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

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• • Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of Febmary ZA,1997 Page 8 of 9 Mr. Truitt stated there were discussions with Mr. Rankin about not including hazardous materials at this site. Mr. Truitt said his group represented that their operation would not be involved in switching the traffic in Bayport. The term switching is being used to describe moving the cars around in the yard to get them ready to come and go. Trains will be made for the larger carriers to transport, but they will not be operating trains out of the facility. Chairman Waters asked if development of the park would be gradual or if it would be built in its entirety. Mr. Toups replied it was being marketed internationally as a Texas Export/Import Industrial Park. It is expected that the rail use of the property will increase the demand for companies such as Excel, Interpak Terminals, and A & R Transport. . During discussions about the definition of intermodal, Mr. Lagen wanted it to be clear that there is no intent to store containers at this facility. In regards to appearance, Mr. Toups made the statement that this would be a first class facility. There would be landscaping and a berm between SH 146 and the properties. Mr. Toups added they have acquired approximately 45 additional acres and are marketing a 300 acre development. Mr. Rankin asked if there was a similar industrial park in the Houston area. Mr. Toups answered Kempwood Industrial Park in northwest Houston near Bingle and the Hempstead Hwy. and Century Business Plaza near I-45 and Rankin Rd. Mr. Herrera asked what the estimated count will be for vehicular traffic entering and exciting the facility. Mr. Toups stated he did not know what the figure would be, however, he was sure the increase would be dramatic. Mr. Herrera asked if a truck with a boxcar or container used to move product was considered to be intermodal. Mr. Toups said it was and there would definitely be that type of vehicular traffic in and out of this facility. Mr. Herrera asked if the entrance route they were proposing was for traffic entering town from SH 225 to SH 146 to exit Fairmont Parkway and take Powell Rd. into the facility. Mr. Toups said that if it were to happen today that would have to be the route, however, subsequently, another route would be developed. Mr. Herrera was concerned about the increase in railcars crossing Fairmont Pkwy. Mr. Lagen answered that if assumed that the plants in the Bayport Industrial District continue shipping their present volume, then there would not be an increase in rail traffic crossing Fairmont Pkwy. However, if industries north of Fairmont began shipping through them then there would be an increase. He noted that there appears to be more than enough interest in the facility from Bayport without having to go outside for other customers.