HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-2008 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 5:00 PM at the James P. Nix Center in
the library.
Present: Bob Clark, Gary Moore, Fran Slade, Jean Wilson, Lee Turner, Tim
Kant, Dan Stankoski, Dan McCrory, Dick Charles came in at 5:10 PM.
Gregg Mims, City Planner; Jonathan Smith, Betty Rivenbark and Chris Gill,
Attorney Absent: none
The minutes of the October 6, 2008 meeting were considered and approved
as written on motion by Lee Turner, 2nd by Dan McCrory. Gary Moore, Tim
Kant and Dan Stankoski abstained. Motion carried.
UR08-08 Request of Baldwin County Board of Education for an 11-52-11
review of the construction of a new elementary school to consist of First,
Second, Third grades. The property is located on the northeast corner of
Bayou Drive & Section Street at 408 N. Section Street. This is the site of the
old Fairhope Middle School. Jonathan Smith gave the staff report saying at
the completion of the project there will be approximately 46 regular
classrooms and an additional 12 elective spaces such as band rooms and
computer labs, with a total of 94,500 feet. The maximum height of the
buildings on site will be 32 feet. The old library building and gym were not
torn down. Staff recommendation was approval subject to:
1. A sidewalk with street trees placed along Bayou Street to enhance
walkability and connectivity to the adjacent neighborhood, subject to
the approval of the Public Works Director.
2. Prepare a parking lot agreement for use of the parking lot for city
events, when said events do not conflict with school activities.
3. A BMP plan due to the steep grade changes on the site.
4. A letter, stamped and sealed, stating the proposed drainage is
adequate and complies with the City of Fairhope regulations. The
City would also request the engineer clarify if the existing pipes on
the drainage plan are for underground retention or simply for
drainage.
5. Submission of a revised survey of all trees on the site over 20” DBH.
It appears that all trees meeting this criterion were not shown on the
plan. In conjunction with this revised drawing, a tree protection plan
shall be submitted.
Eddie Tyler, Asst Supt. of schools, was present representing the school
board. Jean Wilson told Mr. Tyler that under an 11-52-11 review the
Planning Commission could look at the location, character, and extent of
project. Mr. Tyler introduced Jackie Bargainner, the architect and Norris
Hall. The Commission was told the building would be in the same footprint
as before and they looked at a site plan. Further discussion led to a request
to Mr. Barganner to get a set of plans from his vehicle and show them to the
Planning & Zoning Commission
November 5, 2008 – Page Two
commission. He outlined what would be built back with more planned
parking and move main building a little closer to Section Street. He did this
saying they are trying to keep a feel of Fairhope, took look of present K-1
center. Eddie Tyler said he is new to the job but wants to work hand in hand
with Fairhope and keep good relations. Questions were asked: is it single
level – yes; how many students, approximately 600; the lighting was asked
about and they said it would not affect the neighborhood around it, be to
code. Mr. Tyler told of plans for other schools renovations and upgrades.
The Mayor stressed that he would like to see the sidewalk as it encourages
children to come to downtown and ride bikes, connectivity, and keeps them
out of streets. Bike racks were also suggested. All questions answered
satisfactorily, Lee Turner moved to approve staff recommendation with five
points included in motion. Dan McCrory 2nd the motion and it carried
unanimously. Gary Moore suggested in the future that the board get with
the commission prior to bulldozing regarding projects and in this line Gregg
asked that the Chairman write a letter to the school board requesting that we
be more involved in the plans regarding the schools in the community. They
were thanked for coming and sharing their plans.
Old/new business – Gregg brought up for discussion the property at 111
Magnolia where the Loudermilch house stood before a fire completely
destroyed it. It was mentioned that Mr. Loudermilch is not interested in
rebuilding and would probably sell all of it. The question was if the property
could be subdivided into two lots. He said now that it is R-2 district 10,500
sq ft. and that the lot contains 15,300 sq ft with an existing cottage on the
property. It was said that the renter in the cottage does want to keep it.
The Mayor said that he does not want to see it sold with possibly the cottage
bulldozed and a big monstrous house put on the property. Gregg said a
house could be built in the existing footprint. Lee Turner expressed that he
would like to see it be subdivided if possible but not set a precedence that
every other person in Fairhope will try and do same thing. Bob Clark agreed
with Lee. The Mayor said he would like to make sure legally what we can
do. Dick Charles asked if we divide would the cottage be legal? It was the
consensus that Chris Gill should research this and work with Gregg to see
what we could do.
Jean Wilson welcomed Dan Stankoski as a new member.
There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 5:50 PM.
______________________ _____________________
Jean Wilson, Chairman Betty Rivenbark, Secretary