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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 1987-06-11 Minutes . MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS June 11, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER The Meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Don Bowen, at 7:35 P. M. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chairman Members Alt. Members Dir. Planning/Dev. P & Z Clerk Don Bowen Carole Flippo George Tucker Manny Tricoli Richard Royston Betty Sorrels ABSENT Mark Wood John Schwinger Consideration of the Minutes of May 14, 1987 George Tucker made the motion to approve the minutes as written. Manny Tricoli seconded the motion and the motion was carried 4-0. 1. PS 87- 15 Request of Bill Coffey for Short Form Plat of Lot 5, Block 1, A.G. Walker Addition. . PS 87-15 APPROVED Mr. Tucker made the motion to approve PS 87-15. This motion was seconded by Carole Flippo and the motion carried 4-0. 2. PS 87-16 Request of Delbert R. Stembridge, Trustee for Preliminary Plat of Evergreen Estates Addition. Chairman Bowen asked those representing Preliminary Plat to come forward. Steve Roberson of Brooks Baker Survey came forward to represent Delbert Stembridge and stated that the City Staff comments had been reviewed and there was no objection. . Chairman Bowen stated that the Commission would prefer to see the Developer build his portion of Douglas Lane now rather than the money put into escrow. Chairman Bowen asked if there would be problems with that request. ~ Page 2 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Mr. Roberson said he would have to talk with the Developer and get a letter to the City. Chairman Bowen asked for further questions or comments. Mr. Tucker stated that requiring the Developer to build Douglas Lane should be part of the motion. Carole Flippo made the motion to approve PS 87-16 subject to the Developer building his portion of of Douglas Lane and subject to Engineer comments. PS 87-16 APPROVED Mr. Tucker seconded the motion and the motion passed 4-0. 3. PS 87-17 Request of William Agan, Don Forman, and Paul K. Mar for Replat of Lots A, AI, and A2, Block 21, Clearview Addition. . Mr. Tricoli made the motion to approve PS 87-17. PS 87-17 APPROVED Mr. Tucker seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0. Chairman Bowen stated that Item No.4, Watauga Road Project, would be moved down to the Zoning cases. 5. PS 87-20 Request of North Hills Joint Venture for Replat of Lots 19R-IA and 19R-IB, Block 33, Holiday West Addition. Mr. Tricoli made the motion to approve PS 87-20. PS 87-20 APPROVED Ms. Flippo seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0. 4. PS 87-19 Public Hearing to discuss the Watauga Road Project. . ~ Page 3 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Chairman Bowen opened the Public Hearing by asking Richard Royston, Director of Planning to explain the reason for the public hearing. . Mr. Royston stated that the $14 million bond package was passed in September, 1985 for the Watauga Road section between Rufe Snow and Davis Boulevard project. One item not not resolved was what to do with the section of the old alignment of Watauga Road that would be left after the northerly realignment. The road would become a six lane street rather than the present two lane. The new alignment would go north through existing vacant property to a point on Smithfield Road which is north of the existing intersection. Currently two streets, Price and Abbott, intersect into the existing section of Watauga Road. The purpose of the hearing was to get concerns and reactions from the residents of this area. The City has an agreement with the Developer to bring Abbott to the new alignment of Watauga Road. There was not any decision regarding Price Street as yet. What to do with the existing Watauga Road section is the issue and purpose of the hearing. Chairman Bowen asked for those with questions or comments to come forward. Mr. A.W. Koon 7804 Owen Drive came forward to ask where Holiday Lane would tie into the new alignment. Mr. Royston stated that the new section would come out of Fox Hollow and tie in at the same intersection. . Mr. Koon stated that he had lived in the area since 1968 and had seen the traffic build up coming off 820 going to Rufe Snow. The traffic would come from Rufe Snow, through the High School area, to Holiday Lane, to Bogart, to Price and to Owen Street. Traffic was using the smaller Page 4 PZ minutes June 11, 1987 . neighborhood streets to by-pass Hudiburg Chevrolet and heavier congested traffic off of 820. Mr. Koon hoped that something could be resolved and the money spent on Watauga Road and the tie in to Holiday Lane. People needed easier access to get on Davis and Watauga Road. Mr. Koon felt that Owen was being used as a thoroughfare rather than as a residential street. He had voted for the extension project, hoping for traffic relief. . Paul Deal of 6216 Price Drive came forward. He stated that from the diagram, even though Abbott would be extended to Watauga Road, there would still be congestion at the Watauga Road and Smithfield Road intersection. People would still travel the old portion anyway. If the section was vacated, people would still reroute through their neighborhood. There is already a problem with traffic coming off Price. Chairman Bowen stated that if the section of Watauga Road was vacated the section between the two streets could be vacated as well. Paul Deal asked if the street portion had to be vacated. Mr. Tucker stated that it would not have to be vacated. Chairman Bowen stated that only a portion of it could be vacated if that was the choice. Larry Buck of 6221 Abbott came forward and asked for options on the project. . Mr. Royston stated that the City had not tried to identify any preference problems. The only obligation is Abbott to Watauga. Options are related to Price and Watauga. One option would be to dead end Price. ~ Page 5 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . There is commercial property to the south and the City always try not to let commercial traffic and residential traffic mix together. Another option would be to barricade or cul-de-sac. Another possibility would be to vacate all or a portion of Watauga Road. Larry Buck asked if dead ending Abbott was out of the question because of a prior commitment to the Developer. Mr. Royston stated that because of the way the dedication came to the City and through the dedication of the commercial property that the statement was correct. Paul Deal asked if the City was contemplating abandoning the street. . Mr. Royston stated that was one of the possibilities. If the street were vacated it might be dedicated back to the residents. Keith Putnam 6221 Price came forward and asked that if the decision were made to dead end or cul-de-sac, would the residents be looking at the back of commercial properties and dumpsters. Would there be guaranteed stockade fences required like at some of the Malls. Mr. Royston stated that if the commercial property were developed there would be screening fences required, but residents would still be looking at the back of buildings. Mr. Putnam stated it would be all right if there is a good stockade fence with minimum height requirements because of the elevated areas. . George Duke 6228 Price came forward and asked if closing the old alignment section of Watauga Road from Abbott to Smithfield Road would be closed. ~ Page 6 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Chairman Bowen stated that that was the purpose of the meeting. George Duke stated that if Watauga Road was not closed the traffic problems would not be alleviated. Traffic would go east on Watauga Road to Smithfield Road to make the right turn. Chairman Bowen asked if he was recommending closing Watauga Road. Mr. Duke stated that if the City was not going to widen or put in a right hand turn lane at Smithfield Road and Watauga Road, then it would be better to close it. . Mr. Duke stated that he felt that the drainage off Watauga Road needed to be alleviated before widening or improvements to the street was done. There is a bad drainage problem at the corner of Price and Watauga Road where his Mother lives. Water backs up two feet into the drive, garbage washes down and collects on the corner. He felt that the residents were not going to benefit by improving Watauga Road unless the drainage problem was improved. Chairman Bowen stated that there were not any plans to improve Watauga Road even if the street were left open. Mr. Duke stated that a minor street problem had led to one inch to one and one-half inches of asphalt being added to the street but that only tripled the problem. Mr. Tucker stated that if Watauga Road was abandoned the drainage would carry off onto the other Watauga Road. . Mr. Royston stated that the Developers of the commercial property also have possibilities on cutting down drainage problems. ~ Page 7 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Mr. Tucker stated that he felt that abandoning the street was the best solution rather than leaving it open which would leave the problem laying there. Mr. Duke stated that everyone wanting to go from Davis to Loop 820 would turn right at the intersection, right on Price, to Owen because of backed up traffic, then left to Smithfield Road. Sue Bosquis of 6225 Price asked if the area of zoned commercial businesses would back up to Watauga Road or would there be an easement so that residents would not be looking at the back of the buildings. . Mr. Royston stated there could be two possibilities. Number one, a 25 foot setback plus the width of the street between properties or Number 2, if the street were abandoned, the north alignment would have to stay 25 foot off that. Regardless, there would be a 40-75 foot easement from the existing property. Ms. Bosquis stated that she had heard a rumor that Price or Abbott was to become a cul-de-sac, not dead end the street but circle around. Mr. Royston stated that that was one option, cul-de-sac or barricade so traffic would have to turn around. Ms. Bosquis asked would that mean that leaving Watauga open would keep the commercial businesses from backing up to Watauga Road. If the Road was closed that would mean the businesses would back up to the Road. Ms. Bosquis asked if the road was not closed would there be the 25 foot between properties anyway. Mr. Royston stated that there would be 25 foot plus the street width. . Page 8 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Mr. A.W. Koon came forward again to state that he hated to see the section closed. He stated that a problem could develop regarding fire fighting. Chairman Bowen stated that he thought the best alternative was to abandon the section and asked if there were any more questions or comments. There being no one else wishing to speak Chairman Bowen asked for comments from the Commission. Mr. Tucker stated that he thought the Commission should take more time for consideration before making a formal recommendation to the City Council. His personal recommendation was to close the street. Something should be worked out to gain as much buffer as possible for the residents from the commercial property. Ms. Flippo agreed. . Chairman Bowen closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Mr. Tucker stated that they should take more time and put it on the next agenda then make a formal recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Tucker said that he would like to hear from the Staff of the Police, and Fire Departments on whether the Commission was creating an impact that would create unsafe conditions. Ms. Flippo wanted to know about the drainage problem. Mr. Tucker stated that the Commission should know who was responsible for the drainage , who would take out the old black top and put it back to the natural ground. Chairman Bowen suggested that the item could be tabled. . Page 9 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Mr. Tucker made the motion to place the issue on the next agenda and then make a formal recommendation to the City Council after they had heard from more of the City Staff. PS 87-19 TABLED Manny Tricoli seconded the motion and the motion passed 4-0. 