Frisco Planning & Zoning Commission Denies Prop To Build Oncor Substation
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FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) - The City of Frisco Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-to-1 on Tuesday night, denying Oncor plans to build a new substation along Legacy Drive.
The vote comes as several residents in the area voiced their opposition to the proposed substation that would be built 595 feet from Allen Elementary School.
Commissioners who were against the proposed site felt Oncor needed to respect the residents who were in the area first. Those against the site said the power company needs to exhaust other locations first.
"I know they're just trying to do their jobs. Like we understand they have a responsibility to provide power. But there are other sites that they can look at," said Jamie Heit, a resident who represents the neighbors opposed to the substation. "I know it's extra money and extra work. But it's worth it when you have this many residents that are upset."
The substation is in reaction to increased development in the area including the Dallas Cowboys new world headquarters, "The Star," Toyota's new facilities and several other companies moving or already in Frisco.
Oncor now has 14 days to appeal the decision or begin looking at other sites.
"This is a long process and a lot of decisions haven't been made yet in terms of potential appeals," said Geoff Bailey, spokesperson for Oncor. "At the end of the day the most important thing is that we will never stop looking for the best locations to provide our customers."
If the decision is appealed, city council would need a super-majority in order to override the decision made on Tuesday night by the planning and zoning commission.
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