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Home My WebLink About02-20-2003 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning CommissionMinutes of the Meeting 0 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MNUTES OF FEBRUARY 20, 2003 Members Present: Betty Waters, Dottie Kaminski, Hal Lawler, Ralph Dorsett, Doretta Finch Members Absent: Ross Morris, Pamela Baldwin City Staff Present: Director of Planning Doug Kneupper, City Planner Gwen Goodwin, Planning Coordinator Masood Malik, City Prosecutor Clark Askins, Planning Secretary Peggy Lee I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Waters called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. II. APPROVE MINUTES OF JANUARY 30, 2003, WORKSHOP MEETING. Motion by Ralph Dorsett to approve the minutes of January 30, 2003. Second by Doretta Finch. The motion carried with all in favor. III. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO REPLACE THE "OFFICIAL" ZONING DISTRICT MAP. City Planner, Gwen Goodwin, presented staffs report on replacing the City's "official" zoning district map. While the "original" zoning map must remain unchanged, there are two "official" zoning maps, which may be amended/updated from time to time. The current "official" map(s) are cluttered with notes and amendments. Section 106-306 of the Zoning Ordinance provides for adoption of a replacement map. Adopting a replacement map will allow the City to utilize computer technology to show current zoning districts with all approved amendments to date. The new map(s) will: 1) correct text omissions and needed signatures; 2) establish validity to the documenting/mapping of zoning amendments; 3) provide clarity avoiding misinterpretations; and 4) re-establish a baseline for the Commission to ensure that the Zoning Ordinance and district map coincide with the goals/objectives found in the Comprehensive Plan. Motion by Ralph Dorsett to forward Staff's Report to City Council with a recommendation that Council consider approving a resolution to replace the Official Zoning District Map. Second by Doretta Finch. The motion carried with all in favor. IV. DISCUSS POTENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN'S LAND USE MAP. The following changes to the Land Use Map were discussed and agreed upon: 1) change from commercial to low density residential at Lomax School Rd. and "L" Street; 2) change from low density residential to commercial at S. Broadway between "P" &t "Q" Streets; and 3) change from commercial to low density residential, the areas along the west side of Sens Rd. from "H" St. to "P" St. • Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of Meeting February 20, 2003 Page 2 Review of land use in the S. Broadway area continued. Discussion focused on the perceived problem of residential driveway access on a thoroughfare (S. Broadway). Staff, as requested by the Commission, will confer with the City Attorney and Acting City Manager to determine how these regulations (driveway access on thoroughfares; reference Development Ordinance, Section 5.03, pg. 43) are being applied. The Commission made plans to conduct a public hearing on March 20, 2003, to receive citizen input on the proposed changes to the Land Use Map. V. DISCUSS PROCESS FOR AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING DISTRICT MAP. Ms. Goodwin asked the Commission to share their ideas on how they wished to take up review of the Zoning Ordinance and Map. The Commission decided to form a subcommittee, composed of two or three Commissioners and Staff. The subcommittee will perform the initial review and forward their findings and recommendations to the Commission for consideration. VI. STAFF REPORTS The Commission received a copy of the City's Monthly Highlights Report. VII. ADJOURN Chairperson Waters adjourned the meeting at 7:45 P.M. Submitted by, Peggy Planning Secretary Approved on this 2L6 day of , 2003. B Wa Planning and Zoning Commission Chairperson A Meeting of the La Porte Planning oniM Co nunisgion RECEIVED Crype of Meeting) Scheduled for MAR 1 4 20G3 March 20, 2003 (Date ofMeetine PLANNING o EPT. to Consider Rezone Request #R 03-001 (Type of Request) I have received notice of the above referenced public hearing. I am in FAVOR of granting this request for the. f ollowing reason. I an OPPOSED to granting this request for the following reasons: �j Address City, State, Zip A Meeting of the La Porte ' Plaaning Zoning Commission (Type of Meeting)Dro Scheduled for MAR 19 2003 L March 20, 2003 B (Date of Meeting) y to Consider Rezone Request #R 03-001 (Type of Request) MILO I have 1iceived notice of the above referenced public hearing. I am in FAVOR of granting this request for the following reasons: ki 0 I am OPPOSED to granting thisrequest-for the following reasons: ��s S7�G✓1P �'�� / A dress City, State, Zip A Meeting of the La Porte Planning & Zoning Commission (Type of Meeting) Scheduled for March 20, 2003 (Date of Meeting) to Consider Rezone Request #R 03-001 (Type of Request) I have received notice of the above referenced public hearing. RECEIVED MAR.- 17 2003 PLANNING DEPT. I am in/FAVOR of granting this request for the following reasons: �i�6jens a I am OPPOSED to granting this request for the following reasons: R�fe L. Ii *Caw, N (plase print) Signature Address orb ' ?l5-7 City, State, Zip A Meeting of the La Porte Planninw & zoning Commission RECEIVED (Type of Meeting) MAR 1 7 7. 003 Scheduled for PLANNING DEFT. March 20, 2003 (Date of Meeting) to Consider Rezone Request #R 03-001 (Type of Request) I have received notice of the above referenced public hearing. I am in FAVOR of granting this request for the following reasons: 10 .I n- . • c-% - Wl A��•1w/wl�� . I am OPPOSED to granting this request for the following reasons: Name (please print) Signs 13 Address City, State, Zip . 1•, 00 A Meeting of the La Porte Planninx & Zoning Commission RECEIVED (Type of Meeting) Scheduled for MAR 17 2003 - - March ao, aoo3 PLANNING DEPT. (Date of Meeting) to Consider Rezone Request #R 03-001 (Type of Request) I have received notice of the above referenced public hearing. I am ir,� FAV07of granting this request forth® followiTeasons: / I am OPPOSED to granting this request for the. following reasons: • Zone Change Request #R03-001 EXHIBITS A. Staff report B. Location map w/ zoning C. Application D. Public notice response LJ F,IL Staff Report March 20, 2003 Zone Change Request #R 03-001 Requested by: Eddie V. Gray, Trustee Fairmont Park, JV. Requested for: TRS 8A, 9A, 9A-7 & 9A-8, W. J. Payne Subdivision. Locations: Spencer Highway; Myrtle Creek Drive Present Zoning: Neighborhood Commercial (NC), General Commercial (GC), & High - Density Residential (R 3) Requested Zoning: Low -Density Residential (R 1) Background: The subject tracts comprise approximately 20 acres of land out of W. J. Payne Subdivision, LaPorte, Harris County, Texas. The 17-acre tract is bound on the north by the Creekmont Subdivision, on the south by Spencer Highway and the Harbour Bay apartments, on the east by the Big Island Slough, and on the west by Myrtle Creek Drive. The 2-acre tract is bound on the north by the Creekmont Baptist Church, on the south by Southtrust Bank, on the east by Myrtle Creek Drive, and on the west by vacant land. The applicant seeks a rezone from Neighborhood Commercial (NC), General Commercial (GC) and High -Density Residential (R-3) to Low -Density Residential (R-1) for single-family dwellings. Analysis: In considering this reques t, Land Use -- Review of the City's Land Use Plan shows the subject tracts developing as mid -to -high density residential with some commercial uses. Currently, the adjacent properties are a mixture of mid -density and single- family residential and commercial uses. The proposed rezone is appropriate with these uses. Transportation — The tracts in question gain access along Myrtle Creek Drive and Spencer Highway. Spencer Highway, a primary arterial with 100' ROW, can accommodate the additional traffic generated by future residential development. Myrtle Creek Drive, with a :60' ROW, is considered a minor arterial but can also accommodate additional traffic. . Hiarr �4 Zone Change Request #R 03-001 P & Z (3/20/03) Page 2 of 2 Parks and Recreation — Recreation facilities include three City parks located in the Creekmont, Glen Meadows, and Fairmont Park Central Section 2 subdivisions. While facility availability seems adequate, accessing these parks may prove challenging as all require travel on major thoroughfares i.e. Myrtle Creek Drive and Spencer Highway. In addition, future development plans should address pedestrian connectivity. The City's pedestrian plan incorporates Big Island Slough and Valley Brook Drive as components of the trail system that would connect the subject tracts to the Glen Meadows subdivision and park. Utilities — The infrastructure was not analyzed in detail to ensure that sufficient capacity exists. This analysis will occur when subdivision plats are submitted. In addition, the developer must provide any structures or improvements necessary to serve firture development. Storm water drainage and detention is also an issue that will be carefully reviewed as a project develops. Staff recommends on -site detention for any future development. Residential Development — One of the Comprehensive Plan's goals is to promote attractive low -density residential neighborhoods. This could be achieved by applying neighborhood protection standards like screening, increased setbacks, and added open space. In addition, increased residential lot widths and increased building setbacks of adjacent nonresidential land uses along Spencer Highway could also minimize adverse impacts to the residential property. Additional conditions should be discussed during the platting process. Conclusion: Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission approve this rezone request, which represents the highest and best use of the property. Granting the requested change would not be contrary to the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Actions available to the Commission are listed below: • recommend approval of the zone change as requested; • recommend denial of the zone change as requested; or • recommend approval of a modified version of the zone change. aSUGAR CREEK DRY r-� • n arl ' Efar, C� ♦ ' .. Y / PROPOSED R-1YA } f 1 /PRO 1 L - GC z is uj ' .. - • . - �: i 1 _ 1 r s , 1 - r .,- • IF nn Irv. r. uq 0 City of La Porte Established 1892 APPLICATION FOR *��Ag ZONE CHANGE R1EQ M Application No.: .63 - DO I OFFICE US] ONLY•FEE: -&IQQ.Ol) Date Receivedi d_ /I Receipt No.: S` S-f4 7 () Site Plan () Minor Development Site Plan () Major Development Site Plan () General Plan () Site Plans Submitted on Appliant's Name: Teo - Address: ��= _� Ph, .-_1 6.71 �, 16 Date: -.l —D"tSignature: Owner's Name: Address:- t�1�w�, Ph:-� Property Legal Description: 8 A'c- :: 1f' '� -Q$6ff -(,wee Attached I AM THE OWNER OF THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY AND IS AUTHORIZED TO FILE THIS APPLICATION ON M71: EHALF. Date: o2 Signature • - ✓ , .. . ,�e r .-rr,rsfee— Zone: 6-�Eequested Zone Change: l SIC No: Proposed Usage: AC OFFICE USE ONLY 1) Planning & Zoning: (a) Preliminary Meeting - (b) Public Hearing/Mtg. - _ Recommendation: Applicant Notified of Date(s): () 1st Nitg. () 2nd Mtg. Adjoining Property Owners Notified: 2) City Council: (a) Regular Meeting - (b) Public Hearing/Nitg. - Approved () Adopted by Amendment Ord. #1501 - Denied ( ) t• i R•� I I t% • t..i Pvra. Tvw, 771%-1 (70) 4-1I-; 10 r nn nv. r, uo v�v I� �uut i tii Wuo.�L 1111 n Applicaut N Ol iea of Date(s): () 1st Mtg. () 2nd Mtg- AdjoiWnl prepeIrty Ow°ers Notifled: Thk Appliar�t ion �; Approved {) ()Denied ( ) ygcWt No. COMMMis. i RESPONSES WILL BE ATTACHED AS THEY ARE RECEIVED • 11 Zone Change Request #R03-002 EXHIBITS A.' Staff report B. . Location map w/ zoning C. Application D. Public notice response • • Staff Report March 20, 2003 Zone Change Request #R 03-002 Reauested by: Eddie V. Gray, Trustee Fairmont Park, JV. Requested for: TR 31 and pt. TR 32, W. M. Jones Survey, A482 Locations: Fairmont Parkway @ Farrington Boulevard Present Zoning: General Commercial (GC) Reauested Zoning: Low -Density Residential (EL-1) Background: The subject tracts comprise approximately 15.6064 acres of land out of W. M. Jones Survey, A 482, LaPorte, Harris County, Texas. The property is located along both sides of Farrington Boulevard just south of Fairmont Park, Section 2. The 9.7- acre tract is bounded by single-family residential subdivision (Fairmont Park Central Section 2) on the north, commercial uses to the south along Fairmont Parkway, east with Farrington Boulevard, and adjacent to the Big Island Slough on the west. While, the 5.8- acre tract is bounded by Fairmont Park Central Section. 2 to the north, adjacent to commercial uses and GC tract along Fairmont Parkway on the south, and west on Farrington Boulevard. The applicant seeks a rezone from General Commercial (GC) to Low - Density Residential (R-1) for single-family dwellings. As shown, this rezoning would consist of 15.6 acres leaving 4.7 acres along Fairmont Parkway and Farrington zoned GC. Analysis: In considering this request, Staff reviewed the following Comprehensive Plan elements: Land Use, Thoroughfare System, Parks and Recreation, Utility Infrastructure, and Residential Development. The specific issues considered are as follows: Land Use — Review of the Land Use Plan shows this area developing with mid to high -density residential. However, the existing land uses are single- family residential (Fairmont Park Section 2) just north of the property, and commercial uses, i.e. retail stores, gas station, and childcare etc. along Fairmont Parkway. The rezone request is compatible with the existing land uses. �CHI@Ti A U Zone Change Request #R 03-002 P & Z Mar 20, 2003 Page 2 of 3 Transportation Both tracts gain access using Farrington Boulevard, a minor arterial with 100' ROW, which provides access to Fairmont Parkway and Spencer Highway. However, Farrington Boulevard median cut and its alignment with the access points of the proposed development will be reviewed carefully at the time of plat submittal. Fairmont Parkway, a semi - controlled access highway with 250' ROW, should accommodate the traffic generated by development. Parks and Recreation — The nearest park facility is in Fairmont Park Central Section 2 along Farrington Boulevard at Collingswood. This facility serves the parks and recreation needs of several neighborhoods within a 1 to 2 mile radius. At the time of platting, attention should be given to pedestrian connectivity. The subject tracts would provide the needed access to connect Big Island Slough to the Exxon -Mobil pipeline in the City's pedestrian plan. Utilities — The infrastructure was not analyzed in detail to ensure that sufficient capacity exists. This analysis will occur when subdivision plats are submitted. In addition, the developer must provide any structures or improvements necessary to serve future development. Storm water drainage and detention is also an issue that will be carefully reviewed as a project develops. Staff recommends on -site detention for any future development. Residential Development — The intent of the Comprehensive Plan is to provide for attractive low -density residential neighborhoods. The neighborhood protection standards applicable to this project may include physical screening, increased setbacks, and use of open space buffers. When reviewing the subdivision plat, the Commission may consider additional buffering between land uses. In addition, Staff does not recommend leaving the small GC tract on Farrington Blvd. The Commission should consider modifying the applicant's request by adding undeveloped GC areas not included in the request. This may provide flexibility when preparing future subdivision layout. The Commission should also consider the impact of leaving the GC along Fairmont Parkway unless covenants are in place to limit driveway access on this tract. Conclusion: Staff suggests that during plan review, items such as increased setbacks and deeper lots be considered to buffer the Low -Density Residential (R 1) from the General Commercial (GC). At this time, Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission approve this rezone request, as it represents the highest and best use of the property. Furthermore, the request supports the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Zone Change Request #R 03-002 P & Z Mar 20, 2003 Page 3 of 3 Actions available to the Commission are as follows: • recommend approval of the zone change as requested, • recommend denial of the zone change as requested, and • recommend approval of a modified version of the zone change. .f h. iiv Q tOtkRpgd j • E -1 b+ a . 5 n} � D S ~.� •"� r f tell - E t)pftw -� P" . fJlu.. RJ/ PROPOSED R 1 pROPOSED R-1f, t co m GC GC FAIRMONT PCIAY my -lJ-cuuc rKl uo-uc m1 0 r HA RV. r Uq City of La Porte Established 1892 APPLICATION FOR ZONE CHANGE REQMS'T Application No.: 03 — QCbZ OFFICE USE ONLY, FEE: SIOD. Date Received: .,?--/t Receipt No.: 9,P () Site Plan () Minor Development Site Platt () Major Development Site Plan () General Plan () Site Plans Submitted on Appliant's Name: TEc Address: V.o 1� Ph: / �(D�` s-� 6-7716 Date: `a_ -- [; Signature: Owner's Name:" Address., lam, Ph: q. Property Legal Description: (See Attachedl I AM THE OWNER OF THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY AND . IS AUTHORIZED TO FILE THIS APPLICATION ON. MY HALF. .�oe Date: 69- — D6 ` 0.3 Signature: Zone: 'Requested Zone Change: f SIC No: Proposed Usage: OFFICE USE ONLY 1) Planning.& Zoning: (a) Preliminary Meeting - (b) Public Hearing/Mtg. - Recommendation Applicant Notified of Date($): () 1st lbltg. () 2nd Mtg, Adjoining Property Owners Notified: 2) City Council: (a) Regular Meeting - (b) Public HeaAng/bitg. - Approved ( ) Adopted by Amendment Ord. #1501 - Denied ( ) I• o P. x i I I % • I-, ( ore. Tvt,sc --; '-I I I i • (71 i) i 11-`L?0 � vw ..+ wvc iu vv•�� nn 1'rlfl flu. r. Uo. TUNE CHANGE REQUES� • 2 Applicant Notified of Date(s): () 1st Mtg. () 2nd Utg. Adjoining Property Owners Notitted: This Application is: Approved () () Denied ( ) permit No. Comments: C • RESPONSES WILL BE ATTACHED AS THEY ARE RECEIVED Land Use Map • 0 Staff Report March 20, 2003 Land Use Map Changes Background: During the February 20, 2003 meeting, the Commission determined that the zoning and land use on Sens Rd should become "commercial", from North "H" St. going south towards Spencer Hwy. From North"H" St. going north towards "P" St., the zoning and land use will be low density residential. In addition, Staff presented ownership and zoning designation for properties along S. Broadway. Currently, the zoning map shows R-1 (low density residential), R-3 (mid -high density residential), and approximately two blocks of neighborhood commercial along the west side of S. Broadway. The Commission decided to change the land use on the west side of S. Broadway from "low density residential" to "commercial" from East "P" St. to East "Q" St. (NOTE. These rights of way are unimproved.) The Commission expressed concern about the development of single-family homes along S. Broadway. The Commission advised the City Attorney's office to provide guidance on driveway access and "backing" onto a major thoroughfare. The Commission wanted to explore alternative land uses and restrictions (i.e. additional setbacks) for S. Broadway. After the meeting, the City Attorney's office determined that little could be done to prohibit single-family development on this street. However, the City Attorney advised that the Commission could increase the setback requirements on thoroughfares and could recommend these changes as amendments to the Zoning and Development ordinances. This would affect future development. Recommendations/Conclusions: The Commission is asked to finalize all land uses, conduct a public hearing, and forward recommendations to Council. Options to the Commission: The following options are available to the Commission: • Approve the land use map and forward it to Council as is; or • Approve the land use map with modifications and forward it to Council. 9�� AI: UW UtN51 I T Kt51UENTIA ID TO HIGH DENSITY RESIT OMMERCIAL USES OMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL IDUSTRIAL USES ARETE presentation Golf course community MC CAN ROM VICINITY MAP K..S. LA PORTE GOLF COMMUNITY A SUBDMSION OF 130t ACRES OF LAND LOCATED IN THE W.P. RABBIS SURVEY, A-30 CITY OF LA PORIE HARRIS COUNTY. TEXAS •ts lam 7s RESERVES SCNC I".2W MAKK 2003 a•� trN til s.m. s•.d.o®� d Ns R.N or Rarm rrt..1 h.t am. w a..r.a a 7NN sL-f/ASIN BROWNCIVIL RNCDi66RS & SURVEYORS IN90 ,mom SIM 700 GAY 'arm ENOIGM NC. • C� Review of the Zoning and Development Ordinances Staff Report March 20, 2003 Zoning and Development Ordinance review Background: In accordance with Chapter 106-65 of the Code of Ordinances, the Planning and Zoning Commission is to conduct an annual review of the Zoning and Development ordinances. This review determines if the ordinances are deficient, obsolete, and/or inadequate. During the February 20, 2003 meeting, the Commission decided to work in a small subcommittee to accomplish this task: Below is a tentative topical outline and timeline. April - Zoning Ordinance • definitions • public district • residential district o Overlay district for Lomax area May — Zoning ordinance • commercial district • industrial district • landscaping • miscellaneous June - Development ordinance • definitions • platting process • site plan • streets/driveway access, setbacks • ensuring consistency with Zoning Ordinance July — Public hearing • 2 Commission Public Hearings — Rezonings & Text Changes August — Workshop & public hearing • City Council Workshop: Rezonings & Text changes for Zoning and Development Ordinances • City Council Public Hearing: Rezonings & Text changes for Zoning and Development Ordinances Recommendations/Conclusions: The Commission is asked to review the timeline and determine the following: • identify additional topics; • select Subcommittee members; and • determine time and date of Subcommittee meetings. Memo To: Planning and Zoning Commissioners Frorm Doug Kneupper, Director of Plannin 4^/ C Gwen Goodwin, City Planner a DWo March 20, 2003 Re: ARETE Real Estate and Development Over the past four months, Joe Fogarty with Arete Real Estate and Development has met with City staff on at least two occasions to present conceptual layouts for residential development on approximately 150-acres surrounding Bay Forest Golf Course. Mr. Fogarty has asked to meet with the Commission on March 2& to present his development plans. Department Directors with the City were asked to review Mr. Fogarty's prior submittal and provide comments to the Planning Dept. to forward to the Commission. The comments received are as follows: • Consider relocating the 13-acre site reserved for multi -family development to either the Wharton Weems Blvd. intersection or the McCabe Road intersection. As shown on the most recent layout submitted by Mr. Fogarty, the area reserved for future multi -family development is now located at the McCabe Road intersection which, in staffs opinion, is a good location for multi -family development. • Introduce some "pocket parks" into the development. Stephen Ban; Director of Parks & Recreation has prepared information regarding this comment. His memo is attached. • The landscape berm should be designed and constructed to be an effective buffer and screen from the noise and other negative impacts associated with SH 146. During Mr. Fogarty's presentation, the Commission is encouraged to have open dialogue with Mr. Fogarty and share your thoughts about this proposed development. P. O. Box 1115 • La Porte, Texas 77572-1115 • 281-471-5020 City of La Porte Interoffice Memorandum March 20, 2003 To: Doug Kneupper, Director of Planning Department From:. Stephen L. Barr, Director of Parks &Recreation ��.� Residential Development — Area of Wharton Weems & SH 146 I have reviewed the proposed residential development referenced above and have the following comments. The only park areas identified on the proposed plan are for passive park areas, buffer areas between the proposed development and SH 146, and between the proposed development and the golf course. There is no indication of any neighborhood park sites as a part of the development. The City of La Porte Parks Master Plan Recommended Standard for Neighborhood Parks (Chapter 6, p. 4) is for 1.5 to 2 acres of designated neighborhood parkland per 1,000 residents. With a proposed unit development of approximately 400 units, this area would be home to +/- 1,000 residents, and, to meet our Master Plan standards, would need to include at least one large, and possibly 2 smaller neighborhood park areas. From a Resource Based Assessment of Needs (Chapter 6, p. 17) the highest priorities for citizen expressed desires is for playgrounds and picnic facilities. In addition, the Master Plan (Chapter 8, p. 4) identifies the need for neighborhood parks in the far southeastern and southern parts of the City, which includes this area. Neighborhood parks should be centrally located in the communities they serve; they should be equipped with the following standard levels: ■ Playground equipment ■ Park Service equipment (i.e. picnic tables, park benches, trash receptacles, barbeque pits, etc. • Basketball and/or baseball practice backstop The benefits of inclusion of neighborhood parks in this planned community are enormous. New families moving to La Porte are attracted to communities that provide recreational amenities for their residents. Nominal costs for the equipment in each park suggested above (+/- $25,000 for equipment), will pay dividends when the property is marketed. The Glen Meadows Model, where the contractor provided park amenities, was built -out relatively quickly compared to other residential areas that did not include amenities. It is my recommendation that these issues be given strong consideration by the developer as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission, prior to approval of the proposed development. If you have questions or if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your usual prompt attention. c: John E. Joems, Assistant City Manager i.