Loading...
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