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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-09-19 Regular Meeting of the tipe Planning and Zoning Commission September 19, 1967 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 3:00 P. M. , in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall , by Chairman Len Weber. The following members were present: Messrs. Weber, Bill Tench, Jack Browne and Don Hastings. (Absent: Dr. Richard Lande.) Also present were City Inspector Jack Bullard and Mrs. Florence Murr, Recording Secretary. VISITORS Visitors in attendance were: Messrs. William V. Gray, James T. Dewey, Hugh M. Waite, Ran Holman, Walter A. Elliott, Jr. , Gene Welch, Paul Moen and S. M. Hall . APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Tench made the motion to dispense with the reading of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting dated September 5, 1967, and approve as written. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Hastings and Browne Nays: Hone Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. II . PUBLIC HEARING, ZONING CASE 162 MR. GENE WELCH Chairman Weber opened the Public Hearing on Zoning Case 162, stating that Mr. Gene Welch requests the rezoning, from "A" Residential to "A-3" Multiple Family Dwelling, of a 16.'87 acre tract out of the J. P. Halford Survey, in the City of Euless. Chairman Weber recognized Mr. Gene Welch, requesting that Mr. Welch make his presentation to the Commission at this time. Mr. Welch presented a plat which indicated the location of the property in question, as well as other property in the sur- rounding area and pointed out the zoning classification of the surrounding properties. fir. Dullard corrected Mr. Welch pertaininc, to the zoning classification of the property occupied by the Silepperied-A-r 4ve F%rs7- Baptist Church, advising that this property is zoned "A" Residential , rather than "C" Commercial . (Page Two, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, /19/67) Mr. Welch stated that he has requested this change of zoning in order to accommodate an apartment development. He com- mented further that the owner would like to have the first apartments completed and ready for occupancy by May 1 , 1968. Mr. Welch stated that there will be twelve (12) or thirteen (13) apartments to the acre, which is considered light density. The apartments will be one story structures, which will blend with the surrounding residential area and will separate the commercial property on Huffman Drive from the residential property in the area. Chairman Weber inquired as to the number of apartments to be housed in one unit. Mr. Welch replied that the larger units will have nine apartments and some smaller units will have four and others only three. The apartments will be, primarily, one and two bedroom apartments; how- ever, they plan to have a few three bedroom apartments. The apartment complex will have two swimming pools and parking facilities at the rate of one and one- half to one. At the request of Mr. Tench, the City Inspector informed Mr. Welch of the problems which have been experienced regard- ing garbage service. Mr. Bullard stated that each individual is responsible for his garbage, and he is of the opinion that all Developers should be aware of the problem. Mr. Bullard commented that, possibly, a solution to the problem is forthcoming -- that Tarrant County Disposal , who has a franchise to operate in the City of Euless, has presented a proposal to the City that the garbage service fee be collected with the water bill . Mr. Bullard stated that, in his opinion, this would eliminate a lot of problems; however, that a Developer of an apartment complex is usually asked to indicate his plans for disposing of garbage. Mr. lielch thanked Mr. Tench for calling this to their attention, in order that they can make their plans accordingly. Mr. Browne inquired regarding the traffic into the area. Mr. Welch stated that it will be funneled in, in order to eliminate fast traffic through the area. ilr. Welch stated further that there will be two entrances and two exits on each end of the complex. In reply to a question regarding the width of the proposed streets, Mr. Welch advised that their plans call for a width of sixty (60) feet, which is the regulation of: the City of Euless. Mr. Welch stated that the complex will set back thirty (30) feet from Spur 350, and the plans are to fill the area adjacent to Spur 350, building up five or six feet high and landscaping it, in order to hide the parking lot and, possibly, decrease the noise. Mr. Welch stated that, if their present plans are acceptable, only two trees will be removed from the entire tract -- these trees being only four inches in diameter, in order to preserve the natural beauty. There was a discussion of the proposed parking arrangement, and Mr. Welch pointed out the facilities for tenants indi- cated on a plat, commenting that guests, in all probability will park on the street. Mr. Browne asked how they proposed to keep cars from parking on the street. Mr. Welch suggested that signs might be erected, allowing parking during certain hours. Mr. Browne suggested that cars parked on the street might make it difficult for fire trucks to maneuver in the area. Mr. Welch stated that sixty (60) ft. streets should accommodate the fire trucks. (Pgge Three, M1inutes of Regular Meeting of Planning and Zoning Commissjon,9/19/6. Mr. Dullard inquired as to whether or not the streets will be dedicated to the City or be maintained by the owner. Mr. Welch replied that nothing definite had been decided; however, he is of the opinion the streets will be maintained by the owner, according to the City's re- quirements. Mr. Welch showed colored slides of other apartment developments which are similar to the units planned for the property in question. Mr. Welch stated that the owner plans to construct approximately one hundred, ninety nine (199) apartments, which is less than 12.5 to the acre. Chairman Weber inquired if there were those present who desired to comment pertaining to this rezoning request. Hr. William V. Gray inquired if this re- zoning request pertains to all of the property West of Euless City Hall . Mr. Welch showed Mr. Gray and others in the audience the plat, indicating the exact location of the property in question. Mr. Gray inquired about the houses located on Sheppard Drive, specifically, as to whether or not the houses were occupied at this time or had been condemned. Mr. Bullard replied that most of them are occupied -- that there is only one remaining which will be removed due to the construction of Spur 350. Chairman Weber inquired if there were others who desired to comment. There being none, Chairman Weber declared the Public Hearing closed. Mr. Tench made the motion to recommend approval of Zoning Case Ho. 162, as requested. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Hastings, Tench and Browne Hayc: Hone Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. III . PRELIMINARY PLAT r PROVPLL - SOTOGRAWDE PPARTME SABRE REALTY Chairmen Weber stated that the next item for consideration was the Preliminary Plat Approval for Sotogrande Apartments, and inquired if a representative from Sabre Realty was present. Mr. Ran Holman stated that he was present, as representative for the owner, Mr. Sob Folsom, and presented several plats, the first of which indicated the street layout, commenting that it is very similar to the proposed layout which was presented at the Public Hearing on the zoning request. Hr. Holman stated that the streets have been laid out in a manner to decrease the velocity of traffic. {Page Four, Minutes of Re•ular Meetin• Pla nin and Zonin. Commission /14/6 . Chairman Weber inquired regarding existing buildings in the area. Mr. Holman stated that there are several buildings in the area at this time, which will have to be removed. Mr. Holman stated that this preliminary plat had been presented to the Hurst Planning and Zoning Commission last evening, and that they had registered their approval . Mr. Dullard stated that a letter dated September 18, 1967, has been received from the City's Consulting Engineers, in which the engineers register approval of the storm sewer design. Reference was made to the Engineer's letter pertaining to comments regarding the park area, which is to be a part of the apartment complex. Mr. Holman stated that the owners desire to maintain the park, as they feel it will be an asset to the area. Mr. Jullard stated that it will be neces- sary for Mr. Folsom to furnish the necessary documents referred to in the Engineer's letter, rather than that they be furnished by the City Attorney, as suggested by the Engineers. Mr. Holman stated that he was in agreement with this. In reply to a question from Chairman Weber, Mr. Dullard stated that, in his opinion, the City will not require any over-sizing of sewer lines, because of the small amount which will be situated within the City of Euless. He stated further, that if there is any over-sizing, it will probably be in the Hurst area, rather than the Euless area. Mr. Dullard advised that the sewer lines indicated on the plans are acceptable, because they go al- most all the way to Pipeline Road. He stated further that the Cities of Euless and Hurst have not reached a definite agreement concerning the water and sewer facilities, but the City Manager of Hurst has indicated that the City of Hurst wishes to own the portion lying in the City of Hurst and that indications are that valves will be pieced in the lines, separating the lines within the City of Euless from those lying in the City of Hurst. Mr. Holman presented proposed plans for thc sanitary sewer lines. Mr. Walter Elliott, Engineer, stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Hurst recommended to their City Council that the Developers be allowed to use Euless' water and sewer facilities, with an agreement being worked out between the cities until such time as the City of Hurst can furnish facilities. Chairman Weber inquired if there is a time limit stipulated. Mr. Elliott advised negatively -- that it is a matter of when they can. It was pointed out that it is advantageous for the facilities to con- nect with other cities. Mr. Holman presented plans indicating storm drainage, and stated that the plans were as nearly complete as possible, at this time. He commented that the Developer plans to build a dam to create a lake, to remove trees and debris in the area of the proposed lake, build walk- L. ways in the area -- the area will be used for picnics, etc. Mr. Holman stated that the depth of the lake has not been specified, at this time -- that the engineers will make recommendations in this matter. (Dge Five, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission,, 9/19/67.) In rc ly to :a question pertaining the number of units planned, Mr. Holman advised that plans are to construct fourteen (14) or fifteen (15) units. Mr. Browne inquired if the street proposed through the apartment complex will draw traffic from Pipeline Road. Mr. Bullard replied that, in his opinion, it will , unless Pipeline Road is improved; however, it should not be a problem until this development is extended farther West. Mr. Browne inquired pertaining to the parking facilities, and was advised by Mr. Holman that off-street parking will be provided; however, he considers it will be impossible for the developer to control the visitors, who may park on the street. Mr. Holman stated that their plans indicate a ratio of one and one-half (11) parking spaces per unit, and the park- ing areas will be located near the units, for the convenience of the tenants. A lengthy discussion of the possible re- routing or improvements to Pipeline Road followed. Mr. Elliott stated that the street propos- ed for Sotogrande Apartments will contain sixty (60) feet of right-of-way and that Mr. Folsom has indicated that he would like to build the street at least thirty-six feet and possibly forty feet in width, and that the street will ac- commodate only the apartment complex. Mr. Browne inquired regarding the sewer facilities and was advised that the City of Euless has a sewer plant in the edge of Fort Worth, which ecomsodates all of the sewerage in this area. Mr. Browne inquired if any difficulty with the City of Hurst is anticipated regarding the portion of sewer lines which will run through Hurst. Mr. Dullard stated that the Cities of Hurst and Euless are working together, and when Hurst is in a position to take-over their portion, they will do so. He stated, further, that agreements will have been reached by the time the Final Plat is presented for consideration. Mr. Holman stated that he does not anticipate any difficulty -- that they are working closely with both cities. The City Inspector advised Mr. Holman that it would be most helpful if this property would be designated by Tract, rather than Field Motes, when the Final Plat is presented. Mr. Holman stated that this request would be complied with. Mr. Hastings made the motion to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat for Sotogrande Apartments, as presented. Mr. Browne seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Hastings, Orowne and Tench Hays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. (Page Six, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, 9/19/67.) Iv. PRELIMINARY PL.T fPPi OVr L, MAIN STREET PLACE ,P0i" I0Nu MR. HUGH WAITE Cha i rmmn Weber recognized Mr. Hugh Waite, Developer, who stated that he requests approval of the Preliminary Plat for Main Street Place Addition to the City of Euless. Mr. Waite advised that he proposes to develop this <<'dition, which is adjacent to and North of Westwood Village. Plats of the proposed subdivision were studied by Memers of the Commission, and Mr. Hastings inquired about the pro- posed street named Chapel Lane. Mr. Waite advised that Chapel Lane runs East toward the !Airport, and that the property East` of his proposed subdivision is un- developed, at this time. Mr. Waite stated that City Manager Griggs and Mayor Fuller were consulted regarding access to the addition, and after re- viewing the proposed Master Plan, it was recommended by the gentlemen and sug- gested by Mr. Waite that he should attempt to tie into Midway Drive in accordance with the Master Plan. Mr. Waite commented that he has attempted to accommodate the City, in this regard, as nearly as possible. Mr. Waite stated that it has been suggested by one of the Members of the Council , that it would be a good idea to off-set the street, in order to eliminate speeding traffic. Mr. Waite stated that, on this date, he received a copy of a letter dated September 18, 1967, from the Consulting Engineers, in which they comment on the Preliminary Plat for North Main Place, and that, in his opinion, the engineers have apparently disregarded the proposed Master Plan. Mr. Bullard advised Mr. Waite that the City has a Master Plan, which has been adopted, and that the City is attempting to up-date the Master Plan, which is