bringing in the smashed cars, and we've all seen those.

When you have 18-wheeler trucks bringing in those smashed cars, how are they going to maneuver on 34th Street with the school buses taking those kids back and forth from school? How does that work?

How's that gonna stay safe? Then we have the noise that comes along with it, the vibrations come along with it. What's gonna happen with the water? The environment with the water and the air? A lot of us may not be around to see the follow consequences of that, but it's gonna happen. It's gonna happen. With the water, you intend to and plan to bring all that activity into a residential area, And the residential area won't be affected by it? Now, those are the applicants, those are the ones that apply for it. Titleist, honor mail, and banks construction.

Let's look at the residents. He's 96 years old. He lives at 1310 34th Street.

Once you leave the scrapyard and start coming back up 34th, you're going to pass the cemetery.

Then the very next location you're going to be in is Mr. Pryor's house, 1310 and 34th Street. 96 years old, lived in that house for 70 years. Married for 60 years, raised four kids there. And you want to put this facility next to him as a book? This is who you want to be his next-door neighbor? Mr. Pryor might sit on the front porch, drinking coffee early in the morning. Sometimes you see him out shaving, getting ready to go to church on a Saturday morning.

And then his great grandkids come by.

They'll come by and they'll play with him. You'll see him running around playing. Enjoy himself.

Enjoy his life. But he's still aware of what's going on. Went to visit him the other day. And he gave me a relationship advice. He said, Red, you can't do it with him and you can't do it without him.

So what's it going to be? Is it compatible to have this heavy industrial facility and the very first neighbor that they're lining up with is going to be a supplier? Is that compatible? The noise, the traffic, is that compatible?

So... They only told me, they told me I only had three minutes, and I would have been over with it, but since I got some more time, I'll work with it a little bit. Yeah. So, but now, but just think about it. Now, so the second problem is this, so the first problem we know, compatible, is it compatible? Whether a grant in this application for the zoning change is compatible, that's the first question. So we've already answered that, and that question is what? Not competitive. Next question is this.

Is it consistent? And the question is, is it consistent with the future plans that the planning zone has for this particular area?

And that person then goes to the planning zone. We need to ask them that question.

What do you have planned for us? What do you have planned for us?

That needs to be asked in the planning zone.

Ain't no friends in here. We all on our own in here.

So that's the two-pronged test. Whether it's compatible. And we said, is it compatible? No. Okay. Second-pronged test. It's consistent, and we won't know that until we sit down and talk with the planning zone.

What do we have planned for us? Where do we go from here?

Because if Tide Island Middle, if they're coming, guess what? There's gonna be some more coming. There's gonna be some more coming.

The fight don't ever end, but they're gonna know. We can break the fight. We can break the fight. That's us.

We've always had to do it. We've had to always fight. We've had to always fight. Ain't none of it been easy. Now, so we've answered, the questions really answer themselves. It's not compatible, and we don't know about the second question yet. They're still kind of fuzzy. Is it gonna be consistent? And we gotta have a sit down.

What do you have planned for us now?

But now, let's just think about this, though. Tyler Island Mill is on the corner of 323 and 34th Street. Just in your mind's eye, go to 323, go across the loop, and that land there that's going toward Tyler Pike, that's going for the north, walk the loop, hop over the loop, pay for that land, buy that land, and go away.

Instead of bringing all of that, it's good.

Like the kids say, make it make sense.

Really, how difficult is that? Instead of putting all of this in Mr. Friday's lap, he wants to enjoy himself. He wants to see his kids, his red kids running away. Mr. Hartsfield, could I have just a moment? You know, I could stay here for a long time and listen to you talk.

But there are other issues that we're going to have to deal with today. And I am loathe, loathe to impose any time limits on anybody. But if we could, in consideration of the other speakers, if you could kind of round up... I think I would appreciate it, and maybe they would appreciate it, too.

I totally agree with you. Don't have a problem with it.

But I have one more question, though.

I have one more question. And that question is this.

Before the applicants filed their application for the rezoning, did they talk to any of the neighbors? Did they go up to 1310?

Did he talk to any of the neighbors? Now, Ms. Mason can preach. I'd like to just see the hands of all the other preachers that are in here right now. Ms. Mason, see all these preachers in here?

Did they talk to any of the preachers? Just be a good neighbor. Just be a good neighbor. All you got to do is talk to us. We didn't figure something out.

And that's all I'm asking. That's all I'm asking you. Did they talk to anybody before filing this paperwork? Did they talk to anybody? Did they get any idea as to what it would be received like?

You see all these people in here? Everybody got something to do.

I like to take a nap in the afternoon. My nap is being interrupted. Okay, but I'm out here, though. I really appreciate you taking your time and listening to what I have to say. And as you may very well be able to discern, I oppose the approval.

Mr. Hartsfield, I thank you for your time and your presence and your comments. The next speaker I have on my list is Cynthia Mellentree-Johnson.

Good afternoon, commissioners. My name is Cynthia Mellentree Johnson. I live at 1708 North Ridge Drive, Tyler, Texas. I am a lifelong resident of North Tyler. On March the 25th, 2026, our city council recently adopted the Tyler Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a roadmap for the next era of growth in our community. I am here today along with family, friends, and neighbors with the Tyler Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan in one hand and rezoning request Z26-011 in the other hand to express strong community concerns and to recommend the Commission disapprove this rezoning request. Based on the Tyler-Tamara Comprehensive Plan, we collectively must protect the Northern Gateway to our city. The decision to rezone land located within a few blocks of established residential neighborhoods should not be made solely on the basis of immediate economic opportunities or isolated development proposals. Rather, rezoning decisions must be evaluated through the lens of long-term community impact neighborhood preservation, and the broader strategic vision for the future growth and redevelopment of North Tyler. As Tyler continues to grow, the northern gateway corridor from Interstate 20 south along US Highway 69 and North Broadway Avenue into downtown Tyler represents one of the most important redevelopment opportunities in the city. This corridor serves as the front door to North Tyler and the first impression visitors, investors, and prospective residents receive when entering the community. Every zoning and land use decision made within this area should support a unified vision of economic vitality, neighborhood stability, beautification, and sustainable redevelopment. Rezoning land near residential neighborhoods for heavy industrial or intensive commercial uses would be inconsistent with this vision and could create lasting adverse impacts on residents and surrounding communities. One of the most immediate concerns is the significant increase in truck traffic associated with industrial operations. Heavy industrial facilities often generate frequent movement of large commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, delivery fleets, construction equipment, and service vehicles. increase truck traffic and create congestion on local streets, accelerate roadway deterioration, raise safety concerns for pedestrians and school children, and diminish the overall quality of life within nearby neighborhoods. Perhaps most importantly, rezoning industrial land near residential neighborhoods creates the potential for future industrial expansion. Once industrial zoning is established, it becomes easier for additional industrial uses to locate nearby, creating incremental pressure on surrounding residential areas. Over time, this can result in the gradual encroachment of industrial development into neighborhoods that have existed for generations. Such expansion may fundamentally alter community character and weaken efforts to attract new housing investment and neighborhood revitalization. The potential impact on property values is another critical consideration. Home buyers generally seek neighborhoods that offer safety, stability, aesthetic, appeal, and compatibility of surrounding land uses. The introduction of heavy industrial activities near residential areas may discourage investment, reduce market demand, and limit appreciation potential for existing homeowners. For many residents, their home represents their largest financial asset and land use decisions should protect rather than jeopardize that investment. The future of North Tyler depends on a comprehensive and intentional approach to redevelopment. The Northern Gateway corridor should be envisioned as a vibrant, mixed-use corridor that promotes quality housing, neighborhoods serving retail, professional offices, healthcare services, restaurants, community amenities, green spaces, and attractive commercial development. This vision should create an environment that attracts residents, visitors, businesses, and private investment while enhancing the quality of life for existing neighborhoods. Therefore, all future rezoning decisions within the northern gateway corridor should be evaluated against a comprehensive strategic redevelopment plan. Proposed zoning changes should demonstrate clear alignment with community redevelopment goals, neighborhood preservation objectives, economic development priorities, infrastructure capacity, and long-term land use planning principles. Rezoning decisions should not be made in isolation. They should be guided by a shared vision that balances economic growth with neighborhood protection, encourages investment without sacrificing community character, and ensures that North Tyler's future reflects the aspirations of the residents who call it home. By preserving compatible land uses and promoting thoughtful redevelopment, Tyler can transform its northern gateway into a corridor that serves as a source of pride, economic opportunity, and sustainable growth for generations to come. Therefore, we.

We.

We. Are in opposition.

We. Are in opposition.

of the rezoning from commercial to industrial in the North Tyler community. Thank you.

Thank you, Cynthia, for your time and presence. Any questions for this lady? Again, thank you for your time and presence. The next name I have on the list is Vernon Henson. Vernon Henson, I'm sorry. You pass? Okay. The next name after that is Chance Banks. Mr. Banks. Just state your name and address for the record.

Good afternoon. My name is Chance Banks. I live at 2228 North Moore Avenue. I'm the owner of Seabanks Construction, LLC. And first, I would like to thank Planning and Zoning Commission for holding this meeting and providing an opportunity to address the concerns regarding the rezoning of my property. I purchased this property maybe about six years ago. And at the time, the property was on the market maybe two years, and nobody wanted the property. And once I took possession of the property, A couple of the elders in the community that are here today told me that for years it was used as a landfill, as a community landfill. Immediately after taking possession, I went in and cleaned out over 20 tons of trash, about 40,000 pounds of trash that I hauled out personally by myself. And about over 300 discarded tires that were on the property that had been dumped over here, it looks like, for over about 30 years. Tractor tires, all types of tires. It's about 40,000 pounds of waste and 300 tires. And it's important to note that that material was not done by Tile Iron and Metal. It was done by the community, some who are here today. And it was accumulated over many years by residents. And despite that, I cleaned it up with my expense and without assistance from any other community. And I say that not to criticize anyone, but to emphasize that I have invested significant time and effort on my property with my resources to improve my property. So the property that you see today is not the property that I purchased. And I appreciate everyone coming out today and speaking on behalf of the neighborhood. Community involvement is very important. However, it's equally important that we are informed about the issues we are supporting, because a considerable amount of misinformation has been circulating regarding the rezoning. Like, I'm taking the Crowder's property. That's impossible. I can't take the Crowder's property. My property doesn't even touch the Crowder's property. This is what these meetings are for. Everybody voice their opinion and the decision be made according to that. But another claim was that my actual property was being rezoned from R1, which is not. Mine is all M2. And it's just that a lot of different things have been been misstated and I just wanted to come up and speak. If it passes, it passes. I'm all for it. I'm for it passing, but I know that's what we have these meetings for. I've built over 25 homes in Tyler, new homes, since 2018, majority of them being in North Tyler. Maybe a couple people in here I've seen develop something in North Tyler. You know what I'm saying? I'm one of the developers in North Tyler that actually changed the landscape of the city. But a lot of people voice their opinions, but they don't. It's voices without action. You know what I mean? And these are the facts that, as it relates to my matter, and I respectfully ask that they be considered as you evaluate the rezoning request. Thank you for your time. Thank you.

Mr. Banks, thank you, sir. Any questions for Mr. Banks?

Mr. Banks. I'm sorry.

A dialogue like that is awkward in a situation like this. Any question for Mr. Banks?

Yes. I have a question.

Please.

Mr. Buncher stated that your property is M2. Is that what you have in question?

I said C1. My property is C1. It's not being redone from R1. That's what I said.

Okay. Now, the notice said that your property is R1.

My property is not.

Okay. But it's not M2.

You know, this gentleman's, the issue is the zoning change and if Mr. Banks' property is not involved in this change or is, then it's for him to speak on this issue.

My property is C1.

His property, this gentleman says his property is C1, and I'm going to accept that.

And that's fine. All I'm going to say is M2. I just want clarity on that.

And we appreciate it. My understanding is that's— What is your property, if you don't mind me asking? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. These questions have to address the commission. And Mr. Banks, James has a question.

So you own lot 39A and 39B? Yes, sir. And those are the two lots you purchased about six years ago and you spent a lot of time cleaning up. I've driven through the area, looked at the lots, and you can tell you've cleaned up.

Some work's been done there. I had old boats, tractor tires. I had all types of stuff on the property. I spent a lot of time and money.

And you've had it probably on the market for several years and not had really any interest? No, I haven't even listed it for sale.

You haven't listed it for sale?

No.

Okay.

No. just james thank you for but the the the surrounding properties by me i mean if i have pictures i mean i can show you the pictures of the surrounding properties around me and if they're complaining about what i'm doing after i've cleaned up all that land well we have to do something about the surrounding properties we have to because i know mr hartfield has about 35 cars on his property and that's the residential area so i don't know i mean they're always junk cars so i mean so i'm just i mean

Mr. Bax, Mr. Blackson, please address the commission. Please address the commission. Any other questions for this gentleman? From the commission, any other questions for Mr. Bax? Thank you, sir, for your time and presence. The next name I have on the list is Otis Webster. Mr. Webster, Dr. Webster.

Well, we've been here for a pretty good while. But things are going well. I just want to say, first of all, thanks to members of this council for being here and for those. I see so many folk here that I know, so many friends of mine. As you know, I've been an entertainer all my life. And in front of this microphone, I feel like doing a little singing. But I'm not going to do that. But it's good to be here. I've just got, you know, that's not very much that I can say. other than what we've already heard. But there are a couple of points that I would like to make. You know, Tyler, Texas, to me, is very, very special. I remember some years ago as a student at Wiley College, I would come over and visit some friends over here, and I knew at one point I would live in Tyler, Texas. What really impressed me about Tyler that seemed to have been a characteristic commitment to improving the human condition. Boy, that just appealed to me. I said to myself, then that's where I'd like to live. Now, I'm a native of Florida. I was born in the Tampa Lakeland area. My wife is a native Texan. And I can't tell you how many times somebody will come to me and said, what year did you graduate from Scotty? Now, I don't want to embarrass anybody, but I'll always say I'm not a Scotty, but I'm married to a hottie.

Did you get that, brother?

All right. But the point being, it's glad to be here. And somebody touched on it a moment ago. I don't think there's anybody here who's against industrialization or development. But the points have been made that when it comes to industrialization, you've got to be very sure that it's compatible with location. and that industrialization and location are compatible with civilization. And that's where people live. Now, I'm not here to make the decision, but I can tell you now that were left up to me, this request to be denied. Because somebody said it earlier, never put profit ahead of people. Never. Never. We are in the people business. And as I said, Tyler Texas impressed me years ago and still impresses me by being committed to improving the human condition. That's really what it's all about, guys. So I say to you, if we cannot improve the human condition, then why in the heck are we here? That's what it's all about. That's what it's all about. We talk about development. Yeah, that's important. It's important to develop. But anytime we develop and that development is not compatible with or congruent with human nature and what we're trying to do for our people, then something's wrong. One of my favorite sayings goes something like this. It says, anytime greed becomes the most important need that you feel you've got to feed, you're bound to commit your greatest deed. Now I see some heads being shaken, but that's what it's all about. So believe me when I tell you, nobody here is against industrialization. Just want to be sure it fits with the location and it fits within the whole context of civilization.

Somebody says well said?

Also, thank you for saying that's enough. Thank you so much.

Dr. Webster, thank you for your time and presence. Any questions for Dr. Webster?

If not, the next name on the list is Raymond Allen.

Mr. Allen.

Good evening. Hello.

Good evening, everybody.

After sitting here and listening to everything everybody said, I don't think I can say any more. The decision should already be made. I could sit here and talk, like you said, for hours, but it wouldn't be saying nothing that hadn't already been said. So my thing is to say I'm against it. Thank you.

Mr. Allen, would you come back to the microphone please and state your name and address for the record?

Raymond Allen, 2317 Caldwell Boulevard, Tyler, Texas.

