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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 01/20/1993 MINUTES SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING FLOUR BLUFF ISD AUDITORIUM JANUARY 20, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Mims, Chairperson Lamont Taylor, Vice-Chairman Robert Canales Ralph Hall Lupe Longoria Alma Meinrath Ro Wickham MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Karm Jake Sanchez STAFF PRESENT: W. Thomas Utter, Director of Development Services Brandol M. Harvey, AIA, AICP, Director of Planning & Development Robert Payne, AICP, Senior City Planner Mic Raasch, AICP, City Planner B.K. Farnsworth, Planning Technician Norbert Hart, Assistant City Attorney Carl Crull, PE, Director of Engineering Services Angel Escobar, PE, Assistant Director of Engineering Services David Seiler, PE, City Traffic Engineer Grace McNett, Capital Budget Officer Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation Kelly Elizondo, Director of Community Development Herb Canales, Director of Libraries Barbara Stover, PE, Wastewater Collection System Superintendent CALL TO ORDER Chairman Mims called the public hearing to order, welcomed all in attendance, explained the purpose of the public hearing, described the procedure to be followed, and introduced City Councilman Dr. David McNichols. Councilman McNichols thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged their participation in the public hearing. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development gave a brief history and background of the existing and proposed area plan as related to the naval air operations and environmental concerns. He also gave an overview of the timeframe and process that is followed to adopt a plan. Mr. Harvey then introduced Robert PastAan NED Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 2 Mr. Robert Payne, oriented those in attendance on the boundaries of the Area Development Plan. He also pointed out landmarks and existing land uses, noting that most of the area is vacant. Mr. Payne summarized the historical, current and projected population of Flour Bluff . Mr. Payne then reviewed the proposed Flour Bluff Area Development Plan covering the four major categories of the Plan: 1) Environment, 2) Land Use, 3) Transportation, and 4) Public Services. Chairman Mims recognized and introduced Captain Ken Bixler, Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station. Captain Bixler presented a statement addressing the Air Installation Compatibility Use Zone (AICUZ) guidelines as related to naval air operations at NAS and the proposed plan. Captain Bixler expressed concern with the Plan's proposed density restrictions of up to 7 residential units per acre in both Accident Potential Zones I and II. Capt. Bixler emphasized that because of public safety concerns due to Naval air operations the Navy is strongly opposed to the Plan' s permitted densities. Capt. Bixler explained that this proposed density exceeds density limitations recommended by the Navy for areas within APZ's: AICUZ recommends no residential development in areas within APZ I and only up to 2 residential units per acre in areas within APZ II. Captain Bixler stated that in light of the great changes in the world in the ten years since the Plan was last addressed, Corpus Christi may wish to place greater weight in 1993 in protecting the continued viability of the Naval Air Station. The U.S. Navy, stated Capt. Bixler, urges the City to approve a development density in the Accident Potential Zones which conforms to the Navy's recommendations. The City's favorable action in this manner will provide greater protection for the public safety and help to protect the future of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Captain Bixler and Commander Jim Biddle, Public Works Officer of NAS, then responded to several questions from members of the audience regarding naval air operations at NAS and Waldron Field. Chairperson Mims stated that the question cards provided to the audience will be addressed first according to the order of the agenda schedule: 1) Land Use, 2) Environment, 3) Transportation, and 4) Public Services. Persons who would like to be recognized for further public comment will be addressed at that time. Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 3 Land Use Kelly Mailhes: What impact on rural areas of Roscher and Graham would the (Oso) parkway have? Is it planned as a bikeway or roadway? Mr. Payne responded to questions from Ms. Mailhes and several other members of the audience that eventually there will be more and more development in the area. Concurrent to this development, this proposed parkway, including an 80 foot right-of-way with a two- lane, low-volume, low-speed, meandering street and a bikeway, would be provided by that development. Tasha Hooper: We are located at 1060 and 1070 NAS Drive. We have a large day care center, business property and private home all on our property. Could you tell me what we should plan to do if anything in accordance with Navy AICUZ plan? -- or should we worry about rezoning? Mr. Payne responded that since the property is located within an APZ I area there would be a problem with congregation of people for this kind of use. Philip Keen: What is the long term status of Turtle Cove area? Mr. Payne responded that since the subdivision has recently been fully developed that the Plan calls for the density of this area not to change. NO NAME PROVIDED Recreational Field - What type of changes are going to be needed in the future for these areas? Will the city maintain the new location? Why would the city permit all the improvements recently made through the YSAP if they were aware of this? Baseball, Soccer, etc. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, responded that the City is proposing the long-term relocation of the existing athletic fields to the northeast corner of Waldron Field and adjacent to Waldron Park. This will allow for more full use of the existing playing fields and for them to be relocated over a long and gradual timeframe. Bill Duncan: On the proposal to open Jamaica-Debra as a relief parkway street to compliment Laguna Shores Road, is the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. receptive to such a proposal? They own right-of- Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 4 way in the center of the area. Mr. Payne stated that this would have to be worked out with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. However, preliminary staff analysis indicates that this alignment is very feasible. Mr. Duncan indicated that he owns a cemetery along this proposed alignment. Is the city proposing to get most of this needed additional right-of-way from the Flour Bluff ISD? Mr. Payne stated that the further detailing of the implementation of this proposed street extension would have to be worked out, but, at this time, sees no particular problems with the proposed alignment. L. J. Simone: What prevents the Flour Bluff area from having a water park similar to "Splash Town, USA" in San Antonio? When will Caribbean to Waldron have side walks? Mr. Payne responded to the first question that it is strictly up to private development to develop Water parks and the like. He stated that staff would have to research the proposed status of sidewalks along Caribbean and get back to Mr. Simone at the next meeting scheduled January 27, 1992. Signa Prather: Laguna Shores Road - any plans to raise road and beautify Laguna Madre? What about the "Bird Sanctuary" in Laguna Estates - It needs to be accessible with sidewalks, trees planted, benches, and may be even a small play area. Will sidewalks be built along Waldron Road? If so, how much of Waldron Road? Mr. Payne responded that specific improvement plans for Laguna Shores Road will be worked out in the future as the Plan is implemented. Concerns about the bird sanctuary would need to be discussed with the Parks Director. Mr. Payne responded to several questions from the audience with regard to the land use element of the proposed Plan. Willie Lenox: Laguna Shores Road: raising of road - staff needs to come back with a long range plan for elevating and improvement. Mr. Payne responded that because of significant construction costs for the elevation and improvement of Laguna Shores Road this matter Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 5 would have to be addressed by the Engineering Department. Calvin Bright, 3106 Laguna Shores, stated that he and others have tried to develop the area zoned industrial in the vicinity of Chester Street and Skipper Lane just south of NAS. However, because of the industrial zoning the water mains must be a minimum of 8 inches diameter. Because the area was originally developed residentially with small 50 by 150 foot lots and with only 6 inch mains and laterals installed. These factors in addition to fragmented ownership has made redevelopment of industrial uses very expensive. If the City wants this area to redevelop into low intensity industrial uses, it should provide adequate infrastructure for those uses. Rusty Beck, 1725 Graham Road, questioned why the large area along the proposed Oso Parkway is reflected as multi-family residential and mobile home development. Mr. Beck expressed concern as to the high volume of traffic which would be generated from these two properties and funneled to the proposed parkway. Mr. Payne stated that subsequent to the 1983 comprehensive rezoning of the Flour Bluff this area was rezoned after the property owner initiated a zoning change. Jim Coulter, 221 Portsmouth, expressed concerns with the proposed relocation of the youth athletic complex on the east side of Waldron Field. Mr. Payne explained that the City is proposing the athletic field be relocated to the northeast corner of Waldron Field primarily because the Accident Potential Zones cover most of the athletic field. Joe Hensler, 1515 Caribbean Drive, asked whether full water service would be provided in the area of Caribbean Drive west of Flour Bluff Drive and how his property was rezoned without his knowledge. Mr. Payne, stated that both questions would need to be analyzed and followed-up with staff. Environment Mary Thorpe: As a native of Flour Bluff & Professor of Geology at Del Mar College, I compliment the City Council, Staff & Commission on it's placement of the environment as Item "1" on the executive summary. That shows a progressive attitude toward the delicate Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 6 nature of our Flour Bluff. J. A. Calvin, Jr. : How does this (Plan) affect Laguna Shores property? What about drainage & bulk heading for low lying land bordering Laguna Shores near S.P.I.D. ? Chairperson Mims stated that this question was addressed earlier. Mr. Calvin, 3544 Topeka, expressed concern with Corps of Engineers' policies with wetlands. C.A. Stockman: Green area on Laguna: Would the city like to see a park there? Ms. Stockman stated that the question had already been answered. Beverly L. Held, MD: How will you protect the bird life along Laguna Shores? Need pull out at end of Lola Johnson to watch water birds . Piping plover noted on (1) area between Graham & Lola Johnson and on Held Industrial Tract; (2) Reddish Egret & nursery for other birds are best observed on areas between Graham & just south of Lola Johnson. Dr. Held, 145 Mediterranean, stated that safe access points for birdwatching was needed at several strategic points along the Laguna Madre shoreline. Transportation Judith Reader: Proposed road to replace Laguna Shores appears to conflict with Headington Oil Pumping Station and tank collection area. Heavy tank trucks go back and forth frequently to the tank area. Problem? Who would use the road from Purdue to Graham to Laguna Shores? Seems that would be extensive work and expense for little need (people going to the beach? ) Mr. Payne responded that the proposed alignment of the Debra extension is general in concept. Specific alignment will be detailed at the time of construction design. Mark McHugh: Since the S.P.I.D. improvement planners did not allow for easy access to the ramp going to NAS from Flour Bluff, a parkway along the Oso would likely see a lot of traffic between Graham Road and S.P.I .D. from people going to work at NAS/CCAD who want to make use of the freeway access to the base. Would extending Compton Road to the west to meet up with S.P. I.D. at the Oso bridge alleviate this as well as improve access to the area slated for commercial use immediately South of S.P.I.D. west of Flour Bluff Drive? Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 7 Mr. Angel Escobar, Assistant Director of Engineering Services, stated that staff had met with Mr. McHugh during the break and these questions had been addressed. Mr. Beck expressed concern with future traffic using the proposed Oso Parkway to gain access to the eastbound on-ramp to SPID just west of the Flour Bluff interchange. Mr. Payne indicated that staff will take another look at the proposed Oso Parkway and possible impacts of future development on the Parkway. James Coulter: Why will Debra/Jamaica Streets not be extended through to Yorktown? Mr. Payne stated that it is not feasible to extend Jamaica across the nature preserve south of Mediterranean. R. L. Fordtram MD: What are city's long term plan of Yorktown Road - it needs to be widened and "Mud Bridge" widened to get access in and out of Flour Bluff and to proposed parkways. David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer, stated that Yorktown Blvd. is not currently included in the City's capital improvement program. It is very likely to be added in the next CIP. Yorktown would be a critical part of a proposed outer arterial belt including Waldron Road, Yorktown Blvd. , Saratoga Blvd. , and extended to Interstate 37. NO NAME PROVIDED: Has the land been acquired for the extension of Roscher Road to S.P. I.D. and exactly where will the pathway or road be located? Mr. Payne stated that the property has not been acquired. It would be acquired as development occurs in the area as a part of the subdivision process. Judy Smith: Please define "Parkway" and "Bikeway" as they relate to proposed changes on Laguna Shores Road. Mr. Payne explained that a parkway has 80 feet of right-of-way, has two lanes of traffic, and has on the water side a bikeway. Terry Exley: Putting sidewalks on Flour Bluff Drive, widening Glenoak and extend sidewalks to Flour Bluff Drive. Because of the increasing traffic and student population and route of our High School track team; I find this very necessary. Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 8 Mr. Seiler stated that Glenoak is not included in the current CIP, however, the proposed Area Development Plan is indicated as a high priority in the next CIP. Sidewalks would be included in those future improvements or provided as part of a sidewalk improvement program. Mrs. Katherine Conoly stated that rather than proposing the Oso Parkway, the City should provide basic services such as sidewalks, sewers, streets, and so forth to the people who are asking for those services. Lawry Snyder: Would like to comment about collector and arterial streets. Mr. Snyder, 3213 Azores, stated that Mediterranean Drive should be extended to Waldron Road. Chairperson Mims responded that the Commission will be addressing this issue with the review of the Plan. John Doggett, 3219 Jamaica and a board member of the Tropic Isles Association, expressed concern with the proposal to extend Debra Lane northward. This would place more unnecessary traffic on Jamaica Street. Mr. Doggett also stated that Mediterranean Drive should be extended to Waldron Road to relieve some of the traffic on Jamaica. Mr. Payne indicated that the proposed Debra extension and Jamaica collector would contain only two lanes of traffic. Bob Fortran, 1818 