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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-06-15 Regular Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission June 15, 1971 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:05 P.M. , in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall , with Vice Chairman Jack Cline presiding. Members pre- sent are listed, as follows : Messrs. Turner Gauntt, Jr. , Herman Wallace and Jack Cline. (Absent were Messrs. Leonard Weber, Bill Tench, Harry Arth and Richard Leggett.) Also present were City Inspector Jack Bullard and Recording Secretary Florence Murr. VISITORS Visitors in attendance are listed, as follows : Mr. and Mrs. Julian L. Evans , Messrs. Ray Reynolds, Brad Ogle, Blease Tibbets, Everett Bauer, Walter A. Elliott, Jr., Wm. J. Shepherd, Jr., Charles S. Starnes and Harry B. Hunsicker. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Gauntt moved to approve minutes of the regular meeting dated June 1 , 1971 . Mr. Wallace seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Messrs. Gauntt, Wallace and Cline Nays : None Vice Chairman Cline declared the motion carried. II , PUBLIC HEARING ON ZONING CASE NO. 213, REQUEST OF MR. EVERETT L. BAUER FOR REZONING 2.11 ACRES OF TRACT 2, BAUER ADDITION, FROM "R-1" SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "C-2" COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT(PROPERTY LOCATED ON WEST SIDE OF DEBRA DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 324 FEET NORTH OF SH183) Vice Chairman Cline recognized Mr. Walter A. Elliott, Engineer, who stated that he represents the owners of the property (Page Two, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, June 15, 1971 ) for which rezoning is requested. Mr. Elliott advised that the owners are also present to answer questions which may be directed to them. Mr. Elliott presented a Plat showing all of Tract 2, Bauer Addition, pointing out the location of the property and advising that a portion of the tract is presently zoned "C-2" Community Business District and the owners request "C-2" zoning for the remainder of the tract (2.11 acres) to accommodate the community shopping center which is proposed. Mr. Elliott advised that this is a Joint Venture and introduced the owners, Messrs. Ray Reynolds and Brad Ogle of Guardian Mortgage Company of Dallas, Texas, and Mr. Everett Bauer. Photographs of the architectural drawing of the proposed development were presented for review of Members of the Commission, and Mr. Elliott advised that the development will consist of 050 one-half that retail shops, a theater and a food chain are proposed, with parking area to facilitate the development -- that the development is planned away from the highway into a planned-unit type development with mall effect -- that park- ing for shoppers is provided in front of the buildings and parking for employees only is located to the rear of the buildings. He stated that a six (6) foot concrete screening wall is proposed across the north side of the property, extending down the west side toward SH183, to give privacy for nearby residents, and to buffer the noise and other factors away from the residences. Mr. Elliott pointed out that four areas have been desig- nated for trash collection -- that dumpsters will be placed in these areas which are screened off on the sides, so they cannot be seen by people driving in the area. Mr. Elliott reported that Guardian Mort- gage has contacted potential lessees and have several "Triple A" firms who have indicated they are interested -- that ground will be broken within a short period of time, if this zoning request is granted. Mr. Elliott stated that this development will create jobs for local people, give added sales tax revenue and ad valorem taxes to the City, and, in his opinion, it would be an asset to the City of Euless. Replying to questions from Vice Chairman Cline, Mr. Brad Ogle advised that facilities will be leased to tenants -- not sold -- that two theater chains are interested, a food market chain, drugstore and cleaners are ready to sign lease agreements -- that he and his associates are considering a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Store themselves. Mr. Ogle stated that the developers are ready with their financing and tenants are ready to sign leases; therefore, he is of the opinion they can break ground within thirty (30) days of approval of this rezoning request. Mr. Ogle stated that they will use the architectural design which (Page Three, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, June 15, 1971) was presented this evening -- that the malls will not be enclosed completely, but have lattice work over them. Mr. Ogle stated that much planning has gone into this development -- that they purposely avoided the usual strip shopping center and are being particular in choosing tenants -- that the theater was placed in the corner because it was considered the ideal lo- cation for a theater -- that every shopping center has a "dead" corner and retail shops do not want to locate there; however, it does not matter with a theater. Concerning the completion date for the project, Mr. Ogle stated that he estimates completion within one (1) year, possibly eight or nine months. Mr. Wallace asked if the screening wall will be located on the property line. Mr. Elliott replied that there are several trees within one (1) or two (2) feet of the property line which are ad- vantageous to adjoining residential property, and Mr. Bauer has indicated that those trees will be retained, if possible. He stated that there are other trees which will be left, if they can be used in landscaping the areas de- signated for trash dumpsters. Mr. Elliott estimated that the wall will be within thirty-five (35) to fifty (50) feet of some of the residences. Mr. Gauntt inquired concerning the dis- tance from existing "C-2" zoning to residential property, from the median of the tract in question. Mr. Elliott estimated between one hundred, sixty (160) and one hundred, seventy (170) feet. Mr. Wallace inquired concerning a screening wall along the east property line. Mr. Elliott stated there will be no wall on the east side -- that the wall across the rear of the property will ex- tend to that line, which abuts Debra Drive. Mr. Bullard advised that certain require- ments must be met concerning the screening wall -- that the height must be decreased at the building line, tapering down to thirty (30) inches at a point nine and one-half (9iz) feet from the curb (Debra Drive) . Vice Chairman Cline asked if there were others desiring to speak in favor of this rezoning request. There being none, he called for opponents and recognized Mr. Julian Evans, 1909 Greenbriar. Mr. Evans stated that he would like for someone to clarify the location of the screening wall along the north boundary. (Page Four, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, June 15, 1971) Mr. Elliott stated that the wall is presently designed to be located within six (6) inches of the property line; however, Mr. Bauer has indicated a desire to save the trees located within one or two feet of the property line. In a discussion of the possibility of a strip between the screening wall and residential property lines, it was pointed out that maintenance could create a problem. Mr. Elliott stated that property owners could use this property in return for maintenance of it; however, if an agreement concerning maintenance of it could not be reached, the developers would be forced to place the screening wall on the property line, and he is hopeful that existing fences will be removed. Mr. Evans stated that he is not concerned about the trees, but he is concerned about privacy -- that he is of the opinion the six foot wall will take part of his away "noise-vise". Mr. Elliott explained that the shopping center buildings will buffer highway noise, and the wall will buffer the view and noise of the shopping center. Mr. Evans expressed concern that undesir- able businesses may lease the buildings at some future date -- that he might have a bar located at his back door. A discussion followed, and Mr. Elliott agreed that there was this possibility, if ownership of the property changes; however, he cannot see this happening under the present ownership. In reply to a question, Mr. Bullard advised that private clubs must draw up a charter and present it as a non-profit organization before they can operate -- that there will be no open bars there unless Euless is voted "wet", and if this happens there will be bars all along the highway. He commented that the south portion of this tract is presently zoned "C-2" at this time, and the potential for a bar on that portion of the tract is already there. Mr. Evans stated that he does not actually object to this; however, he would call attention to one shopping center in the City where some of the buildings are empty at this time. Mr. Gauntt commented that, in his opinion, this type of development is what we need in Euless, rather than strip "C-2" zoning -- that the City is in dire need to compete with cities like Arling- ton for quality developments; however, he realizes we do not know that this is what will go in there. With reference to the comment concerning the deteriorating shopping center, Mr. Ogle commented that it is unattractive and does not appeal to people -- that he is of the opinion Euless needs a lbw good little shopping plaza with good shops in it -- that this is why they (Page Five, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, June 15, 1971) Cow did not design a strip center -- that they were trying to develop a miniature regional shopping center. Replying to a question from Vice Chairman Cline, Mr. Ogle stated that the facilities will be leased at a base rental rate plus percentage rental . Vice Chairman Cline asked if an automotive repair center is proposed for the shopping center. Mr. Ogle stated that he and his partners have discussed a General Tire Store or something of this nature -- that he is of the opinion garages detract, generally; however, he thinks it would be an ideal location. Vice Chairman Cline declared the Public Hearing closed. Mr. Gauntt moved to recommend approval of the rezoning of 2.11 acres of Tract 2, Bauer Addition from "R-1" Single Family Dwelling District to "C-2" Community Business District. Mr. Wallace seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Messrs. Gauntt, Wallace and Cline Nays : None Vice Chairman Cline declared the motion carried. III . CONSIDERATION OF FINAL PLAT FOR OAK FOREST ADDITION, SECOND SECTION, REQUESTED BY CHARLES G. STARNES, ENGINEERS REPRESENTING RALDON CORP. , OWNERS (WEST SIDE OF NORTH MAIN STREET, FROM EXISTING SUBDIVISION NORTHWARD TO ASH LANE) Vice Chairman Cline recognized Mr. William J. Shepherd of Charles G. Starnes Engineering Firm and advised Mr. Shepherd that the City's Engineers have indicated that they cannot recommend approval of the plat of Oak Forest Addition, Second Section at this time, explaining that some of the lots will have to be revised in size and shape. Mr. Shepherd stated that the developers are anxious to start this project and asked if the approval cannot be granted subject to changes recommended by the City's Engineers. In reply to Vice Chairman Cline's question, kir Mr. Bullard stated that there is quite a difference in grades and drainage (Page Six, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, June 15, 1971) indicated on the Plat and some of the lots are not the proper size; there- fore, he would not recommend approval of it at this time. Vice Chairman Cline asked Mr. Shepherd if he would consider changing his request,for consideration at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, which will be July 6, 1971 . Mr. Shepherd stated that he apparently has no choice in the matter. Mr. Gauntt moved to defer action on the request for consideration of Final Plat Approval for Oak Forest Addition, Second Section until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Wallace seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows: Ayes : Messrs. Gauntt, Wallace and Cline Nays : None Vice Chairman Cline declared the motion carried. IV. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME APPLIED TO CONDITIONS SUBSEQUENT ON "C-2" COMMUNITY BUSINESS ZONING IN ORDINANCE NO. 368 (ZONING CASE 196) , MR. HARRY B. HUNSICKER (3.6 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF SPUR 350 SERVICE ROAD, NEAR BEDFORD-EULESS CITY LIMIT LINE) Vice Chairman Cline recognized Mr. Harry B. Hunsicker, who advised that the property in question is adjacent to property for which rezoning is under consideration of the City Council at this time, and he requests an extension of time applied to conditions sub- sequent to coincide with conditions placed on property in Zoning Case No. 211 . Mr. Hunsicker advised that he also owns the property for which Mr. Tony Scalise recently obtained an extension, and he considers it would be most helpful both to the City and himself, if the specified time for de- velopment (under all three ordinances) expired on the same date. In reply to a question from Vice Chairman Cline, Mr. Hunsicker advised that Mr. Scalise's extension was for a period of twenty-four (24) months. Mr. Gauntt moved to recommend approval of a twenty-four (24) month extension, from date of expiration of time applied to conditions subsequent on "C-2" Zoning incorporated in Ordinance L (Page Seven, Minutes of Regular Meeting, Planning and Zoning Commission, June 15, 1971 ) No. 368. Mr. Wallace seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Messrs. Gauntt, Wallace and Cline Nays : None Vice Chairman Cline declared the motion carried. V. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Wallace moved to adjourn the meet- ing. Mr. Gauntt seconded the motion, and the vote is as follows : Ayes : Messrs. Wallace, Gauntt and Cline Nays : None Vice Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:0+ P.M. APPROVED: ATTEST: Chairman Secretary fsm L