HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/05/1970 - SpecialMINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
January 5, 1970
2:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Mayor Jack R. Blackmon
Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Lozano, Sr.
Commissioners:
Dick Bradley, Jr.
Eduardo E. de Ases
Ken McDaniel
W. J. Roberts
Ronnie Sizemore
City Manager R. Marvin Townsend
Assistant City Attorney Bob Coffin
City Secretary T. Ray Kring
Mayor Jack R. Blackmon called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the
Special Meeting was to hold public hearings and any other business as may properly come
before the Council.
Mayor Blackmon recognized Mr. Tom Whelan, member of a pioneer family of the City,
and Bailiff of Domestic Relations Court, on the occasion of his seventy-eighth birthday, and
presented him with the Official Medal of Corpus Christi in grateful appreciation of his long
service to his fellowman; and presented<a Certificate of Appreciation for his many contributions -
to the history of Corpus Christi and its growth and development. Mr. Whelan was introduced
by George A. Hamilton, Judge of Domestic Relations Court, and Mayor Blackmon requested
that a biological sketch of Mr. Whelan be incorporated into the official minutes of Judge
Hamilton's Court.
Mayor Blackmon announced that Application #1169-5, Messrs. Carl Green, J. R.
Underwood, Hubert Miller and James Via, Jr., for change of zoning on Lots 7 thru 10, Block 3,
Arcadia Subdivision, scheduled for public hearing this date had been voluntarily withdrawn by
the applicants, and would be accordingly removed from the agenda.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1069-3, Del Starr
Realty Company, Inc., for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-1"
Apartment House District, on a 7.6 -acre tract of land out of Lot 3, Section 10, Bohemian Colony
Lands, located 580 feet South of O'Day Parkway between Weber Road and the Fred R. Sanders
Elementary School.
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land use map
and described the zoning and land uses in the surrounding area; stated that at the Commission
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Special Council Meeting
January 5, 1970
Page 2
hearing held October 14, 1969, Mr. Carl Namwen of Urban Engineering spoke in support
of the application and explained that the proposed townhouse development will be a first-
class project and an asset to the area; that there are adequate utilities to serve the project;
ample off-street parking provided on site; and that the streets are adequate to accommodate
additional traffic. Mr. Wenger stated there was considerable opposition expressed by members
and representatives of SPIKE basically on the premise that the population density would be
increased twice as much as would single-family residences. Mr. Wenger stated that prior
to the Commission hearing the Staff mailed out three notices and that none were received in
favor nor in opposition; that a petition containing signatures of 144 members of SPIKE in
opposition hod been presented; that the Staff had recommended denial on the basis that
there are no specific development plans to relate to adjoining areas; encroachment into a
zoned single-family area; and that streets, utilities and schools have been constructed to
serve single-family development in accordance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
He explained that the Staff had presented a plot plan submitted by the applicant of a
proposed townhouse complex with a total of 76 units, approximately 10 units per acre with
one, two, and three bedrooms; that it was the recommendation of the Commission that the
request be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a townhouse complex
according to a plot plan to be approved by the Commission.
Mr. Wenger stated that on October 28, 1969, the Staff presented a site plan submitted
by the applicant and that it was the recommendation of the Commission that this plan not be
accepted and that the applicant be required to submit a new site plan which has a density of
not less than 5,000 square feet of gross area per unit and all other necessary information for
each unit such as driveway openings and required off-street parking, which plot plan to be
approved by the Commission; that on November 25, 1969, the Staff presented a revised site
plan submitted by the Engineer which met all requirements discussed at previous Commission
meetings and was approved by the Commission. He stated that this plot plan had been sent to
the FHA in San Antonio, and that it was not in agreement with the plot plan approved by the
FHA, and that it was the recommendation of the Staff that the ordinance be held in abeyance
until after the plot plan approved by the Commission and the FHA are in agreement.
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Special Council Meeting
January 5, 1970
Page 3
Mr. Gene Urban of Urban Engineering, appeared and spoke on behalf of the applicant,
and explained that the plot plan which had been sent to FHA had been received this date with
recommendations they have been trying to use; that the plan is unique because they are trying
to incorporate two types of townhouses into the plan. Mr. Urban stated that apartment
dwellings are the answer to the housing problem of increased population of the City; that
apartment living is financially forced on a lot of people; that it is an established trend which
must be accepted; that this particular area had been selected because it affords the best traffic
circulation since the State Highway Department and the City will jointly improve Weber Road
from Padre Island Drive to Saratoga; and that this property is best suited for townhouse develop-
ment because there are adequate streets and utilities to serve the project.
