HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/30/1968 - SpecialMINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
September 30, 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
MICROFILMED JAN 23 1969
City Manager R. Marvin Townsend
City Attorney I. M. Singer
City Secretary T. Ray Kring
Mayor Jack R. Blackmon called the meeting to order and stated the purpose
of the meeting was to hold public hearings on six zoning applications, and explained
the procedure to be fol lowed.
Mayor Blackmon stated that all members of the Council were present.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #968-1, Ray E.
Peterson, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4"
General Business District, on Lot 1, Block 1, Unit 1, and Lot 1, Block 8, Unit 2,
Meadowlane, Units 1 and 2.
Senior City Planner Larry Wanger presented the application; pointed out the
location on the zoning and land use map, and described the zoning classifications in
the surrounding area. He explained that most of the immediate area behind the property
is in single-family use with a few exceptions on South Padre Island Drive. He stated
that at the Commission hearing held September 3, 1968, Mr. Ray Peterson, President
of Peterson Development Company, presented a proposed development plan of the retail
shopping center at this location. There will be a strip -type center including drug store,
laundry, service station, and drive-in grocery. Mr. Wenger stated that the Staff had
mailed 28 notices prior to the Commission hearing; two were received in favor, four in
opposition, and two were received at the hearing in opposition. The recommendation of
the Planning Commission is that the application be approved as requested; the Staff
recommends that this application be denied, but in lieu thereof "B-1" be granted.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 2
Mr. Ray Peterson appeared before the Council with aerial pictures of the area.
He stated that this shopping center is meant to be a buffer zone between the residential
area and South Padre Island Drive. He also stated that there would be a 1270' fence along
the back of the property; that they are selective as to tenants in this center; that some of
the businesses are already located in other shopping centers and would have a chance of
expanding to a second or third store; would encourage other developers to develop in the
area; and he feels it is the best use of the land. Mr. Peterson stated that this shopping
center would be an asset to the City and also one of which his company could be proud.
In order to be successful in this shopping center, he said that proper signing would be
needed as it is on a busy thoroughfare. He presented a letter from Texaco for a service
station on the comer, and also a letter from the Dairy Queen Corporation. He showed
a layout of the site with businesses and parking area.
Mr. Odell Ingle, Realtor for the center, stated that he was working with the
prospective tenants and did need the higher zoning. He stated that an inquiry about a
bowling alley had also been made, which would require B-4 zoning.
No, one appeared for or against the application.
Motion by Bradley, seconded and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by McDaniel that the application be tabled. Motion died for lack of
a second.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, with Sizemore abstaining,
that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application
#968-1, Ray E. Peterson, for change of zoning from "R-16" One -family Dwelling District
to "B-4" General Business District, on Lot 1, Block 1, Unit 1, and Lot 1, Block 8, Unit 2,
Meadowlane, Units 1 and 2, be approved as requested and that an ordinance be brought
forward effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #968-2, Modern
Home Supply Co., Inc., for change of zoning from "A-2" Apartment House District to
"1-2" Light Industrial District, on that portion of Lot A, which is zoned "A-2", Bryon
Willis Subdivision.
u
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 3
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land
use map and pointed out the zoning classifications of the general area; which is mostly
residential, one -family, with little business zoning, except on South Padre Island Drive;
stated that at the Commission hearing held on September 3, 1968, Mr. Jack Moran,
Manager of Modem Home Supply Co., Inc., introduced Mr. Jack K. Pedigo, Attorney
for Modem Home Supply Company. Mr. Pedigo presented an aerial photograph of the
area and stated that they propose to construct three covered and enclosed lumber storage
facilities. Prior to the Commission hearing the Staff mailed 37 notices, none received
in favor, 12 in opposition and four people were in opposition at the hearing. Four letters
were received in favor prior to the Council hearing. The recommendation of the Planning
Commission was that the application be denied, but in lieu thereof, a Special Permit be
granted for covered storage facilities for lumber and building supplies according to a site
plan approved by the Planning Staff; the Staff concurred in this recommendation.
Jack Pedigo, Attorney representing the applicant, appeared before the Council
and gave some of the back ground of this property, stating that it was formerly the old
Terrace Lumber Company. He stated that there is litigation pending on this property
in Judge Smith's Court, but it had been suggested that the applicant and the City try
to work out some zoning for the property. He showed a site plan which Larry Wenger
stated needed some alterations; and stated that it would not be practical to use this
property for apartment housing as it is now zoned.
Mr. Moran stated that he had talked with some of the neighbors on French who
were for the change, but some on Kathy Street were not. Most of the people would
rather have lumber storage than apartment housing. He stated that the customers would
be limited to the front part of the property and the rear used only for storage. Also he
said that proper fencing would be erected, that some of the residents have back fences,
but would make sure that fencing was there.
*Dr. Jimenez departed the meeting at this time.
j
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 4
Mr. W. H. Bush, 4938 French, opposing stated that the lumber storage would
be a fire hazard in this residential district, and would also probably raise taxes.
Mayor Blackmon stated that if improvements were made to the lumber supply,
the business taxes would rise, but not the residential area. He also stated that the
tract legally faces South Padre Island Drive as it is part of the fronting tract.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Sizemore and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Bradley and passed that the recommendation of
the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #968-2, Modem Home
Supply Co., Inc., for change of zoning from "A-2" Apartment House District to "1-2"
Light Industrial District, on that portion of Lot A, which is zoned "A-2", Bryon Willis
Subdivision, be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for covered
storage facilities for lumber and building supplies according to a site plan approved by
the Planning Staff, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 0.968-3, Mr. John
W. Crutchfield, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "R-2"
Two-family Dwelling District, on 11 acres, more or less, out of the Southeast comer of
Lot 5, Oso Farm Tracts, located North of Holly Rood in Stonegate South 01.
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land
use map and pointed out the zoning classifications of the general area, which is principally
residential with some business zoning. He stated that at the Commission hearing held on
September 3, 1968, Mr. Phillip Albright,Realtor representing the Applicant, stated that
the construction of a 93 -unit townhouse project was proposed under FHA and VA approval;
explaining that these were not rental units, but actual homes similar to single-family
residences which would be sold to the occupants. Mr. Wenger reported that the Staff
mailed 29 notices prior to the Commission hearing, none received in favor and three in
opposition. The recommendation of the Planning Commission is that the application be
denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for townhouses according to a
site plan approved by the Planning Staff; the Staff concurred.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 5
City Manager Townsend read a letter from Mr. A. A. Lichtenstein favoring the
zoning.
Mr. Phillip Albright, Realtor, appeared before the Council, representing the
applicant and exhibited a proposed plan of development. He restated what had been
said at the Commission hearing and also stated that these townhouses would be in the
price range of the neighboring subdivision; that they will be similar to the Carriage Park
Townhouses in Pharaoh Valley. Garages will be at the very rear of the area as these will
be solid row houses. There will be a 20' service drive and paving of Wedgewood Drive
would also be included. Mr. Albright gave the Council a pamphlet describing a similar
project in Houston. He stated that there would be a solid wall between Holly Road and
the garages; a Common Maintenance Fund would cover each townhouse and the entire
project area for upkeep and maintenance. The site plan for the project has not been
approved.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by McDaniel and passed that the foregoing appli-
cation be tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #968-4, Prescott
Christian Church, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to
"AB" Professional Office District, on Lots 13 through 19, Block 5, Tracy Addition.
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land
use map and pointed out the zoning classifications of the general area; which is primarily
residential, with some business zoning on Baldwin. He stated that at the Commission
hearing held on September 3, 1968, Mr. Forrest Allen, Realtor representing Prescott
Christian Church, stated that the existing buildings would be converted into a funeral
home operation by the prospective clients. Prior to the Commission hearing, the Staff
mailed 26 notices, none received in favor, five in opposition, and three were received
at the hearing in opposition. Seven appeared at the hearing in opposition. The
recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Staff is that the application be
approved as requested.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 6
City Manager Townsend questioned the one-way traffic pattern on the access
road from the Expressway.
Mr. Allen, appearing before the Council, representing the applicant, presented
a map suggesting a traffic pattem that could be used to the cemeteries of the City. These
routes do not use any of the neighborhood streets, but use the expressway. He stated that
the applicants are not from a local funeral home changing location, but people from out
of town wanting to start a new business. Mr. Allen also stated that about 42 people in
the neighborhood have been contacted and have signed petitions for the zoning change.
Six of these families are directly behind or adjacent to the property. He hopes that this
new venture will take care of the unsightly area which is presently an eyesore in the
community. 20,000 squarefeet of off-street parking area will be provided which will
take care of approximately 150 cars. No new buildings will be built, but existing ones
will be remodeled. The site will be improved by landscaping, which will be an attractive
addition to the neighborhood.
Reverend Roy Brewton, Minister of the Central Christian Church, spoke in behalf
of the applicant. He stated that his church formerly occupied this site, but had moved to
another location and were endeavoring to dispose of the property, and at the same time,
improve the property. He stated that the property had become undesirable and inadequate
for a church site because of the Expressway route resulting in most of his congregation
having to move.
Mr. Phillip Gray, a member of, the church, stated that he had called
on some of the people in the neighborhood and that many were concerned about emergency
vehicles in the vicinity at all hours of the day and night. He stated they had tried to
encourage another church to take over the building, but without success.
Mr. Jacob Homer, 2422 Riggan; C. C. Barnard, 2625 Elizabeth; John Harmon,
who helped build this church; and Bob Courier, speaking for his parents on Riggan Street;
all spoke in favor of the request.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 7
Mr. Leo G. Guszak, 2430 Prescott, stated that the traffic congestion would be
a problem as funeral processions must come by his home on the Expressway; also that
cars will not stay in the parking area provided.
Mr. Edgar T. Mulhollan, who owns the property at 2446 Prescott, stated that
when he lived on his property, the people of the church were always using his driveway
for parking their care.
Mr. Antonio Espinosa and his mother, of 2617 Riggan, do not want any spot zoning
in this area. They have worked too hard to build up their neighborhood and do not want
to change it.
Mr. C. C. Cosgrove, who formerly owned the property now owned by the Espinosas,
stated he had lived in this area for many years. He presented the petitions signed by the
neighbors opposing the zoning change. He believes the noise of the funeral home could
not be kept quiet enough; no privacy even with a fence; and that it would be difficult to
get people to live in the area; use the church as a church.
Mr. William Manning, 2434 Prescott; Mrs. Bernice Schiller, 2442 Prescott; and
Mrs. Mulhollan, opposed the change.
Mr. Allen stated that the renter on Mr. Mulhollan's property did not seem concerned
about the zoning change; that the biggest problem is the parking for the church, which will
not be provided by off the street space. He also stated that the long classroom -type building
along the back of the property will possibly be used for casket display and would serve as a
buffer to the residences.
Mrs. Schiller questioned as to whether or not emergency ambulances would operate
from this funeral home. She was advised by Mayor Blackmon that they would not.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the foregoing application
be tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #968-5, Jim Brace
Company, for change of zoning from "B-1" Neighborhood Business District to "B-4"
General Business District, on the South half of Lot D-1, Habluetzel Addition.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 8
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land
use map and pointed out the zoning classifications of the general area as being
residential, 3-1, and B-5; stated that at the Commission hearing held on September 3,
1968, Mr. Jim Brace, applicant, stated that "B-4" zoning was requested in order to
erect a 100 -square foot sign advertising his existing tire distributor operation. The
Staff mailed 16 notices, two received in favor, none in opposition, and four appeared
in opposition at the hearing. The recommendation of the Staff is to deny the application;
and the Planning Commission recommendation is that it be approved as requested.
Mr. Jim Brace appeared before the Council and stated that his request is very
simple. He needs the "3-4" zoning because of the larger sign, which is very important
in his very competitive business. He stated the sign is made by U. S. Royal, is nothing
elaborate, but that the present signing is inadequate.
No one appeared for or against the application.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, McDaniel voting "Nay",
that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application
#968-5, Jim Brace Company, for change of zoning from "B-1" Neighborhood Business
District to "8-4" General Business District, on the South half of Lot D-1, Habluetzel
Addition, be approved as requested and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating
the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #968-6, Corpus
Christi Area Teachers' Credit Union for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling
District to "AB" Professional Office District, on Lot 2, Dellwood Addition, Unit 3.
