03-05-09 Special Called Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

Preserve at Taylor Bayou March 19, 2009 Page 4 of5 Conclusion! Recommendation: Nature Presenre -The applicant is working towards the dedication of (approx. 76-78 acres) nature preserve to the City. While the issues are being worked towards resolution, several questions remain. While the City maintains an interest, a concept of dedicating "Nature Preserve" to the City of La Porte must be considered in light of the City's Parks Master Plan 2002. The concept needs to be presented in more detail, including the layout, clearing of tallow trees and other brush, trail materials used, other structures being built (e.g. decks, benches etc., if any), estimated yearly maintenance costs and possible control of hours of operation to see if the acquisition is in line with the City's projected budget. The City would also require a detailed, formal dedication instrument including all Army Corps mandates to review before considering fInal acceptance of the concept. Based on the above analysis, staff believes that the current submittal requires further refInement and coordination in the areas of overall site planning, utilities and Preserve dedication. Staff will continue to work with the developer to address issues with this development. We solicit the Commission's input while considering the following conditions: 1. Lot numbers 22 and 23 are missing in block 1, phase II, as total lots equal 26 not 28. 2. Front building line/setback shall be 25' not 10' as shown on the plan. 3. Note #2 shows that patio homes do not meet the minimum lot area of 4,500 sq. ft. In addition, it does not meet the minimum yard setbacks of front 20'and min. lot width of 40'. 4. Issues of 20' wide alleys, circulation/maneuvering, maintenance, and franchise utility easements. Staff suggests redesign Sections II & IV to meet the minimum standards as per Code of Ordinances. 5. Provide public access to Nature Preserve via phase II, block 1. 6. An overall density of the multi-family (Section V- apartments) has exceeded 14 dwelling units/acre allowed by the ordinance. General Plan shows 9 buildings with 180 units & 1 clubhouse on 9.074 acres, which equals 20 dwelling units per acre. 7. Delete "lift station" shown on the plan as 40'x50' easement/area is for existing SBC facility. 8. Explain note #4 (flex buildings) shown on the general plan. Indicate use of northern half of Section 1. 9. Verify use of Section VI (commercial tract), Phases, Section III and Section VII is inconsistent. 10. Build minimum 10 parking spaces for the Nature Preserve. 11. Section VIII (Nature Preserve) acreage ranges from 76 to 78. The current General Plan shows 74.793 acres. Section VII should be a part of Nature Preserve or labellandscapelbuffer to be maintained by the developer.