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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesMINUTES Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS August 5, 2004 6. Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on an ordinance amending the thoroughfare element of the City of College Stations Comprehensive Plan for the area bound by the Windwood Subdivision on the north, the Raintree Subdivision on the south, State Highway 6 on the west, and Carter Creek on the east. (04 -165) Transportation Planner Fogle presented the staff report. Mr. Fogle gave a brief history of the subject area, provided a visual, and explained the proposal. He explained the details of a traffic study conducted by staff in order to identify potential impacts of the extension -of Appomattox Drive. The minimal increase in traffic is justified because it provides a secondary access to the Windwood Subdivision as well as the newly developing residential area. Other benefits were pointed out. Mr. Fogle also reported on the various meetings with the residents and other alternatives to providing secondary access to the Windwood Subdivision. The residents are more concerned about cut - through traffic and the connection to a development that is not consistent with the style of Windwood. Staff recommends that Appomattox Drive remain on the plan as is currently shown, to connect Switch Station to Horse Haven. The alternatives spelled out in the East Bypass Plan were briefly pointed out. Joe Gattis, project engineer residing at 413 Walton, spoke in opposition to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. He explained that the applicant is planning to develop the eastern portion of the Lone Star Subdivision as a single - family residential development. In order to maximize the development potential, the applicant is proposing to remove the extension of Appomattox Drive from Switch Station Road to Horse Haven Lane from the Thoroughfare Plan. He displayed the plat to help explain the connection and show the 60 lots that are planned in the development. Chairman Shafer opened the public hearing. The following spoke in opposition to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment • Ron Griffin, 6421 Windwood, President, Windwood Neighborhood Association. He expressed three concerns: (1) Exposure to substantial traffic, (2) Conversion of rental property, (3) Egress. • Diane Hurtado, 6407 Windwood Drive, Access & Egress Committee Chair, Windwood Neighborhood Association. • Wilford Gardner, 6403 Windwood Drive, Treasure, Windwood Neighborhood Association. • Joseph Byrme, 2608 Wingate, Vice President, Windwood Neighborhood Association. A brief discussion regarding the need for two -way traffic on Switch Station Road ensued. Commissioner Fedora clarified that the Windwood Neighborhood Association supports the applicant in removing Appomattox Drive off the Thoroughfare Plan. Chairman Shafer closed the public hearing. Wilford Gardner and the remaining members of the association applauded the Development Services Staff for their negotiation and communication efforts during this process. Commissioners discussed the logistics of the city utilities department's usage of Switch Station Road. Mr. Fogle stated that Switch Station Road could not be a one -way road because the intersection would have to be built in a way to preclude wrong way traffic from entering it. A brief discussion regarding when the Windwood Subdivision was platted followed. Chairman Shafer closed the public hearing. Mr. Fogle pointed out the Commission's options. Commissioner Fedora motioned to remove Appomattox from the Thoroughfare Plan. Commissioner White seconded the motion. Commissioner Nichols expressed concern regarding access, mentioning bicycle and walking trails. He stated that this is part of a larger connectivity issue and by removing Appomattox from the thoroughfare plan at this time, the city would lose some leverage in seeing future plats coming forth. He would like to see the connectivity as well as two access points. He was in favor of leaving Appomattox on the Thoroughfare Plan as it is but encouraged further discussions with the staff and the three entities involved in order to create an alternative plan. He added that he did not want to see Horse Haven become isolated. Chairman Shafer agreed with Commissioner Nichol's remarks and with the comments of the association members. He stated that the removal of Appomattox from the Thoroughfare Plan was a reasonable request as well as the issues surrounding Switch Station Road, which would provide connectivity and an additional egress. He also agreed that all involved parties should communicate further regarding an alternative plan. Commissioner White echoed the need for further discussion between all involved parties. Commissioner Hooton also agreed. Her primary concern was a safety issue and the need for an additional access point. Chairman Shafer called the question. The motion to remove Appomattox Drive from the Thoroughfare Plan failed by a vote of 3 -2. FOR: Shafer and Fedora. AGAINST: White, Hooton and Nichols. ABSENT: Davis and Reynolds. Commissioner White motioned for the Commission to recommend that all impacted parties and city staff meet to arrive at a desired conclusion to the issues. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nichols. The motion carried by a vote of 5 -0. FOR: Shafer, White, Hooton, Nichols, and Fedora. AGAINST: None. ABSENT: Davis and Reynolds. Commissioner Nichols further assured the citizens of the Commission's concerns regarding the connectivity issues and would like to see them addressed.