Port Allen Community Development Corporation

Submitted with the Port Allen Annexation Plan in May 2007 was a supplement focused specifically on the revitalization of the Ferry neighborhood. The plan recommends increasing neighborhood flow by connecting dead end streets, providing rear access to homes via rear-loaded garages from alleyways, and promoting pedestrian movement with sidewalks in front of homes. A proposed new Overlay District in the plan would enable development on existing narrow lots. Improved lighting, signage, and architectural styles are also treated. Additionally, the plan calls for the widening of Atchafalaya Street to enable the creation of a tree lined boulevard. The fifteen page report, available for download here (1.1mb download), is an outgrowth of the City of Port Allen’s Downtown Revitalization Plan (2002), and the result of numerous public meetings that identified the Ferry as an important target for redevelopment and revitalization.

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, May 14, 2007
Time: 6:10 PM - 7:40 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Frances Alexander, Liz Holmes, Izetta McDowell, Reynard Douglas, Virginia Gough, and Terrell Joseph

Board Members Absent: Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, and Lynn Bradley

Guests Present: Mayor Derek Lewis and Kathryn Perry

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum was present at 6:30 pm.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the April 9, 2007, meeting minutes (Douglas/McDowell).

III. OLD BUSINESS

A. Election of New Chairman
This item was tabled for the next meeting.

B. Membership Drive
The Membership Committee was asked to contact Ms. Murray about becoming a CDC member. Virginia Gough announced that she will not be extending her term past June 2007. Ms. Gough has found a potential replacement and will give the Board a completed nomination form at the next meeting.

C. Planning Toolkit Update
A brief update of the Planning Toolkit presentation (Center for Planning Excellence) and Planning Commissioner Training (Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association) held on April 21, 2007, at the Port Allen City Council chambers was given. About a dozen people attended, including five CDC members, three Port Allen Planning and Zoning Commissioners, and three Board of Adjustment members. Copies of the Louisiana Speaks: Planning Toolkit and Louisiana Speaks: Pattern Book were provided to CDC members.

D. Annexation Update
Mayor Lewis raised some concerns whether the City of Port Allen Annexation Plan was a master plan and whether it contained enough detail. The Mayor and the City attorney discussed the plan after the City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 9, 2007.

The Mayor asked the Board about its goals, whether he and the Council need to be more involved, and whether the CDC needs funds in the budget. He also suggested that the City Council be added to the CDC meeting notice email list. The Board’s goals are to improve the Ferry area, including drainage, utilities, housing standards, street surfaces, and street connections. The CDC will focus on drainage improvements for the first phase of the program.

E. Education Program
Ms. Alexander stated that Cohn Elementary is making progress. Frances and Virginia will have an education project in the summer.

IV. THE FERRY

A. Develop Action Items
The following action items were identified:

1. Check the boundaries of the Town of West Baton Rouge subdivision at the Assessor’s Office to define the exact area of the Ferry (Shaw).

2. Clarify the “lot of record” issue, i.e. whether a property owner can rebuild or renovate buildings on a lot that does not conform with current zoning requirements (Shaw).

3. Form Image Improvement Committee and ask for volunteers.

B. Capital Outlay Request
The Mayor was unaware of any meetings held to discuss a capital outlay request. Shaw will develop a detailed infrastructure cost estimate to present to the Board.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
No items were discussed.

B. Image Improvement Program
The Board discussed whether improvements could include fixing up weather-beaten houses. More discussion is needed on specific improvement projects.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, June 11, 2007 at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman
o Membership Drive
o Education Program
o Ferry Action Items
o Capital Outlay Request
o Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o Image Improvement Committee

V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM (Gough/Terrell).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, April 9, 2007
Time: 6:10 PM - 7:45 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Frances Alexander, Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, and Terrell Joseph

Board Members Absent: Virginia Gough and Liz Holmes

Guests Present: Kathryn Perry, Lucien Cutrera, and Izetta McDowell

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Reynard Douglas called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum was present at 6:10 pm.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the March 12, 2007, meeting minutes after a motion (Gray) and second (Bradley).

III. OLD BUSINESS

A. Election of New Chairman
The Nominating Committee will continue to seek new members, especially Port Allen residents. The member nomination form was passed out for Board members’ use. Mr. Douglas agreed to contact Ms. Delores Morgan and Ms. Edith Murray from the ABC task force to gauge their interest in becoming CDC members.

B. Member Residency Requirements
Copies of the CDC bylaws and term limit charts were passed out. Ms. Gray recommended that additional members be sought from within the city limits before seeking to change the 50% residency requirement in the bylaws.

The Board discussed the issue of not allowing a husband and wife to serve on the Board at the same time, and suggested that Joyce and George Jenne discuss the matter when Joyce’s term expires in June 2007. Ms. Gray indicated that she would like to serve a third term when her current term expires; Ms. Alexander indicated that she was undecided; and Ms. Gough will be contacted regarding her interest in serving after June 2007.

A motion was made (Douglas) and seconded (Gray) to elect Ms. Izetta McDowell as a Board member. The vote was unanimous and Ms. McDowell was welcomed as a new Board member. Ms. McDowell lives within the city limits of Port Allen.

C. Annexation Update
The Port Allen Annexation Plan will be finished in a week or two. Shaw will present the plan to the City Council in a special meeting. The report suggests annexing a portion of the original proposed area as an option.

D. Education Program
The Board discussed restarting an education program after June 2007.

IV. THE FERRY

A. Development Alternatives-Ms. Alexander asked if the Board had made any decisions on the Ferry development alternatives. The alternatives were discussed at the February and March meetings, but no motions had been made. The alternatives will be presented as concept plans in the Annexation Plan and will outline drainage and utility improvements as well as possible street upgrades and layouts.

B. Capital Outlay Request-Deadline for submitting a capital outlay request for the 2008 state budget is November 1, 2007. If possible, the Board would like to meet with the Mayor, State Senator Marrionneaux, and State Representatives Cazayouz and Barrow to discuss a capital outlay request for the Ferry before the Legislative Session begins on April 30, 2007.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee-Initiate Zoning Assessment
Shaw passed out a zoning chart from the Annexation Plan that shows current Port Allen zones and proposed new zoning designations. The Board can move forward with suggesting updates to the zoning ordinance once the Annexation Plan has been accepted by the city.

B. Image Improvement Program
The Board discussed the idea of starting a beautification and cleanup campaign after election and other issues are out of the way after June.

C. Planning Toolkit Presentation
Shaw handed out a draft agenda for a “Planning Toolkit” presentation by the Center for Planning Excellence on Saturday, April 21, 2007, 8 am at the Port Allen City Hall. The Louisiana Chapter of the American Planning Association will present an additional three hours of Act 859 training for planning commission and board of adjustment members.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, May 9, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman
o Membership Drive
o Annexation Update (meeting with Mayor)
o Education Program
o Capital Outlay Request

V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM (Hubble/Gray).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date:              Monday, March 12, 2007
Time:              6:05 PM - 7:15 PM
Place:            Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present:  Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Frances Alexander, Reynard Douglas, Virginia Gough, Tabitha Gray, Joyce Jenne, and Terrell Joseph

Board Members Absent:  Lynn Bradley and Gary Hubble

Guests Present:  Kathryn Perry, George Jenne, and Arthell Brown

Type of Meeting:  Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I.    CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests.  A quorum was present at 6:15 pm.

II.    READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the February 12, 2007, meeting minutes after a motion (Gough) and second (Alexander).

III.    OLD BUSINESS

A.    Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
The Nominating Committee presented their nomination of Terrell Joseph to the Board as a candidate for Treasurer.  A motion (Holmes) and second (Gray) were made to hold a vote for Treasurer, which passed unanimously.  Board members discussed the Port Allen residency requirement as stated in the by-laws.  The issue of whether the at least 50% requirement should apply only to new members or to new members and Founding members was tabled until the next meeting.

A motion was made (Gray) and seconded (Holmes) to request that the Nominating Committee actively seek new members, especially Port Allen residents.  Joseph noted that the application form has not changed from the original one used.

B.    Web Site Status
No changes have been made since the website was opened to the public.

C.    Annexation Update
The Port Allen Annexation Plan is undergoing final review at Shaw.  At the mayor’s request, Shaw will present the report to Port Allen City Council when it is 100% complete.

D.    Education
No report presented.

E.    Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee

1.    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the CDC to act as a Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee at the February 28, 2007, meeting.

2.    City Council Presentation
The Planning and Zoning Commission presented the Advisory Committee proposal at the City Council Committee Meeting on March 7, 2007, to which the Council had no objections.

IV.    THE FERRY

A.    Development Alternatives - Shaw briefly showed a draft of the Ferry section of the Port Allen Annexation Report to Board members.

B.    Capital Outlay Request-Ms. Gray noted that the State Senate would be in session on Wednesday and Thursday, March 14 and 15.  She recommended that Shaw call Senator Robert Marrionneaux’s assistant, Danielle, to set up a meeting for Wednesday or Thursday.

V.      OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Holmes noted that three abandoned cars were moved recently to a location near Kentucky Avenue and Atchafalaya Street.  The Board suggested that the CDC write a letter of complaint to the Council and the Mayor, which Shaw agreed to draft.

VI.     TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, April 9, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall.  Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o    Election of New Chairman
o    Residency Requirements
o    Web Site
o    Annexation Update
o    Education
o    Ferry Development Alternatives
o    Capital Outlay

V.    ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM (Gray/Alexander).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date:              Monday, February 12, 2007
Time:              6:05 PM - 8:05 PM
Place:            Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present:  Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Frances Alexander, Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne, Virginia Gough, and Tabitha Gray

Board Members Absent:  Terrell Joseph

Guests Present:  Lu Cutrera, Kathryn Perry, Jose Barro, and Claire Sarradet

Type of Meeting:  Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I.    CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests.  A quorum was present at 6:10 pm.

