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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee - 04/18/1994 - Special 0 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE;' TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 4 JUN 1994 WATER/SHORE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION April 18, 1994 - 5:00 P.M. ` �t> C .`, , Bayfront Convention Center - Room 225 \zu ti' PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Present: Toby Shor, Chairman, Jimmy Rodriguez, Vice-Chairman, Annie Castro, Roger Garrison., JoAnne McNeill, Gus Ruiz, Sharon Stewart, Cefe Valenzuela Absent: Jack Ratkovic TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Present: Barry Pillinger, Chairman, Bert Quintanilla, Joyce Holst, Walter Deville, Braxton Routh, Thomas Sidel, Robert Beggs Absent: Fred Braselton, Len Brandrup, Vice-Chairman MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION: Present: Frank Weathered, Chairman, Joseph Wilson, Vice-Chairman, Chuck Anastos, Nelwyn Anderson, George Dunson, Olivia Farrera, Jane Goode, Jane Harvey, Lynda Jones, Barbara McDowell, Barbara Silverman, Norma Urban, John Yochem, Jr. Absent: Chuck Anastos, Linda Eshom, Marcy Sanchez-Hunter, Frank Lucido WATER/SHORE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Present: Scott Skinner, Vice-Chairman, Frank Beck, Charlene Forest, Vic Menard, Patricia Suter Absent: Quenton Cook, Chairman, Robert Gross, Dr. Roy Lehman, Randy Thompson STAFF PRESENT: W. Thomas Utter, Group Manager of Development Services, Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park & Recreation, David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer, Judy Dreyer, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Each of the committees was called to order by their respective chairmen at 5:00 p.m. in Room 225 of the Convention Center. SCANNED CPI REVIEW OF GATEWAY PROJECT: Mr. Utter called on staff to make their opening statements. Mr. Matthews explained that the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, Municipal Arts Commission and Water/Shore Advisory Committee had each seen a portion of the project through the Southeast Development Plan as presented previously by staff. He noted the Park and Recreation and Water/Shore Committees have identical agendas, with the Municipal Arts Commission having an additional item dealing with funding. Mr. David Seiler commented the Transportation Advisory Committee has advisory jurisdiction over public concerns for traffic safety, various traffic issues and acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council and in some cases directly to the Planning Commission on any significant actions by City departments and other agencies and private groups that may in any way directly affect transportation safety. The Committee's main concerns in reviewing the concept early were not wanting to see decreases in traffic and an emphasis in pedestrian movement. Mr. Utter recognized two members of the Planning Commission, Ms. Shirley Mims and Mr. Michael Bertezzi who were present to observe the presentation of the meeting. Mr. Gordon Landreth, Architect and Member of the Board of Directors for the Downtown District (DMD), stated his function at the meeting was that of a Board Member of the DMD, not representing his professional fum. The project to be reviewed is one of many the DMD is pursing and has been pursued for over a year. He continued it was being shown jointly so that those persons affected by the project could be heard and the DMD could get their ideas. He stated the presentation has been made to the Bayfest, Inc. and the Museums and is asking for the input and support of the committees in order to come up with a package that met everyones' needs. He then presented a slide presentation of the project, which calls for a six acre park to replace the three municipal parking lots that lead from in front of the Old Nueces County Courthouse to Shoreline, thereby relocating the north and southbound lanes of 1-37 adjacent to each other; closing one block of Water Street where it crosses the Interstate; and moving the northbound lane of Shoreline Blvd. adjacent to the southbound lane, from Power to Peoples Street, creating a greenbelt along the seawall, adding an additional four acres of parkland. Sixteen foot-wide medians in this area will be created, with turning lanes. Previous traffic lighting will be maintained, with clustered curb-side parking. Also, additional works of art are to be included in the plan. Mr. Landreth explained that the asphalt will not be removed in the area from Power to Peoples Street, but rather a "roof-top garden" foundation will be used, including proper irrigation, drainage, top soil, etc.. The entire project is estimated at $5 Million, including design fees, construction, landscaping, exercise stations, irrigation and expanded lighting. He stated