01-27-2000 Regular Meeing and Public Hearing

Browse Search

Zoning Board of Adjustn Minutes of January 27, 2000 Page 6 of 11 770 calls to the Police Department and from 1996-1999 there were 270 calls. Mr. Shepherd gave the report to the Board of Adjustment Secretary. Fred Muston, sworn in, resides at 117 Garfield. Mr. Muston knew a gentleman by the name of Bob Carpenter that lived at the apartments when they were new. Mr. Carpenter showed him an opening in the adjacent woods and beyond that opening was some old furniture and box springs. When the police came to the front of the apartments, those who had narcotics would escape to the woods and remain there until the police were gone. There have been sewerage and drainage problems at this location over the years, as well as plumbing problems and fires. Mr. Muston would like to see the apartments tom down. Pete Guarino, sworn in, resides at 217 E. Garfield. Mr. Guarino doesn't understand why the City would consider granting approval for this project. If apartments are needed, they should be replaced with upgraded ones. Pat Ryan, sworn in, resides at 206 Garfield. Mr. Ryan was not polled by the applicant and isn't aware of anyone else who was. His concern is the crime rate. His vehicle and home were broken into when the apartments were occupied. He hasn't experienced any problems with theft since they have been vacant. Mr. Ryan also described a drug raid he witnessed at the apartments. He thinks the project would be bad for the neighborhood and opposes it. Nancy Doise, sworn in, has resided with her husband at 211 E. Forest for 21 years. Mrs. Doise would rather see a housing complex for senior citizens. Her daughter lived at the apartments for two months when she was 18 years old. At that time, there were air conditioning and roach problems. Someone tried to break into her apartment and that is why she moved. Young children played in the streets. Eighteen wheelers were parked along the street. Police, Fire, and Ambulance calls were numerous. Allen Wright, sworn in, is a superintendent for Brown & Root. He stated that the renovation could not be performed for $800,000. Baxter Stanley, sworn in, resides at 231 Forest. Mr. Stanley was not contacted about the project. He does not want affordable housing to be located down the street from his house. Since the buildings are currently vacant, this would be a good opportunity for them to be tom down. Steve Valerius, sworn in, resides at 140 Hazel and has lived in La Porte for ten years. Mr. Valerius represented himself, as well as the Old Hwy. 146 Committee. It is his opinion that this project is low income, subsidized housing, backed by H.U.D. and is not affordable housing. The corporation's background was researched with the following noted: