HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/25/1968 - SpecialMINUTES.
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
November 25, 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 Jack R. Blackmon called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of
the meeting was to hold public hearings on four zoning applications, and explained the
procedure to be followed.
Mayor Blackmon stated that all members of the Council were present.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 01068-12, Father
Gregory Deane, Trustee, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District
to "A-2" Apartment House District, on Lots 2, 3, and the Northwest half of Lot 4,
Block 2, Southland Estates.
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger presented the application; pointed out the
zoning classifications in the surrounding area on the land use map. He explained that
the area is primarily single-family residences. The area is bounded by Richter and Wharton,
fronting on Sokol Drive. He stated that at the Commission hearing held on October 29, 1968,
Mr. Jim De Anda, attorney, appeared and stated that a 150 -unit apartment complex is
proposed on approximately 12.92 acres, which is sponsored by the local chapter of the
American G. I. Forum. He stated that the project would cost approximately $1,800,000
and would have a density of 3,700 square feet of land area per unit. All two-story units
would be within the center of the project with the outside perimeter being one-story
buildings. Mr. Ed Williams, attorney, spoke in opposition at the. Commission hearing
and presented a petition with 24 signatures opposing the request. The Staff mailed 32
notices, one was received in favor, three in opposition, four spoke in opposition at the
hearing; three spoke in favor, and approximately 15 people indicated approval on a show
of hands. The recommendation of the Staff is that this application be denied on the basis
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Minutes
Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 2
that existing zoning is adequate for this area. This area is not designed to handle the
increased demands on streets, utilities, and schools that this type of development would
require. The recommendation of the Planning Commission is that the application be
denied, but in lieu thereof, a Special Permit be granted for an apartment complex subject
to; (1) limited to 150 -unit rent supplement project; (2) proper plat; (3) a site plan to be
approved by the City Staff.
Mr. Jim De Ando, attorney for the applicant, stated that the information contained
in a letter from Mr. Ed P. Williams was inaccurate. The letter stated that this application
for an apartment project would be similar to the "La Armada" housing which this neighbor-
hood does not want. Mr. De Ando stated this is not that type of a project, but a 150 -unit
project planned for 3,700 square feet per unit land area. It will be single story buildings
except for two-story in the center of the project. He explained that it is a rent supplement
program, but that FHA restrictions would limit two persons per bedroom in these apartments.
He stated that some of the homes in this area probably have a higher density than these
apartments will have. He agreed that Sokol Drive is very narrow,not improved, and will
eventually have to be lowered and widened. There is also a drainage problem. He stated
that a Special Permit would be satisfactory to the applicant as this is the only project
planned for this land area. He believes that by spreading these housing projects throughout
the City, they will not all be in one place, which would result in an overcrowded area
and would be very undesirable. He stated they are trying to help alleviate a very bad
housing situation in Corpus Christi, and that the American G. I. Forum is also planning
housing projects in Kingsville and Robstown, as well as Corpus Christi. Mr. De Anda
presented petitions to the Council signed by people in favor of the project.
Mr. Bradley questioned how many two-story buildings would be in this project and
was advised by Mr. De Anda that possible three two-story buildings would be build in the
interior of the project.
Approximately thirty members of the American G. I. Forum were present and
signed a petition stating they were for the project.
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Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 3
Mr. Ed Williams, attorney for the opposition, appeared and stated that he believes
this project is very admirable and he is not opposed at all, and is glad to see an organiza-
tion behind the project. He believes, though, that the idea of rent supplement is not
good for the people. It will bring in undesirables who are from the slum and ghetto areas.
He stated that the project would be fine in another location and presented a list of several
other locations available for such a project,and the land might even be cheaper than this
site. He described the general area in relation to schools, parks, and streets; stating that
the street right of way is 50' wide, and paving is 18' wide. There are no sidewalks, curbs
or gutters. The nearest bus line is 1-1/8 miles away.. No parks are near the area and the
nearest school is 1/2 mile away. The children walk down the middle of the street now to
get to the school. He stated that he had obtained all the signatures on the petition himself
by going door to door in the area.. The people he represents are people who earn their own
living and have bought their own homes. He stated that in La Armada, when you eliminate
the elderly people, approximately 40% of the homes have no father. There are no fences
or yards so that the apartments have any privacy of their own. The people he represents
do not want this type of housing next to their homes.
Mr. H. E. Ashley, 5420 Bowie, stated that he bought his home in a single family
area and wants it to stay that way.
Mr. C. E. Johns, 5401 Wharton, stated that he invested his money in his home
because it was in a single-family area, but does not want a housing project in his back yard.
Mr. J. H. Mitchell, 5418 Bowie, stated that when he bought his home here, this
area was not in the City limits. He was in the process of moving a garage apartment from
Houston on his lot and by the time he got it here, the area was in the City limits, and there
was no way he could keep this apartment on his land, as he could not obtain a permit. He
stated many of the problems in this area are not up to par, and does not want an apartment
project.
Mr. Leonardo Moreno, 5402 Wharton, questioned where the money for the project
was corning from, and who would be paying the taxes for the project. He believes more
details should be given.
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Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 4
Mrs. Virgil Elliott, 1114 Polaris, Portland, who owns 5438 and 5442 Wharton,
stated that she does not believe this type of project is what her neighbors need in their
backyards.
Mr. R. W. Landry, 5414 Bonham, who also owns 5410 and 5417 Bonham, stated
he bought his single-family home to get away from the apartment projects.
Mr. Bill Robbins, 5402 Bonham, is against the housing project. He stated that
he had raised his family here, hoped to retire here, but would not if the apartment project
is approved.
Mr. John Clay, 5420 Richter, questioned the adequacy of sewer facilities. He
stated that at least seven homes have been built since he moved into the neighborhood,
and all have had to build cesspools.
Mr. Townsend stated that the developer was responsible for all utilities, and that
the nearest sewer lift station was at Kostoryz and Sacky, and lines would have to be built
to that point. He stated that when an area is platted, the developer must provide sewer
service and other utilities, and this situation will be investigated.
Mr. F. A. McGrew, 5421 Bonham; Gloria Longoria, 5409 Wharton; Mrs. Marin,
5418 Wharton; Mrs. W. G. Eddins, 5421 Bowie; Mrs. Eimina B. Hagy, 5433 Bonahm;
Norbert J. Kleffner, 5430 Bonham; E. B. Toves, 5437 Bonham; Mrs. Waynie C. Evans,
5417 Bowie; Mrs. Thomas W. Ramsey, 5426 Wharton; Mrs. E. J. Glass, 5430 Wharton;
Mrs. Carmen V. Pantoja, 5433 Wharton; Mrs. Adelino Villarreaj,5330 Wharton;
Mrs. Garcia, 5317 Wharton; Mrs. Stella Mejia, 5306 Navarro; Fred B. Brown, 5433 Bowie;
Marin S. Garza, 5302 Navarro; Mrs. Santana Villarreal, 5414 Richter; Mrs. Smiley Horne,
5425 Bowie; Mrs. J. H. Mitchell, 5418 Bowie; Mrs. H. E. Ashley, 5420 Bowie;
Mr. A. H. Little, 2801 Sokol; and Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Mrazek, 5434 Wharton; all
were opposed to the housing project.
Mr. De Anda stated that other available acreage had been investigated and this
tract had been decided upon as the best possible location for the apartment housing project.
Some of the properties that were investigated had already been zoned for apartments, but
the costs were higher, and would only have been suitable for high rise apartments or
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Minutes
Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 5
multiple housing. He stated that they were working with the City Staff to help alleviate
the problems facing them.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the application be tabled
for further consideration.
*Dr. Jimenez departed the meeting at this time.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 01068-11, Mary C.
Slavik, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4"
General Business District, on a portion of Lot 36, H. B. Shepherd Farm Lots, located on
the Southwest comer of the intersection of Tuloso Road and I.H. 37.
Larry Wenger presented the application, and apointed out the zoning classifications
in the surrounding area on the land use map. He explained that the remainder of the lot
was under cultivation, single family dwellings across the street, the Tuloso-Midway Schools
down the street, and light industrial zoning on Leopard Street nearby. He stated that at
the Commission hearing held on October 29, 1968, Mr. Robert E. Haegelin, attorney
representing the applicant, appeared and stated that a drive-in grocery and service station
are proposed for this property. He stated that this property is not suitable for residential
purposes because of its location adjacent to I. H. 37; also that a pipeline easement runs
through the rear portion of the tract and it would be very difficult to obtain loan commit-
ments for residential dwellings. The Staff mailed eight notices, four received in favor,
none in opposition, and no one appeared in opposition at the hearing. The recommendation
of the Planning Staff is that this application be denied on the basis that it is spot zoning.
