HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-4-01 BA MinutesB
*MINUTES*
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Octobeâ–º 4, 2001
City Council Chambers
A meeting of the Board of Adjustment was held on October 4, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. with the
following members present:
Board Member Mary Jowers
Board Member Lamar Roach
Board Member Dohn LaBiche
Alternate Member Joey Hilliard
Board Members absent: Board Member Bob Harris
Board Member Georgine Guillory
Also present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Manager; Murray Duren, Senior
Planner; Tyrone Cooper, First Asst. City Attorney; Adina Abshire,
Planning Technician and Jill Cole, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Board Member Roach made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 5, 2001 Public
Hearing. Board Member Jowers seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 4:0.
SWEARING IN OF WITNESSES
PUBLIC HEARING
1) File 460-BA: A request for a variance to the building setback requirements for a rear yard
in a GC -MD (General Commercial -Multiple Family Dwelling) District.
Location: South side of Fannin Street between Hospital Drive and Central Park
Applicant: Daniel J. Spann, P. E., for Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas
Mr. Richardson stated that Baptist Hospital has purchased the facility once known as
M. A. S. H. addressed at 3576 College Street. This property is zoned GC -MD and
extends from College to Fannin. The tracts involved contain a total of 16.149 acres.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
October 4, 2001
Baptist is in the process of several new building expansions and parking improvements on
the property.
A new central utility addition will be located near the rear of the hospital on the Fannin
Street or rear of the property. Situated next to the new central plant are two slabs which
will support two cooling towers (air conditioning units). The slabs are 16' x 21' and 20'
x 22' in size. One is proposed to set back from the Fannin Street right-of-way a distance
of 4' and the other one will be constructed on the property line/right-of-way line. The
required rear yard setback is 15' but reduced to 10' since commercial zoning abuts the site
across the street. The street pavement lies 30' north of the hospital's property line.
Fannin has an 80' right-of-way width.
The applicant shall have the burden of proof to demonstrate that all three conditions for a
variance have been met.
Seventeen notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. One response in
opposition and none in favor were returned to staff.
Board Member LaBiche opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
David Lognion, Director of Memorial Baptist Herman Hospital, addressed the Board. Mr.
Lognion answered questions from board members regarding placement of the cooling
towers.
Board Member LaBiche asked for comments in favor or in opposition.
Dr. Mootha Rao addressed the Board in opposition to the request. His building is next to
the proposed location of the cooling towers. His main concern was the noise which will
emanate from the proposed cooling units. He questioned why the hospital with over 16
acres at this site cannot locate the cooling towers elsewhere.
Mr. Lognion expressed to the Board that the newer units are much quieter than the old
style units.
Board Member LaBiche closed the public hearing.
Discussion between the Board members followed.
2
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Oclober 4, 2001
Alternate Member Hilliard made a motion to approve a variance to the building setback
requirements for a rear yard in a GC -MD District as requested in File 460-BA. Board
Member Jowers seconded the motion. The vote on the motion follows:
Board Member LaBiche - For
Board Member Jowers - For
Board Member Roach - For
Alternate Member Hilliard - For
The motion to approve the variance as requested in File 460-BA carried 4:0.
OTHER BUSINESS
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 3:50
P. M.
3