09-29-1994 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• • September 29, 1994 To: Members Of The La Porte Planning & Zoning Commission From: John Black RE: Proposed Commercial Development on McCabe Road Ladies and Gentlemen: Let me start by saying that I am writing as a private citizen, not as editor/publisher of The Bayshore Sun. I want to express my opposition to the proposed commercial development on McCabe Road. While I understand that many of my neighbors have signed petitions in opposition to this spe- cialuse permit, my opinions have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I live in Shady River. I would feel the same way if I lived in Fairmont Park. A few years ago, many of us in the old Bay Municipal District asked the City of La Porte to "take us in: ' We did so for several positive reasons, not the least of which is that we would have someone to go to when we had a problem. We were in need of "representation," and we are now fortunate to have the Planning & Zoning Commission represent our best interests, and the best rests of this community. I ask you to consider our best interests in making your decision con- ning this request. My opposition to this plan stems not from the possibility of a 75-foot tower overlooking my neighborhood; not from the possibility of sirens or whistles or the like being used in any type of emergency drills; and not from any fear of chemicals or other harmful materials being used in these drills or training sessions. To be honest, I don't even know if any of these things will be used, and that does not matter to me. My opposition, instead, comes from the fact that, in my opinion, our city needs all of the avail- able quality land it can find for residential development. We continue to encourage economic growth, but we have very little quality land available for housing -- single family residences, patio homes, townhouses and the like. This area on McCabe Road, contrary to what the people who want this training facility may tell you, would be excellent for such residential use. The land in question has an underlying designation of low density residential. There is a reason for that -- it is what best fits the property. While I would welcome and encourage this firm to build their facility in La Porte, I am confi- dent they can find a more suitable commercial site, and leave this prime residential tract for what it is best intended -- a place for houses, not classrooms. We are running out of residential space, but we certainly have no shortage of commercial space. •