01-02-1989 Regular Meeting0 0
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 2.. 1989
The regular scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission
was called to order by Chairman John Sargent. Members present were
Adelbert Evans, Bonnie Kranz, Curt Dicamillo, Don Smith, and
Marilyn George. Members excused were Debbie Gaines and Robert
Mitchell. Also attending were James McAllister Planning Director
and Jane Warren Planning and Zoning Technician.
MINUTES of the meeting held December 6, 1989 was presented.
NEW BUSINESS
Request for Rezoning
Applicant: Donald Tracey/Ed Augustine
Location: 770 and 780 Almond Street
Proposal: Change from R-2 Medium Density to R -3-A
Residential/Professional Office.
RATIONALE: As stated earlier during the Comprehensive Plan
amendment process the R -3-A Zoning District would be an appropriate
designation for this area.
Mr. McAllister recommended approval of this request, stating is is
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan
as recently amended.
Mr. Evans stated he felt the requested zoning would be the most
appropriate for that specific location.
Mr. Smith suggested that the surrounding adjacent lots should be
considered for rezoning also and expressed concern that the
rezoning was being addressed in a piece meal fashion.
Mr. McAllister informed the Commission that the City was aware of
the needed rezoning but could not do so until the land use of such
lots was changed. Mr. McAllister informed the Commission that it
was the intention of the City to request the appropriate amendment
to the Comprehensive Plan in February.
After a brief discussion a motion was made by Mr. Evans to
recommend to the City Council, approval of the request, seconded
by Mrs. George and approved by unanimous vote.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
APPLICANT: Waterman Medical Services
LOCATION: 111.8 NO. HIGHWAY 50
REQUEST: To operate an emergency Medical Service
in the C-2 Commercial District.
Mr. McAllister stated that the applicant is requesting a
Conditional use Permit to operate an ambulance service from an
existing building located on the SW corner of Highland Avenue and
the U.S. 27 Service Road. The ambulance service is currently
located in a temporary facility on the U.S. 27 Service Road south
of Highway 50, and north of Hook Street.
Mr. McAllister suggested the use would not adversely, affect
traffic circulation nor would it impact the City's utility system.
Mr. McAllister also informed the Commission that the applicant
would be approaching the City Council for a variance to allow a
security fence in excess of the 6' height restriction.
Mr. Sargent suggested that the applicant be required to provide
some type of signage or lights.
Mr. McAllister stated that he had spoken to the Florida Department
of Transportation (FDOT) regarding lights and signs and they
informed him that normally flashing lights and signs are required
for Fire Stations situated at busy intersection. FDOT suggested
such concerns be considered by the City in whatever review process
they use.
FDOT informed Mr. McAllister if flashing lights or signs were
desired by the City, the necessary permitting would have to
obtained from the state.
Mr. Chris Giachetti was present as a representative for the
applicant and stated that Waterman Medical Services would reimburse
the City for any expense incurred if such signs and lights were
required.
Mr. Evans stated community desperately needs such a service and
felt the location was ideally suited for the requested use.
After a brief discussion a motion was made by Mrs. George to
recommend to the City Council approval to this request as
presented, seconded by Mr. Evans and approved by unanimous vote.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST
APPLICANT: First Christian Church of Clermont
LOCATION: 796 Hook Street
REQUEST: To construct an additional educational building.
Mr. McAllister informed the Commission that the church was
requesting a Conditional Use Permit to construct a classroom
facility acgessory to an existing church located on Hook Street
approximately 1.4 mile west of U.S. 27. The proposed classroom
will be approximately 4000 square feet in size.
Mr. McAllister stated that Plan still had to be reviewed by the
City's engineer and only the use was being addressed by the
Commission.
Mr. McAllister recommended approval of this request subject to the
use only, being approved and also suggested an additional condition
stating that any trees removed be replaced on a one to one basis.
Mr. McAllister informed the Commission that staff has received may
calls from the residents complaining about existing traffic
problems in the neighborhood because of the school, and many
residents had stated they were opposed to any expansion of the
existing use.
Mr. McAllister stated that the area is a high traffic area
partially because of the situation of Hook Street connection into
Highway 27. Mr. McAllister stated he did not feel the request
would add an additional burden of traffic to the area.
Mr. Bob Ritchenberg, a representative of the applicant was present,
and sympathized with the concerns of the residents. Mr.
Ritchenberg stated a traffic flow provision has been implemented
and all members have been instructed to enter on the east side of
the property next to the drive-in off of Hook Street and to exit
south on Hook Street.
Pastor David Wood was present and stated that signs have been put
up to eliminate any traffic from exiting onto Sunnydell and also
emphasized the desire to work with the neighboring residents in
preventing trafficking problems.
Mr. Donald Wyckoff was present and addressed the Commission as the
spokesperson for many to the residents opposed to the project. Mr.
Wyckoff stated that the main concern of the residents was the
traffic, and the possibility of continued expansion which would
compound the existing problem.
Mr. James Forte also expressed concern about traffic. Mr. Forte
also suggested that the size of the existing church and the
requested educational building were overwhelming in comparison to
the size of the lot.
Mr. Al Wehunt, a new resident, was present and stated concern
about continued expansion.
Ms. Kathy Pallidino was present and stated she was in favor of the
request.
Mr. Sargent closed the public response portion of the discussion
and requested any comments from the Commission.
Mr. McAllister pointed out that Condition #2 of the Conditional Use
Permits addresses the need and concerns of possible traffic
problems, and the responsibility of the applicants if any
difficulties should arise.
Mr. Sargents suggested that staff consider possible shrubbery or
fence on the Sunnydell side of the project as a means of buffering
the residents from the church traffic.
Mr. Smith recommended that there be traffic signs for entrance and
exit of the property, and if the traffic was directed away from
Sunnydell so that lights in the evenings would not be nuisance to
the residents on Sunnydell.
Mr. Smith also pointed out that now would be the time to require
the church to construct a sidewalk on Sunnydell west to Bloxam
Avenue.
After a brief discussion a motion was made by Don Smith to
recommend to the City Council approval of this request as submit
be staff., seconded by Curt Dicamillo and approved by a 5-0 vote.
Mrs. Kranz stated she is employed by the architect of this project
and therefore abstained from voting.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned,
{
i6hn-CN. Sarg t, Chairman
ATTEST:
ne Warren
Tanning & Zoning
Technician