2007-04-14 Minutes of the City Council Retreat Meeting of La Porte City Council

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L@FG, Sec.9 SCU07-004 April 19, 2007 Page 4 of 6 • Drainage — The proposed development lies within the Taylor Bayou Watershed The channel improvements will directly receive stormwater runoff from this development. The City of La Porte has a master drainage plan for the Taylor Bayou Watershed in conjunction with the development to the west of State Highway 146. The 110' wide HCFCD drainage easement will be abandoned by Harris County and that reserve will be dedicated to public domain. The City is responsible agent for its maintenance through the declaration of protective covenants and agreements for the Lakes at Fairmont Greens Subdivision. Protective covenants and restrictions should clearly delineate the responsibility and the maintenance of this reserve. Parks and Open Space — The plan shows a few pocket parks and open spaces in and around the proposed development. Reserve A is restricted for open space, park, and recreation activities and shall be developed and maintained by the HOA. If approved, the City's Parkland dedications and fee will not apply and the development proposal should include in its protective covenants and restrictions that these areas are private and maintenance would be the responsibility of the Homeowner Association. Maintenance Issues — Staff analyzed the nature of this new development, evaluated pros and cons associated with this kind of development, and impact to the community. Overall density may not be an issue, but there is a concern about maintenance of public services. Visitor parking is unknown and increase in traffic or number of parked cars along the public rights -of -way may contribute to the difficulty of monitoring the safety of the development. These issues must be addressed in the developer's agreement. • Miscellaneous Issues — In this location and surrounding area, the Commission and the TIRZ have promoted development of a character and type that exceeds the typical development seen in the community. The particular location is at a primary gateway to La Porte. Building design standards need to be submitted to the City for review. • Sidewalks - Section 5.02 of the Development Ordinance empowers the Commission to require pedestrian sidewalks when it feels their inclusion will serve the public interest. Staff would recommend the inclusion of sidewalks within the subdivision. Responsibility for construction of the sidewalks should be specified by covenant and stated on the face of the plat. • Pedestrian/bicycle trails — As per approved General Plan and SCUP for the Lakes at Fairmont Greens, the developer has incorporated 8' wide