09-23-2004 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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.+ '' • • Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes of September 23, 2004 Page 2 Mr. Sabo noted that the size and visibility of the proposed hotel was an issue at the previous meeting. The Board had requested and was provided line-0f--sight diagrams relating to traffic on Highway 146 and ,the Best Western Motel in relation to the site of the proposed hotel. Mr. Sabo noted that the proposed hotel, being set back from Highway 146, is at a disadvantage. Mr. Sabo stated there was concerns voiced at the last meeting from other motel/hotel owners in La Porte, that the 60% occupancy rates could not support another motel, however, the applicant's market study indicates the hotel would be a viable option. Mr. Sabo answered questions from the Board. Mr. Legrand commented a financial issue should not be the primary consideration. He questioned how the 45' requirement came to be. Mr. Legrand did not want any action taken and suggested the height matter be returned to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review. Ms. Norwine commented that the ordinance should be changed to allow all businesses the same opportunities. In response to Mr. Legrand's question about why the maximum height requirement is 45', Mr. Sabo stated the height issue was discussed at the previous Planning 8~ Zoning Commission meeting with regard to fire fighting capabilities and line-of-sight. It was mentioned that some in-fill developments could create circumstances requiring exceptions/variances. Assistant Fire Chief John Dunham answered questions from the Board. Mr. Dunham stated the City possesses a 100' aerial tower capable of reaching the 7~' floor of a building. He noted that the key for protecting high-rise buildings is built-in fire protection, conforming to the codes and ordinances. Mr. Dunham confirmed the City's capability for fighting a fire on the 4'h floor of the proposed hotel. B. PROPONENTS Chairperson Grant swore in Bobby Grisham, co-owner of Grisham-Toler Properties in Deer Park. Mr. Grisham feels the highest and best use for the property is a hotel and it needs to be four stories in order to be feasible. Chairperson Grant swore in Ronald Hams, of 7118 Red Coral Dr., Pasadena. Mr. Hams is a commercial lender for South Trust Bank located at SH 146 and Fairmont. Mr. Hams spoke of his experience as a commercial. lender and with his business relationship with the applicant. Mr. Harris responded to questions from Mr. Legrand. Chairperson Grant swore in Rahul Desai, 7618 Betty Jane, Houston. ~Mr. and Mrs. Desai developed the Best Western in La Porte in 1995 and eventually two more properties in Deer Park. He purchased the land for the proposed hotel in 1999. Since 1999, the type of development envisioned for this property is no longer feasible for the amount of land and the adjacent land is not available for sale. C. OPPONENTS There were none. Public input ended at 6:50 P.M. Ms. Norwine stated that at the last meeting she might have given the impression that she was opposed to the development. She clarified that she would like to see the hotel built, but does not feel there is a hardship requiring a variance. She feels this is an ordinance issue that should be addressed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.