Any questions for Mr. Allen? If not, thank you, sir, for your time and presence. Let me just do a little procedural work here. Believe it or not, I'm happy to be here. It's an interesting process and an important process. And because this is posted, anybody that wants to can speak, and we welcome those comments. The staff recommendation is to deny. Now, the commission hadn't made a decision yet. We'll have to vote on that. I have no idea how it's going to turn out. But there's only one more name that's listed on my list here. And I don't want to cut anybody off. I don't want to limit people's speech. That would not be appropriate for the process. But if you've already heard something said and you feel like it's been said well, consider yourself represented. But again, I am not going to limit anybody's speech. And the last name on the list is Marsha Clay Washington.

I'm Marsha Clay Washington. I live at 3100 North Grand. And I am against this coming to our community. And mainly because my house, where it sits, That's where Tyler's Scrappin' Matter is. It's right in my backyard. It's right there. And so where I live, even on Grand, we get a lot of traffic. Big trucks coming on 32nd Street, coming back and forth. So I get a lot of that traffic already. And so if you put another, if they expand and then other businesses come in like them, then that's going to even give me more traffic. And then I think about the air, the pollution. I have grandchildren. They come and spend time with me, breathing in that air. And then what can they do to me? I already have health issues, and I don't need any more additive health issues. And I'm just saying the elderly people that live in the neighborhood, the other children that live in the neighborhood. And so I'm just asking that we go against this. This is not a good thing. If you want to do something, do something good for us. You wouldn't put it in South Tyler. I don't see nothing like that going around the loop over there. But you want to put it in North Tyler where we live. We pay taxes. We pay taxes like everybody else. So it should be fair. It should be equally done.

Thank you, Ms. Washington. Any questions for Ms. Washington? Thank you. Ms. Washington, thank you for your time and presence. I promise not to limit speech. Are there persons here who would like to speak on this agenda item for or against?

Yes.

Please come to the microphone.

Thank you gentlemen. Thank you everyone for being here. My name is Dr. Nancy Nichols. I want to say that air doesn't know boundaries. Water doesn't know boundaries. And this is what we're looking at when we're looking at industrialization that has to do with bringing in heavy metals, bringing in forever chemicals. I do not live in this quote affected area but I do live close enough that the air affects, the water affects my land, my farm, my neighbor's cattle. all of our natural resources and this is something that we have to consider and we have to consider it in a much bigger sense we have to think about okay what we know historically what happens when heavy metals and industrialization like this comes into an area we know the levels of cancer and how it goes up maternal mortality rate, death rates, our length of living is decreased, and we also know that air and water knows no boundaries. The air blows south too. With that being said, what you're looking at when you bring in this kind of situation, and it's exactly that when we see that other satellites for these kinds of industries or this specific industry could come in and dump. dump these forever chemicals. Then what we're looking at is this falls upon the city of Tyler when Tyler makes these kinds of decisions and we're looking at class action suits and we know this will happen when the cancer rates go up because we know history. We don't have to do this in Tyler. We also know what happened when Tyler Pipe dumped Forever Chemicals into the waterways and how that affected everybody. It just wasn't that little strip where Tyler extends up 69. It went right on down the water. We know what happened when the commissioners allowed an out-of-state company come in and spray carcinogenic pesticides all along our waterways. I'm going to talk about Jim Hogg because that's what I know, but I also know that it was a lot of roadways that were in the city of Tyler. And that's why when you drive down Jim Hogg Road, you don't see wildflowers. That being said, just keep in mind, it's all of us. We're all in it together, and it's all of us when it comes to our money being put out for class action suits. Thank you so much, Dr. Nancy Nichols. 11650 County Road, 4215 Tyler. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Nichols. Are there others?

Good afternoon. My name is Karen Norman. I live at 3017 Lakewood Drive here in Tyler, Texas. And I am not a native North Tyler person. I grew up in the East End. And the reason why I want to bring up the East End because we grew up during, and I understand this industrialization because I grew up near what is now Delic that was LaGloria Oil. And living by LaGloria Oil, we were always polluted with the air, the smoke, the dust that came from LaGloria Oil. In our community, we had high instances of asthma, which I have. We had high instances of cancer and other skin diseases. So I understand when you're talking about industrialization and that it is always in a minority community. I don't hear those things happening south. When we walk come into Tyler today, in South Tyler we see the development of shopping centers and malls and so forth and so on. I wonder if any of you ever get a letter in your mail, and have any of you ever gotten that letter that lets you know that they're about to put some type of waste into the soil? I've gotten that letter in North Tyler since I moved to North Tyler in 1995, that they're about to pollute the soil with some type of chemicals or some type of chemical waste as if the groundwater will not come down to my area. And they'll say, well, it's five miles away. as if that groundwater will not do that. So when you're talking about this industrialization, let me offer a solution. How come we can't relocate it out to Cumberland? Why can't we relocate it out by Lindsay Park? There's a part on Grande, big expansions of land. We don't talk about relocating or putting this type of business out there. But we talk about doing it in North Tyler. And Cynthia talked about when you come into North Tyler, we see Tyler Pike. We see, we walk in, we come into Tyler, and I know because I live out there, we see a lot of businesses that are closed, a lot of closed storefronts, and I remember Tyler talking about one time, Tyler Today and other organizations, the revitalization of Nora Tyler. Well, I don't see any revitalization. I see a lot of closed businesses. I see a community that used to be more thriving years ago, and because of, quote, let's see, progress, We have the mall. We have other businesses that are further south. I don't know if any of you remember on the loop, and I know I'm rambling a little bit because I know you just got a few minutes. Do any of you remember on the north part of the loop, okay, around the loop or past the cemetery where that sign used to say, Future Home or the North Tyler Mall? After they built the Broadway Square, or the South Tyler Mall, there was supposed to be a North Tyler Mall. Well, you know what? That mall faded away just like that sign, because we don't have it. And we don't have that development. But we want to put in more industrial pollution. And it's always in minority areas. communities. Let's just tell the truth. Everybody's being nice. I can't be nice about that. I have asthma. My grandmother had cancer. The people around me had cancer. So I am a definite no because I know the effects. I know the effects of what this company wants to do. And so I am an absolute no. That's a travesty against our community.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your time and presence. I'm hesitant to ask this question, but I will. Are there others who would like to speak?

