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2001-05-07 CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JOINT PUBLIC HEARING MEETING MINUTES179 MINUTES OF A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, HELD ON MAY 7, 2001, AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 3519 LIBERTY DRIVE, PEARLAND, TEXAS. The Joint Public Hearing was called to order with the following present: Mayor Tom Reid Mayor Pro -Tem Klaus Seeger Councilmember Helen Beckman Councilmember Larry Marcott Councilmember Woody Owens Councilmember Larry Wilkins P & Z Chairman H. Charles Viktorin P & Z Commissioner Emil A. Beltz P & Z Commissioner Todd locco P & Z Commissioner Randy Patro P & Z Commissioner Robert Scherrer P & Z Commissioner Richard F. Tetens Others in attendance: Manager of Administrative Support Tobin Maples, AICP, Planning and Zoning Secretary Jennifer Gonzales. Council Member Larry Wilkins and P&Z Commissioner Russ Selemon were absent. ZONING APPLICATION NO. 976 WITH SPECIFIC USE NO. 93 CALL TO ORDER The Joint Public Hearing was called to order at 6:35 P.M. II. PURPOSE OF HEARING Request of owners for an amendment to the Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance of said City from classification Suburban Development District (SD) to General Business District with a Specific Use for a model home park (GB(S)) on the following described property, to wit: 1. Zoning Application No. 976 and Specific Use Nos. 93 Legal Description: 2.2055 acres out of the J. Crowley Survey, A-174, Brazoria Co., TX, on the easterly side of State Highway 288, Brazoria Co., TX (South Highway 288 frontage road) Owner: Powers/Parker, L.L.C. 5323 Caroline Owl Houston, TX 77004 Agent: Lou Corte The purpose of the public hearing was read into the record by P&Z Chairman Charles Viktorin. Manager of Administrative Support Tobin Maples, AICP, briefly explained the specific use is needed because in the "permitted use" table located in the back of the Land Use Ordinance, there is no line item for "model homes". Mr. Maples reported that three Public Comment Forms were sent out, and there has been only one response. He stated that the zoning use is not compatible with the Comprehensive Plan, however, it is compatible with the surrounding properties. Therefore, staff is recommending approval with a reminder that there is no designated zoning for this request. He finished by presenting the location of the proposed zone change by showing slides of the property and gave a brief description of the surrounding properties. III. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR THE PROPOSED REQUEST Roger Shaper, 1308 Clemons South, Madison, TX, president of US Affordable Homes Corporation, stated that he is the potential purchaser of the property and would like to speak in favor of the zoning request. Mr. Shaper handed out packets to City Council and Planning and Zoning, which contained information such as a site plan, and budget information for the project. He pointed out that there would be no wheels under his products, and that they would be built on a concrete slab with foundation. He stated that his company has been around for 25 years, and have build over 1,000 homes. Mr. Shaper showed large drawings of the variety of homes that would be in the Model Park. He stated that he would be raising the site due to the 100 -year flood plain requirement, and he has every intention of meeting all the City's requirements. He finished by stating that this project will bring three advantages to the City and listed them as: 1. It will provide for an attractive facility along the freeway. 2. There will be $200,000 - $300,000 homes. 3. It will create more job openings for the construction of the homes. IV. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK AGAINST THE PROPOSED REQUEST NONE V. COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION/STAFF DISCUSSION Mr. Tobin Maples, Manager of Administrative Support Council Member Marcott asked if once the building is done, and if the developer leaves the location, can the houses be lived in. He showed concern regarding the access and roads. 2 181: Manager of Administrative Support Tobin Maples stated that from his understanding most of the structures will not even be built with any connections for any utilities. Deputy City Manager Alan Mueller pointed out that the zoning classification requested would not allow for people to reside in the homes, and the owner would have to have it rezoned. Council Member Owens asked where the home office is for US Affordable Homes, and Mr. Shaper replied that it is in Channelview on 110, and he stated that 40% of his business is done in Brazoria County. Mayor Reid stated that there has been one Public Comment Form received from a Mr. Brown, and he is against the request. VI. ADJOURNMENT The Joint Public Hearing adjourned at 6:53 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER The Joint Public Hearing was called to order at 6:56 p.m. II. PURPOSE OF HEARING To consider amendments to the Thoroughfare Plan (Figure 7.2), Southwyck Boulevard, Reid Road, Max Road and Stone Road, of the City of Pearland Comprehensive Plan Ordinance. The purpose of the public hearing was read into the record by P&Z Chairman Charles Viktorin. Manager of Administrative Support Tobin Maples, AICP, briefly explained that staff is required to re-evaluate the Comprehensive Plan, the master thoroughfare plan, and other projects. Mr. Maples stated that staff is proposing potential amendments to the thoroughfare plan and briefly explained the two proposals. He added that in the packets that City Council received there is a study, which included pros and cons that a company called Wilbur and Smith prepared. He stated that there is also a proposed schedule of events for these amendments along with maps in the packets. III. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK FOR THE PROPOSED REQUEST 3 182 IV. PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK AGAINST THE PROPOSED REQUEST Suzanne Danz, 1357 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that she is speaking on behalf of the Stone Road amendment, and she is opposed. She is also opposed to the name change. She stated that Cullen should remain the major thoroughfare. She stated that there is currently 12 houses on Cullen, and 42 on Stone Road. She asked City Council to please consider other alternatives. She stated that her great grandparents moved there in 1909 and raised 9 children. She finished by stating that the Stones were very hard working citizens, and Stone Road should remain Stone Road. Jordan Daly, 1156 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that she is 7 years old and lives on Stone Road. She asked City Council not to change Stone Road, and stated that she would no longer be able to roller blade down the driveway because of traffic. She also commented that the animals would be scared away, and she does not want them to be taken away from her. Monica Daly, 1156 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that she is the proud mother of the girl who just spoke. She stated that they moved to Stone Road 12 years ago, and they previously lived in Houston. She has 3 acres of land and it is currently a safe and secure neighborhood. She stated that she wants to raise her children in a place where they don't have to worry about safety and traffic. She understands that change is inevitable, however, she does not understand the reasoning for opening Stone Road. Bruce Seeley, 1318 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated the he acquired his 17 acres of land 17 years ago, and moved in his house 14 years ago. He stated that he received a memo 2 weeks ago regarding making Stone Road into a thoroughfare and changing the name of Stone Road. He has been unable to verify this information with the City. He stated that he has been annexed into the City 2 to 3 years ago and all he has received from the City is a bill, and no utilities or services. He first of all pointed out that the name should not be changed, and then he stated that it would crazy to make Stone Road into a major thoroughfare. He stated that 80-90% of Stone Road is residential. He stated that opening Stone Road would bring in crime, noise, and traffic. He finished by showing a picture of his property and stated that if the City comes in and takes 10 feet of his property then he will lose a lot of trees. Peyton Martin, owner of property along the corner of Stone Road and Max Road, showed a proposed development plan and explained that if the City extends the road as they are proposing, then it would cut right through the middle of his development. Juanita Stone Sutherland, 2458 Country Club Drive, Pearland, Texas, stated that she is there to represent the Stone Rd amendment. She asked that Cullen Road rd 183 be used as the major thoroughfare. She stated that the growing pains of Pearland becoming such a big city is painful to all the residents who have been born and raised here. She stated that her grand parents are the Stones, and asked the City to please consider their history. She finished by stating she has asked different people different questions, and has received- different answers. She suggested that more information for the residents of the City be put out for these circumstances. Russell Norris, 1310 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he is against the Stone Road amendment: He stated that Cullen is carrying most of the traffic and it seems the cheapest way to go. He explained that this would expose his neighborhood to South Houston, and right now his neighborhood does not have any crime problems. He pleaded with City Council not to extend Stone Road, -and that it would be criminal to make it a thoroughfare. Val Vaughn, 2046 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he would like to echo the sentiments of all the other people who have spoken. He purchased his land in 1995, and has been real happy to see the large size residential lots being developed near his neighborhood. He stated that the widening of Stone Road would destroy everything, and please don't do it. Jimmy Horton, 1901 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he is a newcomer to the block and has been their 10 years. He stated that he looked extensively through Pearland for a place and chose Stone Road. He stated that currently the speed limit is 35 mph on Stone Road. He stated that the current plan calls for four lanes, and it should remain that way. He stated that his subdivision is happy the way it is. He stated that Cullen would be the wisest location to expand. He then stated he is also against the name changing. He stated that if City Council would like to name a street after him then they need to name the street he lives on after him. Victor Patterson, 1833 Stone Road, stated that he is not in favor of the changes. He then referred to Wilbur & Smith and what they stated as ideal spacing, and stated that it would not be ideal at all. He stated that he would also lose a lot of trees. Matthew Vaughn, 2046 Stone Road, years old and is against the changes. ride his bike on a four -lane street. He more traffic. Pearland, Texas, stated that he is nine He stated that his mom would not let him stated that there would be more cars and John D. Mark, 2029 Isla, Pearland, Texas, stated that he is the President of the Pearland Historical Society. He strongly objected to the name change of Stone Road. He listed several other street names with historical meaning. He then asked before City Council changes any street names to look into the history and the meaning behind the street name. 184 Charlotte Gates, 1617 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that she does not . want to give her neighborhood, and she does think of these large tracts as a subdivision. Shane West, 1754 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he purchased his property five years ago, and he also has a line of trees that would be taken away. He stated that he got married a month ago, and brought her to live in this neighborhood with him. He stated that the Stone Road amendment is not in the best interest of the children, and Cullen would be the best way to go. Phillip Padilla, 1142 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he has been there since 1982, and he likes the way everything is right now. He stated that Cullen is less then 3/8 of a mile away, and to please consider Cullen as an alternative. He stated that he lives on Stone Road, and he would hate to lose his house. Mike O'Day, 2357 