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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-00400012- 00074945E -mail Correspondence From: Molly Hitchcock To: Hilgemeier Date: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 10:54 AM Subject: Fwd: Re Plat of Chimney Hill property K >>> Brittany Caldwell 1/4/2011 10:12 AM >>> Nancy asked to give this to you so you could forward it to the Commissioners, but I have already sent it on to them. >>> nancy berry <nberry202 @gmail.com> 1/3/2011 10:48 PM >>> Howdy Commissioners: Unfortunately I will be out of town for the P and Z meeting this Thursday, as will a number of my neighbors. Our main concern on the re -plat is compatibility with the rest of the neighborhood and safety of our residents. Although the Chimney Hill area is small, we have 4 different HOAs. On the north side of Chimney Hill Drive (where the re -plat is being considered) all of the homes (35+ in number) are single family homes on a single lot. The other residences in the neighborhood on the South of Chimney Hill Drive are either town homes or zero lot line patio homes. The common thread throughout the entire neighborhood is home size and building materials. All residences require a minimum of 2200 square feet if the home is single story or 2400 square feet if it is two -story. There are several homes that exceed 5000 square feet and many that exceed 4000 sq. feet. Exterior materials need to be a minimum of 50% brick or stone. All residences must have a two -car attached garage. If the garage is facing the street, then there is an additional 15 foot setback from the front of the home. No cars are allowed to park on the street overnight in the deed restrictions of all 4 HOAs. My husband and I built the first home in the neighborhood on Lot 7, 29 years ago and are close to the subject property. Our neighbors are mostly like us, empty nesters. We have several families with small children and some with pre -teens and teenagers. It is a wonderful and friendly neighborhood where a large percentage of us walk in the streets daily and the kids play in the streets as well. Many are retired. If the re -plat will create homes that are in keeping with the neighborhood standards, we have no objection. However, if the homes to be built do not meet those standards we are opposed. Thank you for your service to the city and thanks for considering my comments above. Nancy Berry 202 Lampwick Circle College Station, TX 77840 Past President and current board member, Chimney Hill Improvement Association From: Troy Rother To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Monday, December 20, 2010 11:40 AM Subject: Re: Speed Bumps on Chimney Hill Drive Speed humps are part of the Traffic Calming program (more specific information can be found at hqp: / /www.cstx.jzov /index.aspx ?page= 310 In short, the process entails collecting traffic data at three locations and determining which location has the biggest problem. The location with the biggest problem is given the opportunity to develop a traffic calming plan with the available funds; however, currently, there aren't any funds available. Funding the implementation of a traffic calming plan with private funds has not been allowed. If city funds are available, the selected neighborhood would establish a working group to develop the traffic calming plan from a menu of options. Once the plan was developed and approved by the working group, the residents in the study area would vote for or against the plan. With 2/3's approving the plan, construction plans would be developed and construction would start after that. The flow chart at the above link gives a quick overview of the process and details as well as the menu of traffic calming options can be found in the policy. Troy Troy Rother, P.E. Traffic Engineer Public Works Department City of College Station PO Box 9960 2613 Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77842 Office: (979) 764 -3690 Cell: (979) 229 -6520 Fax: (979) 764 -3489 Email: trother@cstx.pov City of College Station Home of Texas A &M University >>> Matthew Hilgemeier 12/20/2010 11:11 AM >>> Troy, Call me if all of this gets confusing.. We have a proposed replat for a piece of property located a the end of Chimney Hill Drive. The applicant is replatting the lot from 1 lot to 5 lots and it will end up being student housing. The president of the surrounding neighborhood association called me and wanted to know if it is possible to be speed bumps installed on Chimney Hill Drive to deter the students from driving down the street too fast or from using the street all together. Since