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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2011-05-16 Regular 1 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING 1. The special meeting was called to order at 7:05pm with the following people in attendance: Chairman Kevin Holland Vice Chairman Mark McLean Commissioner Jim Gibson Commissioner Jim Nye Commissioner David O’Farrell Commissioner Hassan Moghaddam City Council City Attorney Bill Olson Mona Miller, Planner Morad Kabiri, Director of CDD Frank Manigold, Dep. Director of CDD Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist 2. Joint Public Hearing Receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding: A. Proposed zone classification change on two tracts of land East of W. Parkwood Avenue (FM 528) and South of Lundy Lane from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Business Park (BP) Cheri Skelton, consultant/representative for the owner, explained that the applicant is a former soccer player from Scotland and would like to build a soccer facility here in Friendswood that would be allow international soccer teams to train and play tournaments. She stated that it would bring revenue for the City and businesses would benefit from the people traveling to Friendswood. She also stated that because of the nearby gun range, tower and pipeline easements crossing the property it is not very desirable for a residential development. She explained that the property is 46 acres and that there is BP zoning on adjacent land. She stated that they would propose a 911 gate and pedestrian walk-thru to Lundy Lane and that she has talked to church representatives and surrounding residents about the project. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING HELD MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011 AT 7PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS 2 Penelope Burke, Friendswood/Parks Board, stated that she wants to support the project and that this is a legitimate use for the property. She stated that it is near the City’s sports complex and that the City needs fields to relieve the burden on Centennial Park. Tom Goodwin, Chairman of the Parks Board and Resident, stated that the Board has tried tirelessly to reduce use on Centennial Park and that this facility would help. He stated that it would be a gold star for Friendswood and that it would bring youth to Friendswood. He stated that he has lived on Lundy Lane for 10 years and he would rather see a well-manicured, developed, family oriented piece of property that the vacant land, Paul Bacon, Friendswood, stated that this would be good for the City and that it would bring revenue to the community. He stated that right now the property is a coyote trap. David Moss, Parks Board, stated that for something like this to come along for this property is ideal because it is a good location and a private entity. He stated that it would bring people from other cities such as Sugarland, Pearland, and Manvel. He stated that he knows the owner and that he is very passionate about soccer. Bob Taylor stated that he has been very involved in soccer. He stated that small villages in England thrive on soccer clubs similar to what is being proposed here. He also stated that the Space City Soccer program has grown significantly over the past few years and even has an adult league now. He stated that this would be a tremendous opportunity for this City. Andrew stated that the property should be zoned and developed by a private owner. He stated that Houston has over 80 adult soccer teams. He stated that San Antonio generates lots of money from tournaments. Matt Leonard, president of a youth soccer association, stated that this development would allow City residents to use Centennial Park for youth. He stated that this would offer a local place to play soccer rather than driving to Humble or Tomball. He stated that parents will run errands and spend money in Friendswood while their kids play. He said it is a family oriented business. John Timmons, Friendswood, stated that he is not against the soccer field, but that he does not understand the BP zoning. He said his biggest concern is an exit onto Lundy Lane. He stated that he understands that exit will not be used except in the case of an emergency. He stated that he worked in banking for many years and has seen projects not go through and asked what happens if this project fails. He said he would like to know that light and noise pollution would be regulated and wants assurance from P&Z to know that it will be a quality development. Mike McLellan, Friendswood, stated that he is concerned about property values and asked if the facility would be free for the City of Friendswood to use the fields. 3 Cathy A., Friendswood, asked if a hotel would be allowed. Commissioner O’Farrell stated that a list of permitted uses for the BP zoning category can be obtained from the Community Development department at City Hall. David Dunn, Friendswood, stated that the project seems too good to be true and that he feels like it is a bait and switch. He stated that security and safety are concerns as we do not know what an international type development would bring to the City. He stated that he is prepared to listen to more about the project. Helen Timmons, Friendswood, stated that she appreciates the excitement about the project, but that the fields are going to be run by a for-profit business and someone is going to have to pay to use the fields. She stated that there is only one in and out to her neighborhood and that she is concerned with traffic problems, especially when church is in session. Commissioner Holland asked about the access to the property from FM528 and Ms. Skelton stated that the property owner does have a 70ft access from FM528. 3. The public hearing was adjourned at 7:45pm. REGULAR MEETING (2nd floor conference room, following Special Meeting) 1. The regular meeting was called to order at 7:50pm with the following people in attendance: Chairman Kevin Holland Vice Chairman Mark McLean Commissioner Jim Gibson Commissioner Jim Nye Commissioner David O’Farrell Commissioner Hassan Moghaddam Mona Miller, Planner Frank Manigold, Dep. Director of CDD Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist 2. Communication from the public/committee liaisons (To comply with provisions of the Open Meetings Act, the Commission may not deliberate on subjects discussed under this agenda item. However, the Commission may direct such subjects be placed on a later regular Commission agenda for discussion and/or possible action.) None 3. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of minutes for the: 1) May 2, 2011 special and regular meeting Motion to Approve: Moghaddam Second: Gibson Vote: 6 to 0 (unanimous) Minutes Approved 4 4. Consideration and possible action regarding the commercial site plan for Texas Gulf Bank at 1005 S. Friendswood Drive Motion to Approve with staff comments: O’Farrell Second: Gibson Vote: 6 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried Miller explained that the remaining staff comments are the 2nd reading of the zone change by City Council and a TXDOT permit. She explained that the 2nd reading for the zone change is on Council’s agenda tonight. O’Farrell asked if they could combine the 10’ Utility Easement and 10’ Landscape Buffer at the rear of the property and staff explained that they cannot because the Landscape Buffer requires trees which cannot be planted within the Utility Easement. 5. Consideration and possible action regarding a proposed notification policy Motion to approve: Holland Second: Moghaddam Vote: 6 to 0 (unanimous) Positive Recommendation 6. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission meeting dates Miller informed the Commission that the next regular meeting will be Thursday, June 2 at 7pm. 7. Communications from the Commission Gibson stated that he would not be able to attend the CEDC meeting on June 1. Moghaddam will attend for him. 8. Reports A. Council Liaison - None B. Staff - None 9. The meeting adjourned at 8pm. These minutes submitted by: TâuÜxç [tÜu|Ç Aubrey Harbin, LEED AP Development Specialist