09-05-1991 Regular Meeting of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Page 2 of 6 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT: The Planning and Zoning Commission during the August 1, 1991 meeting, in conjunction with members of the Main Street Association, established a set of goals for the Main Street area. These goals, as staff understands them, are as follows: 1) Make Main Street attractive to pedestrians. 2) Promote a mix of retail uses, offices and restaurants. 3) Elimination of uses that utilize outdoor storage and outdoor service activities. 4) Preserve and enhance the character of La Porte's Downtown District with an emphasis on promoting an "old town" feel. The Commission next discussed possible boundaries for a Downtown District. After considerable discussion, the Commission decided to take an August 8 "walking tour" of the Main Street area. Several possible boundaries for the Downtown District were discussed at the August 8 meeting. Staff has prepared maps illustrating the various boundary scenarios. These maps are attached as exhibits. With goals and boundaries established, the next issue to be addressed is what types of zoning regulations are necessary for furthering the stated goals. The best point from which to begin this discussion is probably a discussion of "obstacles" which the Zoning Ordinance currently poses to restoration and development within the district. These obstacles appear to fall into three basic categories. These are as follows: 1) General Commercial Uses: The range of uses allowable in G. C. Zones is too broadly based in that they allow a number of permitted G. C. uses and activities that are not conducive to the goals for the District. 2) Density Intensity Issues: Current lot coverage and setback limits prevent construction of new buildings that are in keeping with "typical" Main Street structures. They could prevent reconstruction of a destroyed building or even prevent a renovation whose cost exceeded 50% of the building market value.