11-18-21Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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6. SCUP REQUEST #21-91000007: Open a public hearing on SCUP Request #21-91000007, a request by Tom Kruger of Able Grid Energy, applicant, on behalf of Odia Fairmont, LLC owner, for approval of a SCUP to allow for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) use in the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district, on a 43.7- acre tract of land located on Spencer Hwy. East of Bay Area Blvd., legally described as 43.7 acres out of Tracts 2A, 3, 4. 4A, & Tract 23D, Bayport U/R Sec. 1, Abstract 625 R. Pearsall Survey, Harris County, Texas. City Planner [an Clowes presented the SCUP request and provided background information regarding the proposed development. Applicant Tom Kruger gave an extensive presentation on the background of Abel Grid and provided details regarding the proposed La Porte proiect. Resident Jesse Villalobos - 11801 N. Ave. B, spoke in opposition to the proposed request. He had concern regarding the overall safety of the proiect and how -potential fires would be dealt with. The Commissioners had a number of guestions and concerns regarding the safety of the 12roposed project. The applicant attempted to answer as best he could but could not provide many details regarding fire safety. La Porte Assistant Fire Chief David Gifford was asked to speak regarding how the City would respond to a possible fire at a facility of this jyRe. He explained that if a fire of this nature were to occur in La Porte, they most likely would let it burn out. He had concerns as to whether the Cily had enough staff on hand to handle a fire of this nature. When asked if he would be comfortable with a facility of this tyge in La Porte, he stated no. 7. ADJOURN PUBLIC HEARING: 8:02 PM. Commissioner Follis moved to recommend denial of SCUP Request #21-91000007 as presented: the motion was adopted, 7-1, Commissioner Tschappat was the dissenting vote. 8. DISCSSUION ITEM: a. Discussion on proposed extension of the High Frequency Truck Route. • West D St. • West M St. • Canada Rd. Staff discussed how they have had a number of reguests to extend the High Frequency, Truck Route (HFTR) for these specific segments of roadway. The Commission stated that they favored the extension of the HFTR on W. D St. and W. M St. but not for Canada Rd. b. Discussion regarding status of the Commission -initiated zone changes. Staff updated the Commission on the current status of the Commission -initiated zone changes. Staff plans to begin public hearings in early 2022. C. Hotel redevelopment. Staff discussed the Possibility -of the existina La Quinta inn site being redevelol2ed for a new hotel and commercial Pad sites. The proposal would require approval of a SCUP. The Commissioners responded to this roposal with positive feedback. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: a. Next Meeting — December 16, 2021 Page 2 of 3 November 18, 2021 - P&Z Commission Meeting Minutes