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land use
map and described the zoning of the surrounding area, which is residential except for
the existing "AB" on the other half of the property. He stated that at the Commission
hearing held on September 3, 1968, Mr. 0, G. Roots, Architect representing the Corpus
Christi Area Teachers' Credit Union, stated that the Union proposed to expand the present
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 9
building by adding 4,000 square feet of space, with additional parking, and presented
a site plan of the proposed development. The Staff mailed 25 notices, two received in
favor, five in opposition, five appeared in opposition at the Commission hearing. It is
the recommendation of the Staff and the Planning Commission that the application be
approved as requested.
Mr. Roots, representing the applicant, appeared before the Council, with pictures,
both aerial and snapshot. He stated that the present building contains 2,000 square feet
of floor space and the new one will be adding 4,000 square feet, and will appear as one
building when finished. A site plan was exhibited and it was stated that they hope to
keep most of the trees on the property.
Mr. Ted Boaz, Chairman of the Building Committee of Teachers' Credit Union,
stated he has talked with Mr. Charles McLeroy, City Traffic Engineer, concerning the
parking lot entrances, and proposing a sidewalk for Carta Street.
Mr. Roots stated that he has not been invited by the Casa Linda Elementary School
to discuss this plan.
Mr. Boaz stated that a study had been made about five years ago for locating the
Teachers' Credit Union, not realizing how fast they would outgrow the building. He stated
that they have worked with the City Staff in reference to traffic conditions. They are
trying to improve rather than create traffic problems.
Mr. B. L. Ditto, stated that the Teachers' Credit Union has helped many newcomers
in the teaching profession by loans to help them move to the City. He also asked "Is the
Request in the Public Interest?" and stated "It is".
Mrs. Richard Glenn, 1554 Casa de Oro, spoke against the zoning change because
of the school. She has a small son in the Safety Patrol, and has difficulty enough in
helping the children crossing the streets without adding more traffic congestion. The
school has been trying to get sidewalks for two years without success. She feels that the
Credit Union is interested in bringing in income only.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
September 30, 1968
Page 10
Mr. Boaz stated that they want to plan for future expansion; but as they may not
need all this space at one time, they may lease part of the building for one or two years.
Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande, questioned if a Special Permit would
serve the Credit Union purpose. He was advised by Mayor Blackmon that as the present
zoning for the building is already "AB" there was no reason to change the application.
Mrs. Douglas Middleton, 1553 Casa Grande, presented a map indicating the
residences of the school children in the Casa Linda School area, and a traffic pattern
around the school. She stated that the parking space now available for the Union office
is not used, doubts that the land is as valuable as the Union states. As for beautification,
she stated that the lot has only been cleaned when the application hearings were coming
up. She presented a letter from the Casa Linda PTA, and petitions against the application.
Mrs. Middleton stated that the Weeks family, 1645 Casa de Oro, had not received a notice
of the hearing, and that this time of day was difficult for some to attend.
Mrs. D. S. Cobbs, 3214 Olsen, opposed the sidewalk as it would be on the back
of her property, and does not want parking in front of her house.
Mr. Lovelace stated that he was in opposition at the original hearing five years ago
but that the Credit Union had promised to be good neighbors and keep the lot cleaned;
yet this has not been done. He stated that he opposed the opening on Corta Street, but
possibly a fence could be put up to keep the children from cutting across the lot too. He
asked why Kostoryz Street could not be used for an entrance..
Mr. Boaz stated that he had no opposition to Kostoryz Street being used, but had
taken the advice of the City Staff.
A letter was read from the Casa Linda PTA and a petition signed by nine residents
of the area objecting to the application.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Sizemore and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the foregoing application
be tabled for further consideration.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned.
I, JACK R. BLACKMON, Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, certify that the foregoing minutes, same
being for the peria4of September 1, 1968, through September 30, 19 , inclusive, arX1 having been previou,yly
approved by Council action, are by me hereby approved.
K R. BLACKMON, Mayor
ity of Corpus Christi, Texas