P&Z talks trash at cluster mailboxes
Courtesy photos The receptacle at the Pecan Lakes Estates Phase 3 cluster mailbox was intended as a convenient and tidy way for residents to dispose of junk mail but it has become a personal trash can for persons unknown.
The Navasota Planning & Zoning Commission met in a Regular Meeting Thursday, July 13, with the bulk of the meeting spent revisiting cluster mailbox requirements. Chapter 10, Article 7.13 of the Subdivision Rules requires “an approved trash receptacle” at cluster mailbox areas but the necessity of a receptacle is being questioned.
The workshop item was prompted by Pecan Lakes Estates Phase 3 resident Julie Peters who provided photos of an overflowing poly cart which had been refilled within hours of Republic Services’pickup in the subdivision.
This isn’t the first-time trash receptacles at cluster mailboxes has come before P&Z. In August 2022, Christopher Redding, president of the Dove Landing Court POA, requested a waiver from Article 7.13, which was denied.
According to Redding, POA members voted to remove the receptable saying it wasn’t wanted or needed, it was a pest issue and created a hardship for the POA to manage.
Peters said the idea of a receptacle to address disposal of junk mail was “good in theory” but there are issues with wind blowing the trash out of the cart and that this wasn’t the only occurrence of the receptacle being filled with personal garbage by persons unknown.
Also discussed was safety at the cluster mailbox unit and the need to reconfigure the parking area around the mailbox unit to accommodate two vehicles, as is required by the ordinance. According to City Manager Jason Weeks, the City is working with developer James Hassell to enhance the parking area once he completes work on CR 424.
Development Services Director Lupe Diosdado will consult with City legal counsel about a temporary suspension of enforcement for 90 days to gauge if trash receptacles at cluster mailboxes are necessary. He will also contact Redding with the Dove Landing Court POA.
Hi Ho gets high-five
Commissioners approved a replat application submitted by Hi Ho Holdings, LLC for the property located at 1921 Highway 105 East. The property is currently subdivided into three parcels totaling 5 acres. The approved replat will subdivide the property into two lots, one for the existing gas station/convenience store and the other for future development.
Other business
Before adjourning, commissioners approved the June 8 meeting minutes. Present were Ethan Barcak, Dia Copeland, Debbie Hancock, Chairman Randy Peters, Dr. John Walla and Todd Wisner. Carolyn Katkoski was absent. Representing the City were Diosdado, Weeks, Hattie Wells and city council liaison Bernie Gessner The meeting may be viewed in its entirety at https://www. navasotatx.gov/planning-zoning- commission.