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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 01/20/1999 w PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 20, 1999 5:30 P.M. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Bert Quintanilla, Chairman Ron Guzman, Vice Chairman Danny Noyola Elizabeth Chu Richter Richard Serna David Underbrink* COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Sylvia Perez Brooke Sween-McGloin STAFF PRESENT: Michael N. Gunning, AICP, Acting Director of Planning Lucinda P. Beal, Recording Secretary Robert Payne, AICP, Senior Planner Harry Power, City Planner Jay Reining, Assistant City Attorney Mic Raasch, City Planner Wesley Vardeman, Planning Technician Leo Farias, Special Services Engineer David Seiler, Traffic Engineer CALL TO ORDER Chairman Quintanilla called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. NON PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS PRESENTATION— Election of Vice Chairman Chairman Quintanilla informed the Commission of Vice Chairman Chesney's resignation and asked for nominations to fill the position. Commissioner Serna nominated Commissioner Guzman to fill the position of Vice Chairman and the nomination was seconded by Noyola. Nomination passed unanimously with Perez, Sween-McGloin, and Underbrink being absent. Chairman Quintanilla stated, for the record, the Commissioners who were absent indicated their choice to be Commissioner Guzman. Discussion—Draft Northside Plan Revisions In response to Chairman Quintanilla's question regarding scheduling of the public hearing, Mr. Gunning stated under the direction of the City Manager, the Planning Department scheduled a meeting before the Port Authority. Mr. Gunning stated representatives from the Port Authority were invited to attend the meetings concerning the north side. SCANNED Planning Commission MiSLTfes "lif January 20. 1999 Page 3 Chairman Quintanilla stated he had concerns regarding the public not being able to attend the meeting before the Port Authority. He asked if there would be any changes made to the plan after the Commission's approval and before the plan was presented to City Council, and Mr. Gunning answered that he wanted to present the Commission with information submitted by the Port Authority. After the Commission receives the Port's information, then the Commission would make their recommendation to City Council regarding the Northside Plan. Commissioner Serna stated that, after discussion with Mr. Reining, he would refrain from making comments because he has an interest in the area and he would abstain from the discussion. At that point, Commissioner Sema left the room. Mr. Payne stated Staff would be seeking an endorsement of the plan from the Port. He continued the Planning Commission could take action on the plan at the February 17, 1999. meeting. The Commission was then briefed on policy statements contained in the document: Policy Statement 1.0 — There is a Transportation Plan in place and the changes are minimal. Chaparral Street would tie into Tancahua Street by the Bayfront Arts and Science Terminal; Port realignment with Brewster or Hughes; Adding collector street around Tuley Lake. Policy Statement 2.1 —Refers to Koch Industries' buyout and a buffer between the refineries and residential areas. Policy Statement 2.2 —Revenues for street closures to be dedicated to Buffer area projects. Policy Statement 2.4—Light Industrial District as a buffer for properties located northwest of the intersection of West Broadway and North Port Avenue per Commission suggestions. Policy Statement 2.5 —Apartments in the area are not consistent with the plan; however, it would not be eliminated but would not be allowed expanded. Policy Statement 2.6 —A landscaped buffer from 10 to 50 feet would be required along a portion of West Broadway. Staff felt the buffer would vary depending on the area. Koch property had a 50-foot buffer, which would equal the buffer to Palm Drive. Commissioner Guzman suggested the 50-foot buffer be enforced throughout the area. Mr. Gunning stated the landscaping of the area would be accomplished through the zoning ordinance. He felt that Staff should stress landscaping. Policy Statement 2.7 — Along North Port Avenue "I-3" Heavy Industrial zoning recommended for rezoning to `9-2". Policy Statement 3.1 — `9-2" District zoning recommendation along Interstate Highway 37 and U.S. Highway 181 to protect the City's primary evacuation route. Planning Commission Miss �d January 20, 1999 Page 4 Policy Statement 4.1 — Concerning the Oak Park area, the draft recommends heavy industrial for property beyond 1.000 feet from Interstate Highway 37. Mr. Payne stated there were a few properties remaining from the Citgo buyout. He continued that Citgo was agreeable to a 300- foot commercial strip along the frontage of Interstate Highway 37. Policy Statement 5.1 —Concerning Dona Park, a 1,000-foot Light Industrial buffer to protect the areas from heavy industrial use encroachment. Policy Statement 6.1 — "I-3" District along Port Avenue is recommended for rezoning to "1-2" Light Industrial with landscaped strip on both sides of Port Avenue. Mr. Payne suggested the sidewalks could be eliminated to allow for landscaping. Chairman Quintanilla felt the multi-purpose facility would attract visitors via Port Avenue; therefore, a landscaped area should be required. Commissioner Richter asked how Staff decided against a commercial district, and Mr. Payne answered that the property was currently zoned"1-3" and the uses are "1-2" with some land vacant. Rezoning to commercial would result in some businesses becoming non-conforming in the area. Mr. Gunning stated if a non-conforming use was destroyed more than 50 percent, it could not be rebuilt. Mr. Gunning continued that there were insurance issues involved and whether there was an ability to sell the property after it was rezoned. Policy Statement 6.2 - Staff added outdoor recreational use to the future uses proposed for the Broadway Wastewater Treatment site. Policy Statement 6.4 — Recommended the area east of the wstewater treatment plant site as public. Policy Statement 6.5 — Regarding the Union Pacific tracts along West Broadway and east of Port Avenue trackage in this area is primarily used for storage purposes. The plan recommends removal. Chairman Quintanilla requested representation from the Port Authority to attend the meeting to participate in the public hearing. Commissioner Richter stated she would like to have a street continuation in the Koch buffer Area B to create another access road. Mr. Payne stated Staff was maintaining the great barrier, and the residents did not want to mix industrial traffic and residential traffic. Access is recommended to be limited to emergency access only. Chairman Quintanilla stated he agreed with Mr. Payne by stating the residents were not in favor of allowing residential and industrial traffic to integrate. He felt residents should be able to express their concerns to the Port. Planning Commission Mintiies January 20, 1999 Page 5 Mr. Payne read from Page 22, sections a) and b) of the Draft Northside Plan, which referenced transition areas and their future land use as commercial and `B-3" zoning. He continued by referencing page 26, sections a through i of the Draft Northside Plan, which described design objectives for the areas. Commissioner Richter stated there could be a compromise and another access road could be provided in area B. Mr. Gunning suggested developing a policy that stated Koch Refinery would retain the property as a non-residential use, and if the ownership should change, another use would be required. There was not a concern to keep the refineries outside of the neighborhood. Chairman Quintanilla stated comments could be addressed to representatives during the public hearing meeting and urged Commissioners to hold final judgment until that time. PRESENTATION—Gardendale Mr. Payne stated the Commission asked for a policy to address commercial districts along Staples Street. He stated that Staff was recommeding a new policy be added to the Gardendale Plan. He stated the policy would require replatting to control driveway access and would direct traffic onto Staples Street or Everhart Road, rather than internally to neighborhood streets. Commissioner Richter asked if Staff reviewed the idea of development of restaurants along Williams Drive, and Mr. Payne responded that comments received from the residents did not favor developing restaurants along Williams Drive. Commissioner Sema expressed concern about smaller lots being on one side of Williams Drive than the other side and asked Mr. Payne if he knew what size a restaurant should be. Mr. Payne answered that the lots on the south side of the street generally contain 19,800 square feet and the plan recommends a floor area of 0.30 (maximum building size of 5,940 square feet). COMMITTEE REPORTS ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE Commissioner Guzman stated the Committee provided Mr. Reining with comments and suggestions for the Cellular Tower Draft Ordinance. Commissioner Guzman continued that at the February 17, 1999, public hearing, the Committee will provide a draft ordinance for the Commission to take action on. Planning Commission Mins January 20, 1999 Page 6 PLATTING ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE Commissioner Underbrink asked the Commission to refer to the January 13, 1999, minutes provided and stated the next Committee meeting will be January 28, 1999. The Committee will meet with representatives from the Park and Recreation Department to discuss park dedication for the city. EXCUSED ABSENCES None. FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETING Chairman Quintanilla asked the Commission to refer to the schedule provided. OTHER MATTERS City Council Action on Zoning Cases Mr. Gunning informed the Commission of action taken by City Council: 1298-3 Mercury Plumbing: Approved as recommended by Commission 1298-4 R. S. Black: Approved as recommended by Commission Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment — Continued - Council made changes: Withdrawal date begin on Planning Commission date; Waiver be reviewed by Council, not Planning Commission January 19, 1999 1298-1 Kermit Sultemeier: Approved as recommended by Commission 1298-2 Garron Dean: Continued to January 26, 1999, meeting Amendment to Preservation Plan: Approved as recommended by Commission (First Reading) Zoning Cases Scheduled for Future City Council Action Mr. Gunning informed the Commission of cases scheduled before Council: January 26. 1999 1098-4 Wilson Enterprises: Withdrawn Planning Commission Mins January 20. 1999 Page 7 February 9. 1999 199-2 David Grant dba Illusions Other Matters Commissioner Underbrink asked Staff to include minority opinion of the Commission in Council packets. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Sween-McGloin faxed corrections to the minutes. Page 4, paragraph 6; In response to Commissioner Sween-McGloin's question concerning plans for the two elementary schools in the area. Mr. Gunning answered that school district representatives were invited to attend the neighborhood meetings; however, Staff did not receive a response and that Staff needed to try to contact them again. Paragraph 7; In response to Commissioner Sween- McGloin's statement regarding the area along Port Avenue shown as "I-2" between Hillcrest and Washington/Coles eventually becoming industrial.... Commissioner Sween-McGloin suggested the Port Avenue area currently zoned industrial illustrate preferred such as AB, B-1, B-3 zoning on a future land use map and "knit" the neighborhood together. Paragraph 8; Commissioner Sween-McGloin believed the Harbor Place and Bayfront Arts and Sciences would become a major destination and gate to the pereeption of the city and stated that Port Avenue would become a major entrance and exit into the Bayfront Arts and Sciences area; ....It is important that the City draw the line between industrial and waterfront district at the edge of I-3. Paragraph 10; Commissioner Sween-McGloin requested that the maps be clearer, reflect O.C.L. areas and city property and be a larger scale and suggested three maps: now, transition, and future(preferred). Page 3; paragraph 3; Commissioner Sween-McGloin stated that the MPO map shows a very different proposed location for a new bridge and that the on going study will impact this plan heavily and Mr. Gunning stated that this was Planning Commission stage. Paragraph 5; Commissioner Sween-McGloin asked to see the master plan for the BFAS and also whether Harbor Place development and the multi-purpose facility could be included in the master plan for the Bayfront ..... Paragraph 6; Commissioner Sween-McGloin suggested the arca surrounding the future multi-purpose facility be built a,a golf course and expressed concerns .... Motion by Guzman, seconded by Richter, to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. Planning Commission Milks S January 20. 1999 Page 8 PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS PLATS Continued Plats a. 069878-P36 Siracusa Subdivision, Block I. Lot 2 (Final—5.06 Acres) Located west of Airline Road and north of the extended projection of County Road 26A Mr. Power stated Staff recommended the plat be continued for two weeks. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Guzman, seconded by Sema, to continue the plat for two weeks. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. b. 1098122-P59 Nueces Gardens No.2, Lots 38A, 38B & 38C (Final Replat—5.975 Acres) Located between Starlite Lane and Leonard Drive, north of Shady Lane Mr. Power stated Staff recommended the plat be continued for two weeks. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Sema, seconded by Guzman, to continue the plat for two weeks. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. c. 1298163-NP85 Padre Island No. 1, Block 15, Lot 21 (Final Replat 0.661 Acre) Located west of S. Padre Island Drive (P.R. 22) and south of Merida Drive Mr. Power stated Staff recommended the plat be continued for two weeks. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Guzman, seconded by Richter, to continue the plat for two weeks. Motion passed unanimously. Planning Commission Mins January 20, 1999 Page 9 2. New Plats a. 1298160-P78 Kennedy School Tract, Blocks 1, 2, & 3 (Final Replat— 18.743 Acres) Located east of Cliff Maus Drive and north of Rockford Drive Plat was continued to meeting of February 3, 1999, due to lack of quorum. b. 1298165-P79 P.LC.C. Point Tesoro Unit 3, Block 16, Lots l5R & 17R (Final Replat — 0.534 Acre) Located at the north end of the Queen Johanna Court cul-de-sac, north of Cobo De Bara Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Serna, seconded by Guzman, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. c. 1298166-P80 Layton Manor Block 1, Lots 3 & 4(Preliminary— 10.027 Acres) Located north of Ramfield Road between Roscher Road and Flour Bluff Drive Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Guzman, seconded by Sema, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. d. 1298167-P81 Layton Manor Block 1, Lot 3 (Final — 5.00 Acres) Located north of Ramfield Road between Roscher Road and Flour Bluff Drive Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval as submitted. Planning Commission Millis V January 20. 1999 Page 10 Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. . No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Serna, seconded by Quintanilla, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. e. 1298168-P82 Riverside Estates Unit 1 (Final — 12.862 Acres) Located between the southern extension of Riverside Boulevard and County Road 52 on the south, County Road 69 on the west, and U.S. Highway 77 on the east Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. In response to Chairman Quintanilla, Mr. Power stated Staff was recommending the plat, which illustrated the continuation of Riverside Drive through the subdivision and did not provide an offset. In response to Commissioner Underbrink's question regarding the preliminary plat, Mr. Gunning stated Riverside Drive had to be shown as a collector and could not have an offset. He continued that final plat needed to be consistent with the preliminary. Nick Welch, applicant's engineer, stated he agreed with Staffs recommendation. Sammy Guajardo, 13902 River Rock, stated he spoke with the neighborhood, and they agreed with Staffs recommendation. Chairman Quintanilla closed the public hearing. Motion by Guzman, seconded by Sema, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed with Guzman, Noyola, Richter, Serna, and Quintanilla voting "Aye"; Underbrink voting 'Nay"; and Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. f. 1298169-P83 West's Laguna Madre Place. Block A, Lot 5 (Final—0.578 Acre) Located east of Debra Lane, south of Glenoak Drive Mr. Power stated Staff recommended the plat be continued for two weeks. Planning Commission Minus • January 20, 1999 Page 11 Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Richter. seconded by Quintanilla, to continue the plat for two weeks. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. g. 019901-NPI Colonia Hidalgo Addition Block 1, Lot 30 (Final Replat— 1.144 Acres) Located between S. Padre Island Drive (S.H. 358) and Hendricks Street, west of the intersection of those two streets Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Guzman, seconded by Quintanilla, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. h. 019902-NP2 Highway Village Section 1, Block 5, Lot 6D (Final Replat—0.377 Acre) Located west of E. Harrington and north of Leopard Street Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval as submitted. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Guzman, seconded by Quintanilla, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. 3. Time Extensions a. 019804-P3 Nueces Towne West, Block 3. Lots 1A, 2A. & 5 (Final Replat—35.99 Acres) Located south of FM 624, west of U.S. Highway 77 Mr. Power stated Staff recommended approval of the six-month time extension. Chairman Quintanilla opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Planning Commission Mines January 20. 1999 Page 12 Motion by Guzman. seconded by Quintanilla, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. Application for Recording of Final Plat of Saratoga Weber Plaza, Block 8, Lot I. without completion of 75% of required improvements under provision of Section V, Paragrah A, subparagraph lb of Platting Ordinance Mr. Gunning stated that the plat was posted on the agenda as an emergency item. The applicant. Ben Wallace representing Shell, was present. Mr. Gunning stated Mr. Wallace agreed to comply with requirements of the platting ordinance for the waiver of the 75 percent requirement by posting a cash bond or an equally liquid negotiable security with the City. This is necessary to obtain funding for the project and meet requirements of the U. S. Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Reining stated the requirement was that City Council needed to approve the deferral of the installation of required public improvements. Shell Land Management needed to post 110 percent of the cost of the public improvement and have operable water and sewage service, which is in place. They need to have an agreement in place with the City, which is in the working stage. Mr. Wallace , 234 Chenowick, explained the emergency. He stated the developer applied for a HUD loan for the multi-family apartment complex. The application had been filed, and the applicant received a letter stating he would be receiving a commitment in the next few weeks. After receipt of the commitment, the applicant had 60 days to close the loan. Mr. Wallace continued that as the land owner, he was required to extend Acushnet Drive 750 feet into the property. The project would cost approximately $340,000. He stated he had 60 days to complete a project without delays. Mr. Wallace stated he was not aware of the deadline and assumed the deadline would be 180 days. In response to Chairman Quintanilla's question, Mr. Wallace stated the multi- family complex would be "lower income", but not low-income housing. Motion by Underbrink, seconded by Guzman, that the Planning Commission finds there exists reasonable cause to delay the 75 percent requirement for construction of public improvements on Saratoga Weber Plaza Block 8, Lot 1. Motion passed unanimously with Perez and Sween-McGloin being absent. ZONING CASES None. Planning Commission Minutes vet • January 20. 1999 Page 13 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. ice, tad fLL4160 t' lCof Michael N. Gunning, AICP Lu inda P. Beal Acting Director of Planning Recording Secretary