HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-1991 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met Monday,
December 2, 1991 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 161
N. Section Street.
Present: Chairman Richard Sanderson; members William Lucey, Cindy
McBrearty, Cecil Pitman, Tim Kant, John Duck, William Richmond,
Maxwell Killoch
The minutes of the November 4, 1991 meeting were approved on motion by
Maxwell Killoch, seconded by William Lucey and unanimously carried.
A public hearing on a request by Trinity Presbyterian Church from
R-2 to P-1 for the property at 22 Orange St. for re -zoning was held.
At this time Mr. Sanderson excused himself and Jack Lucey who were
on the Board of Director, of the church from being a part,. of the public .
hearing. Mrs. Lucey served as Chairman.- 0 qr_- Ce11°e"EiD"Q '/614z -M'N"'tr-S
Mr. Lunsford told the commission that this is piece of property 75' wide x
170' deep fronting on Orange Avenue. He stressed that if this was changed
the subject buildings would have to be removed. Mr. Killoch questioned
if the house was set back 30'. Mr. Lunsford said no, then he asked if
there was room to provide parking behind the house. Mr. Lunsford said
that it would have to be either residential or change to parking, but not
both. Mr. Lunsford was asked what the landscaping requirements were
and he said that they would need to provide a 6 ft. high screen on both
sides of the property, a 10 ft. landscape strip 36" high at the time of
planting. He further related that there is no exit planned on Orange St.
at this time. Rev. William Cockrell, Pastor of the Church, spoke saying
that they had too many people and too less space. That they acquired this
property as they would have to sometime in the future expand these
buildings and the only place available to them is the parking lot. He related
the problems they are facing now. He said that they only time they will
be using this area is at peak times, mostly on Sundays. Their attorney
spoke at this time showing a drawing of what they wished to have. He said
it would be a grassed lot, enclosed by wooden fence on 3 sides, with the
fencing landscaped. Mrs. McBrearty asked if a fence or hedge required?
Bob read the ordinance, and the response was they would comply with what-
ever required. Mr. Killoch questioned the setback. Bob said a 10 ft.
buffer strip is all required. The attorney said their purpose is to conform
to the neighborhood. In looking at the drawing they had only allowed 5 '
on each side and the requirement is 101, it was questioned if they would
have maneuvering room. The lawyer further said there would be no improve
ments on the lot, cross ties would be placed for uniformity in parking.
Mrs. McBrearty then called for comments from the audience. Mrs Mary
Agnes Woodruff, 17 Orange St. presented a petition from the neighborhood
saying they were against this use. Grady Jackson, George Dunlap, Jane
McDonald, James Huggins, Mary Cameron East, William Cowin, Sam Noble,
Susan Dreading and Connie Brandt all residents within 300 ft. spoke saying
they were against this use citing reasons from devaluing their property to
the church not fully exploring what they already have, suggesting also they
consider having more than 1 service. William Richmond questioned the
present parking ratio and Bob responded he did not have those figures
at hand. Rev. Cockrell said they have about 460 members but on an average
Sunday about 225 in attendance. Bob said that the zoning ordinance bases
seating on the main sanctuary and that they are required to have 1 parking
space for each 4 seats, which they do have. Mrs. Jackson said again that
she did not hear why they have not considered having more than one service.
Mr. Killoch questioned whether they could build building with parking below
it. Bob said yes, but if they went over 1 floor they would have to seek a
height variance. Rev. Cockrell spoke again saying they had no argument
with the neighbors, he wished to remind them what they were talking about,
not a convenience store, or something where there would be traffic, all
the time, that he had never heard of a church being incompatible with a
residential neighborhood. Cecil Pitman said at this time he considered this
a difficult vote to make and asked Rev. Cockrell if they might consider
moving to larger acreage and rebuilding. Rev. Cockrell said that they had
done different studies but he believed that the question of moving the church
would not be one considered. Further discussion led to a motion by William
Richmond to recommend denial to the City Council based on the negative re-
sponse in the neighborhood and the limited space on the site, Maxwell Killoch
seconded and motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. McBrearty reported the sub -committee on signs had met and they were we
ing on it, There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.
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