Workshop back up only - 3/20/08 Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

Staff Report Workshop March 20, 2008 Establishing Commercial Recreational (CR) Zonin~ District Backe:round: The City of La Porte Comprehensive Plan 2020 and Bayfront Master Plan 1993 identify issues, needs, assets, and challenges related to redevelopment efforts. Plans encourage to pursue potential waterfront development projects, e.g. Sylvan Beach improvement, high- rise condos, restaurants, hotel and conference center, marina, outdoor theater center, and other tourism attractions. In addition, water-related recreational activities such as Sylvan Beach boardwalk and fishing piers have been recommended for implementation. Intent is to stimulate new economic development, diversify the City's economic base through tourism attraction, and encourage improvement in the physical environment by taking advantage of La Porte's water front assets. In pursuant of redevelopment efforts, proposal is intended to gauge the interest in a full- service hotel and conference center at Sylvan Beach within the footprint of the City's current lease. Recently, Harris County Commissioner's Court has approved the RFQ (Request for Qualification) for a development opportunity. The primary aims of this project are to stimulate economic development within the City of La Porte and to create a more desirable commercial recreational environment through the enhancement of Sylvan Beach Park and its water front. The Commercial Recreational (CR) district is intended for indoor and outdoor sports and recreational areas in which participants may be actively involved or which may also provide entertainment to spectators. Commercial recreation facilities are not limited to sports and other amusement activities but for retail and commercial service facilities to serve the needs of visitors and residents as well. The district is not intended for general application in the City but will be limited to this area where tourist facilities are desired. To move forward, the City will need to evaluate and complete provisions for what is going to be called the Commercial Recreational (CR) district. Existine: Provision: Currently, Section 106-441, Table A, shows a list of uses either conditional or not permitted in the Commercial Recreational (CR) zoning district. However, no area has been designated as Commercial Recreational (CR) zoning district on the City's Official Zoning Map. Permitted Uses: The following areas are only intended to be a starting place for dialogue regarding uses and regulations for establishing a commercial recreational zoning district: