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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/06/1970 - SpecialMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING July 6, 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 Acting City Attorney Jim Riggs City Secretary 1'. 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, He asked that it be noted that a quorum of the Council and the required Charter officers were present, He explained the procedure to be followed, Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 0670.1, Sam Allen, for change of zoning from "A-1" Apartment House District to "AB" Professional Office District, on Lot 1 and the East 90 feet of Lot 2, A. P, Cobb's Subdivision, located at 3801 Santa Fe. Senior City Planner Larry Wenger pointed out the existing zoning and land use in the surrounding area stating that the subject property consists of two and one-half acres and is presently owned by H. Durward Thompson. He explained that in September 1?48, Mr. Thompson was granted a Special Council Permit for an office and greenhouse, and that the existing office building is proposed to be utilized for a professional office. He stated that at the Commission hearing held June 9, 1970, the applicant, Mr. Allen, spoke in favor of the request stating that he felt the proposed use would be the highest and best use of the property primarily because of its triangular shape, Mr. Wenger stated that no one appeared in opposition; that prior to the hearing the Staff moiled out 31 notices,five received in favor, two in opposition, and one received in favor at the public hearing; that it was the recommendation of the Planning Com- mission that the request be approved, and that the Staff's opinion was that "AB" zoning would permit compatible land uses in this area and would be logical for this property. Mr. Sam Allen, applicant, stated he was speaking on behalf of both the seller and purchaserof the subject property and pointed out that Mr. Thompson had operated a nursery at this location for 22 years under the special permit, and that he feels the use should be continued • Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1970 Page 2 3 and would be logical . He pointed out that the property is under contract for purchase subject to "AB" zoning by Architects Joe and Needham Smyth, and that they propose to build a garden type professional office building taking advantage of the existing landscaping and general character of the area. He pointed out on an architects drawing the proposed buildings, explaining that the first phase would be an addition to the existing office building, the second and third phases would be leased for offices, that adequate parking facilities would be provided, and the garage and efficiency apartments which are located on the south end of the property would be removed when the third stage is developed. He stated that there had not been adequate time to fully develop the building plenss,,pnd for that reason the purchaser would prefer not to be restricted to a one or Iwo -story building. He pointed out that under the present Apartment House District zoning, the population density would be much greater resulting in more traffic and crowding of schools, and possibly resulting in a substandard condition. He further stated that the residents in the immediate neighborhood had been contacted and that no substantial objections had been encountered; that only two residents across the street had opposed the request, and that the Planning Commission and Staff were unanimous in their approval. Mr, Durward Thompson spake in favor of the application, stating the Special Permit was granted to him in 1948 soon after the area was taken into the City limits, and that the permit was restricted to a one-story building with one sign. He stated he had viewed the proposed plan and felt that the garden -type development would be on enhancement to the neighborhood inasmuch as they would be making use of some of the existing landscaping, including ornamental trees and shrubbery. Mr. Joe McManus, realtor, stated he was familiar with the subject property since he was a senior member of the Site Committee for the selection of this site, and in his opinion, it is an excellent location for this type development and will enhance the appearance of the neighborhood. No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the hearing be closed, Motion by Bradley, seconded by RobeOs and passed, that the recommendation of the Planning Commission and the Staff be concurred in and that Application 0670-1, Sam Allen, • Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1970 Page 3 for change of zoning From"A-1" Apartment House District tq"AB" Professional Office District, on Lot 1 and the east 90 feet of Lot 2, A. P, Cobb's Subdivision, located at 3301 Santa Fe, be approved as requested, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. Mayor Blackmon announced the hearing on*pplication #670-2, Dr. R. McGregor Slick, for change of zoning from "R -1B" Ones -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District, on all of Lots 1 and 2, Block 3, Arcadia Village, located at 294 and 298 Vanderbilt Drive. Larry Wenger described the existing zoning and land use in the surrounding area, stating that a doctor's office is proposed on the northwest comer of the intersection of Vanderbilt and Roosevelt Drives. He stated that at the Commission hearing held June 9, 1970, Mr. S. J. Becker, realtor, spoke on behalf of the applicant, and explained the proposed development. He stated that there was opposition at the hearing generally on the kigsis that the granting of business zoning on this property would break down the residential character of the neighborhood and would constitute spot zoning; that prior to the hearing, the Staff mailed out 13 notices, two received in favor and one in opposition, and two received in favor at the public hearing; that it was the recommendation of the Commission that the applicatigh be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a doctor's office according to the plot plan submitted, and that it was the Staff's opinion that the proposed use would be detrimental since it faces the Arcadia Village residential area, Mr. S. J. "Red" Becker, realtor, spoke on behalf of the applicant, and stated that Dr, Slick's present office is no longer adequate for his needs, and that he has selected this particular location because his practice is well established in this area; his patients are largely elderly, on Medicare, and live in this vicinity, and this location would provide adequate office space with plenty of off-street parking with ingress and egress from Roosevelt Drive. He stated that the front of the building is designed so as to appear as a single-family dwelling. He further pointed out that the property is presently rental property, and heretofore occupied by undesirable tenants, and that the neighboring residents favor the proposed professional usage which they feel will correct this situation, He stated the proposed use would not increase the traffic because the applicant's patients already use the parking space in the area. He Mated that Dr. Slick preferred a Special Permit as this was the only use contemplated. • Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, )970 Page 4 r Mr. A. W. Hoskins, 501 West Vanderbilt, spoke in favor of the request. Mr. Dave Coover stated he was under the impression that the opposition registered for the change to "AB" Professional Office District hod been withdrawn in favor of the Special Permit. City Manager Townsend pointed out that one of those in opposition to the change of zoning did not attend the Commission hearing. Mr. J. Royse Lummus, 258 Ellis Drive, spoke in opposition stating that fiehadworked with City committees on planning, and that many hours had been spent on keeping residential subdivisions as such, and painted out that this section is entirely residential; that the streets are narrow and are not designed to accommodate hepvy traffic but specifically designed to slow down traffic; and that the 15 -foot planting strip was intended to keep traffic separated from Ayers Street. He further pointed out that it is a known fact that customers park anywhere space is available and that the narrow street would be used; stated that there is sufficient office space in Amodio Village Shopping Center in which Dr. Slick could enlarge 44 offices, and also there has been an available office building completed near the Clairlaine Apartments where a number of his patients reside. He stated if business zoning is granted it would breakdown this residential character and that he is opposed. Mrs. Elizondo appeared and stated she qnd her six children ore the new tenants of the property of which Mr. Becker referred, and wanted it known that they hove not created the nuisance mentioned., Motion by Roberts, seconded by Sizemore and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by McDpniei, seconded by Bradley and passed, with de Ases and Roberts voting "Aye", that the recommendation of the Staff be concurred in and that Application #67Q-2, C Dr. R. McGregor Slick, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District, on all of hots 1 & 2, Block 3, Arcadia Village, located at 294 and 298 Vanderbilt Drive, be denied. • Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1970 Page5 Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #470-6, Nicolas and Barbara Cardenas, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family ()welling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District, on Lots 21A, and 21B, Block 4, Laguna Acre', located at 1010 Bloomington Street. Larry Wenger pointed out the existing zoning and land use in the surrounding area, stating that a grocery store is presently in operation on the subject property as a nonconforming use; that at the Commission hearing held ApriI 28, 1970, Mr. Cardenas appeared before the Commission and stilted that he had attempted to obtain a building permit so he could remodel or construct a new building for his existing grocery store operation, and was advised that it was a nonconforming use, and since extensive remodeling wos proposed, he would need "13-1" zoning. Mr. Wenger stated that no one appeared at the Commission hearing in opposition; that prior to the hearing, the Stoff mailed out 21 notices, one received in favor and none in opposition; that jt was therecominendation of the Planning Commission that the request be denied; but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a grocery store, accarding.to the plot plan prepared by the Staff and approved by the Commission; that It was the Staff's observation that this area is all predominately single-family residential; that there is an existing "B-1" District opproximgtely B00 to 1000 feet to the west, and if approved, this would be single use of this type between residential uses and across from an elementary school and would be detrimental to these uses. Mrs. Nicolas Cardenas appeared and stated that they propose, to build a new grocery store and that the old one will be removed as soon as the new one is finished. Mrs. Julian Ramirez, 941 Mendoza, spoke in favor of the request stating she lives near the proposed grovery store, and would much prefer to have the old building torndown and replaced with a new one. No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request, Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed, that the recommendation of the Plan- ning Commission be concurredin