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David Ball

For The Record

Perhaps residents who live on Granger Street in Bridge City breathed a sigh of relief after they found out what a proposed zone change would mean.

The Bridge City Planning and Zoning Commission held a public meeting Tuesday night. On the agenda was to hear public comments on a proposed zone change from R-1, single family residential, to R-3, multi family residential, on two pieces of property owned by Chad Landry. They are located at 158 Granger and 160 Granger to build duplexes on the property.

City manager Jerry Jones said 11 letters were sent from the city to residents on Granger. One responded favorably to the development and two were against the development.

Resident Danny Prosperie said he owns property at 140 Granger. He’s for the development provided that it’s not governmental assistance housing.

He said government housing promotes failure. For instance, if a resident’s rent is $500 a month based on their current income, and if they get a job to improve themselves, their rent will go up.

“The lesson is don’t get a job,” Prosperie said. “The last thing I want to see happen is our property values go down because of governmental housing.”

Jones said these will be duplexes and not government housing. Furthermore, some duplexes have already been constructed on Center Street and they’re “doing really well.”

Commission chair Becky Rutledge added the duplexes aren’t government assisted.

The commission also approved changing all the lots from C-3, third commercial district, off of Texas Avenue, to the existing R-3. This would include 140-190 Granger St.

Jones said the city included that entire side of the street so others can sell lots for additional duplexes can be put in. He added that the lots are too small to build a large multi family dwelling such as an apartment complex.

“They are restricted to the size of the duplexes,” he said. “R-2 would allow duplexes, but the property already has a large R-3 zoning.”

The item will go to the city council for approval at a future meeting.

The Bridge City City Council met after the Planning and Zoning Commission adjourned. The council approved a request by Lance Guidry to extend sewer service to his property on Nelson Street in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Bridge City.

Jones said the city was planning to redo the water system there anyway along with the sewer. Guridry’s sewer will tie in to the main line so he can do away with his septic system.

Lastly, Councilwoman Tammi Fisette recognized Paul Davis, police chief, for winning the Director’s Award from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Houston. The award is given for actions taken in response to Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey.

Fisette said it’s a reflection on the entire department.

Davis said the award is given to private entities and first responders. He added that it was a great ceremony with many people honored.

“It was a privilege to represent the city,” he said.