02-19-09 Regular Meeting,Public Hearing,and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of February 19, 2009 Page 3 of 6 The Main Street Design Assistance Review Team (DART) is to be compiled of a group of professionals from specific fields appointed by Council. The Main Street architectural design standards map defines the boundaries of areas of the Main Street design certificate and enhancement grant area. It also defines where the commercial area requirements of Sec. 106-443 of the Code of Ordinance and height restrictions apply. B. Proponents Mark Allen of 210 & 212 W Main St. asked the Commission for more time to review the design guidelines. Mr. Allen also showed concern about the rumor of rerouting Main Street. Chairman Hal Lawler assured Mr. Allen the city wants to bring more business to Main Street by making Main Street the "Main" street in La Porte. Bill Manning Jr. of 1425 26th Street, spoke in favor of the Design Guidelines. Mr. Manning would like to see Main Street revitalized through a collaborative effort to expand ideas for Main Street. Mr. Manning felt the project was long overdue and loved the idea of the city providing funds for improvements. Maggie Anderson of 909 Garden Walk, stated in a previous discussion from the Advisory Board of burglar bars being strictly on the interior of businesses. Ed Matuszack of 10443 Catlett, spoke in favor of the amendment. Mr. Matuszack voiced his hope that Main Street business owners would take the opportunity to add more value to their property at half the price. C. Opponents Ted Powell of 1700 Roscoe, is opposed to the Main Street Design Guidelines. Mr. Powell did not feel the City Manager had Main Street in the best interest. Mr. Powell is also a member of the National Preservation Society. He offered to assist citizens to apply for grants. John O'Sullivan of 302 San Jacinto spoke against the Main Street Design Guidelines, due to lack of time to review it. Ronald A. Sharp of 302 S Virginia, showed concern of the Main Street District boundary line. Mr. Sharp recommended the board members chosen for DAR.T. be residents or business owners of the Main Street District. Vickie Campise of 228 W. Main Street, voiced concern of action taken at this point. Ms. Campise asked that the city work through the lack of parking on Main Street. She asked for signs in the community to announce the district. There is a need for a pedestrian cross walk on the corner of 2nd Street and Main Street. Ms. Campise asked the city to help the Main Street District with the infrastructure first. Ms. Campise was concerned about the vacancy of 908 Main. Phillip Hoot of 927 Sea breeze, voiced concern about the lack of time available to review the proposal. Mr. Hoot expressed his distrust of the city officials. Brent Heckendorn of 518 Main Street spoke in favor of the grant funding. Mr. Heckendorn expressed his interest in having a business owner or resident of Main Street District on DAR.T. Mr. Heckendorn is opposed to the guidelines for how he spends his money. Bob Schlenk of 620 South 4th Street and 223 W. Main, spoke in favor of the grant monies for anyone who wants to make improvements on their buildings. Mr. Schlenk is upset due to the one hundred thousand dollars he spent on improvements to his