2004-09-27 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting

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Redevelooment StrateflV . . ............................................................................................. Chapter 12 including various actions aimed at improving future land use, thoroughfares, utilities, community facilities, i'~sidential development and community aesthetics. By following through .on these plan proposals and targeti~3" local reso~c~s ~~o~g~ ~ .c!tywi~e _Capital.In:tpt:ove!il~nt Jrogr~I1'!,j~_\y~~ f~ollght.th.a,UlJ~ ~ntir~ :_ _. .._. _ City would th..-ive as traditional development patte;rns took hold in La Porte amid the strong regional growth ~ situation. A later ..:~date to the City's Comprehensive Plan in 1994 focused on a few key elements and did : not address redevelopm..:,t issues. : . . . City of La Porte Bavfront Master ;'l.an (1993) The City in 1993 retained a consu>nt team to develop a Marina Waterfront District Master Plan. . This study was intended to stimulate new. eco.:"'mic development, diversify .the City's economic base . through stimulation .of tourism; and el1courage impro\,,:-,ent in the physical environment by taking better advantage of La Porte's waterfront assets. The report pointeJ ,:,ut that while La Porte's bayfront was once the site of grand celebrations and intense summer holiday activity, ~"'e area had experienced considerable decline as a regional recreation. destination.' The consultant rec()n:I&'.~ndations ranged from "safe, . immediately-achievable" physical improvements to. more .ambitious project prop~:=llls that would .vastly transform La Porte. The City continues to desire the types of major waterfront devell:} nts depicted in tJ'tis plan, including a hotel and confer~nce center and a marina on Galvest9n 'Bay. Historic Downtown Area A Central Business District (CBO) is traditionally the 'cC?mmercial center of a city. This is characterized in most cities as an area of higher land values; a concentration of retail busines3~~. "='ices,- governmental functions, fmancial institutions, a~d service businesses; and, cultural. and entertainment activities. A vital component to the CBO is its retail patrons. However, patrons and visitors will not come to the CBn without adequate parking, pedestrian amenities, a variety and balance of retail and service stores, pleasant aesthetics, sufficient street lighting to create a secure and s~fe environment, and ease of access... The photograph shown in Figure. 12.1 - Historic Downtown La P~rte. illustrates the existing conditions 'in downtown. . . As in many cities, La Porte's historic downtown area along Main Street is no longer the City's primary commercial center. However, it is an area that clearly is still valued by La Porte residents; as indicated dwing the current comprehensive planning process. Improvements can be made to the physical appearance and functionality of the downtown area that. will hav~ a. significant impact. Currently, there may be a perception of architectUral discontinuity, a lack ofjdentity, and aging or deteriorating buildings and infrastructure that define the image of the old downtown. .Nonetheless, existing building and vacant parcels may pres~nt opportunities for fulfilling special needs or uses in the downtown area such as parks and open space, parking and other tocally identified retail; entertainment and service needs. The City's : 1984 Comprehensive Plan pointed out the need for more retail development in La Porte, and this need ~ continues. In the City's current marketing brochure, "La Porte, Texas: Ready for Business," La Porte's .: . City Manager notes the City's desire to attract new retail husinesse$, including supermarkets, shopping . : centers and new full serVice franchise restaurants. Some of these uses could be attracted to dO\\o11town or the vicinity to bols.ter this area. Page J 2-1 J La Porte 2020 Comprelzensive Pla.n Update............~......................... ... ...............................