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PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes
January 30,2002
Commissioners Present: David Berlanga,Chairman
Shirley Mims,Vice Chairman
Neill F.Amsler
Michael Pusley
Elizabeth Chu Richter
Eloy H.Salazar
Richard Smith
Robert Zamora
Commissioner Absent: Brooke Sween-McGloin
Staff Present: Michael N.Gunning,AICP,Director of Planning
Lucinda P.Beal,Recording Secretary
Miguel S.Saldaiia,AICP,City Planner
Harry J.Power,City Planner
Doyle Curtis,Sr.Assistant City Attorney
Leo Farias,P.E.,Special Services Engineer
Marcos A.Cisneros,Director of Park and Recreation
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Berlanga declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
NON PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS
PRESENTATION—Presentation by Marcos A.Cisneros,Director of Park and Recreation,
Regarding Marina RFPs
Mr. Gunning introduced Mr. George Noe, Deputy City Manager, who presented the Marina
Request For Proposal(RFP). Mr.Noe said that the City issued an RFP to improve the Bayfront area and
marina. He added that the City has the opportunity to offer new resident and visitor attractions,to generate
new commercial and/or entertainment opportunities and to improve the marina fund balance.
Mr.Noe presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining revenue and expenditure information. The
presentation contained information received from the top three(3)respondents to the RFP. He said that the
City wanted the developer to have an experienced team with a vision. He informed the Commission that
the City is working with a local developer, Mr. Leon Loeb, for mixed use development on one of the
T-heads and that it is the City's intent is to negotiate separately with Mr. Loeb. Mr. Loeb is requesting a
five-year lease which would require revision of the charter and City Council approval.
Mr. Noe said that City staff interviewed three (3) teams and requested a mixed use proposal.
There are three (3) land areas and are treated separately. He illustrated a computer generated diagram
showing each of the three land areas and proposed use and said that the budget depicts$72 million of both
public and private funds.
Landry's Restaurants have created their own design which included of Landry's and incorporates
Joe's Crab Shack. He provided a photo of a marina Landry's operates in Keema,Texas. Mr.Noe added
that Landry's has other ventures in Galveston and Houston,however, Keema is the only marina operation.
• Berlanga left at 6:02 p.m.
Mr.Noe said that there would be a public hearing before City Council on March 26 and staff will
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January 30,2002
Page 2
ask the Council to select a team at that time. Negotiations should conclude with the chosen
developer by the end of May 2002. He said that Landry's is the City's choice for the development and
proposes a two-year program.
Vice Chair Mims asked how input would be considered and factored into the procedures. Mr.Noe
said that the Landry developers understand that there would be several meetings to discuss input.
Vice Chair Minis expressed concern with allowing one T-head for parking. Mr.Noe said that the
criticism is that there is not enough parking,but the developer would need to provide adequate parking.
Commissioner Amsler said that Council might view the development as being similar to a"Coney
Island".Mr.Noe said that Keema is a tourist attraction. Landry's views venture as an opportunity to attract
people from outside the area. Commissioner Amsler said that the development would attract visitors;
however,there needs to be controls to make sure that the development looks attractive. He agreed with the
funding source requirement.
Commissioner Pusley said that he has been to Keema and was impressed with the facility, but he
added that he did not want to see the T-Heads turn into an amusement center. He also agreed with the
proposal for the Landry's proposal and suggested that landscaping be added to Landry's proposal.
Commissioner Pusley also said that he preferred to have"Corpus Christ?'on the name of the development.
Mr.Noe said that landscaping needed to be not be an issue and would be required. He continued that the
City believes that more activity would benefit the downtown and be a positive impact for the area.
Commissioner Richter said that the Caradino development offers diversity in the plan with more
opportunities while Landry's presents more restaurants and amusement park. Mr.Noe agreed and said that
the City questions whether the uses would be too intense and probably would not be economically viable.
Commissioner Richter said that dedicating a T-Head to parking would not be feasible and suggested shuttle
services. Mr. Noe said that Landry's position is to work with RTA to make sure that there is adequate
transportation.
Mr. Noe said that the development needs access to adequate parking. He added that the City
recognized that there is not enough parking on site. Commissioner Richter said that she did want to see the
area be privatized and added that the City should encourage use of public space. Mr. Noe said that the
development would be public plazas and not privately owned. Commissioner Richter asked about daily
marina life. Mr.Noe said that the L-head has been dedicated for marina support,and each of the land areas
for marina support.
In response to Commissioner Richter,Mr.Noe said that any lease over the water is limited to five
(5)years. In order to get a long-term lease,there has to be a public vote.
Commissioner Salazar asked about considering dividing the development to allow more than one
entity to participate and asked whether the Landry's Corporation would partner with another developer.
Mr. Noe answered in the negative. He agreed that the other developers have more marina experience
however,marina only operations would increase slip fees,and there would not be any development,which
would not be good for the marina. Commissioner Salazar asked if staff reviewed the other marina
operations. He said that the City should consider allowing more than one entity to create the project. He
said that a developer could develop the marina-type operation, while another developer could develop die
hotellrestaurant aspect. Mr.Noe responded by saying that the chosen developer needs to be given enough
property and enough responsibility to make all aspects work. If they are forced into a small area, there is
greater risk for failure.
Motion by Zamora, seconded by Salazar, to include Commissioner Sween-McGloin's written
comments. Motion passed with Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 3
"Chis is an important planning opportunity and we cannot afford to be over excited by one developer or
another without discussing and understanding all of the same issues we would address with any
development.
Do we understand the following planning issues in each scenario? They all need to be discussed and
determined what is appropriate for this area.
• Density,
• Land Use,
• Available Utilities,
• Stormwater Drainage,
• Parking requirements,
• Transportation issues (vehicular and pedestrian),
• Connectivity to,and interaction with,Downtown.
There has been reference to the creation of a "downtown overlay district". Presumably this may have
density,building heights and design issues included in the requirements of development within the overlay
district.When will this Overlay district be created?How will it apply to this development?
I am concerned that no matter which developer is selected:
✓ not all of the development,ownership and management should be by one company.
I think it is dangerous to put all of our eggs in one basket.If it is developed owned,and managed by
one entity,the City is running a risk if that one group has fmancial trouble.
/ the City should work with the developer to use this important asset (the Marina) to assist the
Downtown in coming back to life. I think whatever is placed on the T&L heads needs to interact with
Downtown in some way. The development should not be a theme park isolated on the T or L heads.
The development should create pedestrian connectivity between Downtown and the Marina.
✓ I don't think that the T or L heads should be used primarily as a parking lot. Each one should have a
mix of some development (pad sites, restaurants, etc.) and some parking. No one T head should be
used as a parking lot.It is a poor use of this prime real estate and limits the use.Also,I don't think the
locals will want to park on one T head and take a short boat ride across to another to eat It is such a
short distance it seems ridiculous and not really worth the ride.If they want to do a boat ride,start from
a further point(like the barge dock)and don't use the marina for a parking lot."
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Continued Minutes-October 24,2001,November 7,2001,December 5,2001,December 19,2001
Commissioner Sween-McGloin submitted amendments to the minutes in writing. They are as
follows:
October 24,2001 -Note:Commissioner Sween-McGloin left before zoning case 1001-06.
November 7,2001- Pg.4;Paragraph 10;Last sentence
;the county has held that for itself.
Pg.4;Paragraph 11
Mr.Uttsr said that it coordinates with the State requirements.
Pg. 7:Paragraph 8;Fourth sentence
9181/ 91/1
Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 4
She continued that language needed to be added that freestanding attached signs are not allowed to extend
above the building.
Pg. 7:Paragraph 10
Commissioner Sween-McGloin asked- suggested that a sign design should be added r0 Article 33-1 (3)
requirement of submission by the applicant.
Pg. 8;Paragraph 10;First sentence
create a substantial sound buffer....
Pg. 8;Paragraph 11;Last sentence
That staff had mentioned could be used rather than a masonry fence
December 5.2001
Page 2;Paragraph 4
Commissioner Sween-Mcgloin requested that the Staff inform the Planning Commission of the public
m-etin• , • ,t_ in! o rp anttt- • h ' r w•uldlik•
Page 6;First paragraph
...that the ownership needed to be changed on the drawing.
December 19.2001
Pg.3 ;Paragraph 2
She expressed concern regarding connectivity of the subdivisions and asked for a presentation regarding
the impact of neighborhoods with only one way in and out and traffic problem areas on the South side.
Commissioner Sween-McGloin is interested to know if there is a connection between the two. Mr Seiler
agreed to come back to the Commission to discuss this tonic.
Pg. 5 item c.
Motion by Sween-McGloin Second by Puslev.to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with
Zamora beinv absent
Pg. 3
Motion by Mims seconded by Puslev to approve time extension. Motion passed with Zamora beinv
absent.
Pg. 10;Paragraph 5
Commissioner Sween-McGloin said that a large illuminated sign could be erected on the property and that
it would definitely impact the adjacent residential property values in a negative way.
Pg. 12;Paragraph 3;
The infrastructure was included anywhere in the CIP.
Pg. 13;Paragraph 11
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 5
,also for the infrastructure costs for roads.utilities and sidewalks and ADA ramps in the Downtown
District.,
Pg. 14;Paragraph 6
Commissioner Sween-McGloin said that residents abutting newly more intensely zoned properties need
protection.This is primarily from Dumosters.parking lots and grease trans
See feels that three of the objections raised towards the use of a masonry fence are"red herrings".All of
the objections raised are the same with the use of a wood fence:
• Designs-different property owners(can be different wood fence desians)
• Clav soils-heave wood fences just as they may a masonry fence.
• Fence placement in Easements-Any fence erected in an easement no matter what its material is
would be in danger of being.removed
The fourth objection,that of cost,is still not compelling.The cost of a more protective masonry fence is
still less expensive than the negative impact on the adjacent residential property values.
Minutes
January 16 2002
Page 2;First paragraph
..filterrjg stormwater run off
Page 5;Paragraph 17
Commissioner Sween-McGloin asked if the streets were planned to connect in the transportation plan for
the area.
Page 6;Paragraph four
...are being lined measured.
Page 8;Paragraph 4
...future to the use of the property for E-0 uses.Zoning
Page 8;insert Paragraph 14
commissioner Sween-McGloin believes that we need to revisit having both the conditional sign permit and
Site ability to use a special nermit to grant and increase in sinner°. The Planning Commission and Staff
cannot possibly anticipate all of the conditions that may occur and we need both tools to do a good job with
Signage
Commissioner Salazar requested amendments to the December 19,2001 minutes as follows:
Page 12
"Commissioner Salazar commented that the smell, and asked if the process for odor control at the
Greenwood plant was the same at plant at Pharoah, Mr Crowell answered in the negative Commissioner
Salazar did not agree with that opinion regarding the odor control of the process.
Page 13
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 6
"Commissioner Salazar said that the impact-funds to subsidize city approved costs for reimbursements for
new development usually falls short.
Motion by Salazar, seconded by Zamora, to approve October 24, November 7, December 5,
December 19, and January 16 minutes as amended. Motion passed with Berlanga and Sween-McGloin
being absent.
FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Mr. Gunning informed the Commission that the Community Block Grant public hearing is
scheduled in March.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
None requested.
OTHER MATTERS
Commissioner Pusley asked about the status of code violations previously discussed along Carbon
Plant Road. Mr.Gunning said he would provide a report after inquiring with the Zoning Coordinator.
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS
PLATS
Continued Plats
1201132-P60
a. Kings Point (Preliminary 83.94 Acres)
Located north of Yorktown Boulevard and west of Cimarron Boulevard.
Mr.Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Mims opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Vice Chair Minis said that there is concern with egress/ingress and asked if there was a collector
street proposed for the subdivision. Mr. Power said that Blocks 65 and 7 will be developed as
townhouses and single-family residential units of the gated community and that the streets would
be private. In Block 15,between the first unit and Cimarron Drive,there is an emergency access
and would be in effect until Preston Drive is constructed. At that time, the extension of Anna
Massey Drive would have a permanent emergency gate.
Motion by Amsler, seconded by Smith, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with
Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
b. 1201135-P61
Kings Point Phase 1 (Final— 13.28 Acres)
Located north of Yorktown Boulevard and west of Cimarron Boulevard.
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted. The townhouses and a portion of
the single family residential area includes the emergency access to Cimarron.
Chairman Minis opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 7
hearing was closed.
Vice Chair Mims said that there are some issues with the plat however because of the Platting
Ordinance,the plat is acceptable.
Motion by Salazar, seconded by Pusley, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with
Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
c. 1201136-P62
Kings Point Phase 2 (Final—5 48 Acres)
Located north of Yorktown Boulevard and west of Cimarron Boulevard.
Mr.Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Vice Chairman Minis opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Motion by Pusley, seconded by Zamora, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with
Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
New Plats
a. 010205-NP5
Amending Plat of Overland Meadows Unit 3,Block 13, Lots 24A through 24D (Final Replat—
1.6688 Acres)
Located west of McKinzie Road north of Saddle Lane.
Mr.Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Vice Chairman Mims opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Motion by Amsler, seconded by Pusley, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with
Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
b. 010207-NP6
The River Square Unit 2.Block 8 Lots IC& ID (Final Reolat—33.023 Acres)
Located between McKinzie Lane and River Run Boulevard, east of McKinzie Road, all north of
I.H.37.
Mr.Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Vice Chairman Mims opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Commissioner Pusley asked what was being changed. Mr. Power said that Lots IC and ID are
currently platted as Lot IA. Lot I c would be developed with a commercial building.
Motion by Smith, seconded by Salazar, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with
Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
c. 010208-NP7
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Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 8
Saratoga Weber Plan Block 8.Lots 2&3 (Final— 19 865 Acres!
Located south of Saratoga Boulevard(S.H.357)west of Weber Road(F.M.43).
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends continued to February 13 to work out design
considerations.
Vice Chairman Mims opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Motion by Zamora, seconded by Pusley, to continue the plat to the February 13, 2002 meeting.
Motion passed with Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
Time Extensions
a. 070168-NP40
Lokev Subdivision.Tract 3D.Lot 3(Final Reolat— 1.73 Acres)
Located south of Holly Road between South Staples Street and Patton Street
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends approval of the six-month time extension to resolve
drainage issues and fmalized budget as submitted.
Vice Chairman Mims opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Motion by Salazar, seconded by Pusley, to approve a six-month time extension. Motion passed
with Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
EXCEPTION TO ACREAGE FEES — Homestead Estates Requesting Exemption to Wastewater
Acreage Fees
Mr.Leo Farias,Special Services Engineer,said that the plat was approved at the last meeting and
is located outside the city limits but falls within the City's wastewater Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
future and potential wastewater plans. By ordinance the plat requires a determination by staff for a
recommendation that would be presented to Council in the amount of$24,615.00
Commissioner Amsler asked what would happen if the property owner has wastewater and water
after years have passed. Mr.Power said that the owner is notified that a connection is available and that the
owner could tap into the system at a reduced fee. If the owner does not choose to tap into the system at that
time,the owner could,at a later date,hire someone to install the lines at their expense.
Commissioner Richter asked about the trust fund. Mr. Farias said that the trust fund works as a
reimbursement for extension of lines from the main connection to the subdivision.
Vice Chairman Minis opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Motion by Pusley,seconded by Zamora, to approve a recommendation to City Council to provide
the property owner with an exemption to wastewater acreage fees. Motion passed with Berlanga and
Sween-McGloin being absent.
ZONING CASES
New Zoning Case
Planning Commission Minutes
January 30,2002
Page 9
Jeanette's Flowers&Gifts,Inc.: 0102-01
REQUEST: "R-IB" One-family Dwelling District to "B-IA" Neighborhood Business District on
property described as being 0.918 acre out of the Frederick and Webb Tracts,and located
on the southwest corner of Krejci Lane and Old Robstown Road.
Mr. Saldafia presented a computerized slide illustration of the subject property and the
surrounding area. The subject property is part of a larger area that is zoned an "R-1B" District and
predominantly developed with single-family residences. There is a public middle school directly east of
the subject property. North of the subject property,there is a one-acre tract of land zoned an"R-2"District
and developed with multiple-family units.
Mr. Saldaea said that the applicant has requested a change of zoning from an"R-1B"One-family
Dwelling District to a"B-IA" Neighborhood Business District in order to bring the existing flower shop
into compliance and be able to add a kiosk for snow cone sales. The existing flower shop has been in
operation since 1953. It has been operating as a grandfathered use and the applicant wishes to add a 500
square foot snow cone kiosk. According to the Driveway Ordinance,the commercial development will not
be allowed to have access to a local street if it has access to an arterial street. The subject property has
direct access to a local street,Krejci Lane,and to an arterial,Old Robstown Road with the existing parking
area off of Old Robstown Road. Therefore, approval of the requested "B-IA" District will not allow a
driveway out to Krejci Lane, a local street. The "B-IA" District has been created and modified to be
compatible with adjacent residential uses. Approval of the"B-IA"District will allow the snow cone sales
without allowing restaurants,liquor stores,or the late hours of a business.
The Westside Area Development Plan's adopted future land use map recommends the area to
develop with neighborhood business uses. The requested "B-IA" District is consistent with the Plan's
recommended land use. Therefore, Staff recommends approval of the rezoning request. There were 25
notices mailed to property owners of which none were received in favor or opposition. One letter from the
applicant was received in support.
Vice Chairman Mims opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public
hearing was closed.
Commissioner Pusley asked whether a screening fence would be required. Mr. Saldatla said a
screening fence is required along the western and southern boundary.
Motion by Salazar, seconded by Richter, to forward a recommendation for approval of the
rezoning request. Motion passed with Berlanga and Sween-McGloin being absent.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Salazar, seconded by Zamora, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed with Berlanga
and Sween-McGloin being absent. Meeting adjourned at 7: p.m.
Va44.1jia.`ila.atALteind of PPS
Fo 4 Michael N.Gunning,AICP Lu inda Beal
Director of Planning Recording Secretary