O-2006-2892 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 GOAL 4.3: Provide for recreational, cultural, community and activity facilities which are accessible and appropriately located and integrate into the master transportation plan. OBJ. 4.3b: Link facilities and neighborhoods by bikeways, sidewalks, and public transportation. The Review Committee feels this goal and associated objective are behind schedule, due to a lack of funding. The City's mission is to provide convenience, comfort, and facilities to its residents. The City has developed a "Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan" to show how a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways provide linking of facilities and neighborhoods throughout La Porte. (Specific achievements, by project, in this area are highlighted in Chapter 7 of this review.) GOAL 4.4: Encourage an active, viable downtown with a variety of uses. OBJ. 4.4a: Ensure appropriate zoning supports viability. (This goal and objective are on schedule.) At the request of Main Street interests, the zone change from General Commercial to Main Street District (MSD) and creation of an Overlay District were created to provide a significant impact on the revitalization of Downtown La Porte. The City has developed specific strategies and a regulatory framework for encouraging redevelopments with mixed commercial and residential uses in the downtown area. The City has a vision for its downtown and actively participates in the Main Street City and other revitalization programs. Within the MSD and Overlay, the City is facilitating the potential developers using the building codes for appropriate construction and reconstruction standards for older or historic buildings in downtown. Signage and other streetscapes have been implemented in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). Other tlexibilities like elimination of 45 ft. height restriction for structures in commercial and industrial districts allows construction on a smaller footprint thereby creating an attraction for major development complexes. Architectural standards are now being considered and will be re-evaluated on an annual basis to test viability. GOAL 4.5: Provide an appropriate amount of land for various densities and types of residential uses and ensure the highest quality living environment. OBJ. 4.5a: Locate residential development in areas best suited to accommodate each type of density. For example, medium and high density residential developments should allow residents access to highways. Such housing, however, should not be viewed as a means for buffering conflicting land uses. (This goal and objective are on schedule). The City continuously supports the development of residential uses at densities appropriate to particular areas. Criteria such as existing land use and zoning, character and scale of development, suitability of the property, and capacity of infrastructure are all considered. Prime examples are: · Proposed Lakes at Fairmont Greens subdivision along State Highway 146 (412 units) · Fairmont Oaks Apartments (198 units) located at the intersection of Underwood and Fairmont Parkway, zoned High-Density Residential