03-21-13 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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Staff Report March 21, 2013 Special Conditional Use Permit #13-91000002 St. Mark United Methodist Church Request: Special Conditional Use Permit Request 413-91000002 Requested By: Ms. Deborah Giles c/o St. Mark United Methodist Church Requested For: Development of Church at 120 North 7t' Street, further described as Lots 1-9 and 34, Block 54, Town of LaPorte, Harris County, Texas. Present Zoning: Main Street District (MSD) Requested Use: Applicant is seeking a Special Conditional Use Permit (SCUP) for the purpose of allowing construction of a Church. Section 106-331 of the Code of Ordinance classifies this type of development as a Conditional Use. Background: The subject property is within the Northside Neighborhood, a vibrant community that is part of La Porte's original homestead making it both rich in history and, due to its location just north of the City's Main Street Corridor, a keystone residential presence just footsteps away. The historical significance of the Northside Neighborhood is also prominent and lends to the area's strong sense of heritage. The first school dedicated to African -American students is located at the corner of Tyler and North 5t' Street. Northside Neighborhood is home to seven vibrant churches sprinkled throughout the area. Ms. Deborah Giles, a representative on behalf of the St. Mark United Methodist Church, is working towards building a new church facility at 120 North 7t' Street. Currently, they are conducting services at the New Hope Baptist Church at 222 North 4t' Street. St. Mark United Methodist Church owns several lots in the 100 block of North 6t' and 7t' Streets for quite some time. Due to increase in the attendance/membership, a new building for the church is being considered at this time. A church facility within the Main Street District is described as a Conditional Use.