Three properties on Dawnwood Drive in the Little Cypress Bayou of Orange will not be rezoned at this time. The City Council of Orange voted unanimously Tuesday to keep the three lots in the Dileo Estate as Residential-1 low density residential.
A request was made by Ron McAnelly to change the three lots to high density residential zoning. McAnelly wanted to build three duplexes on the lots.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted last week to deny the rezoning request. The council would have needed six out of its seven members to approve the request for the rezoning to take place because of the large number of citizens living within 300 feet in that neighborhood expressing opposition to the rezoning request.
The vote denying the rezoning for these three lots by the council terminates the request. Despite the unanimous vote by the City Council opposing the changing of the zoning for the properties, Mayor Larry Spears, Jr. expressed the view that some council members would like to encourage McAnelly to build such residents in a proper place in the City of Orange.
A discussion of the amended Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) venue rental policy for the Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion, the Orange Boat Ramp, and the Riverside Pavilion led to opposing motions being made. The amended policy called for a $500 a day rental fee for groups or individuals to reserve any of the three venues, a reimbursable $250 deposit fee, and a $1 million insurance policy be required.
Terrie T. Salter motioned that the rental fee for the Riverside Pavilion on Simmons Drive be lowered to $300 to be more accessible to families in that area. Salter and Mayor Spears voted for the change, but were defeated as the other five members of the council voted against it.
Paul Burch motioned that the same fees and policies be used for all three venues. The council voted 5 to 2 in support of that motion with the same breakdown as the first vote that was defeated.
Leigh Anne Dallas with the CVB reminded that all three venues are free to use and open to all citizens with no reservations necessary. The venues are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
No action was taken after a closed executive session concerning the negotiations with the Orange Municipal Police Association and the International Association of Firefighters Local #1432.
Following the closed executive session, the City Council approved authorizing an amendment to the current contract for the administration of the Local Acquisition/Buyout Program awarded to the city for disaster relief from Hurricane Harvey by the Texas General Land Office. Likewise, approval was given to authorize the amended contract for disaster recovery with MPTX Associates which expires on June 13.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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