There's a gentleman in the back. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. My name is Trey Lipsitz. I'm an owner of M. Lipsitz and Company. I came here today to help explain what our company is trying to do in this town. I know I'm not the most popular person in this room right now. We have been in business 130 years. I'm fourth generation in a family owned and operated Texas business. Our family has worked very, very hard over decades and generations to be successful and take care of all of our employees and the communities that we operate in. Tyler is a special place to us and we care very much about this community and everybody in this room. We are a viable economic driver and we provide a very serious recycling need in this town and this town has grown and we would like to grow with it. We have looked closely at the property and the buffer zone around it, and the land is not developable with railroad tracks, with the cemetery to the south, and the 200-foot line barely touches, and the two gentlemen that have protested, and they have every right to do it, as does everybody here. And I respect everyone's opinion, but I do think opinions need to be based on facts. And I've heard a lot of things today that are not based on facts. All we are wanting to do is extend our property to conduct the same business we're doing today. We're not adding trucks. We're not adding processes. We're doing the same thing. We're not even interested in building buildings, pulling permits, or impacting infrastructure from a utility standpoint. We simply need raw land to put material down to process because that is the demand with Tyler's growth. We developed Tyler Iron Metal in 1974, and we've been a good neighbor for 51 years. We don't have any violations. We haven't had any issues, and we want to continue to be a thriving, viable driver for the local economy. And I understand the opposition. I really do. But you have to understand, business here in Tyler is growing, and the community does need recycling more than ever. There are more businesses moving here and manufacturing that need our services. And we care about people, and we've been in business long enough that our reputation precedes us, and we've always been above board, and we've always done the right thing. We wouldn't have been in business 130 years if we did the wrong thing, if we didn't respect communities. Our track record speaks for itself, and you can fact check that. So I would ask that the commission look favorably and consider for the acceptance of the zoning change, please.

Let's respond with dignity and respect. Any questions for this gentleman? Any questions from the Commission? James?

Mr. Liskum, thank you for coming here. Thank you for standing up in, as you said, an environment where you're not the most popular individual. A couple of questions on your operation. If, and I'm just hyping the if, Are you looking at trying to put any curb cuts on 34th Street into the property, or would all of your access, ingress, egress, come off the loop where currently all traffic comes?

We have not decided that. Right now, we just have ingress, egress clearly off of the loop, but that has not even been looked at because we're under contract, and this zoning change was the first critical piece.

How many trucks a day can you have a number that drop off?

Well, if you're talking about big trucks, one to two loads a day. And then you've got commercial customers bringing us material. Let me do it.

We can't let it get out of control.

Thank you, officer, for that. We're all here to listen with respect to every comment that's made. James, did you get your question answered?

It's more pickup trucks.

One to two loads of our larger trucks carrying large loads of material. That's not customers' trucks coming in. That's our trucks.

So the scrappers are... The large scrap trucks, yes, sir. And then most of your other traffic are what guys that I call scrappers that you see that will come onto job sites, clean up job sites, clean up the metal, and bring it in and run across the scale for money.

and also our roll-off trucks. So we provide roll-off box service for all the industrial businesses in Tyler and surrounding area.

Okay, thank you for that clarity.

Thank you, James, and thanks for your time and presence. If there are other speakers, you have to come to the mic. I can't have people yelling at me from the audience. Come to the microphone and speak, and let's do this with some dignity and respect. This lady is first. I'd be glad for you to speak.

I'd like to address his question as to, first of all, what area are you coming out of, and have you researched the area in which you live that you have to come into an area that you do know that we are a retirement area? Ma'am. Ma'am.

Speak in the microphone and address the commission, please.

We are a retirement area, and not being a retirement area First of all, we need to know his health and what was going on as far as the situation with cancer and how the health situation in his area is. And not only that, before he moved this far, I'm pretty sure there are other developing land that he could have found before coming up in here with us. And yes, he's been here 50 years, but 50 years he's been low-pro where we have not had any issues with his situation of environmental stuff. So that's why he's been there 50 years.

I thank you for your comments and your questions. It really goes beyond the question of zoning. And there's a gentleman behind you who would like to speak. We're not adjourned. This gentleman is next. Officer, let me do this. Let me do this. This gentleman is next. State your name and address for the record, please.

