Published: May 14, 2008 12:46 am         

Annexation of industrial site delayed

GREENVILLE — Final public hearings and final votes on a proposed annexation and rezoning of 77 acres west of Greenville were postponed Tuesday.

Both actions had been scheduled during Tuesday’s regular session of the Greenville City Council. The annexation and change in zoning would have allowed the local Newell Rubbermaid plant to expand its operations.

However, City Manager Steve Alexander said prior to the meeting the developer behind the effort had asked for the votes to be pulled from the agenda, as the company was not yet ready to proceed.

Newell Rubbermaid is wanting to add a major warehouse and distribution facility near the intersection of Farm-To-Market Road 1570 and State Highway 66, directly behind the company’s current plant. The new building would replace an existing operation in Mesquite and would also require a change in zoning for the site from agricultural to light industrial.

Developers had asked for a voluntary annexation of approximately 77 acres near the Greenville Industrial Park along the east side of FM 1570 where Newell Rubbermaid intends to construct the warehouse and distribution facility, covering 500,000 square feet.

The City Council agreed earlier this year to accept the voluntary annexation petition, which started the annexation process. The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted public hearings in April and then voted to recommend approval of both the annexation and zoning change.

The Council’s next regular session at which it could consider the annexation and change in zoning is scheduled for May 27.