04-18-2002 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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.... I A . . Virginia Pierson-Turner 231 Bayside Drive La Porte, Tx. 77571 (281) 471-8588 May 16, 2002 RECEIVED City of La Porte Planning and Zoning Delivered in Person MAY 1 6 2002 RE: Current Projects in La Porte PLANNING DEPT. Dear Members of P&Z: As a long-term resident of La Porte, I would like to offer you my opinion on a few of the issues facing you currently. My experience has been that City officials want and listen to citizen input. First is the gas station "truck stop" at Barbour's Cut and North 1 st. The Barbour's Cut Terminal has had a significant impact on the "Northside" community. I think that the purchaser of this property should or could have known the zoning when it was purchased. If this project is allowed to proceed with a variance, the "buffer" has been breached, regardless of the hours of operations. Once one such facility has been allowed, then others are sure to follow. Welcome to Navigation Street in Houston. I believe we all have a responsibility to our neighbors. I would not want this facility near my home and don't think that the City should allow this one here. We have the responsibility to "draw the line" and keep the buffer in place to protect the neighborhood. I would oppose the special conditional use permit. Second is Jack's Grocery. Unlike Mr. Narsi, the owners and employees of Jack's have been members of the community for years. They have purchased La Porte Rotary Reverse Draw tickets, have donated to the Bayside Terrace Civic Association and have supported the Bayshore Elementary PTo. They run a clean store. Unlike others in our area, there is no drug paraphernalia for sale on the counters, no knives or porn magazines on display. Over the past several years when the TABC has, done stings for the sales of alcohol to minors, they have been consistently absent from the list of offenders in the Bayshore Sun. They make an effort to carry the inventory we need, even a fairly complete line of spices. This is helpful when mothers find out at 8:30 p.m. that they are making a dessert for school the next day. When Kroger's moved further from our area, they even began carrying limited produce to save us the long trips for one item. Their plans for the new store would make it the nicest addition to this end of Broadway in 20 years, or more. I hope that the City will support them in any way necessary to bring this positive project to fruition. Third is the Rush Oaks Apartments. I understand that there are many zoning requirements for multi-family properties, but again I would like to show my support for a good neighbor. Unlike the Wmdsail-Bay (I think that's the name - the ones on stilts) Rush Oaks has been a pleasant neighbor. (An aside - I thank the City so much for their help in forcing the cleanup of the eyesore and health hazard of Wmdsail Bay). The project is, by comparison, very well ~tained. It is nicely landscaped and I see the manager every morning sweeping and picking up trash that has been tossed on their property (some of my residential neighbors don't do that good of job - me included). I have never experienced loud noise, reckless driving, or concern about the tenants. Its reputation is that of a quiet and safe complex that offers affordable housing to retirees, teachers and singles, including single parents. I hope that the City can help them rebuild within safe, but not onerous guidelines. Thanks for allowing me my voice and I wish you success in making the best decisions for the citizens of La Porte. Sincerely, ~f~.c/~ Cc: Charlie Young, Councilman District 5