Hello, everyone. My name is Charmus Amy. I am the Senior Vice President of Empowerment Community Development Corporation 309, Martin Luther King. We have kind of several facets that kind of fits this situation. We are a community development corporation. We're on our third project of trying to beautify and enhance the community in the North Island Zone 1. I also, my father owned over 91 pieces of property in North Tyler. So where I didn't grow up here, my family owned land. And so it's been near and dear to us and where it was in the 70s and 80s and where it is now is a tremendous drop off. I also wear this hat. This is my company. I'm a member of the ISFRI, International Research, International Scrap and Recycling Institute of America. I go to conventions and conferences all over the country. I manufacture demo dumps, the 40-foot trailers that they put scrap cars and all that in. My trailers weigh about 24,000 pounds empty. So to take them up and down residential streets is gonna wreak havoc. In attending those conferences, I've made friends and I've visited recycling facilities in Haleel, Miami area, Opa-locka, in Tampa, and in Indiana. And in all of those areas, they are the worst community in the city. forever because once you make this designation and you got all these high metal fences It just, it's an ecosystem. There's not a church that's coming. There's not generally, it's that, gentlemen's clubs. It becomes a problem for the community. My heart is to redevelop. I think these people echo the same point. So from firsthand experience, I know what scrap iron is and I know what it means to have that many acres and then you start bringing car crushers and car shredders and it gets bigger and bigger and bigger. I'm not against anyone making money in his company or being successful. But at the expense of this gentleman right next to the neighborhoods, I just want to give my two cents. Thank you for your time.

Hello. My name is Cheryl R. Chester. I live in 105 East Hillsboro Street here in Tyler. I heard the young man talk about how his family, how they had invested and how they had grown from all those years. That is not the story of my people. That is not the story of my people. And I once heard someone say, no one of us has it all together, all together we have it all. You didn't tell me anything that North Carolina... Ma'am, ma'am, ma'am.

Ma'am.

You did not mention, hey, this is for you all. This is how we will benefit. It was all about your family, all about your growth. Well, we are about, and it is true, I am black. Every cat, every dog, everything is dumped in North Town. And I really don't understand why you can't, it is so amazing, we can't get a Chick-fil-A over here. But you can bring, this reminds me of the story of how they said how white people would bring drugs into the black community and issue it out. Well, what you're doing is you're not bringing drugs, you're bringing unclean air, You are interrupting our lifestyle. So again, what is it that you have that we're going to benefit? Do you have a go and walk and talk and sit?

Ma'am, ma'am, ma'am. Oh, we want to know, hello. I'm sorry, your time's up.

Oh, that's okay. Just remember, we want to benefit too.

Ma'am, come to the microphone. State your name and address for the record.

My name is Diane Jackson. I stay at 620 North Grand Avenue.

Speak in the microphone, please.

My name is Diane Jackson. I stay at 620 North Grand Avenue. I know what these people are going through because I'm going through it too myself. We have a Pennzoil company that's in our neighborhood right now where we have these big trucks coming through our neighborhood all times of night. And you know what, they tear down the electric lines and stuff. This is what I'm dealing with. We have people in our neighborhood right now that is dealing with council. They are dealing with council. We're dealing with all, we just had a hazmat. crew come out and clean up something that went over in that Pennzoil company over at Alpha Palace Street. It's a Pennzoil company. Y'all don't know what I'm talking about. We have just had a hazmat come through our neighborhood. This is not healthy for us. This is where you bringing in all of this stuff in for us to breathe. Dealing with our health. Why you can't take this stuff somewhere else? This is what I'm dealing with in my neighborhood. All this hazmat stuff and breathing the air, the trucks, the noise at one, two, three o'clock in the morning. I'm listening to this. I just got over surgery and this is what I have to hear in my neighborhood. I can understand what they're talking about. So I just wish they would go, I hated God put in our neighborhood But somebody, and I'm gonna keep it real, somebody had some money down here who they paid off and put their pins on a company in our neighborhood. And I'm gonna keep it real, and that's not fair. Because we have had accidents where cars have almost went through that, they got fences. there, where cars can almost go through that pencil economy. Just think if that thing blows up, who you think it's gonna get? It's gonna get us. So you know they need to put this stuff somewhere else.

At this time, I'm gonna say something I didn't think I had to. Questioning the integrity of this group is not something that I will tolerate. Are there others who would like to speak on the zoning item? Yes, ma'am.

Hello.

I usually don't speak in front of a crowd.

My name is Anita Gardner. I live at 1619 North Ridge. I traveled by Tyler Island Metal to work to Shreveport. I've called Tyler and Mel lots of times and told them about the nails that I get in my tires when I get to Shreveport and I have four nails in one tire. And then I carpool with a person and we travel by Tyler and Mel and he has the same nails in his tires. So I call and I ask them, do y'all have a metal detector? They say, yes, we do it every day. No, you don't. I go through there every day, Monday through Friday. And the nails and the things are there. And also, I have a concern. I have grandchildren, too. I sit outside a lot, and I hear the animals at the zoo. I hear them roar. And I'm thinking, okay, the zoo's here. Y'all gonna put this here in our area. What about the animals at the zoo? What about all the kids that comes to the zoo by my house? And what about me and my neighbors? I just, I do not believe that they should expand or put anything else by, by my neighbors or me with the, like they say, the air is just, no, I just suppose that I said, I say no.

Thank you. Thank you for your time and presence. And did I hear your name name? Did you, did I hear your name and address please?

Perhaps I'd... Anita Gardner, 1619 Northridge Drive.

Yeah, I did hear it. Thank you. Thank you. Are there others? If not, the staff recommendation is to deny this application. Is there a commissioner who would like to make a motion?

Mr. Chairman, I move that we deny Z26-011. Second.