now in effect. Chairman Weber read the letter from the Consulting Engineers dated September 18, 1967, which contains the following comments: ". . . We do not believe there is ample justification for the diversion of Midway Drive to the North. It is our opinion that this collector should be provi: cd for in this development and we recommend this course of action. Because the above recommended change has a major effect on the overall subdivision concept and this change would materially alter the balance of the addition, we cannot recommend approval of this Preliminary Plan until this determination is made. If it is determined to carry Midway Drive through this addition, we believe the Developer will want to re- consider his entire street pattern." Chairman Weber asked Mr. Waite how he felt about "straightening out the job". Mr. Waite commented that it would leave him with a small , isolated piece of property, which would be too small to be of any value to him. (Page Seven, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, 9/19/67.) Mr. Bullard stated that there is a need L for a collector street, and the Engineers are of the .;,r_.inion that there is not enough property between the proposed addition and dao creek to facilitate the construction of a ,:-1ieotor street in that area. In reply to a question concern- ing the distance 'ram the proposed subdivision to the creek, Mr. Waite advised that it is approximately the same as is in his proposed addition. Mr. James Dewey stated that he has been advised that plans for the tract that lies between the proposed addition and the creek are being made at this time. A lengthy discussion followed, and a study of the proposed plans, as submitted by Mr. Robert Caldwell , Land Planner, was made. Mr. Waite inquired as to the feasibility of off-setting Sixpence Lane. Mr. Bullard stated that he would not recommend this because of traffic control facilities which have been set up at Midway and North Main -- that he does not consider it practical to necessitate moving these facilities. Mr. Dewey stated that, in his opinion, a carrier street through this addition would lower the value of the property, mak- ing it a less desirable street to live on, because it would be a race track. Following a lengthy discussion, Mr. Hastings made the motion to approve the Preliminary Plat of Main Street Place, as presented. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Browne made the motion to disapprove the Preliminary Plat of Main Street Place until such time as a compatible solutior be reached with the City's Consulting Engineers. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Tench made the motion that the Prelim- inary Plat for Main Street Place, as submitted by Mr. Hugh Waite, be tabled until such time as a change in the street layout from Midway Drive is compatible with the Engineers' requirements. Mr. Browne seconded the motion. City Inspector Jack Bullard advised that it was the duty of the Planning and Zoning Commission to make some kind of recommendation to the City Council , and the Chairman did not call for a vote. Mr. Browne stated that there are other ways to explore this matter which may result in re-platting. Mr. Waite stated that, in order to comply with the Engineers' recommendation, it will be necessary to have a straight street running East, rather than Northeast as indicated on the Master Plan, and he is of the opinion that he was mis-advised, having been requested to comply with the Master Plan. Lir !After a lengthy discussion, it was de- termined thit a street is required, and it is merely a question as to the location (Page Eight, Minutes of Planning and Zoning Commission, 9/19/67.) of the curve, in order to comply with the Master Plan. Chairman Weber stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission must make a recommendation of some kind to the City Coun- cil . Mr. Browne stated that, in his opinion, the Commission is basically in agreement that this plan is not exactly as it should be. Mr. Tench inquired as to the radius of the curve indicated on the Preliminary Plat, and was advised by Mr, Dewey that it was consistent with existing main streets. Mr. Tench made the motion to recommend ap- proval of the Preliminary Plat for Main Street Place, as submitted. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench and Hastings Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion failed to carry. Chairman Weber asked if it was permissable for him to vote, unless his vote was necessary to break a tie. He was advised, by the City Inspector, that, in his opinion, the Chairman of a Committee may vote as a member, if he desires. Mr. Tench made the motion to recommend ap- proval of the Preliminary Plat of Main Street Place Addition to the City of Euless, submitted by Mr. Hugh Waite. Mr. Hastings seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Hastings and Weber Nays: Mr. Browne Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:20 P. M. APPROVED: ATTEST: 4c-- Ae K`7 Chairman i22�G Secretary