HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/23/08 P&Z
MINUTES
CITY OF THE COLONY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
After determining that a quorum was present, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City
of The Colony, Texas convened into regular session which was held on Tuesday September 23,
2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The
Colony, Texas, at which time the following items were addressed:
Commissioners Present: Karen Haines, Chairperson; Deville Hubbard; Debbie Morrison; David
Terre; and Brian Wade.
Commissioner Absent: Mike Barrett
Present from staff. Donna Bateman, Development Services Director; Wes Morrison,
City Planner; Kimberley Lafferty, City Attorney; Gordon Scruggs, Engineering Director; and
Tracey Sherman, Administrative Assistant.
1.0 CALL REGULAR SESSION TO ORDER
Chairperson Haines called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
1.1 Citizen Input
No citizen input received.
2.0 CONSENT AGENDA
2.1 Consider approval of the minutes from the August 26, 2008 Regular Session.
Commissioner Wade moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 2.1. Commissioner Morrison
seconded. Motioned carried unanimously (5-0).
2.2 Consider approval of the minutes from the September 9, 2008 Work Session.
Chairperson Hames pulled Consent Agenda Item 2.2. Chairperson Hames asked for the
September 9, 2008 minutes to reflect that Commissioner Wade voted in abstention in the election
of Vice Chair for the Commission. Chairperson moved to approve Item 2.2 with the
recommended changes. Commissioner Terre seconded. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
2.3 Consider approval of a final plat of The Gardens at Tribute Phase 2 Lots 19-33, Block F
and Lots 1-17 Block O being 5.415 acres out of the BBB & CCR Survey, Abstract No.
182 located south of Lebanon Road. (FP08-0005, The Gardens at Tribute Phase 2)
Commissioner Wade moved to approve Consent Agenda Item 2.3. Commissioner Morrison
seconded. Motioned carried unanimously (5-0).
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September 23, 2008
Page 2 of 4
3.0 =PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 Conduct a public hearing, discuss, and consider a proposed zoning change from
Business Park (BP) district to a Planned Development (PD) district to allow multi-
family uses on approximately 13 acres located at the southwestern corner of Memorial
Drive and Paige. (Z08-0003, DBSI MF Project)
Wes Morrison presented the staff report.
Applicant, Al Blaine, explained the location of the parcel in relation to S.H. 121 was the reason
for building multifamily units on the 13 acres located at the southwestern corner of Memorial
Drive and Paige. The units would be upscale with mostly one bedroom and a few two bedrooms
units. There will be no three bedrooms units.
Commissioner Terre asked what the percentage of rental increase in comparison to the other
multi-family units located in The Colony would be. The applicant stated the cost would be
significant. It would be about fifteen to twenty percent more.
Resident, Joye Grube, spoke in opposition of Item 3.1. She stated the Comprehensive Plan
discouraged multi-family use to be developed on this site. Making amendments would further
open the door to other businesses asking for the same use. Once the change is made the
applicant can decide to build anything.
Resident, Chris Cochran, spoke in opposition of Item 3.1. He stated if approved this would have
a greater impact on Goodman Street versus The Legends. Mr. Cochran stated he would love to
have Highway 121 shine, however, seeing Budget Suites and then an apartment complex would
deter potential residents from buying here. Mr. Cochran requested the City stay with the
guidelines of the Comprehensive Plan.
Resident Bethan Salle spoke in opposition of Item 3.1. She reiterated the same concern of
having multifamily units in the area go against the Comprehensive Plan.
Resident Vincent George spoke in opposition of Item 3.1. He stated one of the reasons he
bought his residence was for the great opportunity to be close to an area that would eventually
include retail. He was not aware of any changes being made to include multifamily units.
Architect, Weston Graves, stated DBSI based the multi-family units design on the City's Planned
Development (PD) district. The proposed development standards, however, exceeded the Zoning
and Gateway Overlay District Regulations.
Commissioner Wade asked if any thought had been given to have retail businesses on the first
floor. Mr. Graves stated there was some thought; however, there just was not enough demand to
occupy the tenant space. The multifamily units being proposed are more of an urban style
development.
Commissioner Wade asked if elevators were being proposed. The applicant stated an elevator
would be required by the Building Code. Commissioner Wade asked if the landscaping could be
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September 23, 2008
Page 3 of 4
upgraded since two inch caliper trees seemed very small. Mr. Graves stated DBSI would be
open for any discussions involved in changing the landscape.
Commissioner Terre asked how the applicant would answer the concern of the building declining
and overall maintenance of the project in the future. Mr. Graves stated multifamily buildings are
considered commercial buildings which have much higher standards on maintenance now than
multi-family buildings in the past. Ryan Stewart, project manager, stated urban infill sites
appreciate over the long term. Capital reserves are set aside every year for upgrading the
property as needed.
Commissioner Hubbard asked what other businesses could go on the site. Mr. Morrison stated
Lowes or other automotive facilities with an approved Special Use Permit but no industrial uses.
Ms. Bateman stated that convenience stores would be allowed by right and large travel centers
that could cause an increase in large truck traffic also.
Commissioner Morrison asked if there are any other successful properties in the Dallas area. Mr.
Blaine stated the other one is in south Ft. Worth.
Chairperson Hames asked what public amenities were proposed. Mr. Graves stated the amenities
would include a club house, a movie room, and work out area, a pool and outdoor seating around
the property. The Gateway Overlay Regulations requires ten to fifteen percent landscaping,
however, DBSI has provided thirty percent landscaping. Commissioner Wade asked of the
thirty percent, is the drainage easement included. Applicant stated yes.
Commissioner Terre stated his concern would be to pass up an opportunity for a quality
development. Mr. Morrison stated it may not be completely realistic to believe that all of the
land adjacent to SH 121 would be developed with retail and office uses. Ms. Bateman stated
retail can only be sustained if they have the homes that bring in the dollars. Commissioner
Hubbard asked if the amendments would be for the overall comprehensive plan. Ms. Bateman
stated if this use is approved then staff would recommend an amendment to the Comprehensive
Plan to possibly allow a maximum percentage of multi-family uses in the gateway if certain
development standards were met. Those standards would be provided in the Comprehensive
Plan update.
Chairperson Hames stated she was not okay with of the use of stucco on the outside of the
building. The applicant stated they were in agreement with no stucco.
Commissioner Hubbard asked if the proposal is tied to the zoning change. Mr. Morrison stated
yes. Commissioner Hubbard asked if there was anything in the (PD) Planned Development that
staff or lawyers had a problem with. Mr. Morrison stated the applicant has met all requirements
of the zoning ordinance and requests from staff.
Commissioner Morrison asked if both sides of Goodman Street be included in the public notice
mailings for City Council. Mr. Morrison stated yes.
Commissioner Hubbard moved to recommended approval of Item 3.1 with a revision to the
Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Terre seconded the motion. Chairperson Hames moved to
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September 23, 2008
Page 4 of 4
amend the motion to prohibit the use of stucco. Commissioners Hubbard and Terre agreed to the
amendment. The vote was called and carried (4-1, Commissioner Wade opposed).
4.0 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
4.1 Upcoming Projects List
4.2 City Council Results
Ms. Bateman presented the Director's Report
Chairperson Hames adjourned the meeting at 7:45 pm.
Karen Hames, Chairperson
Tracey Sherman, Recording Secretary