R-2004-12 participate in Main Street Program

Browse Search

RedeveloDment StrateflV e. e ............................................................................................. Chapter 11 including various actions aimed at improving future land use, thoroughfares, utilities, conununity facilities, .~sidential development and community aesthetics. By following through on these plan proposals and targeti;-:119cal r~s9).lrc~s ~~o~g~ ~ _c~tywil;le _Capi~a~ .Irt:1pt:ove!T1~nt .?rogrll:111,jr_\Y.~~ ~l1ol1gntJh~tJb~ ~ntir~ :__ ___ _ __ ~_ City would tii...;ve as traditional development patt~ms took ho.~d in La Porte amid the strong regional growth situation. A later .:~date to the City's Comprehensive Plan in 1994 focused on a few key elements and did not address rede~elopmt...t issues. City of La Porte Bavfront Master i'l.an (1993) . , The City in 1993 retained a consu>nt team to develop a Marina Waterfront District Master Plan. This study was intended to stimulate new ecoc'mic development, diversify .the City's economic base through stimulation .of tourism; and encourage impro\;;.:""ent in the physical environment by taking better advantage .0fLa Porte's waterfront a.ssets. The report pointeJ ,:,ut that while La Porte's bayfront was once the site of grand celebrations and intense summer h"oliday activity, ~"'e area had experienced considerable decline ,as a regional recreation destination.. The consultant recon-,l, :~ndations ranged from "safe, immediately-achievable" physical improvements to more ambitious project prop~:"lils ~"at would 'vastly transform La Porte. The City continues to desire the types of major waterfront devek"r nts depicted in this plan, including a hotel and confer~nce center and a marina on Galvest.on.Bay. Historic Downtown Area A Central Business District (CBD) is traditionally the .commercial center of a city. This is characterized in most cities as an area of higher land values; a concentration of retail busines3e~, . -lces, governmental functions, fmancial institutions, and service businesses; and, cultural, and entertainment activities. A vital component to the CBD is its retail patrons. However, patrons and visito~s will not come to the CBD without adequate parking, pedestrian amenities, a variety and balance of retail and service stores, pleasant aesthetics, sufficient street lighting to create a secure and safe environment, and ease of access. The photograph shown i~ Figure 12.1 - Historic Downtown La Porte, illustrates the existing conditions in downtown. As in many cities, La Porte's historic d~wntown area along Main Street is no longer the City's primary commercial center. H;owever, it is an area that clearly is still valued by La Porte residents; as indicated during the current comprehensive planning process. Improvements can be made to the physical appearance and functionality of the downtown area that will have a significant impact. Currently. there may be a perception of architectural discontinuity, a lack of .identity, and aging or deteriorating buildings and infrastructure that define the image of the old downtown. .Nonetheless, existing building and vacant parcels may present opportunities for fulfilling special needs or uses in the downtown area such as parks and open space, parking and other locally identified retail, entertainment and service needs. The City's 1984 Comprehensive Plan pointed out the need for more retail development in La Porte, and this ne~ continues. In the City's current marketing brochure, ULa Porte, Texas: Ready for Business," La Porte's City Manager notes the City's desire to attract new retail businesse~, including supermarkets, shopping centers and new full serVice franchise restaurants. Some of these uses could be attracted to downtown or the vicinity to bolster this area. La Porle 2020 Comprelzensive Plan Update. .......... ..... ...... ..... ... .... .... ... ..... ... ........ ... ........ ..... Page 12-1/