The recommendation of the Planning Commission is that the application be approved as
requested.
Mr. Haegelin, attorney, appeared before the Council and stated that the property
is under cultivation, not desirable as homesites because of the closeness to I. H. 37, and
presented a petition signed by the residents in favor of the change in zoning.
No one appeared in opposition at the hearing.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed.
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Minutes
Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 6
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the recommendation
of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #1068-11, Mary C.
Slavik, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4"
General Business District, on a portion of Lot 36, H. B. Shepherd Farm Lots, located
on the Southwest corner of the intersection of Tuloso Road and I. H. 37, be approved as
requested, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1068-13, Buford
and O. T. Nicholson, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District
to "A-1"° Apartment House District, on a 19.3 acre portion of Lot 1, Section 5, Bohemian
Colony Lands.
Larry Wenger presented the application, and pointed out the zoning classifications
in the surrounding area on the kind use map. He explained that this area is close to Padre
Island Drive, with General Business zoning, Neighborhood Business zoning, Industrial
zoning, A-1 Apartment House, R -1B Single-family and the Texas Highway Department offices.
He stated that at the Commission hearing held on October 29, 1968, Mr. Edwin Prichard,
attorney, appeared and presented a City map pointing out the area on which a large
apartment project was proposed. He stated that they did not have a site plan at present,
but a 300 -unit apartment project with a density in excess of 3,000 square feet of land area
per unit is proposed for persons within the middle income bracket. He pointed out all the
advantages in the area and schools, stores, and present zoning. The Staff mailed six notices,
five received in favor and one in opposition, and no one appeared in opposition at the
hearing. The recommendation of the Planning Staff is that the application be denied on
the basis that single family is developing to the North of this area and already exists to
the East and West. The recommendation of the Planning Commission is that the application
be approved as requested.
Mr. Prichard, attorney representing the applicant, appeared before the Council
with a City map and explained the project with the surrounding area. He stated that
schools are nearby, with a junior high school proposed by 1970, that industrial zoning is
nearby, the proposed school on one side, and single family dwellings to the North. They
believe this is the best possible use of this land.
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Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 7
No one appeared in opposition at the Council hearing.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by McDaniel and passed, that the hearing be
closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the recommendation
of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #1068-13, Buford and
O. T. Nicholson, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to
"A-1" Apartment House District, on a 19.3 acre portion of Lot 1, Section 5, Bohemian
Colony Lands, be approved as requested, and that an ordinance be brought forward
effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1068-14, Eugene W.
Kocurek, dba Stop -N -Shop Grocery and Market, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -
family Dwelling District, to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District, on the Northeast 15
feet of Lot 20 and all of Lot 19, Block 2, Mesa Addition.
Larry Wenger presented the application and pointed out the zoning classifications
in the surrounding area. He explained that there is a mobile home park, a funeral home,
single family dwellings, and some land under cultivation. He stated that at the Commission
hearing held on October 29, 1968, Mr. Eugene Kocurek appeared in his own behalf and
stated that there is a drive-in grocery located on the property at present, but his main
reason for the request is that he wants to make some necessary improvements, such as
parking, erecting a larger sign for advertising, and to make it a conforming use. He
stated that the drive-in grocery had been in operation approximately six years, but that
he had owned the property only about two years. The Staff mailed 16 notices, two received
in favor, none in opposition, and no one appeared in opposition at the hearing. The
recommendation of the Planning Staff is that this application be denied on the basis that
it is "spot zoning". The Planning Commission recommendation is that the application be
approved as requested.
Mr. Kocurek stated to the Council that he does want this zoning change.
No one appeared in opposition at the Council hearing.
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Special Council Meeting
November 25, 1968
Page 8
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the recommendation
of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #1068-14, Mr. Eugene W.
Kocurek, dba Stop -N -Shop Grocery and Market, for change of zoning from "R-18' One -
family Dwelling District, to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District, on the Northeast 15 feet
of Lot 20 and all of Lot 19, Block 2, Mesa Addition, be approved as requested, and that
an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned.