BM 1998-06-18 PZMinutes of June 18, 1998
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Coppell met in pre -session at 6 p.m., and
in regular session at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 18, 1998, in the Coppell Town Center, 255
Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following members were present:
Commissioner Stan Lowry
Commissioner Rick McCaffrey
Commissioner Jon Nesbit
Commissioner Texx Stewart
Also present were Assistant City Engineer Mike Martin, City Attorney Bob Hager, Fire Marshal
Travis Crump, Planning Director Gary Sieb, Assistant Planning Director Pert Virtanen, City
Planner Isabelle Moro and Sr. Administrative Secretary Barbara Jahoda. Commissioners Karen
Turner and Anna Kittrell were absent. Commissioner Angelo DeFilippo has resigned.
1. Briefing on the Agenda.
Staff briefed the Commission on the cases.
Pill Wn Dim
2. Call to Order.
Chairman Stan Lowry called the meeting to order.
3. Approval of Minutes dated May 21, 1998.
Commissioner Nesbit made a motion to approve the minutes of May 21, 1998, as
written. Commissioner McCaffrey seconded; motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners
Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
4. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of Case No. S-1143. CowboX
• , zoning change request from C (Commercial) to C-S.U.P. (Commercial,
Special Use Permit), to allow a private club restaurant to be located in the future
Coppell Crossing Shopping Center at the northwest corner of MacArthur Blvd. and
Beltline Road, at the request of Lyndell Rinewalt.
City Planner Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, showing an exhibit of
the proposal, stating that the applicant will be leasing 2,250 square feet of the northern-
most building of the Coppell Crossing Shopping Center. She stated that the seating
capacity for this restaurant will be for 60 people, the private club request is to allow the
serving of beer, and the proposed hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Ms.
Moro then stated that staff recommends approval, subject to the conditions listed on the
Staff Report.
Lyndell Rinewalt, 840 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, TX, was present to represent this
item before the Commission and answer any questions.
Chairman Lowry asked Mr. Rinewalt if he was in agreement with the staff
recommendations, if the private club request was for beer and wine only and whether or
not he was aware of the City ordinance which requires the sale of 60 % food; 40 %
alcohol. Mr. Rinewalt answered in the affirmative. Regarding the meat smoking
equipment, Commissioner McCaffrey asked about the type of exhaust system being
considered because he wanted to make sure it was obscured from view at the street level.
Mr. Rinewalt stated that it will be a state-of-the-art, southern pride unit. Commissioner
McCaffrey stated that an additional condition should be added that all roof -top equipment
be screened from view from the street level. An awning and sign placement were also
discussed.
Chairman Lowry opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition to this request to come forward.
There were none.
Chairman Lowry closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner McCaffrey made a motion to approve Case No. S-1143, Cowboy
Barbecue, zoning change request from C to C-S.U.P., subject to the Site Plan and the
following recommended conditions:
1) To allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a private club
restaurant.
2) Provide copies of the overall shopping center site plan that was approved
by City Council.
3) The wood storage rack will be screened on the north and south sides
with a brick masonry wall (matching the exterior brick of the shopping
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complex), provide metal doors for the side facing the western parking
lot, as well as a standing seam roof painted in a neutral color.
4) The proposed hours of the restaurant to be limited to 11:00 a.m. to
10:00 p.m. daily.
5) All roof -top equipment be screened from view at the street level.
Commissioner Nesbit seconded the motion. With the permission of Commissioners
McCaffrey and Nesbit, City Attorney Hager suggested that Condition #1 be revised as
follows: "To allow the consumption of beer and wine in compliance with the rules and
regulations of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Act and applicable permit. " Commissioners
McCaffrey and Nesbit were agreeable to this amended motion. Motion carried (4-0) with
Commissioners Nesbit Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
5. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of Case No. PD -108R2, Th
Reserve, zoning change request from R and PD -LI (Retail and Planned
Development, Light Industrial) to PD -SF -9 (Planned Development, Single Family -9),
to allow the development of 23 residential lots on 9.71 acres of property located
along the south side of Bethel Road; approximately 970' west of Denton Tap Road,
at the request of Dowdey, Anderson and Associates.
Assistant Planning Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission,
showing an exhibit of the proposal. He stated that the main concern of staff centers on
what the subdivision will look like from Bethel Road in the common area between the
indicated screening walls because landscape plans for this area have not been received.
Also, with homes facing Bethel and with their having driveway access from the street,
how will the garages be handled? He then stated that at the Summit at the Springs
subdivision to the east of this request, there were a number of conditions placed on it,
including the condition that garages on any residential lot shall face rear or side lot lines
only, and staff feels that this condition should apply to The Reserve, as well. Mr.
Virtanen also indicated that the home sizes in Summit at the Springs were stipulated to be
about 50% larger than those stipulated in this development but felt that the developer is
probably not contemplating homes much different than those. Mr. Virtanen then stated
that if the applicant can show the Commission plans for the common area of concern to
staff and they are satisfactory, then staff could recommend approval of this zoning change
request, subject to the two conditions listed on the Staff Report.
Commissioner Stewart asked Mr. Virtanen to explain exactly where the screening walls
are planned. Mr. Virtanen also added that an access will be created to Park Road from
Benson Court -- the cul-de-sac will be retained, but a bricked -paved drive will be
provided. This drive satisfies the Fire Department's requirement for a second access into
the subdivision, giving the illusion of a cul-de-sac street, but with a break in the masonry
wall at that point.
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David Blom, Wilbow Corporation, 9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 745, Dallas, TX 75243,
was present to represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions. He
stated that he is willing to stipulate that the garages will either face the side or rear of
each lot which is consistent with The Springs and Old Coppell Estates. He also stated
that the minimum home size will be 2,400 square feet. Regarding the common area
along Bethel Road, Mr. Blom said that there are a number of large trees that currently
exist in that area and until the setting of grades for the paving, etc., is done, they are not
sure whether or not there will be a retaining wall needed to have a two- or three-foot
planter in that area. This still needs to be worked out, but the intention is to have a
planter wall consistent with the rest of the screening wall being proposed with additional
low shrubbery. In the median itself, a large stone/brick column and cast stone sign will
be constructed.
Commissioner Stewart asked about the additional access through Benson Court. Mr.
Blom stated that this is not their first choice, but they will agree to this stipulation.
Chairman Lowry opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition to this request to come forward.
There were none.
Chairman Lowry left the Public Hearing open.
No discussion followed.
Commissioner McCaffrey made a motion to close the Public Hearing and approve Case
No. PD -108R2, The Reserve, zoning change request from R and PD -LI to PD -SF -9,
subject to the following conditions:
1) Specifics as to how the full frontage of Bethel Road is proposed to look.
2) Provide a fire access with brick pavers on the east side onto Park Road, as
per the detailed plan provided to staff.
3) Garages to face rear or side lot lines.
4) Home sizes to be a minimum of 2400 square feet.
5) In the open space area along Bethel Road, provision of a planter wall or
landscape island with low shrubbery to save as many existing trees as
possible, making sure this area is appropriately landscaped and/or
screened.
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City Attorney Hager asked for clarification of Conditions 2 and 4. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Stewart; motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners Nesbit,
Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
6. To consider the approval of The Reserve; Preliminary Plat, to allow the development
of 23 residential lots on 9.71 acres of property located along the south side of Bethel
Road; approximately 970' west of Denton Tap Road, at the request of Dowdey,
Anderson and Associates.
Assistant Planning Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission and
stated that staff recommends approval of this Preliminary Plat, provided that by the time
the drawings are submitted to Council, more detail be provided for the landscape feature
along Bethel Road
Chairman Lowry acknowledged a nod of approval by Mr. Blom.
No discussion followed.
Commissioner Nesbit made a motion to approve The Reserve, Preliminary Plat, subject
to the following recommended conditions:
1) Specifics as to how the full frontage of Bethel Road is proposed to look.
2) Provide a fire access with brick pavers on the east side onto Park Road, as
per the detailed plan provided to staff.
3) Garages to face rear or side lot lines.
4) Home sizes to be a minimum of 2400 square feet.
5) In the open space area along Bethel Road, provision of a planter wall or
landscape island with low shrubbery to save as many existing trees as
possible, making sure this area is appropriately landscaped and/or
screened.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner McCaffrey; motion carried (4-0) with
Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
7. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of Case No. PD -10883, Westchase,
zoning change request from R and PD -LI (Retail and Planned Development, Light
Industrial) to PD -SF -9 (Planned Development, Single Family -9), to allow the
development of 127 residential lots on 46.8 acres of property along the south side of
Bethel Road and along the east side of Coppell Road, at the request of Dowdey,
Anderson and Associates.
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Assistant Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission, showing an
exhibit of the proposal and stating that staff recommends holding this zoning change
request under advisement for consideration at a later date. He then said that he
understands that the applicant is willing to postpone this request.
David Blom, Wilbow Corporation, 9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 745, Dallas, TX 75243,
was present to represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions. Mr.
Blom showed exhibits of the proposed Westchase development, stating that the typical lot
size would be 75' by 125' . He then said that the development would be constructed in
two phases and the anticipated price range of homes would be approximately $270-
$350,000. Mr. Blom sent out a notice to all City -notified homeowners and all residents
they could get addresses for living in Old Coppell Estates and Summit at the Springs and
a meeting was held with interested homeowners about both The Reserve and Westchase
developments. The developer also had an updated air noise study of the Stage 3
equipment requirements prepared by the same consultant the City used back in 1991 and
shared the results with the Commission. Mr. Blom then addressed the Comprehensive
Master Plan for the City and referenced the 300' buffer of Light Industrial zoning along
the east side of Coppell Road and stated that it is the applicant's position that having
Light Industrial immediately adjacent to residential use, separated by only a screening
wall requirement, is not as appropriate as having Coppell Road serve as the screening
element between residential and light industrial zoning. Mr. Blom then said that it is
acceptable to postpone this request to the next Commission meeting, but wanted to make
their position known.
After hearing from the applicant, Chairman Lowry asked how staff would 1 ike this case
handled -- whether or not the Commission should act on this request at this time.
Assistant Planning Director Virtanen restated staff's position taken in the Staff Report;
i.e., that this Public Hearing be postponed so that staff has an opportunity to study the air
noise report, etc.
Chairman Lowry opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition or wanted to comment on this request to come
forward. Those who spoke were:
Rocky Johnson, 334 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - Nearby Retail lot/minimum
house size concerns.
Scott Beaty, 331 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - added density/traffic/impact on
schools concerns.
Doris Clark, 335 Hunterwood Court, Coppell, TX - density/traffic/school/time
frame of 2 phases/tree concerns.
Reid Garfield, 318 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - density/lot size/impact on
Bethel Road/impact on historical aspects of old downtown Coppell/impact
on Grapevine Springs Park concerns.
Woody McMann, 362 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - density/square foot
minimum concerns.
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Jason Walker, 373 Hearthstone Lane, Coppell, TX - the small leave -out Retail
area on Bethel Road -- what could it be used for/square footage concerns.
Some discussion followed.
Commissioner Stewart made a motion to continue the Public Hearing on Case No. PD -
108R3, Westchase, zoning change request from R and PD -LI to PD -SF -9 to the Planning
and Zoning Commission Meeting of July 16th. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner McCaffrey; motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart,
Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor of continuance. None opposed.
A ten-minute break was observed.
8. To consider the approval of the Westchase, Prehminary Plat, to allow the
development of 127 residential lots on 46.8 acres of property along the south side of
Bethel Road and along the east side of Coppell Road, at the request of Dowdey,
Anderson and Associates.
With the proper zoning not being in place, Commissioner Stewart made a motion to deny
the Westchase Preliminary Plat. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McCaffrey.
For clarification purposes, Mr. Blom asked that by denying this Preliminary Plat, can it
be brought back to the July 16th Commission meeting? Planning Director Sieb stated
that normally the answer would be "no", but in this case, since the Plat is ready, the
answer is "yes." Chairman Lowry asked Commissioner Stewart to add to his motion that
the applicant can bring back the Preliminary Plat for consideration on July 16th.
Commissioner Stewart so moved. The motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners Nesbit,
Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor of denial. None opposed.
9. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of S-1144, Nutone Annex Addition,
zoning change request from LI (Light Industrial) to LI-S.U.P. (Light Industrial,
Special Use Permit), to allow the storage of truck trailers on 1.3733 acres of property
located along the west side of North Lake Drive; 658' north of Beltline Road, at the
request of Dewey & Associates, Inc.
City Planner Isabelle Moro stated that a letter has been received from the applicant asking
for a postponement of this request for a Special Use Permit to the July 16th Commission
meeting.
Chairman Lowry opened the Public Hearing with the understanding that this case will be
heard on July 16th. He then asked if anyone would like to come forward to speak
regarding this case.
There were none.
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Chairman Lowry made a motion to continued the Public Hearing on Case No. S-1144,
Nutone Annex, zoning request change from LI to LI-S.U.P. to the July 16, 1998,
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Commissioner Nesbit seconded the motion;
motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting
in favor of continuance. None opposed.
10. To consider the approval of the Nutone Annex Addition, Minor Plat, to allow the
storage of truck trailers on 1.3733 acres of property located along the west side of
North Lake Drive; 658' north of Beltline Road, at the request of Dewey &
Associates, Inc.
Chairman Lowry allowed this Minor Plat to be withdrawn, as requested by the applicant.
11. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of S-1145, Zuka Juice, zoning
change request from LI (Light Industrial) to LI-S.U.P. (Light Industrial, Special Use
Permit), to allow a juice store to operate in the Valley Ranch Centre located at the
southeast corner of MacArthur Blvd. and Beltline Road, at the request of ACT
Commercial Construction, Inc.
City Planner Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, showing exhibits of
the proposal. She stated that staff recommends approval of this Special Use Permit,
subject to the Site Plan and the two conditions listed in the Staff Report.
Jim Woomer, 2742 Creek Crossing Drive, McKinney, TX 75070, was present to
represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions
Chairman Lowry opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition to this request to come forward.
There were none.
Chairman Lowry closed the Public Hearing.
No discussion followed.
Commissioner McCaffrey made a motion to approve Case No. S-1145, Zuka Juice,
zoning change request from LI to LI-S.U.P., subject to the Site Plan and the following
recommended conditions:
1) The equipment plan and Parking Study should reflect the same total square
footage.
2) The hours of operation be limited as follows:
Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday Closed
3) The signage be that as submitted by Bona Signs, Inc., dated April 15,
1998.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nesbit; motion carried (4-0) with
Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
A ten-minute break was observed.
12. PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of the Parkwest Commerce Center,
ReUW of Lots 1 & 2, Block 5 and Site Plan, to allow the development of 2 office
buildings on Lot 2 located at the northwest corner of Beltline Road and Wranger
Drive, at the request of Halff Associates, Inc.
City Planner Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, showing exhibits of
the proposal. She stated that staff received revised plans for the landscaping plan/Site
plans, plus the building elevations today, and finds that there are a number of
discrepancies as to parking spaces, amount of landscaping needed, etc. She stated that
staff is not comfortable recommending approval of this request and recommends this case
be taken under advisement.
Dennis Chovan, 8616 Northwest Plaza Drive, Dallas, TX, was present to represent this
item before the Commission and answer any questions. He stated that he will modify the
landscaping plan and the parking spaces to meet the requirements of the City and asked
for approval of this request.
Chairman Lowry opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak either in favor or opposition to this request to come forward.
There were none.
Planning Director Sieb addressed this case, in particular, and hoped to send a message to
all developers about what staff is responsible for doing and what applicants are
responsible for in order to get applications ready for consideration. He stated that if his
staff had submitted this application, he would consider it sloppy work and proceeded to
apologize to the Commission for sending this request forward when it was not ready for
its review. He stated that this applicant was told on more than one occasion that its
landscaping calculations were wrong and that the plans needed to be revised. He
complimented Halff Associates on their reputation and competent staff but stated that the
Planning staff cannot consistently spend time reviewing the errors of the applicants who
come into this City and stated that this application needs to be denied because it is not
ready for Commission review, let alone Council review. He reiterated that applications
need to be correct before submittal to the City. The City's present position of being
"developer friendly, " trying to help the process and trying to get development on the
ground is achievable, but isn't always working. He said that it sometimes exposes the
Commission to embarrassing presentations.
Dennis Chovan acknowledged Mr. Sieb's concern and made the comment that Halff
Associates prepared the Replat for the site only -- they did not do the landscaping and
Site Plan for the site, although they were responsible for taking this information to the
City. He apologized for any undue work that was created by his firm.
With that said, Chairman Lowry made a motion to close the Public Hearing and deny
the Parkwest Commerce Center Replat of Lots 1&2, Block 5, and Site Plan.
Commissioner McCaffrey seconded the motion; motion carried (4-0) with
Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor of denial. None
opposed.
Further, Chairman Lowry spoke for the Commission acknowledging Gary Sieb's
comments, stating that to the extent possible, based on the powers and controls of the
Subdivision Ordinance, etc., if City staff feels that a case is not ready to be brought
forward to the Commission, the application should not be accepted.
13. To consider the approval of the Vistas of CooUMU, Phase 3, Preliminary , to
allow the development of 62 residential lots on approximately 23 acres of land
located along the south side of Spur 553, east of the Coppell Middle School North
Campus, and north of Denton Creek, at the request of Carter and Burgess, Inc.
City Planner Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, showing exhibits of
the proposal stating this plat shows 61 lots and 3 common areas. She stated that 62
residential lots were initially proposed when this case went through the Development
Review cycle, however, upon review of the approved Planned Development, it was found
that only 61 lots could be allowed without reopening the zoning case and holding a Public
Hearing to amend the PD which would take approximately 60 days. Ms. Moro stated
that the plat deviates from the standards approved in the original Planned Development
and staff has some major concerns with the plat and reviewed them with the Commission.
She stated that staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat, subject to the nine
conditions listed in the Staff Report, plus one additional condition as follows: "Correct
the Tree Preservation Plan to reflect 61 residential lots. "
Bret Pedigo, Carter & Burgess, Inc., 7950 Elmbrook Drive, Suite 250, Dallas, TX
75247, was present to represent this item before the Commission and answer any
questions. He stated that the applicant agrees with all staff recommendations, clarifying
the 50' building line -- at DRC they were asked to change the 50' building set back and
landscape easement to a 25' landscape easement and a 50' building set back which is
shown on the plat.
No discussion followed.
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Commissioner Stewart made a motion to approve the Vistas of Coppell, Phase 3,
Preliminary Plat. Commissioner McCaffrey seconded the motion; motion carried (4-0)
with Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None
opposed.
14. To consider the approval of The Hollows at Northlake Woodlands. Preliminary Plat,
to allow the development of 71 residential lots on 32.327 acres of property located
along the north side of the DART Right -of -Way; between Mockingbird Lane and
MacArthur Boulevard, at the request of Tipton Engineering, Inc.
Assistant Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission, showing exhibits
of the proposal and reviewing the recent history of this property. He stated that this
proposal has only one way in and out and expressed the fact that the Fire Department is
opposed to this layout because the Fire Code calls for a subdivision to have more than
one entrance and it is particularly concerned with the existence of the pipeline, the
railroad track and the power lines. Mr. Virtanen then stated that the matter before the
Commission is to determine whether or not the plat conforms with the Subdivision
Ordinance, which it does, therefore, staff feels that the subdivision plat is approveable,
although it does feel that the layout can be improved in terms of providing better access.
He said that a street could be constructed off of Mallard Drive which would involve the
acquisition of one of the vacant lots on Mallard, which seems plausible. He then stated
that a partial solution (which would not satisfy the Fire Department's concerns) would be
to have Sora Drive connect with Crestview Court across Mockingbird Lane. As to the
Fire Department's safety concern, staff agrees that it has a valid point, however, it feels
that the Commission needs to approve this plat so that Council can make that decision.
Therefore, Mr. Virtanen stated that staff recommends approval of this Preliminary Plat,
subject to the Engineering comments and the two recommended conditions listed in the
Staff Report.
Pat Atkins, Tipton Engineering, 6330 Broadway Boulevard, Suite C, Garland, TX
75043, was present to represent this item before the Commission and answer any
questions. He stated that Steve Parsons, developer, would also be available to answer
questions, if necessary. Mr. Atkins reiterated the past history of the property and stated
that the developer is in agreement to extend Sora Drive to connect with Crestview Court,
as an alternative access point.
Commissioner McCaffrey made a statement that when the Commission recommended
approval of the PD -SF -7 development which was first proposed, one of the biggest issues
of concern was an access road to Mallard Drive for the sake of safety for future
residents. He considers it ironic that this plat must be approved without such a condition
and that this proposal has come back through the system without this connection.
Recognizing that this proposal complies with the Subdivision Ordinance, Chairman
Lowry entertained a motion for approval. Commissioner Stewart made a motion to
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approve The Hollows at Northlake Woodlands, Preliminary Plat, subject to Engineering
comments and the following recommended conditions:
1) Connection of Sora Drive to Crestview Court.
2) City Council waiver of fire codes relative to subdivision access.
For the record, City Attorney Bob Hager stated that City Council cannot waive a Fire
Code requirement. He suggested alternative wording for Condition #2. Commissioner
Stewart amended Condition #2 to read as follows:
"That the applicant provide sufficient access for municipal fire and hazardous
materials emergency response."
Commissioner Nesbit seconded the motion; motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners
Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
15. To consider the approval of the Edmd, Site Plan and Preliminary Plat, to allow the
development of an 11,200 square foot retail building on 1.52 acres of property
located at the southeast corner of Denton Tap Road and Parkway Boulevard, at the
request of the Richmond Group.
Assistant Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission, showing an
exhibit of the proposal, stating a couple of years ago a Preliminary Plat was approved for
a Compass Bank which is now considering the sale of the property to Eckerd Drugs. He
stated that the original Site Plan did not include the removal of the monument wall on the
northwest corner of the property, which is being considered by Eckerd's. Mr. Virtanen
said that staff is of the opinion that the community considers this wall to be a landmark
and that to remove it would remove something of recent history and would leave its other
half -- the mirror-image on the other side of the street that remains standing, throwing
this entrance off-balance. After further description of the proposal, Mr. Virtanen then
stated that staff recommends approval of the Site Plan, subject to the seven conditions
listed in the Staff Report. He stated that the Preliminary Plat has no conditions.
John Maggiore, representing North American properties, 102 Allencrest Lane, Coppell,
TX, was present to represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions.
He stated that Steve Rimar, Regional Construction Manager of Eckerd's; Chuck Keller,
North American Properties National Leasing Manager; and Hank Quig, the Richmond
Group Architect, were also present to answer questions, if necessary. Mr. Maggiore
gave a brief history of Eckerd's and this property, stating that this industry has evolved
over the years to where it is now more of a free-standing, larger store with a drive-
through for the convenience of the sick and elderly, etc. He and Hank Quig addressed
the recommended conditions and commented on them. Regarding Condition #1, Mr.
Maggiore felt that retaining the entrance wall would be visually impairing to Eckerd's
and there aren't any documented records stating that this wall cannot be demolished. He
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offered to rebuild this wall in one of the medians to give Town Center an identify and
stated that this can be worked out with staff. Regarding Condition #4, Mr. Quig stated
that generally, Eckerd's prefers to use a blue capsule sign but can use plain blue letters,
which identifies Eckerd's. Regarding Condition #5, because of the location of the
Princeton Park office building, they will remove the "Food Mart" sign from the south
face of the building and leave the sign on the west face. Some discussion centered on the
back of the gables and Mr. Maggiore and Mr. Quig agreed to brick the back side of the
gables if they are visible from ground level.
Extensive discussion followed with regard to the decorative wall, its relocation, parking
space location, increase in landscaping, screening of all meters and service area from the
view of people traveling along Parkway Boulevard, etc.
Commissioner McCaffrey made a motion to approve the Eckerd Preliminary Plat and Site
Plan, subject to the following recommended conditions:
1) The construction of two walls symmetrically placed on each side of Town
Center Boulevard identifying Town Center in the same architectural style of
the existing wall to the north of the proposed site which will be torn down.
No tenant signage on either wall. This wall design will need to be provided
before consideration by City Council on July 14th.
2) Matching of the brick on the building with that on the existing decorative
wall.
3) Redesign of the proposed screen wall on the east side of the property to match
the style of the existing decorative wall.
4) Restriction of all sign lettering to white or neutral colors.
5) Removal of the "Food Mart" sign from the south face of the building (since it
duplicates the sign on the west face).
6) An increase in the amount of landscaping adjacent to the northeast comer of
the building to lessen the visual impact of the blank wall of the building.
7) Screening of mechanical equipment, undergrounding of any additional electric
facilities, and placement of utility meters in inconspicuous locations.
8) If the back of the gables is visible from ground level, they will be bricked to
match the building.
Commissioner Nesbit seconded the motion; motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners
Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
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16. To consider the approval of the Northlake 635 Business Park, Site Plan and Minor
D9, to allow the development of an 80,018 square foot office building on 6.529
acres property located at the southwest corner of Lakeshore and Crestside Drives,
at the request of Halff Associates, Inc.
Assistant Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission, showing an
exhibit of the proposal, stating the proposal is to build a call center; consequently, the
parking requirements are far greater than what would be for some other type of office
use, therefore impacting the amount of landscaping being provided. The applicant's
tabulation shows that the landscaping requirements are met if they are permitted to
include the sidewalk access to the building with an enhanced paving material. Mr.
Virtanen said that a similar request received favorable consideration in the past on
another call center because staff recognized the problems of overflow parking onto public
streets. However, at this time, staff does not know for a fact that this building will
ultimately be a call center because it is a speculative building and could just as easily be
leased to someone who will occupy it for normal office use and the extra parking may not
be necessary and at this point, staff is not willing to sacrifice landscaping. Staff is
requesting a reduction of ten parking spaces in order to comply with the City's landscape
requirements. He stated that staff recommends approval of the Site Plan, subject to the
three recommended conditions listed in the Staff Report and recommends the Minor Plat
be approved as submitted.
Pat Acker, Halff Associates, 8616 Northwest Plaza Drive, Dallas, TX, was present to
represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions. He stated that Guy
Wigington, WSI Architects, was also present to answer questions, if necessary. Mr.
Acker said that the applicant wants this case to move forward and will reduce the parking
by ten spaces, if necessary. He then requested that these ten spaces be labeled as "future
parking spaces" so that if a call center does come in and the additional parking spaces are
needed, that they be allowed to pave that area. He stated that the applicant is in
agreement with the other conditions.
Some discussion followed as to the enhanced paving material being considered and
building elevation.
Commissioner Stewart made a motion to approve the Northlake 635 Business Park Minor
Plat and Site Plan, subject to the following recommended conditions:
1) A 45' reduction in the length of the 58' -wide band of pavement shown for
future parking and located on the far western end of the property.
2) Screening of mechanical equipment, undergrounding of any additional electric
facilities, and placement of utility meters in inconspicuous locations .
3) Board of Adjustment approval of a special exception authorizing a reduction in
the number of required loading spaces.
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Commissioner McCaffrey seconded the motion; motion carried (4-0) with
Commissioners Nesbit, Stewart, Lowry and McCaffrey voting in favor. None opposed.
17. To consider the extension of time to apply for a building permit regarding Case No.
S-1130, Confined Space Rescue and Training Center which was approved by the
P&Z Commission on June 19, 1997, and City Council on July 8, 1997.
Planning Director Gary Sieb stated that a written confirmation has been received that
this case has been withdrawn from consideration.
18. General discussion concerning planning and zoning issues
A. Update on Council planning agenda actions
Planning Director Gary Sieb updated the Commission on the Planning and Zoning
cases brought before Council on June 9th, stating that the Pecan Valley (formerly
known as Eastbury Manor) zoning change request was appealed and was
subsequently denied by Council.
B. Director's comments
Planning Director Gary Sieb asked the Commission how it felt about the start time
of 6 p.m. for the workshop and 6:30 for the meeting. By unanimous approval,
each member stated that they liked this new starting time.
With nothing further to discuss, the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:10 p.m.
Stan Lowry, C
ATT
B bars . Jahoda, Sr. Administrative Secretary
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