02-20-1997 Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• • Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of Febmary 2A, 1997 Page 4 of 9 property has held its current zoning for over 10 years. While he does not claim to be an appraiser, Mr. Valentin noted that residential property in the immediate area and across the street is selling from X33,000 to $56,000 per lot. It is his belief that the property in question has more worth as residential than commercial. The expansion of the Bayport Channel, which converted Old Hwy. 146 to a dead end street named South Broadway, is no longer a thoroughfare. It is not a good climate for a commercial businesses. Over 20 businesses have gone out of business. Vacancies currently exist in three NC zones so it is difficult to understand the need for creating additional NC zones. And finally, Mr. Valentin noted that rezoning such a small area would constitute spot zoning. Mr. Valentin requested the property's zoning remain residential. V. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Chairman Waters closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 PM. Mr. Rankin reminded the applicant that he could continue to run his business as usual without a rezoning, and additionally, if he wanted to sell, the business use (or a like use) would be allowed for the new owner. VI. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL FOR ZONE CHANGE REQUEST #R97-001. A motion was made by Melton Wolters to deny Zone Change Request #R97-001. The motion was seconded by Howard Ebow. All were in favor and the motion passed. (Note: Even though the applicant visited with staff prior to the meeting to request the zone change be to General Commercial rather than Neighborhood Commercial, the original request was for Neighborhood Commercial. This is how it was noticed to the public and appeared on the agenda for consideration by the Commission. VII. PRESENTATION BY DEVELOPER FOR PROPOSED TEXAS IMPORT/EXPORT INDUSTRIAL PARE. Mr. Rankin stated that approximately 3-4 months ago, City staff was contacted by Developers expressing an interest in building a large development of over 250 acres within the city limits. IVfr. Rankin noted that at this early stage, staff neither approves nor disapproves of the development. He introduced the first speaker for the group as Doyle Toups with the Grubb & Ellis Company. Mr. Toups provided the following information: