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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-09-16 t CRegular Meeting Planning & Zoning Commission September 16, 1980 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Euless City Hall by Chairman John Deithloff. Members & Staff Present Members Absent John Deithloff Helen Lightbody Carl Tyson Bob Williamson Robert McMillon Bob Eden Ralph Gibson Kent Flynn - Director of Planning Becky Null - Recording Secretary James Knight - City Engineer VISITORS Mr. Claude McNabb Mr. John Maurice Mr. Mike Wallace Mr. Bill Lindsey Mr. Raymond Himes Mrs. Chesley Johnston Mrs. Raymond Himes Mr. Chesley Johnston Mr. Andrew Himes Mrs. Frankie Lindsey Mrs. Andrew Himes Mrs. Retha Evans Mr. Troy Fuller Mr. Bryan Flippo Mr. Pete Workings INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Robert McMillon. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Tyson made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting dated September 2, 1980, as written. Mr. McMillon seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Ayes: Messrs. Tyson, McMillon, Deithloff & Gibson Nays: None Chairman Deithloff declared the motion carried. C , Page Two, Regular Meeting, Planning & Zoning Commission, September 16, 1980 0 I. PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING CASE 321 - REQUEST OF MIKE WALLACE FOR CHANGE OF ZONING FROM "R-1" TO "R-5" ON TRACTS 3, 3A, 2A3 and 2A2A, J. P. HALFORD SURVEY, A-711, LOCATED EAST OF HIMES DRIVE, NORTH OF AIRPORT FREEWAY AND WEST OF NORTH MAIN STREET Chairman Deithloff opened the public hearing and explained that the proponents would be heard first and then opponents. Mr. Mike Wallace, Mike Wallace & Associates, 133 Plaza Blvd. , Hurst, stated he is the agent for the prospective owner, and they are requesting a zoning change from "R-1" to "R-5" to allow the construction of 160 apartments on the subject property. He stated the developers wanted to use the 20 foot frontage on North Main Street strictly as a fire lane. To prevent a heavy traffic flow onto North Main Street, he stated there would be access from Himes Drive and Byers Avenue. He stated that the property would not likely be developed with single family residences because of the commercial property adjacent. He stated that the multi- family zoning would provide a buffer between the commercial and the single family residences already in the area. Mr. Tyson asked Mr. Wallace if he had discussed his plans with City Staff regarding the proposed fire lane access. He also asked what would keep cars from using this access. Mr. Wallace stated that he had mentioned his plans to restrict the access to a fire lane. He stated that in other areas they have used a high curb. Mr. Tyson asked Mr. James Knight if something like this was allowed. Mr. Knight stated that the Fire Department discourages the use of any type of speed bumps because it could cause injuries to firemen riding on the rear of the engine if the bumps were hit suddenly. Mr. Wallace stated that he was just trying to keep the traffic off of North Main Street. Mr. Knight stated that if it was used as a fire lane, Staff would require that it be paved with a hard surface. He stated because of the narrow width and also the fact that it would be impossible to prevent the public from using the lane, it would be necessary to make it one way. He stated that this problem would be addressed at the time of platting if this case is approved. Chairman Deithloff asked if the purchase of the property is contingent Con the zoning. ' Page Three, Regular Meeting, Planning & Zoning Commission, September 16, 1980 CMr. Wallace stated that it was. Chairman Deithloff asked if there were any more proponents. There being none, he asked if there were any opponents. Mr. Pete Workings, 304 Lee Drive, stated he moved to Euless to get away from apartments. He stated that there would probably be close to 300 people living in the apartments. He stated that there already is a traffic problem on Himes. He stated that he did not want his children to have to go through a thoroughfare to get to school. He stated that there is not a sidewalk. Mr. Bill Lindsey, 306 Lee Drive, also agreed that there is a traffic problem on Himes. He stated that cars are parked on both sides of the street, and there is barely room enough for one car to travel through. He stated that he is against the apartments because all his assets are invested in his home and also because of the increased congestion. Mr. Bryan Flippo, 301 Lee Drive, stated that with an average of 2.8 people per apartment, there would be closer to 500 people living in the apart- ments with an extra 175-325 cars. He stated that because Himes Drive is wider than Byers, the majority of the cars would be traveling along Himes. He stated that he also moved to Euless to get away from apartments, and that he would move out of Euless if these