HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/19/2021 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionAugust 19, 2021 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8
MINUTES - AMENDED PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
August 19, 2021 6:00 p.m. Phone: *888 475 4499 and Webinar ID: 969 1926 3533 Internet: https://zoom.us/s/96919263533
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Dennis Christiansen, Joe Guerra, Bobby Mirza, William Wright, and Jason Cornelius
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Bill Mather and Jeremy Osborne COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Cunha CITY STAFF PRESENT: Michael Ostrowski, Molly Hitchcock, Carol Cotter, Erika Bridges, Jason Schubert, Anthony Armstrong, Alma Guerra, Parker Mathews, Amy Milanes, Rachel Lazo, Jesse DiMeolo, Amy Albright, Venessa Garza, Carla Robinson, and Kristen Hejny 1. Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Consider Absence Request.
Chairman Christiansen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Hear Visitors
No visitors spoke.
3. Informational Agenda
3.1 Discussion of new development applications submitted to the City
New Development Link: www.cstx.gov/newdev
There was no discussion.
3.2 Discussion of Minor / Amending Plats approved by Staff:
• Waters Edge Subdivision; Block 1, Lots 1 & 2 ~ Case #FPCO2021-000003
There was no discussion.
Agenda Item #3.3 was heard after Agenda Item #6.3
3.3 Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the City’s proposed Thoroughfare Plan. Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert presented this informational item to the Commission. Commissioner Guerra spoke on the high-speed rail and a shuttle run by Brazos Transit District. Mr. Guerra also requested staff explore other funding options.
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Commissioner Guerra spoke on the current Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) project for State Highway 6 and asked if it is reflective in the current level of service.
Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that the consultant has been advised to update the network and model to what is proposed with the State Highway 6 project with the interchanges and lane additions, however they did not update the level of service calculations. Commissioner Guerra spoke on the Rock Prairie Road at Longmire Drive upgrades and the proposed Barron Road extension to State Highway 6. Commissioner Guerra spoke on State Highway 40, stating that the 2015 level of service map is green and in the 2021 map, it is red.
Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that this is currently in the model as a limited access roadway.
Commissioner Guerra stated that this level of service is unacceptable because of the development happening in this area.
Commissioner Guerra recommended developing a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) corridor along State Highway 40 to capture TIF funds from new development to negotiate with TXDOT on payments. Commissioner Guerra pointed out the unacceptable levels of service at the intersection of Arrington Road and Greens Prairie Road. Mr. Guerra asked if staff has explored putting a thoroughfare between Castlegate Drive and Arrington Road to provide an alternative route. Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that there is not a proposed thoroughfare in this area.
Commissioner Guerra stated that around the Texas A&M Campus there are not any roadway networks on campus and asked if the travel demand model took into account that there are traffic movements within campus. Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that the travel demand model does take into account campus connections and has been reflected.
Commissioner Guerra stated that the Southern Point Development has very few connections to State Highway 6 and the existing connections and thoroughfares are overloaded. Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that throughfares such as Darlington Avenue is constructed but not reflected in the model, as well as Pipeline Road to the east of the development would add capacity and connectivity. Commissioner Guerra commented on connections to the future interstate west of Carter Creek, and noted that there are not many thoroughfares on the level of service map and there needs to be connections to that area.
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Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that Carter Creek has limited crossings, but along the corridor there are University Drive, Harvey Road, William D. Fitch Parkway, Bird Pond
Road and N. Forest Parkway as connections. Chairman Christiansen stated that there is a 10-year integrated mobility plan but no stated goals to accomplish it. Mr. Christiansen also stated that congestion is the citizen’s biggest concern.
3.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
• Thursday, August 26, 2021 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 5:00 p.m. (Liaison - Osborne)
• Thursday, September 2, 2021 ~ P&Z Meeting and Impact Fee Advisory Committee (IFAC) ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 9, 2021 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 5:00 p.m. (Liaison – Mirza)
• Thursday, September 16, 2021 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
There was no discussion. 3.5 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board, BioCorridor Board. There was no discussion
Consent Agenda
4.1 Consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve meeting minutes.
• August 5, 2021
4.2 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Final Plat for Winding Creek Estates Phase 4 on approximately 25.3 acres, generally located northeast of the intersection of Stousland Road and Big Trail in the College Station Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Case #FP2020-000038
Commissioner Wright motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Guerra seconded the motion, motion passed (5-0). 5. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action.
No items were removed from the Consent Agenda. 6. Regular Agenda 6.1 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending Appendix A, “Unified Development Ordinance,” Article 4, “Zoning Districts,” Section 4.2
“Official Zoning Map,” of the Code of ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district boundary from R Rural to WC Wellborn Commercial on approximately one acre located in the Benjamin Graham Subdivision, Block B, Lots 1-6, generally located at 14889 –
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14895 FM 2154. Case #REZ2021-000005 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the August 26, 2021 City Council Meeting – subject to change). Staff Planner DiMeolo presented the rezoning to the Commission and recommended approval. Chairman Christiansen asked if the Rural zoning designation was imposed upon annexation. Staff Planner DiMeolo confirmed that the property was annexed with the Rural zoning designation. Chairman Christiansen opened the public hearing. No one spoke.
Chairman Christiansen closed the public hearing. Commissioner Wright motioned to recommend approval of the Rezoning. Commissioner Mirza seconded the motion, motion passed (5-0). 6.2 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending
the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use and Character Map from Suburban Commercial to Urban for approximately 10 acres, generally located at 1660 Graham Road. Case #CPA2021-000002 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the September 9, 2021 City Council Meeting – subject to change). Senior Planner Lazo presented the Rezoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Commission and recommended approval. Chairman Christiansen asked for the attendance on the second neighborhood meeting held by the applicant.
Senior Planner Lazo stated that the meeting drew 10 – 15 citizens. Chairman Christiansen requested clarification that only townhouses can be built using this land use. Senior Planner Lazo confirmed that the developer can only build townhomes.
Commissioner Guerra asked for the number of dwelling units proposed with the density cap of 11 dwelling units per acre. Senior Planner Lazo stated that the gross density allows 11 dwelling units per acre, amounting to 110 dwelling units in total. Commissioner Guerra asked if the development would have a Homeowners Association (HOA). Developer Matthew Stewart confirmed that the development will have an HOA.
Commissioner Guerra asked if the development will be gated.
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Mr. Stewart confirmed that the community will not be gated.
Commissioner Guerra commented on the petition opposing the development, containing 230 signatures asking for a list of the contended items. Senior Planner Lazo clarified that the petition did not have commentary. Commissioner Guerra asked if an Urban designation would allow for a mix of townhomes and restaurants. Senior Planner Lazo stated that an Urban designation would not allow a mix. Commissioner Mirza stated that this development will have two access points and asked how
traffic will be mitigated. Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that there will be one access point to Graham
Road. Commissioner Cornelius asked for the citizen opposition during the neighborhood meeting.
Senior Planner Lazo stated that residents were opposed to a specific layout which were addressed with community benefits. Ms. Lazo also stated that residents were more favorable toward a Suburban Commercial designation. Applicant, Crissy Hartl, Mitchell & Morgan Engineers, College Station, presented to the Commission. Chairman Christiansen opened the public hearing. Property Owner, Mary Elizabeth Herring, College Station, spoke in favor of the Comprehensive
Plan amendment. Developer, Matthew Stewart, College Station, spoke in favor of the Comprehensive Plan amendment. Commissioner Guerra asked if these homes will be owner occupied.
Mr. Stewart confirmed that the intent is that these homes will be owner occupied. Kyle Bryant, College Station, presented to the Commission and spoke in opposition of the Comprehensive Plan amendment citing concerns for non-owner-occupied homes and a need for retail in the area. Commissioner Wright asked for clarification on why the residents started a petition. Mr. Bryant stated that residents would prefer the property stay with a Suburban Commercial designation.
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Applicant, Veronica Morgan, Mitchell & Morgan Engineers, College Station, spoke in favor of the Comprehensive Plan amendment stating that a product more compatible has been presented to the
Commission and residents. Ms. Morgan also stated that a Suburban Commercial designation is not the best use of the property. Andrew Spellman, College Station, Dove Crossing, spoke in opposition of the Comprehensive Plan amendment citing concerns for aesthetics, privacy, and traffic. Chairman Christiansen closed the public hearing. Commissioner Guerra asked since this is a Planned Development District if the Commission can suggest modifications with a motion.
City Attorney Robinson stated that the Commission can legally make a conditional PDD recommendation, however the Commission cannot take action to recommend a use that would be more dense than proposed and legally posted for.
Commissioner Guerra recommended a compromise in setting aside a couple of acres for restaurant use along with the townhome use.
Mr. Stewart clarified that he is only interested in the land use and rezoning changes that are proposed. Director of Planning & Development Services Ostrowski clarified that even though the land use and rezoning requests were presented together by staff, two separate motions and votes will be required. Commissioner Guerra motioned to recommend denial of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The motion was not seconded. There was general discussion amongst the Commission. Commissioner Guerra stated that a townhome development is appropriate for this location and suggested either postponing the vote or voting against the change until the developer can reach a compromise with neighborhood.
Commissioner Cornelius asked if Mr. Bryant or Mr. Spellman attended the neighborhood meetings. Both Mr. Bryant and Mr. Spellman confirmed they were in attendance. There was general discussion amongst the Commission. Commissioner Wright motioned to recommend approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Commissioner Cornelius seconded the motion. There was general discussion
The motion passed (5-0).
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6.3 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending Appendix A, “Unified Development Ordinance,” Article 4, “Zoning Districts,” Section 4.2
“Official Zoning Map,” of the Code of ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district boundary from R Rural to PDD Planned Development District on approximately 10 acres of land generally located at 1660 Graham Road. Case #REZ2021-000006 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the September 9, 2021 City Council Meeting – subject to change).
Commissioner Wright asked for the repercussions if the developer develops illegally.
City Attorney Robinson stated that the City would be in the position of enforcing the Unified Development Ordinance against the applicant.
Ms. Hartl stated that a Site Plan would not be processed, a plat would not be filed, and building permits would not be issued to the developer if there were illegal development.
Mr. Stewart spoke on landscaping, buffer requirements to be utilized.
Chairman Christiansen opened the public hearing.
Kyle Bryant, College Station, spoke on the Rezoning, citing concerns for affordable housing and not wanting apartments on the property.
Chairman Christiansen closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Wright motioned to recommend approval of the Rezoning. Commissioner Cornelius seconded the motion, motion passed (5-0).
Chairman Christiansen adjourned the meeting for a five-minute break at 7:30 p.m.
The Meeting reconvened at 7:35 with agenda item #3.3.
7.Discussion and possible action on future agenda items.
A Planning & Zoning Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. Astatement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any
deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequentmeeting.
There was no discussion.
8. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
______________________________ ________________________________
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Dennis Christiansen, Chairman Kristen Hejny, Admin Support Specialist Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services