HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2011-07-21 Minutes MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
JULY 21, 2011
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Randall Shiflet at 7:00 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT Chairman Randall Shiflet
Don Bowen
Mark Haynes
Mike Benton
Bill Schopper
ABSENT Dianna Madar
Steven Cooper
Ex- Officio Kathy Luppy
CITY STAFF
Director of Planning and Dev. John Pitstick
Asst Planner Chad VanSteenberg
Civil Engineer Caroline Waggoner
Recording Secretary Teresa Koontz
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Bill Schopper led the pledge of allegiance.
4.
Consideration of Minutes from the June 2, 2011 Planning & Zoning Commission
Meeting.
APPROVED
Don Bowen motioned to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2011 meeting,
seconded by Bill Schopper. The motion as approved unanimously (5 -0).
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5.
Consideration of Minutes from the June 16, 2011 Planning and Zoning
Commission
APPROVED
Mark Haynes motioned to approve the minutes of the June 16, 2011 meeting,
seconded by Mike Benton. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0).
6.
ZC 2011 -08
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from Arthur J. Anderson for a
revised Residential Planned Development (R -PD) (located at 6150 Browning Drive,
11.73 acres.)
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing and asked the applicant to come forth.
Tony Swartz, Developer, 8411 Preston Road #711, Dallas, TX, and Michael Smith,
Humphries and Partners Architects, 1401 Indian Wells Trail, Midlothian, TX came
forward.
Mr. Swartz said they have been the owners of the Bluffs Phase I for approximately six
years and thought this was the perfect opportunity look at building Phase II. The
original developers had built with the intentions of Phase II very quickly so the amenities
and utilities are in place but the market just wasn't there. Mr. Swartz gave a power point
presentation of the property and amenities.
Michael Smith came forth and continued the presentation showing more amenities to
include the public walking trial down the length of the site to eventually connect to the
Cotton Belt Regional Trail System at the northeast corner. As part of the negotiations
with Staff they have agreed to put signage to all the amenities because they are spread
out over the property. He said there was a concern in the past about parking in the fire
lane on site but that has been alleviated that on the new site by having the required per
code parking within walking distance between each building so there are no remote lots.
They have also agreed to put up signs in the fire lanes and work with the Fire
Department regarding violators. Mr. Swartz gave a brief presentation of the company
overview.
John Pitstick came forward and gave a brief background history on the Bluffs revision to
the Planned Development. He said the Transit Oriented Development Plans and
Regulating Plans were approved on August 24, 2009 but has not been re -zoned but is
currently part of the TOD Regulating Plan for Iron Horse. The owners are proposing to
build identical units to Phase I for the remaining 11.73 acres with a request to remove
this parcel from the proposed TOD Iron Horse plan. The owners see an immediate
market demand for multifamily and did not see the Transit Plan coming for several
years.
Originally Staff had concerns with the original submittals for this development because
it did not address the TOD plan, density issues, convenient parking spaces, masonry
requirements, lighting, landscaping on Phase II, pedestrian access to regional trail,
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amenities for Phase II, reduction in dwelling unit sizes, improved architectural elements
and elevation of the future railroad tracks in regards to sound mitigation.
The developers, architects and owners did respond by meeting all of the staff concerns
and Staff recommends approval for this development because it serves as a natural
expansion and improvement to the existing Phase I and was previously planned and
designated for multi - family living.
Mike Benton asked if there would be any lighting on the pedestrian trail or fencing with
the close proximity of the rail system? He has concerns with pedestrian safety along the
corridor.
John Pitstick said yes, there would be lighting on the trails and a wrought iron fence
along the rail tracks.
Tony Swartz answered the lighting would be adequate to ensure safety of the residents.
Michael Smith said that the way the building is laid out the back side will have more
pedestrian traffic than the front. The side that faces the street is all garages on ground
floor and will be very nice and landscaped with overhead lighting.
Chairman Shiflet asked how many buildings would be like the Big House Prototype.
Michael Smith said only the first two floors can have the direct access garage whereas
the third floor is the breezeway hallway with separate dedicated stairs.
Chairman Shiflet asked if this is recommended to City Council would it be appropriate to
have the Unity Agreement signed.
There was a discussion about the agreement being signed when if and when approved.
Chairman Shiflet asked if anyone else wished to speak on this matter. Seeing none he
closed the Public Hearing and entertained a motion.
