04-29-1993 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• Rezoning Request #R93-001 Bayou Forest/5-20-93 • Page 3 of 3 • The relatively shallow lot depth of Lots A-1 through A-7 does not allow for an adequate buffer between the commercial and residential areas. This could result in dumpster pads, delivery docks, and similar items being located in close proximity to homes. Additionally, as access would be limited to the northbound lanes of Hwy. 146, southbound traffic could only access commercial establishments by making a "U-turn" at the Shoreacres Blvd. cross over. This would obviously result in traffic safety problems. • Also to be considered is the proposed location of the community park adjacent to Reserve A. Again, close proximity to commercial development and the accessory activities associated with commercial establishments could serve to render the park somewhat less desireable than it might otherwise be. The depth of the commercial lots does not allow adequate circulation. Finally, staff feels that a designation of GC could allow for too broad a range of commercial activity. As proposed, Reserve A would have the potential to develop into a significant commercial district, as opposed to a district for retail shops which would primarily serve the neighboring residential subdivisions. • Conclusion: As noted, this request has a great deal of merit and is partially compatible with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. However, based on the planning issues noted above, staff recommends denying rezoning request until such time as the noted issues have been addressed and resolved. Staff would suggest, as a means of resolving these issues, reconfiguring Reserve A. If the reserve were shortened and deepened (maintaining the ratio of commercial to residential property), the resulting commercial zone would have improved access from both McCabe Rd. and Hwy. 146. The additional property depth would allow for adequate buffering from homesites and in conjunction with a possible designation of NC (Neighborhood Commercial) yield a retail district more conducive to meeting the needs of the surrounding proposed and existing neighborhoods.