Big changes are on the horizon for Dayton, as City Council on Monday, Nov. 18, approved a rezoning request that will bring a major industrial project to the area and discussed plans for a large-scale residential development. The rezoning of a 5-acre property at 4545 FM 1960 clears the way for Green Shield Products, LLC, a company specializing in polyurethanes and silicone products, to establish its new headquarters in Dayton. The council also reviewed updates on a 900-home development by MI Homes, marking significant steps in the city’s continued expansion.
Green Shield Products, LLC, founded in 2008, specializes in blending, packaging, and distributing polyurethanes and silicone products. The company plans to employ 25 to 30 full-time staff, primarily local residents, and aims to increase its annual revenue from $10 million to $50 million by 2028. Representatives of Green Shield Products, LLC, and First Liberty Bank initially requested the rezoning in October, but Council requested additional information before making a decision. Satisfied with the detailed site plan presented at the Nov. 18 meeting, Council unanimously approved the request.
In addition to industrial development, Dayton is preparing for significant residential growth with a planned MI Homes development near US 90 and FM 1413. The 308-acre property, which fronts US 90, will feature approximately 900 homes priced between $300,000 and $500,000. According to City Manager Derek Woods, developers of the project have voluntarily agreed to annexation into the city, a move that will benefit Dayton’s infrastructure and tax base.
“They are going to tie into city infrastructure, which is a big win for Dayton. We will get 100 percent taxable value on the homes. We will get immediate tie-in on the water and sewer,” Woods said. He also confirmed that the city’s infrastructure has the capacity to support the new development.
MI Homes plans to enhance the community with green spaces, including walking trails and outdoor areas, and has discussed the possibility of setting aside land for a future school campus.
Another benefit of the project is that MI Homes, LLC, will help with extending water and sewer lines to its development, which will clear the way for other projects and homes to tie in to the lines in the future.
Other highlights from the meeting:
- Dayton Ole Tyme Days: Representatives from Dayton Ole Tyme Days requested and received approval for street closures for next year’s event, which is scheduled for April 11-13.
- Fiber Optic Relocation: Council approved a project to move a block of fiber optic lines to make way for the upcoming Dayton railroad overpass project. IT Director James Perkins explained the urgency of relocating the critical lines, which service Gulf Inland Logistics Park. Global Fiber Works of New Waverly submitted the sole bid of $149,126.44, which was unanimously approved.
- Sewer Line Repairs: Public Works Manager Murphy Green requested emergency repairs for a 700-foot section of sewer line along S. Winfree. His team discovered a broken sewer line while addressing water leaks, which could lead to ground voids under city streets. Council approved a $95,681 bid from Texas Pride for the repairs.
- Community Center Leases: Council made the surprising decision not to renew any leases at the Dayton Community Center, impacting organizations like the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. Chamber CEO Sean Stockard said afterward that the decision came as a surprise, and the Chamber board is currently considering its options for relocation.
- Street Repairs: Council rejected all bids for the Waring to N. Colbert streets repavement project. Murphy Green suggested seeking alternative bids for concrete slurry with a three-inch asphalt overlay, which has proven successful in neighboring cities.
- Impact Fees Reevaluation: A resolution was approved authorizing Friese & Nichols to begin the reevaluation and renewal process for the city’s impact fees.
- Electrical Work: Council approved minor electrical upgrades at the Dayton Community Center to prevent breaker trips during major events, such as the upcoming Nutcracker Market in December.