Loading...
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 • 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. • Minutes 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. • • Minutes 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 • 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. • • 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. • • Minutes 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. • Minutes 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.