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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-21-21 PC Minutes * M I N U T E S * JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL City Council Chambers June 21, 2021 A Joint Public Hearing of the Planning Commission and City Council was held on June 21, 2021 and called to order at 3:00 p.m. with the following members present: Commission Members present: Chairman Sina Nejad Commissioner Johnny Beatty Commissioner Shawn Javed Commissioner Lynda Kay Makin Commissioner Taher Quraishi Commissioner Eddie Senigaur Commissioner Roy Steinhagen Alternate Commissioner Erika Harris Commission Members absent: Commissioner Bill Little Commissioner Tom Noyola Alternate Commissioner Marty Craig Alternate Commissioner Lauren Williams Mason Councilmembers present: Mayor Becky Ames Councilmember A.J. Turner Councilmember Taylor Neild Councilmember Mike Getz Councilmember Audwin Samuel Councilmember Chris Durio Mayor Elect Robin Mouton Also present: Chris Boone, Director of Planning and Community Development Adina Josey, Senior Planner Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney Catherine Allen, Recording Secretary 1 Planning Commission June 21, 2021 Chairman Nejad asked for a moment of silence to honor Councilmember W.L. Pate who passed away on June 20, 2021. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Senigaur moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Public Hearings held on May 17, 2021. Commissioner Makin seconded the motion. The motion to approve the minutes carried 7:0. REGULAR MEETING 1) PZ2021-138: Request for a Replat of Block 27 and the west ½ of Block 34, Beaumont Improvement Company into Lots 1-4, Joyce Wilson Addition, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Applicant: Kalli Whitmire of Fittz & Shipman, Inc. Location: 3870 - 3970 Maida Road Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Kalli Whitmire of Fittz & Shipman, Inc., has submitted a request for approval of a Replat of Block 27 and the west ½ of Block 34, Beaumont Improvement Company into Lots 1-4, Joyce Wilson Addition, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. The purpose of the plat is to evenly divide the tract into four (4) evenly sized, buildable residential lots. The location of the subject property is 3870 – 3970 Maida Road. The lot size and lot depth meet all City requirements and all lots front on Maida Road. All required utilities are present. Slides of the proposed replat were shown. Nineteen (19) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the subject property. No responses were received in favor and one was received in opposition. Mr. Boone read the letter in opposition, which did not provide further comments. Staff recommended approval of the request. Commissioner Senigaur asked about the setback of the property. Mr. Boone replied that the setback would be twenty-five (25) feet in the front. Commissioner Quaraishi asked about the size of the lots and Mr. Boone replied that they would be 561.5 feet deep with a width of 145 feet and added that they will exceed the minimum requirement. Brief discussion followed to clarify that the letter in opposition was from property owner Anthony Ceaser and that he was named in the property owner list provided to the Commission. The applicant was present. Joyce Wilson, 2180 Fillmore Street, addressed the Commission. She stated she does not know why Mr. Ceaser would be in opposition because she is just trying to give the property to her sons so that they can build homes. She stated that she has witnessed family disputes over property after the deaths of her siblings so she wanted to give this land to 2 Planning Commission June 21, 2021 her children while she is still living. She also stated that homes being built on the land would be more desirable than vacant lots. The public hearing on this item was opened and closed without comment. Commissioner Quraishi moved to approve the request for a Replat of Block 27 and the west ½ of Block 34, Beaumont Improvement Company into Lots 1-4, Joyce Wilson Addition, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, as requested in file PZ2021-138. Commissioner Senigaur seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 7:0. 2) PZ2021-161: Request for Preliminary Plat approval of Kingswood Place Subdivision, Phases II-V, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Applicant: Daniel Dotson of Fittz & Shipman, Inc. Location: The east end of Kingswood Drive Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Daniel Dotson, P.E. of Fittz & Shipman, Inc., has requested Preliminary Plat approval of Kingswood Place Subdivision, Phases II-V. This 26.52 Acre development will connect Kingswood Drive to Minner Drive and consists of 119 residential lots. All lots meet the minimum requirements for a residential lot. Section 26.02.002(a)(7) of the Subdivision Ordinance states, “Proposed plan of subdivision . . . shall show how the streets and easements in the subdivision will connect with those in the surrounding subdivisions.” And Section 26.03.001(3)(C) states, “The subdivision plat shall provide for the logical extension of abutting and proposed utilities and drainage easements and improvements in order to provide for system continuity and to promote future development of adjacent areas.” The plat does not connect Trevor Trace to Beaumont Drive. Staff recommends that the plat be redesigned to connect with Beaumont Drive or justification must be provided for not doing so. In addition, the plat refers to HP pipe and HDPE, neither of which is approved for use in the City of Beaumont. City Engineering and water have requested that minor changes be made in the legend and other text on the plat. Slides of the proposed plat and subject property were shown. Staff recommended approval of the request with the following conditions: 1. Connect Trevor Trace to Beaumont Drive or provide justification for not doing so. 2. Legend will need to be updated to include: F.O., MH, SL, & BSL. 3. Water mains between two lots, must be cased and a 10' exclusive water line easement shall be dedicated. If the water main is not cased then a 20' exclusive water line easement must be dedicated. Water line shall be located in the center of the easement. 