Bridgeport council approves plats, zoning variance and vending permit; orders demolition, denies facade grant

Bridgeport City Council members voted unanimously at their meeting to approve two final plats, grant a setback variance for a Woodville Court lot, adopt a specific-use permit for a freestanding ice-and-water vending machine and authorize removal of a substandard shed at 1504 Thirteenth Street. The council also denied a Main Street District façade grant after staff and the Main Street board found work had begun before council approval; the denied grant totaled $4,586.50.

The actions matter because they advance planned private development, clarify limits on façade-grant funding and respond to a recurring public-safety nuisance at a Thirteenth Street property. Council members said they intend to continue moving development projects forward while enforcing city codes.

The council approved a final plat for a 5,023-square-foot Kwik Trip store at 3370 South State Highway 101; Tariq Samuels, a company representative, told the council construction paperwork is under way and a typical build time for a store of this size is about 36 weeks. The council also approved the final plat for The Reserve at Bridgeport Phase 1, a project of about 16.63 acres that contains 61 single-family lots and three open-space lots. Developer Jason Lanzera said he hopes to have lots finished in the fourth quarter and rooftops starting in the first quarter of 2026.

Natalie Bilby, the citys development director, summarized a public-hearing request to reduce residential setbacks for a two-acre tract commonly known as 2050 Woodville Court. The applicant sought 10-foot front, side and rear setbacks so the home could be placed outside an AE flood zone. Bilby told the council that construction within the flood zone would require the structure to be built at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. Councilwoman Susan Kaufman moved to grant the variance; the motion was seconded by Preston and carried unanimously.

Council also considered a specific-use permit to relocate a freestanding ice-and-water vending machine to Lot 1, Block 1, Circle S Number 17 (1504 Chico Highway). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval with conditions requiring the applicant to pave three parking spaces on the gravel lot; Sylvia Ramirez moved the ordinance, Matt Van Hoose seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

On a public-safety matter, the council approved an order to remove and demolish a substandard shed and associated debris at 1504 Thirteenth Street after staff and code enforcement described the structure as an "immediate danger" and a health risk. Assistant City Manager Steve Stanford told council the temporary shelter "does not meet city building codes and constitutes a health and safety concern for our community and causes immediate danger of welfare to our citizens." Paul Walsh, code enforcement, said the city had provided repeated notices, pursued demolition options and placed liens for prior cleanups; the council approved the removal order with a 10-day compliance window, failing which the city would abate the hazard and place liens on the property.

The council denied a Main Street District façade grant application for 1860 Slice House (81013 Houssell Street) after staff and the Main Street design committee found work had started on January 23, prior to council consideration. Crystal (Main Street staff) and Casey Bridal, design committee chair, said the committee had approved the application internally but the program requires council approval before work begins. Bobby Rodriguez moved denial; Sylvia Ramirez seconded and the motion passed; the denied reimbursement amount was $4,586.50.

The consent agenda, including approval of minutes from the Jan. 27, 2025 meeting, the semiannual impact fee report through Dec. 31 and cancellation of the March 10 meeting for spring break, was approved on a 5-0 vote after a motion by Councilman Van Hoose and second by Susan Kaufman.

Council members also discussed airport hangar ground rents and lease terms during a workshop item; staff said some historic ground-lease rates are well below market and recommended establishing a standard rate (staff discussed 14cents per square foot per year as a reference) and shorter-term lease extensions (for example, five-year renewals) rather than long 30-year extensions. No formal ordinance or rate change was adopted at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes, impact fee report, March 10 cancellation): motion by Van Hoose; second Kaufman; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Variance for 2050 Woodville Court (10-foot setbacks to allow build outside AE flood zone): motion by Susan Kaufman; second Preston; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Ordinance granting specific-use permit for freestanding vending machine at 1504 Chico Highway (Lot 1, Block 1, Circle S #17): motion by Sylvia Ramirez; second Van Hoose; vote 5-0; outcome: approved; condition: pave three parking spaces. - Order to remove/demolish substandard shed and debris at 1504 Thirteenth Street: motion by Preston; second Sylvia Ramirez; vote 5-0; outcome: approved; compliance window and lien authority noted. - Final plat for Lots 1 & 2, Block 1 (Kwik Trip) at 3370 S. State Highway 101 (approx. 3.9194 acres): motion by Bobby Rodriguez; second Susan Kaufman; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Final plat: The Reserve at Bridgeport Phase 1 (approx. 16.63 acres; 61 single-family lots): motion by Susan Kaufman; second Bobby Rodriguez; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Denial of Main Street District façade grant for 1860 Slice House (81013 Houssell Street), $4,586.50: motion by Bobby Rodriguez; second Sylvia Ramirez; vote recorded 5-0 after recount; outcome: denied.

Council members said they will continue to refine Main Street grant rules following the denial and pursue a standard, transparent schedule for airport lease renewals. The council did not set a specific new date for any ordinance changes; staff said they will return with recommendations to simplify the façade-grant timeline and to standardize airport lease terms.