The City of DeSoto has announced a public hearing to consider an important zoning change for a 23.77-acre property located on the west side of S. Westmoreland Road, south of W. Belt Line Road, and north of W. Parkerville Road.
The hearing to consider the zoning change comes as Vesper Energy files official plans with the city for a new lithium battery storage Project.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is set to review Case Z-1529-24, which proposes amending the zoning regulations of PD-116.
The amendment would transition the zoning from a Single-Family Residential District (SF-10) to permit the development of an Electrical Substation (High Voltage Bulk Power).
Doing this would allow for the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System on the site.
The project applicant is Parker Hills of Emerald Hill Energy Storage LLC, while Ahmad Khatib is listed as the property owner.
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. If the commission approves the zoning amendment, the case will proceed to the City Council for final review.
The City Council hearing will take place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., provided there are no appeals or further objections.
A petition was created to stop the advancement of the proposed project because the storage facility will be located near DeSoto High School and residential areas.
Video posted to social media showed residents who are opposed to the facility location protesting at city hall.
Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to voice their opinions or concerns about the development.
DeSoto Tribune Staff