HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-4452-B Staff AnalysisFILE NO.: Z -4452-B
NAME: Rush Engine - Revised Short -Form PCD and Preliminary Plat
LOCATION: Northwest corner of Asher Avenue and Elm Street
DEVELOPER: ENGINEER:
Bill F. Rush
4100 Asher Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
AREA: Approx. 3 acres
Garver Engineers
1010 Battery Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
NUMBER OF LOTS: 2
ZONING: PCD ALLOWED USES:
PROPOSED USE:
VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED:
FT. NEW STREET: 0
Mixture of Commercial and
Industrial
Mixture of Commercial and
Industrial with the addition
of a third building
Waiver of the right-of-way dedication for Asher Avenue, Elm
Street, Lewis Street and West 29th Street
BACKGROUND:
On August 6, 1985 the Board of Directors passed Ordinance No.
14,925 which rezoned this property from C-3 to PCD for a mixed
commercial/industrial development. There are currently two (2)
buildings or the site. The smaller building at the southwest
corner of the property contains a restaurant, with Rush Engine
Remanufacturers occupying the larger building.
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
The applicant is proposing to revise the previously
approved PCD by subdividing the property into two (2) lots
and proposing a commercial building on the new (Lot 1). A
future building addition is also proposed for the Rush
Engine building.
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
The new building proposed is to be 7,000 square feet in
area (one story) and used for auto parts sales. This
building is to be located at the southeast corner of the
property on the newly created lot. A 14,600 square foot
future building addition is proposed for the 24,760 square
foot Rush Engine Remanufacturing building. The proposed
building, building addition and parking design are noted on
the attached site plan. Cross access easements are
proposed along the common lot lines.
The applicant has noted that an auto parts store (Advance
Auto Parts) will occupy the new building, with Rush Engine
Remanufacturers remaining in the large commercial building.
The applicant is proposing C-3 permitted uses for the
existing commercial building at the southwest corner of the
site.
The applicant has noted the following hours of operation
for the three (3) buildings:
Rush Engine - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday -Friday
Commercial building (southwest corner of property)
- 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday -Saturday
Advance Auto Parts - 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Daily
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
As noted previously, there are two (2) existing commercial
buildings on the site. A 24,760 square foot building is
located within the north one-half of the property, with an
1,810 square foot building near the southwest corner of the
site. The entire site is concreted or paved, property line
to property line.
There is a mixture of commercial uses to the eat and west
along the north side of Asher Avenue and to the south
across Asher Avenue. There is a church across Lewis Street
to the west, with single family residences further west.
There are also single family residences and a church to the
north and east across Elm Street.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
Staff has received no comment from the neighborhood as of
this writing. The Midway and Love Neighborhood
Associations were notified of the public hearing.
2
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Asher Avenue is listed on the Master Street Plan as a
principal arterial, dedication of right-of-way to 45
feet from centerline will be required.
2. Elm Street, Lewis Street, and West 29th Street are
commercial streets. Dedicate right-of-way to 30 feet
from centerline.
3. A 20 feet radial dedication of right-of-way is required
on all corners.
4. Provide design of street conforming to "MSP" (Master
Street Plan). Construct one-half street improvements
to these streets including 5 -foot sidewalks with
planned development.
5. Property frontage needs to have the sidewalks and ramps
brought up to the current ADA standards. Repair
existing sidewalk.
6. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted
for approval prior to start of work.
7. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this
property.
8. Building construction over storm drainage will not be
allowed.
9. Driveway shall conform to Sec. 31-210 and Ordinance
18,031. Close unused driveways.
10. Proposed auto parts business should take access from
access easement only.
11. Access easement must be 45 feet of right-of-way and
constructed to City standards, minor commercial street.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected.
AP&L: No Comment received.
Arkla: No Comment.
Southwestern Bell: No Comment received.
Water: No Comment.
Fire Department: May require private fire hydrant.
Contact Dennis Free at 918-3752 for details.
County Plannin : No Comment.
CATA: CATA Routes #14 and #16 serve this site; approved
for transit as submitted.
3
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Plannina Division:
This request is in the I-630 Planning District. The Land
Use Plan currently shows Commercial for this location. The
expansion of an existing PCD is not a Land Use Plan issue.
City Recognized Neighborhood Action Plan: The Oak Forest
Neighborhood Action Plan recommends that new commercial be
located along corridors.
Landscape Issues:
The proposed plan does not allow for the required 10 foot
wide buffer along Asher Avenue nor the 8 foot wide buffer
along Elm Street.
