HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-2024 Retail Ad Hoc MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
INVESTIGATION OF RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES
AD HOC COMMITTEE
Members Present: Brent McCaulley, Brandon Lunsford, Robbie McLarrin, Marty
Campise, David Janda
Members Attending Remotely: None
Members Absent: None
City Staff Participating: Haley Bowers, Economic Development Manager; Matt Daeumer,
Assistant City Manager; Lee Woodward, City Secretary
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on September
23, 2024, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway,
La Porte, Texas, at 4:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER - Chair McCaulley called the meeting to order at 4:33 a.m.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT (Generally limited to five minutes perperson; in accordance with
state law, the time may be reduced if there is a high number of speakers or other
considerations.)
There were no comments.
3. COMMITTEE CHARGE AND DISCUSSION
The Committee was established to investigate and report back to the City
Council on potential retail opportunities within the city. This committee has
been asked to thoroughly investigate available properties, zoning regulations,
and the needs and interests of the community to ensure any retail development
aligns with the City's goals and residents' desires, with the following objectives:
• Property Availability: Identify and evaluate properties within the city limits
that are suitable for retail development, including both vacant land and
underutilized properties.
• Current Zoning: Review existing zoning regulations to determine their
compatibility with potential retail development and recommend any
necessary changes to support new retail opportunities.
• Public Need: Assess the types of retail services and businesses that are
currently lacking in the City and would fulfill unmet needs.
• Public Interest: Conduct surveys, public meetings, or other forms of
outreach to gather input from residents and stakeholders regarding desired
retail opportunities.
Mayor Helton provided the committee with its charge. He asked the committee to find
out what is for sale and what the committee would like to be in those locations and he
said that Haley Bowers and Matt Daeumer would follow up.
Haley Bowers provided an update on available properties. On the old Wells Fargo
location, she said a request for economic development incentives would be
considered at this evening's LPDC meeting, including a Chipotle, a full -service
restaurant, and one other establishment.
Mrs. Bowers noted the work the City was consistently engaged with The Retail Coach
as a consultant. She also said the Revaks have purchased the former Vicki's Antiques
and are now planning to consider a second -floor indoor family entertainment venue
(Round Table Pizza and a bar are still planned for the first floor).
Chair McCaulley suggesting considering incentivizing businesses who might consider
some of the downtown buildings that are on the dangerous buildings list.
Members suggested reviewing businesses across the community to make proactive
recommendations to the Council on development and provide good planning
decisions, perhaps in concert with the Planning and Zoning Commission, particularly
its Ch. 106 committee.
The Mayor reminded the committee that the charge includes that at least two meetings
must involve active public engagement.