Commission Approves Replat to Divide Church Property on Garnet Avenue into Three Lots

The Port Arthur Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 4 approved a replat to divide property at 6247 and 6249 Garnet Avenue in Port Acres into three tracts.

The commission voted to approve case R25-13, a replat of the east 192 feet of Lot 7, Block 8, Port Acres, converting one roughly 2.1-acre parcel (91,313.41 square feet) into Tract A, Tract B and Tract C. The applicant is listed as Baptist Missionary Association, Department of Missions, Incorporated; the surveyor is Arseneau Wilson and Co.

Planning staff told the commission the property is zoned low-density residential and that there is no proposed zoning change. Thirteen notices were mailed to adjacent property owners and the item was published at least 15 days before the public hearing, staff reported.

Neighbors who spoke at the hearing opposed the replat. "That property's been that way for — I'm 64 years old today. It's been that way for 64 years. I think it ought to stay that way," said Charles Vincent, who gave his address as 6150 Garnet Avenue. Another resident, identifying himself as "Mr. Biz," said the parsonage adjacent to his home has been used historically and that splitting the land could bring new homes next to long-term residents.

Planning staff answered questions about how the lots would be arranged, saying the single-family house (formerly the parsonage) would be on one lot, the church would occupy its own lot and a third lot would be created from the remaining land. Staff noted the proposed lots meet setback and lot-dimension requirements under the city's zoning rules. Staff also said whether the church currently holds services is not material to the replat: "Whether it's an active church or not, just because it's a church ... it's allowed there by right," the staff member said.

A member of staff also explained the commission's authority and timing: if the commission declined to act, staff said a replat that meets legal requirements may proceed under the city's procedures, and notified property owners had been mailed required notices.

After public comment the commission closed the hearing, a motion to approve R25-13 was moved and seconded, and the commission voted to approve the replat.

The commission did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript excerpt; the motion was moved, seconded and the chair announced the item passes. The replat will be processed in accordance with city procedures.

Planning staff scheduled the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for Aug. 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.