San Marcos P&Z To Reconsider Rezoning Of 934 Acres Smart Terminal

By, Terra Rivers, Managing Editor

The San Marcos Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the rezoning of 934 acres in the ETJ to a Heavy Industrial District.

The property is proposed to be developed into a “Smart Terminal,” with an industrial rail park and manufacturing facility. Katerra Development is one of the companies anticipated to inhabit the property.

The property is located near the intersection of State Highway 80 and FM 1984. During the December 11, 2018, meeting, the commission voted to recommend denial of the request.

According to the agenda, the City Manager, Bert Lumbreras, placed the item back on the Commission’s agenda for consideration based upon a request from the Commission chair and a review of additional information provided by the developer and City staff regarding the Smart Terminal Rail Park and Katerra economic development projects proposed for the subject property.

If the commission votes in favor of this reconsideration item, then a public hearing would be conducted and action on the original zoning request would be taken at tonight’s meeting.

In October, San Marcos City Council approved a 380 economic incentive agreement with Katerra; the company is expected to provide more than 500 jobs paying at least $15 an hour.

Katerra is a “technology-driven offsite construction company,” based in Menlo Park, California. The company proposes the construction of an approximately 600,000 square foot facility to manufacture a wide range of building components and materials, including wall panels, floor systems, roof truss assemblies, windows, cabinets and finishes.

Katerra proposes to create at least 542 full-time jobs and make a capital investment of at least $109,000,000. Currently, Katerra is the only company, which has filed an incentive agreement with City Council.

The San Marcos City Council has held two public meetings regarding the potential annexation of the property. City council will consider the rezoning request and the annexation of the property on January 15.