Chimney Hill Drive is an existing street and the proposed replat does not require the installation of speed bumps (I told the HOA president all of this by the way) is there a process for the HOA to request speed bumps be installed. Can the HOA install them if they pay for them, etc. etc. Can you give me a brief overview of the process so that I can let the HOA president know what their options are, if any options exist. Thank you, Matthew Hilgemeier Staff Planner, Planning & Development Services City of College Station 979 - 764 -3570 City of College Station Home of Texas A &M University From: Deborah Anderson <debbieanderson541 @yahoo.com> To: <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 11:46 AM Subject: Proposed Replat of Chimeny Hill property, Agenda Item #6 Planning & Zoning Meeting January 6th Matthew: I would like to voice my strong opposition to the replat of property in Chimney Hill behind the Albertsons. Engineers in the past have put forward reports showing this parcel of land has many problems, and the developer has stated that he wishes to put up 5 houses (R -1) on this piece of land. The houses proposed are HUD type houses which will have no garages or carports. Fire Departments, Garbage Trucks, and other city services would not be able to get to those houses the way the developer wants to build them. Please go and view the property before the meeting tomorrow evening. Thank you for your time. Deborah Anderson From: Jerome Rektorik <jektorik @tamu.edu> To: . "mhilgemeier @cstx.gov "' <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 11:39 AM Subject: FW: Re -Plat of vacant property on Chimney Hill live at 437 Chimney Hill Drive in College Station. I strongly oppose the re -plat of the vacant 3.3 acres on Chimney Hill Drive. The neighborhood is composed of single family homes and adding houses to be rented to students is not in keeping with the integrity of the neighborhood. have no objection to having this developed into singe family homes, if the homes are build to the same standards as the rest of the neighborhood. Another concern I have is the safety of the neighborhood as it relates to drainage and flood control of the water course that flows thru the property. Additional concrete on the property will elevate this concern without proper additional drainage systems in place. Either the developer or the City will be responsible for this added cost of building and maintaining said drainage system. Safety is a real issue and potential liability for the City. strongly urge the City to oppose this replat for the above reasons stated. Jerome Rektorik "Henry & Ruth Williams" <hlwrww @verizon.net> 1/5/2011 11:28 AM >>> I live across the street at 449 Chimney HiLL Dr. I am opposed to the proposed change that would allow rental property for student housing. The neighborhood has been developed for single family housing and the home owners associations protect the owners from anything that might cause it to be less desirable. My wife and I are not against students since we have had, and will have grandchildren living in College Station, but it changes the neighborhood when appartments are next door. Therefore we encourage you to not approve the changes. Thank you for your service, Henry and Ruth Williams From: Eva Marie Lancaster <eml @stata.com> To: <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov >, <bcaldwell @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 11:30 AM Subject: chimney hill property Good Day: I oppose the replat of the property in the Chimney Hill subdivision. It is #6 on you agenda for the January 6th meeting of the P&Z. I have lived here for 17 years and am aware of the history of that property. Also, I feel that the City should review and study that piece of property more thoroughly. Thank you for your time. Regards, Eva Marie Lancaster 204 Chimney Hill Circle College Station, Texas 77840 From: <giovicerone @aol.com> To: <bcaldwell @cstx.gov> CC: <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov >, <josepharmon @msn.com> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 11:19 AM Subject: Property on Chimney Hill Driv e January 5, 2011 Sirs: This e -mail to inform you that we, owners of a property on Chimney Hill ( 207 Ember Glow), firmy reject ANY INITIATIVE to the replat of the property on Chimney Hill Drive ( Agenda Item # 6 on the January 6, 2011 P &Z Agenda) We have acquired our properties with a lot of hard work and sacrifices and we cannot allow or even consider any proposal or projects made by greedy individuals than might affect and reduce the value of our homes. We anticipate your understanding on this very important issue. Sincerely, Giovanni and Houda Cerone e -mail: GiovCerone(c AOL.com www.gotomrgs.com From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 11:15 AM Subject: Fwd: concern on city vote FYI >>> "Frank Muller" <fmuller @comcast.net> 1/5/2011 11:14 AM >>> I own 2 homes in college station 431 and 429 chimney hill I hope you will only allow the developer to restrict the 5 homes to single families only and never to be student rentals And not ever to be used as student rental housing The villas of chimney hills is a quiet established neighborhood that would be deeply hurt economically by allowing the developer to skirt by rules to put in student housing in this well established neighborhood Please do not let this happen You will decrease tax revenues for the city and hurt all the owners of this wonderful area Frank Muller 713- 249 -4979 From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 11:10 AM Subject: Fwd: replating FYI >>> 'Bill Armstrong" <Bill.Armstrong3 @verizon.net> 1/5/2011 11:07 AM >>> I am opposed to the replating of the property just off Chimney Hill. As I understand it, there will be 5 homes built, without garages. This will ensure student occupancy or a minimum of 20 students and at least that many vehicles using Chimney Hill Drive. We really need integrity in our neighborhood. These plans would hurt our integrity. I am not opposed to 5 homes in keeping with our neighborhood, but not this. Bill Armstrong 405 Chimney Hill Drive, College Station, TX 77840 From: Daniel Romo <romo @ mail. chem.tamu.edu> To: <bcaldwell @cstx.gov >, <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 10:47 AM Subject: Opposition to Replat of Chimney Hill Lot - Agenda Item #6 Jan. 6, 2011 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to voice my opposition to the replat in the Chimney Hill subdivision that will be considered by the CS P &Z Commission this Thursday Jan. 6, 2011. In addition to the serious drainage and city service issues it will undoubtedly raise, the planned use of that land is diametrically opposed to this very quiet and secluded subdivision in College Station. It is indeed for this reason that my wife and I with 4 young sons decided to move to this subdivision —6 years ago from Raintree which was being inundated with rental properties and the typically accompanying increased traffic and safety issues associated with mixed family renters. I hope the P &Z Commission will carefully consider the implications of this replat and instead find an alternative use of this property that is commensurate with this well- established and quiet neighborhood in College Station. Sincerely, Daniel Romo ********************************************* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Daniel Romo Professor, Dept. of Chemistry Director, Natural Products LINCHPIN Laboratory (hnchpin.tamu.edu) Texas A &M University phone: 979- 845 -9571; fax: 979- 862 -4880 Office Associate: Angie Wilson; 979- 845- 4459;romoasst @chem.tamu.edu Group Website: http : / /�vw--,v.chem.tamu.edu /rgroul2/romo From: Troy Holcombe <tjholcombe @verizon.net> To: <bcaldwell @cstx.gov >, <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov >, Joe Armon <josepharmon @msn... Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 10:46 AM Subject: Replat of 3+ acres on Chimney Hill Drive Sirs/ madames: I wish to express my opposition to the replat, and redevelopment as student housing, of the property located at the corner of Chimney Hill Drive and Arguello Street. Redevelopment issues keep coming up related to this property (again and again). Is it going to be possible for our quiet residential neighborhood to even exist this close to the University and the future convention center? How would you feel if this were your neighborhood? Sincerely, Troy L. Holcombe 208 Emberglow Circle College Station, TX 77840 From: <Rgamopjat1 @aol.com> To: <bcaldwell @cstx.gov >, <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 10:43 AM Subject: opposition to replatting in Chimney Hill area Dear Ms. Caldwell and Mr. Hilgemeier: I am writing to oppose the proposed replat of the Chimney Hill area. The item of concern is Agenda Item #6 on the January 6, 2011 P &Z Agenda. The area to be considered for replat includes significant drainage and flooding concerns as well as creation of health hazards for children and elderly people. My understanding is a portion of the proposed replat is in a 100 year flood plane. Kind Regards, Rayford G. Anthony 200 Hearthstone Circle CS, TX 77840 phone: 979 - 846 -7836 From: nancy berry <nberry202 @gmail.com> To: Brown Glenn Brown <Gbrown @cstx.gov >, Bob Cowell <Bcowell @cstx.gov> Date: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 9:55 PM Subject: Fwd: Chimney Hill Development - John Nichols letter - Dec. 30, 2010 Attachments: John Nichols letter - Dec. 30, 2010.pdf Please forward /give the attached letter to members of the P and Z commission. THank you, Nancy Begin forwarded message: From: "Rektorik, Jerome" < jrektorik (c�bushschool.tamu.edu Date: January 4, 2011 2:31:06 PM CST To: " 'nberry202(a)gmail.com "' < nberry202()-g mail. com Subject: Chimney Hill Development - John Nichols letter - Dec. 30, 2010 Nancy, Attached is a letter from John Nichols (445 Chimney Hill). John is a Chartered Professional Engineer as well as a faculty member in the College of Engineering at A &M. Because John is currently out of the country, he asked that I forward this letter to you in your capacity as Mayor as well as your capacity as a home owner in Chimneys Hills. I will also bring over the hard copy this evening, but if I miss you, I wanted to make sure you had the email copy. I do not know if the City staff and /or the P &Z Commission have considered the points that John makes in his letter, but if not, better now than later. Thank you for your leadership in our City as well as the Chimney Hill area. Happy New Year. Jerome Rektorik 437 Chimney Hill Drive Dr. John M. Nichols 445 Chimney Hill Drive College Station Texas 77840 -5800 30 December 2010 The Mayor City of College Station 1101 Texas Avenue College Station Texas Dear Mayor Berry: I normally do not become involved in local politics because of my prior work for local government authorities for many years on drainage, planning and transportation matters. Since 1 moved with my family to College Station in 20021 have only corresponded with the Mayor on a single occasion about a development issue in Chimney Hill. The previous letter concerned the rezoning application for a block of land at the end of Chimney Hill, which occurred I believe in the last two years. I assume that my previous letter on this matter is - available to you, so that i do not have to repeat all of the calculations and observations about this matter. In my previous letter, I raised a number of matters about the drainage for this land at the western end of Chimney Hill Drive, which is a part of the general drainage system for the area immediately upstream of the proposed development of land. I have reviewed the current application information available and again raise the following concerns about this property: 1. As a home owner I am situated about 60 metres from the land in question. In all the time this applicant has tried to rezone the property, the applicant has never made any attempt to contact either myself or I believe our home owners associations. Considering the severity of the concerns I raised about the drainage in my last letter, and given the distinctive change in nature of the proposed development from the current character of the area, one would assume that good planning practice would be to sit down with the local population to listen to their concerns. A second point is to address the planning issues in advance not in arrears. 2. The plan forwarded by Council shows a purported 100 year flood line. 3. A watercourse flows through this proposed development site, and in the strict legal sense this unnamed watercourse is defined in accordance with the common law definition of a watercourse, being bed, banks and water This watercourse meets these criteria, as 1 have never observed the watercourse dry. A watercourse is by definition in the 100 year flood plain, as the 100 year flood plain concept was developed to overcome the limitations of the common law. I would refer you to Howarth's book and Angel's book on this matter, which as far as I understand from my time in courts on these types of matters are the definitive tracts. 4. A significant portion of this land is below the legal definition for a 100 year flood plain and as such should be excluded from development. 5_ At some point, before I arrived in College Station, a detention basin was erected at the immediate upstream end of the subject property. The detention basin has: a. Dangerous side slopes, much steeper than is normally allowed for in this type of design b. A depth well past the drowning level for young children, which again is a problem if one considers that we should be designing to accepted standards c. An outlet that has a strong potential for white water scour and is not designed for child safety. White water scour is a particularly nasty form of erosion that occurs in large storm events at the downstream end of hydraulic structures, such as is constructed in reinforced concrete at the western end of chimney Hill. d. This type ofscour has the potential to undermine the wall, with serious consequences for all downstream. e. Excessive velocities and depths at the outlet, given its position next to a park area, again well outside accepted standards f. This is not the only location in College Station that has hydraulic structures that present a clear and present danger to children, the elderly and the sick. 6. The drainage system needs to be designed for the lots before the land is subdivided so that Council has obtained sufficient land for the works. The cost for an acceptable drainage system will be significantly greater than the return on the land. I have completed many of these cost studies, and would never have recommended that any of my clients touch such a block of land. In the end, it would appear that the land owner will learn the true cost of the drainage system and will either not proceed or assume that council will ultimately bear the cost. I fail to see why the citizens of College Station should accept a liability that will run to at least six figures. It would be cheaper to purchase the lot and turn it into parkland — detention basin, serving the community. 1 would suggest that the matter be deferred until these issues can be addressed. I also suggest that the applicant meet with the local associations to try and understand their perspective. Yours faithfully John Ni hols, BE, MIE(Aust), Chartered Professional Engineer From: carol whiting <scarolwhiting @yahoo.com> To: <bcaldwell @cstx.gov> CC: <mhilgemeier @cstx. gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 12:27 PM Subject: The plat in the Chimney Hill subdivision To whom it may concern: I have lived in the Chimney Hill subdivision for quite awhile, and have been a resident of College Station for 40+ years, and I am emailing to let you know that I oppose the replating of the property on Chimney Hill drive. The neighborhood association and residents have continued to try to keep this neighborhood strictly residential, not commercial. Thanks! Carol Whiting 207 Fireside Circle College Station, TX 77840 From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 2:25 PM Subject: Fwd: chimney hill lot proposed replat fyi >>> Anne Nichols <anichols @tamu.edu> 1/5/2011 2:03 PM >>> Ms. Caldwell, I am writing regarding my concerns and objections to the replat of the 3.37 acres located at 510 Chimney Hill Drive behind the Albertsons on University Dr. My family lives at 445 Chimney Hill Drive in the zero -plot line "garden" homes. Both my husband and I are Civil Engineers and have significant concerns about the current traffic conditions and proposed conditions when there will be multiple people living in each of the 5 proposed units that may all have their own vehicles, much like the student that we teach at Texas A &M University have. We are aware that there is no available access from any adjacent streets, and are concerned that there is only one access road for the 5 lots proposed. This access would be located two houses down from us. We have one small child, and are expecting another. At the present, we have to take great care to walk two houses down to the mailbox because of the rush hour traffic avoiding the light at University and East Tarrow for access to 29th Street by cutting through the Albertsons lot that race around the corner where the proposed entrance to the 5 lots would be. My husband has had extensive experience with planned developments and has expressed his concerns directly through a letter. I believe he emphasized the flooding, runoff, and drainage issues for these 5 lots and the effect on our neighborhood. When we bought our house, we were not entirely familiar with the covenant of our home owners association, but after having lived at several other Universities (Purdue, Bradly, University of Illinois), I am particularly grateful of the strict rental provisions which prohibit a single family dwelling from occupation by more than 2 unrelated people. When we moved in, the home at the end of the street (directly across from the proposed replat) was occupied by 3 female students, two of which were sisters. Most days there were 1 or more cars parked in front on the street, while there were at least 2 cars parked in the rear driveway. It appears as though the occupants had friends who were using the home for a parking lot while attending classes. I have seen the same overabundance of cars at several homes on Walton Dr. on the way to my daughter's