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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-16 AGENDA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION City of Euless Council Chamber - Building "B" 201 N. Ectvr Drive, Euless, Texas 76039 March 16, 1999 5:30 P.M. -- Pre-Commission Meeting (Conference Room - Building 'C") 7.00 P.M. - Call to Order (Council Chambers - Building "B") PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -Commissioner Houk INVOCATION - Commissioner Zahn APPRO'V'AL OF MINUTES --- Regular meeting of March 2, 1999 AGENDA ITEMS. ITEM 1 PUBLIC HEARING ® ZONING CHANGE a #99-01-ZC M EDWARD TAYLOR SURVEY, ABSTRACT 1560, TRACT 1A3 Public input regarding request of Mr. Partin Von Woltswinkel for a zoning change of Edward Taylor Survey, Abstract 1050, Tract IA3 from C_1 (Neighborhood Business District) into TH (Townhouse Dwelling District), ITEM 2 RECOMMENDATION - ZONING CHANGE M 9-01-ZC a EDWARD} TAYLOR SURVEY, ABSTRACT 1660, TRACT IA3 Consider a recommendation regarding a request of Mr. Martin 'ion Wotfswinkel for a zoning change of Edward Taylor Survey, Abstract 1550, Tract 1A3 from C-1 (Neighborhood Business District) into TH (Townhouse Dwelling District). ITEM 3 REPORTS ITEM 4 DIRECTOR"S REPORT POSTED THIS I Ith DAY OF MARCH, 1999, AT 5:00 P.M. .w „et ay Indiv1, ual Pr ng Notice # ynu W aWnd th s 4c N,arut you Mve a disabQty Nr rsqu4w spWa3 atwgeaw�a,the m ,N,pfease wntad�u office at (8171M-1_623.Reawrsab�_-w=m—ndaN-As wM be trade to assist yr:w. dx. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MARCH 1S, 1999 MINUTES The Pre-Commission meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Ronald Young at 5:30 p.m. in the Building "C' Conference Room. Six members of the Planning and Zoning Commission were in attendance. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS. Chairman Young called the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. for the consideration of scheduled items. He stated there were six members of the Planning and Zoning Commission present and that Commissioner Fancy Bright was absent. MEMBERS AND STAFF PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT Chairman Ron`young Nancy Bright George Zahn Robert McMillon Richard McNeese Billy Owens Katherine Houk Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development Michael Logan, Fire Marshal Carol Griffith; City Planner Donna Brown, Office Technician Dolores Tijerina, Permits Secretary VISITORS PRESENT Douglas Thedford Patricia Casamassima Vincent Casamassima Evelyn Vaughn Richard Vaughn Barbara Pfrimmer Brian Redburn Maria Redburn Mark Stanley Keith Wood Martin van Wolfswinkel Mason Landrum Lynn Constantino FLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Houk and the Invocation was given by Commissioner Zahn. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PAGE" MINUTES 01:N/UkKCH 16, 191.99 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner McNeese moved to approve the minutes of March 2, 1999. Commissioner Owens seconded the motion. The vote was as follows: Ayes: Chairman Young, Commissioners McMillon, McNeese, Zahn, Hour, Owens Nays: None The motion carried. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM I PUBLIC HEARING — ZONING CHANGE - #99-01-ZC ® EDWARD TAYLOR SURVEY, ABSTRACT 1550, TRACT 'IA3 Public input regarding request of Mr, Martin van Wolfswinkel for a zoning change of Edward Taylor Survey, Abstract 1550, Tract 1A3 from C-1 (Neighborhood Business District) into TH (Townhouse Dwelling District). Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a description of the case and stated that staff recommends approval. Chairman Young opened the Public Hearing. Jason Landrum, Landscape Architect with Site Planning Site Development, representing the applicant, gave a brief description and stated that the plan was to preserve as marry trees as possible. Mr. Landrum stated that the quality of life would improve as a result of construction of high quality, low profile single family town homes instead of a commercial site which is allowed by current zoning. Mr. Landrum stated there were a few points of negative impact of a commercial project and they are as follows: Property lighting which would be very annoying to the adjacent neighbors. Noise level from vehicles, Traffic level increase for a commercial use. Trash level, since commercial sites usually have residual trash that wanders ofF. Loitering, since commercial sites also invite loitering and crime. Martin van Wolfswinkel, President of Newport Holdings, 2131 N. Collins; Arlington. Texas, gave a brief overview of a handout which contained the proposed project's description as luxury low density town homes; a resu me showing the projects he has built over the last 20 years, a letter from the current land owner (Judy Ehrenberg) proposing to build a Day Care Center, a letter from the adjacent property owner to the north stating that he has no opposition to this project, and a letter from Mr. van Wolfswinkel to the adjoining property owner to the north stating that he is not in opposition of the commercial use of his property. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated the cost of the town homes would be in the $140,000 to $150,000 range, that they would be between 1,5003 and 1,5003 square feet with attached garages, and that it would be a gated community. PLANNING AND ZONNG COMNINSFON PAGF, 3 MPNUTFS OF NiARCH :6 191,9 Mark Stanley, 402 Lexington Lane, Euless, Texas, asked if these homes would be owner occupied and what barrier would there be between the proposed project and the subdivision behind it. Keith Wood, 404 Lexington Lane, Euless, Texas, stated he has a concern about the impact to the drainage easement and the wildlife in the area if all the trees were cut down. Douglas Thedford, 505 Rosemary, Euless, Texas, stated he is in opposition to this project mainly because of the amount of apartments and condominiums that already exist in the area. He stated that he has concerns about drainage problems and he asked what limitations there were on number of stories for town homes. He stated he has a concern about the speed of traffic on S.H. 360 and that probably the need exists for a deceleration lane. Mr, Thedford also stated he would like to see the large trees maintained because they now serve as a sound buffer zone and green space between him and S.H. 360, Patty Casamassima, 2904 Whetstone, Euless, Texas, stated she is interested in a buffer, perhaps an 8 feet brick fence to keep their privacy. She asked if the town homes would be two stories high, and stated that if they were 3 stories she would be opposed. Maria Redburn, 501 Rosemary Lane, Euless, Texas, asked how many units would be in the development and expressed her concern about crime and noise. Lynn Constantino, 404 Lexington Lane, Euless, Texas, stated she was concerned about people walking through the development into the existing subdivision, and about not having the privacy desired with two story town homes so close to her home. She also asked about the value of these town homes and whether this project would decrease the value of her property. Ms. Constantino also asked why a new housing complex would choose this area with the potential airport impact. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated that to the south there is a fifty feet easement with a lot of vegetation and trees and that they are proposing additional landscaping. He added that to the west there is a ten feet easement that he is proposing to increase to 20 or 25 feet for privacy and screening, and to add to the value of his units. Mr, van Wolfswinkel also stated that all the back yards of the project would be completely enclosed on all three sides, so there would be no walking through the existing subdivision. He stated that the town homes would be low profile, only two stories high, and that he was anticipating owner occupied housing probably worth in the neighborhood of $140,000. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated that even though there are several trees on the property, Newport Holdings would be adding more and would try to preserve all the large existing trees if possible. He stated the more landscaping on the property the more value, and that they Could probably get $81 a foot on each unit. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated they chose the City of Euless because they think there is value in this City. Mr. van Wolfswinkel addressed the noise mitigation concern by stating that probably the best way to deal with it was landscaping, and that along S.H. 360 they would construct a 6 to 8 feet masonry wall. Chairman Young closed the Public Hearing. MINUTES OF NAIARCH 16, 19N ITEM 2 RECOMMENDATION — ZONING CHANGE #f99-01-ZC -- EDWARD TAYLOR SURVEY, ABSTRACT 1550, TRACT 1A3 Consider a recommendation regarding a request of Mr. Martin van VVolfswinkel for a zoning change of Edward Taylor Survey, Abstract 1550, Tract 1A3 from C-1 (Neighborhood Business District) into TH (Townhouse Dwelling District), Chairman Young asked Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, to address the issues raised by the residents. Mr. Bass stated that when an incoming town home use is adjacent to an existing single family subdivision, it should have a minimum 6 feet masonry wall with a 5 feet landscape strip. Mr. Bass told the applicant that if this case received approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and he submitted a Site Plan and a Specific Use Permit, that staff would request that he build at least a 6 feet masonry wall around the entire facility. Mr. Bass stated that the City's Code allows up to 8 feet. Mr. Bass stated that he could not answer anything about the drainage easement because staff did not have preliminary designs as of yet; but that staff would see that in great detail in construction and utility improvement plans. However, Mr. Bass stated it is against the law in the state of Texas to put water onto other people's property. Mr. Bass stated that the town home code prohibits anything greater than one story within sixty feet of existing single family homes. Chairman Young asked how many units would be built. Mr. Bass answered that per code 12 units per acre are allowed, Mr. Bass asked the applicant approximately how many units per acre Newport holdings would build. Mr. van Wolfswinkel answered 10 units per acre. Mr. Bass stated that concerning wildlife, the price you pay to live in an urban environment is that you do not have that much open space. The City tries to preserve as many trees as possible, and requires and encourages citizens to do the same, but owners of land have an American right to develop their property. Mr. Bass stated when there is a choice between commercial development and any style of residential, whether multi-family or single family, the City loses less open space with residential than commercial. Chairman Young asked the applicant if he had been in contact with the Texas Department of Transportation about a deceleration lane for the entrance to the development. Mr, van Wolfswinkel answered yes, that he had worked together with Mr. Chuck Humphreys. Commissioner Houk stated that there is no getting around the fact that this area is going to be developed, and to have the most impact on how it is