Nolanville council denies Oncor rezoning request after public outcry

NOLANVILLE — A large crowd was in attendance at the Nolanville City Council meeting Thursday to express opposition to an Oncor rezoning request.

At least 35 people filled the City Hall chambers, as an extra row of seats needed to be added — and residents still lined the back wall.

Residents didn’t have to wait long to speak about the request, as it was the first item on the agenda.

After getting the meeting started, the council opened the podium to a public forum, in which 11 residents voiced their opposition and concerns to Oncor’s request.

Oncor requested that the land it recently purchased be rezoned from a Neighborhood Community Retail Business District to a Light Manufacturing District so it could build a power substation on the property.

The discussion on the item lasted an hour as residents spoke about their concerns and asked questions.

The main issues brought up by residents was how close the proposed substation was to the homes in the surrounding properties, the negative effect the structure would have on the scenery and home property values, as well as health concerns about various possible emissions.

The location of the structure was the biggest obstacle as council members and citizens alike agreed that while a substation was needed, it would be better to move the proposed structure to a different location to satisfy both parties.

Several residents even said they believed that Oncor was “bullying” the city with scare tactics and ultimatums.

One thing City Manager Kara Escajeda noted after everyone spoke was that the structure would go against the city’s comprehensive plan, which includes enhancing the beauty of Nolanville’s scenery and parks.

As the council members expressed their opinions on the matter, a resident became angry and started shouting his grievances from the back of the room. An officer escorted him out of the room and the meeting continued.

After further discussion with residents and the Oncor representative, the council heard a motion to deny the rezoning request.

The council voted 4-1 to deny the request, with Councilman David Williams in opposition.

After the votes were cast, the crowd applauded and cheered, and many got up to thank the council members for listening to their voices as the council called a break.