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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/10/1972 - SpecialPRESENT: ETES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING, FLOUR BLUFF SCHOOL April 10, 1972 7:30 P. M. Mayor Ronnie Sizemore Mayor Pro Tem Charles A. Bonniwell Commissioners: Roberto Bosquez, M.D. Rev. Harold T. Branch Thomas V. Gonzales Gabe Lozano, Sr. J. Howard Stark City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Attorney James R. Riggs City Secretary T. Ray Kring Also present: Wm. Anderson, Director of Planning; Archie N. Walker, Assistant City ,Manager; Bill G. Read, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor; Hal George, Senior Assistant City Attorney; Larry Wenger, Senior City Planner; and Edward Shaw; Ernest Briones, N.I.P.; Members of the Planning Commission: Ralph Durden, Vaughn Bowen and Roy Lay, Jr. Mayor Ronnie Sizemore called the meeting to order in the Multi -Purpose Building of the Flour Bluff High School at 7:30 p.m., and announced the purpose of the meeting was to hold public hearings on Four zoning applications. He asked that it be noted that a quorum of the Council and required Charter officers were present to hold a valid meeting. Mayor Sizemore announced that Application #372-1, C. D. Jones, for change of zoning on Lots 6 through 20, Block 1 and 2, Bayside Acres No. 1, appearing on the agenda for public hearing, had been officially withdrawn by the applicant and is no longer before the Council. City Manager Townsend presented Application #272-14, Roy Lay and Two -Way Land Company, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-2" Apartment House District on all of Lots 14 through 19, and 39 through 44, Block 14; Lots 15 through 19, and 40 through 44, Block 15, Flour Bluff Park, located north of the 9700 Block of South Padre Island Drive along both sides of Behman Street, and south of Matlock Street. He explained that the request was heard by the Planning Commission February 29, 1972, and forwarded to the Council with the recommendation that it be approved because the subject property is on the fringe of the approach zone and does not pose a real danger in the flight pattern of the Naval Air Station. He stated the Staff did not make a specific recommendation on this request, but was concerned with density, and questionable from the standpoint of single-family use, and there is a question of determining what degree of density is appropriate for this area. No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request. utes ecial Council Meeting April 10,,.1972 Page 2 • Motion by Lozano, seconded by Gonzales and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by Lozano, seconded by Stark and passed, with Bosquez abstaining and Bonniwell voting "Nay", that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #272-14, Roy Lay and Two -Way Land Company, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-2" Apartment House District on all of Lots 14 through 19, and 39 through 44, Block 14; Lots 15 through 19 and 40 through 44, Block. 15, Flour Bluff Park, be approved as requested, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. City Manager Townsend presented Application #272-15, Raymond N. Sims, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "T-1" Travel Trailer Park, Mobile Hone Park, and Mobile Home Subdivision District on a 10.271 -acre portion of Lots 24 and 25, Section 55, Flour Bluff & Enciaal Farm & Garden Tracts, He explained that the request was heard by the Planning Commission February 29, 1972, and forwarded to the Council with the recommendation that it be approved on the basis that the pipeline easements make it unsuitable for residential development and "T-1" would be a suitable use for this property, and that the Staff concurred in this recommendation. Mr. Wendel Keetch, president of and representing the Civic League ,of Flour Bluff, spoke in opposition to the request. He stated the members of this organization feel that the area immediately surrounding the subject property and the Flour Bluff area in general is already saturated with mobile home parks and subdivisions, and that the 'ontinued rezoning of properties for this specific purpose is contributing to increased density, traffic hazards and encroachment into the single-family and multi -family dwelling districts, and the granting of the request will multiply the existing problems which now exist around the school. He stated that too much of this type development is being allowed to take place in the For BLAT area; that Waldron Field Road at the present time is the most traveled road in Flour Bluff; that it is narrow and over used and presenting problems around the school. He pointed out that there has been no promise from the City of wider improved streets in the future. He pointed out specific locations of other mobile home parks and subdivisions in this area irz relation to the subject property. He stated that the opposition of the Floor Bluff Civic League had beer made known in writing before the Planning Commission hearing. ut es ecial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 3 Mr. Bill Wookey, attorney representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the recommendation of the Planning Commission, stating that he was not aware of the Flour Bluff Civic League's opposition to the request since it was not represented at the Commission hearing; that to his knowledge, the only communication received in opposition was from Mr. Fred H. Wilson of San Antonio, owner of property located to the east of the subject property. Mr. Woolsey stated that there is no way for this tract of land to be developed as single-family dwelling uses because of the Humble Oil & Refining Company's high pressure gas line which crosses the property. He stated he can appreciate the concern of the residents relative to increased density, but pointed out the need for this type of zoning as reflected in the fact that the mobile home subdivisions are filled to capacity and have been for some time. He described the proposed development and stated it is designed to be a first class subdivision of which the residents can be proud. He commented that if the tract is developed as industrial uses, it would be far more undesirable than the proposed mobile home use. Mr. Wm. Anderson, Director of Planning, stated that Mr. Keetbh had discussed with him by telephone prior to the Commission hearing the opposition of the Flour Bluff Civic League, and that this information had been presented to the Commission at the hearing. Mr. Jon Held, spoke in opposition to the recommendation of the Planning Commission, stating that it would appear that due to the high pressure gas lines, increased population density should not be encouraged. He pointed out that the new City Fire Station is being built close by and the increased traffic could present a serious problem in case of fire. Mr. David Cadens spoke in opposition on the basis that there are already too many mobile homes in this area, and that the community would not be proud of Mr. Woolsey's description of a first class mobile home subdivision. Mrs. Henry Hutcheison, 218 Caribbean Drive, spoke in opposition, stating that the mobile homes in the park adjacent to the subject tract were badly damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Celia, and pointed out that the two parks located further down on Waldron Road suffered very little damage. She pointed out that the subject tract i, unprotected by trees, buildings or the water, and is not a suitable location. nutes pecial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 4 • Mr. Graham A. Scott, 3141 Jamaica Drive, spoke in opposition, stating that the sewer disposal facilities in this area are inadequate and that there is an overflow from the City Sewage Plant on Laguna Madre. City Manager Townsend explained that the subject property does not have sewer facilities at this time; that septic tanks are in use and whatever development goes in there would have to use this type of sewer disposal. He explained that sewer facilities will be routed down the other way several blocks south of Padre Island; that because of the scattering population, support of a sewage system at this time is not warranted. Mr. Woolsey stated that the sewage disposal would not be a problem; that Urban Engineering is designing a special system for use if this zoning is approved. He named numerous other businesses in this area that are using septic tanks satisfactorily. Relative to the damage caused by Hurricane Celia, Mr. Woolsey pointed out that the City's new ordinance providing for stricter regulations for tie -downs would alleviate that problem. He stated that relative to the high pressure gas line crossing the tract, the pressure is not so high as to be dangerous, but that due to the location of the line which divides the tract, financial arrangements with FHA are impaired. He stated he did not feel the traffic on Waldron Road would be so heavy as to interfer with the operation of fire trucks from the new fire station. Mr. Woolsey stated that a plat of the proposed development of the tract had been presented to the Planning Commission showing lots and paved streets, and stated that it will definitely be classified as a mobile home subdivision. Motion by Branch, seconded by Gonzales and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by BonniwelI, seconded by Gonzales and passed, that action on the foregoing application be tabled for two weeks (April 26th) pending a determination of the Staff as to future locations in the City of mobile home subdivisions and how many new zoning requests should be granted. City Manager Townsend presented Applications #372-4, Carl D. Webb, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-2" Apartment House District on a portion of Lots 1 & 2, Seution 53, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts; and Application #372-5, Carl D. Webb, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighbor- hood Business District on a portion of Lot 1, Section 53, Flour Bluff & Encinal Farm & Garden Tracts. es Special Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 5 • He explained that these are two separate applications but are located adjacent to each other and are similar with regard to surrounding areas. He stated they were heard by the Planning Commission on March 14, 1972, and Application #372-4 was forwarded to the Council with the recommendation that it be denied, but in lieu thereof "A -i:" Apartment House District be granted; that it was recommended that Application #372-5 be denied but in lieu thereof "A-1" Apartment House District be granted because of the existing "B-1" zoning in this area and also because it would be impracticable for tenants of the apartment complex to drive through a business area onto Waldron Road. No one appeared in opposition to the recommendation of the Planning Commission relative to the foregoing applications. Motion by Gonzales, seconded by Bonniwell and passed, thatthe hearings on both applications of Mr. Carl D. Webb be closed. Motion by Branch, seconded by Bosquez and passed, that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that the foregoing requests be approved as follows: That the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application #372-4, Carl D. Webb, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "A-2" Apartment House District on a portion of Lots 1 & 2, Section 53, Flour Bluff & Encinal Farm & Garden Tracts, beginning at a point which is approximately 330 feet south of Glenoak Drive and 242 feet east of Waldron Road, thence extending east an additional 1,036 feet and south an additional 330 feet (comprising a tract 1,036 feet in depth and 3130 feet in width), be denied, but in lieu thereof "A-1" Apartment House District be granted, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. That the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application, #372-5, Cad D. Webb, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-1" If Neighborhood Business District on a portion of Lot 1, Section 53, Flour Bluff & Encinal Farm & Garden Tracts, beginning at a point which is approximately 330 feet south of Glenoak Drive on the east right-of-way of Waldron Road, thence extending east 242 feet for it's depth and south 330 feet for it's width, be denied, but in lieu thereof, "A-1" Apartment House District be granted, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. es ial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 6 • City Manager Townsend presented Apprcatian #372-6, Charles A. Colley, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "R-2" Two-family Dwelling District on all of Lots 10 through 13, Block 11, Flour Bluff Park, located in the 900 Block of Flour Bluff Drive. He explained that the request, was heard by the Planning Commission on March 14, 1972, and Forwarded to the Council with the recommendation that it be approved as a logical use for this property. No one appeared in opposition to the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Motion by Bosquez, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by Stark, seconded by Gonzales and passed, that the recommendation of the Planning Commission be concurred in and that Application 0372-6, Charles A. Colley, for change of zoning from "R-113" One -Family Dwelling District to "R-2" Two-family Dwelling District on all of Lots 10 through 13, Block 11, Flour Bluff Park, be approved, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change. City Manager Townsend announced that a formal public hearing has been scheduled for April 19, 1972, for the closing of theportion of Gateway Drive abutting Lots 1 and 12, Block 3, and Lots 15 and 16, Block 4 of Gateway Park Subdivision lying between Cline and O'Connel Streets. He stated that the closing of a portion of Gateway Drive had been the subject of a public hearing on August 27, 1967, and that it had been deemed appropriate to alert those persons who were involved in the previo^s application of the new hearing, as they would also be involved in this portion. He described the location on the map and pointed out that the previous request had received considerable discussion relative tawhether or not the closing would affect the drainage if buildings were constructed on the closed portion. He sated that as before, the Staff is recommending that it be closed. He stated that property owners within 450 feet will be given notice of the hearing, and that all those interested are invited to attend. Mayor Sizemore explained that the purpose of this special meeting being held in the•Flour Bluff Area was to give residents an oppert.nity to express themselves and make known to the Council what they feel the community needs and to become better acquainted with the City Council and Staff, He introduced members of the Council and Staff members who were present, and attending members of the Planning Commissicn. es ial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 7 • Mr. Graham A. Scott complained of drainage problems from overflow of septic tanks and runoff from the City's sewage plant at Laguna Madre. Mr. David Cadena, requested more detailed description of the proposed closing of Gateway Drive. Mr. Wendell Keetch stated the residents of Flour Bluff would like to have their image changed in the minds of the City Council and City Staff; that they desire to become a part of the City and not thought of as the "junk yard" of Corpus Christi, and the idea changed that all "things that are not nice" belong in Flour Bluff. He stated it is hoped that the Council will close their minds to some of these old views and turn to new ones and appreciate the fact that Flour Bluff is trying to become a better looking part of the City. He complained that there is a problem of old buildings being moved into the area which are in a delapidated condition; that no one seems to know how they got there and why; that they are concerned as to how this is permitted to happen. He further stated that the personal living habits of some residents ore being infringed upon by issuance of building permits for undesirable substandard structures. City Manager Townsend explained that buildings are not supposed to be moved into the City Limits unless they are up to City standards and proper permits issued with agreement that the buildings will lneet those standards before the owner is allowed to connect to the City utilities system. He requested that specific addresses be furnished of such instances and that Neighborhood Improvement Program Director Ernest Briones would investigate and report to the Staff and to Mr. Keetch. Mr. Townsend pointed out that Hurricane Celia had had some bearing on movement of some structures, but pointed out that some delapidated structures do, in some instances, become very nice dwellings after proper renovation. Mrs. Buchanan, owner of Plaza Motel, 10637 South Padre Island Drive, complained that a building permit had been issued for a structure located ten feet from her motelwhich is not completed but is housing 36 dogs, and operating under the name of a pet shop. She stated the noise from barking dogs is destroying her business. Mr. Townsend stated he shares Mrs. Buchanan's concern of why violations of this nature require so much time to go through the administrative processes, and explained it is not as simple as it appears; that there must be eyewitnesses of the time, place and number of dogs, etc. or a con- viction is not possible. He stated the Staff would check into this complaint. tes tial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 8 Mr. Earl S. Robinson, 317 Hialeah, complained of lack of adequate street maintenance in Flour Bluff Area, stating that in the past 12 years the area had grown significantly and that the streets remain substantially the same. He stated children are still attending school by walking on the shoulders of narrow streets between traffic and deep ditches. He pointed out that there has been considerable new development of good homes but no main arteries have been established for easy access to and from their homes. He stated