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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5253-A Staff AnalysisMarch 8, 2018 ITEM NO.: I FILE NO.: Z -5253-A NAME: Scott Field Improvements at Forest Heights Middle School — Conditional Use Permit LOCATION: 5901 Evergreen OWNER/APPLICANT: Little Rock School District/Crafton Tull, Authorized Agent PROPOSAL: A conditional use permit is requested to allow for improvements to the existing athletic field located on this R-2 zoned, 10 acre, public school campus. SITE LOCATION: The school campus is located on the south side of Evergreen Drive, just east of N. University Avenue. The athletic field is located on the south side of the campus, north of H Street. 2, COMPATIBILITY WITH NEIGHBORHOOD: The school campus (and athletic field) has existed at this location since 1955. The properties across Evergreen to the north are occupied by office uses and condominiums/multifamily. Office uses and University Avenue are adjacent to the west. A single family residential neighborhood extends to the east. Office uses, a CALS branch and a single family neighborhood are located to the south. Staff believes the proposed plan to make improvements to the existing athletic field should not affect the school's continued compatibility with the neighborhood. Notice of the public hearing was sent to all owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site and the Hillcrest, Hall High and Evergreen Neighborhood Associations. 3. ON SITE DRIVES AND PARKING: The campus contains parking lots with access off of N. Fillmore Street and Evergreen Drive. The bus drop off/pick up is located off of Evergreen in front of the school. No changes are proposed to the parking and drives. No changes are proposed to the campus or buildings that would affect the parking requirement. March 8, 2018 ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont.) _ _ FILE NO.: Z -5253-A 4. SCREENING AND BUFFERS: Site plan must comply with the City's minimal landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. Street buffers will be required at six (6) percent of the average depth of the lot. The minimum dimension shall be one-half (Y2) the full width requirement but in no case less than nine (9) feet. Buffers are to be landscaped at the rate of one (1) tree and three (3) shrubs for every thirty (30) linear feet. Install the required plant materials adjacent to the N Fillmore St and H St right-of-ways. A landscape irrigation system shall be required for developments of one (1) acre or larger. The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. 5. PUBLIC WORKS: Provide a survey of the property to determine if the adjacent right-of- way widths are sufficient. 2. Damage to public and private property due to hauling operations or operation of construction related equipment from a nearby construction site shall be repaired by the responsible party prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 3. A concrete driveway apron should be constructed at the existing driveway off Fillmore Street near the southeast corner of the property. All driveways shall be concrete aprons and constructed per ADA recommendations per City Ordinance. 4. An appropriate handicap ramps should be constructed compliant with ADA recommendations at the intersection of Fillmore Street and H Street in accordance with Sec. 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and City of Little Rock standard details. 5. An appropriate handicap ramps should be reconstructed at I Street and Fillmore Street in conformance with ADA recommendation in accordance with Sec. 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the City of Little Rock standard details. 2 March 8, 2018 ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont. FILE NO.: Z -5253-A 6. The sidewalk adjacent to Fillmore Street at obstruction locations such as power poles should be examined for conformance with ADA recommendations. If the sidewalk at those locations do not conform, construction of additional sidewalk width is required. 7. Sidewalks with appropriate handicap ramps should be constructed adjacent to H Street and connect with the existing sidewalk to the east and west in accordance with Sec. 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 8. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. 9. It appears the only ADA accessible path to the field is from driveway on Evergreen Drive closest to University Avenue. An ADA accessible path should be provided to the football field entrance gate. 10. Prior to construction of retaining walls that exceeds 4 ft. tall, an engineer's certification of design and plans must be submitted to Public Works for approval. After construction, an as -built certification is required for construction of the retaining wall. UTILITIES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT/BUILDING CODES: Little Rock Reclamation Authority: Grease Interceptor analysis required for concession stand Entergy: Entergy does not object to this proposal. There do not appear to be any conflicts with existing electrical utilities at the location of the proposed construction/renovation. However, there is an existing three phase, overhead power line running along H Street in the vicinity of the new aluminum bleachers and press box. Extreme caution should be used to maintain proper clearance from this new installation and the overhead power lines. Also, the 6' vinyl coated chain link fence being installed at the NW corner of this project appears to be near an existing overhead power line. Again, care should be used to maintain proper clearances. Contact Entergy in advance to discuss electrical service requirements, or adjustments to existing facilities (if any) as this project proceeds. Centerpoint Energy: No comment received. AT&T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Full plan review 3 March 8, 2018 ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -5253-A Building Codes: Project is subject to full commercial plan review and approval prior to issuance of a building permit. For information on submittal requirements and the review process, contact a commercial plans examiner: Curtis Richey at 501.371.4724; crichey@liftlerock.gov 7. TRANSPORTATIONIPLANNING: County Planning: No comments. Rock Region METRO: A bus route is located along University Avenue, west of this site. Planning Division: No comments received. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (FEBRUARY 14, 2018) Frank Riggins of Crafton Tull was present representing the application. Staff presented the item and outlined the proposed improvements to Scott Field. The applicant was asked to provide information on any new signage and to indicate the dumpster location, if one was proposed. Staff asked the applicant to provide the height of the proposed new visitor bleachers and press box. In response to a question, the applicant stated there would be no security wire (barbed wire) placed atop the new fencing. Staff asked if new or additional loud speakers would be installed for the benefit of the new visitor seating. The applicant was asked to locate and describe any new loud speakers and to indicate measures to assure that sound is directed into the field and not the adjacent neighborhood across H Street. Public Works Comments were discussed; particularly the issues of sidewalk installation and ADA access. The applicant was advised to work with staff to address these issues. Landscape comments were presented. Other Agency Comments were noted. The applicant was advised to submit responses to staff issues by February 21, 2018. The Committee forwarded the item to the full Commission. STAFF ANALYSIS: Forest Heights STEM Academy (Forest Heights Middle School) was constructed on this 10 acre site in 1955. The building was subsequently expanded in 2008 and 2009. The school building is located on the north half of the site, adjacent to C! March 8, 2018 ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. F11H NO.: Z -5253-A Evergreen Drive. The athletic field (Scott Field) occupies the southern half of the site, adjacent to H Street. The Little Rock School District is requesting approval of a conditional use permit to allow for various improvements to Scott Field. The specific improvements are as follow: Service driveway and delivery area improvements. 2. Site drainage improvements 3. Renovation of the existing press box, concession stand, and ticket booth. 4. Creation of a spectator concourse and entry plaza 5. New perimeter fencing (6' vinyl coated chain link to replace existing chain link) 6. Renovation of existing bleacher seats 7. Install artificial turf on the football field. 8. Install a new surface on the existing asphalt track and add facilities such as high jump and pole vault. 9. A new visitor concession/restroom building 10. New visitor bleachers and press box No expansion of the athletic field area is proposed. All improvements will occur within the existing athletic field area. No changes are proposed to the other facilities on the campus. The field has existing lighting for night play. All field lighting will remain. The applicant submitted responses to the issues raised at Subdivision Committee. The only new sign will be located on the fabric screen to hide the underside of the new bleachers on the south side of the field. The screen will face H Street. The image will read "Scott Field". No new dumpsters are included in this project. There are no new loudspeakers included in this project. The bleachers and press box on the south side of the field will be 22 ft. ± above the track. Since the grade slopes down from the field towards H Street, an 11 ft. tall retaining wall will be built to contain fill to support the bleachers and press box. No security wire will be attached to the new perimeter fence. The applicant has stated they will comply with all staff comments and conditions, save one. The District is requesting a deferral of the construction of a sidewalk along H Street until the next major phase of construction at the school. It is anticipated that the next phase of construction will be located on the large field west of the athletic field. There is no time frame for the next phase of construction. Staff supports that deferral request. l•" March 8, 2018 ITEM NO.: 1 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -5253-A To staff's knowledge, there are no outstanding issues. There is no bill of assurance for this acreage tract. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the requested CUP subject to compliance with the comments and conditions outlined in Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the agenda staff report. Staff recommends approval of the request to defer sidewalk construction on the H Street perimeter until the next major phase of construction. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MARCH 8, 2018) The applicants were present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval as outlined in the "staff recommendation" above. There was no further discussion. The item was placed on the consent agenda and approved as recommended by staff, including all staff comments and conditions. The vote was 9 ayes, 0 noes and 2 absent. L SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENTS FEBRUARY 14, 2018 ITEM NO.: 1. SCOTT FIELD WROVEMENTS AT FOREST HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 5901 EVERGREEN LZ -5253-A) Planning Staff Comments: 1. There is no bill of assurance for this acreage tract 2. Locate and describe any proposed new signage 3. Will a new dumpster be placed in conjunction with this project? If so, locate dumpster and required screening ' 4. Will new or additional loud speakers be installed? If so, locate and describe. Indicate measures to assure sound is directed into the field and not the adjacent neighborhood 5. What is the height of the new bleachers -and press box? 6. Will security wire be placed above the proposed 6 foot vinyl -coated chain link fence? Variance/Waivers: e None requested. Public Works: 1. Provide a survey of the property to determine if the adjacent right-of-way widths are sufficient. 2. Damage to public and private property due to hauling operations or operation of construction related equipment from a nearby construction site shall be repaired by the responsible party prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 3. A concrete driveway apron should be constructed at the existing driveway off Fillmore St. near the southeast corner of the property. All driveways shall be concrete aprons and constructed per ADA recommendations per City Ordinance. 4. An appropriate handicap ramps should be constructed compliant with ADA recommendations at the intersection of Fillmore St. and H St. in accordance with Sec. 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and City of Little Rock standard details. 5. An appropriate handicap ramps should be reconstructed at I St. and Fillmore St. in conformance with ADA recommendation in accordance with Sec. 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the City of Little Rock standard details. 6. The sidewalk adjacent to Fillmore St. at obstruction locations such as power poles should be examined Or-'60nformame with ADA recommendations. If the sidewalk at those locations do not confo'constructiori of additional sidewalk width is required. 7. Sidewalks with, appropriate handicap, ramps should be constructed adjacent to H St. and connect with the ex4st'ing sidewalk to the east and west in accordance with Sec. 31-175 of the Little Rock Code and the Master Street Plan. 8. Repair or repjpe'any curb and gutter or sidewalk that is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to occupancy. ITEM NO.: 1. CON'T Z-5253-A 9. It appears the only ADA accessible path to the field is from driveway on Evergreen Drive closest to University Ave. An ADA accessible path should be provided to the football field entrance gate. 10. Prior to construction of retaining walls that exceeds 4 ft tall, an engineer's certification of design and plans must be submitted to Public Works for approval. After construction, an as -built certification is required for construction of the retaining wall. Utilities and Fire Department/GoLmt Planning_ Little Rock Reclamation Authority: Grease Interceptor analysis required for concession stand Entergy: Entergy does not object to this proposal. There do not appear to be any conflicts with existing electrical utilities at the location of the proposed construction/renovation. However, there is an existing three phase, overhead power line running along H Street in the vicinity of the new aluminum bleachers and press box. Extreme caution should be used to maintain proper clearance from this new installation and the overhead power lines. Also, the 6' vinyl coated chain link fence being installed at the NW corner of this project appears to be near an existing overhead power line. Again, care should be used to maintain proper clearances. Contact Entergy in advance to discuss electrical service requirements, or adjustments to existing facilities (if any) as this project proceeds. Centerpoint Energy: No comment received. AT&T: No comment received. Central Arkansas Water: No objection. Fire Department: Full plan review Building Codes: Project is subject to full commercial plan review and approval prior to issuance of a building permit. For information on submittal requirements and the review process, contact a commercial plans examiner: Curtis Richey at 501.371.4724; crichey@littlerock.gov County Planning: No comments. Rock Re ion METRO: A bus route is located along University Avenue, west of this site. Planning Division: No comments received. ITEM NO.: 1. CONT 25253-A Landsc@Ve Site plan must comply with the City's minimal landscape and buffer ordinance requirements. Street buffers will be required at six (6) percent of the average depth of the lot. The minimum dimension shall be one-half (%2) the full width requirement but in no case less than nine (9) feet. Buffers are to be landscaped at the rate of one (1) tree and three (3) shrubs for every thirty (30) linear feet. ,,,-Install the required plant materials adjacent to the N Fillmore St and H St right-of-ways. A landscape irrigation system shall be required for developments of one (1) acre or larger. T e City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger. Other: Submit responses to staff issues and four (4) copies of a revised site plan (if required) no later than Wednesday, February 21, 2018. Required notices are to be sent via certified mail to all owners of properties located within two hundred (200) feet of the site no later than Wednesday February 21, 2018. The City provided notices form must be used. Proof of notices is to be provided to staff no later than March 2, 2018.