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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/02/1975 - SpecialMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING January 2, 1975 7:00 P. M. PRESENT: . Mayor Jason Luby ' Mayor Pro Tem James T. Acuff 'Commissioners: Rev. Harold T. Branch City Manager R. Marvin Townsend Thomas V. Gonzales Exec. Asst. City Attorney Michael May Ricardo Gonzalez 'City Secretary Bill G. Read Gabe Lozano, Sr. 'J. Howard Stark Mayor Jason Luby called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, and stated the purpose of the Special Meeting was to receive citizen input on development of the Cayo del Oso. Assistant City Manager Archie Walker made introductory comments in the temporary absence of City Manager Townsend. He explained that there are many factors involved other than environmental, and the purpose of this hearing is to receive information from the community for consideration of the Council. He explained however, that no action will be taken by the Council at this meeting and no recommendation by the staff. Mr. Earl Goetsch, Senior City Planner, made'a comprehensive presentation of the historical background of Oso Development plans stating that Tract "C" was acquired by the City in 1956 for $2.00 per acre,(was originally 780 acres) with special conditions that the land must be filled to an elevation of three feet within a six-year period, and the Legislature granted three extensions of this agreement, extended in 1961, 1965 and 1971, which extended the development period to July 1, 1975. He explained that since the original acquisition, there have been 15 major groups interested in the development, and numerous other inquiries have been made but did not submit suitable plans worthy of consideration. Mr. Goetsch discussed these plans and proposals from Exhibits #1 through #13 displayed on the wall of the Council Chamber. In addition, he explained that there have been numerous City staff and consultant studies relating to access, land use, odor problems, soil and testings; that the City and Navy officials are presently conducting a noise assessment study of areas adjacent to each airport which will be of great value in determining land uses for Tract "C" that will be compatible with N.A.S. operations and the community; that the City has underway a program of land acquisition along the western side of Tract "C", the objectives of which are to provide future expansion of the Oso Treatment Plant, provide more open space around the plant thereby minimizing possible adverse effects on adjacent land uses ..Inutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 2 and help protect possible access to Tract "C" for future development. Mr. Goetsch explained that following the original purchase of the Oso, the City had two separate boundary surveys made, one by Wm. Green and the other by Robert Dunlap, and as a result of judgments in several law suits, the property adjacent to the University of Corpus Christi, the property claimed by Henrichson and Seghrue, and the property near the Oso Municipal Golf Course, were deleted from Tract "C". City Manager Townsend arrived at the meeting at this time and reemphasized that the purpose of this special meeting was to receive information from the public and that the staff has no proposal or recommendation at this time, but pointed out that the status of the Oso has reached a point where a decision must be made. He further pointed out that the land was initially purchased in 1956 because of com- plaints from this area of blowing sand and odor problems,and that Tract "C" is the only area under consideration at this time. Mr. Walter Louviere, 4829 Mokry, stated the Oso should not be developed for commercial or residential uses in view of the City's determination that further high density should not be permitted around the Naval Air Station. Ms. Margaret Ramage, Chairman of the Nueces County Historical Survey Committee and member of the Landmark Commission, stated the Survey Committee plans to put a marker in the vicinity of the Oso, noting that the Karankawa Indians used that area as a burial ground, and it would seem more appropriate to beautify a part of the Oso area rather than develop for business or homesite purposes. She stated the Landmark Commission would like to look upon the Oso as a historic site for the heritage of Corpus Christi. Mr. R. W. Beatty, 6902 Pharaoh, requested that the City allow the present option to secure the Oso from the State to expire without further action, and any future action by the State to develop for housing or commercial uses be opposed. He stated that to build the elevation up three feet above normal is morally irrespons- ible, and would be inundated by hurricanes endangering both life and property. He pointed out that previous hurricanes had damaged the Ocean Drive bridge, an oil and gas well adjacent to South Padre Island Drive, and had blocked passage south of the Alameda Junction. He commented that in the event of a major disaster, the taxpayers would have to share in its rehabilitation, and further cited the cost to the taxpayers if a bridge is built across the inlet channel across Ocean Drive as proposed by the Dallas Company who has an option to submit a plan; that long-term Minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 3 economic benefits to the City from development of the Oso may be marginal; commercial development would be contrary to restricting development in the vicinity of the Navy installations; and location of the Oso Sewer Treatment Plant adjacent to the proposed development makes the area undesirable for single- family or high-density housing. Mr. Frank Peerman, developer of Pharaoh Valley Subdivision and Pharaoh Country Club, spoke as a private citizen, stating that in 1950 his firm recognized the potential beauty of this open space and at that time birdwatchers came from all over the United States to enjoy this natural beauty until some well-meaning citizens placed the ugly blight of the Oso Sewer Treatment Plant along this landscape. He stated that following problems of blowing sand and obnoxious odors from the sewer plant, they were told that an application had been made for federal funds for installation of an adequate sewer plant and a sewer line was under study; that their development of these subdivisions was based on this report, but this never became a reality and the government money was spent for other things. He stated his firm is not interested in seeing this natural sanctuary for wildlife developed into a "sea of houses" but would like to see it remain as it was before the sewer plant was built, but if it is to remain as a bird and wildlife sanctuary, it should be cleaned up. He commented that the Oso as it is known today is not natural but is a polluted swamp; it could be the most beautiful area on the Gulf Coast and could be the showcase of the southwest, but will take money, dedication and hard work. Mr. Jim Boggs, president of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, presented a suggested program for the development of the Oso. He pointed out that the Cayo del Oso is a fantastic open space within the and City limits, a place of growth and safety for many birds, fish and other marine life.' He listed some of the tremendous potential that rests in this area of the City as follows: open space, Texas A & I Campus, parkway on Ennis Joslin Road, natural park and recreational area, continuous bicycle trail, recreational activities, low maintenance of natural park, would be for everyone's benefit, tourist attraction, and undo what man has done to contribute to blight. He cited other advantages to developing the Oso into a recreational area, namely, provides a real live coastal estuary which functions as such at our doorstep, keeps area clear of buildings and highly populated areas and assists in maintaining a good relationship with the Navy, land costs are less along the Oso Shoreline compared to along Ocean minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 4 Drive, and is an advantage to Texas A & I Corpus Christi to have a well defined campus free from encroachment and loss of identity. Mr. Jim W. Machlan, architect, concurred in the statements made by Mr. Boggs, and urged the adoption of that concept for development of the Oso. He offered additional comments and suggestions as follows: that commercial and/or residential development would forever deprive Corpus Christi's citizens of the area's potential for enhancing our quality of life; that this natural mini -estuary should be maintained for scientific investigation and studies for all ages from university levels down to elementary science students; possibly a significant natural laboratory; would provide suggestions for photography and art which would enhance the tourist -interest in the area; carry the natural park concept of the Oso as a part of the green belt proposed by the Harland Bartholomew Study, and provide hiking and bicycle trails around three sides of the City nearly 40 miles long. He stated the portion of the Oso that is now being called "a dead bay" is dead because a land causeway was constructed across it allowing insufficient circulation of tide and waves, and _°anC.. elevated bridge should be constructed to allow the bay to reform its own natural bottom. He suggested that an inter-deciplinary committee be established to make detailed recommendations to this end which group should consist of people from the community expert in fields of natural science, geology city planning, art, photography, graphic design, engineering, and landscape architecture, all of which the University of A & I at Corpus Christi could supply leadership and expertise. Mrs. Patricia Suter, 1002 Chamberlain, speaking for and as an environmentalist, stated she was definitely in favor of keeping the Oso as a natural estuary for a'wild- life sanctuary and should not be destroyed. She stated she endorsed the concept presented by the American Institute of Architects, particularly, the provision for bicycle trails. She stated she did not feel the Oso should be developed for the primary purpose of increasing the City's tax base. Mr. Mitch Bright, 453 Lowman, spoke in opposition to the use of the Oso for commercial or residential uses and read a series of figures for computation of the value of the Oso bays and estuaries. He stated the City and State cannot afford not to preserve this heritage. Ms. Gratia Fern Winship, presented and read a written statement of W. L. D. Winship (her father) chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Winship Foundation, Minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 5 stating that the Winship Foundation had joined the Audubon Outdoor Club of . Corpus Christi, Inc., and others, in 1972, to help stop any move for development of any portion of the Cayo del Oso. The statement urged the City not to divert publicly owned lands for private development and profit on the basis that the Oso Estuary is of greater interest to local and out-of-town visitors for its bird life than any single area, and protection of the Oso If.,interests many more citizens than those of which the City Council is apparently; aware; that research has this area's shown that/narine estuaries of which the Oso is typical and unique, are among the most productive in marine life and total food production of any areas in the country and destruction will be a blow to local fishermen both sport and commercial. Miss Janet Taylor, 506 Stirman, member of the Science Club of Del Mar College, stated the Oso should be maintained as a sanctuary for wildlife with the cooperation of the A & I at Corpus Christi Environmental Protection Society, and appropriate legislation be sought to protect the future of this valuable land. Mr. Jim Wells, resident of the Cayo del Oso, spoke in opposition to any commercial or residential development of this area. He stated he agrees with a proposal presented by Urban Engineering Firm that a road be constructed from Alameda to tie into Padre Island Drive.. He stated that•he has always advocated that the land be used as park land and that he had even offered his ten acres to the City for that purpose. He blamed the City for the odor problem, and stated the City had been made aware from the beginning that they wanted the area to