Port Arthur panel approves rezoning at 3537–30 Ninth Street for high‑density housing

The Port Arthur Planning and Zoning Commission on May 19 voted to approve a zoning map amendment changing three parcels at 3537–30 Ninth Street from Planned Development 30 (office-only) to High Density Residential.

Planning staff presented the application as KZ‑2504, saying the property owner and applicant is Cold Properties LLC and listing the parcels (98210, 98211 and 98212). Staff said the application was filed in early May and that "notices were mailed to adjacent property owners within a 200 foot radius and published in the Port Arthur newspaper a minimum of 15 days before the P and Z hearing scheduled for today, 05/19/2025." The staff presentation described the existing PD‑30 designation as limited to office uses and noted the proposed High Density Residential zoning would allow multifamily uses.

The commission heard one written objection from a nearby homeowner. In a letter read into the record, homeowner Maria El Mendoza of 3536 Fortieth Street wrote, "I am ready to strongly oppose the proposed zoning change" and listed several concerns including increased traffic and safety risks, loss of privacy from multi‑story buildings, greater stormwater runoff and drainage problems, a possible negative effect on property values, and added strain on schools, emergency services and utilities if density increases.

Planning staff responded during the hearing that "with the size of the space, nothing major for sure" and that the site "does meet the minimum specs for HDR development." A staff member later recommended approval, saying, "I recommend approval for Z2504." The commission then moved to approve the rezoning; commissioners recorded a voice vote — "All in favor, aye. Aye. All opposed? Motion carries" — and the motion passed. The motion and second were made on the record but the transcript provided did not name the mover or seconder and did not record individual roll‑call votes.

Staff noted that any construction would still require predevelopment review and permitting. As planning staff explained during the meeting, "we will meet in predevelopment before he can even start construction," meaning site plans and any required infrastructure upgrades would be addressed before work begins.

The approved amendment covers Lots 15 through 20, Block 203, Rosemont Addition, Jefferson County, Texas, and was listed in the staff report as having a report date of 03/10/2025. The applicant's submission and neighborhood notice dates were included in the staff report read aloud to the commission.

Next steps are administrative: the zoning map will be updated to reflect the commission's approval and any developer activity will proceed through standard predevelopment review and permitting.