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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07121979 ZPC Minutes11 REGULAR MEETING ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 12, 1979 The Zoning and Planning Commission of the City of West University Place con- vened in regular session on Thursday, July 12, 1980, 7:30 p.m., with the fol- . lowing members present: Uice-Chairman Farrell, presiding; Members Abell and Lacook. The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that notice of meeting had been posted three days prior to the scheduled meeting. Motion by Mr. Lacook, seconded by Mr. Abell, that Public Hearing to consider application of West University Church of Christ to subdivide East 75 ft. of Lot 5, Block 91 West University Place 2nd Addition 340b Albans Q into two lots, one lot 75 ft. x 87 ft., facing Albans St. and one lot 80 ft. x 75 ft., facing Westchester St., be opened. The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that Notice of Public Hearing had been published in The Southwestern Argus on June. 27, 1979 and notice to property owners mailed June 27, 1979. Mr. Farrell introduced himself and gave the address of his residence followed by the other members. The Chairman explained the procedure to be followed during the Public Hearing and administered an oath to those in the audience desiring to be heard on the application. Mr. Jack Castles, representing the West University Church of Christ, stated the church had a contract for the sale of the property subject to subdivision in the manner requested; that the church had previously had approved an application for subdivision of this lot but now desired to have the lots subdivided in a different manner so that the existing house could be .remodeled and another house built on the Westchester side. The previous subdivision did not allow for the required rear yard to meet setback requirements for the house to remain. He stated that Dave Roberts, Dave and Pick Stewart proposed to purchase the pro- perty. David Roberts, 5321 Sewanee, stated at the. time they first looked at the property they did not know that the house could not be remodeled and if this subdivision. was approved they would remodel the house very nicely and keep the same archetec- tural feeling of the neighborhood and sell the lot on the back to a builder. Dave Stewart, 1202 Westmer, stated that if sold as is the property would not bring the highest price possible for the church's benefit and he thought what they proposed to do is improve the house and if church forced to sell as is-the house would remain and someone would do substantially what they propose. 12 Rick Stewart, 6437 Brompton, stated that the existing house is in very poor condition and if they can provide additional space without crowding it would add to the city's tax base which would be beneficial to the city and that he thought this request was the best way to go. During questioning, it was ascertained that the prospective purchasers planned to demolish the existing garage as quickly as possible after pur- chase and it was pointed out that the existing house is very close to the west property line and with the minimum 20 ft. rear yard almost eliminates a garage or accessory building. In answer to a question about whether or not the church had a problem selling, Mr. Castles said this was the second con- tract, that the first developer did not get financing. Those favoring the application also pointed out that the same situation exists across the street as far as spacing and frontage on Westchester. Mr. Roy Grice, 3423 Albans,. stated that. their neighborhood is pretty nice looking and that he would like to keep it that way; that he would like to see the house fixed up and utilized and back on the tax rolls and that he would speak in favor of remodeling. the house that exists and would welcome new neighbors. Mr. Farrel asked Mr. Grice how he felt about the subdivision and he replied that he thought it would be just fine for the neighborhood. No one spoke in opposition to the application. Boyce Foreman, 3503 Albans, asked what .type of house would be built on the rear lot. Mr. LaCook advised that all-.they could look at is the subdivision of the pro- perty; that once it is subdivided the Commission has no control as to what they do with it and they are under no obligation: to follow through on any proposal presented. Mr. Farrell also commented that all they .could act on is the actual subdivision. Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Farrell, that Public Hearing be closed. Voting-Aye: All Voting No: None The meeting was recessed for five minutes. Mr. Michael Stapenhorst and Mr. Richard Robison, architects, reviewed final plans for the construction of townhouses on Lots 1 ~ 2, Block 1 Kent Place Addition Northwest corner of Sewanee ~ Bellaire and answered questions of the Commission.. The following points were discussed in particular: 13 Computation of unit size_did not include atriums. The west unit windows and/or skylights do not open on a living area. The area backing out of last unit on the"west is very tight, but possible and meets the requirements of the ordinance. A letter from W. E. Perry, Building INspector, questioned the 2i story requirement of the two end units in that there is no living area on the first level and all living areas are on the second and third levels. It was the concensus of opinion of all members that they did not agree with the Inspector on the 22 story requirement and felt that the plans met the spirit and intent of the ordinance in meeting the 75o coverage of the are below and meeting the height requirement. A memorandum. from J. E. Norton, member of the Commission who-was unable to attend was presented. Mr. Norton reviewed all the above points including the' 22 story requirement and stated in his opinion the plans did not meet. the re- quirement. Q Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Abell, that final plans for the construction of townhouses on Lots 1 ~ 2, Block 1 Kent Place Addition be approved as submitted subject to compliance with all building setback require- ments, building code, or other governing ordinances, whether of not herein speci- fied, for any subsequent construction. Voting Aye: All Voting No: None Discussion of subdivision of lot followed: Mr. LaCook stated that he was concerned about removal. of house or something to be done to it; that basically the request. has not changed .from what was previously approved except it would make a buildable .lot facing Albans by remodeling the house but it would be very limited as to what could be done with accessory build- ing. Mr. Farrell stated that the request represented what was being done in that area in terms of the neighborhood. Mr. LaCook stated that what they do with it after a subdivision is out of the Commission's control, but if it is approved it would bring the-existing build- ing in compliance with setbacks. A memorandum from Mr. Norton, member. of the Commission who was unable to attend the meeting, set forth his objections to the subdivision because of increased density, a trend toward all lots being the minimum size, deterioration of environmental quality and loss of spaciousness associated with over crowding. Mr. Abel stated that he appreciated the fact that the church has a good deal to gain and the fact that he had not heard any o-jection from anyone in the neigh- borhood; that he felt as he has in the past that these larger lots are a real 14 enhancement to the city; that the house could be restored and left on the larger lot very attractively and cited the case of an older house at Rice and Charlotte being remodeled and that it would certainly add to the neighborhood. Mr. Farrell stated that he personally could see no difference in allowing this request than the. previous request as the lot line would be moved only 5 ft. Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Abell, that the application of West University Church of Christ to subdivide East 75 ft. of Lot 5, Block 91 West University Place 2nd .Addition 3406 Albans into two lots, one lot 75 ft. x 87 ft., facing Albans, and .one lot 80 ft. x 75 Ft., facing Westchester, be approved, subject to compliance with all building setback requirements, building code, or other governing ordinances, whether or not herein specified, for any subsequent construction.- Voting Aye: Farrell LaCook Voting No: Abell Minutes of the. regular meeting of the Zoning and Planning Commission on June 14, 1979 and special-meeting on June 28, 1979 were approved as submitted. Chairman ' ~~' ... [J With no further business to come before the Commission, upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.