The gist
The mutual termination agreement between the city and Imperial Power Plant LLC—an assignee of Wartsila Development and Financial Services—was unanimously approved, releasing both parties of obligations.
The $146 million power plant aimed to deliver additional power to Texas’ electrical grid from the 8-acre site of the former Central State Prison Farm, located east of the Orchard Lake Estates and Chelsea Harbour neighborhoods. However, the city’s project announcement in May was met with pushback from some Sugar Land residents, who worried about environmental, health and property value concerns.
What residents are saying
Sugar Land resident Anna Lykoudis-Zafiris is one of the principal organizers for Stop the Sugar Land Gas Power Plant, a Facebook group composed of over 1,100 Sugar Land and Fort Bend County residents who oppose the power plant.
Lykoudis-Zafiris said the group is relieved the power plant contract was terminated but is still "cautiously optimistic" as city officials look for the next use for the site.
“We feel this is a big victory; however, on the other side of it, we’re cautiously optimistic because the city of Sugar Land ... does still have 8 acres of that land in that area in which they are always seeking to develop and develop other areas in our city,” she said.
Additionally, Lykoudis-Zafiris said she believes the May election cycle is vital to the city’s future, with both the mayor and four City Council seats on the ballot.
“The people need to have a seat at the table, and the decisions that affect communities should be done in a wise and methodical way,” she said. “Decisions should be made in the public sphere with community engagement and not behind closed doors.”
What happens next?
City officials said they believe the proposed site may be “better suited for other developments that align with long-term strategic planning goals,” per a city statement acquired by Community Impact on Feb. 20.
The city’s current focus for the site includes infrastructure enhancements, including water utilities and detention, to prepare the site for future development, said Carlos Hernandez, assistant director of communications and community engagement for Sugar Land.