Caribbean, stated that the problem with Flour Bluff is that there is not enough north-south streets. Roscher Road needs to be extended to Glenoak and both paved. Glenoak should then be fully improved all the way to Waldron Road, and Flour Bluff Road needs to be fully improved. David Conoly, 1930 Glenoak, expressed opposition to the proposed Oso Parkway and suggested that Flour Bluff Drive be widened and improved. The Oso Parkway has never been proposed to be on the Flour Bluff side of the Oso and it should be removed from the Plan. Mr. Payne responded that the record should be set straight that the Parkway will not be paid by the City but instead provided as future development occurs through the platting process. Public Services Jack Ratkovic: Parking facilities very bad - parking at present (1) public utilities, library, swimming pool, picnic area-Community Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 9 Center - Senior Citizen Building needs additional parking- Top Priority Mr. Utter, Director of Development Services, stated that staff is currently pursuing the acquisition of additional land for expanded parking adjacent to the Community Center. James Coulter: All the fields are well developed. What is needed is road repavement, bathrooms, and a new equipment/snack stand. Why not use the city money to develop the existing field areas, rather than reinventing the wheel. Mr. Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, stated that the primary problem is that the athletic fields are located within the Accident Potential Zones. Since the City is not a party to the existing fields and the League is responsible for all improvements and liabilities . If the fields were to be relocated the City may be able to propose in the next bond program this project, therefore, the City could be able to build the new facilities. Virginia B. Fox: There are not sufficient fire hydrants in Tropic Isles area. Have been told that water lines are not adequate to support them. But lines keep breaking and need replacing. Five times in one year on Nassau Street. Mrs. Fox, 3205 Nassau, stated that the only fire hydrant on Nassau Street is on Laguna Shores Road. Mr. Utter stated that staff will have a response at the meeting on January 27 . Berneice Lambert: What would be the cost of the payment plan and the sewer down Waldron? Down east side - improvements platting. Mr. Escobar stated that the improvements to Waldron Road will include a sewer line for service to adjacent properties. Jo O'Hara: Will public services include fire hydrants for Nassau Street? Chairperson Mims stated that this question will be addressed by staff at the next meeting on January 27 . John Meadows: ( 1) Reference the goals/objectives for 1982 Plan: How many goals/objectives were or were not completed? (2) Reference these goals/objectives for 1993 plan: How many do you anticipate (realistically) that will be completed within 10 years/20 years? Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 10 Mr. Payne requested that Mr. Meadows come to the Planning Department so that Mr. Meadow's request can be properly addressed. An unidentified man from the audience suggested that the property along the shoreline of the Laguna Madre east of Tropic Isles be purchased for parkland. Walt Garth stated he is opposed to the proposed Parkway, and said Flour Bluff is a truly unique area. An unidentified woman from the audience expressed concern with the extension of Debra and the possible problems with wetlands in the area. Mr. Payne responded that staff has taken great efforts to avoid known wetlands with the proposed alignment. Mr. Utter explained the significant problems with Laguna Shores Road as it exists and as it might be elevated and expanded. The proposed extension of Debra is specifically intended to serve as an alternative route to Laguna Shores Road since it is not feasible to be widened. Dr. Held complimented staff on Policy Statement A.7 regarding the need to preserve native brush and grass on properties. Mary Thorpe expressed concern with residents of Flour Bluff who don't have City water service and have septic systems -- these health concerns are just as important as traffic. Mrs. Thorpe inquired as to why the properties along Laguna Shores are indicated as commercial and multi-family residential uses. Mr. Payne stated that these properties are currently zoned as indicated on the Plan, and that staff is not recommending any down zoning of property. An unidentified man from the audience questioned how the City could place water lines along Laguna Shores Road in the last several years and not have any difficulties with the wetlands and why to raise and widen the road is such a problem. Chairperson Mims stated that the staff and Commission will take all the comments which were provided at the hearing under advisement. Another meeting will be held on January 27, 1993 at 6:30 pm at the Auditorium for additional comment and follow-up by staff . Ms. Mims thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Planning Commission Meeting January 20, 1993 Page 11 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m..m egated Bra �NaP O Roberti Payne v / 1.., Director of Planning Senior City Planner Executive Secretary to Comprehensive Planning Planning Commission (E:FBminute. 120)