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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-12-03 Regular Meeting (, Planning and Zoning Commission December 3, 1968 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:00 P. M. , in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall , by Chairman Leonard Weber. Members present are listed as follows: Doctors Harold Hall and Richard Lande; Messrs. Bill Tench and Weber. (Abser:t: Mr. Jack Browne) . Also present was Recording Secretary Florence Murr. VISITORS Visitors Visitors in attendance are listed as follows: Messrs. and Msdms . George T. Crowley, Jr. , Jerry G. Butler, J. E. Sheaver, C. W. Staffle; Mesdms. Sam Cadenhead , Maxine Martin and L. G. Spencer; Ms. Rita Kay Martin; Messrs. J. W. Murr, R. L. Wheeler, Len Wheeler, W, W. Fuller and Hugh M. Waite. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the previous meeting, dated November 19, 1968, were approved as written. PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING LOT 20 AND THE EAST ONE-HAJ..F OF LOT 21 , BLOCK 2, ARNETT ADDITION, FROM "R-1" TO "R-3"} REQUESTED BY MRS. L. G. , SPENCER (ZONING CASE NO. 182) Chairman Weber recognized Mrs . L. G. Spencer who requests that Lot 20 and the east one-half of Lot 21 , Block 2, Arnett Addition be rezoned from "R-1" Single Family Residence to "R-.3" Mul- tiple Family Residence. Mrs . Spencer stated that she is desirous of rezoning this property, in order that she may erect a building to house four, or possibly five apartment units. Mrs . Spencer advised that the property is unimproved at this time -- that she is desirous of improving it and, at the same time, realizing an income from it. Mrs. Spencer stated that she plans to erect e nice , attractive brick structure, and advised that each unit will have two bedrooms -- that she hopes to add the fifth unit to the rear of the structure for her own occupancy. Chairman Weber inquired concerning Mrs. Spencer's request for rezoning only one-half of Lot 21 . Mrs. Spencer stated that she owns only one-half of the lot . (Pape Two, Minutes of Planning and Zoning Commission Meetinq,„ December 3t 196 ) Doctor Hall inquired if all of the lots in this area are developed at this time . Mrs. Spencer replied affirmatively, stating that she is of the opinion they are all single family residences . However, it was determined that the property behind Mrs. Spencer's lots (on Alexander) is undeveloped. In reply to a question from Mr. Tench, Mrs. Spencer stated that the nearest apartments are located on Martha, which in her opinion, is two or three blocks from the property in question. A gentleman in the audience advised that, by Euless ' numbering system, the distance is only one block. Chairman Weber advised that a petition, signed by approximately thirty-four (34) citizens who oppose this rezoning re- quest, has been presented to the City of Euless. Chairman Weber read from the petition, as follows: " The majority of homeowners within 200 ' of the above mentioned lots wish the zoning to remain "A" Residential . Attached is a petition (against the rezoning) signed by homeowners within 200 ' of the lots , and another petition signed by neighboring homeowners and residents who feel that their home values would also be affected . The following is a summation of their attitudes and reasons . 1 . If the lot is occupied it would be preferable to have another one family residence rather than a multi-family apartment in the middle of a single family block. A homeowner, having a vested interest in the property would be more likely to maintain it. 2. Duplexes and apartments tend to deteriorate more rapidly than single family residences and would lower the value of surrounding property. 3. Having more than one family residing on a lot designed to accommo- date only one will increase traffic (already a problem on this one-block street) and possibly cause a parking problem. This can be evidenced by the increase in traffic congestion since the build- ing of the apartments at the west end of Arnett and Alexander. There are already 24 school age children on Arnett Street alone, we do not want them to have the additional problem of steering their bikes around parked cars on a curving street . 4. Apartment dwellers are in general a more transient group of people than home owners. 