06-01-2000 Regular Meeing and Public Hearing

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0 0. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of June 1, 2000 Page 5 Gwen McGee, 10906 N. "L", thinks the matter is a personal vendetta. Ms. McGee described harassment the Blackwells experienced from the Scotts. In regard to Mr. Scotes complaint about the manure pile, she noted that when the pile got too high, the Blackwells would bag it up and offer it to neighbors for their gardens. She added that many FFA and 4-H Members would be unable to raise animals if it weren't for the Blackwells and others like them providing a place in a country environment. Ray Pittman resides at 3806 E. Court, Deer Park. Mr. Pittman rented stalls -from Mr. Scott for one year in 1995. He noted that in 1995 and 1996, there were as many as 11 horses on Mr. Scotes property. During that time there were also three stalls of rabbits that smelled really bad. Mr. Pittman currently rents stalls from Mr. Blackwell. Mike Mostei% 11117 Sunset -Ridge, is a second generation resident of La Porte. He stated that the majority of people in the Lomax area are in favor of keepingthings the way they are. He does not want City ordinances to violate the lifestyles of those who live there. Walter Weaver,10430 N.. "L", resides across the road from Mr. Blackwell and enjoys living there. He agrees with Mr. Scott that the number of cattle on the Blackwell property has dropped over the past three years. Mr. Weaver knows of at least ten places in the area that rent stables. He would like for things to remain as they are now. Paul Riley, 503 S. Ohio, was a former landowner of 10905 "H" Street. Mr. Riley sold. the property, but when first purchased, his intent was to build a house and have a place for his daughter to keep a horse. He appreciates the fact that there are places where youth can raise animals. Victor Rocha, 10410 N. "L", has lived there since 1983 and enjoys the area the way it is. - He lives just south of the. Blackwells and has no complaints. Kevin Blackwell, Rt. 7 Box 722, Jacksonville, Texas, stated that he bought the property in question in 1980. During the period 1980 through 1990, there were never any violations or complaints filed against him. When Mr. Blackwell was growing up he worked for Roy Lee, who eventually sold the place to him. Problems began when Mr. Scott moved next door in 1990. Mr. Blackwell obtained a Nonconforming Use Zoning Permit in 1990 for cattle production, a welding shop, and horse stables. In regard to Mr. Scott's comment about excessive flies, Mr. Blackwell noted that where there are animals there are flies. He noted that, even though a permit was not required, he did acquire one to construct �a fence. Due to complaints about the way the fence looked, he offered to take it down and construct a wooden one, if Mr. Scott would leave him alone. Mr. Blackwell showed the Board photographs of his property and Mr.. Scotts -property. (Copies are attached to the minutes). Motion by Bob Capen to grant Robert and Kevin Blackwell an Exemption from Extended Useful Life Requirements for continuation of cattle production activities at 10427 N. "L" Street. Motion seconded by Rod Rothermel. All were in favor and the motion carried.