A total of six percent of the vehicular use area of the
Advance Auto Parts property must be landscaped with
interior islands. Also, a minimum 4 foot wide landscape
strip is required along the western perimeter and a 3 foot
wide building landscape strip between the public parking
area and building. There is some flexibility allowed with
the building landscaping requirement.
Upgrade in landscaping toward compliance with the Landscape
Ordinance equal to the building expansion proposed (60%) on
the Rush Engine Remanufacturers property will be required.
Variances from minimum Landscape Ordinance requirements can
only be granted by the City Beautiful Commission.
G. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan and additional
information to staff on October 27, 1999. The revised plan
addresses most of the concerns as raised by staff and the
Subdivision Committee.
The revised plan provides for additional building and
interior landscaped areas within Lot 1 as required by
staff. Staff is comfortable with the landscape areas
provided within Lot 1. Lot 2 will require an upgrade in
landscaping when the future building addition to the large
commercial building is made.
4
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
The revised plan also shows the access easement along the
west property line of Lot 1 to include the parking spaces
along that property line, as requested by staff. The fact
that there is an access easement along both interior
property lines of Lot 1, a requirement for landscaping
along those lot lines is eliminated.
The site plan for this property (Lots 1 and 2) shows a
total of 135 parking spaces. Typically, the ordinance
would require a total of 100 parking spaces for the uses as
proposed. Staff has no problem with the parking plan as
proposed.
The applicant has requested a waiver of the required right-
of-way dedication for Asher Avenue, Elm Street, Lewis
Street and West 29t'' Street. The applicant notes that the
right-of-way dedication waiver is needed in order to
maintain the necessary area required to make the
development of Lot 1 work. Public Works has indicated
support of the waiver request for Elm, Lewis and West 29th
Streets. Public Works recommends denial of the requested
waiver right-of-way dedication for Asher Avenue. This
issue must be discussed and resolved by the full
Commission.
As noted in paragraph A. of this report, the applicant is
requesting C-3 permitted uses as alternate uses for the
small commercial building at the southwest corner of the
property (as suggested by staff). However, after further
review, staff feels that it would be reasonable to allow
C-3 permitted uses as alternate uses for all three (3)
buildings shown on the site plan.
Otherwise, to staff's knowledge, there are no outstanding
issues associated with the proposed site plan. Staff is
comfortable with the proposed site plan and feels that the
development as proposed will be an excellent improvement
within the Asher Avenue corridor.
H. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the revised PCD subject to the
following conditions:
1. Compliance with the requirements as
D, E and F of this report.
2. Staff recommends C-3 permitted uses
all three (3) commercial buildings.
5
noted in paragraphs
as alternate uses for
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
3. Staff recommends approval of the requested waiver of
right-of-way dedication for Elm, Lewis and West 29th
Streets.
4. Staff recommends denial of the requested waiver of right-
of-way dedication for Asher Avenue.
5. A landscape upgrade will need to be provided with the
future addition to the large commercial building.
6. Any additional site lighting should be directed away from
adjacent residential property.
7. A preliminary/final plat must be complete (staff level)
prior to a building permit being issued.
8. The existing driveway from Elm Street at the northeast
corner of the property (noted by the applicant "to remain
closed") must be closed and replaced with curb and
gutter.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (OCTOBER 21, 1999)
Ben Rush and Bill Ruck were present, representing the
application. Staff gave a brief description of the revised PCD.
The primary topic of discussion was the landscape issues
associated with the planned development of the property. Mr.
Ruck noted that building and interior landscaped areas would be
added to the lot at the corner of Asher Avenue and Elm Street.
It was also noted that no landscaping would be required along
the interior lot lines if an access easement was proposed along
these lines. Staff noted that the upgrade in landscaping for
the larger lot (Rush Engine building) could be done, with plans
submitted, when the future addition is constructed.
The Public Works requirements were briefly discussed. The
applicant noted that a waiver of right-of-way dedication for
Asher Avenue and West 29th Street would probably be requested.
Other Public Works issues (stormwater detention and driveway
locations) were briefly discussed.
After the discussion, the Committee forwarded the revised PCD to
the full Commission for resolution.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (NOVEMBER 11, 1999)
Bill Rush, Bill Ruck and Bob Fresson were present, representing
the application. Staff briefly described the proposed revised
PCD, with a recommendation of approval with conditions to
include a waiver of right-of-way dedication for Elm, Lewis and
West 29th Streets. Staff recommended denial of the requested
0
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
waiver of right-of-way dedication for Asher Avenue. Staff noted
that the required notices were mailed two (2) days late.
