2019-01-14 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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City Planner Ian Clowes presented a summary. Councilmember Jay Martin asked what the main reason is for Planning and Zoning Commission turning down the permit. Mr. Clowes responded that it the location. Philip Dunn, 701 San Jacinto St., spoke in favor of the hotel and commented he does not believe traffic will be an issue. Maggie Anderson, 909 Garden Walk, spoke against the location of the hotel. Mary Dio, 1205 S. 7th Street, spoke against the hotel. Donna O'Conner, 217 Sylvan, spoke against the hotel. Amanda Loredo, 212 N. 5th Street, spoke in favor of the hotel. General Manager of Holiday Inn Express, Prinish Bhatt, 908 W. G Street, spoke in favor of the hotel and job opportunities in the community. Jackie Ramirez, 113 Sylvia, Deer Park, spoke in favor of the hotel. Applicant Dimple Patel spoke and presented a PowerPoint presentation and gave a plea for development of this project. Councilmember Bentley asked Mr. Patel if anyone approached him to purchase this land in the 10 years since he's owned it. Mr. Patel advised one individual was interested in a corner of the land for a repair shop. Wesley Neill, 308 S. 11th Street, spoke in favor of the hotel. Kathleen Duncan, 10010 Dover Hill, spoke in favor of the hotel. Mark Follis, 111 N. Broadway, spoke in favor of the hotel. Dana Byrd, 10435 Rustic Rock, spoke against the hotel. Thomas Garza, 623 S. 6th Street, commented decisions should not be delegated; traffic issues should be resolved; Main Street needs improvements and rules changing 10 years after purchasing property is outrageous. Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, spoke again and commented the constitution protects property rights. There being no additional comments, the public hearing closed at 7:47 p.m. Councilmember Bentley moved to approve the hotel. Mayor Rigby seconded. Councilmember Jay Martin commented he would like to be advised of legal concerns. City Attorney Knox Askins advised he would like to discuss legal issues in an executive session. Mayor Rigby commented it was mentioned that someone wanted the property for retail, and it was pointed out earlier that retail will create more or as much traffic as a hotel. Mayor Rigby commented he does not understand how we can approve many hotels on the west side and not on this side of 146. Mayor Rigby also commented he questions if the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff are setting policy because he keeps hearing comments that the City prefers hotels to be in clusters and he does not recall City Council being presented with a policy to approve that hotels can only be built in one location as a group. In Page 3 of 6 January 14, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes