P&Z OKs Carver property zoning change
The Navasota Planning and Zoning Commission held its first meeting of 2022 Thursday, Jan. 27, and after a public hearing with no comments against, they approved a zoning change application submitted by the Navasota George Washington Carver High School Alumni Association for the property located at 1602 S. La Salle Street.
The application requests to change the zoning from PU, Public Use District to B-1, General Business District for the operation of a commercial day care. Commercial daycares are not permitted uses in a Public Use District.
According to Development Services Director Lupe Diosdado, of the 56 surrounding property owners notified for the public hearing, he received only one informational inquiry.
According to Mary Mable who represented the alumni association, a day care, educational facilities and offices will occupy the Carver building on the property. Diosdado clarified that the zoning change was what the commission was tasked with addressing and not the day care operation. Mable said Navasota resident Audrey Sauls will operate the day care. It passed its state inspection and will be allowed to keep up to 17 children, aged 3-13 years.
Mable expressed thanks on behalf of the Association to Mayor Bert Miller, the Navasota City Council, Commissioner Barbara Walker and Grimes County Commissioners Court, the Navasota Independent School District and everyone who worked with them to help them come into compliance with current City regulations.
Mable also advised a Grand Opening is planned and she will provide a tour of the facility to anyone interested.
Phase ill moves forward
Commissioners approved a subdivision agreement submitted by James Hassell for the final plat of Pecan Lakes Estates Phase III, Section 3, a 73-lot single dwelling residential subdivision. The agreement allows for filing of the final plat before all of the public improvements are completed. Hassell has provided a check for $25,000 to be put in escrow in lieu of missing improvements.
A lso discussed was a verbal agreement with Hassell regarding a walking trail around the detention pond but Hassell said he will not put the trail in because the pond was not accepted by the City.
According to Diosdado, the City will no longer take on the maintenance of detention ponds and responsibility will lie with the property owner or homeowners association. Citing child safety, Hassell said he does not want the liability so is not constructing the trail.
ET J review wrapped up
Commissioners conducted a workshop and wrapped up their review of the growth centers in the Navasota ETJ with the WestAirpott Growth Center along SH I 05 West. The ETJ Land Use Plan is a tool to communicate the growth management strategy ofNavasota.
According to Diosdado, while a lot of the area is in the flood plain, there is still "quite a bit of raw land out there." He also noted that according to the City's Comprehensive Plan 10-plus years ago the area was anticipated to be mainly Ught industrial.
Diosdado said, "Obviously, it's a Little bit different and more of a residential and commercial corridor now. This (plan) reflects what we're seeing now."
Other business
Before adjourning, commissioners approved the minutes of the Dec. 9, 2021, minutes. Present were commissioners Dia Copeland, Debbie Hancock, James Harris, Carolyn Katkoski, chairman Randy Peters, Dr. John Walla and Todd Wisner.
P&Z meets the second and fowth Thursday at 6 p.m. in city council chambers at 200 E. McAlpine Street. The schedule for P&Z meetings and meeting videos is available at https://www.navasotatx.gov/ planning-zoning-commision.