apartments are allowed to go in. Mr. John Maurice, 302 Lee Drive, stated that because the apartments are across from the junior high school, the apartment dwellers would be using the school tennis courts and the practice field. He stated that it is already congested around the school when there is a school function and it is almost impossible to exit along Himes. He stated that school children walk to school along the property proposed as a fire lane. He stated that they probably would continue to do so, and it would be hazardous. He questioned putting that many apartments and residents in such a small area with most of the traffic being dumped out onto Himes Drive. Chairman Deithloff asked if there were any more proponents or opponents that would like to be heard. Mr. Raymond Himes, 505 Trailwood, stated that he is the present owner of the subject property. He stated that there is a sidewalk on the west side of Himes from the corner of Lee. He stated that he has tried to keep the children off of his property, but to no avail. He stated that he has no trouble getting through on Himes. Mr. Bill Lindsey stated that Mr. Himes was correct about the sidewalk; however, it only runs in front of his two homes on Himes. He stated that there is not a sidewalk from there to the junior high school. Mr. Wallace stated that if the City agrees, the Himes access could be closed off and have all ingress and egress from Byers Avenue. He stated that there would be a sidewalk put in on Himes at the time of construction. He stated that there would be a swimming pool and a tennis court within the project, and the apartment residents should not be using the tennis courts at the school. Page Four, Regular Meeting, Planning & Zoning Commission, September 16, 1980 Mr. McMillon asked if the applicant had considered a lower density. , C Mr. Wallace stated that they have considered the possibility of "R-4", but feel that the zoning request should stay as it is. Mr. Bryan Flippo stated that if the traffic is directed down Byers, it will just divert the traffic off of Himes for one block. He stated that the cars will probably take Fuller to Himes to get to the freeway because Himes is wider than Byers. He also stated that Byers has parking on one side of the street. He stated that one tennis court and one swimming pool will not accommodate all the residents of the apartment complex. He stated that there is an increase in theft and vandalism in and around apartments also. Mr. Pete Workings agreed that the theft problem would increase. Chairman Deithloff asked if there were any other proponents or opponents. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. Mr. McMillon stated he is concerned about the traffic problem. He stated that this high of a density would put a high concentration of people in a small area. He stated that there is not any "R-5" zoning in the area. He stated that on the other hand, he could not see any single family development going in on the subject property because of the commercial development adjacent. Mr. Tyson stated that the ingress and egress should be onto North Main Street, however, it should be farther north in line with Towncreek Drive. Mr. Gibson stated that he also felt the "R-5" zoning is too high for this area. Mr. Tyson stated that it might be better as a planned development. He stated that he is not in favor of the zoning change as presented. Chairman Deithloff asked Mr. Wallace if he would be willing to work with Staff on some other arrangement. Mr. Wallace asked if the Commission could consider an "R-4" zoning at this time instead of the requested "R-5". Mr. Flynn stated that Mr. Wallace would have to amend his request and ask the Commission to consider the "R-4" zoning. Mr. Wallace amended his request from "R-5" to "R-4" zoning. Mr. Tyson stated that he prefers the "R-4" zoning to "R-5", but also feels that a development plan is needed so the traffic problem can be solved. He asked Mr. Wallace if he had contacted any of the property owners along North Main Street to purchase some ingress/egress land to North Main Street. Mr. Wallace stated that they have not been able to purchase any. C Page Five, Regular Meeting, Planning & Zoning Commission, September 16, 1980 , CMr. McMillon made a motion to deny the amended request for "R-4" zoning for Zoning Case 321 and suggested that Mr. Wallace consult with City Staff to work out some other possible zoning with more specific plans and come back before the Commission with a new zoning request. Mr. Flynn stated that if the motion is passed, the applicant can either follow Mr. McMillon's suggestion or go on to the City Council. Mr. Gibson seconded the motion and the vote was as follows: Ayes: Messrs. McMillon, Gibson & Tyson Nays: Mr. Deithloff Chairman Deithloff declared the motion carried. II. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. (:::: if d II! t /( CP . rman / C