5. As there are other vacant lots in this addition, a change in zoning would set a precedent which could change the whole character of the neighborhood . We, the undersigned owners of real property within 200 feet of Lot 20 and the east half of Lot 21 , Block 2, Arnett Addition, A, J. Huitt Survey, do (Page Three , Minutes of Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, December 3, i 68��) hereby protest any change in zoning from "A" Residential (particularly the petition of Mrs . L. G. Spencer which requests a change to "R-3" Apart- ments) ." Chairman Weber inquired if there were those in the audience who desired to speak in favor of this rezoning request . There being none, he called for opponents. Mr. Jerre Butler, whose address is 200 Arnett , inquired concerning the necessity to say anything in addition to the comments included in the petition which was presented by opposing citizens. Chairman Weber advised that no further com- ments are required; however, the purpose of this public hearing is to hear both sides of a question and any interested party is invited to express his opinion. Mr. Butler inquired if "R-3" zoning for the property in question meets the Master Plan. Chairman Weber advised that this property is borderline -- that the best made plans must be changed some time or other -- that as a City grows and progresses , plans must be anticipated , and the purpose of this Board is to consider proposed changes and to make a decision as to what is best for the City. Mr. Butler stated that the petition ex- presses the opinions of the neighbors, who own and homestead along the block that they have pride in what they have , and that apartment dwellers do not ordinarily enjoy the same pride. Mr. Butler stated that the lot in question has not been maintained by the owner in its undeveloped state and that , in his opinion, it would be more difficult to maintain a dwelling occupied by four or five families. Mr. Butler advised that it has been necessary to contact the City, requesting that this lot be maintained and that it was mowed only one time this Summer. Mr. Butler stated that he is opposed to this rezoning be- cause of the increasedtraffic , transient tenants and numerous other reasons . Mr. Tench inquired concerning the width of the street , and was advised that it is a thirty (30) foot street -- that when cars are parked parallel on both sides of the street , there is not enough space for two cars to navigate -- that it necessary for one car to stop. A spectator commented that the ingress and egress to an apartment house at this location would be impossible -- that the lot is only the width of an average residential lot. Mr. Jim Shearer stated that, in his opinion, the lot in question is not large enough for an apartment house -- that he lives across the street from this location, and he considers that the erection of an apartment house would lower the value of his home at least $1500.00. Mr. Shearer commented further that there is not enough space for parking, and in his opinion, we do not need an apartment house there -- that if anything is to be put on this lot , he considers it should be a family and a home. (Page Four, Minutes of Planning and Zoning Meeting, December 3, 1968.) At this time , Chairman Weber declared the Public Hearing closed . Doctor Hall commented that he considers this would be spot zoning and made the motion to recommend that Mrs. Spencer's re- quest for the rezoning of Lot 20 and the east one-half of Lot 21 , Block 2, Arnett Addition, from "R-l" Single Family Residence to "R-3" Multiple Family Residence, be denied . Mr. Tench seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench, Hall and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried . Mr. Tench stated that in view of the fact that he seconded Doctor Hall 's motion, he would like to express his feelings -- that his decision in this case was based on his consideration of the surrounding dwellings , the narrow street , congested traffic and potential fire lanes , and the feelings of the other property owners, plus the fact that this is presently considered "A" Residential , Mrs. Spencer inquired if it would be possible to build a duplex at this location. Chairman Weber advised that it will be neces- sary for Mrs. Spencer to submit another request , if she desires to rezone the property to accommodate a duplex. A gentleman in the audience commented that he moved to his present address seven years ago, with the understanding that Martha would be a commercial area , but those terrible apartments were built -- that it is a problem area , with many transients. The gentleman stated that he hopes that in its long range consideration, the City will not allow a Developer to get by with this again. Chairman Weber stated that this is the reason the City has gone to the expense of hiring a Land Planner to assist in up-dating the Master Plan -- that this Board realizes that industry reduces our taxes, and industry is fine as long as it is in the right place -- that basically, this Board is striving to keep industrial and commercial businesses in their place, with apartments acting as a buffer. Chairman Weber commented