Navasota planning panel approves development plan for meat market at 501 E. Washington with conditions

The Navasota Planning Commission on Jan. 8 voted to approve a development plan that will allow a meat market and restaurant to operate at 501 East Washington Ave., with commissioners attaching conditions intended to protect streetscape character and residential neighbors.

City planning staff summarized the proposal and recommended additions to the plan including preservation of existing mature shade trees, additional landscaping along Washington Avenue, a privacy fence where the property abuts residences on Gregg Street and screening for the dumpster. "Those trees are gonna stay," a city planning staff member said when staff clarified a graphic error that showed large oaks removed.

Applicant Sergio Jimenez, who identified himself as the project representative and said his family operates grocery/market stores in Brookshire, Magnolia and Hopewell, described the business as a convenience supermarket with a fresh bakery and a small dine‑in area. "We are family owner business," Jimenez said, adding that he and his wife, Veronica, would work with the city and neighbors on requested changes.

Commissioners and the property owner, Dr. C. H. Perhota Jr., discussed site constraints, drainage and delivery logistics. Perhota described the building’s long history as a medical clinic and noted a dead pecan tree at the rear that he said could be removed to improve circulation for deliveries. Commissioners pressed the applicant for a plan showing how commercial vehicles would load and exit the site without using public streets, and recommended measures such as restricting large‑truck activity to the Washington Avenue frontage and designating delivery periods.

Signage was a central point of debate. Commissioners and staff said multicolored, illuminated monument or freestanding signs would be out of character in the historic overlay district. Staff explained the local sign ordinance limits message area (lettering) to 32 square feet and restricts sign types in the overlay; commissioners asked the applicant to tone down colors, use smaller lettering and eliminate window signage facing Washington Avenue. The commission agreed to limit the site to one detached monument sign or one freestanding sign meeting ordinance requirements, and the applicant said he would remove proposed window signage along Washington Avenue.

Other conditions included adding low‑level landscaping along the building frontage and ensuring parking, ADA access and lighting meet city standards while avoiding glare toward neighboring homes. Jimenez said he plans three parking‑lot lights but will work with staff on lighting levels. Commissioners noted that if proposed changes to the parking footprint or building access are substantial, the project would return as a site plan for additional review.

Dr. Waller moved to approve the development plan with the added conditions; Commissioner Dia Copeland seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice with no opposition.

The approval by the Planning Commission allows the applicant to proceed to the City Council for final consideration and, separately, to submit engineering and permitting documents that will determine whether additional grading, drainage work or site‑plan review is required before construction or business opening.

Meeting business concluded with approval of the Dec. 11, 2025 meeting minutes and adjournment at 7:03 p.m.