03-09-2000 Special Called Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of March 16, 2000 Page 4of5 connections, such as Airport Blvd. and Valleyview, would also help facilitate the demand for easier access with quicker response times. Mike Claussen, Director of Operations for the La Porte School District, addressed the Commission. Mr. Claussen stated he lives one block off Farrington and travels Farrington to go home. There is a problem routing school buses in northwest La Porte because of the limited north to south routes. Mr. Claussen favors the extension of Farrington to help alleviate the district's transportation problem. There is a safety concern for buses and parents that must travel the busy roads of Underwood and Spencer in order to transport children to and from school. As a member of the LEPC, quick evacuation of a school might be necessary and this roadway would help in that situation. The district could realize a savings since shorter bus routes cost less money. Director of Public Works Steve Gillett addressed the Commission. Mr. Gillett is sympathetic to the need for north to south roadways. Responding to comments made previously about utilizing Airport Blvd. for a north to south route, Mr. Gillett informed the Commission that Airport Blvd. is located on airport property, therefore can not be considered. He added that airport activities have slowed down considerably since the departure of the flight school that operated from there. In order to attract a new tenant to that location, approximately six acres in the center of the airport, previously leased by the Texas Air National Guard, will soon have a looped road with utilities constructed up to the paved ramp. When asked about the possibility of future airport expansion, Mr. Gillett answered that the surrounding residential development has limited the chances for runway expansion. Mr. Keast noted that at the time the last Comprehensive Plan was prepared, it was anticipated that the Lomax area would develop with a higher density. Since this is not the case, the City may wish to consider establishing a rural residential designation for the area, which would limit density to large residential lots. If a collector roadway is constructed then the city should conduct a review of the future land use plan in order to control and manage growth in that area. Chairperson Waters stated that the steering committee, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission, during previous meetings, discussed and were in favor of designating a large lot rural residential designation for the northwest area of LaPorte. The consultant and staff will work on creating a new zoning district for large rural residential lots for the Commission to consider at a future meeting. The Commission recommended the extension of Farrington Blvd. to North "H" St. be included in the Thoroughfare Plan. Neither the Commission, nor the consultant recommended the extension of Farrington Blvd. from North "H" Street to SH225 be included.