developed this use gives you greater opportunity for input than if it were to be developed as a commercial center. Commissioner Houk asked if the developer was going to maintain the drainage easement. Mr. Bass answered yes unless a homeowner association was created. P1.A.N';;'AN'6 AND ZONI'Gss t_C)11INRSSION' F':4Cif:. Mr. Bass stated that a number of years ago the City Council created the policy that there would be no more single family east of Fuller Miser; however, the City Council has drawn the line between single family versus town homes and multi-family. The City also has a design standards that require a town home or multi-family development to achieve a minimum 25 decibel noise reduction between outside and inside. Chairman Young stated there was also a question or comment about the impact on surrounding property values if this development goes in. Commissioner Houk stated that the value of adjacent properties would probably stay the same with this kind of development rather than commercial. Commissioner Zahn asked if there is a way to notify the future owners that they are going to have heavy commercial adjacent to them to the north. Mr. van Wolfswinkel answered Newport Moldings has a legal and ethical obligation to inform the prospective buyers. Commissioner Zahn asked Mr, van Wolfswinkel if he could provide the Commission with documentation on how this happens, if this zoning change were approved. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated he would provide the documentation to the Commission. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated that the owner to the north indicated that probably there would be mini-warehouses next to this property. Commissioner Zahn stated this project is a goad land use and that his recommendation would be for approval. Commissioners McNeese and McMillon stated that they concurred with Commissioner Zahn that the town homes would be a better land use than commercial for land owners in the existing subdivision. Commissioner Owens asked the applicant the fallowing questions: • Is my understanding correct that if this case is approved it will come back to the Manning and Zoning Commission as a gated community with a brick wall? Mr. van Wolfswinkel answered yes. Is your plan to increase the setbacks and meet the Unified Development Code Standards so there would be no two stories facing the existing homeowners? Mr. van Wolfswinkel answered he was not going to ask for a variance, that they would build according to the City's regulations. Will there be a gate with two entrances for fire vehicles? Mr. van V'Vclfswinkel answered he is currently working on that issue with the Fire Department and that Newport Holdings would be offering a couple of alternative designs, but that at this time, there was only one entrance/exit. Mr. van Wolfswinkel stated that he had increased the radius of the entrance to the subdivision from 25 feet to 30 feet and that it also has a 60 feet holding area for fire truck maneuverability, • What kind of lighting do you normally use? Mr. van Wolfswinkef answered that at the entrance they put heavy fighting for security, as well as a light on every unit. Chairman Young stated that as far as the land use issue was concerned, the town homes would be preferable to what is ;zoned in that area now. Chairman Young stated that he did not put too much stock in the applicant's promises of what he would do, but PLANN'ING AND ZQN-ING COMNUSSICN PAGE 6 NIP'NUTI"SOFMARCH 16,IW-4 that the City has the Unified Development Code that the Commission would expect the applicant to abide by, Chairman Young also stated he was in favor of the proposed zoning change. Mr. Bass invited the visitors present to come back for City Council on April 131'', Chairman Young acknowledged Mark Stanley, who asked if Mr. van Wolfswinkel was considering increasing the easement. Mr. van Wolfswinkel answered that there is a tell feet utility easement to the rear, and that he did not have any problem increasing it to 20 feet. Commissioner Zahn moved to approve #99-01-ZC. Commissioner Houk seconded the motion. Commissioner Owens requested the minutes to reflect that the applicant was aware that if this zoning change received approval, he would have to submit a Site Plan and a Specific Use Permit as a gated community. The vote was as follows: Ayes: Chairman Young, Commissioners McNeese, McMillon, Zahn, Owens, Houk Nays: None The motion carried. ITEM 3 REPORTS Commissioner Owens requested Planning and Development staff to notify the Engineering Department of the drainage problem regarding the ditch at Simmons Park (i.e. raw sewage, grocery baskets, and indication that some people have been sleeping there). Commissioner Owens stated it is dangerous and unhealthy and the Engineering Department should send the Commission a letter giving them a report of what had been done at that location. He stated that this drainage ditch belongs to the City of Euless. Chairman Young stated he agreed with everything Commissioner Owens said, but that he failed to see how this was a Planning and Zoning issue and that he did not think it fell within the purview of this body, Commissioner Owens stated that there is a development just west of Simmons Park which is a Planning and Zoning issue, and this was long range planning. Chairman Young stated that he disagreed with Commissioner Owens, but that good people can disagree. ITEM 4 DIRECTOR'S REPORT [A case status report was included in the packet.] III-ANNNNINC AND LOMNG COMMISSION P.LCiI INU€FS OF 1 ARCH 16. ADJOURNMENT: Them being no further business, Chairman Young adjourned the meeting at 8,10 p^rn. Chairman Ronald ou.r ate