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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2015-05-04 Special PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION . Joint Public Hearing 1. The Joint Public Hearing was called to order at 7:14pm with the following people in attendance: Chairman Mark McLean Vice Chairman David O’Farrell Commissioner Arthur Triplette Commissioner Sally Branson Commissioner Craig Lovell Commissioner Rich Borghese Aubrey Harbin, City Planner Arnold Polanco, City Attorney Becky Summers, Dev. Coordinator Nick Haby, PIO/Planning Manager Absent: Nye 2. Communication from the public regarding a zone classification change request at 3801 FM 528 (also known as the Whitcomb Property), a tract of land containing 135.778 acres out of the Sarah McKissick Survey, Harris County, to change from Planned Unit Development (Ordinance No. 2004-13 and Ordinance No. 2005-34) to Planned Unit Development(new) Chris Alston, Clear Creek Community Church Pastor, said the church elders believe the Whitcomb property is the ideal location to build. They believe their proposal accomplishes the vision of the City. He feels the current PUD has addressed the Commission’s previous concerns and comments. He stated the development highlights include a master planned, walkable community with restaurants, office space, parks and living areas. Paul Alfonso, Friendswood resident, CCCC member, said he is in support of the mixed use development. He is a business owner with shops in League City and Houston. He said the project would diversify the City’s tax base and take some burden off of residents. Nick Skeeland, League City resident, said that churches support local economics, provide charity work and are a social benefit. MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING HELD MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 AT 7:00 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS 2 May 4, 2015 P & Z Meeting Carl Baughman stated the City of Friendswood was founded to build churches. He stated his family moved to the area in 1997 once his children were grown and could not find a suitable apartment. He is in favor of an upscale apartment complex. Natasha Macadoo, Friendswood resident, said she moved to the area for its firm religious beliefs. She stated she is also a Keep Friendswood Beautiful member. Roger Andraco spoke in favor of the development citing an economic advantage. He said maximizing the retail space would increase tax revenues. He stated a common trend now is mixing retail with residential uses. He said the church will do it right and referenced the renovation of a bowling alley into one of the Church’s campuses. He said CCCC has an in- house architect and engineer. Carrie Murphy, Friendswood resident, cited a couple articles stating churches contribute to the success of America. Michael Cornett, Friendswood resident, stated the Church is committed to doing things the right way. Brad Thompson, Friendswood resident, said he would like the next generation to live and work here. Allison Swinson, Friendswood resident, CCCC member, said she moved here for the parks and small businesses. She stated the proposed new green space excites residents. She said the apartments would make room for more professional families since the houses in Friendswood are limited. Ralph Bentley, Friendswood resident, said he moved here from a similar city. He said the market is limited and the apartments would help. He stated he had worked in construction and Class A construction would be premier for the area; characterized as “prestigious, higher rent.” He said the apartments could provide the opportunity for former residents to move back to the area after college. Mark Belcher, Friendswood resident, said CCCC has a mission to reach people and their goal in searching for property is to find a permanent location for their church. He said the Whitcomb property is too much space so the church sought out partners to develop the portion CCCC did not need. Carl Garcia, League City resident, stated he had owned four restaurants in the area. He stated, as a business owner, the area would be appealing due to the traffic count, visibility from the main road and nearby rooftops. He said the apartments would be a draw. Wade Williams, League City resident, said CCCC would build a fabulous church and, more than anyone else, would not want a second rate development next door. Greg Penner, architect for CCCC, Webster resident, clarified that the church would only be designing and constructing the church itself. He said the extra land would be sold to developers and believed they had a great team working together. 3 May 4, 2015 P & Z Meeting Former Mayor Dave Smith, Friendswood resident, read a letter from Former Mayor Whitaker speaking against the PUD, voicing that 600 apartment units was not the best utilization of the land. Mr. Smith, himself, also spoke against the PUD and asked that the church be treated no differently than any other company that would request a similar zone change. He said he talked with several CCISD teachers who said their classrooms are full. John M., Pearland resident, spoke for the zone change saying it was a win-win for everyone. He said the church wants in, commercial wants in and residents want in. Gary Caye, Friendswood resident, former banker, spoke against the proposal saying apartments, in general, are users of City services. He said the church would be okay. Jerry Reeves mentioned Vision 2020 and said studies show that homes valued under a certain dollar amount cost the City in utilities. He said the City needs to maintain commercial property and look long term. He said the apartments would be a detriment to the City. 3. The Joint Public Hearing adjourned at 8:00pm. These minutes respectfully submitted by: Becky Summers Becky Summers Development Coordinator / P&Z Secretary