The Commission first discussed waiving the bylaws to accept the
notification as completed by the applicant. There was a motion
to waive the bylaws and accept the notification two (2) days
late.
Bill Rush stated that he thought the notices were mailed only
one day late. Commissioner Lowry stated that there were no
grounds for waiving the bylaws.
The motion passed by a vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent and
1 open position.
Bill Rush addressed the Commission in support of the application
and explained the project and the Asher Avenue area in general.
He stated that the proposed development would be an upgrade to
the property and be an asset to the general area and provide
added security to the area. Mr. Rush discussed the right-of-way
dedication issue. He stated that the right-of-way dedication
for Asher Avenue would kill the project.
Bill Ruck provided additional explanation of the project and the
difficulty in developing this site and meeting the typical
ordinance requirements. He noted that the site lighting would
be directed away from adjacent residential property. He also
noted that the existing driveway at the northeast corner of the
property would be closed.
There was discussion relating to the requested waiver of right-
of-way dedication for Asher Avenue. Mr. Ruck also stated that
the right-of-way dedication would eliminate parking and kill the
project.
Mr. Rush explained how the access to the property would work.
He noted that there were three (3) access points with cross -
access easements. He gave additional explanation of the project
and reasons for the right-of-way dedication waiver request.
Robert James addressed the Commission. He asked why the church
on the west side of Lewis Street was not included in the Asher
Avenue corridor meetings. He noted that he is not opposed to
the proposed project. He noted concerns with people possibly
working on vehicles in the auto parts store parking lot.
Commissioner Lowry asked the applicant about Mr. James' concern.
7
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
Bob Fresson stated that there would be no repair work done on
the property. He noted that the employees might help a customer
change a battery, but no repair work. He also stated that
Advance Auto Parts will not select the site for development if
the right-of-way is not waived.
There was a general discussion relating to a deferral of right-
of-way dedication.
Mr. Fresson stated that a deferral would not help the situation.
He noted that a deferral would allow the possibility of losing
the parking along Asher Avenue in the future.
A possible franchise for the parking along Asher Avenue was
briefly discussed.
Mr. Fresson stated that permanent use of the parking was needed.
There was additional discussion relating to the right-of-way
dedication issue. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and
Development, stated that if the right-of-way dedication is not
made, the application should be denied.
Commissioner Faust concurred with Mr. Lawson and expressed
concern with waiving the right-of-way.
Commissioner Rahman also expressed concern with waiving the
right-of-way and the reasons for the waiver request.
Mr. Rush further discussed the waiver of right-of-way issue. He
noted that he wished to retain as many of the parking spaces as
possible on Lot 2.
Commissioner Nunnley asked about possible obstruction of traffic
with the proposed landscaping along Asher Avenue. This issue
and the traffic in this immediate area was discussed.
Commissioner Downing asked about the terms of the proposed lease
of the property. Mr. Fresson noted that it was a 10 year lease
with five year options (25 years total).
In response to a questions from the Commission, Bob Turner, of
Public Works, stated that the City has no immediate plans to
make improvements to Asher Avenue.
Commissioner Downing asked if the City could commit to a 25 year
franchise. Mr. Turner stated that the City could not commit to
a 25 year franchise.
8
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B (Cont.)
There was additional discussion regarding the franchise
procedure and attaching a time period to a franchise.
There was a motion to defer the application to the December 2,
1999 agenda in order to give staff time to work with the
applicant regarding the Asher Avenue right-of-way issue. The
motion was seconded and discussed. The motion passed by a vote
of 6 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent and 1 open position.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 2, 1999)
The staff presented a positive recommendation on this
application, and there were no further issues for resolution.
There were no objectors to this matter.
The staff informed the Commission that the applicant had agreed
to dedicate the required right-of-way for Asher Avenue and will
obtain a franchise for the proposed improvements within this
right-of-way dedication area. Staff informed the Commission
that a waiver of street improvements would be supported by
Public Works and that the applicant had agreed to repair any
damaged curb, gutter or sidewalk along Asher Avenue.
The Chairman placed the item before the Commission for inclusion
within the Consent Agenda for approval as recommended by staff.
A motion to that effect was made. The motion passed by a vote
of 11 ayes and 0 nays.
E
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
NAME: Rush Engine - Revised Short -Form PCD and Preliminary Plat
LOCATION: Northwest corner of Asher Avenue and Elm Street
DEVELOPER: ENGINEER:
Bill F. Rush
4100 Asher Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
AREA: Approx. 3 acres
Garver Engineers
1010 Battery Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0
ZONING: PCD ALLOWED USES:
PROPOSED USE:
VARIANCES/WAIVERS REQUESTED:
Mixture of Commercial and
Industrial
Mixture of Commercial and
Industrial with the addition
of a third building
Waiver of the right-of-way dedication for Asher Avenue, Elm
Street, Lewis Street and West 29th Street
BACKGROUND:
On August 6, 1985 the Board of Directors passed Ordinance No.
14,925 which rezoned this property from C-3 to PCD for a mixed
commercial/industrial development. There are currently two (2)
buildings or the site. The smaller building at the southwest
corner of the property contains a restaurant, with Rush Engine
Remanufacturers occupying the larger building.
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
The applicant is proposing to revise the previously approved
PCD by subdividing the property into two (2) lots and
proposing a commercial building on the new (Lot 1). A
future building addition is also proposed for the Rush
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
Engine building.
The new building proposed is to be 7,000 square feet in area
(one story) and used for auto parts,sales. This building is
to be located at the southeast corner of the property on the
newly created lot. A 14,600 square foot future building
addition is proposed for the 24,760 square foot Rush Engine
Remanufacturing building. The proposed building, building
addition and parking design are noted on the attached site
plan. Cross access easements are proposed along the common
lot lines.
The applicant has noted that an auto parts store (Advance
Auto Parts) will occupy the new building, with Rush Engine
Remanufacturers remaining in the large commercial building.
The applicant is proposing C-3 permitted uses for the
existing commercial building at the southwest corner of the
site.
The applicant has noted the following hours of operation for
the three (3) buildings:
Rush Engine - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 .m., Monda -Frida
Commercial building (southwest corner of property)
- 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tuesday -Saturday
Advance Auto Parts - 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Daily
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
As noted previously, there are two (2) existing commercial
buildings on the site. A 24,760 square foot building is
located within the north one-half of the property, with an
1,810 square foot building near the southwest corner of the
site. The entire site is concreted or paved, property line
to property line.
There is a mixture of commercial uses to the eat and west
along the north side of Asher Avenue and to the south across
Asher Avenue. There is a church across Lewis Street to the
west, with single family residences further west. There are
also single family residences and a church to the north and
east across Elm Street.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
Staff has received no comment from the neighborhood as of
this writing. The Midway and Love Neighborhood Associations
were notified of the public hearing.
Pa
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.)
D. ENGINEERING COMMENTS:
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
PUBLIC WORKS CONDITIONS:
1. Asher Avenue is listed on the Master Street Plan as a
principal arterial, dedication of right-of-way to 45
feet from centerline will be required.
2. Elm Street, Lewis Street, and West 29th Street are
commercial streets. Dedicate right-of-way to 30 feet
from centerline.
3. A 20 feet radial dedication of right-of-way is required
on all corners.
4. Provide design of street conforming to " MSP" (Master
Street Plan). Construct one-half street improvements
to these streets including 5 -foot sidewalks with
planned development.
5. Property frontage needs to have the sidewalks and ramps
brought up to the current ADA standards. Repair
existing sidewalk.
6. Plans of all work in right-of-way shall be submitted
for approval prior to start of work.
7. Stormwater detention ordinance applies to this
property.
8. Building construction over storm drainage will not be
allowed.
9. Driveway shall conform to Sec. 31-210 and Ordinance
18,031. Close unused driveways.
10. Proposed auto parts business should take access from
access easement only.
11. Access easement must be 45 feet of right-of-way and
constructed to City standards, minor commercial street.
E. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/COUNTY PLANNING:
Wastewater: Sewer available, not adversely affected.
AP&L: No Comment received.
Arkla: No Comment.
Southwestern Bell: No Comment received.
Water: No Comment.
Fire Department: May require private fire hydrant. Contact
Dennis Free at 918-3752 for details.
County Plannin : No Comment.
3
December 21 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
CATA: CATA Routes #14 and #16 serve this site; approved
for transit as submitted.
F. ISSUES/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
Planning Division:
This request is in the I-630 Planning District. The Land
Use Plan currently shows Commercial for this location. The
expansion of an existing PCD is not a Land Use Plan issue.
City Recognized Nei hborhood Action Plan: The Oak Forest
Neighborhood Action Plan recommends that new commercial be
located along corridors.
Landscape Issues:
The proposed plan does not allow for the required 10 foot
wide buffer along Asher Avenue nor the 8 foot wide buffer
along Elm Street.
