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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-03-19 1160 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission March 19, 1968 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:35 P. M. , in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall, by Chairman Len Weber. Members in attend- ance are listed as follows: Doctor Richard Lande, Messrs. Jack Browne, Bill Tench and Len Weber. (Absent: Mr. Don Hastings.) Also present were City Inspector Jack Bullard and Recording Secretary Florence Murr. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting, dated March 5, 1968 and the Called Meeting, dated March 12, 1968, were approved as written. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were Messrs. Walter A. Elliott, Jr. , Robert A. Kalkruth, Raleigh Blakely, Brice W. Cook and Ran Holman. COMMERCIAL PERMIT NO. 60 SOTOGRANDE APARTMENTS Chairman Weber addressed Mr. Ran Holman, a representative for Sotogrande Development, and advised that there seems to be a discrepancy in the valuation of the proposed structure - that when using the base figure of $7.40 per square foot, which is used by the City of Euless, the value is $835, 119.60, rather than $507,840.00. Mr. Holman stated that he was not aware of the base figure used by the City. Chairman Weber stated that he has another question, which pertains to drainage - that the application indicates surface drainage. Mr. Walter Elliott advised that the developers have proposed a storm sewer inside their tract which will take care of the excess water and pointed out the location of various inlets. Mr. Brice Cook advised that he completed the form requesting a permit, and had mis-interpreted the question con- cerning drainage - that he would authorize the City to correct the application in this matter and also in the value of the proposed structure. ,, (Page Two, Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission, March 19, 1968) Chairman Weber stated that the City requires a minimum of 174 parking spaces to accommodate 116 apartment units, and the plans for Sotogrande indicate only 168 parking spaces. Mr. Holman advised that there is an error - that they were aware of this requirement and it will be complied with. He stated further that there should not be a problem - that they have obtained permission to park over an easement which belongs to Lone Star Gas Company, and this area will used if necessary. Mr. Browne inquired if the requested permit is for only one segment of the proposed development. Mr. Holman replied that this is for the first section, which is located approximately seven hundred (700) feet South of Pipeline Road, adjacent to Central Junior High School . Mr. Holman advised that bids were taken for the entire development on March 18, 1963 and that the bids will be let on March 20, 1968 - that his firm is anxious to start this project as rapidly as possible. Mr. Holmen presented colored slides of an apartment complex located in Dallas, stating that Sotogrande Apart- ments will be very similar to this development. He advised that they were designed by the same architectual firm. In reply to a question, Mr. Holman advised that the minimum rental rate at Sotogrande for a three bedroom, two bath unfurnished apartment, will be $240.00 with all bills paid. Mr. Browne inquired if all of the apartments will have three bedrooms. Mr. Holman stated that, at this time, they plan to construct fourteen (14) three-bedroom apartments, thirty- eight (38) one-bedroom apartments and advised that the remainder will have two bedrooms. There was a brief discussion concerning garbage facilities, and it was determined that dumpsters will be used. Mr. Bullard inquired concerning the type of outside lighting which is planned and whether or not street lights will be required. Mr. Holman stated that his firm has conferred with Texas Power and Light and Texas Electric Service concerning this matter; however, a decision has not been reached at this time. Mr. Bullard advised that the City should be advised, in writing, if standard wooden poles are not desired. Mr. Holman stated that this matter will be worked out at a future date. Mr. Browne made a motion to recommend approval of Commercial Permit No. 60, for the construction of one hundred, sixteen (116) units, as requested by Sotogrande Development, providing the number of parking spaces is increased and all other building require- ments are complied with. Doctor Lande seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: (Pape Three, Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission, March 19, 1960 ,, Ayes: Messrs. Browne, Tench and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. II . PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL, AN APARTMENT COMMUNITY (SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 157 AND HUFFMAN) BASIL GEORGE'S I NVESTMENT COMPANY Chairman Weber recognized Mr. Walter Elliott, who stated that he represents the developers of the proposed Apartment Community. Mr. Elliott introduced Messrs. Raleigh Blakely and Robert A. Kal- kruth, stating that they, along with Mr. Basil George are owners of the pro- posed development. Mr. Elliott stated that he has a copy of a letter from the City's Consulting Engineers, dated March 18, 1968, which pertains to this development. Chairman Weber stated that he questions the projections on the private drive, as indicated on the plat. Mr. Blakely advised that the areas which protrude conform with the street width. In reply to a question from Mr. Bullard, Mr. Elliott stated that the developers propose private drives, which will be maintained by the owners, rather than dedicated public streets -- that utility easements will be furnished the City. Chairman Weber inquired regarding the reason for owner-maintained drives. Br. Blakely stated that the developers want a contained unit in itself, which eventually contain approximately four hundred (400) apartment units -- that they are endeavoring to maintain a "park like" atmosphere, with the green belt concept and playgrounds. He pointed out that all utilities will be underground, and they prefer not to dedicate the streets, in order to maintain this atmosphere. Mr. Blakely stated that, in his opinion, children should not have to run across a public street or parking area to get to the playground. Mr. Bullard advised that restricted parking will be