Motion has been made and seconded to deny this application. If you'll wait until the process is over, The motion has been made and seconded to deny this application. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Is that a unanimous vote? By unanimous vote, the commission, the plan commission has denied this application. Thank all of you for your time.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. How you doing? Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

The next item on our agenda is PD26-006 Bellwood 323-2019LP.

This is a planned commercial district site plan amendment. It is located between Long South, Southwest Loop 323 and Robertson Road. As you can see, majority of the adjacent properties are zoned PCD. Neighboring properties are within R1A industrial C2. The future land use map would be consistent with the community activity center. The original site plan was approved in 2022, including retail uses and a roundabout at Whiteside Road and Robertson Road. The proposed amendment revises the layout to include four retail buildings four retail buildings, and one quick service restaurant lot, and removes the roundabout. The amendment is generally consistent with the adopted development standards. Of the five notices mailed, no notices were returned in favor or in opposition of the request. Staff recommends approval of the site plan amendment.

Thank you. Any questions for city staff? If not, are there persons here who would like to speak on this item for or against? If not, the staff recommendation is to approve. Is there a motion?

Mr. Chair, I make a motion to approve PD26-006. Second.

Motion has been made and seconded to approve this item. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Items approved. Next is C26-001, Structure Development Group.

Good afternoon, Commissioners. Applicant is requesting a closure of an unimproved street right-of-way for Rose Street. uh the applicant is uh requesting the closure to replant the right-of-way into their adjacent property uh applicant is requesting uh sorry about that to their own personal property the uh portion that the applicant is requesting to close is un is unimproved and does not appear to have ever been utilized as a right-of-way the applicant will be required to dedicate utility easements and drainage as necessary As of Friday, May 29th, 2026 of the 17 notices mailed, no notices were returned in favor or in opposition to the request to closure. Staff recommends approval of the closure of the right-of-way subject to the right-of-way being replied at within six months.

Thank you, Hunter. Any person here would like to speak on this? Any question for city staff? If not, are the persons here who'd like to speak on this item for or against? Greg, did you have something to say?

My name is Greg Ortiz, and I'm here with my wife with Clark Family Trust. They have property adjacent to that right of way and we support the closure of that if that comes into effect.

I'm sorry, Greg, say that again. It's a little loud outside.

I don't know these people, neither does my wife, Jenny. The Clark Family Trust has land that's pretty much on that road, but they support that closure. Nobody's using it. That's all I wanted to say.

Thank you. Thank you, Greg. It looks like there are five lots. that are actually next door or down the street? Is that, and y'all don't have any objection to the alley being closed, the street being closed? All right, are there others that would like to speak on this item for or against? If not, the motion, did I get a motion? Can I have a motion on this item?

Mr. Chair, I'm over approved. Seat 26-001.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded to approve this item, and it's actually a closure of an unimproved street. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? That's improved. I hope it... benefits y'all in some way or another. Next is Z26010 Manuel Hernandez, 2023 Rose Street.

Hunter? Yes, sir. The applicant is requesting a zone change from R1A to R1D. The applicant is requesting the zone change to build a single-family home on the lot. The adjacent properties to the north and east are zoned R1A, single-family residential district, and PMF, planned multi-family residential district. District currently undeveloped, the adjacent properties to the south and west are zoned R1A, single-family residential district, and are developed with single-family homes. The request is consistent with the Tyler tomorrow future lane use map which identifies this property as mixed residential and The applicant is requesting a zone change so they can build a larger home on the property. The lot does not meet R1B minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet, but does comply with the minimum R1D lot size. The area is currently being developed with many different single family home projects throughout the neighborhood. The zone change aligns with the Tyler Tomorrow's objective to increase residential opportunities in the north end. As of Friday, May 29th, 2026, of the 20 notices mailed, no notices were returned in favor or in opposition to the request, and staff recommends approval of the zone change.

Thank you, Hunter. Can I see the zoning map? Yes, sir. Are there persons here who would like to speak on this item for or against? Any questions for city staff? Staff recommendation. Yes, ma'am. I have a question. Would you come to the microphone, please? And state your name and address.

Lanisha Wheeler. I live at 1007 Britton Avenue. That's around the corner from Road Street. This isn't necessarily. It's my community. I always wanted to know what R1 A to one B, what exactly does that entail? If they're unable to build, because myself, I've experienced my property being, I don't wanna say taken, but, a parking lot or where the church parked, people, they built a home, literally, where it was not enough room. And I hear, I heard them saying, well, it's, you know, an upgrade in the sense of from 1B to 1D or whatever. I just want to know what exactly is the,

Conner, you want to address that?

Sure. So currently it's zoned R1A, single family residential, and they were not able to build the home that they would like to build on the lot. As far as the lot size, it did not meet the 6,000 square foot lot size which is required for an R1A, but it does meet the 3,000 square feet lot size.

Yeah. Also, the other difference is the minimum required setbacks for the two districts. So the R1D has smaller setbacks which allow for a little bit larger of a home. So both districts allow single family detached homes. So that's what's going to be built. With the zone change, the owner will be able to build a slightly larger home. single family home. Does that answer your question?

Yes, which brings me to my next point. So that's gonna increase taxes, right?

Well, you know, this is not a taxing community.

I understand, because I'm saying the zone's going to change, and everybody there in that community is going to be affected. Am I correct?

It's going to only apply to this one lot.

But it's the community, right?