Mr. Tom McDowell, attorney representing the organization SPIKE, spoke in opposition,
and emphasized that this organization is not opposed to townhouse or apartment complexes as
such, but is very much concerned with the increased density, and stated they feel apartment
development should be distributed throughout the City and that every subdivision should have
their share of them; stated they feel this particular area already has sufficient multi -family
units; that the Country Club Estates Subdivision is keyed to single-family units; that there is
ample land available already zoned to serve the public needs for multi -family dwellings,
and pointed out that a Special Permit had been granted for a 92 -unit townhouse complex in
the area which has not been developed. He urged that the Council table action on this
request until the Staff completes the land use study now in progress for this area.
Mayor Blackmon pointed out that completion of the study being made by the Planning
Staff may be as long as six months from now, and that due to changes, there is some doubt as
to its value; pointed out that because of lack of money, there are practically no single-family
dwellings being constructed at this time, and that he is in agreement with Mr. Urban that there
is a need for multi -family dwellings to serve the needs of a growing City.
Others appearing and speaking in opposition to the foregoing request generally on the
basis that traffic would be congested and schools would be crowded, were: Mrs. James B.
Johnston, 4002 O'Day; Mr. Ralph Daniel, Country Club Estates; Mrs. Marjorie Eddington,
4729 Congressional; and Mr. Bob Owens. Approximately 14 persons raised their hands indi-
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Special Council Meeting
Janes ry 5, 1970
Page 4
eating their opposition and concurring with previous statements concerning increased
density and traffic congestion.
Mr. Urban pointed out that the apartment units will consist of one, two, and
three bedrooms, and that the ratio of school children will be less than single-family
dwellings because they will be occupied largely by retired or working couples, and that
persons of large families prefer and seek out single-family. residences.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by McDaniel and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by McDaniel, that the recommendation of the Planning
Commission be concurred in, if amended, subject to a site plan approved by the Staff.
Motion by de Ases, seconded by Roberts and passed, with Roberts, de Ases, Lozano,
and Blackmon voting "Aye"; McDaniel, Sizemore and Bradley voting "Nay", that the fore-
going application be tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #1169-1, Mr. Diomede
Grissino, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-1" Apart-
ment House District, on Lots A, B, C, & D, Sarah Gocher Tract, located in the 3600 Block
of Dalraida Street, bounded by Carroll Lane, Browner Parkway, Dalraida Street and Willow
Street.
Larry Wenger located the property on the zoning and land use map and described
the zoning classifications of the surrounding area; stated that at the Commission hearing held
November 11, 1969, the applicant appeared before the Commission and stated that this
particularlocation was selected for the proposed development of a 40 -unit apartment complex
because of the double frontage of the lots which would allow double access, two entrances
on Willow Street, one exit on Dalraida Drive, one entrance on Carroll Lane, and two exits
on Browner Parkway. He stated there was some opposition expressed at the hearing, generally
on the basis that such development would increase traffic; would be hazardous to school
children, and create spot zoning. He stated that prior to the Commission hearing the Staff
mailed out twenty-five notices, one received in favor and two in opposition; and also a
letter received from the Parent Teacher Association of Corroll Lane School opposing the request.
He stated it was the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the request be denied, but
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Special Council Meeting
January 5, 1970
Page 5
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in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted subject to the plot plan approved by the
Commission on November 25, 1969, and that the Staff concurred in this recommendation,
after working out a satisfactory plan with the applicant as to access to the property which
would not conflict with the residential area.
City Manager Townsend pointed out that Brawner Parkway may in the future be made
a one-way street, and that he would like an opportunity to discuss the ingress and egress
pattern with the Staff.
Mr. Diomede Grissino, applicant, spoke in support of the application, and stated
that he had discussed with the Traffic Engineer the plan for access to the property and had
obtained his approval even in the event Browner Parkway is made one way. He stated that
if single-family dwellings are constructed there would still be the problem of which way they
should face; stated the land should be developed as multiple -family uses which he felt would
be an asset to the area; stated a recreational area with landscaping is planned; that he felt
the cluster type driveways, as proposed, are less hazardous than numerous private driveways
opening onto abusy street which exists in single-family developments, and that there will be
better traffic control created by the off-street parking within the area.
Mrs. Douglas Raulz, president of the Carroll Lane Elementary Parent Teacher Association,
spoke in opposition to the request, stating that such development would increase traffic and
create hazardous conditions to school children; stated that the school is already overcrowded
and could not accommodate additional enrollment. She stated she is also speaking for Miss
Marjorie Martin, principal of the school, who spoke in opposition at the Commission hearing.
It was pointed out that a determination should be made as to whether or not Mrs. Raulz
and Miss Martin are speaking for the School District, and if so, were advised to file the
objection in writing before the ordinance is passed.
Mr. Grissino stated that he is not saying there will not be chil&iren in the apartments,
but that this type apartments are not planned with children in mind, and that for this reason,
they will not produce the density which is assumed by the opposition.
Motion by Lozano, seconded by Sizemore and passed, that the hbaring be closed.
