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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/05/1968 - SpecialMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING February 5, 1968 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Jack R. Blackmon Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Sizemore Commissioners: Dick Bradley, Jr. Dr. P. Jimenez, Jr. Gabe Lozano, Sr. Ken McDaniel W. J. Roberts City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Attorney I. M. Singer City Secretary T. Ray Kring Mayor Blackmon called the Special Meeting to order and stated the purpose of the meeting was to hold public hearings on six zoning applications and any other business as may properly come before the Council, and explained the procedure to be followed. City Secretary T. Ray Kring called the roll of those in attendance. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1267-6, Mr. Jim Young, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-2" Apartment House District for a 22 -unit apartment on Lots 24, 25 and 26, Block 24, Del Mar Addition. Larry Wenger, Senior City Planner, located the property on the map; pointed out the land use of the surrounding area; stated that at the Commission hearing held December 19, 1967, the applicant appeared and pointed out on a sketch how he proposed to develop the property, stating there would be 14 one -bedroom and 8 two-bedroom apartments, making a total of 22 apartments with 33 parking spaces, and pointed out that the Six Points Area has been on the decline for the last ten years. Mr. Wenger stated that the Staff reported that prior to the Commission hearing, 39 notices were mailed, five were received in favor and two in opposition; that no one had appeared in opposition; and that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commis- sion that the request be denied but in lieu thereof "A-1" Apartment House District be granted provided a parking ratio of 1 to 1-1/2 spaces per unit is maintained, and that the Staff's recommendation was that it be denied because of the following reasons: (1) spot zoning; (2) this area is now single-family and any change to apartments will require revision of the sewer system to handle the added capacity within the area; and (3) the streets in the area are not adequate to handle the added capacity that apartments would create since streets in apartment Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 2 projects or areas are required to be within a 60 -foot right of way with a 44 -foot paving section. Mr. Wenger read from the State Statute on Zoning Laws on which the recommendation of the Staff was based, and stated that this area could possibly become a Code Enforcement Area. City Manager Marvin Townsend pointed out that it is not possible to pass an ordinance granting a zoning change subject to parking restrictions. Mr. Charles Jackson, Chairman of the Zoning and Planning Commission, appeared and stated that the Commission had recommended denial of the request for "A-2" zoning on the basis that they were concerned with the lack of available space for off-street parking; stated that since the hearing, the applicant had submitted an altered plan reducing the number of apartments from 22 to 18, and increasing the parking spaces to 27, which is the parking ratio of one and one-half spaces per unit. Mr. Jackson explained that under the "A-1", as recommended by the Commission, the applicant could only build 15 apartments; that his reason for appearing today was that it was not possible for the Commission to reconsider the application, but that an informal vote of the Commission indicated approval of the altered request for 18 units instead of the original request for 22 apartments, and the increase to 27 parking spaces. Mr. Jim Young spoke in behalf of his request; presented pictures of the existing property; presented a sketch of the plan as was presented to the Zoning and Planning Commission as compared to the revised plan, and stated that he had altered his plans attempting to meet the suggestions of the Zoning and Planning Commission and Planning Staff; stated that he had reduced the number of apartments from 22 to 18 and increased the number of parking spaces to 27, since under the "A-1" zoning he could only build 15 apartments which is economically unfeasible and 18 units is marginal. Mr. Young further stated that he feels the new construction will improve the area; that he is ready to begin construction immediately, and that the deed restrictions have been met. Mr. J. F. Wakefield, 440 Cole Street, owner of Lots 10 & 11, appeared in favor of the revised request, and stated it was his opinion that the proposed development would be an improvement to the neighborhood. Mr. Wakefield stated it was his understanding that provisions would be made for proper drainage and that he had discussed the possibility of a fence on the back of the subject property. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 3 Mr. Harry R. Bamesberger, 455 Clifford Street, owner of Lots 19, 20 and 21, appeared in favor of the request and basically concurred in the statements of Mr. Wakefield. City Manager Townsend stated a letter had been received from Mr. Ottis M. Moore, 434 Cole Street, stating he was in favor of the application provided the alley will be drained so as not to run over his property, and that a six-foot fence be built to keep car lights from shining into his bedroom windows. Mr. Charles Beacham, spoke in favor of the application, stating that there was a definite need for this type development in this area, and that he was sure anything Mr. Young would build would be an enhancement. Mr. Young stated that he is now applying for a Special Permit to build 18 apartments on the property. No one spoke in opposition to the foregoing application. Commissioner Jimenez departed the meeting at this time. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the foregoing application be tabled for further consideration. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 01267-7, Mr. C. Raymond Barnes, for change of zoning from "R-2" Two-family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District for the construction of a masonry building for an insurance agency, on Lots 55 and 56, Block 815, Port Aransas Cliffs. Larry Wenger located the property on the map; pointed out the land use of the area; stated that at the Commission hearing held December 19, 1967, Mr. Barnes of Pan American Life Insurance Company appeared and presented a sketch showing his plans for the property to move his insurance business to the location. Mr. Wenger stated that Mr. Lawrence Berger and Mr. Billy Aldridge had appeared in support of the request, and that no one had appeared in opposition; stated that prior to the Commission hearing the Staff reported that 24 notices were mailed, five were received in favor and five in opposition; that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission that the application be denied, and that the Staff recom- mended denial on the basis that existing zoning in this area is adequate. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 4 Mr. Raymond Barnes appeared and spoke in support of the application; presented drawings of the proposed plans, stating that he felt this type business would not require a great deal of parking area since they call on their customers instead of their clients calling on them; that off- street parking would be provided; that he would have a staff of two girls and three men in his office; that he would have from 1200 to 1500 square feet of floor area in the building; that it is in their plans to fence the property; and that regular business hours would be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mr. Barnes pointed out that there are business uses in all directions only a short distance away, and stated that he felt the proposed development would be an enhancement to the area. He stated that he had contacted seven persons who were in favor of the request. Mr. Lawrence Berger, 502 Stirman, spoke in favor of the application, stating that he felt this would be a good use for the property and that "AB" zoning would not have an adverse effect on adjacent properties. With reference to the recommendation that the present zoning is adequate, Mr. Berger pointed out the number of businesses in the surrounding area, including the Crippled Children's Hospital, Alameda Shopping Center, Real Estate Offices, restaurants, and Savings and Loan Association; pointed out that there is more than adequate space for a parking area, and that the area is no more congested than many other comparable areas, and that he could foresee no parking problems that could not be satisfactorily worked out. He further stated that in his opinion the requested use is the most logical use and in conformity with the character of the area. Mr. George W. Hoelscher, Jr., 3550 South Alameda; Mr. Billy Aldridge, 402 Delaine; and Mrs. Helen Denty, spoke in favor of the application for reasons already stated. No one spoke in opposition to the foregoing request. Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the foregoing application be tabled for further study. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1267-8, W. D. Miles Company, for change of zoning from "A-1" Apartment House District to "AB" Professional Office District for an office building containing a mortgage and insurance company, on the North 1/3 of the East 1/2 of Lot 3 and the adjoining 10.0 feet of the East 1/2 of Lot 2, Block 2, save and except a triangular strip off the South side, all in South End Addition. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 5 Mr. Wenger presented the application; located the property on the map and pointed out the land use of the surrounding area; stated that at the Commission hearing held December 19, '67, Mr. Jack Turner, architect representing the applicant, presented a site plan showing the proposed development and explained to the Commission that parking space would be provided for 10 cars; that the building would have approximately 2600 square feet and was to be used as an office building for a mortgage and insurance company, pointing out that this would be an extension of the existing "AB" Professional Office District zoning immediately to the North of the subject property. Mr. Wenger stated that no one appeared in opposition; that prior to the hearing the Staff reported that 21 notices were mailed, two received in favor and none in opposition; that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission that the request be approved as requested, and that the Staff concurred in this recommendation. Mr. Wenger further reported that a letter had been received from Mr. Albert Lichtenstein, owner of Lot 4A (615 South Tancahua) favoring the proposed change as a proper usage for the subject property. Mr. Jack Turner, architect, was present in support