HomeMy WebLinkAboutMn 04-10-07
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MINUTES
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TUESDAY, APRIL 10,2007,3:00 P.M.
Mayor Holmes opened a special city council meeting at 3 :00 p.m. in the Council
Chamber. Present were Mayor Pro Tempore Harry Shawver and Councilmembers Syd
Carter, Kelly Walker and Jerry Grable. Also in attendance were City Manager Bob
Livingston, City Attorney Rob Dillard and City Secretary Nina Wilson.
Mayor Holmes stated the meeting was not a public hearing, but was called so that the city
council could have their questions answered about the proposed development.
Mayor Holmes introduced Mr. Albert D. Huddleston of Legacy Investments, Inc., and
invited Mr. Huddleston's business associates to introduce themselves. Mayor Holmes
then opened the work session.
MAIN AGENDA
WORK SESSION TO DISCUSS CHASE BANK/LEGACY DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT: Previously, in 2001, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) denied a
request by Legacy Hillcrest Investments for 270,500 square feet of mixed uses on the
subject tract.
Another request for 290,000 square feet was considered on March 6, 2006. P&Z
requested the applicants consider amending the concept plan in view of the strong
comments made by residents opposed to the proposed development. The request was
amended to 260,000 square feet. P&Z denied that request on April 17, 2006.
The applicants then submitted a request for approval of an amended concept plan for
217,500 square feet which was considered by P&Z on July 17, 2006. P&Z voted 3-2 to
recommend approval of a Planned Development Concept Plan with a total of 135,000
square feet gross floor area, excluding the eight (8) units of townhomes, subject to the
following conditions: (1) Height of the proposed building on the 0-2 site shall be limited
to the height of the existing building; (2) A maximum of 25,000 square feet for restaurant
/retail space; (3) Building height west of the common area shall not exceed 35 feet; (4)
Parking to be provided at the rate of 1 :200 square feet for retail and restaurant, and 1 :300
square feet for office space; (5) with 19 staff conditions.
City Council held a public hearing on September 19, 2006 and directed staff to hire a
traffic engineer to conduct an independent Traffic Impact Analysis of the proposed
development. Lee Engineering, LLC submitted the analysis.
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At today's Work Session, Community Development Manager Harry Persaud made a
presentation regarding the proposed zoning change for Legacy Hillcrest and what could
be constructed on the site under current zoning.
Mr. Huddleston presented his vision for the project stating the importance of the library
to the project and noting the importance of his belief that Snider Plaza was a people
place. He gave the history of the project and stated he would like to be given the
flexibility to create an excellent project.
Many issues were discussed: Councilmember Carter, along with Mayor Holmes and
Councilmember Grable, discussed concern regarding parking for patrons and employees;
Councilmember Grable was concerned with the size of the building and mentioned the
possibility of a free-standing library; Mayor Pro Tempore Shawver discussed maximum
building height; Mayor Holmes asked if Legacy Hillcrest would participate financially in
re-doing the intersection of Hillcrest to which Mr. Huddleston agreed; Councilmember
Grable inquired as to whether the building would have a mortgage and how that would
affect the library if the building were sold; Councilmember Walker asked if there were a
long-term plan for the building, and if the city would have the right of first refusal if the
building were sold; City Attorney Rob Dillard suggested architectural standards be
included in an ordinance; Councilmember Grable also discussed restaurants and retail,
and Councilmember Walker asked if 217,500 square feet was the amount required to
make the project work.
After several hours of discussion between the city council and Legacy Investments, Inc.,
the meeting was adjourned.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 1 ih day of April 2007.
ATTEST: