P&Z OKs HealthPoint site plan
Navasota’s Planning and Zoning Commission met Thursday, July 22, and swiftly approved the preliminary site plan submitted by the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency, Inc., (BVCAA) dba HealthPoint, for a medical clinic at 8310 SH 6.
HealthPoint is currently located in the Dove Crossing Subdivision but the new outpatient primary care facility adjacent to the Baylor Scott & White Health Clinic will more than double its size. In addition to expanding physical space, HealthPoint will offer the services of four physicians/physician assistants, a dentist and hygienist, two behavioral health specialists and telehealth services.
Zoning amendment bats 50-50
After a public hearing with no comments for or against, commissioners approved a request to amend Chapter 14 Zoning related to public improvement warranty requirements but denied a request to amend preliminary site plan standards of approval.
Language requiring a warranty guaranteeing public improvements are free of defect for one year following acceptance by the City is contained in the Subdivision Ordinance, but not all projects are related to subdivisions. The amendment would apply to the City’s current fire hydrant replacement and water line extension project.
Development Services Director Lupe Diosdado advised that the Utilities Ordinance will be amended with the same verbiage upon approval of City Council.
Diosdado added, “There are basically no loopholes where someone could not provide a warranty for their work when it comes to public improvements like fire hydrants, water lines and sewer lines.”
Commissioners denied an amendment which would have allowed City staff discretionary approval of commercial expansions and/or additions which are 50% or under the total square footage of the existing commercial building.
Aimed at the expansion challenges faced by small-business owners, Diosdado said, “It’s an idea to streamline our process and be more efficient.”
Commissioner Todd Wisner questioned the loss of public discourse saying, “The meetings and what we discuss are always published in the paper and people have the ability to come and discuss that topic. The proposal would remove that because you’re saying people aren’t being notified about it and it’s not coming to this commission. That removes public discourse of projects which may affect their neighbors.”
Commissioner Patty Tokoly said, “I’m concerned that sometimes it’s the smaller businesses that can create the problems in a very small space in a small town.”
Other business
Commissioners tabled action on a preliminary site plan submitted by Navasota Venture, LLC to develop a new Team Elliott Ford dealership on SH 6, pending additional information related to drainage and an underground pipeline.
Before adjourning, commissioners approved the minutes of the July 22 meeting.
Present were commissioners Dia Copeland, Carolyn Katkoski, Patty Tokoly, Vice Chairman Dr. John Walla, and Todd Wisner. James Harris and Randy Peters were absent. Diosdado represented the City of Navasota.
P&Z meets the second and fourth 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-commission.