08-02-11 Planning and Zoning - Laserfiche WebLink

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it was framed imthe terms ofalack of availability and diversity of commercial retail, restaurants, and other non -industry business opportunities vvhhio City limits. Concerns were expressed over the lack ofchoice (e.g,only one grocery stpre),about the amount of tax money being generated just outside of City limits (and conversely, not being generated to support the City of La Portc's tax base), and the apparent disinvestment of certain types of businesses (e.g, the recent closings of the automobile dealerships, among others). Finally, there was a general concern that there was not much that could be done to resolve these problems; that it was an unsolvable dilemma that has been and will continue toplague the community due tobeing |and'|ooked,not enough rooftops togenerate commercial investment, and too much industry was deterring other forms ofland use investment. m Need for aNew Collective Vision. When the original comprehensive plan was adopted in 2001, theme was a defined consensus about what La Porte should be|*the future. The vision talked about baPorte becoming a "first-class community" byfocusing mnfamily and youth, committing to sustainobi|itV\ celebrating its history, balancing land uses, among other things. In the past 10yemn, there are many positive examples around the City where the vision has been implemented, such as the recent upgrades to the City's cultural and recreational resources. However, during the public participation efforts of this update process, the members of the community made it abundantly clear that there is a need toonce again seek unity astotheir vision for the future mfLaPorte, Presently, there are diverging opinions onseveral fronts. DVway ofafew examples, many expressed great need for increased access and availability tocommercial retail and other businesses within City limits, others felt those needs were sufficiently provided just outside City limits. Many expressed approval of the Clty's recent investment in the Main Street, while others felt that the City was not doing enough tobring back Main Street. The value and purpose of this plan is to reengage the citizenry and then refname a vision that will guide La Pmrte's future directions. m Need for More Resiliency Planning. In IOOD the Texas Gulf Coast was struck by Hurricanes Guutav, Dolly, and Ike, as well as Tropical Storm Eduardo, all of which occurred in a span of less than 60 days. Just three years prior, the Texas Gulf Coast was also struck by Hurricane Rita Each of those hurricanes caused damage to homes, personal property, businesses, and the environment. Out of those hurricanes, Ike caused the greatest impacts to La Porte (see inset next page), and in many ways