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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 • 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 • Minutes 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. • • Minutes -Special Council Meeting October 19, 1970 Page 3 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. • Minutes Special Council Meeting October 19, 1970 Page 4 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 • Minutes 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 o • Minutes Special Council Meeting October 19, 1970 Page 6 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 • Minutes Special Council Meeting October 19, 1970 Page 7 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 • Minutes Special Council Meeting October 19, 1970 Page 8 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.