01-19-12 Regular, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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to the Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements, there are many existing sidewalks where there remain barriers to persons with disabilities due to their poor condition or lack of pedestrian drops at street intersections. Similar to street connectivity provisions, pedestrian connections provide a great many benefits including the promotion of increased exercise and alternate forms of transportation selection. Within subdivision reviews, likely current and future pedestrian destinations (such as parks, schools, the City's trail system, nearby shopping and dining establishments, etc.) should be carefully examined and pedestrian pathways should be required in mid -block or cul -de -sac locations to provide more direct and efficient pedestrian route opportunities. Trails In 2003, the City Council adopted the La Porte Pedestrian - Bicycle Master Plan with the intent of creating a City -wide trail network that connects both the east and west sides of town. Prior to adoption of the comprehensive trail plan, the City had approximately less than two miles of trails, mostly comprised of walking paths located within existing park and recreation areas. The plan's focus was to show how a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways can be implemented, "designing an interconnected system of paths, trails, lanes, and routes that are multipurpose, accessible where possible, convenient and connect to residential neighborhoods, parks, schools, workplaces, shopping and major open spaces as well as tie into the neighboring communities' trail systems. The plans goals were to: • Enhance the quality of life for La Porte citizens by providing the opportunity for non - motorized travel from home to recreation, school, shopping, work or visiting friends; • Create and preserve green belt linkages of parks, open spaces, drainage ways, irrigation canals, bikeways, paths, and natural areas throughout the City; • Use linear parks and greenbelts to create low maintenance additions to the park system; and, • Coordinate with Harris County, H -GAC, the City of Baytown, City of Pasadena and other municipalities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, International Boundary and Waterway Council, and other federal, state, and local governmental entities in efforts to preserve and enhance the waterways, green spaces, and natural areas within the La Porte area. 13 City of LaPorte, Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Implementation Plan. 2003. 14 Ibid. A COMMUNITY VISION FOR LA f't?RTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE