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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 11/03/2004 MINUTES REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers-City Hall Wednesday—November 3,2004 5:30 P.M. COMMISSIONERS: David Berlanga,Chairman Neill F.Amsler Michael Pusley Shirley Mims Eloy H. Salazar Richard Smith Robert Zamora Commissioners Absent: Bryan Stone,Vice Chairman Fred Braselton STAFF: B.A.Bailey,AICP,Director of Development Services Michael N. Gunning,AICP,Assistant Director of Development Services Mary Frances Teniente,PE,Assistant Director of Development Services Michelle Long,Recording Secretary Faryce Goode-Macon,City Planner Miguel Saldana,AICIP,City Planner Mickey Raasch,AICP,City Planner Sylvia Arispe,City Planner Joseph Harney,Assistant City Attorney Si usted quiere dirigirse ala comision y su ingles es limitado,habra un interprete de espanol a ingles en la junta para ayudarle. CALL TO ORDER A quorum was declared and the meeting was called to order at 5:35. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Pusley and seconded by Zamora to approve the minutes as submitted. PLATS Continued Plats Mr.Miguel Saldana,City Planner, stated the representatives for the following plat applicants requested their plats be tabled for two weeks. 0804155-NP74 (Non Public) SCANNEC El Diamante Perdido (Preliminary— 153.51 Acres) Located east of Rodd Field Road between Brook Road(CR 26A)and Slough Road(CR 26). 41/0 ' Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 2 1004173-NP85 (Non Public) Sunbelt Industrial Park,Block 4. Lot 1 (Final—9.25+Acres) Located west of Navigation Boulevard south of Leopard Street. A motion was made by Salazar and seconded by Mims to approve the two week extensions as requested. Mr. Saldana read the following plat into the record. 0804153-P83 (Public) Padre Island—Corpus Christi Section No.4,Block 191,Lot IA (Final—0.22 Acre) Located south of Cruiser Street west of South Padre Island Drive(Park Road 22). The public hearing was opened. No one appeared to be in favor or opposition. The public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Smith and seconded by Zamora to approve the plat as submitted. The motion passed by all present. New Plats Mr.Miguel Saldafia stated the representatives for the following plat applicants requested their plats be tabled for two weeks. 1104177-NP89 (Non Public) Country Estates Unit 4A (Preliminary—8.82 Acres) Located along Emory Drive and Rushing Boulevard,both south of Hearne Road. 1104179-NP91 (Non Public) Industrial Technology Park Future Units (Preliminary—64.951 Acres) Located north of Old Brownsville Road(FM 665)and west of South Padre Island Drive(SH 357). A motion was made by Pusley and seconded by Mims to approve the two week extensions as requested. The motion passed by all present. Mr. Saldana read the following plat into the record. 1104178-NP90 (Non Public) Padre Island—Corpus Christi Ports O'Call,Block 18. Lot 12R (Final—0.517 Acre) Located east of Salt Cay Court,north of Ports O'Call Drive,and south of Whitecap Boulevard. Mr. Saldana stated there were setback issues with the plat and the applicant was present to answer questions. • Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 3 Ron Voss, 3756 Bratten,came forward and asked that the plat be tabled. He had questions about his earlier meeting with Mr. Saldafia regarding fire protection. Mr. Saldafia stated he should contact Mr. Fred Pena in the Water Department. Mr.Michael Gunning asked Mr.Voss to call Development Services for the information. Berlanga asked if two weeks would be enough time. Mr. Saldafia stated the next Board of Adjustment hearing is on December 15,2004. The plat will need to be tabled until then for the board to handle this request. Mr. Voss stated he knows the City has no fall back but wished the foundation inspectors in the building department would do a better job. A motion was made by Zamora and seconded by Salazar to approve the extension as requested. The motion passed by all present. Mr. Saldafia read the following two plats into the record. 1104181-NP92 (Non Public) The Forum Mall,Block 1.Lots 3C&3D (Final—3.254 Acres) Located east of Rodd Field Road between Holly and Wooldridge Roads. 1104182-NP83 (Non Public) Huntington Park Unit 2,Block 1,Lots 8&9 (Final—3.301 Acres) Located south of Saratoga Boulevard west of South Staples Street and east of Huntwick Avenue. Mr. Saldana stated the plats were ready for approval as submitted. The public hearing was opened. No one appeared to be in favor or opposition. The public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Smith and seconded by Pusley to approve the plats as submitted. The motion passed by all present. ZONING New Zoning 1104-03 -City of Corpus Christi Landmark Commission Request: Change of zoning from"I-2"Light Industrial to: "I-2"with HC-I Light Industrial District with a Historical-Cultural Landmark classification resulting in a land use change from light industrial to light industrial with landmark preservation. Excerpts from Zoning Report Legal Description/Location:La Gloria Subdivision, Block E,Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 located along the southwest corner of Morgan Avenue and Bright Street. Purpose of Request: Obtain historical designation for the former medical office of Dr. Hector P. Garcia,M.D. V rrl ' Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 4 On September 23, 2004 the Landmark Commission held a public hearing on the former medical office of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, M.D., to designate the subject property currently zoned '1-2" Light Industrial District with the overlay designation "H-C"I— Historical-Cultural Landmark Preservation. The subject property is identified as a significant historical element of the city under criteria 28A-4.01.04 for designation of landmarks within the zoning ordinance. The Landmark Commission found that the property is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the City. The Landmark Commission is fulfilling its charge of designating, classing and protecting historical elements of the City of Corpus Christi,per the "H-C"Historical-Cultural Preservation Landmark overlay designation of the Zoning Ordinance,policy guidelines of the Preservation Plan, and element of the Comprehensive Plan. In 1997 the Landmark Commission completed the Corpus Christi Historical Site Survey and prioritized each property as to its historical valve to the city. Once properties were identified and prioritized the Landmark Commission continued to meet with property owners to promote preservation of their structure through the "H-C"Historical-Cultural Landmark Preservation overlay designation. The proposed "1-2"District with a Historical-Cultural Landmark classification ("HC-F9 on the subject property accomplishes the goals of the Preservation Plan. Staff recommendation: Approval of the "1-2"/HC-I Light Industrial District with a Historical- Cultural Overlay—HC-I Mrs. Faryce Goode-Macon, City Planner,provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The zoning report and tape recording are on file. She stated that there were 47 notices mailed. None were received in favor or in opposition. Berlanga asked is this for approval of just the"HC-I"or the"I-2"/"HC-I". Mrs.Goode-Macon stated it was for the overlay of the"HC-I". The public hearing was opened. Mr.Tom Utter, Special Assistant to the City Manager,stated this is a step in the process of having historical designation to this property so the City can move forward with assisting with the renovation and restoration of this project. He stated he had been with City many years and got to know Dr.Hector P. Garcia. He was one of most generous,kind,and wonderful people he has ever met. He is in the ranks of Martin Luther King, and the ranks of history of the United States. This office is a symbol of what he has meant to the community. The Landmark Commission unanimously voted in favor of the zoning change. Pusley asked if there were plans for renovation. Mr.Utter stated not at this time. Once the overlay is adopted by City Council,it will be eligible for CDBG funds. At that time all G I Forum groups would come together and develop a plan. Pusley asked if it would be operated as a public access facility. Mr.Utter stated the American G I Forum,Texas A&M and the community would also utilize it. Berlanga stated there were several members of the G I Forum in audience and asked for a show of hands of how many planed to speak. He stated the speakers would be limited to two minutes each. Mr.Garcia,Chairman of the Foundation,express appreciation of the community for taking time to review this application. He would like to preserve the building for history and the study of the • Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 5 Hispanic movement. He stated they have linkages with the university which can be utilized for this project. The GI Forum,on a national basis,has innumerable records which this building has been designated to be the final repository. Mr. Garcia requested the Commission approve this zoning request. Mrs.Agnes Horn, 1525 Cloyde,stated she was with Dr. Garcia from 1947 until the day he died. She thanked all who had worked on the project. Mr.Ram Chaves, 1642 Sandlewood,stated it is long overdue to support this project. That building represents what Dr. Garcia accomplished as well as the work of the Hispanic community nationwide. Dr.Garcia made many decisions that impacted the Hispanic community. Ms.Nancy Vera,President of the League of United Latin American Citizens,4405 Carlton Street, stated she teaches at Roy Miller High School. Ms.Vera stated she is in support of making the area a historical landmark. She stated in her classroom she has pictures of Mahout Gandhi,Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa,and among them,Dr.Hector P.Garcia. She explains to her students who Dr.Garcia is and about the wonderful things he did for the poverty stricken. Having a museum close to the school will be a tremendous asset to the community. Mr.Jose Villarreal, 3401 South Alameda,stated he was a witness to the things Dr. Garcia did for the community. He broke down political bathers and never gave up. He stated this building signifies many of the efforts that need to be remembered by the young students coming up. Ms. Corretta Graham, 1209 Belmeade,appeared in support and stated she is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. It is important to preserve civil rights legacies and teaching the legacy to future generations. This institute can also provide cultural cross training with regards to the impact Dr.Garcia has had on all generations and races. Mr.Felix Landene,Jr.,905 Gaviota, lifetime member of the G I Forum,and Secretary of the Chapter,has seen the building fall into disarray. The Forum still has members who spent hours working in the building with Dr. Garcia. He stated the Forum will do all they can to make this happen. Mr. Santiago Hernandez,2613 Persimmon,Vice President of the Corpus Christi Barrios Association appeared in support. He stated this project is a long time coming. It is time the young in the community recognize Dr. Garcia for all he has done for the Mexican American community. Mr.Juan Garcia,4913 Kerville Drive, stated he is a Navy Pilot and has marked off the distance in the air from the building to downtown,to the Bayfront,to where the new stadium will be,and to the ABC Center. This is a great opportunity to spread the great things happening downtown across Crosstown Expressway and expand the vision and signature entity that Corpus Christi is on the verge to becoming. Mr.Danny Noyola,4410 Acushnet,President of the Corpus Christi Barrios Association, stated the association unanimously endorsed this project. They will do anything necessary to make this a "dream come true". The community is coming together like Dr.Hector always wanted it to,to create great things. This is highly meritorious of this great Doctor. Dr.Garcia loved Molina,and he loved people who needed help the most. At a time when babies were dying from dehydration and diarrhea,no one but Dr. Garcia would go Barrios and insert I-V's into these babies to get them back to life. Ms.Patsy Lowela,Texas State Chairwoman of the American G I Forum, 1122 Greenwillow,was honored to have worked for Dr.Garcia for 13 years. This is long overdue. The Dr.accomplished many things over his lifetime and he would support this issue. Ms.Maria Ramirez,4005 Rooney,American Vice Chairwoman of the American G I Forum, stated that this is a dream of Dr.Garcia's. He talked about education for the young for many years. V IIIS ' Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 6 Mr.Gilbert Porapez, 1526 South 19th Street,stated the building is falling to pieces,and it could have been prevented. We could have started this project years ago and the building would be in good shape but something would come up and they could not do it. It was a great idea to push this forward. The public hearing was closed. Salazar stated that Danny Noyola served on this commission for six years and it is important to know that the next step is to get funding and then fix the building. Being an ex-commissioner will give Mr.Noyola a good inside track. His leadership and commitment to this project is to be commended. Motion was made by Berlanga and seconded by Zamora to accept staff's recommendation for the "HC-P"Historical Culture Overlay designation for this case. The motion passed by all present. Berlanga asked Mr.Gunning to note that the Commissioners were applauded. 1104-01 -Jon Roel Investments,LLC DBA Request: Change of Zoning from"R-1B"One-family Dwelling District to R-2"Multiple Dwelling District resulting in a change of land use from single family dwelling to multiple family dwelling. Excerpts from Zoning Report Legal Description/Location: Being 0.43 acres out of Montrose Park Addition Block 4, Lots 4 and 5 located at the southwest corner of Highland Avenue and Hibiscus Street Purpose of Request: To construct a two building, multi family housing complex with approximately six dwelling units Area Development Plan: Westside—The requested "R-2"Multiple Dwelling District is inconsistent with the future land use map which recommends Traditional Neighborhood Residential uses. Approval of the "R-2"Multiple Dwelling District. Stafffeels that Multiple Dwelling District Zoning is a more appropriate buffer from the "I-2"Light Industrial District Zoning to the east and the proposed traditional neighborhood residential uses to the west. Mr.Mic Raasch,City Planner,provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The zoning report and tape recording are on file. He stated that there were 44 notices mailed. None were received in favor or in opposition. The public hearing was opened. No one appeared to be in favor or opposition. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Salazar and seconded by Zamora to approve staff's recommendation. The motion passed by all present. 1104-02-City of Corpus Christi Landmark Commission and Johann Collins Request: Change of zoning from"B-5"Primary Business District to"B-5"with HC-IV Primary Business District with Historical-Cultural Landmark Classification,resulting in a land use change from primary business to primary business with landmark preservation. V 111110 • Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 7 Excerpts from Zoning Report Legal Description/Location:Beach Addition, Block 44,Lot 6, located on the southwest corner of Chaparral Street and Palo Alto Street. Purpose of Request: Obtain historical designation for the existing single-family residence Area Development Plan/Preservation Plan: The South Central Area Development Plan (ADP) recommends the area develop with commercial development. Designating the subject property with a historical designation accomplishes the goals identified in the Preservation Plan. The requested "B-5" Primary Business District with HC-IV"is consistent with the ADP and Preservation Plan. On September 23, 2004 the Landmark Commission held a public hearing on the subject property, to designate the single-family structure located in Old Irish Town, currently zoned "B-5" Primary Business District, with the overlay designation "H-C"IV—Historical-Cultural Landmark Preservation. The subject property is located along the southwest corner of Chaparral and Palo Alto Streets. The subject property was identified in the Historical Site Survey as being an historical element of the city and received a high priority rating due to the architectural significance of the structure and its'location in Old Irish Town. The Landmark Commission recommended the request be approved and forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council for action. Staff Recommendation: Approval of"B-5"Primary Business District with a Historical-Cultural Landmark Overlay-"HC-IV" Mrs.Goode-Macon,provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The zoning report and tape recording are on file. She stated that there were 24 notices mailed. None were received in favor or in opposition. The public hearing was opened. Mr.Johann Collins, 1323 North Chaparral,stated he restored the property himself and lives there. He stated he appreciated the commission taking into consideration having his home as a landmark. It is important to preserve the heritage of Old Irish Town. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Zamora and seconded by Mims to approve staffs recommendation. The motion passed by all present. 1104-04-Charles Frazier Request: Change of zoning from"R-1B"One-family Dwelling District and"T-IB"Manufactured Home Park District to"B-4"General Business District resulting in a land use change from single-family dwellings and manufactured home to general business. Excerpts from Zoning Report Legal Description/Location: Being 29.07 acres out of Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 28,Lots 4-6 and Joslin Tract Block A,Lot II, located north of south Padre Island Drive west of Ennis Joslin Road and south of McArdle Road. Purpose of Request Mixed use: motel, retail, multi family housing, student housing 4.0 • Planning Conunission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 8 Area Development Plan: Southside Area Development Plan—The future land use map recommends a combination of multi-family, neighborhood commercial and general commercial for the subject property. In developing the property, consideration should be given in protecting residential properties from commercial development. The requested "B-4"District is consistent with the future land use map. Staff Recommendation: Approval of the "B-4"General Business District. Pending action of the "B-4"District the owner will deed restrict the property from auto engine repair and go cart uses within 200'of multi-family uses. Mrs.Goode-Macon,provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The zoning report and tape recording are on file. She stated that there were 18 notices mailed. None were received in favor or in opposition. Pusley asked how the restrictions would work. Mrs.Goode-Macon stated the owner would develop and sign the deed restrictions which staff will review. The restriction will be filed if the case is approved by City Council. After approval and upon receipt of the signed restrictions,staff will process the notification in the paper which effectuates the zoning change. The advertisement will not be run without receiving the signed restrictions. The public hearing was opened. Mr.Tim Clower,representative of the applicant, stated he had sold most of the property in past ten years. He had been meeting for six to eight months with Texas A&M University representatives and Dr. Ferguson. They came up with four to five hundred units for student housing and possibly an extended stay facility. He had also met with the Dean of Students and conducted a survey of what students would like to see in the retail area. The apartments will be located on McArdle. During the pre develop meeting with staff,platting and infrastructure was discussed. They also discussed a P.U.D. and special permits, which could be restrictive. The project is planned for five years,but it could take seven or eight years to complete. They do not want outside noise from body shops,go carts,etc. Berlanga stated this is a great project in proximity to the university. He stated staff recommended he deed restrict the property from auto engine repair and go cart uses within 200 feet of multi-family uses. He asked Mr.Clower if intended to have this type of facility. Mr.Clower stated he did not. There was discussion of why to not exclude both uses altogether. Ms.Barbara Bailey,Director of Development Services,stated there could be instances where possibly a Sears store moved in and automotive work was done in the central area of the store which would be acceptable. Staff was looking at noise issues. Mr.Clower stated from a marketing standpoint,they planned to have internal movement between the apartments and restaurants. There will also be a walk/bike trail between the two. Pusley asked if there plans for park and rides for students. Mr.Cower stated there could possibly be a trolley system and that hike and bike trails are already in the plan. All this company does is student housing so their main concern the students. The units will have built-ins with desks and better lighting for the students. Pusley stated this is a great project. Zamora agreed but had concerns with possible uses that may go with this zoning. Mr.Clower stated he will not and can not speak for the others,but would not have noisy businesses on the property because he would get the phone calls. He does not foresee that occurring. This land is to prices for that anyway. Go carts of auto shops would drive away the market. fir " Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 9 Mims commended Mr. Clower for this project. She believes he will put together a quality project. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Mims and seconded by Amsler to recommends approval of the`B-4" General Business District. Pending action of the"B-4"District the owner will deed restrict the property from auto engine repair and go cart uses within 200' of multi-family uses. The motion passed by all present. 1104-05 -Tim Voorkamp Request: Change of zoning from R-1 B"One-family Dwelling District to"1-2"Light Industrial District, resulting in a land use change from single family dwelling to light industrial. Legal Description/Location:Being 23.40 acres out of Bohemian Colony Lands, Section 6,Lot 2, located along the northwest corner of Greenwood Drive and Saratoga Boulevard. Purpose of Request: Development of an Industrial Park Area Development Plan: Westside Area Development Plan recommends the area retain the low- density residential land use until commercial and industrial development extends west along Saratoga Boulevard. Commercial and industrial development has been occurring along the east west corridor of Saratoga Boulevard and an amendment to the future land use map on the subject property is acceptable. Staffs Recommendation: Approval of the "I-2"Light Industrial District. Mrs. Goode-Macon,provided graphics of the subject property and the surrounding area. The zoning report and tape recording are on file. She stated that there were 16 notices mailed. None were received in favor or in opposition. Mims asked what the landscaping ordinance was for this zoning. Ms.Goode-Macon stated they would have to comply with the ordinance when they apply for the building permits staff will review. Mims want to make sure landscaping is appropriate Mr.Tim Voorkamp, 6238 Strausberg,stated he would comply with landscape ordinance. Storage buildings will be in the back. The remaining 30 lots will look like Way-Out-Weber. Mims stated she would have no wild colors to which Mr.Voorkamp agreed. The public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Minis and seconded by Zamora to approve staff's recommendation. The motion passed by all present. V. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE: CRITIQUE OF EXISTING REGULATIONS— CONSULTANT PRESENTATION AND COMMISSION ACTION Lee Einsweiler presented the PowerPoint of the consultant's initial critique of the City's current development regulations in regards to zoning and platting. fro " Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page 10 The presentation lasted approximately 25 minutes. Mr. Einsweiler asked that the Planning Commission make a recommendation that City Council see this same presentation. He also asked the Commission to take some formal action and forward any concerns up the ladder so they can be fed back to them. Mr.Gunning stated staff is working with other city staff to put the critique on the city website. This will allow community to be involved in the process and make comments. Pusley asked about alternatives to cookie cutter development and how the City can encourage that when developers will always want to maximize land use. Einsweiler stated one thing is to not focus on lot size but allow lot averaging. Fifteen percent below that would be permitted,and then lot sizes begin to change. Allowing different housing types rather than all single family detached would help to eliminate the sense of cookie cutter housing. Pusley asked if other cities are involved in encouraging that through abatements or utilities. Einsweiler stated some community's require variety in subdivisions. On the open space front, some cities provide credit against park fees. The best thing for the developer is to get double credit for open space. Amsler stated nothing in presentation had to do with affordability or affordable housing. He came to Corpus Christi 12 years ago and started the first affordable housing. The population has not increased in income. The net purchasing power in the population is declining. Amsler stated he is the most receptive person in the development business towards change and wants to do the right things for the right reasons. Much of what is being said here continues to drive up the cost of a house. Lots were 13 percent of the cost of the house,now they are at 20 percent. With a minimum house price of 155,000,we are growing the need for apartments. Einsweiler stated in regards to affordability, it is dependent on what the expectation is. There may be a different model for what a single family home is. There are some small lot housing types that may have a place in this market place. He stated he needed input from Amsler to identify regulatory barriers they we could break down to provide for swifter processing,more certainty,and options for more affordable housing types. There are a lot of infrastructure issues were not talked about tonight which are a part of the cost equation. Amsler stated to Ms.Bailey he did not know the UDC was going to go this far. He is not opposed to it but over the years city has thrown up every road block for out of the box thinking. Ms.Bailey stated this is where we need to be. City Council will get the same presentation. Amsler stated narrower streets been talked about for years but no one was interested. Einsweiler stated the documents are in terrible shape and even if to just modernize the document without changing the standards would be a considerable help. If we can change the document,the process,and the standards we will have come a long way. Berlanga was excited that the Commission has authority over street names. Mims verified that everything in the document is subject to change. IWO ' Planning Commission Minutes November 3,2004 Page I1 Lee stated now is the time to tell what you really don't like about the document so it can be eliminated. If there are things you like but would like more of,pass those comments up the chain and it will come down to us in the form of City Council direction. Mr.Gunning stated the idea of the UDC was intended to be a comprehensive rewrite of our code. Because we are partly funded by CDBG,we have an obligation to look at affordability of homes. Smith stated he had read most of this and thought it is an excellently designed document. As far as the issues Amsler brought up,economics always need to be addressed. We need to address that the minimum cost of affordable housing has simply gone up. He stated he has been at heart of the effort for Padre Island,knowing full well he won't be able to afford to live on Padre Island for many more years. He urged the Planning Commission's support. Pusley would like to see if there is someway of financially encouraging developers to not always subscribe to cookie cutter developments by giving them some sort of financial carrot. Having fewer homes in any given area would put a lesser strain on utilities. That may be justification to the City for a financial benefit for developers. Einsweiler stated differential standards crafted correctly in the code could be the answer. A lot of it is bells&whistles. He stated the code will make it as easy as possible to build, expand,etc. The City needs modest levels of change and flexibility. Einsweiler asked the Commission to recommend that same presentation be made to City Council. A motion was made by Berlanga to and seconded by Zamora to forward the document to council with no recommendations or critique from the Planning Commission. The motion passed by all present. DIRECTOR'S REPORT FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETINGS The November 17, 2004 meeting will include the Island Overlay District. EXCUSED ABSENCES Zamora requested an excused absence from the November 29, 2004 meeting. His daughter had surgery. A motion was made by Salazar and seconded by Pusley to approve the excused absence. The motion passed by all present. OTHER MATTERS Salazar stated he will not be attending the November 17, 2004 meeting. VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mims and seconded by Salazar to adjourn at 8:06. Michael N.Gunning,AICP Michelle Long Assistant Director of Development Services Recording Secretary