SUBJECT: PDC01-09-090. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REZONING OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF FOXWORTHY
AVENUE AND LEIGH AVENUE, FROM A(PD) PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT TO A(PD)
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT, TO ALLOW THE CONVERSION OF A
MEDICAL OFFICE COMPLEX TO A SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL 1ST THROUGH 12TH
GRADE FOR UP TO 140 STUDENTS ON 1.66 GROSS ACRES.
COUNCIL
DISTRICT: 9
The Planning Commission voted 7-0-0 to recommend that the City Council approve the subject rezoning.
BACKGROUND
On November 28, 2001, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider a Planned Development from A(PD) Planned Development to A(PD) Planned Development to allow up to the conversion of a medical office complex to a special education school for 1st through 12th grade for up to 140 students on 1.66 gross acres.
The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement recommended approval of the proposed .
Two (2) members of the public spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning, identifying present traffic conditions, increased traffic, transportation of the children, lack of open space facilities, noise, and hours of operation as issues.
The applicants, John Heringer and L.E. Boydston, responded to the opposition, stating that the traffic conditions would be less than for a medical facility primarily because of the inclusion of the requirement for vanpool transportation of the children, the number of employees visiting the site, and the limit to operational hours. He also identified that open space facilities are not a state requirement and that it would be provided through 1) “field trips” to local parks; 2) use open space area of Steindorf elementary school located east of the project site, and 3) the conversion of the interior of one of the buildings for approximately 3,000 square feet of indoor recreational space.
Commissioner James asked how open space facilities at Steindorf Elementary are accessible from the school and whether a gate is being considered from between the site and Steindorf to provide easier accessibility for the children. The applicant had indicated that negotiations are in progress with the school district to allow a gate.
Commissioner Zamora had questions about other special education schools in the area operated by Pine Hill and whether any complaints or operational issues were received from neighbors. He also was concerned about the lack of recreational space within the facilities and stressed the importance of these facilities in the education of children. Commissioner Levy concurred, acknowledging that although there is no state requirement for open space and the applicant should provide this on site.
Staff indicated that issues regarding open space and recreational facilities will be dealt with at the PD permit stage to ensure that approximately 3,000 square feet of the existing building will be retained for recreational and open space facilities. Commissioner Chun Hoo commented that the vanpool requirement was a good idea in that it would help avoid impacts to traffic in the area.
The Planning Commission then closed the Public Hearing.
A notice of the public hearing was distributed to the owners and tenants of all properties located within 500 feet of the project site.
As standard procedure in the development review process, this project was coordinated with the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, Environmental Services Department, and the City Attorneys Office.
Notices of the public hearing were distributed to the owners and tenants of all properties located within 500 feet of the project site. Staff has been available to respond to any questions regarding the project.
As standard procedure in the development review process, this project was coordinated with the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, Environmental Services Department and the City Attorney.
JOSEPH HORWEDEL
Secretary, Planning Commission