HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 03/25/1991 MINUTES
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL
MARCH 25, 1991 - 6:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Mims, Chairman
Mike Karm, Vice Chairman
Bobby Canales
Alma Meinrath
William Sanderson
Ro Wickham
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ralph Hall
Jake Sanchez
Lamont Taylor
STAFF PRESENT: Brandol M. Harvey, Director of Planning & Development
Michael Gunning, Senior Planner
Lorraine Del Alto, Recording Secretary
Ruben Perez,Assistant City Attorney
Ezequiel Elizondo, Director of Housing & Community Development
Cris Gorham, Asst. Director of Housing & Community Development
Hector Vallejo, Program Manager
JoAnn Dominguez, Administrative Assistant
Nelda Pella, Recording Secretary
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Mims called the meeting to order and described the procedure to be followed.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Jose Natividad Martinez: 392-3
REQUEST: From"I-2"Light Industrial District to"R-1C" One-family Dwelling District on Lots 24 and 25,
Block 21, Chamberlain Subdivision, located on the north side of Mary Street, approximately
175 feet east of 10th Street.
Mr. Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and stated that the applicant
is requesting a zoning change to construct a single-family residence. The property is currently undeveloped land.
Mr. Gunning summarized the Staff Report, and informed the Commission of applicable Policy
Statements, and quoted from the South Central Area Development Plan.
The applicant is requesting a change of zoning to a 'R-1C" One-family Dwelling District to construct
a house for his residence.
SCANNED
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 2
The subject property is located in an "I-2" Light Industrial District which does not permit residences.
The predominant use on the property's block is single-family residential with some multiple-family structures
and only one (1) nonresidential use, a City gas control valve facility. Therefore, the development of a single-
family residence on the property would not be adversely impacted by the existing surrounding uses. In
September, 1982, two (2) lots east of the subject property, were granted a Special Permit for a single-family
residence. This was done prior to the formulation or adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. The subject
property's block has been predominantly residential since the 1960s, based on aerial photo archives, and no
industrial uses have expanded into this block. The City's Policy Statements indicate that, in general, "each
neighborhood of the City shall be protected..." The South Central Area Development Plan calls for the area
to transition into industrial uses commensurate under the current zoning.
The,block (Block 21) containing the subject property was zoned for commercial uses in 1942 and for
light industrial uses in 1948. In 1974, the industrial districts were amended to discontinue residential uses,
thereby making the existing residences nonconforming. The property has remained residential with no intrusion
from industrial uses, and therefore, should be considered for possible rezoning to a residential district. The
extension of the"A-2"Apartment House District from the south onto the block seems logical. The"A-2"District
requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet. The entire block has been subdivided into 25 foot wide lots,
and if an owner owns two (2) contiguous lots, the total area would be 5,900 square feet, still less than required
in the"A-2" District,but more than the required 4,500 square feet in an"R-1C"District. However, the Zoning
Ordinance exempts properties that were platted prior to July, 1971, with less than 6,000 square feet but more
than 5,000 square feet. Therefore, the applicant would be permitted to construct a dwelling unit. A
fundamental question is, "should the Comprehensive Plan be deviated from?"
If a residential zoning district is deemed appropriate for the subject lots, then it would also be
appropriate to plan for residential uses for the remainder of the Block 21;and Block 2 located to the southwest
across Mary Street. This would provide a residential enclave rather than isolated residential uses next door to
industrially zoned properties. The "A-2" District on the blocks to the south is the appropriate district for
rezoning these industrial zoned blocks in that it would be a logical extension of the"A-2" district and it permits
both single-family and multiple-family uses. If the "A-2" District is approved, Staff will initiate rezoning of the
aforementioned Blocks 21 and 2.
Mr.Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report(Copy
on file).
Staff recommends denial of the"R-1C" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of an "A-2" District only
if the Planning Commission also recommends modifying the South Central Area land use policies and rezoning
the remainder of Block 21 and Block 2 to "A-2". Twenty-three notices were mailed, of which none were
returned in favor or opposition.
No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed.
There was some discussion as to whether rezoning of the other areas would delay the action on the
applicant's request.
Motion by Karm, seconded by Wickham, that this application for "R-1C" District be denied, in lieu
thereof,approval of an"A-2"District with the recommendation that the City initiate a change of zoning to"A-2"
on the remainder of Blocks 21 and Block 2. Motion passed with Canales,Meinrath,Sanderson,Wickham,Karm
and Minis voting aye, and Hall, Sanchez and Taylor being absent.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 3
TABLED ZONING
1) 192-5 Bishop Rene H. Gracida: "B-4" to "I-2"
Located on the northwest corner of Morgan and Virginia Avenues.
Motion by Sanderson,seconded by Wickham, that this application be removed from the table. Motion
passed unanimously.
