HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-00500123- 00073553MINUTES
Planning and Zoning Commission
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
July 18, 2002
6:00 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioners Floyd, McMath, Trapani, White and
Shafer.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Williams and Hall.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Hazen and Maloney.
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Planners Hitchcock, Fletcher, Flanery, and Reeves,
Planning Intern Butler, Assistant City Engineer McCully,
Graduate Engineer Thompson, City Attorney Cargill,
Assistant City Attorney Nemcik, Director of
Development Services Templin, City Planner Kee, Senior
Planner Battle, Development Review Manager Ruiz,
Transportation Planner Fogle, Action Center
Representative Steptoe, and Staff Assistant Hazlett.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Bear visitors
None.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Public Comment for the Record
None.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Consent Agenda
The following items were approved by common consent
3.1 Approved the Preliminary Plat for 5.175 acres in the JSEA Subdivision located along
White Creek Road in the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. (02-63)
3.2 Removed the Preliminary Plat for Schuessler Subdivision, consisting of 8 lots and 1
reserve lot on 55.25 acres on Kemp Road in the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. (02-
124)
MZMinutes July 18, 2002 Page 1 of5
3.3 Approved an Amending Plat for Lots 15, 16, 21, and 22 for Sun Meadows Phase 1.
(02-126)
3.4 Approved the other uses allowed in the C-1, General Business district and a parking
determination for the Rainbow Play System Package. (02-128)
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consider request(s) for absence from meetings.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve the absence requests for Commissioners Hall and
Williams. Commissioner White seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed
from the Consent Agenda by Commissioner action.
3.2 Consideration and possible action on a Preliminary Plat for Schuessler Subdivision,
consisting of 8 lots and 1 reserve lot on 55.25 acres on Kemp Road in the City's
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. (02-124)
Chairman Floyd questioned the access for this plat. Spencer Thompson, Development Services
Engineer, explained that the reserve tract is on the south side and is in the same ownership of the tract
to the west. Staff comments #2 requires the surveyor to indicate that access to the reserve tract shall be
provided through the adjacent plat to the west.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve. Commissioner Shafer seconded the motion. The motion
carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Public hearing, discussion, and consideration of a Rezoning for the
tract of land located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Krenek Tap Road and State
Highway 6 South from R-1, Single Family Residential, to C-1, General Commercial. (02-121)
Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the staff report and opened by stating that Staff recommends denial
of the rezoning. The subject property is at the corner of Krenek Tap and State Highway 6 frontage
road and three roads on the Thoroughfare Plan abut the property. Ms. Hitchcock explained that the C-
1 zoning would not be in compliance with the Land Use Plan, which shows the subject property to be
Mixed Use Development. She added that if the Commission wishes to deviate from the Future Land
Use Plan by rezoning this property to C-1, they should acknowledge that they are recommending to the
Council a different land use concept with a statement requesting the change. Additionally, the
property was annexed into the city in 1971 and zoned as R-1 as a holding zone. The property has
remained as such and has not been platted.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
The following spoke in favor of the rezoning:
Veronica Morgan, Mitchell & Morgan, LLP
Thomas Madison, Property Owner, Austin, Texas
The following spoke in opposition to the rezoning:
MZ mutes July 18, 2002 Page 2 of 5
Peter Snyder, 1007 Krenek Tap Road
Dianne Savage, 8706 Greenleaf
Gene Savage
Jay Goss, 306 Lee Avenue
Rusty and Miriam Gerdes, 3706 East 20th, Bryan
Angie Porter, 201 Krenek Tap Road #21
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to deny the rezoning request. Commissioner Shafer seconded the
motion. The motion carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Public hearing, discussion and consideration of a Rezoning for a
tract of land located along the north side of Krenek Tap Road and west of the future extension of
Central Park Lane, from R-1, Single Family Residential, to R-5, Apartment/Medium Density.
(02-120)
Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the staff report. Ms. Hitchcock stated that Staff recommends
approval of the rezoning. She pointed out that the Land Use Plan shows the subject tract as Residential
Attached, which is 10-20 dwelling units/acre. The R-5 zoning would allow a maximum of 24 units per
acre, which is slightly higher than what the Land Use Plan calls for. However, it would still be
consistent with the Residential Attached-designated land to the north, which is developed R-5. Also,
as R-5, the subject property would also be in compliance with the step-down approach suggested by
the Land Use Plan. Ms. Hitchcock added that R-2 Duplexes, R-3 Townhouse, and R-4
Apartment/Low Density would also be appropriate zoning districts.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
The following spoke in favor of the rezoning
Veronica Morgan, Mitchell & Morgan, LLP
Thomas Madison, Property Owner, Austin, Texas
Jim Stewart, Developer
The following spoke in opposition to the rezoning
Peter Snyder, 1007 Krenek Tap Road
Dianne Savage, 8706 Greenleaf
Gene Savage, 8714 Bent Tree
Jay Goss, 306 Lee Avenue
Rusty and Miriam Gerdes, 3706 East 29"', Bryan
Angie Porter, 201 Krenek Tap Road #21
Cathy Conlee, 833 South Rosemary, Bryan
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve the rezoning. Commissioner McMath seconded the
motion. The motion failed 2-3 with Commissioners Floyd, Shafer, and White voting in opposition.
After a brief discussion, Commissioner Trapani motioned to deny the R-5 zoning and approve a lesser
zoning district of R-4. Commissioner McMath seconded the motion. Further discussion followed.
Commissioners Trapani and McMath withdrew the motion and second to approve the lesser intense R-
4 zoning district. Commissioner Trapani motioned to table the item, which was seconded by
Commissioner White. The motion to table carried 4-1, with Commissioner McMath voting in
opposition. The item was tabled until the August 1, 2002 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
P&ZMinutes July 18, 2002 Page 3 of5
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional Use
and Site Permit for an expansion of the Bourbon Street Bar located at 2501 Texas Avenue, D-
101. (02-123)
Staff Planner Reeves presented the Staff Report. Ms. Reeves stated that Staff recommends denial of
the Conditional Use and Site Permit, based on the negative impact on the neighboring mobile home
park and a history of noise complaints. She explained that the applicant is proposing to build a deck
under the covered walkway in front of the bar that will consist of a seating area with tables, television,
and outdoor speakers. This expansion would add an additional 800 square feet to the existing 7,000
square feet of lease space. Ms. Reeves added that the applicant is also requesting to have live music
such as "Piano Night," comedians, hypnotists, open microphone, and small bands. She pointed out that
in June of 2000, the Commission granted a conditional use permit for this address for another
nightclub and restricted it to no live music. Additionally, in October 2001, the applicant requested an
expansion to the nightclub but was denied by the Commission due to a history of noise complaints.
She pointed out that Staff feels that any kind of outside expansion or live music would add to the
existing noise problems. She reported that the applicant has contacted residents in the neighboring
mobile home park.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing
The applicant, Gary Seaback, 9215 Timberknoll, stated that the noise concerns have been addressed by
added insulation and downsizing the speakers from 18" to 8", which should not escape the building.
He added that the change in the type of entertainment will also alleviate the problem. Mr. Seaback
also said that the outside patio will appeal to an older crowd. A small kitchen is planned also to
provide food and a more relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, he stated that a cinderblock wall is being
considered to help sound proof the backside of the building where the trash and back doors affect the
neighboring residents.
Jim McMann, 1011 Edgewood, stated that a significant amount of money was spent on soundproofing
the nightclub and that Mr. Seaback seemed genuinely interested in addressing the sound control
problems. The amount of insulation that was installed should reduce the escaping sound to
approximately 75-80%.
Commissioner Shafer asked how the sound from the patio has been addressed and what is being
considered to address it. Chairman Floyd clarified the fact that Mr. Seaback has not operated at this
location before and therefore is not responsible for the actions of the former tenant. Mr. Seaback
explained that the speakers on the patio are very small, with a recessed overhead.
Jay Goss, 306 Lee Avenue, stated that Mr. Seaback is proposing to operate a new nightclub of a
different orientation, which would actually create less of a noise nuisance than those of the past with
dance music and DJ's. He explained that the atmosphere on the patio would be completely different
from that on the inside of the nightclub.
Commissioner Trapani asked about limiting the type of live music to that proposed tonight in order to
ensure the misuse of the permit.
Chairman Floyd asked if the Conditional Use Permit goes with the land or property owner when the
property is sold. Assistant City Attorney Nemcik stated that the permit goes with the actual use. It is
not personal to the owner.
P&Z Minutes July 18, 2002 Page 4 of 5
Ava Williams, 1402 Esther, Bryan, and the manger of Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, stated that Mr.
Seaback did speak to the residents of the park and seemed genuine in trying to take care of the noise
problem. She was encouraged by the patio and food concept of the nightclub and the appeal of the
new club to a more mature clientele, This should help to alleviate the past noise problems.
Chip Ingram, the general manager of the new nightclub, stated that the focus has been on precluding
the noise problems from happening again. In regards to the patio, Mr. Ingram stated that the music
that will be playing in the patio area will be music that will promote a relaxed type atmosphere.
Additionally, the size of the club, which allows 500-600, precludes them from having any large,
popular bands. The staff is diligently working at addressing all problems and complaints, past and
present to create the type of bar that will be enjoyed by all.
Chairman Floyd asked Mr. Ingram to explain how the trash noise problem is being addressed. Mr.
Ingram stated that the dumpster can be moved to the other end of the apex, if the owner approves it.
Also, he stated that staff can change the cleaning schedule during the day instead of in the early
morning hours after the nightclub has closed.
Greg Swoboda, 8605 Topaz, stated that there has always been a problem at this facility. He spoke
favorably of Mr. Seaback and his attempts of creating a new nightclub at this location.
Chairman Floyd asked Assistant City Attorney Nemcik to explain what limitations the Commission
could possibly require on this Condition Use and Site Permit. Ms. Nemcik stated that the Commission
cannot limit the club to closing hours but could limit the outside music to a certain hour. Physical
conditions or limitations to mitigate adverse impacts of the use are allowed.
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Trapani motioned to approve. Commissioner McMath seconded the motion. The
motion carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Discussion of future agenda items.
None.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Adjourn.
Commissioner McMath motioned to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Commissioner White.
The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned.
ATTEST:
St si t, s H Lett
P&Z Minutes
APP VI^ ~ F
Chai an, Rick Loyd
July 18, 2002
Page 5 of 5
MINUTES
Planning and Zoning Commission
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
June 15, 2000
7:00 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Rife, Commissioners Floyd, Horlen, Parker,
Mooney, Warren, Harris, and Haap, and Ad Hoc Member
Charles Thomas.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Kaiser.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Members Silvia, Maloney, and Marriott.
STAFF PRESENT: Senior Planner Kuenzel, Staff Assistant Charanza, Staff
Assistant Hazlett, Office Assistant Kelly, Staff Planners
Jimmerson, Anderson, and Hitchcock, Assistant City
Engineer Mayo, Graduate Engineers Tondre and
Thompson, Transportation Planner Hard, and Assistant
City Attorney Ladd, Director of Development Services
Callaway, Neighborhood Planner Battle, Assistant
Development Coordinator George, and City Planner Kee,
Customer Service Representative Messarra, and
Superintendent of Special Utilities Gerling.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Public hearing and consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for the
Raffles-Orme Inc. dba located at 2501 Texas Avenue South, Suite D-101. (00-98)
Staff Planner Molly Hitchcock presented the Staff Report. The applicant wishes to establish a country
and western nightclub. The subject property is located in Building B of the Park Place Plaza shopping
center, which is at the intersection of Texas Avenue South and Southwest Parkway. The land use plan
designates this area as retail regional. The property is currently a C-1 General Commercial district and
is surrounded by C-1 on all sides except the southeast. Staff Planner Hitchcock pointed out that an R-7
Manufactured Home Park is adjacent to the property, with the nearest home being approximately 35
feet from the back of the proposed nightclub. Residents in the area have reported problems with
previous nightclubs in the area. Conditional Use Permits granted after these problems have attached
conditions and attempt to mitigate the impact of noise on the area. Recently, a Conditional Use Permit
was granted for the Rack Warehouse to extend their uses to include a dance floor. However,
conditions addressing noise and security were included in the Permit. The subject property is the site
of former nightclubs. There is no additional parking needed. Staff recommends approval of the
Conditional Use Permit.
Chairman Rife opened the public hearing and with no one stepping forward for discussion, Chairman
Rife closed the public hearing.
P&Z Minutes June 15, 2000 Page 1 of 13
Commissioner Horlen motioned for approval, which was seconded by Commissioner Mooney.
Commissioner Floyd said that mitigating factors regarding noise and security should be considered and
suggested that an amendment to the permit be attached as was the case the Rack Warehouse located in
the same vicinity.
Commissioner Warren agreed with Commissioner Floyd and said the sound issues should be
considered since the mobile home park is only 150 feet from the site.
Commissioner Parker asked about formal complaints with the police department.
Staff Planner Hitchcock explained that the two conditions placed on the Rack Warehouse in February
2000, stated no live music and that additional security would be required if there were more than two
violations filed. She also explained that an annual review regarding parking and noise problems would
occur after three years in operation.
Commissioner Horlen stated that there is noise ordinance that should be enforced, but expressed
concern about placing a condition of time on reported violations.
Commissioner Warren felt that if the Commission did not place conditions on the use in the area,
violations would continue by paying a fine.
Chairman Rife called for the vote for the motion to approve without conditions and the second. The
vote was 3-3 (Commissioners Rife, Warren and Floyd voted in opposition).
Commissioner Mooney motioned for approval with two conditions. (1)To review the parking
conditions after three years in operation and, (2) No live music.
Commissioner Horlen seconded the motion.
Chairman Rife called for the vote. The motion carried 6-0.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Chairman, Karl Mooney
Staff Assistant, Susan Hazlett
P&Z Minutes June 15, 2000 Page 2 of 13
Applicant Keller Webster of the First Worthing company approached the Commission and offered to
answer any questions pertaining to the proposed development. He stated that because the project is in
the Wolf Pen Creek district, additional attention has been given to the landscaping of the site. Mr.
Webster stated that he is saving as many existing trees as possible. The buildings will consist of stucco
and brick except for the eaves and trim which will be constructed of wood.
Commissioner Gribou informed the applicant that he has a problem with the proposed carports in
combination with the rest of the development. The carports will be clearly visible from Holleman Drive
and create a central spine for the entire project.
Mr. Webster informed the Commission that there will be 172 carports constructed in the center of the
parking area so that they are not easily seen from Holleman Drive. As far as the design, they are a
prefabricated metal carport with a corrugated roof deck and approximately 3" of facia on the front. The
columns of the carports are a galvanized metal that will be painted a beige color to blend in with the
development. Mr. Webster stated that the trim will also be painted to match a color found elsewhere in
the development.
Commissioner Gribou stated that the carports look like an after thought and something that came in
after the building was designed. The proposed metal carports are not what he envisions for Wolf Pen
Creek. The entire site is functional; however, Commissioner Gribou stated that he has a major problem
with the proposed carports.
Commissioner Hall informed the Commission that he was present at the Design Review Board meeting
for the proposed development. There was some discussion at length concerning the carports. The
applicant has tried to break up the row of carports with landscaped islands. There was also some
discussion concerning brick columns to help tie the carports in with the entire development; however,
the spacing becomes a problem if the larger brick columns are used.
Commissioner Hall moved to approve the proposed site plan for The Arbors of Wolf Pen Creek multi-
family development to be located on 8.5 acres along the north side of Holleman just east of the Kyle
Avenue extension in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district with staff recommendations including the
conditions listed in the Design Review Board report. Commissioner Garner seconded the motion which
passed (5 - 1); Commissioner Gribou voted in opposition to the motion.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consideration of a previously tabled conditional use permit request
to expand the existing Penthouse Billiards & Bar located at 2501 Texas Avenue South D-101 in
the Winn Dixie shopping center. (95-708)
Senior Planner Kuenzel informed the Commission that at their last meeting, the Commission tabled the
conditional use permit request to.allow the addition of 2200 square feet to the existing 6900 square foot
night club (pool hall) at Park Place Plaza. The applicant testified that he intends to add a small dance
floor and occasionally have live entertainment as a part of the expansion. The residential area to the
southeast has experienced past problems with The Edge (previously located in the far southeast corner
of the same shopping center) and with The Globe (previously located in the old Schulman Theater).
The Commission requested additional information from the applicant regarding sound insulation so that
the city could be assured that previous problems will not be repeated. Senior Planner Kuenzel
distributed information given to staff this evening from Floyd Shelburne, the managing partner of
Penthouse Billiards and a letter from RDM Audio Services on the soundproofing of the building. Staff
has not had an opportunity to review this information and does not have a recommendation for the
Commission.
P & Z Minutes September 7, 1"5 Page 3 of 8
Floyd Shelburne, managing partner of Penthouse Billiards, approached the Commission and apologized
for submitting the information to the Commission so late. He explained that he understands the
concerns pertaining to The Edge and The Globe night clubs. Mr. Shelburne stated that he has been
operating in this location since January and has not received a complaint from anyone concerning the
music or the operations of the establishment Mr. Shelburne also explained that effective October 1,
1995, the name of the pool hall will be changed to Cutlers since there have been some past concerns
expressed about the current name. He stated that he is willing to comply with all of the
recommendations of RDM Audio Services and invites the City to monitor him to make sure that each of
the recommendations are followed.
Commissioner Lightfoot expressed concern that the Commission has only heard proposals from RDM
Audio Services and Mr. Shelburne. There is nothing which states that each of these recommendations
will be followed. He stated that he does not feel comfortable acting on the conditional use permit
tonight since staff has not had time to review the information and make a recommendation.
Commissioner Lane suggested that the Commission delegate the responsibility to staff to gather the
facts and recommendations from the proposals and make them a part of the building permit process.
Senior Planner Kuenzel informed the Commission that the building department has not had a chance to
review the letters and that staff cannot give the Commission any assurance that the proposals meet any
standard or address the concerns of the building department. However, staff can work with the building
department to make sure that there are no adverse impacts as far as noise is concerned. Senior Planner
Kuenzel stated that in the past, the Commission has considered the possibility of placing a condition
which limits the number of citations that can be issued at a development before the use permit is
revoked. If that is a consideration in this case, staff could research some existing sites that have and
have not had problems and compare police reports to arrive at a reasonable number of citations and
convictions.
Applicant James Vanya approached the Commission and stated that the reason for submitting the letters
is to inform the Commission of what they were willing to do to address their concerns. If the permit is
issued, the applicant will abide by all of the recommendations listed in the letter by RDM Audio
Services.
Commissioner Gribou moved to approve the conditional use permit request to expand the existing
Penthouse Billiards & Bar located at 2501 Texas Avenue South D-101 with staff recommendations, the
inclusion of the applicant's proposal for sound installation, RDM Audio Service's most effective
recommendations for sound, Mr. Vanya's proposals listed in his letter to the Commission and that staff
determine a reasonable number of citations within a period of time that would cause the permit to be
revoked. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion.
Commissioner Lightfoot stated that he appreciated the fact that the owners have voiced their opinions
and concerns; however, there are too many contingencies in the proposals submitted. The proposed
motion places too much pressure on staff to meet the Commission's approval when we do not even
know exactly what we are approving. Commissioner Lightfoot stated that the applicant's proposals
were submitted tonight and the City has not even had enough time to review the recommendations. The
Commission is not in any position to take action on this item tonight because there are too many
problems that can result.