of the application, but did not speak. No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing application. Motion by Bradley, seconded by McDaniel and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Roberts and passed, that Application 01267-8, W. D. Miles Company, for change of zoning from "A-1" Apartment House District to "AB" Professional Office District for an office building containing a mortgage and insurance company, on the North 1/3 of the East 1/2 of Lot 3 and the adjoining 10.0 feet of the East 1/2 of Lot 2, Block 2, save and except a triangular strip off the South side, all in South End Addition, be subject to a proper plat, approved as requested/and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 01267-9, Mr. B. A. Carter, for change of zoning from "AB" Professional Office District to 9-1" Neighborhood Business District for the construction and operation of a Funeral Home, on Lot 1, Block 2, Gray Village, Unit 2. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 6 Larry Wenger presented the application; located the property on the map and pointed out the zoning and land use of the surrounding territory; stated that at the Commission hearing held December 19, 1967, Mr. Carter was present and presented a site plan for the proposed funeral home; explained the proposed development of the property, and stated he had selected this particular tract because it most suited his needs. Mr. Wenger stated that two persons had appeared in support of the request and that no one had opposed it; that the Staff reported 26 notices were mailed, one received in favor and one in opposition; that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission that the request be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a funeral home subject to approval of a site plan by the Staff, and that the Staff concurred in this recommendation. Mr. Wenger further stated that the applicant had indicated that the Special Permit as recommended by the Zoning and Planning Commission, would be satisfactory. Mr. Charles Beauchamp, realtor, read a letter from Mr. Carter, making the application for the zoning change, and also read a letter dated February 5, 1968 stating he had been confined in the hospital and was not able to appear at the meeting. No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #1267-9, Mr. B. A. Carter, for change of zoning from "AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District for the construction and operation of a funeral home, on Lot 1, Block 2, Gray Village, Unit 2, be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a funeral home subject to approval of a site plan by the Staff, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the Special Permit. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1267-10, Dr. N. H. Morgan, for change of zoning from "R-2" Two-family Dwelling District to "A-2" Apartment House District to construct two apartment buildings, each containing six efficiency units on a 5.11 foot portion of Lot 35 and all of 36, 37, 38 & 39, Block 812, Port Aransas Cliffs. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 7 Larry Wenger presented the application, and pointed out the zoning and land use of the surrounding territory; stated that at the Commission hearing held December 19, 1967, the applicant had appeared and presented pictures showing the uses of properties in the area; that Mr. Bill Reid, builder, represented the applicant and described the proposed development, stating that 12 apartments would be constructed with 12 parking spaces which would front on Alameda Street directly opposite the Alameda Shopping Center, and pointed out that the frontage on Alameda Street was actually an 111 -foot frontage instead of the 105 feet stated in the notice. Mr. Wenger stated that no one had opposed the application; that the Staff reported 18 notices were mailed, four received in favor and one in opposition; that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission that the application be denied, but in lieu thereof "A -I" Apartment House District be granted with a parking ratio of 1 to 1-1/2 spaces per unit, and that the Staff recommended that it be denied, but in lieu thereof "AB" Professional Office District be granted which is in keeping with what has already been granted between Minnesota and Hoffman Street across from Alameda Shopping Center. Mr. Bill Reid, representing the applicant, stated that deed restrictions hove precluded any other use of the subject property; that the present owner did not acquire the property by choice, and has held it some time; pointed out that there are numerous and all descriptions of business uses surrounding the subject property, and that this use would be in keeping with the existing character of the neighborhood; stated that the 12 apartments proposed are one -bedroom and would be rented to tenants who have no children, thus, decreasing the population density; stated that the apartments would be rented with the understanding that there would be space for only one car, but stated that the 1-1/2 spaces per unit have been more than provided for; stated that there will be no automatic laundry facilities provided; that the noise would be minimized due to the absence of children; that the tax ratio shows that it would not be feasible to build duplexes on the property; that the Zoning and Planning Commission indicated they would have no objection to "A-2" zoning if the required 1-1/2 parking ratio requirement could be worked out, and that all provisions have been made to overcome any objections which have been made, including the construction of a fence across the back of the property if the owner requests its, and that this would be put in writing. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 8 Mr. Eugene Glass, 3212 Topeka Street, appeared and stated that he had originally opposed the zoning change to "A-2" Apartment House District as requested, but slated that he does not oppose the "A-1" Apartment House zoning as recommended by the Zoning and Planning Commission. He stated that he was very much opposed to the uses that could be allowed in the "A-2" classification. Mr. George Blucher, 3211 Topeka Street, stated he does not object to the change to "A-1", and that he felt it would be a logical buffer for this area. He further stated that he believed the traffic problem should be taken into consideration. City Manager Townsend reported that a telephone objection had been received from Patricia Greene, 3149 Topeka, on the basis that she felt it would over -crowd the area. Mr. Reid stated he did not believe the "A-1" zoning would have any effect on the parking, pointing out the higher population density if they were forced to go into two-bedroom apartments. Mr. Reid further stated that the parking plan provides for a "heading out" pattern, and that the driveways will be 22 feet wide. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the hearing be closed. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Sizemore and passed, that the foregoing application be tabled for further consideration. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1267-11, Mr. Domingo Pena, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District for a large hall for dance clubs and conventions, on a portion of Lot 5, Section 31, Flour Bluff & Encino! Farm & Garden Tracts fronting 550' on Padre Island Drive and 455' on Sea Breeze Drive. Mr. Wenger presented the application, described the zoning and land use of the surrounding area; stated that at the Commission hearing held December 19, 1967, Mr. Joe Kush, realtor, had represented the applicant and presented a site plan showing a one-story masonry building with 40,000 square feet and a parking lot which would accommodate from 400 to 500 cars, and explained that it would be used for conventions and dance clubs. Mr. Wenger stated that Mr. Charles Bonniwell, attorney, had spoken in opposition, stating Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 9 that his clients, Mr. George Light, Mr. Willard Perkins and Mr. Jack Painter, owners of adjacent properties, did not receive notification letters of the hearing. Mr. Wenger stated that the Staff had pointed out the procedure for mailing notices, and that it was determined that the law had been complied with. Mr. Kush stated he had talked with Mr. Painter before the hearing and that he, Mr. Kush, was convinced that Mr. Painter was fully aware that the hearing would take place at that time. Mr. Wenger stated that Mr. Bonniwell further opposed the zoning request because he considered it to be spot zoning; that Mr. Henry Dace also questioned the need for the requested zoning in this area, and that Mr. Tony Bonilla had appeared in favor of the request. Mr. Wenger stated the Staff reported three notices were mailed, none received in favor and none in opposition; that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission that the request be approved as requested subject to a plat and a site plan, and that the Staff had recommended denial on the basis that this type of use does not agree with the Master Plan for Cayo Del Oso that has been recommended by the Area Development Committee. City Manager Townsend reported two letters had been received from Mr. Jack M. Painter and Mr. George Light, stating they have no objection to the property rezoning as requested. Mr. Kush, the applicant, Mr. Domingo Pena, and Mr. Henry Dace were present and spoke in support of the application. There being no opposition to the foregoing application, motion by Sizemore, seconded by McDaniel and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application 01267-11, Mr. Domingo Pena, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "3-4" General Business District on a portion of Lot 5, Section 31, Flour Bluff & Encino' Farm & Garden Tracts fronting 550' on Padre Island Drive and 455' on Sea Breeze Drive, be granted as subject to a proper plat, requested/ and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. 1 {' Minutes Special Council Meeting February 5, 1968 Page 10 Following a brief recess, Mayor Blackmon reconvened the meeting for the purpose of filling the vacancy of City Manager, noted that all members of the Council were present, and called for a motion for the appointment. Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Lozano and passed, with Bradley abstaining, that R, Marvin Townsend be employed as City Manager of the City of Corpus Christi, Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the annual salary of Mr, Townsend be set at $20,000, and that this action be retroactive as of January 1, 1968. Mayor Blackmon, on behalf of the Council, formally congratulated Mr. Townsend on his appointment as City Manager, and directed that he immediately seek applicants to fill the vacancy of Assistant City Manager. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Meeting was adjourned.