Mr. Gunning stated that on March 11, 1992,the Planning Commission tabled this case in order to allow
Staff and the applicant's representative to develop a site plan with acceptable conditions for a possible Special
Permit. A site plan, presented to the Planning Commission, indicates a 24 foot wide stage at the north end of
the subject property with hedges along the perimeter of the property. The following three (3) conditions were
proposed:
1. USE: The only use authorized by this Special Permit other than the basic "B-4" General
Business District is church-sponsored outside live entertainment use with one (1) permanent
outdoor stage.
2. FLOOR AREA: The permanent outdoor stage may not exceed a total floor area of 600 square
feet.
3. HOURS OF OPERATION: The outside live entertainment use is limited to the hours
between 10:00 a.m.and 12:00 midnight. The use may only operate Friday,Saturday and Sunday
from June 1 through September 1. Any outside live entertainment that does not comply with
the aforementioned limitations shall be considered a Promotional Event and shall comply with
the conditions set forth in Section 27A-2 of the City of Corpus Christi Zoning Ordinance, as
amended.
Staff remains of the opinion that the proposed use and associated noise and traffic is inappropriate with
residences close to the subject property.
Father Eduardo Garcia appeared representing the applicant. He stated that they are in favor of the
site plan and conditions and asked the Commission to consider a Special Permit.
No one else appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Meinrath,seconded by Canales that this applicant be granted a Special Permit for an outside
entertainment use with the following conditions:
1. USE: The only use authorized by this Special Permit other than the basic "B-4" General Business
District is church-sponsored outside live entertainment use with one (1) permanent outdoor stage.
2. FLOOR AREA: The permanent outdoor stage may not exceed a total floor area of 600 square feet.
3. HOURS OF OPERATION: The outside live entertainment use is limited to the hours between 10:00
a.m. and 12:00 midnight. The use may only operate Friday,Saturday and Sunday from June 1 through
September 1. Any outside live entertainment that does not comply with the aforementioned limitations
shall be considered a Promotional Event and shall comply with the conditions set forth in Section 27A-2
of the City of Corpus Christi Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
•
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 4
Motion passed with Canales, Meinrath, Sanderson, Wickham,Karm, and Mims voting aye, and Hall,
Sanchez and Taylor being absent.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG1
Chairman Mims opened the public hearing for the FY92 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program. She requested that the organization's main representative limit their comments to five
minutes and each succeeding representative limit their comments to three minutes.
Chairman Mims asked staff to make their presentation.
Mr.Elizondo addressed the Commission and the public stating that a total of$4,705,000 is available for
the City's FY92 CDBG Program which consists of the FY92 allocation of $4,055,000 in combination with
$650,000 of program income. He stated requests for FY92 CDBG funds totaled$11,337,707. He briefly outlined
the eligibility criteria adopted by the City Council that requires that no CDBG funds be authorized to applicant
agencies for the support of operating expenses; that no capital grants will be made without sufficient evidence
of the fmancial capacity of the applying agency to operate the program; and priority will be given to those
applying agencies that make substantial new capital contributions to the project for which they are seeking funds.
Based on these guidelines, staff's recommendations are as follows.
Laguna Madre Park - $10,000; Handicap Accessibility- $72,000; Hudson Park - $60,000; Broadmoor
Senior Center - $40,000; Westside Little League - $50,000; Wynn Seale Phase II - $552,000; City Hall ADA
Compliance -$20,000; Corpus Christi Museum ADA Compliance = $7,700;Sidbury House ADA Compliance -
$7,700;CDBG Cleanup Project-$40,000;Demolition Relocation-$100,000;Code Enforcement-$70,000;Ada
Wilson Children's Center $54,000; Boys & Girls Club of Corpus Christi - $90,900; Coastal Bend Alcohol &
Drug Rehab. Center - $40,000; Corpus Christi Metro Ministries - $50,400; Nueces County Community Action
Agency - $237,000; Tract 16 Neighborhood Council - $20,000; Tract 17/18 Neighborhood Council - $20,000;
Women's Shelter of Corpus Christi Area-$300,000;Emergency Repair Grant Program-$700,000;Rehabilitation
Services - $654,000; Rental Rehabilitation Match Program - $100,000; Single Family Rehab. Loan Program -
$1,000,000; Comprehensive Planning - $50,000; Preservation Plan Update Phase II-A CLGC = $9,300; and
General Administration - $350,000 for a total of$4,705,000.
Chairman Mims called for public comments.
Betty Hable, representing the Nueces County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Community,
requested that funding for,the Youth Services Center for emotionally disturbed youth and their families be
reconsidered.
Hilda Tagle, Judge, County Court at Law No. 3, spoke in support of the Youth Services Center.
