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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2001-03-08 Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS MARCH 8, 2001 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Don Bowen at 7 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present Chairman Don Bowen Doug Blue Ted Nehring Tim Welch Richard Davis James Laubacher Absent Ron Lueck City Staff Assistant City Manager Director of Development Planner Assistant Director-Public Works Senior Staff Engineer-Public Works Recording Secretary Steve Norwood John Pitstick Dave Green Mike Curtis Julia Skare Micah Johnson 3. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2001 APPROVED Mr. Richard Davis, seconded by Mr. James Laubacher, motioned to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2001. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). 4. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 2001 APPROVED Mr. James Laubacher, seconded by Mr. Richard Davis, motioned to approve the minutes of February 22, 2001. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). 5. PZ 2000-38 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF DUNAWAY ASSOCIATES FOR ZONING CHANGE ON 37 ACRES FROM C1 COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICT TO PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT FOR A WAL-MART RETAIL/GROCERY, INDOOR AUTOMOTIVE SERVICING, FUEL SALES, OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND STORAGE. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED ON NORTHEAST TARRANT PARKWAY BETWEEN DAVIS BOULEVARD AND PRECINCT LINE ROAD. APPROVED Mr. Tom Galbraith of Dunaway Associates, 1501 Merrimac Circle, Suite 100, Fort Worth, Texas, was present representing Wal-Mart. Prior to his presentation, Mr. Galbraith introduced the traffic consultant, Mr. Jeremy Windham of Circuit Civil, Inc., the architect Mr. Bill Boyden of BRR Architects, and Mr. Skip Smith of Dunaway Associates who is working on the utility plans for the project. Mr. Galbraith started by explaining the steps taken by Dunaway Associates, as well as Wal-Mart, to present a development that the community, along with the City of North Richland Hills. Beginning March 23, 2000, Dunaway Associates came before the Planning and Zoning Commission to request a rezone of 2.7 acres of land from AG Agricultural to C1 Commercial to insure a Wal-Mart could be built on this land before the purchase of the property. City Council made the final approval for the request on April 10, 2000. From April to July of 2000, Dunaway Associates worked considerably on the Traffic Impact Analysis and Tree Preservation of the property. The property had fire damage and it was necessary to examine the trees and see what could be done and how many could be saved. Dunaway Associates presented information at two meetings with citizens in the community to discuss their plans for the Wal-Mart Store. Mr. Bill Boyden spoke briefly explaining the landscaping that is planned for the site. After meeting with the citizens, Mr. Boyden concluded that the traditional red, blue and gray building was not wanted in the community. With this in mind, they have constructed plans to build a 204,000 square foot masonry building with soft gray EFIS entrances. The garden center will be inside with an ornamental aluminum coated fence along exterior portions. They have added a star on each column matching that of the star in the center of Wal-Mart as a symbol for Texas. It was pointed out that in the 50 states, there is not another Wal-Mart like this one. It is a scheme that is a North Richland Hills original. Elizabeth Moura of the Steeple Ridge subdivision spoke in opposition saying that the store would be an eye sore to the community. She is concerned that the prices of houses in the area will go down. Ms. Moura feels that Wal-Mart should put a gated area around her subdivision to keep out those people that will be driving through trying to avoid traffic on Davis and Precinct Line. She does not understand why Wal-Mart has to build on this land. George Faciano, Steeple Ridge, asked the commission who had the authority to decide that Shady Grove Road would be abandoned? Would Wal-Mart still be coming into the area if the road was not abandoned? Mr. Faciano was also concerned with what extent the traffic analysis was performed. He also informed the commission that there is a petition being circulated to keep Wal-Mart out of the community. He would like to know if the traffic impact study is available and if so, could he get a copy of the study. Mr. Davis informed Mr. Faciano that Shady Grove Road is a city owned road maintained by the city. Mr. Nehring stated that adjacent landowners do have the right to come before the city and request that a road be abandoned. In this case, Wal-Mart owns both sides of the street; therefore they have a right to abandon the road. Mr. Davis explained to Mr. Faciano that a resident has a right to the middle of any street. Mr. Welch did say that the traffic study is a matter of public record. Roland Bronstad, 8613 Shady Brooke, Steeple Ridge Subdivision, spoke in opposition due to the traffic issue. He questioned whether or not there would be a traffic signal put up at Shady Grove and Davis. Chairman Bowen commented that the decision to install a traffic light at Shady Grove and Davis