Don Bowen asked for clarification on the motion with the Staff recommendations.
APPROVED
Mark Haynes motioned to approve ZC 2011 -08 to include lighting on the trail,
signed Unity Agreement and to remove this from the TOD.
The motion carried unanimously (5 -0).
Don Bowen asked if the rest of the Cotton Belt trail was lighted.
John Pitstick said no, it is not, this would be an internal trail to connect at Browning at
the entrance.
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7.
ZC 2011 -09
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from QuikTrip Corporation for a
Redevelopment Planned Development (RD -PD) (located at 7537 & 7541 Boulevard
26, 1.71 acres.)
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing and asked the applicant to come forward.
J.D. Dudley, Real Estate Project Manager for Quick Trip, 1120 N. Industrial Blvd,
Euless, TX 76039 came forward and thanked Staff for their work through this process.
He showed a power point presentation of the Generation III store being proposed with a
new concept of a three way entry with a 16 ft. offset. There will be new features of the
building which include awnings on top of the canopies, eliminated the red banner on the
front of building, changing of monument sign, and color changes. The rear door in the
back will only be for deliveries to keep gas and convenience store customers will not be
running into the delivery and vendor trucks. There are new architectural features with 8
ft parapets and cornices with a titanium look. The inside of the store will also change to
include a bakery and commissary to enhance the Quick Trip kitchen. Indoor and
outdoor seating will be included.
Mr. Dudley said they are requesting two variances including an 8 foot tall monument
sign in lieu of a typical 7 foot tall monument sign and a flat roof canopy in lieu of the
required roof canopy. The proposed offsetting amenities includes a reduction in overall
signs from the two allowed monument signs to only one sign and Quick Trip is
proposing to remove all above ground power poles and bury all utilities to offset the flat
roof canopy structure. A total of five power poles will be removed to include the overall
concept of the Blvd 26 revitalization.
Amar Hameed, 7605 Blvd 26, NRH, came forward speaking against the development of
Quick Trip, representing the Shell gas station. His father owns the convenience store
and states that having a Quick Trip in the neighborhood would force his father to close
his business because cannot compete with their low gas prices.
John Mc Intosh, 6636 Carston Ct, NRH, against the development but did not wish to
speak.
Chairman Shiflet said there was letter submitted by Horizon Food Mart explaining their
opposition to the Quick Trip.
John Pitstick came forward stating that the applicant is requesting a Zoning Change
from HC to RD / PD to redevelop two vacant commercial buildings to modern
convenience store and gas station. The vacant I -Hop and Room Store Buildings will be
demolished. Quick Trip plans to build a 5720 square feet store set back on the property
with canopy and pump islands. There will be a shared driveway with Harbor Freights to
the west and a deceleration lane off of Boulevard 26.They are proposing to dedicate five
feet of right of way for future improvements on 26. The Joann Johnson Trail will be
slightly relocated behind the deceleration lane, landscaping provided throughout the site
including a 15 feet area which exceeds our current requirements. There is an attractive
masonry building with two front entrances and outdoor seating area. The requested
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variances include request for a n 8 foot tall monument sign in lieu of a typical 7 foot tall
sign and a flat roof canopy. Our current regulations require a pitch roof for all roofs and
canopies. Their request wants to offset that with the reduction of poles signs and
ground pole signs to bury the utilities. Staff overall is in favor of this development and
recommends approval, however understands the local businesses, but would like to
point out that with the development of Calloway Creek and other major retail could help
in growth with other business. We feel this would certainly stimulate redevelopment in
the area and hope would stimulate development across the street so their would be an
adequate demand for all the businesses in the area.
Chairman Shiflet asked about the Zoning Change from Heavy Commercial to
Redevelopment /Planned Development and what would be allowed under the Heavy
Commercial?
John Pitstick said typically if they didn't have any variances, they could come in with a
Special Use Permit without those variances. But they would have to meet all the
guidelines.
APPROVED
Mike Benton motioned to approve ZC 2011 -09 as proposed, seconded by Don
Bowen. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0).
Don Bowen said he understands the concerns with the local businesses and he has
seen other businesses within close distances to other Quick Trips still open and
operating.
Bill Schopper said we do not have the authority to pick and chose who comes and
located the business, but only to make sure they do it the way they are supposed to.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm.
Chairman Secretary
AI les
andy Shiflet D•n 1)•`■ -n r "
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