The City of Marfa’s Planning and Zoning Commission last week unanimously rejected a rezoning application from American Electric Power (AEP), dealing a setback to the utility’s plan to build a larger electrical substation within a residential neighborhood.
The 4-0 vote came during a June 13 meeting, with four of five P&Z members present. AEP’s proposal sought to rezone a lot at Oak and Aparejo streets—currently zoned for residential use—to industrial, in order to replace its existing, over-capacity substation with a significantly larger facility across the street.
Though AEP argues the expansion is necessary to ensure a reliable power supply for Marfa’s growing needs, many residents expressed concern that the industrial development would harm the neighborhood’s residential character and quality of life. Two public hearings this spring drew strong opposition, with residents citing concerns about aesthetics, noise, and property values.
“We’ve just found, from the P&Z perspective, that we couldn’t support it,” said Chairman Chick Rabourn. “But all our official statements will be in the report.”
That report, which includes the commission’s findings, public feedback, and formal recommendations, now moves to Marfa City Council. The council is expected to vote on whether to accept the report at its next meeting on June 26, at which point it will schedule a public hearing before ultimately deciding whether to approve or deny the rezoning request.
Despite a request from The Big Bend Sentinel, Rabourn declined to share the commission’s report ahead of the council meeting, referring the question to city staff. The Sentinel has filed a public records request for the document but had not received a response by press time.