4. Unnecessary dead ends of water lines should be eliminated where ever possible. 5. Lift station need to be located within a utility easement. 6. Utility easements should split utilities evenly. 7. Remove HP Pipe and HDPE from the plat and correct spelling of Water Valve in the Legend. 3 Planning Commission June 21, 2021 Mr. Boone elaborated on the subdivision regulations mentioned in the staff report and explained the proposed conditions, particularly the first condition. He explained how the subdivision regulations relate to the comprehensive plan and that both the subdivision regulations and comprehensive plan are guidelines and general principles rather than hard and fast rules. Mr. Boone also explained the reasoning for the wording of the first condition. Discussion followed between the Commission and staff about the first condition. Commissioner Senigaur asked if the detention pond was necessary and Mr. Boone replied that he was not sure, but would refer to the project’s engineer. The applicant was present. Daniel Dotson, representing Fittz & Shipman Inc., 1405 Cornerstone Court, addressed the Commission. He stated that the reasons they do not plan to have Trevor Trace and Beaumont Drive connect are that the ordinance states the purpose of the regulation is to promote future development of the adjacent areas, which is not possible in this project because of surrounding railroad tracks and existing developments. He also mentioned that property line on Beaumont Drive was so close to the right-of-way that by connecting the streets they would have lost lots, but by adding cul-de-sacs they were able to add more lots. Chairman Nejad stated that this seemed to be an economic reason rather than an engineering reason. The applicant responded that if they did connect the street that the lots would be nonconforming and not meet the City standard for lot size and would cause vacant property. He added that the neighboring property is owned by another party. Mr. Dotson also pointed out that the water lines will be looped through the easements so the utilities will be connected, even though the road will not be. Commissioner Quraishi asked about the entrances and exits to the subdivision. Mr. Dotson stated that there will be two (2) main entrances. Commissioner Senigaur asked about the number of fire hydrants in the proposed subdivision. The applicant stated that he did not have the exact number handy, but that they will be spaced at less than 500 feet per City fire marshal’s requirements. Mr. Boone stated that the applicant made good points in that there will not be more development in adjacent areas. He added that due to the railroad track, the subdivision will not be able to conform to the ideal neighborhood plan. Chairman Nejad asked if the staff agreed with Mr. Dotson on his justifications and Mr. Boone confirmed agreement. Chairman Nejad asked if the City Water Utilities department had any objections. Molly Villarreal, City Engineer, replied that they had no objections. Commissioner Beatty left the meeting during the discussion on this item. Commissioner Quraishi moved to approve the request for Preliminary Plat approval of Kingswood Place Subdivision, Phases II-V, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, as requested in file PZ2021-161 with the following conditions: 1. Connect Trevor Trace to Beaumont Drive or provide justification for not doing so. 2. Legend will need to be updated to include: F.O., MH, SL, & BSL. 4 Planning Commission June 21, 2021 3. Water mains between two lots, must be cased and a 10' exclusive water line easement shall be dedicated. If the water main is not cased then a 20' exclusive water line easement must be dedicated. water line shall be located in the center of the easement. 4. Unnecessary dead ends of water lines should be eliminated where ever possible. 5. Lift station need to be located within a utility easement. 6. Utility easements should split utilities evenly. 7. Remove HP Pipe and HDPE from the plat and correct spelling of Water Valve in the Legend. Commissioner Makin seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 6:0. 3) PZ2021-169: Request to abandon a portion of Cottonwood Street. Applicant: Don Burrel of Fittz & Shipman, Inc. Location: 1900 block of Cottonwood Street Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Don Burrel of Fittz & Shipman, Inc., is requesting the abandonment of Cottonwood Street between Concord Road and St. Helena Street. The Beaumont Independent School District would like to encompass this portion of Cottonwood in their new bus parking facility. The street currently cuts the existing facility in half. Gates would be installed to eliminate public access. Due to the proximity of the new fire station, the Fire Department is requesting that a Knox Gate System be installed for emergency access. Slides of the subject property were shown. Staff recommended approval of the request with the following conditions: 1. Retain existing utility easement for the water line. 2. Gates will require installation of Knox Gate System. 