05-15-08 Regular Meeting,Public Hearing and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of May 15, 2008 Page 5 of 8 Curtis Hebert, 719 2nd Street for 4% years · Moved to La Porte from Beaumont where he experienced this same thing. Property along the river was rezoned and then it went downhill. Pastor of St. Mary's Church, resident since July, moved by the Diocese from New Caney · Meditates and prays at night during long walks along the beach. · Restoration of the beach is a good idea. · Sylvan Beach is the highlight of La Porte; activities that cater to community and family would be wonderful. · Area should be enhanced, but not for its monetary value. A.J. France, 202 S. 2nd Street · Asked for a show of hands from audience members in opposition and asked the Planning & Zoning Commission to report that to City Council. A majority of the audience was in opposition. Danielle McBride, Lomax · Daughter-in-law of the McBrides. · Asked what beautification of the park has to do with rezoning of the area. · Asked why not remove the circle areas and the area around Deer Creek from consideration, if there is concern by the homeowners in those areas. · Asked for an answer on the question of eminent domain. · Opposed due to a lack of information. Debbie Hoot, 927 Seabreeze · Inquired about when the 40-year lease with the County expires and how that would be affected if the CR zoning is not in place prior to the lease expiring. Commission Member Hal Lawler informed the audience that the Commercial Recreation Zoning District is more than a hotel project or the future of the pavilion. Measures need to be in place that will protect the area. Assistant City Manager, John Joerns, commented on the process of receiving public input on this issue. He spoke of his presentation in February regarding the City's plans for the bay area as documented over the years in various plans and reports. Mr. Joerns also addressed citizen concerns about eminent domain. Under current Texas Law, eminent domain means taking for public highways, parks, and other public use, and not for economic development. Mr. Joerns noted that further education may be necessary on what it means to place a zoning label on County property. The County controls what happens on County owned property. He suggested integrating the County's Master Plan into discussions. Bobby Schlenk · Offered to donate his service at no charge to sandblast and paint the exterior of the pavilion and was certain there would be others willing to volunteer. Phillip Hoot · Suggested the "CIRCLES" be removed from consideration. An individual questioned the notification of residents for public hearings. Mr. Joerns responded there is a mail-out for public hearings in which notification is sent to all property owners located within 200' of the subject property. Jamie Ibarra, 722 S. Homes · Moved to the area because it is a quiet area, not like Galveston or Kemah. Concerned citizens will end up having to pay to utilize the bayfront. · Confused about concept.