II.    READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the January 8, 2007, meeting minutes after a motion (Bradley) and second (Hubble).

III.    OLD BUSINESS

A.    Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
This issue was tabled until the next meeting.

B.    Web Site Status
The Board approved a motion (Bradley) and second (Gough) for Shaw to open the CDC website to the public.

C.    Annexation Update
The Port Allen Annexation Plan is 90% complete.  At the mayor’s request, Shaw will present the report to Port Allen City Council when it is 100% complete.

D.    Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
Ms. Holmes asked Claire Sarradet to place the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee on the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda (February 28, 2007).

IV.    THE FERRY

A.    Development Continuum-Alternatives Presentation - Shaw gave a Power Point presentation on four infrastructure improvement options for the Ferry district. The options ranged from upgrading existing streets and drainage, to adding street corrections, subsurface utilities and a boulevard along Atchafalaya Street.

B.    Zoning Issues
1.    Ferry

a.     Zoning Overlay District
CDC Board members discussed the possibility of not including Jefferson Street in the overlay district to allow for commercial development.  Possible overlay district boundaries would be Court Street, Roosevelt Street, rear lot lines along Kentucky Avenue, and rear lot lines along Alabama Street.

b.    Form-Based Zoning
Form-based zoning consists of architectural standards for materials, design, and landscaping, and can be included as part of the overlay district.

2.    Court Street/North Jefferson Mixed Use
This area was not discussed in detail, but the Ferry plan would allow for a mix of residential and commercial uses along Court and Jefferson Streets.

C.    Survey Estimates

A land survey of the Ferry area including rights-of-way, property lines, manhole locations, and drainage features could cost from $5,000 to $15,000.  Capital Outlay funds for Port Allen are not in the current state budget and will need a petition by State Representatives Donald Cazayouz and Regina Barrow, and State Senator Robert Marioneaux.  Mayor Lewis would present the capital outlay petition to the legislature.  Tabitha Gray agreed to ask their secretary to set up a meeting.

V.  OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Alexander announced that Cohn Elementary School is now a two-star school. The school offers tutoring two times a week with a turnout of about 60 students.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, March 12, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall.  Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o    Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
o    Web Site
o    Annexation Update
o    Education
o    Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o    Ferry Development Continuum
o    Capital Outlay

V.    ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM (Alexander/Gough).

Meeting Minutes
Port Allen CDC Board of Directors Meeting

Date: Monday, January 8, 2007
Time: 6:10 PM - 8:05 PM
Place: Port Allen City Hall
Port Allen, Louisiana

Board Members Present: Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes, Lynn Bradley, Reynard Douglas, Terrell Joseph, Frances Alexander, and Virginia Gough

Board Members Absent: Tabitha Gray, Gary Hubble, Joyce Jenne

Guests Present: Lu Cutrera, Kathryn Perry, Jose Barro, Brent Soileau, David Newman, Mayor Derek Lewis, Claire Sarradet, Barry Brewer, George Jenne, Sam Saird, and Herpreet Singh

Type of Meeting: Regular monthly meeting of the Port Allen CDC Board of Directors

I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Liz Holmes called the meeting to order and introduced members and guests. A quorum of five members was present.

II. READING AND ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The CDC Board approved the December 11, 2006, meeting minutes after a motion (Alexander) and second (Gough).

III. OLD BUSINESS
A motion was made and seconded (Douglas/Joseph) to discuss Old Business items A through D at the next CDC meeting.

A. Terms of Members

B. Election of New Chairman and Treasurer

C. Web Site Status

D. Annexation Update

E. Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
Ms. Holmes placed the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee on the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda (January 31, 2007). Shaw will make a brief presentation on the Advisory Committee to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

A. Louisiana Secretary of State Annual Report - Ms. Holmes signed the 2006 Domestic Corporation Annual Report which updated addresses and board member information. Shaw will mail the report with the $5.00 fee to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

V. THE FERRY

A. Presentation of Development Continuum - Shaw presented a “continuum” of development options for the Ferry district. The options ranged from taking no action to scattered improvements to multi-family and high density options.

B. Discussion - The development options and future direction of the Ferry area were discussed at length. Some audience members thought higher density development might be feasible especially near Court and Jefferson streets. Other members including property owners wanted to keep the neighborhood as single family residential and encourage owner occupied housing. One suggestion was to plan for more density, but start with single family residential. Ms. Singh from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Center for Planning Excellence encouraged the group to plan street connectivity in the early stages of development for traffic and safety.

A general consensus emerged that the zoning should be changed, perhaps to include an overlay district, and the street layout may need to be changed. Shaw will present a few of the development options in more detail at the next meeting and will address street rights-of-way, parking, mixed use, and possible architectural standards.

VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date is Monday, February 12, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Port Allen City Hall. Tentative agenda items are listed below.
o Election of New Chairman and Treasurer
o Web Site
o Annexation Update
o Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee
o Ferry Development Continuum

VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM (Douglas/Gough).