1996-06-10 Public Hearing Regular Meeting

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e e Minutes Public Hearing and Regular Meeting La Porte City Council June 10, 1996, Page 2 5. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CITIZENS AND TAX PAYERS WISlDNG TO ADDRESS COUNCIL There were no citizens wishing to speak to council at this time. 6. PUBLIC HEARING - TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF LA PORTE ZONING ORDINANCE 1501, REZONING REQUEST R96-003; REQUESTED BY BRYAN AND DAVID MOORE, SEEKS TO REZONE THE NORTHERN TWENTY FEET (20') OF LOTS 24 AND LOTS 25-32; BLOCK 64; TOWN OF LA PORTE, FROM LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-l) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) OPEN PUBLIC HEARING REVIEW BY STAFF RECOMMENDATION OF PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Malone opened the public hearing at 6:12 P.M. Director of Planning Guy Rankin reviewed the summary and recommendations regarding the rezoning request #R96-003 which seeks to rezone the northern twenty feet (20') of Lot 24 and Lots 25-32; Block 64; Town of La Porte; from Low Density Residential (R-1) to General Commercial (GC). The tract in question is located at 201 N. 3rd Street, La Porte, Texas. Mr. Rankin addressed questions from City Council and clarified that Section 11-507 (8) of the zoning Ordinance states that "The affirmative vote of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the City Council is required to overrule a recommendation of the City Planning and Zoning Commission." Mr. Rankin reported the Planning and Zoning Commission, by a 3 to 2 vote, recommended denial of R96-003. Mr. Rankin recommended that Council hear a report from Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman, Betty Waters. Mr. Rankin stated, "Just to hear her history and knowledge of the City would definitely be helpful to Council and would be some good information so that Council could make a more informative decision tonight." Mayor Malone asked Mrs. Waters to speak. Mrs. Waters stated her support for the decision made by the Planning and Zoning Commission in their meeting held last month. Mrs. Waters stated, "Our zoning ordinance is a living document. In the past this has not been held true, and our zoning ordinance should be opened every year. Areas which there are questions about should be given due consideration to see if this is still a part of this living document that guides us in the way that we develop our City. I think it is very important you as Council people understand this needs to be done, and there are areas in the City today we need to open up, take a good long look at, and say these things need to be changed because our City changes daily. We see with every action we take a change in our City. This particular area we are looking at today I recommend to you that you give us an opportunity to look at and bring these areas up to date and make them a part of that living document that guides our City. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you. I do not feel that I come here to advise you on how you should vote, but I want you to know I support the actions taken by the Planning and Zoning Commission in their last meeting. " Mayor Malone asked for public input and called on those who wish to speak in favor of the rezoning request.