6. PZ 87-12 Request of Nelson E. File to rezone Tract 2M, T.K. Martin Survey, Abstract 1055, from its present classification of AG Agriculture to R-2 Single Family. Chairman Bowen asked for those in favor of this rezoning to please come forward. . Nelson Files of 8908 Amundson Road, representing himself, came forward. Mr. Files stated that he understands that to obtain building permits to remodel his home he must be rezoned and then platted. He said that he thought the rezoning would pass but that he was not sure the platting would. Chairman Bowen stated that the rezoning would be considered first. Mr. Files Stated that the two were tied together and that if the platting was not passed then he would not need the rezoning. Chairman Bowen said that he understood the problem from the Staff paperwork in terms of platting but the two could not be heard together. Chairman Bowen asked if there was any one else who wished to speak in favor or in opposition. There being no one else to speak. Chairman Bowen closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. . Mr. Tucker asked Mr. Royston if this property, zoned AG, was left out of the Master Plan although it was occupied. . . . ~ Page 10 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 Mr. Royston stated that it was left out of the Zoning Map and not the Master Plan. Mr. Tucker stated that he knew some pockets were left and this property was one of them. Mr. Royston stated that this was correct. Chairman Bowen asked for a motion. Mr. Tucker made the motion to approve. PZ 87-12 APPROVED Ms. Flippo seconded the motion and the motion passed 4-0. 7. PS 87-21 Request of Nelson E. File for Short Form Plat of Lot 1, Block 1, Files Addition. Chairman asked for those in favor to come forward. Mr. Nelson Files stated that he had City Staff letters wanting street escrow, water and six inch sewer lines for the rest of Amundson as well as future water lines for Walter Street. It was not economical feasible for him to do this. Mr. Tucker stated that there were times when the Subdivision Ordinances causes a ugly situation like this. He personally felt that it was unfair. This was penalizing a man for wanting to improve his property. Mr. Files would spend more for water and sewer than it was worth to remodel his home. He thought that City Council should listen and work something out. It was in the best interests of the City for citizens to improve their property. Mr. Files was a one lot subdivision. Even if the Commission approves the plat Mr. Files does not have to carry through. Page 11 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 . Mr. Royston stated that he does not have to carry through on the platting. The Commission could make a recommendation to Council on waiving the fees. Ms. Flippo agreed that the costs were exorbitant and if it keeps somebody from improving their property then it is not the intent of the Ordinance in the first place. Chairman Bowen asked for a motion. Mr. Tucker moved to approve with a recommendation to City Council to waive the fees in this case. PS 87-21 APPROVED Mr. Tricoli seconded the motion and the motion passed 4-0. Chairman Bowen informed Mr. Files that he would be allowed to speak to the City Council on this issue. . 8. PZ 87-13 Request of American Banc Savings Association to rezone Lots 3A & B thru 9A & B, 10AR & BR, & llA and B thru 16A & B, Block 1, and Lots lAR & BR thru 4AR & BR, & 6AR & BR thru 10AR & BR, Block 2, Glenview Park Addition from their present classification of R-4-SD Separate Ownership Duplex to R-6-T Townhouse and Garden Home District. Chairman Bowen asked for those wishing to speak in favor of this zoning request to come forward. Jerry Cotter of Cotter, Goodwin, Marshall, 6001 Bridge Street, Ft. Worth, came forward. He stated that the request for change was made for economic reasons. Duplexes were not moving but there is interest in Garden Homes. . Chairman Bowen asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this request. . . . Page 12 PZ Minutes June 11, 1987 PZ 87-13 APPROVED ADJOURNMENT Forrest Grubb, 6505 Towne Park, stated that he was the only other property owner in the area. He stated that Garden Homes should have been asked for in the first place. He felt that the change of zoning would raise the property value. Ginger Williams, 6525 Harmonson Road, said she owned 2 1/2 acres just south of this property and was in favor of the request but wanted to know if there would be a fence between her property and where they will build. Chairman Bowen said he could not answer that. Mr. Grubb stated that he was under contract to buy the property and that there would be a nice fence with each duplex. Chairman Bowen asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor or in opposition. There being no one else to speak, Chairman Bowen closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. Mr. Tucker made the motion to approve. Mr. Tricoli seconded the motion and the motion passed 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P. M. ~ ission