HomeMy WebLinkAbout03141978 ZPC Minutes2
REGULAR MEETING
ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSTON
MARCH 14, 1978
The Zoning and Planning Commission of the City of West University Place convened in
regular session on Tuesday, March 14, 1978, 7:30 p.m., with the following members pre-
sent: Chairman Norton, presiding; Members Casey and Johnson.
The Chairman ascertained from the secretary that proper notice of meeting had been
posted at the City Hall three days prior to the scheduled .meeting.
Letters from Chief Ben Witcher, Fire Department, Chief Bill Norman, Police Department,.
and David Steitle, City Traffic Engineer concerning request of representatives of the
St. Andrews' Presbyterian Church for the closing of Rutgers Street at its intersection
with Bissonnet at the regular meeting on February 14, 1978 were presented to the Commis-
sion for their ifnromation.
"Mr. J. E. Norton, Chairman
Zoning and Planning Commission
Dear Mr. Norton:
Considerable thought has gone into your request for a barricade at Rutgers and Bis-
sonnet.
At the present time, we have fire hydrants at Wroxton and Buffalo and Westchester and
Bissonnet. Should there be afire in any portion of the church complex, this would be
our nearest source of water supply. A barricade at Rutgers and Bissonnet would make it
difficult for firefighters and fire apparatus to set up afire attach to the rear build-
ings.
Between the two buildings frontingn Bissonnet, the canopy is only 9'1" high at the
lowest point. .Our pumpers could not pass underneath the capoly, further hindering
fire fighting operations. Rescue operation, in the even they should. become necessary,
would be very difficult at this day-care school..
In firefighting, time is the most important factor. The closing of any street, de-
laying the fire department apparatus, would be a hindrance to the fire department.
Sincerely,
/s/.Ben F. Wilcher
Fire Chief"
"March 10, 1978
Mr. Whitt F. Johnson
City Manager
Reference: Closng of Rutgers Street at the intersection of Bissonnet
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I feel this would only cause more traffic on Westchester and Sewanee and would
greatly reduce the access of emergency vehicles to this area.
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It is my recommendation that we do not barricade Rutgers at this time or in the
foreseeable future.
Sincerely,
/s/ W. L. Norman, Jr.
Chief of Police"
':March 13, 1978
"Mr. J. E. Norton, Chairman
Zoning and Planning Commission
Dear Mr. Norton:
The barricading of Rutgers Street and Bssonnet as proposed by St. Andrews'
Presbyterian Church would,be expected to have a negligible effect on traffic
access and circulation of the area... This type of traffic diversion method has
been recognized by previous traffic studies of the city for breaking up the grid
system traffic flows.
However, I would not recommend the partial closure by .movable barricades of Rut-
gers north of Albans.. This would be an inappropriate use of a construction barri-
cade on a public thoroughfare.
Of course, a trial period for closure of the street would merit consideration
were the decision made to close Rutgers Street. However, the proposed two-week
trial would probably require perhaps two to six months for appropriate observa-
tion and evaluation. of the trial project.
Upon permanent closure of Rutgers, the design of the permanent barricade-would
have to be designed to allow at least proper area storm drainage and emergency tra-
versability.
Yours very truly,
/s /David Steitle
City Traffic Engineer"
Messrs.. Dunn, Russel and Robertson, representatives of St. Andrews' Presbyterian
Church, were in attendance.
During the discussion of the request to close Rutgers. Street, representatives of
the church stated they only wanted a recommendation at this time. to close the
street on temporary trial basis and asked. if a sketch of preliminary .plans for
the use of Lot 2, Block 90, West University Place 2nd would help the Commission
in making a recommendation.. They were advised that this would be very helpful and.
suggested that the committee meet with the Fire Chief, Police Chief and Traffic
Engineer before the next meeting of the Zoning and Planning Commission and work
with them for a proposed plan .which would be acceptable to them in providing for
the safety of the church, church members and West University Place citizens.
Mr. Mike Myers, Architect with John Kirksey Associates, representing Altomon Cor-
poration, owners, presented preliminary and final plans for the construction of
townhouses on
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30 ft. of Lot l ~ All of Lot 2, Block l
Belle Court Addition
Northwest corner of Kirby and Bellaire Blvd.
The plan consists of three units containing a minimum of 1778 sq, ft. with
ingress and egress on Kirby Drive.
After a study of the plans and discussion with Mr. Myers, it was determined
they met the Guidelines of the Zoning and Planning Commission for submission
and requirements of Ordinance No. 1025.
Motion by Mr. Johnson,. seconded by Mr. Casey, that preliminary and final plans
for the construction of townhouses on
30 ft. of Lot 1 ~ All of Lot 2, Block l
Belle Court Addition
be approved subject to compliance with building codes, or other governing ordinances
whether or not herein specified, for any subsequent construction.
Voting Aye: All Voting No: None
Mr. Dereck Stuckey, representing Marvin Grast Associates, of whic he is a part-
ner, presented preliminary plans for the construction of townhouses on
Lots l $ 2, Block l
.Kent Place Addition
Northwest corner of Bellaire Blvd, and Sewanee.
After a study of the plans and discussion with Mr. Stuckey, the following. action
was taken:
Motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Casey, that preliminary plans as sub-
mitted for the construction of townhouses on
Lots l ~ 2, Block 1
Kent Place Addition
Northwest corner of Bellaire Blvd ..and Sewanee
be approved pending final submission of drawings.
Members discussed the requirement of Ordinance No. 1025, Sub-Section N(4) con-
cerning cul-de-sac driveways. Guest parking is provided on the plat at the north...
property line directly behind garages. Vehicles backing from garages. would have
difficulty backing and proceeding forward to the street in the event cars were
parked in the guest spaces, particularly the west unit and west parking space.
Mr. Johnson withdrew his motion. Withdrawal of the motion was accepted by Mr.
Casey.
Mr. Stuckey was advised that the preliminary. plans as presented were not accep-
table under the above mentioned section of Ordinance No. 1025..
Consideration of a review of Ordinance No. 1025 to determine if in the opinion
of the Zoning and Planning Commission it should recommend the ordinance be
amended was presented by Chairman Norton..
Discussion of the various poals to be achieved in a zoning ordinance, responsi-
bility of Zoning and Planning.Commission in interpretation,' time involved, pro-
fessional consultants as opposed to Zoning. and Planning Commission, and whether
or not development is already advanced too far to merit changes followed.
During this discussion, Mr. Casey stated:. that in his opinion to a certain extent
Ordinance No. .1025 is ambuguous in some areas which makes it difficult for the
,b•r Zoning and Planning Commission to look at a proposed development and still be
~ able to consider the overall townhouse development, in particular to the property
Q adjacent.
~ It was decided to further consider the matter of a review of Ordinance N0. 1025
Q at the next regular meeting with the hope that all members would be present for
a discussion.
Minutes of the regular meeting. of the Zoning and Planning Commission on February 14,
1978 were presented for consideration and approved as submitted.
With no further business to come before the Commission, upon .motion duly made,
seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned a
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ATTEST:
~.:
. ~~- °~
Secretary