Businessman David Hinds withdrew his preliminary plat for his upscale subdivision before the Orange Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Thursday. However, the commission continued with other scheduled business.
A plan from businessman Kevin Williams for a zone change to allow development along Simmons Drive at Green Avenue was unanimously approved.
The commission also unanimously agreed on a request from the Friends of the Orange Depot to abandon 11th Street between Green Avenue and Elm Avenue.
The non-profit group that restored the century-old train depot will use the street as part of a designed parking area. Architect Rob Clark, who oversaw the restoration, presented drawings of the planned parking lot that will go with development on the vacant block to the east of the train depot.
All but a small corner of the block was donated to the depot group. Clark said the group has had people interested in projects on the vacant land.
Williams with Cypress Bayou Industrial told the commission he had bought the former Signal International warehouse at the end of Green Avenue at the Sabine River. He plans to use a vacant concrete area by the warehouse to store pipes and other metals. He will be fencing in the area.
The commission in April rejected a preliminary plat from Hinds because several items did not meet city development codes. At the time, Planning Director Kelvin Knauf said state law requires a preliminary plat be either approved or rejected by a planning and zoning body within 30 days of submission. If the plat is not formally rejected within that time, the plat will go into effect.
Hinds is developing Oak Alley along Allie Payne Road for 18 two-story houses to be built in the New Orleans architectural style. Knauf said Hinds rescinded the preliminary plat before Thursday’s meeting. The city has been working with Hinds for the development.
Recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission will go to the Orange City Council, which must approve all the actions before they become final. Three members of the council attended the commission meeting Thursday.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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