07-19-01 Regualr Meeting and Public Hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of July 19, 2001 Page 4 VI. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR FAIRMONT PARK EAST SUBDIVISION, SECTION TEN, TO BE LOCATED IN THE 10,500 BLOCK OF SPENCER HIGHWAY. Director of Planning Doug Kneupper presents the request by Eddie V. Gray for the preliminary plat approval. The tract comprises over fifteen and a half acres and is between the pipeline easement and the Rizzutto Elementary School access drive. In th~. Commission's April 19th meeting there be a rezoning of most of this propefty to Low Density Residential, with about 1.5 acres remaining in General Commercial. After review of the preliminary plat, staff has responded to the developer with some concerns. It is presented that the area is suitable for Low Density Residential Development. Traffic generated by this development should be able to be accommodated, however the one way in and out of this subdivision were an issue, however there were also issues with requiring a second entrance or exit to this neighborhood. The developer has stated that he would have the subdivision annexed into the Fairmont Park East Homeowners Association. That will provide future residents eligibility to be part of the association, and use subdivision park facilities. It was recommended the acceptance of money in lieu of park land dedication for this subdivision. The recently adopted Comprehensive Plan has a chapter specifically discussing Parks & Recreation, as well as a chapter discussing a proposed network of pedestrian and bicycle trails throughout La Porte connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, shopping areas, and other destinations. The submitted preliminary plat designates a 20.foot pedestrian access through the cul-de-sac to provide accessibility outside the neighborhood. However it was stated that from previous experiences the type of corridors that run the entire length of the neighborhood have negative aspects like graffiti, loitering, etc. Pictures were shown of Glen Meadows, which was felt to be a better way of reducing graffiti and increasing the openness. Worries are brought up about invasion of privacy. Concern brought up by Ralph Dorsett regarding the children's ability to get back and forth to the pool since the subdivision would be part of Fairmont Park East. Concern is brought up of the children walking down Spencer, but no other functional way to get to the pool or recreational areas. It was proposed by Mr. Kneupper that the plat be approved with the following conditions: -Off site drainage improvements, if required, be provided to ensure proper drainage of adjacent property. -That the final plat and construction drawings shall provide a plan showing reasonable space around the perimeter of the detention pond for landscaping and walking trails. -That the plat is amended to show a second street access. -That the plat is amended to provide pedestrian access on Eagle Nest Court similar to what is depicted on attached exhibits. -Consideration of pedestrian accessibility to the Fairmont East park along Driftwood. Options to the Commission were: -Approve the preliminary plat as filed. -Conditionally approve the preliminary plat. -Disapprove the preliminary plat.