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

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• • Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of February ZA,1997 Page 7 of 9 material response plan in place. He would anticipate the same type of program here. There will also be mechanical personnel on staff to repair the cars. Howard Ebow asked if the projected 1,800 jobs were permanent. Mr. Truitt said that number related to the total project. The rail component of the development would account for approximately 200 permanent jobs after construction. Chuck Engelken asked about the salary range of the 200 jobs. Mr. Lagen answered that they offer a very competitive wage. In addition, they offer a very positive benefit package. Melton Wolters asked about storm drainage. Mr. Truitt stated there would be stormwater detention that would be monitored and treated on site if necessary. Mr. Wolters noted that ship channel industries may currently be staging their cars on the north side of Fairmont Parkway, but when they learn there is a facility on the south side of Fairmont Parkway, they may want to stage them there. Mr. Truitt explained that current plans and prospective clients for the facility are all clients that exist in Bayport today. They will not be taking storage from facilities that are located in other spots. Mr. Lagen said that interest from the Bayport Industrial District has more than committed for available space at this facility. The attractiveness of the facility for plants is that they can order a car today and receive it tomorrow. Pensley is a shortline rail company unlike the large carriers. Chairman Waters asked where Pensley's existing facilities are located. Mr. Lagen said there was one in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which is where his headquarters are located; three railroads in Florida, one in South Carolina, and one in Massachusetts. The company has been in existence since 1938. They also have three distribution centers; one in Massachusetts, one in Florida, and one in Arkansas. Howard Ebow was concerned with increased rail traffic crossing Fairmont Pkwy. if ship channel industries on the north side of Fairmont utilize the facility. Mr. Lagen's response was drat his company was looking at an additional 2 to 3 locations in the greater Houston area to meet the present demand. In regards to possible rail crossing improvements on Fairmont Pkwy., Mr. Lagen said his company would be more than willing to work with the City to try and obtain funding from Intermodal Service Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Mr. Rankin told the Commission that what was said by the group tonight is not what was represented to him over the past 3 to 4 months. For example, he was told there would not be any switching, only storage; there would be no hazardous chemicals, only plastics; this would be an import/export park, not a rail storage switching facility.