HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/2023 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionSeptember 21, 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 8
Minutes Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting September 21, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Dennis Christiansen, Commissioners Bobby
Mirza, Marcus Chaloupka, Melissa McIlhaney, and Aron Collins
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Jason Cornelius and David White COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmember Dennis Maloney
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Director of Planning & Development Services Michael Ostrowski, Transportation Planning Coordinator Jason Schubert, Land Development Review Administrator Anthony Armstrong, Senior Planners Jeff Howell and Matthew Ellis, Staff Planner Jesse DiMeolo, Assistant City Attorney II Aaron Longoria, Administrative Support Specialist Kristen Hejny, Staff
Assistant Tiffany Romero, and Technology Services Specialist Lillian Wells
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.
• September 7, 2023
3.2 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Final Plat for Easton Subdivision Block 1, Lots 1 and 2 on approximately .24 acres, located at 111 Sterling Street. Case #FP2023-000006
Commissioner Chaloupka motioned to approve the Consent Agenda, Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, the motion passed 5-0. 4. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action.
No items were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
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5. Regular Agenda
5.1 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding waiver requests to the Unified
Development Ordinance Section 8.4.A. ‘Reserved Strips and Tracts Prohibited’, Section 8.4.C.3.b. ‘Street Projections’, Section 8.4.C.7. ‘Cul-de-sac’, Section 8.4.E.1. ‘Blocks’, and presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Preliminary Plan for Arrowhead Village Phase 1-3 on approximately 46.6 acres of land, generally located south
of the intersection of Arrington Road and Harper’s Ferry Road. Case #PP2023-000009.
Senior Planner Howell presented the waiver requests and preliminary plan to the Commission recommending denial of both.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if Brazos County had reviewed the preliminary plan and
waiver requests. Senior Planner Howell clarified that Brazos County was included in the review process and had no comments.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if the adjacent properties have access through an easement. Senior Planner Howell confirmed that an access easement is the current access point to the adjacent properties.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for clarification regarding the emergency services requirement that two access points to the development are required. Senior Planner Howell clarified that the developer is proposing 30 lots which does not
exceed the threshold for secondary access point requirements, a single point of access
is allowed. Commissioner Mirza asked if there were drawings for stormwater detention.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that the preliminary plan does show contours that identify
detention in common areas. Commissioner McIlhaney asked for clarification on the property abutting the College Station Independent School District owned property to the north.
Senior Planner Howell stated that the abutting properties are privately and individually owned. Travis Martinek, Applicant, was available to address the Commission, answering questions
regarding abutting property owners and drainage on the property.
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Commissioner Collins stated that special circumstances were not identified by staff, asking the applicant for special circumstances to justify the granting of the waivers.
Mr. Martinek clarified that special circumstances are primarily the will of the neighbors to provide less roadway, and to provide the subdivision with some exclusivity. Chairperson Christiansen asked the applicant to comment on the City’s concerns regarding
the length of the cul-de-sacs.
Mr. Martinek stated that the configuration of the property does not allow for a second access point and cul-de-sacs were placed as they fit.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if the applicant reviewed different layouts to alleviate the
cul-de-sac length issue. Mr. Martinek stated that most buyers desire cul-de-sac lots and one access point.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for clarification that if the Commission denies the waivers,
they must then deny the preliminary plan. Senior Planner Howell confirmed that if the Commission denies the waivers, they must then deny the preliminary plan or approve with conditions.
Commissioner McIlhaney asked for fire provisions in this area. Senior Planner Howell clarified that this development is outside the City of College Station’s city limits.
Mr. Martinek clarified that this area is covered by Emergency Services District One. Commissioner McIlhaney asked for the average cost of homes in this development.
Mr. Martinek clarified that the homes would be listed for approximately $1,000,000.
Administrator Armstrong clarified that fire requirements in the City’s fire code do not apply in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Mr. Armstrong further clarified that subdivision regulations do apply in the ETJ and are based off fire code requirements.
Commissioner Collins asked for the purpose of block length requirements. Senior Planner Howell clarified that block length requirements are used to break up subdivisions and to provide for additional connectivity.
Mr. Martinek stated that the only way to create a connectivity block length would be to connect near Deer Park Drive.
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Commissioner McIlhaney expressed concerns with no connectivity within the subdivision for emergency services, creating a safety issue.
Mr. Martinek clarified that cul-de-sacs would be designed to meet street design guidelines. Chairperson Christiansen stated that if there were an emergency response, streets would be blocked with no way in or out of the subdivision.
Commissioner McIlhaney spoke in opposition to the waiver requests and preliminary plan. Commissioner Mirza asked if the development could be annexed, and if the development meets city guidelines if annexed.
Senior Planner Howell stated that if the development were annexed, annexation would be property owner driven and zoned appropriately upon annexation. Mr. Howell also stated that the property is unplatted so subdivision regulations would apply.
Director Ostrowski clarified that this request would not meet subdivision regulations
requirements upon annexation. Commissioner Collins spoke in opposition to the waiver requests and preliminary plan.
Commissioner Chaloupka spoke in opposition to the waiver requests and preliminary plan.
Chairperson Christiansen spoke in opposition to the waiver requests and preliminary plan. Commissioner McIlhaney motioned to deny the waiver requests and preliminary plan
as presented, Commissioner Mirza seconded the motion, the motion passed 5- 0. 5.2 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan to adopt the Northeast Gateway Redevelopment Plan,
to amend the planning areas description within Chapter 2. Distinctive Places, to amend the
Comprehensive Plan – Planning Areas Map, to amend the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land Use & Character Map, to amend the Comprehensive Plan – Functional Classification & Context Class Map, and to amend associated maps in the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan including the Proposed Bicycle Facilities Map and the Proposed
Pedestrian Facilities Map. Case #CPA2023-000001. (Note: Final action on this item is
scheduled for the September 28, 2023 City Council Meeting – subject to change.) Senior Planner Ellis presented the ordinance amendment to the Commission recommending approval.
Commissioner Collins asked for clarification on a grade-separated crossing.
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Senior Planner Ellis stated that grade-separated facilities would be either above or below grade, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Mr. Ellis stated that the action in the plan is to
assess the feasibility and use, stating that these facilities could be a pedestrian bridge or a
tunnel under the roadway. Commissioner Collins clarified that a grade-separated crossing is of limited use in this area where staff is trying to create a pedestrian and bicycle friendly area, unless users can use
Texas Avenue to cross over University Drive.
Commissioner Chaloupka stated that assessing the crossing, University Drive should be on a shorter timeline and staff should look at access points to cross Texas Avenue. Mr. Chaloupka further stated that issues will need to be addressed in five years and staff needs
to address crossing major thoroughfares.
Commissioner Mirza asked for clarification on affordable housing along Lincoln Avenue as part of the plan.
Senior Planner Ellis stated that the plan addresses investments that the City can make to
set up development for an affordable housing incentive program. Commissioner McIlhaney asked if the City had any data concerning bicycle activity in these areas.
Senior Planner Ellis stated that the Existing Conditions Report included a map pulled from STRAVA containing recent bicycle activity data. Chairperson Christiansen asked if there were plans to make on-street bicycle separations
by paint stripe.
Senior Planner Ellis stated that the goal of the planning effort was to identify the facility and then decide the design during construction.
Chairperson Christiansen stated that he would like to see a longer-range plan where bicycle
lanes were not separated by a paint stripe. Chairperson Christiansen opened the public hearing.
No visitors spoke.
Chairperson Christiansen closed the public hearing. Chairperson Christiansen stated that data missing is what is the population demand staff is
trying to serve.
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Commissioner Collins motioned to recommend approval of the ordinance amendment, Commissioner Chaloupka seconded the motion.
Commissioner Chaloupka expressed concerns that this plan does not look far enough into the future. The motion passed 5-0.
5.3 Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the PDS Plan of Work. Director Ostrowski requested feedback from the Commission on the proposed Plan of Work.
Chairperson Christiansen stated that staff needs to identify housing needs in College Station, to meet demands. Director Ostrowski stated that staff does calculate the demand needed over a planning
period, stating that planning to 2030, there would need to be about 7,200 additional housing
units to meet the 2% - 2.5% growth rate. Commissioner Mirza asked if staff considers the Texas A&M University Rellis Campus into calculation.
Director Ostrowski stated that staff does take into consideration the growth of the university, but individual components could change the growth potential. Commissioner Collins would like to be prepared to meet the housing needs of the city and
would like to see a proactive step toward creating an environment for growth.
Commissioner Chaloupka motioned to approve the PDS Plan of work, Commissioner Mirza 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 Presentation and discussion on MH Middle Housing rezoning requests.
Director Ostrowski provided updates on the MH Middle Housing zoning district and
Shared Housing site plan applications.
Commissioner Chaloupka asked for a status on MH Middle Housing site plan submittals.
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Director Ostrowski stated that 25 site plans have been submitted, five have been approved.
6.3 Presentation and discussion regarding an update on items heard:
• A rezoning of approximately 0.35 of an acre of land located at 710 Vassar Court from D Duplex to MF Multi-Family. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on September 7, 2023 and voted (7-0) to recommend approval. The City Council heard this item on September 14, 2023 and voted (7-0) to approve the
request.
• A rezoning of approximately 48 acres of land located in the Greater Southwood area creating a Restricted Occupancy Overlay. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on September 7, 2023 and the vote to recommend approval failed (3-4). The City Council heard this item on September 14, 2023 and
voted (6-1) to approve the request.
• An ordinance amendment regarding parking and access standards for developments in the MH Middle Housing zoning district. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on September 7, 2023 and voted (7-0) to recommend approval. The
City Council heard this item on September 14, 2023 and voted (7-0) to approve the request.
• An ordinance amendment creating a High Occupancy Overlay. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on September 7, 2023 and voted (7-0) to recommend approval. The City Council heard this item on September 14, 2023 and
voted (7-0) to approve the request.
There was no discussion.
6.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
• Thursday, September 28, 2023 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~
Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 5, 2023 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 12, 2023 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open
Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 19, 2023 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Cancelled
There was no discussion.
6.5 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board and
BioCorridor Board.
• None
There was no discussion. 7. Discussion and possible action on future agenda items.
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A Planning & Zoning Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement 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 subsequent meeting. There was no discussion.
8.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
___________________________________ _________________________________
Dennis Christiansen, Chairperson Kristen Hejny, Board Secretary Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services