Council hears petition to annex 15-acre parcel owned by La Porte Assembly of God

Council President Franke read into the record a petition for voluntary annexation by the La Porte Assembly of God, asking that roughly 15 acres in Pleasant Township be annexed into the City of La Porte and rezoned from county agricultural classification to city M-1 (light industrial). The petitioner identified the parcel by tax ID 46-11-07-326-004.00-057 and a common address on East/Boyd Boulevard and stated there are no residents on the territory.

Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, told the council the site was previously associated with nearby Microsoft-related site plans and must be processed separately. Cook said the acreage is intended as a buffer parcel and reviewed the review schedule: a city-council public hearing on Aug. 3, plan commission consideration on Aug. 11, and return to the council for a final decision on Aug. 17.

City staff noted the petition will be published in the newspaper as part of the statutory process and reminded residents that the statute does not require an introductory reading but that the city traditionally holds additional meetings to allow public discussion. Bill Nelson, identified by the economic office as representing the petitioner, was present and counsel for the applicant. The mayor and council took no final action on annexation at the July 6 meeting beyond scheduling and formal introduction.

Next steps: the council will hold a public hearing on Aug. 3, the plan commission will consider zoning on Aug. 11, and the council may vote on an ordinance effecting annexation and rezoning on Aug. 17. Public comment will be accepted at the Aug. 3 hearing and subsequent meetings.