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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 03/10/1993 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS- CITY HALL March 10, 1993 - 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Mims, Chairman Lamont Taylor, Vice Chairman Robert Canales Ralph Hall Lupe Longoria Alma Meinrath lake Sanchez * MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Karm STAFF PRESENT: Michael Gunning, Senior Planner Robert E. Payne, AICP, Senior Planner Lorraine Del Alto, Recording Secretary Norbert Hart, Assistant City Attorney Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services Grace McNett, CIP Officer CALL TO ORDER Chairman Mims called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., and described the procedure to be followed. PUBLIC HEARING NEW ZONING Humana of Texas. Inc.: 393-ICS REQUEST: For a Conditional Sign Permit on Fisher School Tract, located on the east corner of Fort Worth and Texan Trail. Mr. Michael Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and stated that the applicant is requesting a conditional sign permit to install two(2) freestanding signs within a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. Mr. Gunning summarized the Staff Report, informing the Commission of applicable Policy Statements. The applicant is requesting a conditional sign permit to install two (2) freestanding signs. The property is presently undeveloped and zoned a"B-I" Neighborhood Business District which permits one(I)freestanding sign per premise with a sign area not to exceed 40 square feet and a height not to exceed 20 feet. The applicant is requesting a permit to install two (2) freestanding signs with sign areas of 12.4 square feet and 6.6 square feet. The proposed signs are 12 feet in height. The signs will advertise Humana Hospital's proposed medical office complex to front Fort Worth Street and Texan Trail. Jake Sanchez arrived at 6:45 pin. SCANNED Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 2 Under the Conditional Sign Permit for Business District regulations,the Planning Commission is authorized to approve limited sign increases if certain findings are made. The sign increases are limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the matter-of-right sign area and height and maximum of 100 percent on the number of freestanding signs. The applicant is requesting one(1)additional freestanding sign. This increase is the maximum 100 percent. The applicant is not requesting additional height or sign area permitted in the "B-1" District. One of the findings that the Planning Commission must make is "the location or relocation of entrance ways(s) to the business in relation to the public right-of-way, provided that such sign increase furthers traffic movement objectives such as reducing the number of entry ways." The subject property has four (4) existing driveways off Fort Worth Street and one (I)driveway off Texan Trail. The proposed driveway closest to the Fort Worth/Texan intersection is located on Fort Worth Street approximately 255 feet away. The proposed medical office layout reduces the number of driveways on Fort Worth to three (3), and keeping the closest driveway to Texan Trail at 255 feet. No driveways are proposed on Texan Trail. The signs would improve directions to the Fort Worth Street entrances, thereby, facilitating traffic flow off Texan Trail. The location and reduction of driveways is consistent with the traffic movement objectives stipulated under the Conditional Sign Permit for Business Districts. Approval of the conditional sign permit must not permit the placement of any freestanding sign within the visibility triangle. Mr. Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report(copy on file). Twenty-seven notices were mailed, three were returned in favor, and one was returned in opposition from within the 200' notification area. Staff recommends approval of a Conditional Sign Permit for two(2)freestanding signs located outside the visibility triangle as per the applicant's specifications and site plan. Mr. Smith, representative for Humana of Texas, Inc., appeared before the Commission and presented a layout of the hospital displaying where requested signs would be located. No one else appeared in favor or in opposition,and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hall and seconded by Taylor, that the finding that "the location or relocation of entrance ways to the business in relation to the public right-of-way, provided that such sign increase furthers traffic movement objectives such as reducing the number of entrance ways" as enumerated in Section 33-1.04, Conditional Sign Permits for Business Districts,has been met. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Taylor and Mims voting aye, and Karm being absent. Motion by Hall and seconded by Taylor, that the Conditional Sign Permit be approved in accordance to the applicant's site plan and specifications. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Taylor and Mims voting aye, and Karm being absent. Xclusively Yours Boutique and Salon: 393-2 REQUEST: From"AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District,on Lot 2, Block B, Airline Subdivision,located on the east side of Airline Road, approximately 62 feet north of Lyons Street. Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 3 Mr. Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and slated that the applicant is requesting a zoning change from "AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District to operate a boutique and hair salon. 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 to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District in order to operate a boutique and hair salon. The hair salon is a permitted use in the existing "AB" District,but the boutique requires a business district for retail sales. The subject property is in the middle of the block with its sole access to Airline Road, an arterial. It is bordered by a single-family residence on the north, and a car sales lot on the south. The property to the rear is developed with a single-family residence fronting on Lyons Street,a residential street. The area across Airline Road from the subject property remains undeveloped and is currently zoned a "B-1" District. Therefore, a "B-t" District on the subject property would be a logical extension of the adjacent "B-l" District; consistent with the Southside Area Development Plan's recommended land use of neighborhood commercial, and consistent with the City's Policy Statements which recommend that commercial districts locate along arterials. A "B-1" District on the subject property would have minimal impact on the surrounding properties. The residences to the side and to the rear are physically separated from the subject property by a solid wooden fence. The property to the south has a Special Permit for auto sales typically found in a "B-4" General Business District. Traffic generated by the proposed use should have no measurable impact on the area since its only access is to an arterial. Mr. Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report (copy on file). Eleven notices were mailed, three were returned in favor and none were returned in opposition. Staff recommends approval. Ms. Theresa Ramirez, applicant, appeared before the Commission and stated that this business would be an asset for the southside area. She asked the Commission to consider approving the zoning change request. No one appeared in favor or in opposition,and the public hearing was declared closed. Chairman Mims asked Staff if any landscape requirements had to be met for this zoning request. Mr. Gunning replied that the applicant intends to use the existing structure. Therefore, the landscape ordinance would not apply. Motion by Canales, seconded by Meinrath, that this application for "B-1" Neighborhood Business District be forwarded to the City Council with the recommendation that it be approved. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor and Mims, and Karm being absent. NEW PLATS Consideration of plats as described on attached addendum. Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 4 FLOUR BLUFF AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN Mr.Robert Payne announced that Staff will be meeting with Mr. Bob Byrd and citizens of the Lola Johnson neighborhood to discuss some recommendations to the street plans in the area. He stated that David Seiler has received the written comments presented by Mr. Byrd at the last Planning Commission meeting, and will be attending the neighborhood meeting. He added that Staff is continuing to work on the Flour Bluff Plan and is still receiving information and comments regarding the Flour Bluff Plan. Mr. Bob Byrd, 273 Lola Johnson, appeared before the Commission and stated that staff and the neighborhood will be meeting during the next two weeks. Mr. Roy Love, 150 Whiteley Drive, appeared before the Commission requesting that the zoning within the Whiteley Drive area be changed to residential instead of it remaining commercial once the Flour Bluff Plan is in effect. Commissioner Mims asked what the current zoning was within this area. Mr. Payne replied that when Flour Bluff was annexed the property located within this area was zoned "RI-B". It was later zoned "B-4" and in 1983 this property was zoned "B-2". Commissioner Canales asked if there were any traffic problems within the area the club was located at. Mr. Love replied that a dead end street was located within the area and there was no problems with traffic. Mr. Anthony Peters, 170 Whiteley Drive, appeared before the Commission and stated that the one reason the zoning was changed to commercial was for the Club's operation. He added that there is limited room for vehicles driven within this location. He asked the Commission to consider recommending that the zoning within the area be changed to residential. No one else appeared before the Commission, and the public hearing was declared closed. Mr. Payne added that a letter was received by the Oso Bay Association stating that they are in the process of conducting a survey within the Roscher and Glenoak Road neighborhood. The Oso Bay Association is expecting results of the survey by April 5, 1993. Commissioner Sanchez asked if a zoning change may be included within the Flour Bluff Plan. Mr. Payne replied that zoning recommendations may be included within an area development plan. Once an area development plan is approved by City Council, then Staff may initiate a rezoning process. Commissioner Taylor asked if a down zoning was acted on in the Westside Area Development Plan. Mr. Gunning replied that the goal for rezoning within the Westside Area Development Plan was to isolate the light industrial area and also eliminate any heavy industrial zoning that existed. Some properties were rezoned from "1-3" to "1-2", and some from "R-1B" to "1-2". Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 5 Commissioner Canales asked if the current zoning was consistent with the Flour Bluff Area Development Plan and added if traffic was taken into consideration of any zoning changes. Mr. Payne replied that traffic is taken into consideration for any change of zoning. FY 92-93 STREET CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services presented an outline to the Planning Commission regarding the FY 92-93 Street Capital Improvements. Mr. Crull stated that the Annual development of the Capital Improvement Program provides for the identification of projects and a financing plan. While a great many projects were evaluated, we are essentially unable to allocate funds because property tax revenues have been insufficient to support new debt. No bonds will be issued this year, and the affordability of a bond sale in FY 92-93 has yet to be determined as the City's operating budget is still being prepared. Furthermore, the inventory of new projects proposed for a future bond program has remained largely unchanged. Consequently, our recommendations submitted for the Planning Commission's approval are limited to improvements which can be implemented with available resources. The Staffs recommended program has been approved by the Transportation Advisory Committee. A letter from David Seiler, Director of Traffic Engineering was presented to the Planning Commission stating that the Transportation Advisory Committee had no objections to the Staff recommended projects, and unanimously approved the recommended program. The Committee expressed concern for one other specific project not included in the recommended FY 92-93 program(Corpus Christi State University Access Improvements, Phase I)and general concern for the City's readiness to move forward other possible projects which could be funded under the Clinton Administration's Economic Stimulus Program. With regard to the Corpus Christi State University Access Improvements, the Committee was informed that the Texas Department of Transportation has completed the Feasibility Study for development of Ennis Joslin Road, Alameda Street and Ocean Drive to a State Highway. Based on the study, the consensus is that development along the existing route will cause insignificant effects to environmental and cultural resources of the area. With planning, proposed improvements can incorporate hike and bike trails, improvement to a channel opening known as the Blind Oso, and reconfiguration of the Alameda Street and Ocean Drive intersections to improve safety and serviceability. The Texas Department of Transportation is proceeding with the design of this project. With regard to the Economic Stimulus Program, Staff has developed a list of projects which fit tentative criteria for the Economic Stimulus Program. The list of projects does not necessarily represent high priority capital improvement projects but those which can reasonably be expected to be underway in July, 1993 if funds were available. The City's Street Improvement Program continues to be financed primarily by 1986 bonds. A majority of the projects are either complete or in some phase of construction or design. Of the $49.9 million authorized, $11.7 million remains to be issued. In considering needs for FY 92-93, it became apparent that, while the remaining 1986 projects can be deferred until a future bond sale, we must address funding concerns on several projects during the current fiscal year. Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 6 Recommendations for street improvements in FY 92-93 assumes no bond sale. With the exception of two 1986 projects, there are no critical street improvements for which a bond sale is required this year. The projects are not urgent. In recommending them for funding in FY 92-93, it is our purpose to meet prior commitments made by the City. While it would have been preferable to issue authorized bonds,we believe the funds required for these projects can be advanced from reserves. (A copy of the Street Program report is on file.) Ms. Grace McNett, Capital Budget Officer, stated that an examination was performed on the need for projects for the street, public safety, storm sewers, parks, and other programs. She stated that there are several projects remaining from the 1986 Program, which is the primary source of funding for projects. She added that the financing capacity at the time is such that new bonds cannot be issued without a tax increase. She commented that they are uncertain of any plans for a 1993-94 Bond Sale. The priority is to continue to complete the 1986 Bond Program. Commissioner Taylor asked if the Wynn Seale School Area Streets, Phase 2 project listed on the Street Program report have previously been authorized through a Community Development Block Program. Ms. McNett replied that the Wynn Seale School Area Streets, Phase 2 will be recommended to the Community Development Block Program (19th Year) currently being prepared for August 1993. There was some discussion on the amount of monies being recommended on the Community Development Block Program (19th Year) for August 1993 and the relation to the Street Program Projects. Chairman Mims asked about the process on Holly Road extensions. Mr. Crull replied that the Texas Department of Transportation held a public meeting to receive comments from area residents along Holly Road. The Texas Department of Transportation have obtained environmental assessments and clearances, and are proceeding to prepare the actual design of Holly Road. The City's participation is providing right-of-way, performing utility relocation, providing signalization, etc. There was some discussion on when the railway was built and for what it was used for by the Navy. Commissioner Mims asked about the Oso Parkway Bridge and the developer's monetary contribution for the projects. Mr. Crull replied that there is a$60,000 payment to be received from a Southside developer that will be dedicated to the Oso Parkway bridge (Southfork&Greenfield Subdivision Connection). There was some discussion on Everhart Street Overlay/Widening, one of the projects listed on the Street Program report requiring supplemental funding. Motion by Taylor, seconded by Canales that the FY 92-93 Street Capital Improvements be approved. Motion passed with Canales, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor, and Mims voting aye, Hall abstaining on one project, the Oso Parkway Bridge, but voting yes on all other projects. Karms being absent. • Planning Commission Meeting March 10. 1993 Page 7 TIME EXTENSION 1. 089261-NP40 ISLAND BUSINESS CENTER UNIT 1 (FINAL REPLAT - 41.401 ACRES) Located east of Waldron Road between South Padre Island Drive and Graham Road. Owner - AmeriTrust Texas, N.A. Engineer - David A. Pyle Mr. Carl Crull stated that this replat is a result of a City initiated capital improvements project to extend the construction of Knickerbocker Street when it was approved by the Planning Commission at their regularly scheduled meeting of Wednesday, September 9, 1992. The City Engineer is requesting a six-month time extension to allow time for the public improvements to be completed. Motion by Taylor, seconded by Sanchez that a time extension of six months be approved in order to complete the require public improvements. Motion passed with Canales, Hall,Longoria,Meinrath, Sanchez,Taylor and Mims voting aye, and Karm being absent. EXCUSED ABSENCES Commissioner Mims stated that she has asked Marcia Cooper to tabulate the amount of absences by Commissioner Mike Karm. She added that as of the March 10, 1993 meeting, he has been absent 7 times. She commented that Marcia Cooper has written a note to Commissioner Mike Kann regarding his absences. She also added that in conversation with Armando Chapa, City Secretary, they would not be appointing Ro Wickham's replacement until after the April 3, 1993 elections. February 24, 1993 Mike Karm - Unexcused Ralph Hall - Excused APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Canales, seconded by Sanchez that the minutes of January 27 and February 24, 1993 be approved. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor and Mims voting aye, and Karm being absent. Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 8 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. rear;L ug* q/ Krint ' " 'M ati L% (air) Brandol M. Harvey, AIA, AICP L aine Del Alto Director of Planning and Development Re ording Secretary Executive Secretary to Planning Commission LDA(MINUTES.16) Planning Commission Meeting March 10. 1993 Page 9 NEW PLATS Addendum to minutes of consideration of plats. 1. 029312-P3 CREEKWAY SUBDIVISION, BLOCK I, LOT 6RR (FINAL REPLAT - 0.532 ACRE) Located southwest of Cedar Pass Drive east of Everhart Road. Owner - Jim Maixner Homes Engineer - Voss & Voss 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 Canales, seconded by Sanchez, that this plat be approved. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor voting aye, Mims being momentarily absent, and Karm being absent from the meeting. 2. 029315-P4 INVERNESS UNIT A, BLOCK 1. LOT I IR (FINAL REPLAT - 0.144 ACRES) Located west of the merging point of Glasgow Drive and Snowgoose Road immediately west of the intersection of Timbergate Drive. Owner - Benjamin Bmlloths Engineer - Shearer, Plog& Associates, Inc. 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 Canales, seconded by Sanchez, that this plat be approved. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor voting aye, Mims being momentarily absent, and Karm being absent from the meeting. Planning Commission Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 10 3. 029316-P5 THE LAKES UNIT 5C (FINAL - 1.44 ACRES) Located west of the future Lake Travis Drive and south of future lake Homava Drive. Owner - Diamond L. Investments, Inc. 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 Canales, seconded by Sanchez, that this plat be approved. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor voting aye, Mims being momentarily absent, and Karm being absent from the meeting. 4. 029317-P6 TARA SUBDIVISION, BLOCK I, LOT 2IR (FINAL REPLAT - 1.110 ACRES) Located between Armitage Drive and the Cayo Del Oso south of Richland Drive. Owner - D. Gillman Construction Engineer - Voss & Voss Mr. Gunning stated that this plat has one requirement to be met regarding a front yard setback. The Zoning Board of Adjustment has an application pending before them on March 24, [993 to consider granting or denying a variance. The Planning Commission cannot take action on this plat until the Zoning Board of Adjustment has made a decision. The applicant is requesting that this plat be tabled until such action is taken. Staff supports this request. Motion by Canales, seconded by Sanchez, that this plat be tabled. Motion passed with Canales, Hall, Longoria, Meinrath, Sanchez, Taylor voting aye, Mims being momentarily absent, and Karm being absent from the meeting.