11-17-2005 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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v Zone Change P & Z (12/15/05) Page 2 of 3 The current land use plan designates the area as intended for commercial use, and the City has been consistent in accommodating General Commercial (GC) uses along the major roads within the City limits. However, the following aspects should be considered for granting a rezoning request: • Ability of infrastructure to support the permitted use. • Impact on the value and practicality of the surrounding land uses. • Conformance of a zoning request with the land use plan. • Character of the surrounding and adjacent areas. • Suitability of the property for the uses which would be permissible, considering density, access and circulation. • The extent to which the proposed use designation would adversely affect the capacity or safety of that portion of the road. • The extent to which the proposed use designation would create excessive air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, or other environmental harm to adjacent properties. • The gain, if any, to the public health, safety, and welfare of the City. Transportation — The tracts in question will have access along Canada Road running north and south between Spencer Highway and Fairmont parkway. The design of Canada Road improvement was completed in 2004. The rights -of -way for the proposed road improvement were acquired and the utilities to serve this general area were designed given special consideration to the pipeline adjustments and power lines relocation. The bidding and construction of the road and utilities started earlier this year. The Canada Road improvement project was completed in November, 2005. Traffic signalization work is under progress at this time, and it is estimated that it will be few weeks to complete this project. Canada Road, an arterial with a 100' ROW, may accommodate the additional traffic generated by future developments. In addition, Fairmont Parkway, a controlled access highway with a 250' R.O.W. may also accommodate additional traffic generated by this development. Utilities — Due to the success of the Canada Road improvement project, infrastructure is in place for the anticipated developments at this intersection. Storm water drainage will be reviewed carefully with the site development plan submittal for proposed development. Economic Development - One of the intentions of the Comprehensive Plan is to encourage new and sustained investment in the City as the basis of a successful redevelopment strategy. This may be achieved by encouraging in - fill development within existing infrastructure service areas. Commercial, retail, and service activities should be clustered throughout the City and be