HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 04/20/2005 V
MINUTES
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers-City Hall
Wednesday—April 20,2005
5:30 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
David Berlanga,Chairman Michael N. Gunning,AICP,Assistant Director
Bryan Stone,Vice Chairman of Development Services
Rudy Garza Mary Frances Teniente,PE,Assistant Director
Michael Pusley of Development Services,
Fred Braselton Priscilla San Miguel,Recording Secretary
Shirley Mims Robert E. Payne,AICP,Senior City Planner
Eloy H. Salazar Mic Raasch,AICP,City Planner
Richard Smith Faryce Goode-Macon, Senior City Planner
Robert Zamora Joseph Harney,Assistant City Attorney
Si usted quiere dirigirse ala comision y su ingles es limitado,habra un interprete de espafiol a ingles en la
junta para ayudarle.
CALL TO ORDER
A quorum was declared and the meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Braselton,seconded by Commissioner Stone to approve the march 16,
2005 minutes of the Special Planning Commission on the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)
public hearing. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Garza to approve the
CDBG minutes of March 23, 2005. Motion by Commissioner Garza,seconded by Commissioner Pusley
to approve the April 6,2005 minutes. The motions passed unanimously.
PLATS
1. Continued Plats
Mic Raasch read plat"a"0205028-NP16 into the record and stated the applicants'representatives
were requesting a continuance of two weeks. Staff recommended a continuance of two weeks.
a. 0205028-NPI6
Boat Hole Marina,Block 1,Lot 1 (Final—6.664 Acres)
Located between Skipper Lane and Jester Street west of the Laguna Madre.
A public hearing was opened. No one appeared to be in favor or in opposition. The public
hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Mims, seconded by Vice Chairman Stone to recommend a
continuance to the May 41"hearing. The motion passed unanimously.
SCANNED
410 ‘1110
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 2
2. New Plats
Mic Raasch read plats "a, c, e, g" (shown below) into the record and stated staff recommended
approval.
a. 0405053-P25
Bessar Park,Block 5,Lot 12A (Final Replat—0.242 Acre)
Located north of Rosebud Avenue between Santa Fe Street and Ocean Drive.
c. 0405055-P27
Padre Island-Corpus Christi Section No.4.Block 215,Lot 8R (Final Replat—0.22 Acre)
Located east of Cruiser Street,south of Whitecap Boulevard,west of South Padre Island Drive
(Park Road 22).
e. 0405057-NP29
Cabaniss School Subdivision,Block 4,Lot 2 (Final—12.70 Acres)
Located south of Saratoga Boulevard(SH 357),west of Kostoryz Road.
g. 0405059-NP31
Staples Plaza Unit 1 (Final—6.204 Acres)
Located east of South Staples Street (FM 2444), north of Timbergate Drive and south of Saratoga
Boulevard(SH 357).
A public hearing was opened for the above referenced plats. No one appeared to be in favor or in
opposition. The public hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Pusley, seconded by Vice
Chairman Stone to approve. The motion passed unanimously.
Mic Raasch read plats "b, d, f' (shown below) into the record and stated that the applicants'
representatives were requesting a continuance of two weeks. Staff recommended a continuance of two
weeks.
b. 0405054-P26
Flour Bluff Center,Block 2,Lots 24A& 25A (Final Replat—0.320 Acre)
Located north of O'Neill Street,west of Stone Street,both south of South Padre Island Drive(SH 358).
d. 0405056-P28
South Fork Unit 4 (Final—12.48 Acres)
Located north of Brooke Road,east of Rodd Field Road.
f. 0405058-NP 30
Cedar Grove,Block 3.Lot 5 (Final—3.33 Acres)
Located north of Holly Road,west of Greenwood Drive.
A public hearing was opened for the above referenced plats. No one appeared to be in favor or in
opposition. The public hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Zamora, seconded by
Commissioner Garza to recommend a continuance to the May 4th hearing. The motion passed
unanimously.
`,
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 3
3. Time Extensions
Mic Raasch read plats "a, b, c" (shown below) into the record and stated that the applicants'
representatives have requested time extensions of six months. Staff recommended time extensions of six
months.
a. 0804162-NP76
Castle Stone Subdivision PUD-2(Final—10.75 Acres)
Located west of South Staples Street between Yorktown Boulevard and Boston Drive.
b. 1004167-NP80
La Concha Estates.Block 2,Lots IA—1 V(Final Replat—6.396 Acres)
Located east of State Highway 361and north of Sea Way Drive.
c. 1004168-NP81
La Concha Estates Unit 3 (Final—21.862 Acres)
Located east of State Highway 361 and south of Sea Way Drive.
A public hearing was opened. No one appeared to be in favor or in opposition. The public
hearing was closed. Motion by Vice Chairman Stone,seconded by Commissioner Braselton to approve a
time extension of six months. The motion passed unanimously.
4. Deferment Agreement—Bay Area Fellowship Church Tract
Mrs. Teniente stated that the Bay Area Fellowship Church submitted a request to defer all public
improvement. Their time schedule requires them to record the plat as soon as possible. The
owner/developer of Bay Area Fellowship Church Tract agreed to deposit$384,533 in the form of a letter
of credit, for the 110% of the estimated cost of constructing the required public improvements. The
deferment period is for two years Staff has not received all information from applicant to substantiate
cost estimate. Staff committed to bring the application before Planning Commission to meet their time
schedule. Bay Area Fellowship Church is deferring their water street and drainage public improvements.
Asking PC to determine reasonable causes to delay the 75% requirement as required in the platting
ordinance.
Public hearing was opened. No one appeared to be in favor or in opposition. The public hearing
was closed. A motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Vice Chairman Stone to
approve the deferment agreement. The motion passed unanimously.
ZONING
1. Tabled Zoning
a. Case No. 0405-01 JIMREC: "R-1B" One-family Dwelling District on Tracts 1 and 2, and an
"A-1" Apartment House District on Tracts 3, 4 and 5 to a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District on Tract 1,
an"AB"Professional Office District on Tract 2,a'B-1"Neighborhood Business District on Tract 3,an"AB"
Professional Office District on Tract 4 and a "B-4" General Business District on Tract 5; resulting in a land
use change from low and medium density residential uses to medium to high impact office/business uses
Being 23.91 Acres out of Lots 1, 2, 15 and 16, Section 10 in the Flour Bluff and Encino! Farm and
Garden Tracts,located along the east side of South Staples Street north of Yorktown Boulevard.
400
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 4
Request: Change of zoning from "R-1B" One-family Dwelling District to "B-1"Neighborhood
Business District on Tract I; "R-1B" One-family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office
District on Tract 2; "A-I"Apartment House District to "B-1"Neighborhood Business District on
Tract 3; "A-1"Apartment House District to"AB"Professional Office District on Tract 4 and"A-
1"Apartment house District"B-4"General Business District on Tract 5
Excerpts from Zoning Report
Legal Description/Location: 23.91 acres out of Lots 14-16 and a portion of Lots 1, Z 15 and 16,
Section 10 in the Flour Bluff and Encina!Farm and Garden Tracts, located along the east side of
South Staples Street north of Yorktown Boulevard.
Purpose of Request: Tract 1-Neighborhood Business Zoning, Tract 2—Professional Office
Zoning; Tract 3—Neighborhood Business zoning; Tract 4—Professional Office Zoning and Tract
5—General Business Zoning
Area Development Plan: Southside-the future land use map supports medium-density residential
on the western 3/4 of the subject property, and single-family and medium density residential on the
eastern V..of the subject property.
Department Comments: The "B-4"General Business and "B-I"Neighborhood Business
Districts permit uses generating much higher volumes of traffic than professional office and
medium density residential uses as proposed by staff The extension of the "B-4"General
Business and the "B-1"Neighborhood Business Districts along South Staples Street is not
supported.
Staff Recommendation: Tracts 1 and 3-Denial of"B-1"Neighborhood Business District and
approval of"AB"Professional Office District zoning. Tract 2-Approval of"AB"Professional
Office District on the western 2/3 of Tract 2, Denial of"AB"Professional ice District on the
eastern 1/3 and retaining the existing "R-1B"One-family dwelling District. Tract 4-Approval of
"AB"Professional Office District on the western 2/3 of Tract 4, denial of"AB"Professional
Office District on the eastern 1/3 and retaining the existing "A-1"Apartment House District.
Tract 5-Denial of"B-4"General Business District on the western 'b of Tract 5 and approval of
"AB"Professional Office District and denial of"B-4"General Business District on the eastern
%and retaining the existing "A-1"Apartment House District.
Mr. Mic Raasch provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The zoning
report and tape recording are on file.
Mr.Raasch stated that Tracts-1 and 3 are proposed for"B-1"Neighborhood Business District and
consists of a total of 7.807 acres. Access is provided along South Staples Street, an urban arterial which
is improved to its ultimate planned capacity of four travel lanes and a continuous center turn lane.
Platting of the property will not require additional right-of-way dedication for South Staples Street. The
Southside Area Development Plan future land use map recommends medium density residential
development (8 to 22 units per acre density) on Tracts 1 and 3. The "B-1" District offers a much more
broad range of uses including restaurants, retail and personal service uses and much more traffic
generated from those commercial uses, and more sign area than allowed by the existing "A-1"Apartment
House District. Staff recommends as a compromise"AB"Professional Office District zoning. Tract-2 is
proposed for"AB" Professional Office District. The Southside Area Development Plan future land use
map recommends medium density residential for the western 2/3 of Tract 2 and low density residential for
the eastern 1/3 of Tract 2. Staff is recommending"AB"on the western 2/3 and to retain the existing"R-
IB" One-family Dwelling District on the eastern 1/3 of Tract 2. Tract-4 is proposed for "AB"
V
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 5
Professional Office District. The Southside Area Development Plan future land use map recommends
medium density residential for the western 2/3 of Tract 4 and single-family residential for the eastern 1/3
of Tract 4. Staff is recommending"AB"Professional Office District on the western 2/3 of Tract 4 and to
retain the existing"A-1" Apartment House District on the eastern 1/3 of Tract 4. Tract-5 is proposed for
"B-4" General Business District and consists of 2.052 acres. The Southside Area Development Plan
future land use map recommends medium density residential on all of Tract 5. Staff is recommending
"AB" on the western 3/4 of Tract 5 and to retain the existing "A-1" Apartment House District on the
eastern 1/4 of Tract 5. He stated that there were 27 notices mailed. One notice was returned from outside
the notification area from Barclaye Grove Neighborhood Association.
In response to Chairman Berlanga and Commissioner Pusley's questions, Mr. Raasch indicated
that the issue from the prior meeting was that the legal description was inaccurate and the mapping and
owner notification had to be redone. Additional property owners were notified within the 200 foot
notification area. The Neighborhood Association sent a letter stating opposition to the zoning change.
In response to Commissioner Salazar's question, Mr. Raasch stated that the land owned to the
east is currently owned by the same property owner. JIMREC is the property owner of approximately
eighty six(86)acres in the whole tract.
Mrs. Goode-Macon indicated that the letter of opposition came from the representative of the
Neighborhood Association which is outside the notification area.
Commissioner Pusley indicated that he would like to see a map of what staff is recommending.
The Barclaye Grove Subdivision is well within the notification range.
Public Hearing opened. No one appeared in opposition.
Chuck Urban, 2725 Swantner, provided graphics to present to the Planning Commission. Mr.
Urban introduced Mr. Sudhoff to clear up any misunderstanding or confusion regarding what is being
proposed.
Mr. Urban stated that what staff is recommending is "AB" back to the residential subdivision.
The most confusing right now would be that Tract 5 falls within the "A-1". The whole concept was to
have a strip of"B-1"zoning for retail and buffer back the residential to"AB". When the project started it
was a textbook type of zoning configuration. The applicant wanted to get a "B-4", because of the high
demand for it. Mr. Sudhoff has been researching the demand for retail in this particular area. It appears
to be more of a need for retail than office spaces.
Mr. Gunning provided a sketch of what is being proposed and what staff is recommending. He
indicated that the applicant is dealing with a large tract of land developed on the east side of Staples
Street. The applicant basically wants to create a zoning configuration that provides for a higher density
development ("B-4") along South Staples Street frontage and a lower density ("AB") development
towards the east on tracts 1-4. The applicant had originally requested along the street front a 'B-1"
Neighborhood Business District which was to be backed up by an"AB"Professional Office District. The
request for a"B-4"on tract 5 is an extension of the existing"B-4"abutting to the south along the east side
of Staples Street. Staff is concerned about the commercial development at mid-block between major
intersections. In lieu of the"B-1",staff had recommended along the frontage for all of tract 1,2/3 of tract
2 an "AB" Professional Office District. Immediately behind it and abutting the south side of the
residential to the north,this tract would be an"R-1B"District to be extended to the back side of the north
boundary of the existing"BA". On Tracts 3 and 4, staff also recommended denial of the "B-1"Business
neighborhood District and approval of an "AB" Professional Office District. On Tract 5 staff also
(WI IWO
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 6
recommended denial of the"B-4"General Business District and approval of the"AB"Professional Office
District.
In response to Mr. Gunning's statement, Mr. Urban indicated that the applicant wanted some
retail within 350 feet along Staples Street frontage instead of the "AB" Professional Office District and
the only other difference was how far back should the"AB"be needed and still allow for the subdivision.
We are concerned with the "AB" Professional Office District versus "B-1" Neighborhood Business
District within the 350 foot strip. "AB" is what staff is recommending and "B-4" is what is being
requested.
In response to Commissioner Salazar's question, Mr. Sudhoff indicated that a "B-1" would be
considered straight across instead of"B-4".
In response to Commissioner Pusley's question, Mr. Sudhoff stated that no one from his office
had discussed any concerns with the Barclaye Grove Neighborhood Association.
Mr. Sudhoff,4350 Ocean Drive,provided a graphic presentation to the Commissioners and stated
that there were two issues when dealing with this piece of property. The property is just under ninety(90)
acres of land and as the sales associate hired to market and broker this property, in Corpus Christi there is
an abundance amount of vacant land and pieces of property that are undeveloped to what their potential
could be. He stated that he is trying to maximize its potential. The subject property is on one of the
busiest and one of the most progressive corners in Corpus Christi. Mr. Sudhoff indicated that Yorktown
will eventually hit Padre Island, it is a condor through the Crosstown Expressway. It will be another
Saratoga. With this intersection there are two issues being the 'B-1" in front and changing the "AB" a
little further back than what the staff is recommending which is "R-1B". the "AB" is being requested
because of potential buyers. There is a contract on 50 acres to build single-family residential homes.
This person only wishes to purchase this amount of land. There is currently a group in California
attempting to purchase"B-1","AB"and"B-4"zoned level. With this piece of property under contract, it
is now ready to be developed into something that Corpus Christi has not yet seen before. The subject
property is being compared to Khol's Shopping Center and it's success. There are people coming into
Corpus Christi willing to invest money into a growing city with many vacant potential lots.
In response to Commissioner Mims' question,Mr. Sudhoff indicated that he has spoken to Texas
Department of Transportation and the local architectural firm WKMC regarding research and access.
WKMC has proposed the creation of a 20 foot bather buffer along the rear for residential adjacency and
along the sides of the property. The buffer will include heavy landscaping. Corpus Christi is progressing
quickly and a new shopping center would bring new jobs.
Commissioner Pusley indicated that Mr. Sudhoff speak to the Neighborhood Association; show
them the proposal and get a letter of recommendation rather than a letter of opposition before action is
taken to City Council.
In response to Commissioner Pusley's question regarding landscaping, Mr. Gunning indicated
that the applicant would have to follow the standard landscaping plans for the buffer area. Mr. Gunning
also indicated that after reviewing Mr. Sudhoff's proposal, staff is willing to drop the "R-1B"on the rear
portion of the property. He also stated that without having a site plan review process it makes it difficult
to give better details.
The public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Commissioner Mims and
seconded by Commissioner Braselton to approve a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District across
thl,
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 7
the entire front of South Staples to a depth of 350 feet and "AB" Professional Office District on the
remaining tracts. The motion passed unanimously.
2. New Zoning
a. Case No.0405-04 Staples Development:"F-R"Farm-Rural on Tracts 1 and 2 to an"A-2"
Apartment House District on Tract 1 and a"34"General Business District on Tract 2,resulting in a land
use change from agriculture to medium-density on Tract 1 and agriculture to general business on Tract 2
Being 9.93 acres out of Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 20,Lots 21 and 22,
located west of Airline Road and 600 feet south of County Road 26-A(Brooks Road).
Request: Change of zoning from"F-R"Farm-Rural District—Tract 1 and 2 to"A-2"Apartment
House District—Tract a and"B-4"General Business District—Tract 2,resulting in a change to
an apartment complex on tract 1 and a shopping center on tract 2.
Excerpts from Zoning Report
Legal Description/Location: Being 9.93 acres out of Flour bluff and Encinal Farm and garden
Tracts, Section 20, Lots 21 and 22, located west of Airline Road and 600 feet south of County
Road 26-A (Brooks Road)
Purpose of Request: Apartment complex on Tract 1 and shopping center on Tract 2
Area Development Plan: Southside—The future land use map recommends the mid-block area of
Airline Road,south of La Bianxa Drive and approximately 1,500 north of Rodd Field Road
develop as multi family uses.
Department Comments: A "B-4"General Business District permits uses with higher volumes of
traffic that normally exist along expressways and arterial roadways. The extension of the "B-4"
General Business District along this section of Airline Road where single family and multi family
residential development is projected to occur is not recommended.
Staff Recommendation: Approval of the "A-2"Apartment House District on Tract 1. Denial of
the "B-4"General Business District on Tract 2 and in lieu thereof approval of an "A-2"
Apartment House District.
Mrs. Goode-Macon provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The
zoning report and tape are on file. She stated that there were 11 notices mailed with none returned in
favor or in opposition.
Mrs. Goode-Macon stated that the applicant is requesting a change of zoning to"A-2"Apartment
House District on Tract 1 for multi-family development and a"B-4"General Business District on Tract 2
to develop a shopping center. The applicant does not have a definite layout for the proposed site other
than noting that he plans to construct a shopping center. Staff is recommending an approval of the"A-2"
Apartment House District on Tract 1 and 2 and denial of the"B-4"General Business District on Tract 2.
Public hearing was opened.
Hutch Bryon,98 Townhouse Lane,distributed a handout to the Commissioners.
(110 V
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 8
Wayne Lundquist, 700 Everhart,stated that the applicants' request was to rezone 9.93 acres of
127 acre tract with 8.62 acres as"A-2"District 3.5 acres as"B4"District. The applicant meant to
request a"B-I"District in lieu of a"B-4"District. Out of the 127 acres,the applicant is requesting that
only 8 percent be residential. There are several mid block business tracts on collector streets.
In response to Chairman Berlanga's question,Mr. Lundquist stated that the applicant is
requesting an"A-2"Apartment House District on Tract I and a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District on
Tract 2 totaling 9.93 acres.
Mr.Gunning stated that the only concern staff had was that this is an area that developers are
anticipating development along the east and west side of the arterial roads. In the future,the change of
zoning at mid block locations will establish a retail pattern for this particular corridor. Staff is continually
encouraging the location of the retail at the intersections two arterials.
Mr.Lundquist indicated that the zoning requested"B-1"District 2%of the whole development.
He reiterated that if everyone had to be restricted to 2 or 3%of their development,there would be no
retail at all. He also stated that he has rezoned approximately 60%of Yorktown and Staples to`B-1"
Neighborhood Business District or"AB"Professional Office District.
Public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Commissioner Salazar and seconded by Vice
Chairman Stone to approve the"A-2"Apartment House District for Tract I and in lieu of a"B-4"General
Business District approve a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District for Tract 2.
b. Case No.0405-05 Landmark Commission-Manuel G.Morales: "R-1B"One-family Dwelling
District to a"R-IB"/HC-IV"One-family Dwelling District with a Historical-Cultural Landmark
Preservation Overlay resulting in a land use change from low-density residential to low-density
residential with a historical overlay
Del Mar Subdivision,Block 18, Lot 3, located along Clifford Street and 100 feet east of Santa Fe
Street.
c. Case No.0405-06 Landmark Commission-Gamaliel Oliva: "R-1B"One-family Dwelling
District to a"R-1B"/HC-IV"One-family Dwelling District with a Historical-Cultural Landmark
Preservation Overlay resulting in a land use change from low-density residential to low-density
residential with a historical overlay
Del Mar Subdivision,Block 18,Lot 6,located along Clifford Street and 250 feet east of Santa Fe Street.
Request: Change zoning from"R-1B"One-family Dwelling District to"R-IB"One-family
Dwelling District with a"HC-IV"Historical-Cultural Landmark Overlay
Excerpts from Zoning Report
Legal Description/Location: Del Mar Subdivision,Block 18, Lot 3, located along Chord Street
and 200 feet of Santa Fe Street. Legal Description/Location:Del Mar Subdivision,Block 18,Lot
6, located along Clifford Street and 250 feet of Santa Fe Street
Purpose of Request: Obtained historical designation for existing residential property, located at
310 Clifford Street.
4.0
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 9
Area Development Plan: Southeast— The future land use map supports the continuation of low-
density residential. The Preservation Plan supports retaining and designating historically
significant properties of the city as a landmark This subdivision was identified in the historical
site survey as historically significant
Department Comments: The Preservation Plan states that the Landmark commission is to
identify and recommend historical classifications of historically significant properties within the
City of Corpus Christi. Designating the subject property with an "HC-IV"(Private property not
open to the public)overlay classification accomplishes the goal and objective setout in the
Preservation Plan.
Staff Recommendation: Approval
Mrs. Goode-Macon indicated that she is combining Case Number 0405-05 located at 310
Clifford Street and 0405-06 located at 324 Clifford Street. Mrs.Goode-Macon provided graphics
of the subject properties and their surrounding areas. Both properties are requesting the same
overlay zoning of an "R-1B" One-family Dwelling District to a "R-1B" One-family Dwelling
District with a "HC-IV" Historical-Cultural Landmark Overlay. The types of homes located in
this area, requesting historical overlay zoning district are homes that have been viewed prior in
the Clifford Street area. The two properties in question are requesting to retain their"R-1B"One-
family Dwelling District and add the "HC-IV" Historical Landmark Overlay. The Landmark
Commission reviewed these properties on February 24, 2005. The Architect and Historian of the
Commission determined that the properties are listed on the Historical Site Survey that was
performed for the city in 1984 and are eligible for designation. Therefore, it has been presented
to the Planning Commission with staffs recommendation to approve with a historical designation
on both properties. Staff recommends approval.
Public hearing was opened. Public hearing was closed. A motion was made be Commissioner
Smith and seconded by Commissioner Mims to approve the historical designation. The motion
was passed unanimously.
Mr. Gunning requested that public hearing be opened for the following agenda item.
V. CORPUS CHRISTI MPO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN
Chairman Berlanga opened public hearing.
Mr. Tom Niskala, Transportation Planning Director for the Metropolitan Planning
Organization, stated that MPO is the agency responsible for coordination of planning for
highways and public transportation between the City, TXDOT, RTA,Nueces and San Patricio
counties and the City of Portland.
Gretchen Arnold, stated that about 60 bicyclists supporters were present to support the
Bicycle Plan in Corpus Christi. The proposed Bicycle Plan has been reviewed by local bicyclists
and is recommending that it be sent to City Council with a request to be approved. She stated
that an implementation of the bicycle plan would benefit transportation, recreation,tourism,
special events, economic development, quality of life and safety.
Dr. Randy Fuentes, 4706 Lake Curron, stated that as a medical physician,he
recommends bicycling for health reasons but is often told that it is not safe to ride in Corpus
4110 %Id
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 10
Christi. To recommend and write a prescription,he would like to have a place or the ability for
them to go. It would bring this town up to level with other cities. Planning efforts include
planning for bicyclists and pedestrians. He indicated that the MPO hired the consultant at
Wilbur Smith and Associate to develop a bicycle plan for the RTA.
Mr.Niskala stated that the MPO's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was created to encourage
local member MPO agencies to promote/facilitate alternative modes of transportation.
Rob Smith,7509Thunersit Drive, member of the South Texas Riders and Swimmers
Association. Would like to reiterate what Ms. Arnold and Dr. Fuentes stated. The Bicycle Plan
would be good for Corpus Christi because of health and fitness,reduction of traffic congestion, it
is environmentally friendly and it would help promote tourism.
David Dunlap, 6109 Quarrel Ridge,recently joined the organization and participated in
the Conquer the Coast Ride on the Bay. The plan that was previously proposed included a list of
streets that would be included in the bike plan. Two primary core loops were included in the
proposal that was given to Mr.Niskala. The organization hopes to see the city help bicycle
groups and at the same time reduce obesity and increase the fitness of its residents. Young and
old would benefit from this plan.
Rosemary 4525 Tautin,stated that several years ago Spohn Hospital placed bike lockers
for its employees and a number of other employers are now following Spohn's example. She
stated that she has ridden her bike for eighteen years and would like to see this plan go into
affect. The problem for bicyclists has always been"to get there". It is very dangerous to ride
anywhere in Corpus Christi.
Dawn English, 302 Circle Drive, stated that a bike plan transcends social, economic and
cultural barriers in this community. People that can afford a car could ride a bike. It would
promote tourism for our city.
Ben McGracken, 15369 Mutiny Court,stated that there are three things that citizens look
for: A safe community, a healthy community to live in, and economic development for all.
Adoption and implementation of this plan would associate all three things and create a better
community.
Public hearing was closed.
Vice Chairman Stone commended the supporters and Ms. Arnold for their efforts with
this plan.
In response to Commissioner Braselton's question,Mr. Gunning stated that the plan will
usually not require any dedications of additional rights-of-way but will be configured within the
existing right-of-way. Yes,there will be additional funding needed to incorporate bike lane
amenities and the adoption of the plan would make the city eligible for various grants through
Texas Parks and Wildlife or through the Federal Highway Administration.
LI J
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page I I
Mr. Niskala indicated that Metropolitan Mobility Funds"Category Seven"may be used
for bikeway improvements. There are some demonstration projects included in the report as well
as alternative funding. This sets the stage so that MPO can pursue those funds.
Chairman Berlanga stated that this particular group of supporters could not have a better
advocate than Ms. Gretchen Arnold.
A motion was made by Commissioner Zamora and seconded to approve. The motion
passed unanimously.
VI. CORPUS CHRISTI FUTURE LAND USE PLAN AM)THE UPDATE TO THE CORPUS
CHRISTI URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN-public hearing and possible action
Mr.Gunning stated that staff consolidated the adopted land use plans from the various area
development plans to create a single citywide map indicating projected future land use across the city and
in the extenitorial jurisdiction. In addition,the transportation plan is also being updated to assure an
adequate transportation network to serve uses shown in the future land use plan. The transportation plan
is being updated from its adoption two years ago to incorporate several amendments. One key point of
the transportation plan amendments is to create more flexibility in the design of street r.o.w. Staff is
recommending taking out the street cross sections and placing them in a Design Manual that can be used
as a guide and the plan would reference the right-of-way desired. These plans have been shared with the
local engineers and developers and the draft plan incorporates their input.
In response to Mr.Cunnings' statement,Mr.Payne indicated that information was sent to the
Development Community that staff is working with on a regular basis with the subdivision process,
which consisted of about 20 people. Information was sent via email and regular mail with some
feedback.
Mr.Payne indicated input from Urban Engineering included an addition to the draft
Transportation Plan text to assure that any deviations to the plan under the Plan Amendments section
should include a requirement for consistency with TXDOT requirements. Other comments stated by
Urban Engineering had to do with the Design Criteria Manual which is not at this time proposed for
adoption. Urban Engineering indicated that they would like for staff to pursue in the next plan update
several other changes that could address reducing the pavement between the curbs to slow traffic down,
reducing the number of cross-sections and reducing the right-of-way on rural sections to be consistent
with urban cross-sections.
In response to Commissioner Braselton's question,Mr.Payne indicated that the design manual
was not proposed for adoption at this time,but will be brought back to Planning Commission when a final
draft is ready.
Public hearing was opened.
Murph Hudson,Urban Engineering representative,2725 Swantner Avenue,thanked city staff for
the opportunity to review the document in advance to the presentation of Planning Commission. He
stated that some good and needed changes have been made to the master plan. Problems with the plan in
the past have been resolved and the next step of this process is to go to the design manual. Written
comments have been sent to staff in order to update and proceed as planned.
Public hearing was closed.
ll
Minutes-Planning Commission Meeting
April 20,2005
Page 12
Mr.Gunning stated that there would need to be an adopted document that enables staff to require
the dedications of rights-of-way necessary to accommodate the proposed traffic on arterials and
collectors. The tentative schedule is to take the transportation plan,land use plan and MPO Bicycle and
Pedestrian plan on May 17,2005. Staff recommends that the Commission adopts the Transportation Plan
and Future Land Use Plan.
A motion was made by Commissioner Braselton and seconded by Commissioner Garza to adopt
the Corpus Christi Future Land Use Plan and update to the Corpus Christi Urban Transportation Plan.
The motion was unanimously passed.
VII. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
A. FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETINGS
B. EXCUSED ABSENCES
C. OTHER MATTERS
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
POSTING STATEMENT:
This agenda was posted on the City's official bulletin board in the Leopard Street entry foyer, 1201
Leopard Street at AM/PM on ,2005.
Michael N.Gunning Priscilla San Miguel
Assistant Director of Recording Secretary
Development Services Development Services
H:WLN-DIR'SHARED\WORDWLANNING COMMISSION AGENDAS\2005\042005 AGENDA.DOC