03-05-07 Special Called Joint Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors and the La Porte City Council Minutes

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AREA OVERVIEW 11-19 The existing cruise ship terminal at Barbours Cut accommodated approximately 90,000 passengers in 2006. When the first Bayport Cruise Terminal opens in 2008, it is estimated to generate 286,000 passengers, increasing to 550,000 in 2009. The second terminal will increase the capacity to 1.125 million passengers and the third terminal will enable the Bayport facilities to accommodate up to 1.7 million passengers. The Bayport Cruise Terminal is also considering the development of an adjacent 40-acre tract into an entertainment venue. Sylvan Beach is a 22-acre Harris County park located on Galveston Bay in La Porte. The history of Sylvan Beach dates back to 1892 when it was set aside as a city park. Over the years, it has been a popular entertainment venue with big band entertainers, dances and beauty contests. In 1956, the Pavilion was built next to the bay with a 9,800-square foot ballroom that includes a large dance floor and big band stage. In recent years, it has become a popular local area park for community activities, family entertainment and Pavilion events. Sylvan Beach is an important leisure destination in east Harris County. However, the Pavilion is in need of repair, the beach has eroded and the park needs to be redeveloped. Comrnissioner Sylvia Garcia is developing a master plan for the County Park area which could include extensive landscaping, seawall promenade, reestablished beach, playground and skate park. As one of the 26 Stars associated with Project Stars, Sylvan Beach is expected to bring economic development to Harris County Precinct 2, as indicated by the Economic Impact Study mentioned above. The City of La Porte leases a five-acre tract within the Sylvan Beach Park, which includes the Pavilion. The City currently rnanages the operation of the Pavilion. Although other bayfront sites have been considered, this tract of land is the preferred site for the proposed Sylvan Beach hotel due to its connection to Project Stars, the redevelopment of Sylvan Beach and the La Porte Main Street projects. A La Porte area neighborhood map showing the location of the subject property is provided on the following page.