08-18-11 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of August 18, 2011 Page 2 of 3 A. Staff Presentation Tim Tietjens, Planning Director gave staff report. Tim Tietjens, Planning Director, reported on the City's application for grant funding for new construction of eight (8) affordable single - family homes in the City's Northside Neighborhood. Mr. Tietjens described the process and spoke about the program's success to date. B. Proponents Charlie Perry, 127 N. 4 spoke in favor of the project. Mr. Perry noticed that during the previous project there was difficulty in placing prospective buyers in the homes so the homes stood vacant for long periods. He spoke about the difficulty in qualifying eligible buyers and suggested special consideration be given in instances where a prospective buyer is disqualified because of being just under or just over the threshold. Mr. Perry asked City Staff to work with Harris County on possible ways to alleviate this problem. C. Opponents There were none. D. Proponents Rebuttal There were none. 7. Close Public Hearing Chairman Hal Lawler closed the Public Hearing at 6:28pm. 8. Discuss proposed policy regarding street construction standards for truck terminals off authorized truck routes. Masood Malik, City Planner gave staff's report. The Commission previously held a workshop to review the City's official truck route map and discuss possible additions of new truck routes along South 16 Street north and south of Fairmont Parkway. Staff was directed to prepare cost estimates and furnish a cost benefit analysis for the reconstruction of those streets either asphalt or concrete. Staff calculated the projected value of developed and undeveloped properties along these rights -of -way and found that the benefits are less than the annual payment towards the costs. The Commission asked staff to draft a policy for owners /developers to build and use public street rights -of -way for truck terminals within appropriately zoned property that does not have direct frontage on a designated truck route. As per draft policy, owner /developer of the truck terminal facility shall make necessary improvements to the road surface and street will be maintained by the City if the construction standards are in accordance with the City's Public Improvement Criteria Manual (PICM). The Commission debated about truck terminal locations and operations and asked staff to put the draft policy on hold until a proper definition of truck terminal is determined. 9. Administrative Reports a. Consultants will deliver Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan update late Aug and will be up for review at the September 15, 2011, Planning and Zoning meeting. b. Staff is currently working with prospective consultants on the Northside Neighborhood Plan Update. Notice to proceed will be issued soon. c. The Texas APA conference is in Austin October 5 -7, 2011, Commission members interested in attending, should send request to Shannon Green before September 2, 2011. 10. Commission Comments on matters appearing on agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policy Lou Ann Martin inquired about the status of Lakes of Fairmont Greens.