01-14-04 La Porte Redevelopment Authority Meeting minutes

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Business Development News ,_ Page 4 of5 * . The Lakes at Fairmont Greens, a new 400-home community by Arete Real Estate and Development is planned for La Porte. The upscale homes will border the Bay Forest Golf Course. Did you know Seabrook's Intermediate School is proud to boast the District's SCience Magnet Program which has 210 students enrolled as of September 200l? Infrastructure News · Port of Houston expansion - City of Pasadena is reviewing permit applications for phase 1A of the Bayport - Port of Houston expansion. The first phase contains about 1,660 feet of wharf, 48 acres of container yard and about 11.8 acres of gate facilities and buildings. '*- · The second phase of Bayport North Industrial Park, south side of Fairmont Parkway and Underwood Road, will begin soon. This 362-acre development will also have rail access. Phase one new buildings just completed include: Sulzer Chemtech (15,500 sq) and Harcros Chemicals (24,000 sf). · Zoning regulations are expected early next year, paving the way for construction to start for League City's River Market, a 5-mile long development encompassing 900 acres stretching from 1-45 to FM 270 (Egret Bay Blvd.). The venture will include retail space, housing, entertainment venues and nature trails. The master plan calls for an estimated one million square foot of office, one million square foot of retail, 1400 units for residential use and includes a 400+ acre creekside park from Interstate 45 to FM 270. At least 4 developers have contacted the city about the project. ,- · A master plan is being prepared for a 135-acre tract on NASA Parkway in Friendswood. Frontage for the tract includes over 4,000 sf on the parkway and one mile along Clear Creek which is navigable to Galveston Bay. The mixed-use urban center contains an estimated one million sf- suitable for office, retail, residential and/or entertainment. Possibilities include a health club, marina, creekside hotel or restaurant. · Other new projects for Friendswood include a 730-acre community on FM 518, SE of FM 528, that is planned to start within a year, and a 150-acre community that will open up about 20 acres of commercial property along FM 528. · Seabrook has approved funds to acquire 65 acres of wetlands for an ecotourism park to include hiking and jogging trails, birding facilities and an educational center. · Kemah's boardwalk area will see eight to ten new upgraded rides and attractions that will take things to a new level --details at a later date. The city has also approved new parks, visitor's center and upgraded sidewalks. · League City's Economic Development Empowerment Zone, located in the area south of Walker Street to the city limits, bounded on the west by State Highway 3 and on the east by the Union Pacific Railroad, was created to help smaller businesses locate in the area. Qualified businesses considering sites in the zone would be eligible for municipal grants to assist in their costs of extending water and sewer lines, paving public streets, or the cost of municipal fees. The City will grant $1, up to $25,000, for every $2 spent by the business. Businesses must invest a minimum of $250,000 in improvements to be eligible for grants. Grants will be considered for the following types of development: manufacturing facilities, distribution facilities, office warehouses and wholesale sales. f'- 71\ · Approximately 1,100 acres encompass the La Porte TIRZ (tax increment reinvestment zone). One project coming up for the area is upscale housing - 400 homes that will border the Bay Forest Golf Course. The 18-hole course has been ranked in the top 20 municipal courses in Texas. Also, 250 1/28/2004