326 Pujo Street P.O. Box 900 Lake Charles, LA 70602-0900 Monday, 5:30 PM Council Chambers OPEN MEETING Chairman David Berryhill called the meeting of the to order at approximately 5:30pm. Mr. Joseph led the meeting in prayer and Mr. Berryhill led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present Alvin Joseph, David Berryhill, Frank Pryce, Gus Schram III, and Fayaz Khan Absent 0 Excused Vincent Lupo, Thomas Sanders Jr., and Wilfred Clophus MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMISSION BUSINESS Chairman David Berryhill asked if everyone received a copy of the minutes from the previous meeting. Mr. Schram made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Khan seconded the motion. All were in favor. Chairman David Berryhill asked if there are any special announcements? Mr. Burguieres states that any person aggrieved by the decision of this Commission for a Major Conditional Use permit, Variance, or Special Exception may file a written appeal with the Director of Planning within (15) days of the decision of the commission. RES-VAR 18-86 LAKE CHARLES SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS APPLICANT: TERRE SAINTE, LLC (TERRE SAINTE RE-SUBDIVISION PART 3) SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting Preliminary and Final Subdivision approval (Section 2.3 and 2.4) in order to subdivide a 2-acre tract of land into 18 townhome development tracts with a lot size variance, within a Residential Zoning District. Location of the request is the Southside 1200 Blk. W. Sallier Street. STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed the proposed re-subdivision to be used for single-family attached residential townhome uses fails to meet the minimum lot size of 6,000s.f. (requesting 2750s.f.) for a Residential Zoning District. This is consistent with the previously approved lot size and layout for Phase II of the development. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the request. Mr. Troy Stine, 800 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA Page 1
Mr. Stine stated the townhomes would be built to sell and not rental. Mr. Stine explained he felt this was a good compromise from the original request that included mixed use development. He stated these townhomes would be a buffer between the residential homes and Sallier Street. Mr. Stine stated a board was being created for these townhomes which includes 4 residents of the Terre Sainte and 3 of the developers. Chairman Berryhill asked if there is anyone opposed. Chairman Berryhill asked speaker to state name and address for the record. Mr. Johnathan Johnson, 1214 St. Anne, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Johnson stated he is satisfied with the agreement made but concerned others in neighborhood have not seen the agreement yet and may not be okay with it. He asked that the Commission defer the request in order for the others in neighborhood to be made aware of agreement. Ms. Lee Arredondo, 1206 St. Joseph, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Arredondo stated she is opposed to townhomes in Terre Sainte and the possibility of these units becoming rental units. She also stated she feels that 18 units is excessive. (Ms. Arredondo submitted petitions of opposition) Chairman Berryhill asked Mr. Stine if he would be willing to defer this request until next month in order for other residents to view the agreement. Mr. Stine stated he could do that. The commission members agreed to defer this request to the February 11, 2019 agenda. RES 19-01 LAKE CHARLES SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS APPLICANT: IDIM CONSTRUCTION, LLC (SAVANNAH LAKES ESTATES, PHASE 2A) SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting Final Subdivision approval (Section 2.4), in order to subdivide a 8.04-acre tract of land into 39 Residential development tracts within a Mixed Use Zoning District. Location of the request is the Westside 3900 Blk. 5th Avenue. STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed the proposed re-subdivision to be used for Residential development tracts would exceed the minimum development standards for subdivision approval. Public Works staff is currently reviewing infrastructure improvements for compliance with design standards. Any approvals are conditioned on the applicant adhere to any front footage assessments or infrastructure improvements set forth by the Department of Engineering and Public Works. Mr. Jude DuBose (IDIM Construction), 800 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. DuBose stated Phase 2A is completed and meets city requirements. Page 2