be used for parks, recreational purposes, and bird and wildlife sanctuaries. City Manager Townsend pointed out that any construction that might be done on this land would have to be done at 12' elevation, and the only land that would be public land would have to be raised to 3 feet. He also pointed out that the $350,000 bond issue for the effluent line was never voted, the money was not actually allocated by voter approval. Mr. Townsend explained in detail the situation relating to the agreement the City has with the Dallas firm, stating it is only giving the Oso Development Company an option to submit a plan, and the City is not committed to accept the proposal. He explained that all discussions have • contemplated leaving the private water front property out of development plans. Mrs. Ted Jones, teacher and biologist, reminded the Council that she presented the City with a petition containing 900 signatures at the 1971 hearing opposing the • Oso Development Company's proposal, and also any filling or dredging of Tract "C" ' e. __minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 6 Mr. George Clower, 321 Laurel, spoke representing his real estate firm, stated that there has been a lot of information gathered over the years about the development of the Oso, and it is generally agreed that whatever is done about one area affects, to some extent, the entire surrounding area. He read a letter from his firm to the City Council offering suggestions regarding the future of this unique area: (1) urging the City to accept the recommendation of the Sasaki, Walker Associates,Inc. employed to conduct as a general guide, a study for future development of the Corpus Christi Bayfront from Corpus Christi Beach to the Naval Air Station; (2) that an impartial study be undertaken by local firms and offering their firm's services; and (3) urging the City Council to proceed with efforts to obtain private property in Tract "C". He stated that members of his firm bave'had experience in this field and they feel, through these combined efforts, a solution of this matter could be brought to a head. He stated this would be financed through private contributions, and in his opinion, the study could be completed within three months. Captain J. H. Wynn of the Training Air, Wing at the Naval Air Station, stated that Area "C" is directly under the flight pattern of the Air Field, and the noise from military airplanes would arouse great antagonism if the Oso area is developed residentially. Mr. Irving Dietz, Civil Engineer at the Naval Air Station, pointed out disadvantages of potential development of the Oso, stating that residential develop- ment would be contrary to the noise survey and access studies which have been made. He also pointed out that the City and the Highway Department made a joint agreement with the Federal Government regarding construction and funding of an access road to the Naval Air Station, and if a change is made, there would be an obligation to reimburse the government for funds expended to provide this access road. Mr. Galen Westwick, 336 Merrill, spoke representing OPUS, stating this conservation organization is on record as opposing structural development of this natural area on the basis that it would be damaging to the ecology and not a feasible use of the land. Mrs. Kay McCracken, 11544 Up River Road, spoke representing the Corpus Christi Audubon Outdoor Club, stating this organization is on record as being definitely opposed to any plans which would lead to the development of the Cayo del Oso or any part of it for housing, industry or a marina, and this recommendation Minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 7 has not changed. She commented that the issue had become highly charged with political aspects, and since the Council Chamber is filled with politicians, "they must be deaf, dumb and blind" to these advantages. She stated cher organiza- tion was instrumental in persuading State Representative Joe Salem to introduce a bill i:n,the State Legislaturetin� Se -_the ]97ssion as a result of the then City Council's actions and agreement with the Oso Development Company of Dallas. She stated she and many other citizens voted for that Council ticket on the assumption that•r posi- tF n,would be supported. Mayer Luby stated he had never been involved in the Oso issue, but the only way this matter is going to be put to rest is for the Council to take a definite stand with positive action. Mr. S. Rhodes suggested that the City allow the State to take the land back it put and begin a concerted community effort to have / to park and recreational, biological and marine life uses. Mr. Bert Haas, local architect, 323 Montclair, stated it is his understand- ing that Tract "C" is school land, and inquired as to what control the City would have if it reverts back to the State. He commented that it could probably be leased for oil wells. Mr. Gene Peoples, member of the Goals for Corpus Christi, stated there are three alternatives available: (1) extensive development; (2),no development; or (3) limited development for public use. He commented that one problem is getting reasonable people to reason with each other; pointed out that the Oso is part of our natural environment and not one of our beautiful parks because of what man has done, but it should be kept in mind that man is a part of this environmental system. He stated he did not feel the City should put itself in the position of having to elevate the land three feet by any given time. He suggested that he would rather see the City reason with reasonable people and take another approach with the State Land Board and the Attorney General. Mr. Johnny Cotten, architect, 1743 Third Street, concurred in the suggestions made by Mr. George Clower that knowledgeable people combine their expertise, experience, efforts and studies available, and come up with a feasible plan to submit to the Council. He pointed out that it is not logical that the sewer plant can be moved. Mr. Charles Bennett, 3909 Panama, suggested that the City not proceed with the pending law suit concerning the water line in the Oso and save the City the cost of attorney's fees, and allow the land to revert back to the General Land Office. —Minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 8 t Dr. W. R. Hubler, Padre Island Drive, owner of `a ° Gulf Stream condominium on Padre Island Drive, stated he was opposed to any commercial development of this land, but felt it should not be left as it is. He commented that from some points of view, this land is very attractive and from others, it is very hideous, and an effort should be made to beautify the area and do away with the odors and mud flats. He stated he does not agree with the environmentalists that it should just be left in its natural or present state. Dr. Henry H. Hildebrand, Conservation Chairman of the Corpus Christi Audubon Outdoor Club, read a statement from this organization respectfully requesting that the City terminate all plans which would lead to the development of the Cayo del Oso or any part of it for housing, industry or a marina. He pointed out that without expenditure of one tax dollar the Oso functions as an important nursery ground for shrimp, redfish, trout and drum, and the club considers this the highest and best use; that in addition, the large and varied bird population of the Oso is a source of enjoyment to many residents and tourists and enhances its economic benefits to the City. He stated the group also questions the need for additional access to the campus of Texas A & I Corpus Christi; the university could be better served by good public transportation rather than by dotting the area with parking lots and damaging the Oso with another strip of asphalt to the Island. The Club would appreciate being advised of the results of discussions between the City and the University on providing this transportation; the club recognizes the inadequacy of the two sewer plants, and this problem is far more serious at the Westside Plant on Saratoga as foul odors are common in the Oso Creek near the outfall. He stated the club pledges its support in correcting this unhealthful situation. Dr. Hildebrand stated he is opposed to finger canals and it is highly doubtful that the Corps of Engineers will grant a permit for this development. Mr. Raymond Truitt, student of Texas A & I Corpus Christi, pointed out the unique opportunity this natural habitat for wildlife would afford the University biology student body. He also cited dangers connected with construction of buildings on this land, questioned the cost of filling it to 3 feet elevation, and warned that if it is allowed to revert back to the State it will never be regained. Mr. Dennis Parrish, executive secretary of the Area Development Committee of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, reads statement from the ADC dated December 19, 1974, stating that this group elected not to -comment on the feasibility __antes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 9 or the desirability of commercial development of the Oso, but the Committee wishes to encourage the City to take whatever action necessary to obtain clear title to Tract "C"; that the ADC believes the City, by virtue of being the governmental agency closest to the citizenry, will be most responsive to the needs and desires of the citizens, and in order for the greatest benefit to be derived from the Oso, the City should control the extent and nature of its development, if any. Mr. Frank Hankins, secretary of OPUS, stated there is no doubt about what the majority of the people want, but seems to be some doubt as to what direction should be given to thelocal'.legislative delegation. He stated he strongly feels the Oso should be kept in its present state, but if it is to be developed, he is not sure if this should be done by the City or the State. Ms. Norma Barrera spoke representing Texas A & I Corpus Christi Science Club, stating this natural estuary offers an enormous opportunity not available to any other campus and requested that this be taken into consideration. Mr. Jim Tucker, Engleside, Texas, president of the Seafood Producing Corpora- tion, stated the Oso in its present state is very valuable to the commercial fishing and shrimping industry and the Council's decision on this cannot be under estimated in its importance. He compared the loss of any part of this land to a good pie, that "when you take one piece, the rest is soon consumed." Mr. Andrew Boyls, 630 John Lee Street, stated he was a commercial fisherman and former shrimper and recommended that the City, if possible, obtain possession of the entire area, and leave it in its present state as a natural habitat for fish .and shrimp. He questioned the future of the Oso if the City gets possession, citing as an example the Yacht Club. He suggested that perhaps it would be wise to turn the land over to the young people of the City and University and let'them develop it as they- see fit. Ms. Mary Lou Huffman, chairman of the Park & Recreation Board, submitted a written statement to the effect that this area, with all of its potential and natural beauty, be designated as a park preserve with emphasis on protecting the water fowl and other natural inhabitants; the development to be toward recreational type activities and with the possible addition of scientific and cultural study 4 9 • institutes. State Senator, DeWitt Hale, and Representatives, LeRoy Wlieiting, Joe Salem, and Carlos Truan, all made brief statements of legislative background and Minutes Special Council Meeting January 2, 1975 Page 10 actions leading up to the present time. Mayor Luby read into the record telegrams received from Mr. Richard M. Landsman, Town & Country Shopping Center, and Mr. Douglas A. Newton, Jr. of San Antonio, Texas, strongly urging positive action for development of the Cayo del s . — f�y Oso, to compete with other areas and progressive states.-' �f Mayor Luby, on behalf of the Council, thanked those persons appearing -------- v" at this this hearing and voicing their views regarding this important matter, and the legislators for their comments. There being no further business to come before the Council, motion by Acuff, seconded by Branch and passed, that the special meeting be adjourned at 11:15 p.m., January.2, 1975.