TEMPLE, Texas — Residents living near the Niagara water plant in Temple say they are frustrated and concerned after the City Council voted to annex nearly 950 acres of rural land into the city limits.

The land, which is currently zoned for agricultural use, is now expected to be rezoned for light industrial development — despite the city’s industrial park already having more than 2,000 acres available.

Kenneth Lutz, who owns property near the Niagara water plant, said residents have not received a clear explanation for why nearly a thousand additional acres need to be annexed.

“They already have 2,000 acres available for building on, why do they need 950 more?” Lutz said. “A lot of residents are concerned about the tranquil nature of this rural community versus what it’s going to be o

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