06-01-2000 Regular Meeing and Public Hearing

Browse Search

• 40 Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of June 1, 2000 Page 4 packet to the Board that contained photographs- and reference documents such as ordinances, memos, letters, etc. (copies are attached to the minutes). Mr. Scott noted that he moved to this location in 1990, after the Lomax area was annexed by La Porte. He stated that, as currently permitted, an unlimited number of - cattle could be placed on the property in question. In the past, there have been up to 45 head of cattle on one acre and this has caused a problem with excess noise, manure, and flies. Mr. Scott introduced- his attorney, Gary Orlando, of Sullins, Johnston; Rohrbach, & Magers. He then read from a brief that was included in the packet he distributed to the Board (included in the minutes). In closing, Mr. Scott played a portion of a tape recording he made of the cattle noise. A. PROPONENTS Chairperson Grant asked all individuals wishing to speak in favor of the continuance of the stated nonconforming uses to stand as he swore in the group simultaneously. Robert Blackwell addressed the Board. His family has been in La Porte since 1890. Mr. Blackwell offered to relinquish use of the welding shop. With regard to the horse stables, he is aware of thirteen other places in the Lomax area that rent horse stables, including Mr. Scott. He added the Blackwells have the only stables that have been properly permitted by the City. Mr. Blackwell stated that there has never been 45 head of cattle on their property at one time, as Mr. Scott indicated. Mr. Blackwell submitted pictures, some showing the drainage problem on Mr. Scotes property. (Copies are attached to the minutes). Jerry Brent, 111 McCarty Lane, has resided in Lomax for 28 years. He doesn't believe the City should have to deal with this matter because he feels it is a personal vendetta. Randa Childers,10614 N. Ave. "L", would like the Blackwell property to remain as it is and added that anyone not wanting to live around animals should consider moving to other areas of town. She spoke -of other locations in the Lomax area that do not appear to .be used strictly as residential, pet nothing is ever done about them. James Brent, leases the home at 10427 N. "L"; the property in question. He noted that the most cattle on the property at one time during the past year has been six. When Mr. Brent was President of FFA in High School; he was grateful to- the people in Lomax who had barns for housing the animals. His education was funded through a rodeo- scholarship and raising animals. He added that his college education would not have been- possible, had these agricultural activities not been allowed. John Hobbs, residing on the southwest corner from Mr. Blackwell, would like the. property to remain as it is.