the DMD feels strongly this project can be a very important part of the City and is a very viable project and can be accomplished with a simple approach that allows every citizen and visitor to enjoy Shoreline Blvd. and does not restrict anyone's ingress or egress. Mr. Utter then called on the various Committee members for their comments/questions. Mr. Garrison, Park & Recreation Advisory Committee, questioned why the Shoreline realignment was not extended down to the Convention Center. Mr. Landreth replied it was due to the cost involved, plus they did not want to persuade other organizations such as Bayfest V to leave their current location and relocate to the new area. Mr. Garrison commented he felt this was two projects and questioned why they were coupled together. Mr. Landreth responded that due to the cost involved, it would be preferable to make it one complete package. Mr. Garrison questioned that if the relocation of Shoreline became controversial, could it be feasible to split the projects. Mr. Landreth replied affirmatively, adding he would rather not and reminded Mr. Garrison the purpose of the meeting was to gather comments and concerns. Mr. Garrison stated he personally saw it as a problem. Ms. Toby Shor, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, stated she wished to salute Mr. Landreth on his efforts, as she felt it was an excellent idea and supported it. She questioned who currently owns the three parking lots. Mr. Seiler stated they are under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Engineering Department. Mr. Matthews stated there are minimum grant funds committed from the Texas Highway Department for beautification of the area. Mr. Barry Pillinger, Chairman of the Transportation Advisory Committee, questioned if any new signalization is planned for this area. Mr. Seiler responded positively and explained where it is planned. Mrs. Annie Castro, Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, questioned if there were any plans for the Old Courthouse. Mr. Landreth stated the DMD is not involved with the Old Courthouse, as this proposal stops at the curb line. Ms. Jane Goode, Municipal Arts Commission, questioned where pedestrians could catch the trolley. Mr. Landreth provided a detailed explanation on several locations as to where they would be provided. Mr. Robert Beggs, Transportation Advisory Committee, questioned the number of parking spaces that would be lost in the six acres of parking lots and the estimated cost of the projects if they were separated. Mr. Landreth replied that between 750 - 900 spaces could be lost, and the cost of each project is approximately $2.5 Million. Mr. Beggs also referred to the time-lapse photography used in the presentation of parking in the area and asked if that included Buccaneer Days or Bayfest. Mr. Landreth replied it was run during Easter weekend and the weekend immediately following. Ms. Farrera, Municipal Arts Commission, questioned the implementation time. Mr. Landreth stated it is estimated the construction project will take approximately 18 - 24 months, excluding the grant process. Ms. Shor commented she felt a trolley system may need to be included in the plan, in the area of the Convention Center. Mr. Pillinger inquired if the old Park and Recreation Office on Belden St. could be utilized for pocket parking. Mr. Utter explained that a bayfront pump station is at located at that site, and parking would be very limited. fr+ i Mr. Beggs questioned if there were funding commitments, or if the plan was all conceptual at this point. Mr. Landreth replied there was one commitment thus far from the Municipal Arts Commission from the Permanent Art Trust Fund. He continued that City staff has indicated that other funding sources are likely, such as grants, etc. which could be ready within a short time frame. Ms. Farrera asked if the Texas Highway Department has available funding. Mr. Landreth stated they have met with the District Engineer, who supports the project. In answer to a question, Mr. Landreth stated Belden St. would remain a two-way street. Mr. Garrison questioned if there would be any further limitations turning off/on Shoreline than what currently exists. Mr. Seiler explained that in its present form, it is envisioned that one additional street, Mann, which is not a thin street, will soon have its signalization removed from that location. At this time, Mr. Utter opened the floor for public comment. Mrs. Maxine Smith, 9831 Daisy, stated she was opposed to the realignment as she felt the drive is beautiful as it currently exists. She also commented she felt the turning lanes seen too narrow, adding she felt that existing facilities should be developed. Mr. Clark Flato, P. 0. Box 1999, expressed his opposition to the proposal, stating there have been at least four proposals for realignment of Shoreline and each time the public has spoken. He continued that Shoreline is unique and people enjoy driving close to the water. He continued he felt police problems would be exacerbated with these improvements. Mr. Jim Boggs, no address given, pointed out that the City of San Antonio is presently spending $10 Million on downtown improvements. He encouraged that regardless of the number of plans previously presented, one be selected and those improvements completed. Mr. Bob Rowling, 1100 CCNB, stated he felt Corpus Christi has more natural resources than any other Texas city. He continued that although this was not a perfect plan, he was willing to commit his personal resources both in time and money to help make it a reality. Mr. Juan Goodman, one of the principles of the La Plaza Building, stated his support of this of the project. He announced he has started a new magazine, Monterrey-Corpus Christi Connection, because he wanted to see progress in the downtown community, not empty buildings. Mr.Willard Hammonds, no address given, stated he watched the seawall being constructed, and felt little else had been accomplished to improve the downtown area since that time. He expressed agreement with the other speakers that Corpus Christi is unique and would like to see the plan accomplished. Mr. Utter then called for action and input from the various committees, if they so chose. v Mrs. McNeill, Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, stated she had long been a proponent of such a project and that it could work with everyone's support. Vice-Chairman Rodriguez, Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, also voiced his support and complimented everyone for the amount of work that had gone into the plan. Ms. Shor stated that when she moved to Corpus Christi, she was taken by the fact that the marina abutted the downtown area, which has a dramatic potential, but yet nothing had been done to improve the area. She continued she has studied several plans of the area which were all done in the 1920's when there were very few automobiles, but personally felt the wide medians are now useless. Chairman Weathered, Municipal Arts Commission, explained that a presentation of the plan was made to the Municipal Arts Committee in February and they have discussed it at several regular meetings with overwhelming response. He saluted the staff and various individuals for their work. Vice-Chairman Wilson, Municipal Arts Commission, commented he felt this was an excellent opportunity for the city. He added that it was natural to fear the unknown, but he heartily approved the concept. Ms. Silverman stated she felt such a project was needed for the guests that visit Corpus Christi, noting the large Texas Librarian convention the City had recently hosted. Ms. Anderson, Municipal Arts Commission, remarked that funds had been set aside for a monumental project such as this and hoped it was approved. Ms. Farrera congratulated everyone on their efforts, stated she felt additional shade and activities were needed in this area, noting her only concern was additional study on parking. Ms. Harvey, Municipal Arts Commission, moved that the Gateway Park Project concept be approved, plans be finalized for that Project and that the City submit for federal, state, local and private funds to support the Project. Ms. Ferrera seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Chairman Weathered then called for a motion to endorse the utilization of the Permanent Art Trust Fund in the Gateway Park Project. Ms.Anderson so moved, with a second by Ms. Jones. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Pillinger stated that members of the Transportation Advisory Committee had been polled and none wished to make a statement. Mr. Beggs moved that inasmuch as the Committee had issues such as signalization which they felt needed further study and public input, the item be placed on their agenda of April 25th. Mr. Quintanilla seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Forest, Water/Shore Advisory Committee, moved to table action until their regular meeting on May 5th. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mrs. McNeill, Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, moved to endorse the plan as submitted. Ms. Stewart seconded. Mr. Garrison stated he would find it much easier to support the plan if it were divided into two projects as he had questions which had not been answered. Ms. Shor called for the motion which passed with Mr. Garrison voting "no"and Mr. Valenzuela abstaining. Mr. Utter stated the item would be placed on the agendas for the Transportation and Water/Shore Advisory Committee meetings. ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further discussion, the special called meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. 4#4,447/6.-- Malcolm Matthews, Director Park & Recreation Department gakwsy.mwjd