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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06281979 ZPC MinutesSPECIAL MEETING ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 28, 1979 The Zoning and Planning Commission of the City of West University Place convened in special session on Thursday, June 28, 1979, 7:30 p.m., with the following mem- hers present: Chairman Casey,- presiding; Members Farrell, LaCook and Norton. Chairman Casey-had the secretary read the Notice of Public Hearing. Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Farrell, that Public Hearing to consider application of James and Susanne Waite to subdivide W. 140 ft. of Lot 7, Block 11 West University Place 1st Addition 6501 Buffalo Speedway ~[ into two lots, each 50 ft. x 140 ft., each facing Buffalo Speedway,. be opened. Q Voting Aye: All Voting No: None The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that proper notice of meeting had been posted in the City Hall on .Friday, June 22, 1979. Chairman Casey introduced himself and gave his address in the city followed by other members of the Commission. Mr. Casey administered oath to those desiring to speak. Suzanne Waite, applicant, explained that the pooroperty in c{uestion is for sale and that a contract had been offered for. the property contingent on .the sub- division. Mr. Abell came to the meeting as Ms. Waite began her presentation.. It was noted that a house now exists on the property located across lot lines in the event the subdivision was granted. Ms. Waite explained that the pro- posed purchaser had agreed to move the house thirteen feet to the north to meet setback requirements. Mr. Van Dyke, 5438 Buffalo, asked if the lot could be subdivided while the house was still in non-compliance. He was advised that the subdivision could be granted contingent upon the moving of the house and that a permit would not be issued to build on either lot until this was accomplished. Mr. Van Dyke stated that he was against the lot being subdivided until it was a legal 50 ft. buildable lot. The following letter was presented and read into the minutes: "June 19, 1979 City of West University Place 3800 University Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 Attn.: Zoning and Planning Commission l~ Gentlemen: With regard to the application of James R. and Suzanne V. Waite to subdivide their Tot, being the west 140 ft. of lot 7, block 11, West University Place 1st Addition in the City of West University Place, Texas, it would appear that this lot has already been subdivided and that consequently applicants seek to create a total of three lots out of the original one lot 7. My wife and I are opposed on economic grounds to the creation of further con- gestion in this area, one of the most beautiful in the City of West Univer- sity place and this. would certainly seem to be intended in the applicants' proposal. It would appear improper profit-taking at the neighbor's expense to live in an uncongested area enjoying. its benefits while there and then, upon leaving, to create additional congestion for the neighbors to contend with, and for strictly personal economic benefits at than. In addition it would appear that the proposed northerly lot to be created by the proposal would be in violation of the side setback provisions of the zoning regulations on its south side where it adjoins the southerly lot to be created, since the present house seems to be very close to this line. It will be necessary for the undersigned to be out of the city on the date, June 28th, proposed for the Public Hearing so it is requested that this letter be received into the minutes of the Public Hearing and counted as a neighbor living within 200 feet of the proposed. subdivision and a property owner who is opposed to this proposal. Incidentally, I would like to advise the Zoning Board that I have been the duly recorded owner of 6523 Buffalo Speedway since July 23, 1978. Please correct your address files accordingly. This letter notifying me of the Hearing was sent June 6, but incorrectly addressed to the former owner Dr. Brinkley. I did not receive it until June 18th. Sincerely, /s/ A. L. Morgan Linda R. Morgan 6523 Buffalo Speedway." Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Abell, that the Public Hearing be closed. The meeting was recessed for five minutes. Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Norton, that consideration be given to the application to subdivide west 140 ft. of lot 5, Block 11, West University Place 1st Addition, into two lots, at this time. Voting Aye: All Voting No: None Members of the Commission reviewed the plot plan presented and it was noted that the original lot was 200 ft. in depth and at some time in the pas a 60 ft. lot had been subdivided off the rear of .the property facing on Pitts burg. ~; Mr. Norton stated that it had occurred to him that if subdivided, the interior lot might be designed as a front loader giving a greater density 9 looking cover of the lot; that the total goals as set out in the. original zoning ordinance was not to subdivide lots for the convenience of an owner every time it comes up for sale; that he felt the overall benefit to the city is not served well if this is .done; that the time might come that we are having request for subdivision for economic reasons, but that he is not convinced this is a proper thing to do. Mr. Farrell stated that he did not know the dimensions of the gentleman's (Van Dyke) lot, but it appeared from the. map that on both side of the street on this block 50o to 60% of the lots were already 50 ft. lots; that one of the reasons so many requests are being received is because .the land in West University is so valuable and that he would be in favor of voting for the subdivision. (Y~ Mr. LaCook stated that he had no definite comment;. that where the I00 ft. lots could be maintained he was inclined to keep them; that he felt Buffalo Speedway was one of the streets which is a major entrance and that he felt the Q large lots should be kept there unless there were dire circumstances. Mr. Abell stated that he would be opposed to the subdivision at this time; that he would liket to see the larger lots maintained and that he did not feel we had reached at point yet that it is mandatory for it to be done. Mr. Casey stated that he was reluctant to change the character of that neigh- borhood. Mr. Norton stated that even looking at a larger perspective, that economic and political pressures may mount .over the years; that he felt the city was in a holding action to maintain and enhance the qualities that make it West University Place; that even creating townhouses and/or apartment houses would not solve any tax problems of the city and that he felt they should be conservative and cautious. Mr. Casey, Mr. LaCook and Mr. Norton all made brief statements to the effect that subdividing all the large lots would detract from the city's spaciousness and place a higher emphasis on density and decrease the value of the property. Motion by Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Abell, that application to subdivide West 140 ft. of Lot 7, Block 11 West University Place 1st Addition 6501 Buffalo Speedway into two lots, each 50 ft. x.140 ft., each facing Buffalo Speedway, be denied. Voting Aye: Abell Voting No: Farrell LaCook Norton Mr. Casey abstained from voting. 10 With no further business to come before the Commission, on motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. ..~ P Chairman r