Garden Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he is proud of the name "Stone Road" and he would like it to stay that way. He stated that if they change it they would be displacing a lot of people. He finished by stating that they need to keep it a small community and keep the traffic out. Jim Humlick, 1212 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he has three questions. He asked why the plan is being amended, who proposed the amendment, and wouldn't Cullen make more sense. Daryl Stone, 5404 Camden, Pearland, Texas, stated that it is very emotional for him to even talk about his. He stated that it would not be in the best interest to change the name of a street that has been there since 1909. He listed several family names that have a historical meaning. He stated that his grandfather built on Stone Road back in 1909, he went through the 1915 storm, and lived there through the depression in the 30's. He stated that he has eight members of his family who have served this country in four different wars. Alyne Lamb, 1830 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that she has had her addressed changed four times since she has lived there. She asked that Stone Road not be changed to four lanes. Steve Bowers, 7802 Brookside Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that Brookside has trucks and traffic that currently go through and there is no problem now. He stated that he is against the amendments. Jack Harris, 1258 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he has been on Stone Road for 35 years. He stated that he attended an HVAC meeting two years ago, where Alan Mueller also attended. He stated that this project was not on the plan and the Cullen Road access plan to Hwy 288 was on the plan. He stated that if you get approval on a state project then the funds will be 90/10, which means 90% paid by the state. He stated that he has also been involved with the infrastructure committee. He stated that for the City to do this C. 185 amendment would be insane when looking at the economic perspective. He stated that if the City goes through this route, then they would have to go through the Hickory Slough and Clear Creek, and possibly some wetlands. Walter Pasciak, 7705 Brookside Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he against the Stone Road amendment, and would like to support the residents regarding, the crime. He stated that if you open the road, you're opening the crime rate. He stated that as far as the street name is concerned, he pointed out that it's not that easy to just change a name. He stated that the City changed the numbers on his address, and he has been fighting with the utility companies for the past year. He stated that next month the Post Office is going to stop delivering mail to the old address. He stated that he has been working with Tim and Chuck from the Post Office, and also with C.R. Long, who was supposed to be helping me with the situation for the past year and he hasn't done anything. He then finished by asking the City why do more when they haven't done what they said they would do in the first place. Emery Johnston, 5310 Rockland, stated that he is against the proposed amendments. Melva West, 1754 Stone Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that she got married on March 31St to Shane West. She stated that they chose Pearland over Braiswood, which is located near Richmond. She stated that she has an 84 -year-old mother who is dyeing of cancer, and her mother pointed out how peaceful it is at her new house. She stated that on her mother's and her behalf, she would like to keep it this way. Charlie Carey, 7970 Seddon Road, Pearland, Texas, stated that he can't ride bikes anymore if Stone Road is expanded to four lanes, and he asked that the road not be expanded. V. COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION/STAFF DISCUSSII Mr. Tobin Maples, Manager of Administrative Support Council Member Seeger asked what the logic is in amending these thoroughfares. Deputy City Manager Alan Mueller stated that he has to take credit for thinking the idea. He stated that when he sees an opportunity that may exist then it is his job to bring them forward. He stated that one thing he would like to address is the name change. He stated that no one from staff or City Council has ever talked about changing the street name of Stone Road, and that rumor is a fabrication. He then pointed out that there is currently "Reid Rd" which is located in the front of Albertson's, and the developer chose to name the street that, not the mayor. VI. Mayor Reid pointed out that he already has the Public Library named after him, which he is very honored to have. Council Member Wilkins stated that he really appreciates everyone coming out to make his or her statements. He stated that he has been here for 34 years, and we do need to do everything to preserve our communities. He stated that we don't need to jeopardize our neighborhoods just to give access to major roads. He sated that he will do anything he can to help preserve what he can. Council Member Beckman stated that the idea wasn't too bad when Mr. Mueller first brought the idea forward. However, she stated that the more she thinks about the idea the more she does not like it. She also appreciates all the comments given by the residents, and the children spoke very well. She stated that she likes to see the children be involved at such a young age. Mayor Reid stated that it was never intended for this to be a proposed bond issue. He also stated that it was never intended to do Stone Road instead of Cullen Road. Council Member Owens stated that there still needs to be some major consideration on these amendments. He stated that he drove up to Stone Road last Friday. He stated that Cullen Road should be taken and made into six lanes, or take Reid Road up to Cullen. He stated that there is six connections to the Beltway within six miles. Council Member Marcott briefly explained that with the City's growth we are continuing to look for different ways to move traffic. ADJOURNMENT The Joint Public Hearing adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Minutes respectfully subJfltted by: ning Minutes approved as submitted and/or corrected this 14 day of May AD, 2001 Tom Reid, Mayor