A total of six percent of the vehicular use area of the
Advance Auto Parts property must be landscaped with interior
islands. Also, a minimum 4 foot wide landscape strip is
required along the western perimeter and a 3 foot wide
building landscape strip between the public parking area and
building. There is some flexibility allowed with the
building landscaping requirement.
Upgrade in landscaping toward compliance with the Landscape
Ordinance equal to the building expansion proposed (60%) on
the Rush Engine Remanufacturers property will be required.
Variances from minimum Landscape Ordinance requirements can
only be granted by the City Beautiful Commission.
G. ANALYSIS:
The applicant submitted a revised site plan and additional
information to staff on October 27, 1999. The revised plan
addresses most of the concerns as raised by staff and the
Subdivision Committee.
The revised plan provides for additional building and
interior landscaped areas within Lot 1 as required by staff.
Staff is comfortable with the landscape areas provided
within Lot 1. Lot 2 will require an upgrade in landscaping
when the future building addition to the large commercial
4
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.)
building is made.
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
The revised plan also shows the access easement along the
west property line of Lot 1 to include the parking spaces
along that property line, as requested by staff. The fact
that there is an access easement along both interior
property lines of Lot 1, a requirement for landscaping along
those lot lines is eliminated.
The site plan for this property (Lots 1 and 2) shows a total
of 135 parking spaces. Typically, the ordinance would
require a total of 100 parking spaces for the uses as
proposed. Staff has no problem with the parking plan as
proposed.
The applicant has requested a waiver of the required right-
of-way dedication for Asher Avenue, Elm Street, Lewis Street
and West 29th Street. The applicant notes that the right-
of-way dedication waiver is needed in order to maintain the
necessary area required to make the development of Lot 1
work. Public Works has indicated support of the waiver
request for Elm, Lewis and West 29th Streets. Public Works
recommends denial of the requested waiver right-of-way
dedication for Asher Avenue. This issue must be discussed
and resolved by the full Commission.
As noted in paragraph A. of this report, the applicant is
requesting C-3 permitted uses as alternate uses for the
small commercial building at the southwest corner of the
property (as suggested by staff). However, after further
review, staff feels that it would be reasonable to allow
C-3 permitted uses as alternate uses for all three (3)
buildings shown on the site plan.
Otherwise, to staff's knowledge, there are no outstanding
issues associated with the proposed site plan. Staff is
comfortable with the proposed site plan and feels that the
development as proposed will be an excellent improvement
within the Asher Avenue corridor.
H. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the revised PCD subject to the
following conditions:
1. Compliance with the requirements as noted in paragraphs
D, E and F of this report.
2. Staff recommends C-3 permitted uses as alternate uses for
5
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.)
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
all three (3) commercial buildings.
3. Staff recommends approval of the requested waiver of
right-of-way dedication for Elm, Lewis and West 29t'
Streets.
4. Staff recommends denial of the requested waiver of right-
of-way dedication for Asher Avenue.
5.A landscape upgrade will need to be provided with the
future addition to the large commercial building.
6. Any additional site lighting should be directed away from
adjacent residential property.
7. A preliminary/final plat must be complete (staff level)
prior to a building permit being issued.
8.The existing driveway from Elm Street at the northeast
corner of the property (noted by the applicant "to remain
closed") must be closed and replaced with curb and
gutter.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(OCTOBER 21, 1999)
Ben Rush and Bill Ruck were present, representing the
application. Staff gave a brief description of the revised PCD.
The primary topic of discussion was the landscape issues
associated with the planned development of the property. Mr.
Ruck noted that building and interior landscaped areas would be
added to the lot at the corner of Asher Avenue and Elm Street.
It was also noted that no landscaping would be required along the
interior lot lines if an access easement was proposed along these
lines. Staff noted that the upgrade in landscaping for the
larger lot (Rush Engine building) could be done, with plans
submitted, when the future addition is constructed.
The Public Works requirements were briefly discussed. The
applicant noted that a waiver of right-of-way dedication for
Asher Avenue and West 29th Street would probably be requested.
Other Public Works issues (stormwater detention and driveway
locations) were briefly discussed.
After the discussion, the Committee forwarded the revised PCD to
the full Commission for resolution.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (NOVEMBER 11, 1999)
Bill Rush, Bill Ruck and Bob Fresson were present, representing
the application. Staff briefly described the proposed revised
PCD, with a recommendation of approval with conditions to include
a waiver of right-of-way dedication for Elm, Lewis and West 29th
6
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.)
FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
Streets. Staff recommended denial of the requested waiver of
right-of-way dedication for Asher Avenue. Staff noted that the
required notices were mailed two (2) days late.
The Commission first discussed waiving the bylaws to accept the
notification as completed by the applicant.- There was a motion
to waive the bylaws and accept the notification two (2) days
late.
Bill Rush stated that he thought the notices were mailed only one
day late. Commissioner Lowry stated that there were no grounds
for waiving the bylaws.
The motion passed by a vote of 7 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent and
1 open position.
Bill Rush addressed the Commission in support of the application
and explained the project and the Asher Avenue area in general.
He stated that the proposed development would be an upgrade to
the property and be an asset to the general area and provide
added security to the area. Mr. Rush discussed the right-of-way
dedication issue. He stated that the right-of-way dedication for
Asher Avenue would kill the project.
Bill Ruck provided additional explanation of the project and the
difficulty in developing this site and meeting the typical
ordinance requirements. He noted that the site lighting would be
directed away from adjacent residential property. He also noted
that the existing driveway at the northeast corner of the
property would be closed.
There was discussion relating to the requested waiver of right-
of-way dedication for Asher Avenue. Mr. Ruck also stated that
the right-of-way dedication would eliminate parking and kill the
project.
Mr. Rush explained how the access to the property would work. He
noted that there were three (3) access points with cross -access
easements. He gave additional explanation of the project and
reasons for the right-of-way dedication waiver request.
Robert James addressed the Commission. He asked why the church
on the west side of Lewis Street was not included in the Asher
Avenue corridor meetings. He noted that he is not opposed to the
proposed project. He noted concerns with people possibly working
on vehicles in the auto parts store parking lot.
7
December 2, 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
Commissioner Lowry asked the applicant about Mr. James' concern.
Bob Fresson stated that there would be no repair work done on the
property. He noted that the employees might help a customer
change a battery, but no repair work. He also stated that
Advance Auto Parts will not select the site for development if
the right-of-way is not waived.
There was a general discussion relating to a deferral of right-
of-way dedication.
Mr. Fresson stated that a deferral would not help the situation.
He noted that a deferral would allow the possibility of losing
the parking along Asher Avenue in the future.
A possible franchise for the parking along Asher Avenue was
briefly discussed.
Mr. Fresson stated that permanent use of the parking was needed.
There was additional discussion relating to the right-of-way
dedication issue. Jim Lawson, Director of Planning and
Development, stated that if the right-of-way dedication is not
made, the application should be denied.
Commissioner Faust concurred with Mr. Lawson and expressed
concern with waiving the right-of-way.
Commissioner Rahman also expressed concern with waiving the
right-of-way and the reasons for the waiver request.
Mr. Rush further discussed the waiver of right-of-way issue. He
noted that he wished to retain as many of the parking spaces as
possible on Lot 2.
Commissioner Nunnley asked about possible obstruction of traffic
with the proposed landscaping along Asher Avenue. This issue and
the traffic in this immediate area was discussed.
Commissioner Downing asked about the terms of the proposed lease
of the property. Mr. Fresson noted that it was a 10 year lease
with five year options (25 years total).
In response to a questions from the Commission, Bob Turner, of
Public Works, stated that the City has no immediate plans to make
improvements to Asher Avenue.
8
December 21 1999
ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z -4452-B
Commissioner Downing asked if the City could commit to a 25 year
franchise. Mr. Turner stated that the City could not commit to a
25 year franchise.
There was additional discussion regarding the franchise procedure
and attaching a time period to a franchise.
There was a motion to defer the application to the December 2,
1999 agenda in order to give staff time to work with the
applicant regarding the Asher Avenue right-of-way issue. The
motion was seconded and discussed. The motion passed by a vote
of 6 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent and 1 open position.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 2, 1999)
The staff presented a positive recommendation on this
application, and there were no further issues for resolution.
There were no objectors to this matter.
The staff informed the Commission that the applicant had agreed
to dedicate the required right-of-way for Asher Avenue and will
obtain a franchise for the proposed improvements within this
right-of-way dedication area. Staff informed the Commission that
a waiver of street improvements would be supported by Public
Works and that the applicant had agreed to repair any damaged
curb, gutter or sidewalk along Asher Avenue.
The Chairman placed the item before the Commission for inclusion
within the Consent Agenda for approval as recommended by staff.
A motion to that effect was made. The motion passed by a vote of
11 ayes and 0 nays.
Pi