HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/19/1970 - SpecialMINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
October 19, 1970
2:00 p. m.
PRESENT:
Mayor Jack R. Blackmon
Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Lozano, Sr.
Commissioners:
Dick Bradley, Jr.
Eduardo E. de Ases
City Manager R. Marvin Townsend
Assistant City Manager Archie Walker
City Attorney Jim Riggs
Assistant City Secretary Bill Read
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Mayor Jack R. Blackmon called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the
Special Meeting was to hold public hearings on six zoning applications and any other business
as may properly come before the Council. He announced that a quorum of the Council and the
required Charter officers were present, and explained the procedure to be followed.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #770-5, Mrs. Ray
Young, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional
Office District, on Lot 4, Block 3, Carroll Lane Park #1, located at 3613 Mulberry Street.
Senior City Planner Larry Wenger pointed out the existing zoning and land uses in
the surrounding area, stating that the property is proposed for a beauty shop. He explained
that the entire area is develoOed with single-family dwellings; that Carroll Lane Elementary
School is located on the north side of Brawner Parkwpy, and the Cottonwood Apartments
located at Cottonwood and Carroll Lane; that the request was heard by the Planning Commission
July 21, 1970, at which time the applicant, Mrs. Ray Young, appeared and explained that she
presently operates a beauty shop at the subject location, and submitted a plot plan of the building
which indicated that the beauty shop is attached to the dwelling; that it is a one -chair, ones
operator shop; that there are never more than three cars parked at the location at one time, and
that she had no outdoor advertising. Mr. Wenger stated that one other person spoke in favor of
the request and no one in opposition; that prior to the hearing, the Staff mailed out 37 notices,
one was received in favor and four in opposition; that a petition had been submitted at the hearing
signed by seven persons in the immediate area who indicated approval; that it was the recom-
mendation of the Planning Commission that the request be denied, but in lieu thereof, a Special
Permit be granted for an owner -operated beauty shop with no advertising and according to a plot
plan for a time period of three years; and that it was the Staff's observation that this would be
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Special Council Meeting
October 19, 1970
Page 2
the only area zoned for a professional office which would be contrary to the existing zoning
and would only tend to break down the established residential character of this neighborhood.
Mrs. Ray Young, applicant, stated that she has three teen -aged boys and had moved
her one -chair beauty shop to her home so as to be near the boys. She stated that the Special
Council permit as recommended by the Planning Commission would be acceptable.
Mrs. Helen Greer, 3622 Mulberry, owner of Lot 9, Block 4, Carroll Lane Park #1,
spoke in favor of the request, statiing, the beauty shop operation was not objectionable.
Mrs. Edward J. Perry, Jr., 3608 Mulberry, spoke in opposition, and presented her
letter of opposition, and also a letter signed by Mr. and Mrs. V. John _Krouser, 3601 Mulberry
Street, in opposition generally on the basis that Mulberry Street is narrow and does not allow
sufficient room for normal parking; would be hazardous to local school children, and that the
requested change in the zoning regulations would open the door to future requests, and would
be an encroachment on the established residential area.
Mrs. Young stated that she only operated the shop three days a week, and that there
would never be more than three cars parked at the subject property, and that most of the time
there would be less.
Motion by Lozano, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed, that the foregoing zoning application
be tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #870-2, Mr. and Mrs. W. P.
Livingston, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional
Office District, on a portion of Lot 2, Oso Farm Tracts and all of Lot 8, Block 2, Gray Village
#2, located in the 4900 Block of Everhart Road.
Larry Wenger stated that the request had been heard by the Planning Commission August 18,
1970; that a real estate office was proposed for the tract of land; that no one had appeared in
opposition; that the Staff mailed out 26 notices, two received in favor and none in opposition; and
that it was the recommendation of the both the Commission and the Staff that the request be
granted as submitted.
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-Special Council Meeting
October 19, 1970
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No one appeared to speak in favor or in opposition to the foregoing request.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed,ithat the recommendation of the
Planning Commission and the Staff be concurred in and that Application #870-2, Mr. and
Mrs. W. P. Livingston, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to
"AB" Professional Office District, on a portion of Lot 2, Oso Farm Tracts and all of Lot 8,
Block 2, Gray Village 02, located in the 4900 Block of Everhart Road, be approved as
submitted, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application 0970-1, Mr. R. J.
Chapman, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-1" Apartment
House District, on Lots 1 and 2, Block 43, Del Mar Addition, located at 702 Southern Street.
Larry Wenger pointed out the existing zoning and land uses of the surrounding area,
stating that it is located at the corner of 15th and Southern Streets, and that a three -unit
apartment building is proposed. He pointed out that residential properties are located to the
east; Trinity Lutheran Church on the west corner of the intersection of 16th 6treet and Louisiana
Avenue, and that there are various apartment and business uses along 16th and South Staples.
He stated that the request was heard by the Planning Commission on September 1, 1970, at which
time the applicant appeared and explained that he proposes to construct a three -unit apartment
building on Lot 2, which is presently vacant, and will at a later date remove the existing
dwelling on Lot 1 and add a four -unit apartment building. Mr. Wenger stated that no one
appeared at the hearing in opposition; that prior to the hearing the Staff mailed out 31 notices,
five received in favor and one in opposition, and two received in favor after the public hearing;
that it was the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the request be approved as
submitted, and that it was the Staff's opinion that this area would not be a logical location for
this type of zoning because it would have a tendency to break down this old, well-established
residential area.
Mr. R. J. Chapman, applicant, spoke in support of the request, stating that the neighbor-
hood is in a state of general deterioration; that he is proposing to upgrade the area; and that the
neighbors are all in agreement, including his nextdoor neighbor. He stated that adequate off-street
parking will be provided for both apartment buildings.
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Special Council Meeting
October 19, 1970
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Mr. Clyde Jackson, Jr., 641 Atlantic spoke in favor of the request, stating that it
would definitely upgrade the neighborhood. He stated that the map on which Mr. Wenger
had described the existing zoning and land uses did not accurately reflect the general
character of the neighborhood, stating that there were numerous apartment rentals, including
garages which have been converted into apartment rental units, etc., which are in operation
throughout the area.
Mr. Wenger explained the method used in preparing the land use map, stating a map
survey is made of the areas before the land use map is prepared, that the uses are observed
from the street; two family residences are picked up by address, and from one and two meters,
and stated that it is possible to overlook some of them.
No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing application.
Motion by Lozano, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed, that the foregoing matter be
tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #970-3, Mr. Owen F.
Holman, for change of zoning from "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-4" General Business
District, on the west 39.82 feet of Lot 3 and all of Lots 4, 5, and 6, Block 9, of Morris and
Mitchells Extension of South End Addition and Lots 4 and 5, Block 4, Extension of South End
Addition, located in the 700 Block of Brownlee Boulevard.
Larry Wenger presented the request, pointing out the location on the map, and described
the existing zoning and land uses in the surrounding area. He stated that the request was heard
by the Planning Commission September 15, 1970, at which time the applicant appeared and
stated he proposed to move his plumbing and air conditioning business from the 600 Block of
Brownlee Boulevard (which is no longer adequate), to the subject location, and that he presented
a plot Plan which indicated that the building would face Brownlee. Mr. Wenger stated that
there was no opposition at the hearing, that prior to the hearing the Staff mailed out 30 notices,
five received in favor, two in opposition, and one received in favor after the hearing; that it
was the recommendation of the Commission that the request be approved as submitted, and that
it was the Staff's opinion that even though this area is in a state of transition and there are
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Special Councii Meeting
October 19, 1970
Page 5
various zoning districts, the proposed use would be a detriment because it would create a
continuous business zone along a major street which, if allowed would reduce the traffic
capacity and safety on the street as a traffic carrier.
Mr. Owen F. Holman, applicant, explained that he is the owner of the subject
property on which he proposed to relocate his plumbing and air conditioning business as his
present building is overcrowded, and the parking is inadequate. He stated the property is
84' x 246', that the building is proposed to be 40' x 150', and that adequate off-street
parking would be provided along the front and back of the building. Mr. Holman stated that the
property is not suited for the type apartments in which people would want to live, and described
the neighborhood as a "real ghetto."
No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by de Ases, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the foregoing application
be tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #970-5, Mr. William J.
Lucas, Jr., for change of zoning from "F -R" Farm Rural District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business
District, on Lot 1-R, Block 1, Flour Bluff Gardens Unit 2, located in the 1800 Block of
Waldron Road.
Larry Wenger stated that the property is located on Waldron Field Road and that a
mobile home park is located at the rear which is owned and operated by the applicant; that
a mobile home subdivision is located to the west of Waldron Road across from the subject
property; a Humble. Oil Company storage tank is located to the northwest at Blossom Drive and
Waldron Road; that the remaining area is generally vacant with some scattered single-family
residences, and that the applicant proposed to establish a business center and an apartment
complex on the property. He stated the request was heard by the Planning Commission September 15,
1970, at which time the applicant explained the purpose of the request to construct a small business
center to be used in connection with his mobile home park located at the rear of this property.
Mr. Wenger stated that two other persons had appeared in favor and that there was no opposition;
that prior to the hearing, the Staff mailed out eleven notices, one received in favor, none. in
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Special Council Meeting
October 19, 1970
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opposition, and one received in favor after the hearing; that it was the recommendation of the
Commission that the request be approved as submitted, and that it was the Staff's opinion that
the area should not be zoned "B-1" since it would only tend to encourage additional requests
along this major street, and that the area would best be developed as an addition to the
existing Mobile Home Park to the east or for some type of multiple -family use.
Mr. William J. Lucas, Jr., applicant, spoke in support of the request, stating that
he is the owner of the property in question, and that he feels the proposed businesses would be
an asset and are needed to serve the residents in the area. He stated that there exists a large
gas pipe line which runs diagonally through the property and is an objectionable feature for the
utilization of the property as a mobile home park because of the length of mobile homes. He
stated there is no plan to build over the pipe line, but that a portion of the area would be used
for apartment development.
Mrs. Levi Materne, owner of property in the area, spoke in favor of the request, stating
that the proposed businesses are needed, and that she feels any development at all would improve
the area.
No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing zoning request.
Motion by de Ases, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Lozano and passed, that action of the foregoing zoning
application be deferred for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on Application #970-6, Property Owners,
200 and 300 Blocks of Ohio Street, for change of zoning from "A-1" Apartment House District
and "R-2" Two -Family Dwelling District to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District, on all of
Lots 11 and 12, Block 5, and Lots 20 through 24, Block 6, Del Monte Addition, located in the
300 Block of Ohio Avenue.
Larry Wenger explained that this area is primarily developed with single-family
dwellings, with scattered businessrand non -conforming duplexes and apartments. He stated
the request was heard by the Planning Commission September 15, 1970, at which time it was
pointed out by the applicants that the reason for the request was to protect the neighborhood
from becoming a slum as there are many non -conforming apartments existing and they are not
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Special Council Meeting
October 19, 1970
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mint ifned. Mr. Wenger stated three persons had appeared in opposition; that prier to the
hearing the Staff mailed out 60 notices, five received in ftwor and three en ofigrrsiticiewthat
it was the recommendation of the Commission that the request be denied, and that it aws the
Staff's opinion that the proposed change could be helpful by reducing the overcrowding and
alleviating the traffic congestion on Ohio Avenue which. is very narrow. Mr. Wenger pre-
sented a petition which had been submitted and signed by 51 residents in the 200 and 300
Blocks of Ohio in favor of the request, and stated that the following persons were directly
involved in the request: Mrs. Levi Moterne; Mrs. Dorothea Phillips; Mr. Ernest D. Gonzalez;
Mrs. Simon Grossman; Mrs. Ennis Joslin; Mrs. James Pothitakis; Mr. Dave Lane; Mrs. Ed Harte;
and Mrs. W. L. DeRoche.
City Manager Townsend reported that individual letters had been received since the
hearing from several of those property owners directly involved in the request, and also a
letter from Mrs. Lucille Stockton, 317 Ohio Avenue, in favor of the zoning change.
Mrs. Levi Materne, 325 Ohio Avenue, spoke as representative of the applicants,
stating that the rezoning is being requested primarily to preserve the neighborhood and to
prevent further deterioration. She pointed out violations of the zoning ordinance, stating
that garages have been converted into apartments or duplexes resulting in overcrowded lining
conditions; pointed out the narrowness of Ohio Avenue; the unlcept yards; the type of people
occupying the rental units; and the close proximity to Ocean Drive, which is Corpus Christi's
most beautiful street. She stated some businesses were in operation in the area, one of which
she had not been able to identify.
Mr. Dave Lane, 321 Ohio, spoke in favor of the request, stating that apartment zoning
was an open door for potential "ghettos", and further deterioration of the street. Others
speaking in favor of the request were, Mrs. James Pothitakis, 320 Ohio and Mrs. Lucille
Stockton, 317 Ohio.
Dr. M. L. Norvell, 305 Ohio Avenue, spoke in opposition, stating that he had no
objection to the upgrading of the neighborhood, but that he had had his property rezoned to
"A-1" in September of 1968, and due to excessive high interest rotes, his proposed development
has been delayed_ He stated he does not want his property rezoned single-family as it would
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Special Council Meeting
October 19, 1970
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prevent any future development of his proposed six -unit apartment building. He stated he
d,d not understand the procedure of having his property rezoned by someone other than
himself, and feels this is not the proper channel for upgrading the neighborhood, but the
responsibility of the Building Standards Department. He pointed out that there are some very
nice apartments in this vicinity and along Santa Fe which cost $75,000 and up and does not feel
these have detracted from the neighborhood. He stated the Council is being placed in the
awkward position of retracting a former action.
Relative tathe applicants' rights to apply for a zoning change on property other than
their own, Mayor Blackmon explained that this application is properly before the Council.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed, that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by de Ases and passed, that the foregoing zoning
request be tabled for further consideration.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the Special Meeting was
adjourned.