P&Z sets proposed zones for annex sites
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Visions for the future of El Campo include commercial and industrial zones at major access points with residential groupings in interior sections and side streets, Planning & Zoning commissioners said Wednesday.

If elected City Council members agree Oct. 23, those proposed zoning requirements for targeted annexation areas will be presented along with other data at two November public hearings (please see related story). Zoning would only become effective when, or if, any annexations actually take place.

Currently five areas are under consideration for involuntary annexation including sites on and off Hwy. 71 North as well as U.S. 59 east and south of the current city limits.

P&Z's mission was to develop proposed land uses under municipal zoning ordinances - a process they completed with a 4-0 vote Wednesday with commissioners Carolyn Roy, Jeff Fuechec and Jake Brodsgaard not present.

Land north of the city limits directly on Hwy. 71 should be largely commercial and industrial, commissioners said, changing to residential as the tract approaches Sandy Corner Road.

The section, designated Area 1, is bounded by Sandy Corner Road to the west and Wilbur Road to the north while the eastern boundary would be 500 feet east of Hwy. 71 or the depth of the individual pieces of property.

Zoning recommendations are for industrial use east of Hwy. 71 with commercial uses bordering the roadway. Residential development would be anticipated in the Sandy Corner area.

City Council, Building Official Andy Waligura told P&Z commissioners, would like to move as quickly as possible to provide full city services to residential areas if annexation is ultimately approved.

Area 3 - the Sunset Terrace tract off FM 2765 just north of the new middle school site - should be residential as should Area 4 - a tract south of FM 2765 bounded north by FM 2765, east by Ellwood Street and south by Doris Street, they agreed.

In Area 5 - a 1,000-plus foot wide strip from along East Jackson Street running east to U.S. 59 to a quarter mile east of the first El Campo exit - commercial uses were recommended.

In Area 6 - an L-shaped tract both north and south of Jackson Street from South Meadow Lane toward the Rice Belt bridge - a blend of industrial and commercial was accepted.

Working agricultural areas could be exempt from annexation territories if owners sign 15-year non-development contracts. No firm annexation decisions have been made at this point.