would be made by TX-DOT and that the City of North Richland Hills has no control over the situation. If it is found that a traffic light is not needed, a right in/right out will be built instead. Others concerned with the traffic and congestion issue were Robert Muller, 8533 Steeple Ridge, who was also concerned about the store being opened 24 hours a day. Mr. Charles Banner, Twisted Oaks Road, questioned improvements to Shady Grove Road on the west side of Davis Boulevard. Assistant Director of Public Works, Mike Curtis responded to the inquiry saying the city does plan to improve Shady Grove from Smithfield east toward Davis. The improvement will be a joint effort of the City of North Richland Hills and Keller. Mr. Davis stated he had concerns about the traffic, but he feels Wal-Mart will build a nice building. Wal-Mart already owns the property that is currently zoned C 1 commercial and could build the store now without any further approval. It was pointed out that the property would bring in revenue that will help the city perform much needed improvements. Mr. Davis said that the Planning and Zoning Commission could not decide who builds on any property, they can only enforce the codes and ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan has shown the property as commercial for the last 20 years to be commercial. Other concerns brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission included the noise that would be brought by loading and unloading trucks. Mr. Galbraith stated that most of the loading and unloading would be done between 9 p.m. and midnight and 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. He also insisted that they would abide by the City's noise ordinance. Upon completion of public opposition and comments, Chairman Bowen closed the public hearing and asked for comments of the commissioners. Ted Nehring responded by saying he believes that Wal-Mart has gone above and beyond to create a nice facility, but he would like to review the traffic report in more detail. James Laubacher started by introducing himself as a resident of Steeple Ridge and voicing his concerns with not personally being able to study the traffic analysis. Wal-Mart is not his first choice for a commercial development for the area, but he feels that Wal-Mart has gone to great extent to make the area as appealing as possible. Mr. Laubacher also informed the Commission and Citizens that he would be abstaining from voting in this case. Tim Welch commended Wal-Mart for working so hard to make this establishment look really good. He feels that it has great landscaping, but does have concerns for the Shady Grove Residents. Mr. Welch also feels uncomfortable about not being able to study the traffic report, but did recommend that the report be made available for City Council and that Wal-Mart contact TX-Dot to get more information before the council meeting. Richard Davis would like to see Wal-Mart to proceed immediately with the traffic issues and not wait on TX-DOT to make the decision. He commended Wal-Mart and their developers for being able to save so many trees on the property. Mr. Davis stated that Wal-Mart has gone out of their way to create an outstanding plan that goes beyond the requirements of the city ordinance. Chairman Bowen entertained a motion. Richard Davis motioned, seconded by Doug Blue, that PZ 2000-38 be approved as submitted with the following amendments: 1. Make changes to the truck entrance on Precinct Line Road to reflect a 40-foot radius and provide lay down pavement or curbs at the intersection. 2. Provide a detailed layout and recommend to the City Council that an immediate request be made to TX-DOT regarding a traffic signal being warranted on Davis Boulevard at Shady Grove. The motion carried (5-0-1) with Mr. Laubacher abstaining from the vote. 6. PS 2000-51 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST OF DUNAWAY ASSOCIATES FOR A PRELIMINARY PLAT OF LOTS 1-7, BLOCK 1, WAL- MART ADDITION BEING 37 ACRES INCLUDING LOT 1, BLOCK 1, SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH ADDITION AND PROPERTY IN THE THOMAS PECK SURVEY ABSTRACT 1210. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED ON NORTHEAST TARRANT PARKWAY BETWEEN DAVIS BOULEVARD AND PRECINCT LINE ROAD. APPROVED Tom Galbraith of Dunaway Associates represented the preliminary plat request for Wal-Mart. Due to the extensive discussion of the zoning case, Mr. Galbraith was available only for questions or comments of the preliminary plat. Richard Davis commented for the record, for the benefit of the City Council, that the design and construction of North Tarrant Parkway should be closely coordinated between the developer and Kimley Horn as far as the timing for the completion of the road. Chairman Bowen entertained a motion. Mr. Tim Welch motioned, seconded by Mr. Ted Nehring, that PS 2000-51 be approved subject to engineering comments and that changes to the truck loading zone to reflect a 40 foot radius with a lay down curb, be submitted before the plat is presented to City Council. The motion carried (5-0-1) with Mr. Laubacher abstaining from the vote. 7. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were none. 8. OTHER BUSINESS There were none. 9. ADJOURNMENT The chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. ~Q~ Ch~:urman Don Bowen 1:/ /I/~ Secretary Ted Nehring