RES 19-02 LAKE CHARLES SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS APPLICANT: BILLY E. LOFTIN JR. (LOFTIN LEBLANC SUBDIVISION) SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting Preliminary and Final Subdivision approval (Section 2.3 & 2.4), in order to subdivide a.acre tract of land into two (2) Mixed Use development tracts, within a Mixed Use Zoning District. Location of the request is 111 & 113 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed that the proposed re-platting of a.5 acre tract of land into two Mixed Use tracts meets the minimum lot size and configuration set forth for a Residential Zoning District. The properties maintain existing professional office uses. Staff recommends approval of the application on the condition applicants adhere to any recommendations by the Department of Engineering and Public Works. Mr. Billy Loftin, 113 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Loftin stated the reason for this request is in order to sell 111 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive. RES 19-03 LAKE CHARLES SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS APPLICANT: SAMUEL WADE HARRISON (SPL OAKS SUBDIVISION) SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting Preliminary and Final Subdivision approval (Section 2.3 & 2.4), in order to subdivide a 2.14-acre tract of land into two (2) residential development tracts, within a Residential Zoning District. Location of the request is 5022 S. Prien Lake Road. STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed that the proposed re-platting of a 2.14 acre tract of land for residential development meets the minimum lot size and configuration set forth for a Residential Zoning District. Staff recommends approval of the application on the condition applicants adhere to any recommendations by the Department of Engineering and Public Works. Mr. Sam Harrison, 5022 S. Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Harrison stated he intends to sell the south lot containing the vacant building and continue to live in the residence on the north lot. Page 3
RES-MAJ 19-04 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: BOB HOLLAND SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting to amend the official zoning map from a Residential Zoning District to a Business Zoning District in order to renovate and construct a food hall/entertainment facility. Location of the request is 124 Ryan Street. STAFF FINDINGS: The applicant is requesting to re-zone a Residential zoned property to a Business Zoning District. The applicant is proposing to renovate and construct a food hall/entertainment facility on the development tract. This property is located in the I-10 Corridor and is considered a gateway property to the Downtown Area. Similar uses and retail properties are in the immediate area therefore staff recommends approval of the application. This application will be forwarded to the City Council for final action on January 16, 2019. Mr. Burguieres informed the Commission the Office of Zoning and Land Use has not received correspondence against this request. Mr. Bob Holland, 5865 Lemongrass Circle W, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Holland stated the proposal is to rework this 16,000sq.ft. building. 11,000sq.ft. as a food hall. We intend to utilize Mr. Schram asked Mr. Holland about an email from Lori Marinovich () and whether he plans to meet all the comments in the email. Mr. Holland stated he does not plan on doing everything stated in the email, such as request to expand Nellie Lutcher Cultural District. Mr. Mike Huber (Planning Director) stated the City Council has an agenda item requesting to extend the I-10 Economic Development District. MAJ 19-01 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: POWELL TIMBER COMPANY AND EDWARD T. MCCAIN SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Major Conditional Use Permit in conjunction with a planned light manufacturing use (Sec 5-410) in order establish a marine and construction Page 4
equipment on-loading and off-loading facility, within a the Mixed Use portion of the property. Location of the request is the Northwest section of Enterprise Blvd @ Gieffers Street. STAFF FINDINGS: The applicant is requesting to construct and establish a new marine and construction on and off loading facility. The southwestern portion of the property (approximately 40%) is zoned light manufacturing and the remaining northern portion (60%) is zoned Mixed Use. The proposed facility is bordered by a scrap metal facility to the north and a crude oil off-loading facility to the south. Therefore, staff finds the request to be reasonable and acceptable for passage on the following conditions: 1) Landscape must be installed according to Sec. 5-210; 2) All waste disposal areas are screened from public view; and 3) Drainage plan reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. Mr. Burguieres informed the Commission the Office of Zoning and Land Use has received inquiries regarding this request. Mr. Doug Cook (Powell Timber Co.), Lake Charles, LA Mr. Cook stated they acquired this property is 1929 in order to expand their then lumber mill. Mr. Cook stated he has never been approached for use of property