P & Z Minutes September 7,1583' Page 4 of 8
016,
Commissioner Hall moved to amend the motion to approve the conditional use permit to restrict the
night club to 1800 watts. If at any time this wattage is exceeded, the conditional use permit should be
revoked. Commissioner Gribou accepted the amendment.
The motion to approve the conditional use permit with all conditions as amended passed (4 - 2);
Commissioners Smith and Lightfoot voted in opposition to the motion.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Discussion of a possible ordinance amendment pertaining to rear
setback requirements and their relation to alleys and access easements. (95-811)
Senior Planner Kuenzel informed the Commission that at a recent Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting,
the Board heard a request for a rear setback request for garages to be placed on several single family
lots in the Eastmark Subdivision. The Board gave direction for staff to discuss the possibility of an
ordinance amendment with the appropriate decision-making bodies. The case involved several lots that
abut a 30' access easement, only 20' of which is paved. The rear lot lines run down the center of the
easement, and places half of the easement and half of the paved section onto each individual lot. The
rear yards of the lots therefore include a 15' access easement with a 10' paved section. The Zoning
Ordinance requires that the 20' rear setback be measured from the nearest boundary of an easement, not
from the property line. On these lots, therefore, the setback is required to be the 15' easement plus the
20' setback for a total setback of 35'. The request was to be allowed to measure the required rear
setback from the actual paved section and not the platted easement line. Due to the verbiage of the
ordinance, staff is required to measure from the platted easement. The intent of the requirement is to
maintain a clearance of at least 20' from a garage to the easement so that there is room for a vehicle to
pull off of the easement so that the traveled portion of the easement is not blocked. A rewording of the
ordinance to require that the setback (i.e. clearance to the garage) be measured from the paved section
and not the platted easement would meet the intent of the ordinance and be more in line with the
treatment of utility easements. The Zoning Board expressed no concern with such an ordinance change
and found it to be reasonable. A more recent Board case related to rear alleys, where the property line
is not in the center of the traveled portion, but rather on the edge of the alley. The case involved a
request for carports to extend all the way to the property line, for total of a zero setback. The Board
also referred the case to legislative bodies, due to the fact that such an allowance would involve an
ordinance amendment rather than an individual variance based on special circumstances.
Commissioner Gribou expressed concern that the proposed change in measuring the rear setback
distance could create problems in the future. The front and side setbacks are measured from the
property line and there could be variances in every situation. Commissioner Gribou stated that his
biggest problem is that the City is reacting to a mistake or trying to correct something by easing up on
the ordinance requirements.
Commissioner Lightfoot stated that in the staff report, it sounds like there are about four carports that
are the impetus for this ordinance amendment. He expressed concern of the aesthetics and the long
term effects of the property with decreased setback requirements.
Commissioner Lane stated that 20' is not much room and that vehicles will have to pull up close to the
structure to not extend out into the alley. The extra 5' serves as a nice buffer for the development.
P & Z Minutes September 7,188:" Page S of 8
1q9It-5-
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional Use
Permit for a sign only for Covenant Family Church located at 4010 Harvey Road. (01-196)
Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the staff report. She stated that the applicant is proposing to
construct a new freestanding sign to replace the old sign that was torn down during the construction of
the church's parking lot. The applicant did not realize that removing the old sign would eliminate the
legally non-conforming status, or grandfathering the sign may have had. Staff is recommending
approval of the request. The subject property is currently zoned A-O Agricultural Open, which does
not allow freestanding signs. However, Ms. Hitchcock explained that properties that are granted a
Conditional Use Permit must comply with the sign regulations of the underlying zoning district, unless
an alternate standard is approved through the C.U.P. process. Therefore, the applicant is requesting
permission to have a freestanding sign meeting the City's freestanding sign requirements.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
David Ritter, 4501 Andert Road, Bryan, reiterated the removal of the non-confirming sign and the
request to construct a new freestanding sign.
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to approve the Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner Hawthorne
seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional Use
Permit for Cody's, a nightclub, located at 2501 Texas Avenue South, Suite D-101. (01-183)
Staff Planner Hitchcock presented the Staff Report. Ms. Hitchcock stated that Staff recommends
approval of the Conditional Use Permit. She explained that the subject property is located in the Park
Place Plaza shopping center and that the Land Use Plan designates this area as Retail Regional. The
property is currently zoned C-1 General Commercial and is surrounded by C-1 except to the southeast
where there is an R-7 Manufactured Home Park.
Ms. Hitchcock pointed out that the Commission granted a Conditional Use Permit for a nightclub at
this location in June, 2000. The applicant is now requesting a permit to expand the nightclub into a
neighboring lease space that has become available. She added that there was a limitation of no live
music placed on the existing club last year. Ms. Hitchcock reported that Cody's currently has dancing
and pool tables and that the expansion will include more pool tables. In closing, Ms. Hitchcock stated
that the zoning ordinance allows up to 25% of a shopping center to be used for restaurants, theaters,
and nightclubs without having to create additional parking. No additional parking is required for this
expansion.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
Allen Swoboda, owner of Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, stated that there have been noise problems
with a club in this location for a number of years.
Ava Williams, manager, Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, pointed out the closeness of several of the
homes in the mobile home park to the nightclub's site. The noise disturbances must be rectified. She
provided the Commission with incident reports from public records of the police department and asked
the Commission to take these things into consideration when taking action on this request.
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 3 of 5
Seth McGuiness, resident, Oak Forest Mobile Home Park, stated that since Cody's opening, the noise
level is very loud and disturbing, Thursday through Saturday from opening time to the early morning
hours. He expressed concern over the noise level becoming even worse with the expansion that is
planned.
Mike Skipper, owner, Cody's, suggested the item be tabled. He also stated that police records will only
show that one citation for noise violation was issued. Since then, the sound proofing of the back doors
was done. He also stated that a police report if requested by staff, will show that a noise problem does
not exist. There are no plans to add more sound equipment so the sound decibal levels will remain the
same. Additionally, the expansion should allow the room to compress and absorb the sound.
Commissioner Kaiser asked Mr. Skipper if he had received any complaint calls from the neighbors.
He stated that he did and has worked with Ms. Williams and others to correct the problem. He stated
that the police department entered one of the homes to listen to the impact of the noise and reported to
him that they did not believe the problem existed any longer since the sound proofing of the back doors
was taken care of.
Greg Swoboda, 8605 Topaz, stated that the manager of the Mobile Home Park has a police report for
several months. The violations listed on this report were not dismissed in court and are numerous.
Commissioner Trapani asked to see the police reports Mr. Swoboda referred to.
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kaiser motioned to table the item. He also asked for further staff report and elaboration
on these complaints. Commissioner Trapani seconded the motion. The motion to table carried 4-1,
with Commissioner Hawthorne voting in opposition.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on the Eastgate
Neighborhood Plan.
Senior Planner Battle presented the Eastgate Neighborhood Plan. For the benefit of the newest
Commissioners, Mr. Battle explained the background of the program and the process they have been
through in creating the plan. Since the Commissioners were provided a copy of the plan earlier in the
month, Mr. Battle highlighted only some of the recommendations of the plan. In conclusion, Mr.
Battle explained that the planning effort was designed to involve citizens and identify issues that
needed resolutions. The Eastgate Neighborhood Plan is the result of this effort. The residents see
these recommendations as reasonable and necessary to address other issues and in protecting their
neighborhood and the quality of life they enjoy. We request the Commissions' recommendation of
approval and adoption of this plan.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
The following spoke in favor of adopting this plan:
Bob Droleskey, 1109 Ashburn Avenue
Dennis Berthold, 1204 Marsteller
Sharon Colson, 1116 Neal Picket
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
P&Z Minutes September 20, 2001 Page 4 of 5