HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-2003 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met Monday,
November 3, 2003 at 5:00 PM at the City Administration Building, 161 N.
Section Street.
Present: Dick Charles, Chairman; Larry Green, Tim Kant, Dan McCrory,
Lee Turner, Bob Gentle, Ed Brinson, Jean Wilson, Christopher Baker,
Director of Planning & Zoning. Betty Rivenbark, Secretary. Absent: Bob
Clark
The minutes of the October 6, 2003 meeting were approved as adjusted
on motion by Larry Green, 2"d by Dan McCrory and unanimously carried.
S1303.60 Preliminary Plat of Idlewild Phase 8(Generally located west of
Cty Rd 27 and south of Fairhope Avenue) Mr. Baker said John Avent is
representing ABK on this development. He said the property is zoned R2,
and that development has been ongoing for a number of years. He also
said he has asked the developer to provide a copy of the master plan;
everything is in order with this submittal. The chairman asked if there
were any comments from the adjoining property owners and Mr. Baker
replied no. Jean Wilson asked about sidewalks on Windmill Road and Mr.
Baker said sidewalks are only required where new streets are constructed.
He had recommended approval. Larry Green moved to approve the
preliminary plat. Ed Brinson 2"d the motion and it carried unanimously.
SD03.61 Informal Review Ms. Anna Laurel Hall(Generally located at the
intersection of Summit Street and Kirkman Lane) Steve Dunnam was
present representing Ms. Hall. Mr. Baker said Ms. Hall is proposing to
divide the property from 1 lot into 2 and this is consistent with the
comprehensive plan and meets R2 requirements, they are asking for input
and city utilities are available. Mr. Dunnam explained the division of the
lots in the records and said there is a 20 ft. easement on the east side of
this lot that extends to Pier Street owned by Ms. Hall. He said they will
fulfill all drainage requirements and not create any problems where there
are none now. Mr. Kant said this easement has been blocked off for 20
years if they take the barricade down is it okay with the neighbors. Mr.
Dunnam replied that this easement will be used as a common driveway
not go all the way through to Pier Street. It was noted that all utilities need
to run to the right of way on Kirkman Lane. Mr Dunnam was asked what
is planned for the property and responded they plan to sell it. He thanked
the commission for input given.
SD03.62 Minor Plat approval of Three Oaks Subdivision property of
Robert Avritt(Generally located at the northeast corner of Pecan and
Liberty Streets) Mr. Baker said Ms Anne Irvine and Matt Kountz are
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November 3, 2003 — Page two
representing Mr. Avritt in this case and that the property is zoned R2. Mr.
Avritt is proposing to create two lots out of one and in this case the house
straddles the proposed 2"d lot and there is also a carport on proposed lot
2. His recommendation was to approve subject to the house meeting the
setbacks or being moved and a note on the plat about drainage. In
discussion Mr. Bassett, who was present in audience, was asked about
drainage and said that there is an existing stormwater inlet at the corner of
the lot and all water goes to the street now. He suggested putting a note
on the plat if this is disturbed by making division that they would have to fix
problem. Ms. Irvine offered that they would be creating two lots that would
conform in a non -conforming neighborhood. Christopher Baker suggested
to make certain that what we ask is done we could withhold signing the
plat until the house goes away and make sure that the existing drainage
pattern would not be altered. Lee Turner moved to accept staff
recommendation. Ed Brinson 2"d the motion and it carried unanimously.
SD03.63 11.52.11 Review of the proposed Fairhope Public
Library(Generally located on the nut processing plant property) Mr. Baker
said plan presented is based on a program developed by a library
consultant, site visits to other libraries, and attending national library
meetings. The result of this process is a proposed building that is multi-
functional and addresses the needs of many user groups. The
commission is charged with reviewing the project for the location,
character and extent of all public buildings and thus this project. He said
Mr. Walcott, the architect, is here representing the library. In Mr. Baker's
recommendation he said the location implements the comprehensive plan
and the character of what proposed is reflective of traditional architecture
of the city and they are proposing 38,000 sq ft and 2 stories. Mr. Walcott
said as far as the location and character — the building has always been in
Fairhope, and extent - it is purely a functional need of the library board
and growth for the future. He said a library consultant was hired to
determine the needs of a new library. Further, in conversations and
review with Mr. Baker he understands the height proposed is a concern.
That 40 ft is shown on the drawing but they can adjust to 35 ft
requirement. Bob Gentle asked how much of the block are they going to
take and Mac answered about 1/3. In discussion Dick Charles read a letter
submitted by Bob Clark, who is ill and couldn't attend the meeting tonight,
wherein he stated that ... such a large building as proposed is simply out of
character for downtown Fairhope.... he went on to say he was not
demeaning the library board but that the proposed 30,000 plus feet would
be bigger than the entire city hall complex and said the commission took a
stand against big buildings having made an ordinance wherein we are
against the "big box" and this would be in conflict with the principles of
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November 4, 2003 — Page 3
that ordinance.... Further,that if this approved they should follow the 35'
height restriction (Copy of letter in file). Ed Brinson said he disagreed with
size proposed he had visited a much larger city and they had a much
smaller library that was adequate for the population. Dan McCrory asked
why did they need such a big facility, was there a "magic number" they
used? Dr. Wiseman explained the process they went through to arrive at
this size building and stated usage planned - square footage vs
population. Larry Green said he disagreed with Mr Clark's observation
and Mr. Brinson, he cited visiting Daphne's library and that they have
already have growing pains, that commissions only function was to review
location -character -extent and moved to aprove staff recommendation
with 35 ft. height limitation. Bob Gentle 2" the motion. Jean Wilson
questioned whether limiting to 35 ft. height was best architecturally that we
definitely wanted it to look right. Motion carried with one no vote by Ed
Brinson.
In old business, Christopher reported he had no further movement from
Loyola Place and he sent a letter regarding Willow Green to Danny
Calhoun but as yet has not heard from him.
A plaque was awarded by the current Chairman to Larry Green for serving
on the commission eight years and as Chairman for seven years.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned at 5:50 PM.
Betty Ri nbark, Secretary
Dick 6liarles, Chairman