It's only going to apply to this one lot. Any other person who'd like to speak on the side? It's been a long time, but I think the staff's recommendation is to approve this. Is there a motion?

I'll make a motion for Z26-010. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded to approve this item, the selling change. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Items approved. Next is Z26008, United Construction of East Texas LLC. Sheila.

This is a zone change from RMF, Multifamily Residential District, to R1B, Single Family Residential District. The subject property is located at the southeast intersection of North Glenwood Boulevard and West Oakwood Street. The applicant is requesting the zone change to build a single family home. As you can see there, the adjacent properties to the northeast, south, and west All around that subject property is zone RMF, multifamily residential district, and are developed with a majority of single family homes and undeveloped lots. The future land use map identifies this property as mixed residential, which is consistent with the Tyler Tomorrow future land use. The applicant is requesting this property to develop a single family home, and the request represents a down zoning from a higher intensity residential district to a lower intensity single family district. The general area is developed with single family homes, undeveloped lots, So this zone change aligns with the Tyler Tomorrow objective to increase residential opportunities in the north end and advances infill development by supporting reinvestment within an established neighborhood without adding density or creating land use conflicts. There you can see the property both along Glenwood Boulevard and Oakwood Street, also the adjacent property across the street, as well as the subject property there. Of the 13 notices mailed, no notices were returned in favor or in opposition to this request. All of the departments have reviewed the application and anticipate a positive impact on services and facilities by proposing the rezoning request. Staff has performed technical review of the request and finds that it is consistent with the approval criteria and staff recommends approval.

Thank you. Any questions for city staff? If not, are there persons here who would like to speak on this item for or against? If not, the staff recommendation is to approve. Is there a commissioner who would like to make a motion?

Motion to approve Z26-008. Second.

Motion's been made and seconded to approve this item. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Item's approved. Next is Z26-009, Reginald Jenkins, 1026 Brittman Avenue. Sheila.

This is also a zone change from R1A, single family residential district, to R1B, single family residential district. This property is located at the northeast intersection of Shaw Street in Britain Avenue, where the applicant is requesting the zone change to build a single family home. The adjacent properties to the north, south, and west are zoned R1A, single family residential district, and are developed with the majority of single family homes in undeveloped lots. This adjacent property to the east is zone R2, two-family, duplex district. This request is consistent with the Tyler Tamar Future Land Use Map, which identifies this property as mixed residential. The applicant intends to develop the property with a single family home. This portion of Britain Avenue features a mixture of lot sizes and the requested zoning would reduce the dimensional standards to better align with the narrow configuration that you see there of the lot. The request facilitates reinvestment in an established residential area where incremental single family infill is compatible with surrounding development. There you can see the actual subject property and views along Shaw Street and Britton Avenue. Of the 24 notices mailed, here's also an idea of what the applicant is intending on that narrow lot. Changing to downsizing to R1B allows the applicant the flexibility to build a home, a single family home on that lot and meet the required dimensional standards of the R1B single family zoning. of the twenty four notices mail no notices were returned in favor or in opposition to this request uh... all of the departments have reviewed the application and anticipate no past uh... anticipate positive impact on services and facilities by uh... the person proposed reasoning request staffers performed a technical review of the request implants that it is consistent with the approval criteria and staff recommends approval of this request.

And without this change, the lot would be unbuildable. Is that correct?

At the current zoning classification, yes, sir.

And it still has a 25-foot street setback?

Yes, sir. I think because of the narrowness of the sides were the issue.

What does that change the side setbacks to?

R1B side setbacks, interior setbacks, are six feet from the property line.

It goes from seven and a half feet to six feet. So three feet of additional buildable area.

Any other questions for city staff? If not, are there persons here who would like to speak on this item? Yes, ma'am.

Come here.

Please come to the microphone. We want to hear it. If you've been here for a while, you know we want to hear everything you say.

Yes, sir. Again, this is my community. My home is on Britain.

And I guess my concern... Go back to the map. I want to know exactly which house is yours.

Are you... You see me on there. I'm Damesha. I don't know if you have a... I'm right there. Like I was in the circle for the 200. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. So I think, and I understand, like I said, this is, this is why I was here. I mean, all the other stuff previous to now I was here, but again, I guess my concern, because the, the neighborhood, uh, So much can be done there. And it's changing the dynamics in terms of the residential part of it. But you're building a home. So I guess ultimately I'm not necessarily opposed to that. It's just...

Thank you.

No, no, thank you. Thank you for being here. Are there others who would like to speak on this side? Please, please, please, please come to the microphone. Is this your project?

Yes, yes. We're building a lot of houses around that area, and we do it really good. We just try to use a lot, and we just purchased the ones on the side. We're planning to build there. So for her, don't worry about it. The neighborhood, if you see, I keep my lots clean and everything. So it's going to be a nice place to live, I promise.

Not to worry about it. Tell us your name and address.

My name is Jose Maria Saucedo. I own Chema's Autos over here on Vine Street. That's what we do in Minimized Sound Building Houses around West Tyler.

Any questions for this gentleman who's the applicant in this case? He's a good guy. Can that be in the record? Yeah. Looks like a nice project. Are there others who would like to speak? Thank you, sir, for your time.

Thank you so much for your time.

Others who would like to speak on this item? If not, the staff recommendation is to approve this zoning change. Is there a motion?

I make a motion to approve Z26-009.

Second. Motion's been made and seconded to approve this zoning change. Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? At this time, we'll stand and recess and go into our work session across the street.