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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-1998 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met Monday, July 6, 1998 at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street at 5:00 PM. Present: Chairman Larry Green; members Debbie Quinn, William Richmond, Dick Charles, Cecil Pitman, Thad Ingram. Zoning Officer Bob Lunsford and Secretary Betty Rivenbark The minutes of the June 1, 1998 meeting were considered and approved on motion by William Richmond, seconded by Thad Ingram and unanimously carried. Public hearing zoning change request Judy Barrie/Brite Construction R-2 Medium Density Single Family to R3PGH property located east side of Pensacola Avenue and Section Street; and R-4 Low Density Multi -family Residential to R-3PGH, property on the west corner of Bon Secour and Grand Avenue (continued since the March `98 meeting). Mr. Lunsford's comments were asked for and he stated that unless the commission was firmly persuaded that the development plan and proposed drainage plan was adequate to protect adjacent and downstream properties that it be forwarded to the City Council with a recommendation of denial as this is not in the best interest of the city as a whole, with current zoning this can be developed with normal density. Ms. Barrie addressed the commission saying that what she had hoped to accomplish with this application was supplying a need in the community of available homes for young families without having to pay exorbitant costs for the lots and construction. That Mr. Moore had designed a large detention pond that would adequately take care of the runoff from this development. She commented that from Mr. Moore's calculations there was less than 1 /2% difference from what allowed and new development proposed. After Ms. Barrie finished comments were taken from the audience and Mr. Jones, Greg Ginder and Barry Corona, residents in this area, all stated reasons why re- zone would be detrimental to the neighborhood especially from the standpoint of water runoff/retention. Further discussion led to a motion by Dick Charles to recommend denial of this rezone request to the city council as reasons for rezone are financially motivated and not ecologically sound. Thad Ingram seconded and motion carried unanimously. Public hearing zoning change request of Julie Crane/FSTC from B4 Business - Professional to B-2 General Business located on the north side of Morphy Avenue east of Baldwin Square. Mr. Lunsford had commented that this had been used as a veterinary clinic since before it was annexed and zoned in 1989. That Mrs. Crane proposes to use part of the property for a day care center. That it does abut B-2 on the west but on the north, east and south there are high density single family residences. That he recommended denial unless she could prove that she has been unable to Planning & Zoning Commission Page 2, July 6, 1998 develop her property because of change in B4 zoning. Ms. Crane spoke to the commission saying that she wished to divide this property and she would keep the veterinary clinic on one portion and second parcel is the one being considered for the day care. Phil Cousa from Thomas Hospital spoke saying that their employees would be using this day care and they have done a survey and found that not only is there a shortage of day care facilities in the area but that also this will be good for them in recruitment of good staff, that the location would be good for their employees. Kerri Ann Toombes, the proposed buyer of the property who will be running the day care explained how they would be handling 66-80 children from 6AM-6PM, that they would provide a green area, fenced in area. That they would have 9 teachers and 4 aides, proposed a 4,000 ft single story facility. She was questioned about the noise that this would cause on the east, could they design play area to the west. She said they would be willing to adjust plans, she was also asked about courtyard effect so playground/noise would be in the middle. Comments were called for and several from Eastgate subdivision spoke against the proposed plan citing traffic, noise level, that they liked the quiet, that this developed as a 55+ neighborhood and also what could happen if changed hands. Dr. Rhoda Burns spoke saying she is a partner and this is something needed, no other property close by. A Marjorie Story spoke saying she knows there are other properties in the area for sale away from their neighborhood. Further discussion was held and Cecil Pitman moved to recommend denial to council saying even though he has great respect for Julie he also thinks the concerns of the neighborhood should be respected and he thinks there are other properties available in this area. Motion carried unanimously. Quail Creek Estates - The Villas Phase III Preliminary approval 17 lots on Club Drive. Bob's comments were that he had noted 3 deficiencies in the plat or plans: One being in the legal description; two, no temporary turnaround is shown as required; three, surveyor's certificate is not signed and sealed. He said further that correction is a condition precedent to recommendation to preliminary plat approval and also in this project extension of the water supply main from its present terminus on Club Drive to the existing water main at Lawrence Road so as to complete a supply loop which will thereby enhance water service to Quail Creek and the Villas, and also holding a pre - construction conference among the engineer, contractor, owner and all involved city personnel and the installation of initial silt and erosion control measures prior to commencement of any work. Further comments led to a motion by Cecil Pitman to give preliminary approval subject to Bob's conditions being adhered to. There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.