and that. Application #470-6, Nocolas and Barbara Cordenos, for change of zoning from "R-18" to "B-1" on Lots 21A & 218, Block 4, Laguna Acres, be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a grocery store, according to the plot plan • Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1970 Page 6 prepared by the Planning Staff and approved by the Commission, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #670-3, City of Corpus Christi, for change of zoning From "AT" Apartment -Tourist District to "B-4" General Business District, on a 2.83 -acre tract of land located in Brooklyn Addition, Mock 414, Lots 1, 3; &.5 and the Givens Tract plus the street right of way of Ton Boulevard, located on the North end of Corpys Christi Teach, west of Timon Parkway (R.R. ROW}, East of Highway #181, North of Hull Street to Corpus Christi Bay. Larry Wenger pointed out the existing zoning and land use in the surrounding area, stating that the only improvement on the property is o vacant building located on the northwest side of the tract; that the request includes approximately one-half acre of City -owned property and Block 414, B$ooklyn Addition, which will be leased for use as a resort campgrounds for mobile campers and travel trailers, and that the proposed use is not classified in the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Wenger stated that at the Commission hearing held Jyne 9, 1970, Mr. Joe McManus, realtor, explained the proposed use and presented a plot plan which indicated there will be 50 spaces with a permaribsst utility building for spnitary facilities such as showers, rest - rooms, etc. Mr. Wenger stated no one appeared at the hearing in opposition; that prior to the hearing, the Staff mailed out six notices, none received in favor nor in opposition; that it was the recommendation of the Commission that the request be denied, but in lieu thereof a Special Permit be granted for a resort campground for mobile campers and travel trailers according to the approved plot plan; and that it was the recommendation pf the Staff that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to provide for the type use as proposed. He stated the Commission is reviewing a draft that would accomplish *is purpose. Mr. Joe McManus spoke in favor of the request stating that in his opinion the proposed development would be an asset to the. City and particularly to Corpus Christi Beach. He explained that he had represented Mrs. Gladys Givens in May 1970, on a previous application on 1 .8 acres of this property for a Special Use Permit for a mobile home pork and that it was then determined that the request was not legal opplication because the Zoning Ordinance states that "the minimum width and/or depth of a mobile home park or subdivision shall be 300 feet, REVISED Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1970 Page 7 and the minimum total area shall be five acres." He pointed out that the City has agreed to lease the street right of way on Timon Boulevard and that Guaranty National Bank has agreed to lease the Pope Estate, Block 414 of Brooklyn Addition, to Mr. Hogan for the proposed development. Mr. Gene Hogan presented an architects concept of the site plan, pointing out the location of utility facilities, and parking areas. He stated it is not intended that tenants remain on the grounds for long periods of time. Mr. Jack Davis, owner of Gulf View Trailer Park on Corpus Christi Beach, spoke in opposition to the foregoing application, stating that the proposal was contrary to the Corpus Christi Beach Development Plan which was adopted by the City Council May 11, 1966. He stated that it is his understanding that this plan is still in effect. He stated that the June 10, 1969 Report of Southwest Division of Corps of Army Engineers outlines a plan for restoration of Corpus Christi Beach as a recreational area. He pointed out that a petition is being circulated for a referendum that the City build the contemplated Convention Center in this area, and that property owners on the Beach are willing to donate a substantial amount of land for this purpose. He is against any development on Corpus Christi Beach which would jeopardize any of these plans. He stated he did not appear at the Planning Commission Meeting because of his knowledge that the proposed use was not authorized in the Zoning Ordinance; that he believes it would be in violation; and that there would be no ordinance to control such an operation. Mr. Davis stated that his trailer park accommodates approximately 90 trailers; that the proposed travel trailer camp would be near his mobile home park and would be in competition with his operation. He stated there is not that much demand for this type of business on the Beach. He further stated there appears to be a conflict of interest by Mr. Coover, one of the members of the Planning Commission, on this matter which was recommended by the Commission and with the application of Mrs. Gladys Givens on which a public hearing was held May 26, 1970. Mr. C. A. Mansheim, owner of property on Corpus Christi Beach, spoke in opposition to the request, stating that he felt it would not be in keeping with the long-range plans for the Beach Area. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed. • Minutes Special Council Meeting July b, 1970 Page 8 Motion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts, that the request for "8-4" zoning be denied, but that q Special Permit be granted according to the approved plat plan cis recommended by the Planning Commission. Motion by Sizemore, seconded by McDaniel and passed„ with Lozano, Roberts and Sizempre voting "Aye", that the foregoing application be tabled for further consideration. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adlaurned•