� Iz � L'stctl�l�, Memo To: Planning and Zoning Commissioners Frorre Doug Kneupper, Director of Plannin t CC: Gwen Goodwin, City Planner Date: March 20, 2003 Re: ARETE Real Estate and Development Over the past four months, Joe Fogarty with Arete Real Estate and Development has met with City staff on at least two occasions to present conceptual layouts for residential development on approximately 150-acres surrounding Bay Forest Golf Course. Mr. Fogarty has asked to meet with the Commission on March 20"' to present his development plans. Department Directors with the City were asked to review Mr. Fogarty's prior submittal and provide comments to the Planning Dept. to forward to the Commission. The comments received are as follows: • Consider relocating the 13-acre site reserved for multi -family development to either the Wharton Weems Blvd. intersection or the McCabe Road intersection. As shown on the most ascent layout submitted by Mr. Fogarty, the area reserved for future multi -family development is now located at the McCabe Road intersection which, in staffs opinion, is a good location for multi -family development. • Introduce some "pocket parks" into the development. Stephen Ban, Director of Parks & Recreation has prepared information regarding this comment His memo is attached. • The landscape berm should be designed and constructed to be an effective buffer and screen from the noise and other negative impacts associated with SH 146. - During Mr. Fogarty's presentation, the Commission is encouraged to have open dialogue with Mr. Fogarty and share your thoughts about this proposed development P. O. Box 1115 • La Porte, Texas 77572-1115 • 281-471-5020 City of La Porte Interoffice Memorandum March 20, 2003 To: Doug Kneupper, Director of Planning Department / From: Stephen L. Barr, Director. of Parks &Recreation Residential Development — Area of Wharton Weems & SH 146 I have reviewed the proposed residential development referenced above and have the following comments. The only park areas identified on the proposed plan are for passive park areas, buffer areas between the proposed development and SH 146, and between the proposed development and the golf course. There is no indication of any neighborhood park sites as a part of the development. The City of La Porte Parks Master Plan Recommended Standard for Neighborhood Parks (Chapter 6, p. 4) is for 1.5 to 2 acres of designated neighborhood parkland per 1,000 residents. With a proposed unit development of approximately 400 units, this area would be home to +/- 1,000 residents, and, to meet our Master Plan standards, would need to include at least one large, and possibly 2 smaller neighborhood park areas. From a Resource Based Assessment of Needs (Chapter 6, p. 17) the highest priorities for citizen expressed desires is for playgrounds and picnic facilities. In addition, the Master Plan (Chapter S. p. 4) identifies the need for neighborhood parks in the far southeastern and southem parts of the City, which includes this area. Neighborhood parks should be centrally located in the communities they serve; they should be equipped with the following standard levels: ■ Playground equipment • Park Service equipment (i.e. picnic tables, park benches, trash receptacles, barbeque pits, etc. • Basketball and/or baseball practice backstop The benefits of inclusion of neighborhood parks in this planned community are enormous. New families moving to La Porte are attracted to communities that provide recreational amenities for their residents. Nominal costs for the equipment in each park suggested above (+/- $25,000 for equipment), will pay dividends when the property is marketed. The Glen Meadows Model, where the contractor provided park amenities, was built -out relatively quickly compared to other residential areas that did not include amenities. It is my recommendation that these issues be given strong consideration by the developer as well as the Planning and Zoning, Commission, prior to approval of the proposed development. If you have questions or if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your usual prompt attention. c: John E. Joems, Assistant City Manager