grade school in the morning. I would not like for this to occur at the corner with Arguella Dr. Thank you for your consideration. Regards, Anne Nichols Assistant Professor Dept. of Architecture A413 Langford Texas A &M University College Station, TX 77843 -3137 (979) 845 -6540 fax: (979) 862 -1571 http: / /archone.tamu.edu /faculty /anichols anichols( tamu.edu From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 2:25 PM Subject: Fwd: Opposing replat of Chimney Hill property fyi >>> Robert Wattenbarger <bob.wattenbarger @gmail.com> 1/5/20112:22 PM >>> MS. CALDWELL - I want to register my opposition to the replat of the Chimney Hill property behind Albertson's. This is item #6 on the agenda for the Planning and Zoning meeting tomorrow night. We live right next to the property and have been here for 27 years. We feel like the proposed plan with hurt the tranquility of our neighborhood. We have a concern about safety issues and are sure the proposed plan will cause considerable increase in neighborhood traffic. We also believe it may cause flooding problems. Thank you for your consideration. Robert A. Wattenbarger 442 Chimney Hill Dr. College Station, TX 77840 From: Brenda Sims <rsims61 @verizon.net> To: < mhilgemeier @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 2:05 PM Subject: Replat of Chimney Randy & Brenda Sims 206 Hearthstone College Station, TX 77840 We are opposing the replat in the Chimney Hill area. It is #6 on the agenda. Thanks, Brenda and Randy From: William Hyman <w -hyman @tamu.edu> To: "bcaldwell @cstx.gov" <bcaldwell @cstx.gov >, "mhilgemeier @cstx.gov" <mhilg... Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 12:36 PM Subject: Chimnet Hill replat I oppose the replat of the Chimney Hill property because the plan is totally out of keeping with the integrity of the neighborhood. ................................ ............................... William A. Hyman 201 Lampwick Circle College Station TX 77840 979 - 846 -9606 From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 3:23 PM Subject: Fwd: Comment on Agenda Item #6 fyi >>> Janis Boothe <jboothe @albionenv.com> 1/5/20113:02 PM >>> Please register my comment on Agenda Item #6. I am opposed to the Chimney Hill Replat (Agenda Item #6) on the Planning and Zoning Committee's Agenda for Thursday, January 6, 2011. I am opposed for many reasons Including increasing the possibility of flooding and not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. We bought a home in this neighborhood specifically to get get away from student renal housing! Thank you. Janis Boothe 440 Chimney Hill Drive College Station, TX 77840 From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 4:16 PM Subject: Fwd: Chimney Hill Home Owners fyi >>> carmen moroney <moroneyca @hotmail.com> 1/5/20114:11 PM >>> To Whom this may concern: We strongly oppose the Chimney Hill Replat Regular Agenda Item #6!! Sincerely, Carmen and John Moroney From: Manuel Gonzalez <manuel @gonzalez.org> To: <bcaldwell @cstx.gov> CC: <mh i Ig emeier @cstx.g ov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 4:36 PM Subject: development Dear the Britany: I am Manuel Gonzalez from 205 Chimney Hill Cir, , and I know about tomorrow meeting, but I am in Acapulco Mexico at this moment . please note that I am opose to the development on the lot behind Albertson's because they are homes without garage and too many people for the small space. we choose to build in Chimney Hill and meet every request of surface build garage orientation etc. and we are very happy that way and don't want any change on our way of quiet living or the value of our property. thonks for your attention Manuel Gonzalez College Station, TX Manuel(a.Gonzalez.org From: Brittany Caldwell To: Matthew Hilgemeier Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 4:38 PM Subject: Fwd: Chimney Hill Replat A >>> Robert Coltrin <coltrin65 @gmail.com> 1/5/20114:20 PM >>> We are totally against the replat of land on Chimney Hill. It would not only jeopardize the integrity of our neighborhood, but also add traffic and noise. 20 -30 extra cars in that corner would not be good. Thank you for your concern. Bob & Glenda Coltrin 439 Chimney Hill Dr. From: "Patrick Gendron" <gendron @suddenlinkmail.com> To: "'Brittany Caldwell "' <Bcaldwell @cstx.gov> CC: <mhilgemeier @cstx.gov> Date: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 4:48 PM Subject: Chimney Hill Please note that I am a resident at 205 Lampwick and am opposed to the replat of the Chimney Hill property on the January 6, 2011 agenda of the P &Z Commission (Regular Agenda Item # 6). Patrick Gendron 775 -9500