for anything other than industrial. Mr. Cook stated he does not know how this property was down zoned. Mr. Cook stated currently we are allowing the USS Orleck to use. Mr. Cook stated the property to the north is a scrap yard and to the south is Gray Rock Fuels. Mr. Cook stated he feels they have been good neighbors. Chairman Berryhill asked if there is anyone opposed. Mr. Craig Marks (President of Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority) 1625 23rd Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Marks stated the Authority is making plans to develop that area. We plan to take advantage of the incentives set forth by the Mayor for this area. The incentives that would draw businesses that would be conducive to family life. Mr. Marks stated he felt the proposed type of business would not be in the neighborhood's best interest. Mr. Cook stated Timber Powell Co. also owns the property to the East of this location. Mr. Paul Bellow, 503 N. Grace Street, Lake Charles, LA. Mr. Bellow stated because the property is light industrial now does not mean it has to continue that way. Mr. Bellow asked what was to be constructed on property; what kind of equipment would be received at this location; what services will be provided; and will there be an increase in large truck traffic. Chairman Berryhill asked the proponent to state name and address for the record. Mr. McCain, 864 Hwy 384, Lake Charles, LA Mr. McCain stated he is in the marine construction business. Mr. McCain stated he might bring materials in by water or by land sometimes. No kind of hazardous waste. Mr. McCain stated he do commercial, residential. Mr. McCain stated he has done this type of business for a number of years at other locations. Mr. Burguieres stated Mr. McCain is doing this business at the L & M Facility just south of this site. Page 5
Mr. Pryce discussed his feelings that this type of business will have a negative result on future businesses in the area. Mr. Schram asked if demolition work was done, would the materials be brought to this site. Mr. McCain stated it would be containerized. Mr. Schram asked if the berm could be relocated to use as buffer. Mr. McCain agreed. Chairman Berryhill asked opposition to state name and address for the record. Mr. Edmond Hanney, 1410 Commercial Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Hanney stated he owns property in the neighborhood. He discussed his opposition regarding his concerns with property value; NLC is working towards upgrading the neighborhood; and increase in traffic. Ms. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, 503 N. Grace Street, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Bellow stated the area on the Eastside of Enterprise Blvd. is a residential area and this type of business would bring down the value of property. Ms. Mary Morris, 2345 See Street, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Morris discussed the NLC Authority is trying to improve this neighborhood and quality of life for the residents in the area. Mr. Marks asked the Commission for an opportunity for the NLC Authority to make the neighborhood better. Mr. Schram asked opposition what type of business would want to move to this location. Mr. Marks stated the property is prime realty but could not say what type of business would want to move to this location. Mr. Schram made a motion to install a berm and landscaping along East property and allow 150ft. from Enterprise Blvd. for possible future commercial development. No second. Motion failed. Chairman Berryhill called for a vote. The motion failed by the following vote: Against: 1-4 - Gus Schram III Alvin Joseph, David Berryhill, Frank Pryce and Fayaz Khan SPC 19-01 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: SACRED HEART OF JESUS SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Special Exception (Section 4-205) in order to expand an existing non-conforming cemetery, within a Neighborhood Zoning District. Location of the request is the Eastside 200 Blk. N. Grace Street thru to Brammer Lane. Page 6
STAFF FINDINGS: The applicant is requesting to expand the existing Sacred Heart Cemetery to be located on an adjacent property on the Eastside of N. Grace Street. The proposal is consistent with the existing land uses in the immediate vicinity. Additionally, this request was approved in 2016 but the applicant failed to secure the proper permits within the 6th month timeline. If approved, the applicant will be required to maintain a 15ft. bufferyard abutting the residential uses to the North. Mr. Charles Honore, 2014 21st Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Honore stated the request was previously approved; however there was no access to Brammer Lane at that time. Mr. Honore stated they have since been able to purchase property on Brammer Lane in order to allow access off Brammer Lane. Mr. Honore explained this proposal is in order to expand the existing cemetery across the street. Chairman Berryhill asked if there is anyone opposed. Ms. Michelle Jones Vital, 2529 Dewey Street, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Vital stated she did not see a sign posted on Brammer Lane but did read the request in the newspaper and website. She stated she owns property on Brammer Lane. Ms. Vital explained her opposition in regards to additional traffic on Brammer Lane. Ms. Rita Ceasar Richard, 307 Brammer Lane, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Richard discussed her concerns about wanting to know what they plan to do on the property, as well as, her opposition to traffic on Brammer Lane and possibility of people parking in their driveways during funerals. Ms. Giselle Jones, Brammer Lane, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Jones discussed her opposition to funeral processions on a deadend street and explained that Brammer Lane is a residential street. Mr. Honore explained that the funeral processions will enter from N. Grace Street and exit only onto Brammer Lane. Chairman Berryhill asked proponent to state name and address for the record. Mr. Robert Boxie, 1409 Mitchell Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Boxie stated the drive on the property would be one way in and one way out. He stated that once the property is filled; the only traffic thru this property would be friends or family members visiting their loved ones. Ms. Richard stated she is concerned with traffic on Brammer Lane. Page 7
VAR 18-43 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: THIND ENTERPRISES LLC SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Variance (Section 4-205) in order to construct a traditional convenience retail store with deviations from the T-4 design standards including but not limited to setbacks, pump placement, height, ingress and egress, façade standards, for the district. Location of the request is the Southeast corner of Ryan Street @ Belden Street. STAFF FINDINGS: The Downtown Development Authority will be forwarding a recommendation for the proposed development site and design standards. Mr. Burguieres the request was now only a height variance request in order to construct a one story structure versus a required two story. Mr. Burguieres stated the DDA is in support of this request. Mr. Tom Gayle, 713 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Gayle stated this request came before the Commission last month and since then the owner is in process of purchasing additional property to the South allowing the building to be moved to the front of the lot. Mr. Burguieres informed the Commission an amendment should be made to show the variance is a height variance only at this time. Chairman Berryhill asked speaker to state name and address for the record. Mr. Chris Shearman (DDA member) 329 Wilson, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Shearman stated the applicant has done his best to meet all DDA requirements and has been willing to work with our commission. Mr. Shearman stated they felt a one store structure at this location was acceptable and the DDA is in support of this request. Mr. Schram stated there are several archiectural requirements for this location thru the Downtown Development Authority and confirmed with Mr. Shearman that the DDA would follow up on those requirements. Mr. Shearman agreed. Mr. Khan asked about the landscaping. would be submitted at a future date. Mr. Shearman stated the landscaping plans Mr. Joseph made a motion to amend the request to a height variance in order to allow a one story structure versus the required two story. Mr. Khan seconded the motion. All were in favor. Chairman Berryhill called for a vote as amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 8
VAR 18-44 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: TERRE SAINTE, LLC SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Variance (Section 4-205) in order to construct attached townhome residential units with zero lots lines per the submitted site plan, within a Residential Zoning District. Location of the request is the Southside 1200 Blk. W. Sallier Street. (Terre Sainte Sub.) STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed the applicant for the construction of single-family attached townhome structures within the existing Terre Sainte Subdivision development is requesting a zero lot line development. This application is consistent with the previously approved townhome component of the Terre Sainte Development. This variance would apply to all lots within this phase of the development. Mr. Troy Stine, 800 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Stine stated the townhomes would be built to sell and not rental. Mr. Stine explained he felt this was a good compromise from the original request that included mixed use development. He stated these townhomes would be a buffer between the residential homes and