3. If approved, applicant shall obtain an appraisal and Title Commitment for the property to be abandoned at their expense. Appraisal and Title Commitment must be submitted to the Planning office along with proof that payment has been arranged prior to the item being placed on City Council’s agenda. The applicant was present. Ben Tristan, representing Fittz & Shipman Inc., 1405 Cornerstone Court, addressed the Commission. He stated that he was available for any questions from the Commission. Commissioner Quraishi asked about the property’s proposed use and Mr. Tristan stated that it will be for a transportation center and will consolidate some facilities into one. Commissioner Quraishi moved to approve the request  to abandon a portion of Cottonwood Street, as requested in file PZ2021-169 with the following conditions: 1. Retain existing utility easement for the water line. 2. Gates will require installation of Knox Gate System. 3. If approved, applicant shall obtain an appraisal and Title Commitment for the property to be abandoned at their expense. Appraisal and Title Commitment must be submitted to the Planning office along with proof that payment has been arranged prior to the item being placed on City Council’s agenda. Commissioner Steinhagen seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 6:0. 5 Planning Commission June 21, 2021 JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman Nejad stated that this was a historic meeting because both Beaumont’s longest serving female mayor and first African American female mayor elect were present. Chairman Nejad honored Mayor Ames for her many years of service and congratulated Mayor Elect Robin Mouton. Mayor Ames called the Joint Public Hearings of June 21, 2021 to order at 3:26 p.m. and explained the purpose of the Joint Public Hearing process. Mayor Ames stated that this would be her last Planning Commission meeting as mayor and that she wanted to thank the Commissioners for their service. Mayor Ames then turned the meeting over to Chairman Nejad to conduct the Joint Public Hearings. 4) PZ2021-162: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow for a church in the RCR-H (Residential Conservation Revitalization – Historic) District. Applicant: Weldene Smith Location: 2453 Broadway Street Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Weldene Smith, is requesting a Specific Use Permit to establish a church at 2453 Broadway Street. The most recent occupant of the property was Jason’s Deli, for office space. Worship services would be held on Sunday mornings. The rear of the property is paved for parking. However, the spaces (including the handicap spot) will need to be repainted. The site plan will need to be updated to show the proposed parking layout with dimensions prior to repainting. Slides of the subject property, site plan and surrounding area were shown. Twenty-seven (27) notices were mailed to property owners within two hundred (200) feet of the subject property. One response was received in favor, and one response was received in opposition. Mr. Boone read the letters and stated that they did not offer further comment. Staff recommended approval of the request with the following conditions: 1. Update site plan to show the proposed parking layout with dimensions to meet city requirements. 2. Restripe parking at rear of building. The applicant, Weldene Smith, 2380 Long Street, addressed the Commission. She stated that she lives in the same area as the subject property in the Oaks Historic District. Chairman Nejad asked how many people will attend the church services. Ms. Smith replied that before the pandemic they had been meeting in a space in the Daleo pharmacy building and about ten (10) to twenty (20) people had been regularly attending. She stated that three (3) of their families also live in the Historic District so they are sensitive to sustaining and maintaining good value for the neighborhood. She also stated that their goal is to reach out to the homeless and 6 Planning Commission June 21, 2021 hungry in the community. She added that their church is active in the LGBT community and they want to be a place where the less fortunate can have a church family. Finally, she stated that they have not yet made an offer on this property until a decision is made on the Specific Use Permit. Commissioner Quraishi asked who would give rides to the homeless to the church. Ms. Smith stated that they generally walk or bike there. Commissioner Steinhagen asked if there will be other activities besides Sunday morning services. Ms. Smith stated that currently they just plan to have Sunday morning services, but could add other worship classes or services as needed in the future. She added that they also want to use the building as a facility to keep clothing and supplies to help the homeless. Finally, Ms. Smith added that they are connected with TAN and other organizations and provide food, clothing and other materials to assist those in need. The public hearing on this item was opened and closed without comment. Commissioner Makin moved to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow for a church in the RCR-H (Residential Conservation Revitalization – Historic) District, as requested in file PZ2021-162 with the following conditions: 1. Update site plan to show the proposed parking layout with dimensions to meet city requirements. 2. Restripe parking at rear of building. Commissioner Senigaur seconded the motion. The motion to approve carried 6:0. OTHER BUSINESS None. THERE BEING NO OTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 3:38 P.M. 7