Chairman Mims announced that this was a public hearing to allow the Commission to hear comments
from the public and Staff; and the Commission will be making their recommendations at a Special Planning
Commission meeting on April 1, 1992.
Mike Griffith, Director, Nueces County Juvenile Department, spoke about juvenile crime in this
community and the lack of resources for emotionally disturbed youth. He expressed his support for the Youth
Services Center and urged the Commission to reconsider Staff's recommendation.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 5
Robert Garcia, Director of Special Education for CCISD, expressed support for the Youth Services
Center.
Jackie Martin, 822 Adel, also spoke in favor of funding for a Youth Service Center.
T.D. Higginbotham, Chairman of the Board of Ada Wilson Children's Center for Rehabilitation,
representing the Board of Directors, asked for reconsideration of their funding request. He explained that the
funds were need to replace badly deteriorated equipment, replace dining room furniture and for ADA
modifications to automated doors. Mr. Higginbotham introduced residence members of the facility.
Mrs. Hope Trevino, Westside Little League, gave a brief history of the League and asked the
Commission to reconsider Staff's recommendation of partial funding of their request.
Vilma Luna,Member of the Board of Directors for the Boys& Girls Club of Corpus Christi,asked that
the Commission support Staff's recommendation which would enable the Club to complete six of the proposed
projects. She stated that the additional funds needed would be sought from the private sector. In response to
a question, she stated first priority would be given to a new commercial kitchen which would enable the Club
to provide an after school food program that would service 250 kids per day and second priority is a new sand
volleyball court and shade structures around the swimming pool.
John Longoria, Director, Boys & Girls Club, addressed specific questions from the Commission
regarding the Boys & Girls Club proposal submitted.
In response to a question from Commissioner Karm as to whether the exhaust fans were funded last
year;Mr.Elizondo replied that the exhaust fans for the gymnasium were not funded last year,the improvements
funded in FY91 included a new airlock; renovating the existing boy's locker room into a girl's locker room;
adding a new boy's locker room; and a new gas heater for the gymnasium.
There was further discussion on the uses of the gymnasium and the proposed uses of a new commercial
kitchen.
Philip Rosenstein, President, Flour Bluff ARP Chapter, speaking in behalf of John De La Garza,
Assistant State Director of ARP for this area, expressed support for the Emergency Repair Grant Program.
Joe Martinez, Executive Director, Nueces County Community Action Agency, briefly described their
Head Start Program and their plans to expand; he requested that their request be funded.
Discussion followed comparing the Agency's last year's request with their current request and Staff gave
a status report on that project.
Florence Adams,President,Nueces County Community Action Agency and a retired teacher,also spoke
in favor of NCCAA's request.
Olivia Flores,Site Counselor,Zavala Senior Center,described the poor condition of the existing Center
and expressed her support for the construction of a new facility.
There was a lengthy discussion between the Commission and Staff regarding the present condition of
the Center and the feasibility of investing more dollars into the sinking building.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 6
The meeting was recessed for 15 minutes.
Joe West,Project Administrator, Coastal Bend Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center, explained the
scope of the proposed rehabilitation project and the impact it will have on the number of people they will be
able to help. Assisted by Bill Holland, the architect for the project, he displayed the proposed floor plans for
the Center.
Reverend Claudell Smith, Chairman, Tract 16 Neighborhood Council, asked that their request be
reconsidered. He stated that their facility is shared with the Nueces County Community Action Agency. He
described the uses of their present facility and stated that it is inadequate. He recognized a number of Tract
16 Council supporters from the audience.
Reverend C.E. Richardson, Sr., Tract 16, asked the Commission to consider their $51,200 request.
Discussion followed on the possibility of relocating the NCCAA to another location.
Gwen Bryant, 5029 Merganser, Member of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, expressed
support for the South Bluff Park Restrooms improvements,which were not recommended by Staff. She stated
that the Advisory Committee considers South Bluff Park a higher priority project and she requested that Staff's
recommendation of funding improvements to Hudson Park be transferred to South Bluff Park.
In response to a question from the Commission as to whether or not this could be done; Mr.Elizondo
responded that it was at the Commission's discretion if this was the recommendation that the Commission
wanted to forward.
Esmeralda Castellanos,Tract 17/18 Neighborhood Council,requested that their request be reconsidered.
She gave a brief description of the Council's services and the current condition of their facility.
Sandra Larson,Executive Director,Women's Shelter of the Corpus Christi Area,explained the Shelter
Program and provided statistical data regarding services. Mrs.Larson described the inadequacies in the current
facilities and the objective of the proposed project. Mrs.Larson then introduced a number of the Shelter's staff
and Board of Director from the audience.
The Commission asked several questions regarding the Shelter's clientele and their proposal for
construction of a new building.
There being no more comments from the audience, the public hearing was closed.
