Midland, Texas Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Midland Approves Mobile Home Park Development with Amended Access Requirements
The council considered an ordinance to grant a specific use designation (SUD) for a mobile home park, Stonebridge, near Reyes-Mashburn Nelms Park. The proposed SUD would allow for 263 mobile home spaces, with a density of 8 units per acre, which is less dense than a previous 2019 SUD for a larger area. The primary access is on the east side, but a secondary access point off Tilden Street is maintained through an easement with Idea Schools. The council debated adding a condition requiring the construction and maintenance of this secondary access road. Concerns were raised about private road maintenance, sidewalks, and the food truck area's public access. The applicant assured the council of their commitment to maintaining the property to a high standard. The council ultimately approved the ordinance with an amendment requiring demonstration of the constructed fire apparatus access road and appropriate property interest before operation.
Midland Approves $66 Million Incentive Package for AST Space Mobile's New Manufacturing Facility
The city council approved a $66 million incentive package over 30 years for AST Space Mobile to construct a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Spaceport Business Park. The agreement, approved by the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) board 6-0 with one recusal, aims to diversify Midland's economy beyond oil and gas by establishing a presence in the space and technology sector. The incentive package includes $16 million in ground lease abatement and $50 million in capital incentives, disbursed annually only upon AST meeting strict performance metrics. The agreement requires AST to create 1,800 direct jobs, generate $144 million in annual payroll, and invest $150 million in taxable capital. The city will retain full property tax revenue from the investment. Safeguards include clawback provisions for incentives if AST fails to meet requirements, a 60% performance floor, and full city ownership of the facility if AST ceases operations. The MDC's conservative revenue projections indicate it can support this commitment while maintaining positive cash flow. The council also approved a related ground lease agreement for over 23 acres of land at the Spaceport Business Park for AST's facility.
Midland Council Approves ADUs and Several Zoning Changes, Addresses Setback Reductions
The city council discussed and approved several ordinances related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and zoning changes. Ordinance 31, a special exception for 905 West Michigan Avenue, allows a reduced front yard setback to zero feet for an existing garage, permitting its conversion to an ADU. Ordinance 32 grants the SUD for this ADU conversion, with conditions that it must be for family use only and cannot be rented commercially. Ordinance 33 approves an SUD for an ADU at 1204 West Kansas Avenue, also with restrictions against renting and limiting use to family members. Ordinance 37 grants an SUD for an existing building at 201 North Eisenhower Street to be upgraded to an ADU, again with family-use and no-rental clauses. Concerns about potential misuse as Airbnbs and enforcement were addressed by staff. Additionally, Ordinance 34 rezones a property from SF1 to 2F (duplex) at 2002 North La Misa Road, and Ordinance 26 vacates a portion of West Pennsylvania Avenue right-of-way for $45,563.76, with council waiving the fee for an adjacent business owner for safety reasons.
Midland Council Approves Multiple Infrastructure and Public Facility Projects, Including Sports Fields and Security Upgrades
The city council approved several ordinances related to community development and public facilities. Item 5 involved awarding a contract to Tarquette Sports Construction for the Scarborough Auxiliary Fields project ($3,874,514.05 plus expenses). Item 7 approved a contract with Field Turf USA for auxiliary turf fields at Scarborough Sports Complex ($1,732,510 plus expenses). Item 8 approved a contract with Musco Corporation for lighting at the auxiliary turf fields ($400,568 plus expenses). Item 9 approved emergency removal services for CNB Materials of Texas LLC at the water purification plant reservoir ($356,250). Item 13 approved the purchase of a boom truck for Solid Waste ($288,577.95). Item 15 approved security cameras and access control systems for Parks and Recreation ($258,324.30 plus expenses). Item 17 authorized an economic development agreement with MDC for road infrastructure on Briarwood Avenue ($3,500,000). Item 21 approved accepting donations for Midland Fire Department equipment ($85,000). Item 24 approved accepting donations for Midland Police Department equipment ($180,000). Items 38 and 39 involved an economic development agreement and ground lease with AST Space Mobile for a new manufacturing facility.
Public Safety and Governance Concerns Raised During Midland City Council Meeting; AST Project Discussions Continue
During the public comment period, several residents voiced concerns about public safety and city governance. Shandy Williams called for transparency regarding an alleged breach of public trust related to a property maintenance ordinance, demanding a public report on investigations and disciplinary actions. Derek Smith criticized the council, citing alleged targeting of a resident by code enforcement and questioning the equal enforcement of laws. He also raised concerns about school safety and the district attorney's actions. Paula Morris shared a personal account of alleged mistreatment by city code enforcement and jail time for insurance-related issues, questioning city actions and seeking help. Rhonda Lacey thanked the council for their work and urged them to widely publicize the benefits of the AST project. Derek Smith further criticized the council and code enforcement, alleging unequal law enforcement and demanding action on various community issues. Nicholas Craddock provided context on a municipal court case, clarifying a jury's verdict regarding debris accumulation. Mayor Blong and Councilmember Burks also made remarks regarding the AST project and community engagement. The council also went into executive session to discuss matters including consultation with attorney, real property, personnel, and economic development negotiations.
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