HomeMy WebLinkAbout00071399MINUTES
Northgate Revitalization Board Review Subcommittee
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
City Hall Training Room
1101 Texas Avenue
Wednesday, August 22, 2001
10:00 A.M.
Commissioners Present: Rick Floyd, Wallis McMath, and Phil Trapani.
Staff Present: Staff Planners Reeves, Hitchcock, and Jimmerson,
Development Review Manager Ruiz, Assistant City
Engineer Mayo, and Development Review Secretary
Macik.
Commissioner Floyd called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
A&M United Methodist Church Parking Lot.• Discussion and consideration for the
proposal of expanding and improving the existing parking lot facilities located at 300
College Main in Northgate (01-173)
Staff Planner Reeves presented the staff report. She stated that the applicant was proposing to
replace the existing dirt and gravel parking lot with asphalt. She added that the lot currently
has five entrances.
Veronica Morgan, of Mitchell & Morgan LLP, interjected that the small lot is a gravel parking
area with two curb cuts and that a large concrete slab currently covers one-half of this area.
She stated that the owner of the duplex building located just northwest of the proposed site
has been contacted regarding the City's screening and fencing ordinance which requires the
screening and fencing of this property from any adjacent multi-family or single family
complexes. He is not in favor of any screening or fencing because the entrance of his building
is adjacent to the church's property line and a screening fence would abut his duplex
building. Ms. Morgan added that the large parking lot area has five entrances and an existing
concrete slab and parking lot. Additionally, there is an existing gravel parking lot on lots 3
and 4 that currently takes access off College Main. She explained that with this proposal, an
attempt was made to minimize the number of curb cuts and that detention in order to meet
the drainage ordinance will be provided. The sidewalk ordinance will, be met as well. She
This building is wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking spaces are availAole. Any request for sign
interpretive services must be made 48 hours before the meeting. To make arr4p3gments call 409-764-
explained that the trees around the perimeter of the lot will be preserved. Ms. Morgan
described the fencing as having brick walls on the corners of the lot with wrought iron
fencing adjoining these walls.
The landscape contractor stated that the streetscape requirements have been met. He
indicated that only one tree on the site will need to be removed but added that other trees will
be planted. He explained that the screening and fencing that is being proposed is 3' high
masonry brick that will match the existing church building brick but that a visual break with
the use of wrought iron in the fencing is proposed.
Ms. Morgan explained that the signage will be attached to the fencing and that they are
proposing to make it larger than the existing signs in order to incorporate the "towing"
message for non-church members using the parking lot.
Commissioner McMath asked where the exit to the new parking garage is in respect to their
parking lot entrance/exit. Ms. Morgan stated that it is offset to the parking garage and that it
is an existing driveway.
Commissioner Floyd asked if the city prefers the offset plan rather than lining up the two.
Staff Planner Jimmerson stated that the city has no objection since the garage and the
driveways are offset some distance from each other. She added that the transportation
planner made an onsite visit and reported that there are no concerns. Ms. Jimmerson
explained that the lot has head-on parking as well and that the proposed entrances are the
best possible solutions. In closing, she stated that access to the small lot has to be provided and
that there is not enough offset to warrant concern on this minor residential street.
Additionally, Ms. Jimmerson reported that the applicant intends to plant vines on the island
portions of the fence to soften the area and to provide more screening.
Commissioner McMath asked if all the requirements for the screening wall have been met.
Ms. Jimmerson said that they have and that the applicant intends to plant vines on the island
portions of the fence to soften the area and to provide more screening.
Commissioner Trapani asked how many towing signs are required to fulfill legal requirement
for towing. The landscape contractor said that one sign at each entrance is required.
However, currently there are approximately 10- 12 towing signs on the property, but with the
approval of the signage today, this number will be reduced to three.
Commissioner Floyd asked if curb stops will be used along the wall. Ms. Morgan stated that
the front curb of the parking lot will act as the curb stop.
Commissioner Floyd asked for clarification regarding the neighbor's opposition to the fencing.
Ms. Morgan explained the he was in opposition to a 6' high fence. The 3' high fence that is
being proposed is acceptable.
Commissioner Floyd asked for clarification on the proposed signage. Ms. Morgan explained
that a single post sign with a 6" border on the top and 2" border on each side and bottom is
requested.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve with the signage conditions as stated.
Commissioner McMath seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0.