necessary -- that fire lanes must be open at all times. Mrl Blakely stated that he is aware of this and restricted parking will be enforced. Mr. Tench inquired concerning fire plugs in the area. Mr. Bullard pointed out the proposed location of fire plugs, and it was determined that the width of the driveways will be thirty (30) feet, which exceeds the required twenty-seven (27) foot width for streets. ker Chairman Weber inquired concerning the property to the East of this proposed development. It was pointed out that part of this property is that which the City's Consulting Engineers refer to in their letter of March 18, as follows: (Page Four, Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission, March 19, 1968) ,. Insert No. 1 "(2) Since the low point in this tract is at its Southeast corner, we are in agreement with the plans as to the location of stub-outs for sewer and storm sewer. However, this is not consistent with street system of the adjacent plat to the East. Since the property to the East is covered by Section D2(n) of your ordinance, we recommend the City Commission and Council invoke this provision and declare the plat for Park Crestmoor Addition 2nd Filing, void." Mr. Elliott commented that the developers of Park Crestmoor No. 2 can re-file a similar plat, if they desire. Mr. Browne inquired concerning the developers' plans for adjacent property which they own, but which is not included in the proposed apartment complex. Mr. Blakely stated that he and his associates are uncertain of its future use, at this time -- that they propose to wait and see if commercial usage is more desirable than apart- ments would be. Mr. Bullard advised that the screening of this property must be considered at a future date -- that it must be screened if the adjacent property is zoned for single family residences, and this would be required before a building permit was approved. Mr. Blakely stated that he does not object to screening the property, if necessary; however, he would prefer to wait until the adjacent property was developed into a residential area be- cause there was always a possibility that it would also be zoned for apart- ments. Chairman Weber stated that this would not be possible, that it would be too complicated to wait. Mr. Browne commented that this require- ment was not applied to the Sotogrande Apartment Development. Chairman Weber stated that, in his opinion, Sotogrande would find it necessary, because of the adjacent school . Mr. Ran Holman, representing Sotogrande, advised that they will screen their property if required to do so. Mr. Blakely referred to Item 4 of the letter from the City's Consulting Engineers, dated March 18th, which states as follows: Insert No. 2 "(4) We assume that the drainage channel on the West edge of this property will be constructed and maintained by the Texas Highway Department. If the City is not certain of this fact, we suggest confirmation since concrete liner or bottom would normally be required if the City were to provide maintenance." Mr. Blakely presented a copy of the Easement Agreement with the State, in which they advise that they will accept the drainage channel for maintenance. (Page Five, Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission, March 19, 1968) A brief discussion of the proposed driveways followed, and Mr. Blakely pointed out the location of those to be included in the first phase of construction. In reply to a question concerning the name of this development, Mr. Blakely advised that it would be named at a future date. Mr. Tench made the motion to recommend approval of the preliminary plat for the apartment community, as requested by Basil George's Investment Company, providing the provisions of the letter from the City's Consulting Engineers, dated March 18, 1968, are acted upon. Mr. Browne seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Browne and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. III. DISCUSSION: PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE Mr. Browne stated that he was unable to attend the meeting which was called for the purpose of considering the proposed zoning ordinance, because of business matters, and had sent his comments and suggestions to City Hall for consideration at the meeting. However, some of his suggestions were not included in the list of recommend- ations, as recorded in the minutes of that meeting. Chairman Weber advised that, in his opinion, the City Council will consider additional recommendations in this matter. Mr. Browne advised that his primary concern is the allowance of residential property in a commercial area. Mr. Bullard stated that, according to the law, if property is zoned for commercial or heavy industrial use, a man can build anything, as long as it conforms to the building requirements. Mr. Browne stated that, in his opinion, this would encourage speculative zoning -- that a person could zone his property commercial , knowing that he could resort to residences, if necessary. However, if the construction of residences were prohibited, he would be more cautious in requesting a change of zoning. Mr. Browne comment- ed further that, if he were in this position, he would zone everything he owns for commercial usage. Chairman Weber stated that the zoning ordinance will be a guideline to assist the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council -- that, in his opinion, it will have to be flexible, with no hard and fast rule. Chairman Weber commented further that if a big business wants to come into this City, we will have to make every effort to get it here. (Page Six, Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission, March 19, 1968) Mr. Browne stated that he is also of the opinion there should be some ratio of playground area for apart- ment -- that an apartment complex could be completed before the developer is aware of the need for more playground and by that time, possibly, there will not be any land available for this prupose. IV. CHANGE OF MEETING TIME FOR PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Doctor Lande made the motion to change the time for Planning and Zoning Meetings from 7:30 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. Mr. Browne seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Browne, Lande and Tench Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:50 P. M. APPROVED: Ci i man ATTEST: eat.: r- Secretary FM:dfh