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Minutes
Special Council Meeting
January 5, 1970
Page 6
Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the recommendation of
the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application /1169-1, Mr. Diomede
Grissino, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-1"
Apartment House District, on Lots A, B, C, & D, Sarah Gocher Tract, located in the 3600
Block of Dalraida Streirt,.bounded by Carroll Lane, Browner Parkway, Dalraida Street, and
Willow Street, be denied, but in lieu thereof, a Special Permit be granted subject to the
plot plan approved by the Planning Commission, and that an ordinance be brought forward
effectuating the Special Permit.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 11169-6, Tomanet
Corporation, for change of zoning on Tract A & D, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "B-4"
General Business District (19.59 acres); Tract C, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "B-1"
Neighborhood Business District (8.18 acres); Tract B, from "F -R" Farm Rural District to
"A-1" Apartment House District (16.31 acres),on property described as being approximately
44.08 -acre tract of land out of. Lots 1 thru 5, Section 31, and a portion of Lots 16 thru 18,
Section 42, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located between Cayo del Oso
and Flour Bluff Drive on the North side of the 9200 thru 9500 Blocks of South Padre Island
Drive.
Larry Wenger presented the application; located the property on the zoning and land
use map, and described the land uses and classifications in the surrounding area; stated that
at the Commission hearing held on November 25, 1969, Mr. John Huston, engineer representing
the Tomanet Corporation, appeared and stated that a motor hotel is proposed for Tract A,
low-rise apartments for Tract B, a recreation area extending to the Cayo del Oso with
beach facilities for Tract C, and light commercial uses and a service station for Tract D.
He stated that these proposed uses will be developed in stages and will be used in conjunction
with the 91 -acre mobile home subdivision which is proposed for the property adjacent to the
north. Mr. Wenger pointed out on a map projected on the screen indicating that the flight
patterns of the Naval Air Station are over this area of request; stated that the Staff Civil
Engineer of the Naval Air Advanced Training Command spoke in opposition to the request
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Special Council Meeting
rJanuary 5, 1970
Page 7
stating that the noise and safety factors will be a hazard to residents living in the proposed
apartment and mobile home developments, Mr. Wenger stated that prior to the Commission
hearing, the Staff mailed out four notices, four received in favor from persons living outside
the 200 -foot notification zone, and none received in opposition; that it was the recommen-
dation of the Planning Commission that the request be approved as submitted and that the
Staff concurred in this recommendation.
Mr. John Huston, engineer representing the applicant, appeared and explained how
the proposed development is in conjunction with the 91 -acre mobile home subdivision; that
one will compliment the other, and will not conflict with anything else. He explained that
they will employ architects from the Mobile Home Manufacturing Association for design,
and Urban Land Institute for the commercial area, pointing out that it will be a high type
development. Mr. Huston stated an over-all plan has not been submitted, and that the
application is not for the mobile home subdivision.
A lengthy discussion followed as to the access roads to and from the subdivision, and
the question arose if it would be good planning to put 300 families in a development with
only one access road.
Mr. Max‘Dullnig spoke in favor of the request and stated it will be an enhancement
to the subdivision and general area and in the public interest.
Mr. Irving Dietz, Engineer for Naval Air Advanced Training Command, stated they
are not opposed to rezoning the land in this area, but only wished to apprise the people who
would be living there that this tract is located between the flight approaches to the two
crosswind runways at the Naval Air Station; that approximately 1,000 pilots are trained
each year with a high safety record, but there have been accidents. He stated that the
noise and safety factors will be a hazard, that these factors would be present far into the
night, and that the two -engine propeller planes might some day be replaced with jets. He
stated that from the standpoint of the Navy's good neighbor policy, they feel they would be
derelict in their responsibility if they did not warn prospective residents of these objectionable
factors.
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Special Council Meeting
January 5, 1970
Page 8
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by de Ases, seconded by Roberts, with Bradley, Lozano, Sizemore and
McDaniel voting "Nay", that the foregoing application be tabled for further consideration_
The motion failed to pass.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Lozano and passed, with de Ases voting "Nay",
that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application
ff1169-6, Tomanet Corporation, for change of zoning, Tract A & D, from "F -R" Farm -Rural
District to "B-4" General Business District (19.59 acres); Tract C, from "F -R" Farm -Rural
District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District (8.18 acres); Tract B, from "Mt" Farm -Rural
District to "A-1" Apartment House District (16.31 acres), on property described as being
approximately a 44.08 -acre tract of land out of Lots 1 thru 5, Section 31, and a pottion
of Lots 16 thru 18, Section 42, Flour Bluff and Encina) Farm and Garden Tracts, located
between Cayo Del Oso and Flour Bluff. Drive on the North side of the 9200 thru 9500 Blocks
of South Padre Island Drive, 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.