City Council unanimously approved expanding boundaries of the tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) that contains Schulman’s MBG and the proposed Bold Fox housing development at council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Expanding TIRZ 2 boundaries not only adds about 140 acres southwest of the existing boundary on Show Boat Road, but it’s also one of the steps aimed at bolstering economic development between Bay City and Van Vleck.
That acreage was purchased by Arthur Milberger, a major stakeholder of TIRZ 2.
A key part of this move include a preliminary amended project plan and financing plan for TIRZ 2.
Consultant David Pettit led the public hearing on the boundary expansion and an overview of other steps planned.
“The TIRZ 2 (amendment process) is a road map on how development agreements move forward,” Pettit told council.
The amendments change the original 2015 TIRZ 2 agreement that includes the City of Bay City, Matagorda County, Matagorda County Hospital District and the Port of Bay City Authority.
Bold Fox Development managing shareholder Alex Kamkar said he is excited about the proposed development that will start with about 200 homes and amenities.
Part of the additional TIRZ acreage is to provide an extended drainage detention with the Bold Fox development that calls for park features.
Kamkar recounted his meeting with local officials such as County Judge Nate McDonald and Mayor Robert Nelson about the need for more housing.
“I saw an area that was underserved,” Kamkar said, adding that he was impressed by Bay City and Van Vleck schools.
Kamkar has said he will put all of Bold Fox development within the TIRZ 2 boundary within 10 days of a development agreement.
In other action, council:
N Approved a proclamation that declares Bay City Regional Airport former T-Hangar Access Road to be renamed T. Stanley Drive to honor the late Tom Stanley’s dedication to the airport.
Stanley’s ties to the airport began when he was an airport tenant in 1968, when the airport first moved to its present location.
Stanley was a pilot from 1961 until his death. He was both a pilot instructor and aircraft mechanic and was awarded the FAA Master Pilot Award in May 2018.
N Recognized the Texas Senate resolution in memory of Brent Paul Marceaux.
The Senate Resolution noted that former City Councilman Brent Marceaux, who died May 6, 2021, was an “esteemed public servant, and he led a fulfilling life that centered on his spiritual faith, his love of family and his devotion to his community.”
In addition to twice serving on City Council, Marceaux also was on the Bay City ISD and Holy Cross School boards of trustees and a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church vestry.
N Amended the City Code of Ordinances, including sections on unreasonable noise prohibitions and tests and standards for noises.
The amended ordinance makes it unlawful for people to make noise that injures or endangers others’ health, peace, safety and welfare with the city limits.
Specifically, the ordinance forbids noise in residential areas to exceed 60 decibels from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and shall not exceed 50 decibels after 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
In addition, in and around non-residential property noise shall not exceed 60 decibels after 11 p.m. on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and before 7 a.m. on the following morning or after midnight and before 7 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday.
The ordinance also requires an exhaust muffler on gas engines that’s “in effective working condition.”
Police Chief Robert Lister told council that his department purchased decibel meters.
N Approved City Engineering Tech Alyssa Dibbern’s recommendations for a compact car parking space, which shall be a minimum eight feet wide and 16 feet long.
Parking spaces will be visibly marked as compact car or small car.
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