Sallier Street. Mr. Stine stated a board was being created for these townhomes which includes 4 residents of the Terre Sainte and 3 of the developers. Chairman Berryhill asked if there is anyone opposed. Chairman Berryhill asked speaker to state name and address for the record. Mr. Johnathan Johnson, 1214 St. Anne, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Johnson stated he is satisfied with the agreement made but concerned others in neighborhood have not seen the agreement yet and may not be okay with it. He asked that the Commission defer the request in order for the others in neighborhood to be made aware of agreement. Ms. Lee Arredondo, 1206 St. Joseph, Lake Charles, LA Ms. Arredondo stated she is opposed to townhomes in Terre Sainte and the possibility of these units becoming rental units. She also stated she feels that 18 units is excessive. (Ms. Arredondo submitted petitions of opposition) Chairman Berryhill asked Mr. Stine if he would be willing to defer this request until next month in order for other residents to view the agreement. Mr. Stine stated he could do that. The commission members agreed to defer this request to the February 11, 2019 agenda. VAR 19-01 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: NAVARRE INVESTORS, LP SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Variance (Section 4-205) in order to construct an additional sign structure (total of 2) on a single parcel of land, within a Mixed Use Zoning District. Location of the request is 3690 Gerstner Memorial Drive. Page 9
STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed the proposed installation of an additional sign structure will be inconsistent with the development standards of only one sign structure per parcel on land. Although with this additional sign structure the total square footage of allowable signage will not be exceeded, staff cannot forward a position of support. The additional structure is to identify a different retail car product located on the same development tract. Mr. Kemp Dousay (Sign World), Lake Charles, LA Mr. Dousay explained the owner recently purchased this dealership and would like to erect an additional sign. Chairman Berryhill asked of there is anyone opposed. N/A VAR 19-02 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: NAVARRE INVESTORS, LP SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Variance (Section 4-205) in order to expand an existing non-conforming curb cut 100 from the intersection of College Street, within a Business Zoning District. Location of the request is 1290 E. College Street. STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed the expansion of an existing non-conforming curb cut fails to meet the driveway allowance from an intersection. The applicants feel the additional driveway width will eliminate vehicle stacking into the College Street corridor during peak use time for the existing car wash facility. Mr. Jerry Peloquin (Navarre Investors), Lake Charles, LA Mr. Peloquin stated the reason for the request is a liability issue with the cars backed up on College Street. The request would allow for more cars to be able to pull off street into car wash area instead of waiting behind vehicles waiting in line for the lube shop. Page 10
VAR 19-03 LAKE CHARLES ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10598 APPLICANT: MICHAEL SOLARI SUBJECT: Applicant is requesting a Variance (Section 4-205) in order to construct an accessory parking lot 2.5 from the side property line vs the 5 landscape yard abutting a Mixed Use Zoning District. Location of the request is 4750 Lake Street. STAFF FINDINGS: The on-site and site plan reviews revealed the construction of an employee parking lot fails to meet the 5 landscape separation from an abutting side property line. Although the abutting properties are vacant Mixed Use parcels staff can find no evidence of hardship therefore cannot forward a position of support. Mr. Michael Solari, 3701 Burgoyne Drive, Lake Charles, LA Mr. Solari stated the parking lot is already built. He stated he didn't buy enough property. Mr. Solari stated his two options are to either have Planning Commission approve this variance or purchase an additional 2 1/2ft. from adjacent property owner. Mr. Solari stated he can construct a fence on the property or install a vertical hedge row, minimum 6ft. in height. Mr. Burguieres stated the City prefers landscaping. OTHER BUSINESS Chairman Berryhill stated it is time to appoint the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Commission for 2019. Mr. Berryhill nominated Alvin Joseph as Chairman. Mr. Schram seconded the motion. All were in favor. Mr. Khan nominated Mr. Schram as Vice-Chairman. Mr. Joseph seconded the motion. All were in favor. ADJOURN MEETING ADJOURNED. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: David Berryhill, Chairman Lake Charles Doug Burguieres, Asst. Director Office of Zoning & Land Use Page 11