HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2004-06-21 SpecialI l
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Minutes of a Special Meeting
ofthe
Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission
June 21, 2004
A special meeting of the Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission was held on
Monday, June 21, 2004 at 7:00 pm at the Friendswood City Hall Council Chambers, 910
S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas. The following Planning & Zoning
Commissioners were present:
Bob Bertrand
David Brakebill
Tom Burke
Jim Gibson
Kevin Holland
Roy Klusedorf
Shen-y Weesner
Loren Smith-City Attorney
Dan Johnson -Deputy Director CDD
Diana Steelquist-Planner
With a quorum present, Bob Bertrand, the Planning & Zoning Chair, called the joint
public hearing to order.
Call to order:
JOINT DOCKETED PUBLIC HEARING
1.To receive comments from the public both oral and written regarding:
A.Zone Classification change for 138.069 acres located at 3118 FM 528
from SFR to PUD-Mixed Use, known as the Whitcomb property and
located along FM 528 and Clear Creek, Han-is County, Texas.
Mr. Richard Browne, 15 Harbor Cove Dr., Woodlands, Texas, and agent for the
owners, addressed the Council and Commission. Mr. Browne outlined the Master
Plan for the project, which will be a mixed-use development. It will include
office, retail, hotel/convention center, and outdoor mall area with residential lofts,
townhomes and apartments as well as public spaces reserved for open space along
Clear Creek, an amphitheater and a 100-slip marina. This plan is a state of the mt
. development that will create a pedestrian environment where people will live,
shop, work and recreate. The development will provide as sense of place for the
approximately 150,000 people living in the sunounding area. The residential
component will be at urban densities, which are not geared towm·d families, rather
singles, professionals and retirees. Approximately 27 acres of the 134 acres to be
developed will be open space along the creek. This will provide a visual barrier.
The development will have themed architecture with abundant landscaping. This
will be a destination place that will promote economic development of
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approximately $3 million in annual tax revenues. It will take 5 to 6 years to fully
develop.
In favor:
Ron McPherson, Superintendent with Clear Creek ISD spoke in favor of the
economic development potential. He did ask that CCISD be kept informed and
involved with any future extension of Blackhawk Blvd. This extension will affect
planned school expansion in this area.
Kevin Ha11, 907 Remington Cami stated he was not opposed to economic
development but was concerned with the affect this development would have on
the re-development of Main Street. Mr. Hart was also very concerned about
drainage issues both in this development and in the Main Street area.
Opposed:
Sharon Delp, 705 Leisure Lane, stated she was unsme whether or not she was
actually opposed. She was concerned about the development's affect on flooding
and asked what studies had been done.
Steve Elsner, 650 Oak Drive, Polly Ranch Subdivision. Mr. Elsner said the
development sound appealing with regards to Economic Development but thought
more information was needed on the flooding issues. Where was the runoff from
the development going to go? He wanted to know why the Corps of Engineers
recommendation to straighten Clear Creek in this area was not being followed.
He also expressed concerns about erosion along the marina and noise from the
amphitheater and boats.
Jon Johnson, 703 Oak Drive, stated his concerns were similar to Steve Elsner' s.
He was for Economic Development and prope11y rights. He also liked the open
space buffer zone aiong the creek. However, he also questioned how the
development fit in with the Corp plans. He stated his concerns that the marina
would create sediment and pollution in the creek and would like to see a drainage
study on the area.
Chairman Be1trand asked Mr. Browne to respond to some of the issues raised.
Mr. Browne stated that Friendswood is subject to flooding and the Corp has not
moved forward to straighten Clear Creek. He did add that the marina area may
need bulk-head reinforcement. Browne stated that no· development would take
place in the floodplain and there would be no adverse affects on surrounding
development. He has visited with Ha1Tis County Flood Control who informed
him that the area does not require detention. They have told him that detention
would affect the peak crest of floodwaters downstream. A hydrology study has
been done on the premises.
As for the Marina, sediment control is a number one issue. All the excavation
will be completed before the marina is opened onto the creek.
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I Noise from the amphitheater will be controlled through acoustic engineering. The amphitheater will also be facing away from the creed and adjacent development. Decibel limits will be placed on the equipment. This type of equipment has worked well in the Woodlands, which Mr. Browne also developed. The amphitheater will be a not-for-profit project. Mr. Browne addressed CCISD's concern stating the area where the Blackhawk extension was planned was not an ideal location for a school site. The Whitcombs will work with CCISD in resolving their concerns. Mr. McPherson responded that land for school sites is difficult to find, CCISD is not objecting to the project but would ask for solutions to their land problem. 2.· Adjournment.L The joint public hearing adjourned at 7:50 P.M.(!_,d. 06/21/04 P &Z Page 3 of 3