04-19-2001 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Fairmont Park East, Sec. 10 Preliminary Plat July 19, 2001 Page 2 of 3 Park and Fairmont Park East, religious (Fairmont Park Baptist. Church); educational (Rizzuto Elementary School), and commercial. However, the current land use and development pattern conforms to the proposed use of low -density residential subdivision. Transportation — The tract in question is just across the La Porte Municipal Airport along south side of Spencer Highway. The main access to proposed subdivision is along Spencer Highway. Spencer Highway, a primary arterial with 100-ft. right-of-way should easily accommodate the traffic generated by this development. The subdivision layout creates the possibility of having just one main street and intersection at Spencer Highway. This may cause access and response problems for emergency services. The proposed divided entrance at Spencer Highway, as shown on the preliminary plat, is of no benefit and will not help to solve the problem of only one way in and out of the subdivision for emergency services. Other recently approved subdivisions (Spencer Landing 3 and 4, Fairmont Park East 6, 7, and 8) provide at least two access points into the subdivision. Parks and Recreation — The proposed subdivision is not in proximity to any neighborhood parks. The nearest park facility is the City's Fairmont Park along Farrington Boulevard, which can be made accessible with the installation of sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities. In addition, the developer has stated this subdivision will be made a part of the existing Fairmont Park East Homeowners Association. This will provide eligibility for future residents of this subdivision to use the existing park facilities owned by the association located on Driftwood. For these reasons it is recommended that money be accepted in lieu of parkland dedication. The Parks and Recreation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan has a stated goal to develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways throughout La Porte. This network should connect residential areas to parks, schools, shopping areas and other destinations. The submitted preliminary plat designates a 20' pedestrian access through the cul-de-sac at Eagle Nest Court primarily to provide pedestrian and bicycle accessibility outside this subdivision. It has been the City's experience that these type pedestrian corridors have some negative aspects such as graffiti being placed on the fences and loitering of youth. Staff has suggested the developer employ a slightly different pedestrianaccess scenario. The attached exhibits depict a pedestrian access technique that is very open and functional. A second avenue for pedestrian access could be to the east along the top bank area of the storm water detention facility. Although there are no existing pedestrian facilities to connect to, future plans may include a trail system along the pipeline easement that is adjacent to this subdivision.