that there is a shortage of housing in this area -- that apartments are necessary, but the City is trying to place them in locations , as buffer zones between residential and industrial areas -- that the apartments which are being built now are better in quality than those in the past. Chairman Weber advised Mrs . Spencer that her zoning request may be withdrawn, if she desires , and one-half of the fee paid will be refunded -- that she should contact Mr. Bullard if this is her desire . (Pa.e Five Plannin. and Zonin. Commission Meetin. December 1.68. t II . PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING OF 5.73 ACRES OUT OF SOLOMON HUITT SURVEY, FROM "R-1" TO "L-1" AND 5.74 ACRES OUT OF SOLOMON HUITT SURVEY, FROM "R-1" to "R_3", REQUESTED BY MAIN DEVELOPMENT CO. , INC. (ZONING CASE 183) Chairman Weber recognized Mr. Hugh Waite, a representative for Main Development Co. , Inc . , which requests the rezoning of two tracts of land out of the Solomon Huitt Survey, 5.73 acres from "R-1" Single Family Residence to "L-1" Limited Industry, and 5.74 acres, from "R-1" Single Family Residence to "R-3" Multiple Family Residence . Mr. Waite advised that the property in ques- tion is located East of Somerset Place Addition, adjacent to the industrial area which was recently rezoned at the request of Mr. Robert H. Power, Zoning Case No. 179. Mr. Waite stated that , at the request of City Manager C. J. Griggs , owners of property in this area had met and worked out a plan for development of the property which was agreeable to all concerned -- that this plan was submitted to the Euless City Council and approved. Mr. Waite stated that he and Mr. Bert Heyl , owner of the tract of land north of the tracts in question, have worked out a plan to create their own buffer zone between their subdivisions and the adjacent industrial tract. Mr. Waite advised that Mr. Heyl 's request for rezoning will be submitted at a future date and will be compatible with the request which is being considered at this time. Chairman Weber stated that he was advised earlier in the day that the City of Euless is of the opinion this rezoning re- quest is not in agreement with the plan submitted by the property owners previously, and that the City expects all property owners to follow the plan for development which was agreed upon. A lengthy discussion followed , and Mr. Waite commented that , in his opinion, he and the other property owners have done more than the average to abide by the City's wishes, having spent time and money in preparation of a suitable plan. Mr. Waite pointed out a proposed street, located between the two tracts in question, advising that he and Mr. Heyl are of the opinion this street is a natural buffer between the two zoning classifi- cations -- that he requests "L-1" zoning for the tract adjacent to the other industrial area because he feels that he needs to maintain control of any industrial area adjacent to his properties. Mr. Tench made the motion to recommend that the request submitted by Main Development Company, Inc . , for rezoning 5.73 acres from "R-1" Single Family Residence to "L-1" Limited Industry, and 5.74 acres from "R-1" Single Family Residence to "R-3" Multiple Family Residence, be disapproved , in view of the fact that this Board has not been advised of sub- sequent recommendations and actions taken by the City Council on this case. (Pa•e Six Minutes of Plannin• and Zonin. Commission Meetin. December 1.68. Doctor Lande seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tench , Lande and Hall Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried . III . RESOLUTION NO, 123. CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING CASE NO. 184, REQUESTED BY MR. ZOLAN WILKINS Chairman Weber presented Resolution No. 123, calling a Public Hearing to consider the request of Mr. Zolan Wilkins for re- zoning Lots 21 , 22 and 15 , Block 12, Cedar Hill Estates. Chairman Weber advised that the suggested date for this public hearing is January 7 , 1969. Doctor Hall made the motion to approve Resolution No. 123, setting January 7, 1969, as the date for a Public Hearing to consider Zoning Case No. 184. Mr. Tench seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Hall , Tench and Lande Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried . IV. SUSPENSION OF PLANNING AND ZONING MEETINGS FOR REMAINDER OF YEAR 1968 Doctor Hall made the motion to suspend all meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission until January, 1969. Doctor Lande seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Hall , Lande and Tench Nays: None Chairman Weber declared the motion carried. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9: 15 P. M. APPROVED: ATTEST: Chairman Secretary FSM