HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 04/11/2001 502027,
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Planning Commission Minutes , 4.°9 2001 } _
Aril 11, 2001 Qen111
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Commissioners Present: David Berlanga,Chairman
0 °Moo n"N.0 by
Shirley Mims,Vice Chairman 8c9
56
Neill F.Amsler i�
W.David Cheek 94£Z
Michael Pusley
Elizabeth Chu Richter
Eloy H. Salazar
Brooke Sween-McGloin
Robert Zamora
Staff Present: Michael N. Gunning,AICP,Director of Planning
Lucinda P.Beal, Recording Secretary
Robert E. Payne,AICP, Senior Planner
Miguel S. Saldana,AICP,City Planner
Harry 5. Power,City Planner
Doyle Curtis,Assistant City Attorney
Leo Farias, P.E., Special Services Engineer
Kevin Stowers,Assistant Director of Engineering Services
David Seiler,Traffic Engineer
Patricia Garcia,Grant Writer
CALL TO ORDER
.‘Chairman Berlanga declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
NON PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS
PRESENTATION- Thompson, Ventulett& Stainback—Consultants for Expansion of Bayfront Convention
Center and Multipurpose Arena
Kevin Stowers, Assistant Director of Engineering Services, introduced representatives from Thompson,
Ventulett&Stainback and other consultants for the expansion of the Bayfront Convention Center and Multipurpose
Arena: Robert Fatovic',Bernardo Fort-Brescia,and Andrew McLean. Raymond Gignac,Gignac and Associates,is
the local architect liaison for the City.
Mr. Fort-Brescia presented illustrations of several schemes presented to the Oversight Committee at a
previous meeting. He said that the presentation was to inform the Planning Commission of plans to expand the
Convention Center and develop a multipurpose arena. After presentation of the various designs, Mr. Fort-Brescia
answered questions.
Commissioner Sween-McGloin said that she was looking forward to reviewing the Master Plan for the area
and asked if there had been consideration of implementing a trolley connection in the downtown area. Mr. McLean
responded that the traffic consultants are discussing options with the Regional Transit Authority and TxDOT
regarding traffic connections.
In response to Commissioner Salazar, Mr. Fort-Brescia said that using the existing parking garages along
Water Street would be viable to the local economy. He suggested that visitors could park their vehicles and ride to
the Convention Center. According to Mr. Fort-Brescia, patrons were willing to walk approximately S blocks to
attend a function at a center. Commissioner Salazar said that he would not support construction of a parking garage
on Shoreline Boulevard and agreed that patrons of the Convention Center could use existing parking garages.
Commissioner Richter suggested not looking at Shoreline Boulevard as the terminus for the Convention
Center but continuing with the view into the Port area by increasing the linkage.
SCANNED
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Planning Commission Minutes
April II,2001
Page 2
TRANSPORTATION ENCHANCEMENT GRANT PROPOSAL—Proposed Bike Trail Along Cayo Del Oso
Commissioner Salazar said that he needed to abstain from participation of the discussion and left the room.
Mr. Robert E. Payne, Senior Planner, introduced David Seiler,Traffic Engineer,and Patricia Garcia,Grant
Writer. He said that staff plans to submit an application to the State of Texas for the 2001 Statewide Transportation
Enhancement Program to fund the Bay Trail Phase III Hike-Bike Trail Project and requested the Planning
Commission's endorsement.
Patricia Garcia, Grant Writer, said that TxDOT announced the availability of $130 million for non-
traditional transportation projects. Non-traditional projects include funding for land acquisition, construction,
safety, and educational activities for pedestrian and bicycle transportation. In addition, this grant may provide
funding for scenic easements and historic sites. To participate in the program, localities must provide 20% in
matching funds. The Coastal Bend Land Trust who has budgeted approximately $200,000 to $250,000 for land
acquisition along the Cayo Del Oso and the Oso Creek. The Land Trust could acquire property necessary for the
hike and bike trail and participate in the construction of improvements. Acquisition of the property may be either in
fee simple or by a conservation easement granted in perpetuity.
The proposal would fund land acquisition and construction of 1-2 miles of Oso Parkway hike and bike trail.
The hike and bike trail would be located along the frontage roads of South Padre Island Drive between Ennis Joslin
Road and Cayo Del Oso and from the South Padre Island Drive frontage road extending southward immediately
adjacent to the Cayo Del Oso to the extension of Holly Road/NAS Railroad Bridge. In addition,a hike and bike trail
would be extended westward from the railroad bridge to the Cayo Del Oso to the existing end of pavement on Holly
Road. Project improvements will consist of signage, lighting, a 1.2 mile 8-foot wide concrete hike and bike trail
between South Padre Island Drive and Holly Road,a non-paved trail to the end of pavement on Holly Road,and two
small parking areas.
Bay Trail Phase III is an extension of Bay Trail Phase I and II projects which have provided hike and bike
trail improvements on Ocean Drive and on campus at Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi. In addition, Bay
Trail Phase III will tie into the existing bikeway improvements under construction as part of Ennis Joslin, Spur 3,
Road improvements. On and off street bikeways are included in the Spur 3 project for connecting Ocean Drive and
South Padre Island Drive with the City's bikeway system.
Mr. Payne said that the Oso Parkway Plan recommends a scenic parkway drive extending along the Cayo
Del Oso and the Oso Creek. The proposed grant is consistent with this concept as the grant will facilitate
development of the hike and bike portions of the parkway and increase public access to shoreline areas. Almost five
miles of the parkway have been constructed. Subdivisions that have constructed portions of the parkway include:
The Lakes,Reflections,Camelot,Kings Crossing,Botanical Gardens,Southfork,and Victoria Park.
Commissioner Sween-McGloin said that she believed the grant was an opportunity to several bike trails
and that they need to be protected. However,she expressed concern about South Padre Island Drive traffic near the
bike trail to which Commissioner Richter concurred. Mr. Seiler, Traffic Engineer, responded that the goal is to
provide areas where people can park their vehicles and ride or walk on the nearby trails.
Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Mims, to endorse the Transportation Enhancement Grant
Proposal. Motion passed with Salazar abstaining.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
* Commissioner Zamora left at 8:15 p.m.
March 14,2001
Commissioner Richter requested an addition to the minutes: Page 1,Commission Listing: "Elizabeth Ow
Richter".
Motion by Sween-McGloin,seconded by Amsler,to approve March 14,2001 minutes as amended. Motion
passed with Zamora being absent.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 11,2001
Page 3
March 28,2001
Motion by Pusley, seconded by Richter, to approve March 28, 2001 minutes. Motion passed with Zamora
being absent.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
Commissioner Cheek requested an excused absence from the March 28, 2001 meeting due to an illness.
Motion by Sween-McGloin,seconded by Pusley, to approve an excused absence. Motion passed with Zamora being
absent.
FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETINGS
Commissioner Salazar said that the Affordable Housing Committee would be presenting the Commission
with their final report at the April 25,2001 Planning Commission meeting.
Mr. Gunning informed the Commission that in the near future,staff would be presenting the revised zoning
text amendments and requesting that the Commission set a public hearing date. He continued that staff is continuing
to research half-way houses and bars;these amendments may be excluded from the revised zoning text amendments
until the research has been completed.
OTHER MATTERS
Commissioner Sween-McGloin asked staff to research and report to the Commission regulations regarding
medical trailers that seemed to be placed permanently on hospital and other properties used in conjunction with
clinics and other medical offices.
Commissioner Salazar asked staff to provide a report to the Commission regarding the Emil CDBG
recommendations by Staff and Planning Commission.
Chairman Berlanga asked what the rules governing the use of portable/mobile buildings for food sales on
shopping centers and other tetail sites. He specifically named the HEB grocery store at Tarlton and Port Avenue.
He also reminded staff to provide a report to the Commission on the status of Paul S. Vera's property at the corner
of Teresa Street and Home Road. The Commission requested information regarding whether Mr. Vera is in
compliance with the Special Permit. Mr. Gunning said that Mr. Vera was given six (6) months, which would be
July 2001,to meet the requirements of the Special Permit.
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS
PLATS
Continued Plats
a. 030125-P14
Bordeaux Place (Preliminary—35.03 Acres)
Located west of Airline Road and south of Yorktown Boulevard.
Mr. Power said that Staff requests a continuance for two (2) weeks to discuss access issues with the
applicant.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing.
Art Mack, representing the Brighton Village Homeowners Association, 3254 Briarhurst, said that the
Brighton Village neighborhood is concerned about traffic problems that would result when the adjacent
development is completed. The proposed development has only one access to the subdivision via Airline
Road and the neighborhood has no assurances that there will be a secondary access to the proposed
subdivision. He continued that during the zoning case regarding the subject property, he presented 150
signatures to City Council in opposition to the proposed development because of access and traffic issues.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April I I,2001 •
Page 4
Victor Medina, applicant's engineer, 2460 Crickett Hollow, said that the applicant, Mr. Cano, planned to
purchase five (5) additional acres to the north of the subject property, which will provide a secondary
access. Mr.Medina continued that there are no plans to develop abutting Brockhampton Street at the
present time.
Mr. Gunning informed the Commission that David Seiler, Traffic Engineer, requested an opportunity to
review access issues for the proposed neighborhood.
In response to Commissioner Richter, Mr. Gunning said that Brockhampton Street would need to go
through the proposed subdivision to provide service to the area.
In response to Commissioner Salazar, Mr. Gunning said that the developer has worked out property
agreements with a separate ownership group to provide a street extension through the adjoining 5.0 acre
tract. He continued that the Platting Ordinance has specific regulations regarding secondary access issues
and that traffic issues could require secondary accesses.
Mr. Mack asked that a timeframe for the development be considered.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion by Mims, seconded by Salazar, to continue the plat for two (2) weeks to the April 25, 2001
meeting. Motion passed.
b. 030138-NP19
Suntide Industrial Park Block 4,Lots l Thru 7(Final—7.390 Acres)
Located north of Leopard Street and west of Suntide Road.
Mr.Power stated that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
In response to Commissioner Pusley's question,,Mr. Power said that the subject property is zoned "I-2"
Light Industrial District and was zoned prior to the residential area being developed.
Motion by Mims,seconded by Amsler,to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed.
New Plats
a. 030129-PI6
Bordeaux Place Unit 1 (Final— 12.220 Acres)
Located west of Airline Road and south of Saratoga Boulevard(S.H.357).
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends continuing the plat. He explained that the preliminary plat has not
met the Storm Water Quality Management Plan therefore,the final cannot be approved.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Amsler, to continue the plat for two (2) weeks to the
April 25,2001 meeting. Motion passed.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April I1,2001
Page 5
b. 030131-P17
Lauehlin Subdivision Block 3 Lot 24A (Final—0.280 Acre)
Located north of Houston Street between Kostoryz Road and Carroll Lane.
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
Motion by Sween-McGloin,seconded by Mims, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed.
c. 030133-PI8
Ocean Drive Addition.Block 3.Lots 3A&3B (Final Reolat—0.595 Acre)
Located south of Ocean Drive between Palmetto Street and Claremore Street.
Mr.Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing.
James Dodson, 5527 Ocean Drive,said he purchased the home in 1992. He provided a computerized slide
illustration of how he proposes to subdivide the land into two lots. Mr.Dodson said that he planned to sell
the front portion and reside in the guest home located at the rear of the property. Access to the property
would be gained via a 10-foot alley with a five-foot additional easement. He continued that he believed his
proposal was a more effective use of the property.
Jamie Pyle, applicant's surveyor,provided a brief history of the plat and provided copies of the subdivision
and illustrated copies of replats that have occurred on property abutting and adjacent to the subject
property. She continued that the plat meets the requirements of the current Platting Ordinance. In response
to Commissioner Sween-McGloin, Ms. Pyle said that the applicant proposes to construct a cul-de-sac.
Currently,the area is not paved. Mr.Dodson will provide the financing for the paving.
Mr. Power said that plat meets the requirements of the Platting Ordinance and that surrounding properties
have been replotted. He described University Drive as being a 180-foot strip with a 10-foot dedicated alley.
In response to Vice Chairman Mims' question, Mr. Gunning said that the street extension is planned to be
completed as a cul-de-sac.
Mr.Dodson emphasized that he is not seeking to have University Drive improved at this time.
Commissioner Sween-McGloin said that there is history of replotting on Ocean Drive and Palmetto Street.
Mark Gilbreth, attorney representing Dr. Fluid Fuentes, said that the owners of Lot 4 oppose the replat.
Mr. Gilbreth said that Dr. Fuentes does not believe that University Drive is suitable access for the subject
property due to the fact that it is a concrete slab that does not extend to the end of the alley. He read a
portion of the Platting Ordinance which states that property must have access via a public road. He said
that an alley is not a public road.
Dr.Eluid Fuentes,5533 Ocean Drive,owner of Lot 4,said that he opposes the replat because it could lower
his property value;access would only be gained via 10-foot alley;and would have an 8-foot driveway. Dr.
Fuentes provided photographs of the alley used for access from Ocean Drive. He said that the speed limit
on Ocean Drive is 45 m.p.h.; however, traffic flow on Ocean Drive is near 60 m.p.h. He said that he
believes the area is a traffic hazard and emergency vehicles will not be able to access the subject property.
He also expressed concern with how the trash will be picked up from the subject property. In response to
Commissioner Sween-McGloin's question, Dr.Fuentes said that he would be opposed to the replat whether
or not University Drive were constructed.
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 1 1,2001 •
Page 6
Mr. Dodson responded to Dr. Fuentes' statement by saying that he has made arrangements to have trash
picked up on the alley.
Mr. Gunning requested a continuance for two (2) weeks to allow Legal to research and discuss whether
University Drive is considered an alley or a constructed street.
Roger Bracey, 310 University Drive, said that he owns property adjacent to the subject property. He said
that he installed a recycled asphalt extension of University Drive to his property and a fence at the end of
his property. Mr. Bracey said that he has not been able to receive emergency or city service. He continued
that the Mr.Dodson and his neighbors have not discussed creating a cul-de-sac at the end of University
Drive. In response to Mr. Bracey, Mr. Dodson said that he suggested creating a cul-de-sac to comply with
the Platting Ordinance.
Public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Pusley expressed concern regarding access of emergency vehicles to properties fronting the
concrete portion of University Drive.
Mr.Gunning said that he would discuss the issue with representatives of the Fire and Police Departments.
Motion by Mims, seconded by Salazar, to continue the plat for two (2) weeks to the April 25, 2001
meeting.
d. 030136-P19
Reflections Unit 7 (Final—5.98 Acres)
Located north of Oso Parkway between Cedar Creek Drive and lim Wells Drive.
Commissioner Amsler said that he needed to abstain from participation on the plat and left the room.
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
In response to Commissioner Sween-McGloin,Mr.Power said that the subject property contains a 28-foot
marginal access road with two(2)access points,as required by the Oso Parkway Plan. It will also have an
S-foot dedicated landscaped median that will be maintained by the City.
Motion by Cheek, seconded by Mims, to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed with Amster
abstaining.
e. 030139-P20
Wedgewood Terrace Unit 2.Block II.Lots 1 &2 (Final-4.80 Acres)
Located north of Yorktown Boulevard and west of Flour Bluff Drive.
Mr. Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Berlanga 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.
f. 04014l-NP21
Navigation Industrial Park Block 1 Lot 3C-R(Final Reolat—0.478 Acre)
Located east of Navigation Boulevard between Westway Drive and Leopard Street
S
Planning Commission Minutes
April I I,2001
Page 7
Mr. Power said that the applicant's engineer requested two-week continuance to the April 25, 2001
meeting.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Pusley, to continue the plat for two weeks to the April 25, 2001
meeting. Motion passed.
S. 040142-NP22
Padre Island—Corpus Christi Section B.Block 46.Lots 15R— I SR(Final Reolat—2.066 Acres)
Located east of Leeward Drive between Windward Drive and St. Augustine Drive
Mr. Power said that the applicant's engineer requested a two(2)week continuance.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Pusley, to table the plat for two weeks to the April 25, 2001
meeting. Motion passed.
h. 040143-NP23
.drelslai• — o • .. hristi '•. tTeso • nit5 DL. , I Lots a S 19R .•AR-plat— I •12Acr-.
Located west of Bonasse Court south of Whitecap Boulevard
Mr.Power said that Staff recommends approval as submitted.
Chairman Berlanga opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing
was closed.
Motion by Sween-McGloin,seconded by Zamora,to approve the plat as submitted. Motion passed.
ZONING CASES
New Zoning Cases
Corpus Christi Medical Center: 0401-01
REQUEST: "B-4" General Business District to"1-3"Light Industrial District on Chris-Rae Addition,Block I,
being a .277 acre out of Lot 3, and located on the west side of Rodd Field Road, approximately
600 feet south of South Padre Island Drive
Mr. Saldafa provided a PowerPoint presentation of the subject property and the surrounding area. The
subject property is part of a 98.16-acre tract of land zoned a"B-4" District that is developed with hospital-related
uses,restaurants,and auto-related uses. To the south,east and west of the subject property,there are 567.30 acres of
land zoned"R-1B" District that is developed predominantly with single-family residences, except the area to the
east is predominantly farmland. Also to the south, there are 22.56 acres of land zoned a 'B-I" District and
undeveloped.
Mr. Saldana said that the applicant has requested a change of zoning from a "B-4" General Business
District to an"I-3"Heavy Industrial District in order to construct a helipad. The subject property consists of 12,105
square feet(0.277 acre)that is proposed to be developed with a helipad for usage with the hospitals to the west,Bay
Area Hospital and The Heart Hospital. The applicant was required to apply for a change of zoning for a zoning
district that would accommodate the proposed use. The Zoning Ordinance requires and "1-3" District for airports
Planning Commission Minutes
April 11,2001 '
Page 8
and landing strips. The requested"1-3" District permits uses that are not consistent with the surrounding residential
uses. The applicant is agreeable to a Special Permit.
The Southside Area Development Plan's adopted future land use map recommends the area to develop with general
commercial uses. The requested'1-3" District is not consistent with the Plan's adopted land use map. However,the
proposed helipad is a use that is associated with a medical hospital and an acceptable accessory use. Therefore,
Staff recommends denial of the"1-3"District,and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a medical helipad
subject to a site plan and the following conditions:
1. USE: The only use authorized by the Special Permit other than those uses permitted by
right in the "B-4"General Business District is a medical helipad. The helipad must be
associated with the hospitals and used for an air ambulance and shall be the only helipad
serving the hospitals. A helicopter may not be stored on the property.
2. TIME LIMIT: Such Special Permit shall be deemed to have expired within one year
from the date of this ordinance unless the property is being used as outlined in condition
#1 and in compliance with all other conditions.
In response to Commissioner Richter, Mr. Saldana said that the helicopter could not be stored or
maintained on the subject property. There are issues regarding storage of fuel and other chemicals that would be
used to maintain the helicopter. He explained that the helipad would be used for a few hours at a time to drop off
patients and that storage of the helicopter for more than 24 hours is prohibited.
Public hearing was opened.
Jerry Kramer, 5710 King Trail, represented the applicant. Mr. Kramer said that the hospitals'work in
cooperation with Haloflight. He reiterated that the helicopters bring patients to the hospital and stay no longer than
a few hours. At the present time, there is no need to store a helicopter and that he agreed with the Special Permit.
Mr.Kramer added that the helipad area was moved closer to South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road to avoid
being near area schools.
Public hearing was closed.
Motion by Sween-McGloin,seconded by Salazar, to deny of the"I-3"District,and in lieu thereof, approve
a Special Permit for a medical helipad subject to a site plan and two (2) conditions listed in the Zoning Report.
Motion passed.
Jubilee Development: 0401-02
REQUEST: "AB" Professional Office District to 'B-I" Neighborhood Business District on Windsor Park
Unit 4,Block 34,Lots 9 and 10 and located on the east side of Everhart Road, approximately 450
feet north of McArdle Road
Mr. Saldana provided a PowerPoint presentation of the subject property and the surrounding The subject
property is part of a larger area zoned an"AB"District that is developed with offices, single-family residences,hair
salons, a pawn shop and a funeral home. North of the subject property, there is a single lot that is zoned a "B-1"
District and developed with a hair salon. Further north, there is more "B-1" District that contains office buildings,
nightclub and retail uses. West of the subject property and abutting it to the east, the area is zoned an "R-1B"
District and is predominantly developed with single-family residences.
Mr. Saldana said that the applicant has submitted a request for a change of zoning from an "AB"
Professional Office District to a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District in order to convert an existing building into a
retail use. The subject property contains two(2) lots with a 900-square foot building on each and has direct access
to an arterial, Everhart Road, and abuts a residential district on its east. North of the subject property there is an
office use and a single-family residence to the south. There is no direct access to a local street that traverses a
residential area. An"AB"District permits general offices, medical offices, beauty and barbershops,and residential
uses. The requested"B-1" District permits all of the above plus retail uses and restaurants. In 1997, City Council,
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Planning Commission Minutes
April 11,2001
Page 9
with Planning Commission and Staffs recommendation,determined that this portion of Everhart Road was open for
business zoning. During the 1997 rezoning, it was noted that approval of the rezoning would domino onto the other
lots.
The applicant currently occupies the south lot (Lot 10) with an office. The north lot (Lot 9) contains a
vacant building. Both properties are served by one driveway that leads to the parking area in the rear of the lots.
The 'B-IA" District was considered because it is more protective to the residences than a `B-I" District, i.e.
setbacks, masonry fence, trees, as well, as excluding certain uses. A "B-1A" District would also require a 15-foot
wide landscape strip along the rear property line of the subject property. After much discussion, it was determined
that the property did not have the depth to contain a fueling station and, the proposed retail store, as most retail
stores along this road, would close at 9:00 p.m. The required 15-foot landscape strip would require the major
modification of the existing parking area to the point that the subject property would not have sufficient area to
provide the required parking. With the exception of a pawn shop and a liquor store permitted in the"B-l"District,
the uses on the subject property would be no different than if the property were zoned a"B-1A"District.
The Southeast Area Development Plan's adopted future land use map recommends the area to develop with
neighborhood business uses. The requested"B-1"District is consistent with the Plan's adopted future land use map.
Therefore Staff recommends approval of rezoning request.
Public hearing was opened.
Virgil Hinojosa, Portland Texas, explained that he did not request a "B-IA" District because it required
landscaping in the rear of the property which is currently being used for parking.
Pubic hearing was closed.
Motion by Pusley,seconded by Salazar,to approve the rezoning request. Motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by SweemMcGloin, seconded by Salazar, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting
adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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Michael N.Gunning,AICP a P.Beal
Director of Planning Recording Secretary