2000-11-06-2000 Special Called Workshop Meeting

Browse Search

• Plaaning and Zoning Commission Minutes of March 16, 2000 Page4of5 _ -' connections, such as Airport Blvd. and Vallepview, would also help facilitate tine demand For easier access with quicker response times. Mike Clausen, Director of Operations for the LaPorte School District, addressed the Commission. Itiir..Claussen stated he lives one block off Farzington and travels FaaYagton to go home. There is a problem routing school buses in nort~rwest La Porte~because of the limited north to south routes. Mr. Clausen favors the extension of Fauingmn to help alleviate the district's transportation problem There is a safety concern for buses and parents that must travel the busy roads of Underwood and Spencer in order to tzansport children to and from school As a member of the LEPC, quick evacuation of a school might be necessary and this roadway would help in that situation. The district could realize a savings since shorter bus routes cost less money. Director of Public Works Steve Gillett addressed the Commission. Mr. Gillett is sympathetic to the need for north to south roadways. Responding to comments made previously about u1Y1i~.ing Airport Blvd. for a north to south route, lYir. Gillett infoaned the Commission that Airport Blvd. is located on airport property, therefore can not be considered. He added that airport activities have slowed down considerably since the departure of the flight school that operated from there. In order to attract a new benaat to that location, approximately siS acres in the center of the airport, previously leased by the Texas Air National Guard, will soon have a looped road with utilities constructed up to the paved ramp. When asked about the possibility of future airport expansion, htr. Gillett answered that the surrounding residential development has limited the chances for runway expansion. lair. I{east noted that at the time the ]ast Comprehensive Plan was prepared, it was anticipated that the Loma$ area would develop with a higher density. Since tizis is not the case, the City may wish tao consider establishing a rural residential designation for tine area, which would limit density to large residential lots. If a collector roadway is constructed then the aty should conduct a review of the future land use plan in order to control and manage growth in that area. Chairperson Waters stated that the steering committee, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission, during previous meetings, discussed and were in favor of designating a large lot coral residential designation for the northwest area of La Port. The consultant and staff will work on creating a new zoning district for large rural residential lots for the Commission to consider at a future meeting. The Commission recommended the extension of Farrington Blvd. to North "H" St be included in the Thoroughfare Plan. Neither the Commission, nor the consultant recommended the extension of Farrington Blvd. from North "H" Street do SH225 be included.