HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/20/2023 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionApril 20, 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 9
Minutes Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting April 20, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Dennis Christiansen, Commissioners Bobby
Mirza, Melissa McIlhaney, David White, and Aron Collins
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Jason Cornelius and Marcus Chaloupka COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Director of Planning & Development Services Michael Ostrowski, Assistant Director of Planning & Development Services Molly Hitchcock, City Engineer Carol Cotter, Transportation Planning Coordinator Jason Schubert, Long Range Planning Administrator Alyssa Halle-Schramm, Land Development Review Administrator Anthony Armstrong, Senior
Planner Matthew Ellis, Staff Planners Robin Macias, Naomi Sing, and Gabriel Schrum, Engineer
I Lucas Harper, Graduate Engineer Is Lindsey Pressler and Gillian Sitler, Assistant City Attorney II Aaron Longoria, Administrative Support Specialist Kristen Hejny, and Lead Technology Services Specialist Thomas Bauman
1. Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Consider Absence Request.
Chairperson Christiansen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Hear Visitors
No visitors spoke.
3. Consent Agenda 3.1 Consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve meeting minutes.
• April 6, 2023
3.2 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Final Plat for Southern Pointe
Section 400 on approximately 15.51 acres of land, generally located along Southern Pointe Parkway east of the intersection of Southern Pointe Parkway and Darlington Avenue. Case #FP2022-000016
Commissioner Collins motioned to approve the Consent Agenda,
Commissioner Mirza seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0. 4. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action.
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No items were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
5. Regular Agenda 5.1 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 M-1 Light Industrial to GC
General Commercial for approximately 5 acres of land, generally located at State Highway 6 South and Venture Drive. Case #REZ2023-000006 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the April 27, 2023 City Council 1Meeting – Subject to change).
Staff Planner Macias presented the Rezoning to the Commission recommending
approval. Chairperson Christiansen asked for clarification on the M-1 Light Industrial zoning district, asking if it is an active zoning district.
Staff Planner Macias confirmed that the M-1 Light Industrial zoning district is active. Deven Doyen, Applicant, Schultz Engineering, was available for questions from the Commission.
Chairperson Christiansen opened the public hearing. Harper Durden, The Meadows Subdivision, College Station, spoke in favor of the Rezoning, stating that the zoning request aligns with the future land use plan.
Chairperson Christiansen closed the public hearing. Commissioner McIlhaney motioned to recommend approval of the Rezoning, Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0.
5.2 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land Use & Character Map from Business Center to Neighborhood Commercial for approximately 2.611 acres of land, generally located at 100 – 170 Graham Road. Case #CPA2022-000011 (Note: Final action of this
item will be considered at the May 15, 2023 City Council Meeting – Subject to change).
5.3 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 C-3 Light Commercial to SC
Suburban Commercial for approximately 1.667 acres of land at 100 Graham Road, being, Lot 4A-1, and 140 Graham Road being lot 4-B, Block 1 of the JHW Commercial Addition
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Phase 2, generally located at the corner of Wellborn Road and Graham Road. Case #REZ2022-000026 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the May 15,
2023 City Council 1Meeting – Subject to change).
5.4 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 M-2 Heavy Commercial to
SC Suburban Commercial for approximately 0.472 acres of land at 170 Graham Road, being, Lot 2, Block 1 of the JHW Commercial Addition, generally located at the corner of Wellborn Road and Graham Road. Case #REZ2022-000027 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the May 15, 2023 City Council 1Meeting – Subject to change).
Presentations and public hearings for agenda items #5.2, #5.3, and #5.4 were held together. Staff Planner Schrum presented agenda items #5.2, #5.3, and #5.4 to the Commission
recommending approval of all.
Commissioner Collins requested examples of allowed uses within the C-3 Light Commercial and the M-2 Heavy Industrial zoning districts versus an SC Suburban Commercial zoning district.
Staff Planner Schrum clarified that the SC Suburban Commercial zoning district allows for daycares, dry cleaners, offices, and personal service shops, the C-3 Light Commercial zoning district allows for healthcare, medical clinics, daycares, offices, commercial amusement uses, and personal service shops, while the M-2 Heavy Industrial zoning
district allows for offices, bulk storage, light and heavy industrial uses, and recycling
facilities. Commissioner Collins asked if staff felt confident that an SC Suburban Commercial zoning district was an appropriate zoning district to abut the residential neighborhood.
Staff Planner Schrum confirmed staff’s recommendation of approval for an SC Suburban Commercial zoning district in this area. Commissioner White asked for clarification on the current occupant and use of the
property.
Staff Planner Schrum clarified that currently there is Prodigy Learning Center, an existing daycare facility, utilizing the property.
Commissioner Mirza asked if the City has the infrastructure to support the change.
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Graduate Engineer Sitler clarified that the applicant is required to submit demand letters to be reviewed by both Planning & Development Services and the Water Department, and
that both departments have determined that there is sufficient infrastructure to support this
change. Chairperson Christiansen opened the public hearing for items #5.2, #5.3, and #5.4.
No visitors spoke.
Chairperson Christiansen closed the public hearing. Commissioner Collins motioned to recommend approval of agenda item #5.2,
Commissioner Mirza seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0.
Commissioner Collins motioned to recommend approval of agenda item #5.3, Commissioner White seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0.
Commissioner Collins motioned to recommend approval of agenda item #5.4, Commissioner McIlhaney seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0. 6. Informational Agenda
6.1 Discussion of new development applications submitted to the City.
New Development Link: www.cstx.gov/newdev
There was no discussion.
6.2 Discussion of Minor/Amending Plats approved by staff:
• Barrow Heights Subdivision, Block 1, Lot 1 ~ Case #FPCO2023-000003
There was no discussion.
6.3 Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the Wellborn District Plan Update.
Staff Planner Sing presented to the Commission the status of the small area planning process, the plan boundary that has been expanded from that of the original small area plan, and updated goals for the Wellborn District, requesting feedback and direction.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for the population of the Wellborn District Plan boundary.
Staff Planner Sing clarified that the extended boundary contains 1,500 residents, while the smaller boundary contains 400 residents.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if the working group represented the extended boundary or the limited boundary.
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Staff Planner Sing stated that there is a mix of residents in the working group.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for the general logic in creating the south boundary line.
Staff Planner Sing clarified that the southern boundary line extends to the City of College
Station city limits and allows the boundary to capture the schools in that area as well as including the Creek Meadows Subdivision.
Commissioner White asked for clarification on the mentioned concerns for expanding the boundaries.
Staff Planner Sing stated that general concerns included the smaller residential lot nature
of the homes being captured, clarifying that residents expressed concern for smaller lots not having the rural character of the area. Ms. Sing also stated that staff is not looking to redevelop an already developed area.
Commissioner Collins asked if staff has received any feedback from the residents in favor
or in opposition of the expanded boundary.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed that staff has received both positive and negative feedback.
Commissioner Collins asked how the 1,500 residents in the planning area were notified.
Staff Planner Sing explained that the residents were notified with postcards and letters, as well as other notifications pushed out by the City.
Commissioner Collins stated that feedback he has received from residents includes
transparency of what stage the plan is in. Mr. Collins also asked how the information is being provided and how feedback is being collected from people that do not attend meetings.
Staff Planner Sing stated that the City has an email list, a project website, social media and
blog posts, neighborhood news posts, and a survey to provide information and collect
feedback from the residents.
Director Ostrowski added that there has been good media coverage on the planning process as well.
Chairperson Christiansen asked how staff will factor in growth.
Staff Planner Sing explained that staff will reevaluate zoning districts and future land use
as well as collaborating with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) in planning efforts.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for the schedule of the Wellborn District Plan update.
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Staff Planner Sing stated that staff will hold a working group meeting and an area-wide meeting at the end of May 2023, with additional working group meetings this summer, an
open house in late summer or early fall 2023, with an anticipated fall 2023 adoption.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if a draft will be presented to the Commission.
Staff Planner Sing stated that there is not a timeline for a draft presentation, the Commission will be presented the final document when complete.
Commissioner White asked if staff is requesting direction from the Commission.
Staff Planner Sing stated that staff is looking for feedback or direction on the planning
boundary, asking if the Commission is in favor of the larger boundary or if the original 2013 boundary should stay.
Commissioner Collins asked for an explanation on how this boundary would be advantageous to residents in this area and to the city as a whole.
Staff Planner Sing stated this update allows staff to view the plan holistically. Ms. Sing
also clarified that the 2013 boundary stems from the area annexed in 2011, and since then, more development has occurred with more people occupying the area, and to plan appropriately and fully for this area, staff needs a complete vision of those utilizing the facilities in the area.
Commissioner Mirza asked if staff is working with a working group from the area.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed that the working group has met with staff on three occasions.
Commissioner McIlhaney asked for clarification on the missing section from the boundary map.
Staff Planner Sing stated that these are areas with non-annexation agreements with the City
of College Station.
Commissioner White stated that the initial plan was in 2013, and asked if plans are updated or reviewed every ten years, or if this was coincidental.
Staff Planner Sing stated that updates on plans depend on the area. Ms. Sing stated that staff were receiving development requests in the plan area that did not fit with the
community plan, so staff was directed that it was in the community’s and City’s best
interest to reengage the community.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if this plan is expiring.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed that the plan is expiring, however, this current planning effort will extend this plan 10 years.
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Administrator Halle-Schramm stated that discussion on plans stemmed from the Comprehensive Plan 10-year update discussion on areas facing development pressures and
areas needing changes or further engagement efforts.
Commissioner McIlhaney asked if staff had mechanisms in place through the planning process to make sure constituency is reflected.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed that staff does have mechanisms in place.
Commissioner Collins asked for clarification that changing the boundaries does not change
the plan as it is currently, but allows the new area to be included for plans for the future
and for everyone to look at the larger picture.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed that this is the case.
Commissioner McIlhaney expressed her support for including as many constituents as possible.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if the residential areas in the expanded area meet the size
requirements associated with a Wellborn zoning district.
Staff Planner Sing clarified that the areas are currently zoned as PDD Planned Development District.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for confirmation that if the areas were zoned a Wellborn
zoning district, they could not have developed the way they have done.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed that this is the case stating that there are Wellborn specific zoning districts created with the Wellborn District Plan in 2013, but that Creek Meadows began development when it was in the extraterritorial jurisdiction, pre-2013.
Commissioner McIlhaney asked for staff’s goals with the updated plan.
Staff Planner Sing continued her presentation with goals for planning efforts including
community character and mobility.
Commissioner Collins expressed support for preserving the core rural character of Wellborn, however the definition of core rural character may need to be better defined.
Staff Planner Sing stated that from conversations with residents, primarily core rural
character means open, undeveloped land, and commercial developments in contextually
appropriate areas.
Commissioner White stated that small scale is not synonymous with slow growth and asked if residents still wanted commercial growth, just small-scale.
Staff Planner Sing confirmed small scale development was desired, in strategic locations.
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Chairperson Christiansen commended staff for outreach efforts, however feedback was not received from the majority of residents.
Staff Planner Sing stated that this is the balance with community engagement, and that the
public cannot be forced to participate, so staff would move forward with the feedback that was received.
Commissioner McIlhaney commented on the two goals, stating that one goal seems applicable to the smaller area, and one seems applicable to the Creek Meadows area. Ms.
McIlhaney asked if staff has a breakdown of the participation in the plan by area.
Staff Planner Sing clarified that property owners were not asked to provide addresses when participating.
Director Ostrowski stated that with the mobility aspect, it was purposeful that lower density was put in that goal to recognize that this area is not going to look like an urban style
mobility network but be more rural.
Commissioner McIlhaney asked how staff will increase mobility in the older section.
Director Ostrowski stated that as major corridors that are meant to move vehicular or pedestrian traffic are reconstructed, pedestrian elements will be constructed but that the goal is not stating that every street would have pedestrian elements on it because that would
not be in the rural character. Mr. Ostrowski also stated that the TXDOT project will look
at doing a shared-use path along FM 2154 (Wellborn Road).
Commissioner Collins voiced concerns that the current district character looks very different, asking if it is reasonable to assume that priorities will be different in the new district versus the existing district.
Staff Planner Sing stated that generally speaking, everyone is on same page about the
character they want to see in Wellborn.
6.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
• Thursday, April 27, 2023 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open
Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 4, 2023 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 15, 2023 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 18, 2023 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m. There was no discussion.
6.5 Presentation and discussion regarding an update on items heard:
• A Rezoning of approximately 0.24 acres of land located at 721 Dominik Drive from D Duplex to MH Middle Housing. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this
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item on March 16, 2023 and voted (7-0) to recommend approval. The City Council heard this item on April 13, 2023 and voted (6-1) to approve the request.
•A Rezoning of approximately 8 acres of land located at 2840 Barron Road from RRural to SC Suburban Commercial. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard thisitem on April 6, 2023 and voted (7-0) to recommend approval. The City Councilheard this item on April 13, 2023 and voted (7-0) to approve the request.
There was no discussion.
6.6 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board, BioCorridor Board.
•None
There was no discussion.
7.Discussion and possible action on future agenda items.
A Planning & Zoning Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not beengiven. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy maybe given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda
for a subsequent meeting.
The Commission requested a presentation from Commissioner White on the proposed newpark foundation.
8.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
___________________________________ _________________________________ Dennis Christiansen, Chairperson Kristen Hejny, Board Secretary Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services