he felt the Flour Bluff community had been overlooked in this department and inquired what could be expected in the future in the way of street improvements. Mayor Sizemore pointed out that a considerable amount of money had been spent for various improvements in this area which are not visible, such as water and sewer lines and drainage facilities. He stated that since the area was annexed the City has spent more money in the area than it has collected in taxes. He explained priorities relative to installation of underground utilities, and that construction must be in their proper sequence so as not to tear down completed aboveground construction. City Manager Townsend explained the voluntary street improvement program wherein the property owners initiate the program through petitions and indication of their willingness to pay their pro rata share of the improvements, He explained that major streets which serve the entire community are subjects of major assessments programs. He pointed out that many streets in Flour Bluff area were had been improved with curb, gutter and sidewalks and that these were all that /; included in the Bond Program, Mr. Robinson stated that when Flour Bluff was annexed, the street program was one of the points argued in favor of the annexation issue, and that they still do not have the major arteries. Mayor Sizemore named the streets which were included in the bond program which are basically before this Council. He urged residents in the Flour Bluff area to join the Flour Bluff Civic Association for better communications with the Council. He explained the difficulty in trying to deal with individuals separately. Mr. Sizemore stated that they have his promise that the Council will look at the street improvement problems with a great deal of concern; but must work from a long list of priorities. tes tial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 9 • City Manager Townsend pointed out that when Flour Bluff was annexed, the City assumed a $507,000 Water District debt, and that all the money which has been voted for this area has been spent largely for sanitary sewers and a very fine water transmission line which will last for years to come. Mrs. Elliott, stated that the residents pay an average of $400 in taxes annually and cannot see where the money goes. She stated she had observed that every time someone moves into the community, they have to put in their own sewer and water lines, that the only improvements other than the sewage plant, had been the resurfacing of Waldron Road and the occasional filling up of some of the chug holes in some of the other streets. Mr. David Cadens commented that the Council has heard a dissertation of various views, needs and complaints in the Flour Bluff Community, and stated he is taking this opportunity to plead with the Council not to grant the request for rezoning of the tract in Block 15, Flour Bluff Park for development of a mobile home subdivision. Mr. Charles Colley, 1005 Flour Bluff Drive, stated that the intersection of Padre Island and Flour Bluff Drive was a dangerous traffic hazard and requested that the traffic light be reactivated. City Manager Townsend stated the intersection would be investigated by the Traffic Engineer. Mrs. Bill Painter, 2002 Yorktown Boulevard, inquired if there were any plans for a water line on Yorktown Road. She was advised by City Manager Townsend that the water line is in the current budget and would be constructed along Flour Bluff Drive down to Yorktown, and will be under way in this current year. Mr. Graham Scott, architect, 3141 Jamaica, stated he is speaking for the Tropic Isle Association, and requested that the City investigate and watch the performance of the sewage system in this area. He stated they own property on a series of canals and that to a certain extent the canals contain captive water which could be a natural place for pollution. He explained that as of now the water is not stagnant but is full of grass and could become exceedingly objectionable and dangerous. He stated the City should observe the condition and avoid future problems, City Manager Townsend explained plans for a force main from the Plant at Laguna Madre to the Naval Air Station to transmit some of the sewage north to the next plant. Mr. James K. Richey, 4536 Brookdale, requested if paving would be installed along NAS Drive, and will paving be torn up for individual taps. tes cial Council Meeting April 10, 1972 Page 10 City Manager Townsend stated the project is designed so this will not happen, but there may still be some cuts which cannot be avoided, particularly in case of line failure. Mr. Eddie Savoy expressed appreciation on behalf of the Civic League for this opportunity to meet with the Council, members of the Planning Commission and City Staff. He pointed out the effectiveness of the Civic League and urged all area residents to join the League and attend their meetings which are held every Thursday night at 7:30 at the Flour Bluff School. Mayor Sizemore stated the Council intends to continue its policy of holding neighborhood meetings, and that the Council will be soliciting the help of civic organizations for a capital improvement program during this current year; will attempt to close the credibility gap between citizens and elected officials and share the feelings of all sections of the City. He thanked Mr. Wranosky for the use of the building for this meeting,and expressed appreciation for the some 150 persons attending this meeting. Mr. Ralph Durden, Planning Commission member, expressed a desire to set up a joint meeting with the Flour Bluff Civic League and Planning Commission to work out problems which he stated the Council will be confronted with in the future. He stated he would like to see the Commission engage in a little more planning and less zoning. The May, 1972 meeting was suggested as a possible time for such a meeting. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Special meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m., April 10, 1972.