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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 03/23/1994 V MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL MARCH 23, 1994 - 6:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Mims, Chairman Lamont Taylor, Vice Chairman Michael Bertuzzi Robert Canales Laurie Cook Ralph Hall Alma Meinrath Sylvia Perez Richard Serna STAFF PRESENT: Brandol M. Harvey, AIA, AICP, Director of Planning and Development Marcia Cooper, Recording Secretary Michael Gunning, Sr. Planner Norbert Hart, Assistant City Attorney Robert E. Payne, AICP, Sr. Planner CALL TO ORDER Chairman Mims called the meeting to order and described the procedure to be followed. PUBLIC HEARING NEW ZONINGS Lexington Joint Venture: 394-3 REQUEST: From "AT" Apartment-Tourist District and "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-4" General Business District being 4 .27 acres out of Lots 7 and 8, Section 13, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located 300 feet north of South Padre Island Drive and 525 feet northwest of Clare Drive. Mr. Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and stated that the applicant is requesting a zoning request on a 4.27 acre tract from "AT" Apartment-Tourist District and "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-4" General Business District to operate an auto sales lot. The property is currently undeveloped. Mr. Gunning summarized the Staff Report, informing the Commission of applicable Policy Statements. SCANNED J Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 2 The applicant is requesting a change of 7^. in order to develop the subject property along with the adjacent property to the south with an auto sales lot. The combined property has access only to South Padre Island Drive frontage road. A final plat of the combined property was approved by the Planning Commission in February, 1994. The proposed "B-4" District is an extension of the existing "B-4" District adjacent to the south. The majority of the adjacent properties remain undeveloped. The property adjacent to the east is developed with an apartment complex. East of the apartment complex are single-family residences, which would serve as a buffer between the proposed commercial development and the single-family residences located on Clare Drive. An auto sales lot, auto repair, and bar/night clubs are uses that can have the most adverse impact on residential uses. Typical auto sales lots have outside speakers, telephone chimes, extensive lot lighting and auto deliveries that can be disruptive to adjacent single-family residences. The likelihood of single-family uses developing adjacent to the subject property are remote given the existing surrounding zoning of "AT", "A-2", "B-1", and "B-4" . The "B-1" District to the east is developed with apartments, while the remaining three sides, although vacant, would most likely develop with high-density residential uses or non-residential uses. Traffic generated from the proposed auto sales use development would have minimal adverse impact on the surrounding area, given its orientation and restricted access to South Padre Island Drive only. Mr. Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report (copy on file) . One notice was mailed, one was returned in favor, and none in opposition. Staff recommends approval. A man from the audience stated that he would answer any questions. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Canales, seconded by Cook, and passed unanimously that this application for "15-4" General Business District be forwarded to the City Council with the recommendation that it be approved. Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 3 Camden Property Trust: 394-4 REQUEST: From "A-1" Apartment House District and "AB" Professional Office District to "A-1A" Apartment House District on Country Club Estates, Block 3, Lot 6, located between Saratoga Boulevard and Middlecoff Drive, along the west side of . Players Drive. Mr. Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and stated that the applicant is requesting rezoning on an 11.86 acre tract from "A-1" Apartment House District and "AB" Professional Office District to "A-1A" Apartment House District to develop an apartment complex with approximately 295 units. The property is currently undeveloped. Mr. Gunning summarized the Staff Report, informing the Commission of applicable Policy Statements, and quoted from the Southside Area Development Plan. The applicant is requesting a change of zoning in order to develop an apartment complex under a single zoning district. The site currently has split zoning with 7.78 acres zoned "A-1" Apartment House District and 4.08 acres zoned "AB" Professional Office District. The existing "A-1" Apartment House District and "AB" Professional Office District permit multi-family uses at different residential densities. The "AB" District permits 36.30 units per acre and the "A-1" District allows 21.78 units per acre. The applicant wishes to distribute the apartment density evenly throughout the subject property, but not to exceed 25 units per acre. The requested "A-1" District permits 29.04 units per acre. The current zoning would allow a maximum of 317 units. The applicant proposes to develop the property with approximately 295 units. The subject property has direct access to a major arterial, Saratoga Boulevard, and two (2) collectors, Middlecoff Road and Player Street. The traffic generated by the apartment complex would have minimal adverse impact on the surrounding properties and on the adjacent street system. The proposed apartment complex will be adjacent to an existing apartment complex (Harper' s Corner) and commercial uses to the west, and to the east across Player Street, other multi-family uses. The closest single-family subdivision is separated from the subject property by Middlecoff Road and a 90 foot wide drainage easement. The proposed apartment complex would have minimal adverse impact on the single-family residential area. Nore Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 4 Mr. Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report (copy on file) . Thirty six notices were mailed, none were returned in favor and two in opposition. Staff recommends approval. Mr. Tim Clower, 450 Miramar Place, appeared representing the applicant, and stated that they would prefer to develop the property under one zoning. He noted that the proposed density would be lower than the present zoning. Mr. Clower stated that there are representatives from Camden Property to answer any questions. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Commissioner Serna asked how many children are anticipated to reside in the apartments, and if the owners intend to fence the drainage ditch on Middlecoff Drive. Chairman Mims reopened the public hearing. Mr. Jim Hinton, Houston, Texas appeared and stated that they propose to develop 50% with one bedroom apartments, 45% with two bedroom apartments, and 5% with three bedroom apartments. He added that by law, they are required to fence around the swimming pool, and they will take care of what is required on their property. Mr. Harvey added that the drainage ditch on Middlecoff is not adjacent to the subject property, and could not be fenced by the applicant. The drainage ditch is owned by the City, and the City does not feel, at this time, that it is necessary to fence all drainage areas as they progress through residential areas. Commissioner Serna asked Mr. Hinton if they intend to fence their property, to which he replied that they had no plans at this time to do that. The public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Taylor, seconded by Canales, and passed unanimously, that this application for "A-1A" Apartment House District be forwarded to the City Council with the recommendation that it be approved. NEW PLATS Consideration of plats as described on attached addendum. 411/ V Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 5 The meeting recessed at 7:08 p.m. , and reconvened at 7:15 p.m. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Presentation of the draft Southeast Area Development Plan by Staff, comments from interested citizens, and possible action by the Planning Commission to recommend City Council adoption. Mr. Robert Payne, Sr. City Planner, briefly reviewed the Southeast Area Development Plan, explaining the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan, the planning process, and draft plan highlights. Ms. Betty Hoelscher, 434 Atlantic, appeared and congratulated Staff. She stated they would like to see the Six Points Shopping Center develop completely; they are concerned about increased traffic on Del Mar Boulevard; and also concerned about encroachment of businesses beyond what is already zoned. Ms. Hoelscher addressed developing Louisiana Parkway into a neighborhood park. She stated that a neighborhood park is a good idea, except that a park on the Louisiana Parkway would create too much traffic and a parking problem along the street. She noted that Menger Elementary School has a small playground, and hoped that consideration will be given to closing 15th Street located to the rear of the playground. Ms. Hoelscher noted that Wynn Seale Junior High has been made into a Fine Arts School, and students from all over the City will attend that school, thereby increasing traffic on Ayers Street. She added that the Del Mar Neighborhood Association did not have time to call a general meeting, and, therefore, this is the neighborhood' s first reaction. Ms. Katherine Brookbank, 320 Cole, appeared and informed the Commission that the Regional Transit Authority' s plan to redevelop Six Points has come to a grinding halt. She strongly approved of what the Plan recommends for the Six Points area, and requested that the Commission request that the Six Points project be completed. Ms. Brookbank requested more information about the new zoning and urban guidelines mentioned in the Plan. She was concerned about Del Mar Street, and was of the opinion that the busier a street becomes, the more negative activities occur. She requested that neighborhood streets be kept as narrow as possible. Mr. Wallace Sparkman, 205 Del Mar, appeared and concurred with the two previous speakers. He stated that the Del Mar neighborhood has older residents, as well as starter families, and they do not %tw. 'S Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 6 want the neighborhood changed or congested with traffic. He endorsed the recommendation of rerouting Santa Fe Street through Spohn Hospital, and was of the opinion that changing Third Street to a two-way street would only benefit Spohn Hospital' s parking lots, and not the neighborhood. He hoped that serious consideration will be given before that short section of Third Street is converted to two-way traffic. Mr. Blake Farenthold, 210 Del Mar Boulevard, appeared and expressed concern that Spohn Hospital will attempt to extract from the City additional parking which they will need. He wanted to be sure that the section of the Plan which stresses protecting residential neighborhood include language to make sure that Spohn' s expansion and traffic flow in that area does not dump traffic in the Del Mar Neighborhood, and that future Spohn parking facilities move to the north, rather than south in the Del Mar Neighborhood. Mr. Farenthold stated that the Del Mar Neighborhood has a lot of children, and was of the opinion that the more cars that are kept off residential streets, the better it will be, He addressed the realignment of Santa Fe Street, stating that it is a good idea, if the traffic flow into the residential streets is checked. Mr. Al Morales, 1014 Harbor Lights, appeared representing the South Bay Harbor Village Neighborhood Association, and asked for a couple of weeks to review the plan for further input. He addressed the erosion problem in the park that divides South Hay and Harbor Village subdivisions, and added that they have maintained and improved that park. He mentioned infrastructure problems such as drainage, and stated that they would like to have a nature trail on the peninsula some day. He commended Staff on the Plan, adding that they will send a recommendation on the plan in two to three weeks. Ms. Jean Guinn appeared and reiterated that Del Mar neighborhood is a residential neighborhood with a lot of small children. Spohn Hospital, although it is a great institution, is a fear for them, because Spohn will need more parking. She requested that the Commission give careful consideration to protecting the neighborhood from Spohn's expansion and associated traffic/parking. Ms. Martinez, 1309 6th Street, appeared on behalf of the Spohn Hospital Neighborhood Organization. She stated that more time is necessary to review the plan, and questioned why they received the plan so late. She requested that they receive better notice of meetings, and be sent pertinent information of the Plan as it becomes available. Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 7 Chairman Mims stated that additional dates for public discussion are being provided and action on the Plan will not be taken at this meeting. Mr. Harvey apologized for the late receipt of the mailing by Ms. Martinez, and stated that the idea is to get the public aware and have participation in the public hearings from the earliest date possible. The public hearings will continue as long as necessary, and this meeting is only the beginning of discussion. Additional discussion followed on the mailing of the Plan. Ms. Brookbank asked if the Planning Commission will make comments to the City Council on the proposal to make a section of Third Street two-way. Chairman Mims responded that if the Commission feels that they want to address it they will. Mr. Harvey added that all information heard by Staff will be taken back to the Engineering Department. Vice Chairman addressed the timing on the Plan, stating that the minimum time that has been spent on an Area Development Plan has been six weeks. He felt that was adequate time for neighborhoods to get together and make comments back to Staff. The public hearing was declared closed. In answer to a question from Ms. Catalina Martinez, Chairman Mims stated that the Commission would not arbitrary recommend to take traffic from the Del Mar Neighborhood and dump it into her neighborhood. Ms. Martinez commented that if traffic is relocated to Elizabeth Street, their neighborhood would be in the middle of two busy streets. A man from the audience asked if the plan addresses adequate fire protection, and noted increasing population. Mr. Payne responded that the Fire Department has indicated that existing fire stations provide sufficient protection to meet City standards. Commissioner Cook was of the opinion that it would be reasonable not to address the plan for four weeks. Discussion followed on scheduling the next public hearing for the Plan, and Mr. Harvey indicated that time for the Plan can be .I Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 8 budgeted at the next regular meeting, prior to actions on the Community Development Block Grant budget. He felt that it is best to have discussion with the public while the presentations are fresh in their minds, give as many opportunities for public input as possible, and to continue the public hearings for as long as necessary. Commissioner Cook referred to Policy Statement B.3, and stated that she would prefer if the Policy Statement reflected "more intense commercial uses" . Mr. Harvey suggested that Policy Statement 8.3 be reworded to reflect "more intense general commercial uses" . Chairman Mims thanked the audience for attending the meeting. OTHER MATTERS Mr. Harvey informed the Commission of City Council' s action on the following zoning applications: 294-1 Jaqubhai Bhakta Approved Special Permit as recommended by Planning Commission 294-2E Mark A. Raymond Approved as recommended by Planning Commission • • • * * * * • * * * * Committee: Gateway Park Mr. Harvey informed the Commission that there will be a multi- board public hearing held on the Gateway Park on April 18th. He extended an invitation to the Planning Commission to send representatives to that meeting. He added that the Planning Commission will conduct a separate public hearing on April 20th on Gateway Park. Commissioner Taylor stated that the Gateway Park is a result of the South Central Area Development Plan. Chairman Mims and Commissioner Bertuzzi indicated that they will attend that meeting. Mr Harvey stated that a time has not been set as yet. • • * • • • • * * • • * V Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 9 Discussion ensued on the upcoming Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Meeting. Mr. Harvey stated that the public hearing will be held on March 30th, at 6:00 P.M. The CDBG packet will be hand delivered to Planning Commissioners on Friday or the early part of the following week. Chairman Mims reminded Staff that the Planning Commission requested a status report, and Mr. Harvey indicated that it will be a part of the packet. MATTERS NOT SCHEDULED Chairman Mims reported to the Commission that she spoke to the Board of Realtors on the role of the Planning and Zoning Commission. • * * * * * * * * * * * Chairman Mims asked about development on the Hawn property located on Ocean Drive adjacent to the Baptist Church. Mr. Harvey indicated that the property was replatted into three lots several years ago, and there is a proposal to replat one lot into 12 single-family lots with one street. The property needs to be rezoned prior to replatting. Mr. Hart indicated that the Planning Commission approved a plat subdividing the subject property into three lots in July, 1991. The size of the lots were two one acre tracts, and one 3 acre tract. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Hall, seconded by Perez, and passed unanimously, that the minutes of the regular meeting of March 9, 1994 be approved. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Brandol M. Harvey, AIA, ICP Marcia Coope Director of Planning and Development Recording Secretary Executive Secretary to Planning Commission Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 10 NEW PLATS Addendum to minutes of consideration of plats. 1. 039434-NP21 Botanical Garden Subdivision Unit 2, Block 1, Lots 19-27, Block 2. Lots 1-3 - O.C.L. (Final - 22.39 acres) Located east of south Oso Parkway and north of FM 2444 (South Staples Street) Owner - Mark P. Bratton Engineer - J.L. Brundrett, Jr. Mr. Gunning stated for the record that the applicant has agreed to add the following notes to this plat: 1. Prohibit driveway access to South Oso Parkway from Lot 1 in Block 2; 2 . Require contours at 1' elevations below the base flood elevation. The notes were inadvertently left off. Staff recommends approval with the additional notes referred to above. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Cook, seconded by Perez, and passed unanimously that this plat be approved. 2 . 039435-NP22 Country Creek Unit 3 - O.C.L. (Preliminary - 77.70 acres) Located between County Road 41 and Unit 1 & 2 of Country Creek Subdivision, north of FM 2444 (South Staples Street) Owner - Gene Graham Engineer - Urban Mr. Gunning stated that there were no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hall, seconded by Meinrath, and passed unanimously that this plat be approved. fir Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 11 3 . 039438-NP23 Levek Tract, Block CR (Final Renlat - 13.573 acres) Located south of South Padre Island Drive (State Highway 358) , west of Everhart Road Owner - Padre Associates Engineer - Urban Mr. Gunning stated that there were no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Perez, seconded by Cook, and passed unanimously that this plat be approved. 4. 039439-NP24 Lindale Park Section 1, Block 7, Lot 1-E (Final replat - 0.148 acre) Located northwest of Texas Avenue between South Staples Street and Swantner Drive Owner - Luis dr Alice Cervantes Engineer - Bass & Welsh Mr. Gunning stated that there were no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Cook, seconded by Taylor, and passed unanimously that this plat be approved. TABLED PLATS A. 029412-P8 Perry's Estates, Block 1, Lots 26-32 (Preliminary - 3 .860 acres) Located east of Dove Lane and south of Graham Road Owner - H.E. Savoy Engineer - Bass a Welsh Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 12 029413-P9 Perry' s Estates, Block 1, Lots 26 & 27 (Final - 1.001 aeras) Located east of Dove Lane and south of Graham Road Owner - H.E. Savoy Engineer - Bass & Welsh Chairman Mims stated that she has a letter from the owner' s engineer requesting that these two plats be tabled. Mr. Gunning stated that no action was necessary, and that these plats will remain on the table. B. 029426-NP13 San Remo Unit 1 - O.C.L. (Final - 25.06 acres) Located east of Airline Road, south of Saratoga Boulevard Owner - D&E Development, Inc. Engineer - Urban Mr. Gunning stated that this plat was tabled on February 23, 1994 by the Planning Commission at the owner' s request to allow additional time to finalize corrections to the final plat, including the name change. All conditions have been met, Motion by Taylor, seconded by Bertuzzi, and passed unanimously that this plat be removed from the table. Mr. Gunning stated that this plat will be renamed Vineyards Unit 1, and it is consistent with the adopted Area Development Plan. Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Cook, seconded by Bertuzzi, and passed unanimously that this plat be approved. TIME EXTENSION A. 089377-P33 Lexinaton Estates, Block 7, Lot 5A (Final ReDlat - 0.263 acre) Located east of Kosarek Drive between McArdle Road and South Padre Island Drive (State Highway 358) Owner - Francisco Zepeda, Jr. , Erlinda Gomez Zepeda Engineer - Urban 401) Planning Commission Meeting March 23, 1994 Page 13 Mr. Gunning stated that the owner's engineer is requesting a six-month time extension in order to have further communication with the owner of this plat. Staff recommends approval of the time extension. Motion by Hall, seconded by Perez, and passed with Mime out of the Council Chambers, that a 6-month time extension be granted on this plat. (H442MC)