Item 10 - SPIN Report
SPIN MEETING REPORT
SPIN Item Number: SPIN2021-06
City Case Number: ZA21-0017
Project Name: Central Market Generators
SPIN Neighborhood: 8
Meeting Date: May 25, 2021
Meeting Location: 1400 Main Street, Southlake, TX
City Council Chambers
Total Attendance: *
Host: Vandana Tanneru, Community Engagement Committee
Applicant Presenting: John Rose
City Staff Present: Jerod Potts, Policy & Strategic Initiative Principal Planner
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“Video on Demand” – forums are listed under SPIN by meeting date.
FORUM SUMMARY:
Property Situation:
The property is located at 1425 E. Southlake Blvd.
Development Details:
The applicant is proposing the addition of three (3) generators at the rear of the existing building
to supply emergency power to Central Market.
• 127ft from adjacent residential property
• Noise level study – the proposed screen wall design will result in a noise level of approx.
50db at the residential property line per the noise study
Presentation:
Questions and Concerns:
Q/C: Not opposed to the idea of generators, but I am concerned about the noise level and know
from experience that generators must be tested weekly. I’d like to know how long these tests will
last.
A: At the property line, we will be 50 decibels. Between you and I speaking right now, we are
running about 55-57 decibels. It’s a low noise level due to the concrete screen we’ll place
around the generator. With this screen in place, we are exceeding the City’s expectations and
requirements for noise level by about -5 decibels.
Q: I saw in the presentation that the screen was not fully closed with four walls, only three. Can
you explain this?
A: The screening wall is open on one side to allow some air to breathe. This open wall is facing
away from the residential properties.
Q: Can the generator not breathe from the top?
A: It can, but it still needs more area.
C: I spoke to one of my neighbors and they mentioned that they are constantly awaken before
6:00 AM due to deliveries being made (i.e., trucks are not supposed to deliver before 6:00 AM
anyways). So, we are concerned about more noise from this generator.
A: We have 161 stores with generators and have not received complaints about the noise
permitted from these generators. I work for HEB and Central Market both.
Q: Can you tell me the size of each unit?
A: That’s more a technical question I may not be able to answer, but I can get it for you later. I
can’t tell you the exact size, but it can run an entire store.
Q: How frequently will you test these generators?
A: These units will flip on when the grid is taxed. There’s a frequency based on what happened
the electrical grid itself, so we do not have to test these. I’ve been in these stores before and
have not heard the generators kick on.
Q: So, you will not have them set for testing on a particular day and time on a weekly basis?
A: No ma’am, these units are designed to kick on when the electrical grid is distressed.
Q: Who is the manufacturer of these generators?
A: I do not know ma’am, but I can find that information for you.
Q: Have you considered other placements for the generators?
A: There are no other locations to place them. From a noise standpoint, these will not be loud.
Q: Have you thought about placing these by the playground?
A: No, we would not do that.
C: If you are not considering other areas to place these generators, then I am opposed to them.
A: I respect and understand your decision.
Q: These generators are for use only when there are power outages, but how does the
generator determine when to come on?
A: Based on the heavy load of the electrical grid.
Q: So, they will automatically flip on?
A: It does.
C: The amount of electricity this store uses during “stress” on the electrical grid is very small. It
will not help the neighbors at all. When the last speaker was talking about Central Market being
a “good neighbor”, I don’t see it either. What the acoustical engineer is saying will be the
emitting sound decibel vs the actual sound decibel is completely different. I do not believe that
this generator will be 50db. I believe we will still hear it click on and operate, but I hope I’m
wrong.
Online Comment: We are very concerned about 3 generators being installed behind Central
market because of the noise they will produce. At this time even when an 18-wheeler when
parked in that area waiting for Central market to open has so much noise that we are unable to
sleep. Please do not allow this.
SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN Representatives. The report is neither verbatim nor official
meeting minutes; rather it serves to inform elected and appointed officials, City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents and
the general responses made. Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as guarantees by the applicant. Interested parties are
strongly encouraged to follow the case through the Planning and Zoning Commission and final action by City Council.
Southlake Connect Results for the May 25, 2021 SPIN Town Hall Forum