Chairman Mims stated that the Commission will be meeting on April 1, 1992 to formulate their
recommendation to the City Council. She asked Commissioners to contact Staff before next weeks meeting with
any questions so that Staff will be prepared at the meeting.
Discussion followed on the refined CDBG proposal process and Commissioners expressed their
satisfaction with the results.
Commissioner Meinrath questioned if the Single Family Rehabilitation Program was mandated to be
funded at Staff's recommended $1,000,000 level; Mr. Elizondo responded that it was not, but advised the
Commission to be aware of the present list of over 300 families waiting to be assisted (Single Family and
Emergency Repairs).
Y
•
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 7
Chairman Mims urged the Commission to look at the whole picture when considering taking money
from one project to fund another project because of the impact it may have because some projects may be
related.
Chairman Mims questioned if the Comprehension Plan would be completed this year; and Mr.Harvey
responded that this should be the last year. -
OTHER MATTERS
Mr. Brandol Harvey stated the following City Council action:
C292-4 Lady Lex: Approved as recommended by Staff and Planning Commission.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
None for the regular meeting of March 11, 1992.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 1992 be approved as
submitted.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
hitithL021,21, Cl/IUIC.IQ
Brandol M. Harvey Lo raine Del Alto
Director of Planning Re rding Secretary
Executive Secretary to Planning Commission
Nelda Pena
Recording Secretary
(E:MINUTES.11)
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 8
NEW PLATS
029213-P6
SAN JUAN ADDITION, BLOCK 1, LOT 27B (FINAL REPLAT - 0.140 ACRE)
Located west of the intersection of Simon Drive and Stock Drive.
Owner - Emma G. Segovia
Engineer - David A. Pyle
Mr.Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval
as submitted.
No one appeared in favor or in opposition.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Sanderson,seconded by Karm,that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed with
Canales, Meinrath, Sanderson, Wickham, Karm and Mims voting aye, and Hall, Sanchez and Taylor being
absent.
029214-P7
SOLAR ESTATES UNIT 5 (PRELIMINARY- 73.226 ACRES)
Located between Interstate Highway 37 and Leopard Street east of Rand Morgan Road.
Owner - Evelyn June Moore, Individually Independent Executor of the Estate of Billy R. Moore.
Engineer - Maverick Engineering
Mr.Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat,and Staff recommends approval
as submitted.
Mr. Dennis Lang, Maverick Engineering, representing the applicant, appeared before the Planning
Commission stating that they are in favor of this plat. He asked the Commission to consider approving this plat.
No one else appeared in favor or in opposition.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Karm,seconded by Sanderson,that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed with
Canales, Meinrath, Sanderson, Wickham, Karm and Minis voting aye, and Hall, Sanchez and Taylor being
absent.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 9
029215-NP8;
SOLAR ESTATES UNIT 5, BLOCK 8. LOT 17 (FINAL - 2.56 ACRES)
Located south of Interstate Highway 37 east of Rang Morgan Road.
Owner - Evelyn June Moore, Independent Executor of the Estate of Billy R. Moore.
Engineer - Maverick Engineering
Mr.Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat,and Staff recommends approval
as submitted.
Mr. Dennis Lang, Maverick Engineering, representing the applicant, appeared before the Planning
Commission stating that they are in favor of this plat. He asked the Commission to consider approving this plat.
Noone else appeared in favor or in opposition.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Sanderson, seconded by Meinrath, that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed
with Canales, Meinrath,Sanderson,Wickham, Karm and Mims voting aye, and Hall, Sanchez and Taylor being
absent. •
039217-NP9
MOORE PLAZA. BLOCK 3, LOTS 15, 16 AND 17 (FINAL REPLAT - 8.27 ACRES)
Located south of South Padre Island Drive (State Highway 358) and east of Blanche D.Moore Drive.
Owner - The Estate of Blanche D. Moore, Deceased dba M.E.P. Joint Venture
Engineer - Urban Engineering
Mr.Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval
as submitted.
No one appeared in favor or in opposition.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Karm, seconded by Canales that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed with
Canales, Meinrath, Sanderson, Wickham, Karm and Mims voting aye, and Hall, Sanchez and Taylor being
absent. j
Planning Commission Meeting
March 25, 1992
Page 10
039218-NP10
MT. VERNON SUBDIVISION UNIT 1, LOTS D3 & D4 (FINAL REPLAT - 3.18 ACRES)
Located north of South Padre Island Drive (State Highway 358) between Prinston Drive and Holmes
Drive.
Owner - American National Bank, South
Engineer - Urban Engineering
Mr. Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval
as submitted.
No one appeared in favor or in opposition.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Motion by Sanderson, seconded by Meinrath that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed
with Canales, Meinrath,Sanderson,Wickham, Karm and Mims voting aye, and Hall,Sanchez and Taylor being
absent.