03-15-2001 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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0 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of March 15, 2001 Page 2 A. DISCUSS SPECIAL CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #SCU01-002, REQUESTED FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 302 NORTH 6T" STREET. 'THE APPLICANT IS SEEKING APPROVAL TO BUILD A CHURCH: RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS WITHIN A LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE ARE A CONDITIONAL USE. Mr. Malik presented an overview of SCU01.002. Ms. Deborah Johnson, on behalf of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, has requested approval to build a church in the 300 block of North 6th Street. Section 106-331 of the Code of Ordinances classifies this type development in a low -density residential zone as a "conditional use" Forty-three (43) notices of public hearing were mailed to property owners surrounding the area in question. The City received one (1) response favoring the request. Staff recommended approval of SCU01-002 with conditions. 1. PROPONENTS Pastor Gene Johnson, of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, believes the new facility will enhance the community. Deborah Johnson, 10118 Shell Rock, La Porte, believes the new church would be a vast improvement to the north side area. Robert Carter, 2206 Mockingbird, La Porte, a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist church for the past 15-16 years, thinks the church will improve the neighborhood. Jones L. Woods, 10615 Beechnut, Houston, thinks the church would benefit the community. Mr. Woods travels from Houston to attend church services, and. may consider moving to La Porte, due in part, to the new church. Farrell Martin, 4636 Loma Bonita, El Paso, graduate of La Porte High School in 1985, currently in the military, believes a larger facility is needed to accommodate the growing membership of the church. Gail Johnson, wife of Pastor Johnson, has traveled from Houston to La Porte.for approximately three years. The congregation has outgrown the current facility. 2. OPPONENTS No opposition was presented.