P&Z approves two requests for changes
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

The possibility of additional West Loop retail development and a proposed housing start on the city's southeast side both got the blessings on Planning & Zoning Commissioners Wednesday.

Now requested changes to a land plat and zone will be presented, along with P&Z recommendations, to City Council for final approval.

Wal-Mart was requesting a 1.23 acre subdivide of its West Loop property for an unspecified building development.

The proposed lot fronts the West Loop and is just south of the land formerly used by a service station.

Also before commissioners was a proposed zoning change at 1019 Divide. The Elloyd Canales family wants to build a home there, but the property is currently zoned C-2, or General Commercial, which prohibits residential use.

The Canales family was requesting the 3.78 acres of land be changed to C-1, or Light Commercial, to allow for a home loan.

P&Z Commissioners voted to support the proposed zone change, Building Official Andy Waligura said, because, "it's in keeping with what's already there."

In July 2007, El Campo City Council narrowly approved a similar Divide Street request.

That 7.7 acre site also in the 1000 block of Divide went from C-2 to C-1 for the purpose of home building.

Council approved that measure 3-2-1 with then Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Smith and Councilman Anthony Collins against. Councilman Robert Boone abstained; Councilman Ed Erwin was not present.