HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-00500142- 00076580 MINUTES
Planning and Zoning Commission
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION TEXAS
July 3, 2003
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Public hearing, discussion and possible action on a Rezoning
to amend the concept plan and other elements of the PDD -B for the Benjamin Knox
Gallery, being Lot 1A, Block D of the College Heights Subdivision, 0.48 acres located on the
northwest corner of University Drive and MacArthur Street. (03 -142)
Staff Planner Prochazka presented the Staff Report. Ms. Prochazka explained that the
applicant is requesting to modify the height and side street setback requirements of the
original PDD -B in order to build a third building toward the rear of the lot, which is
already built as the Benjamin Knox Gallery. She added that Staff recommends approval
of the request.
Ms. Prochazka reported that the area is shown on the Land Use Plan for redevelopment.
She added that the changes from the original PDD -B include closing a cross access
between the property and adding an additional building and railcar to the already
developed site. Also, a small portion of the subject property abuts an alley that is
adjacent to single family developed property that is zoned AP, Administrative
Professional. The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) contains some residential
protection standards that include a height limit for non - residential buildings that neighbor
single family uses. In this case, the new building is proposed to be two stories and would
not meet this requirement. Therefore, one of the modifications being asked for is a
modification to the height requirement. The maximum height proposed is 36 feet. The
applicant is also asking for a modification to the side street setback requirement for a
railcar that will be used as a small restaurant or ice cream shop.
Chairman Floyd asked clarification regarding the height limit, the zoning of the
surrounding properties, and parking and access to the site. Ms. Prochazka pointed out
that the UDO allows a maximum of 11 feet and that the surrounding properties will be
developed as AP, Administrative Professional, including those that are currently
residential sites. She added that another is already a two -story apartment building and
would not be affected. She explained that parking and access remains unchanged to the
site. In regards to the setback modification, Ms. Prochazka stated that the railcar would
extend into the normal setback at an unknown amount since the exact size of the railcar is
unknown at this time. However, the applicant will attempt to keep it out of the side
setback and added that it would be out of the visibility triangle of a normal AP tract.
Commissioner White asked if sidewalks were being planned for the site. Ms. Prochazka
reported that a capital project including sidewalks is planned for the area.
Chairman Floyd reiterated that the request has to do with the internal nature of the
property and would not impact the neighbors other than the height, and with Staff having
spoken with the neighbors prior to the meeting, it's apparent that there are no objections
to the modifications.
Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing.
Jesse Montelongo, 810 Vine, Bryan, Texas, is the adjacent property owner. He stated
that he has no objection to the modifications of the subject property but asked if the
modifications would impact his property in any way.
Development Services Director Templin explained that the request before the
Commission was to modify the already approved PDD with the addition of a third
building and a railcar. He stated that the modifications would not affect Mr.
Montelongo's property or have a negative impact on parking for either businesses. The
only impact would be on the adjoining access alley that can be amicably worked out
between the two property owners.
Benjamin Knox, 1101 James Parkway, and the applicant, reiterated the importance of his
proposed project and what he hopes to accomplish. His goal is to create a destination
place by bringing back the College Station Train Depot with a railcar and locomotive.
He stated that Phase 2 is a necessity and by adding building C to the back for a workroom
and warehouse to accommodate his national and future growth and to keep his College
Station Headquarters intact in College Station.
Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing.
Commissioner McMath motioned to approve the rezoning. Commissioner White
seconded the motion. The motion carried 6 -0.
FOR: Floyd, Hall, McMath, Williams, Shafer and White.
AGAINST: None.
ABSENT: Trapani