05182010 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. The Executive Session adjourned at 6:54 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. No action was required from Executive Session. • 5. Invocation Councilmember Chris Jones provided the invocation. 6. Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Porterfield led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 7. Citizen Comments Ed Theriot, 5395 Hwy 183 N, reported the Buie tract was approved by Planning and Zoning by a 9 -0 vote because it is the most appropriate zoning classification. They recognized the development agreement approved by the City Council that had additional standards including PDD -like requirements for clustering along Craddock, avenue frontage, walkable, bikeable and a pedestrian friendly neighborhood. They have worked closely with city planning staff. The property owners have gone beyond all requirements, especially the environmental work and TCEQ approval. Their efforts were recognized by city staff who forwarded favorable comments to the City Council. Gordon Muir, 1314 Franklin, with Craddock Avenue Partners, said he is excited about the mixed • use program as well as the multi - family. It is his goal to work with the community to develop a work, live and play environment. They want to be a benefit to the community and a value add. They have had some opposition, and they are saying some things about their process, and they have been misinformed. He wants to clear the air and is going door to door to make sure they understand what they are trying to accomplish. Rick Colbum, 1314 Franklin, owner of the Buie tract, stated his belief that the opposition has mis- informed people. He heard he had illegally cleared the cedar brush from the property due to an ag exemption. He has a letter that says there are no violations. Clearing reclaimed the land to the way it looked 40 years ago. He did a tree survey of the hardwood trees, and there are 1,900 hardwood trees left on the property, leaving 75 acres in a ranch -like setting where most of the environmentally sensitive areas are. He has heard that he destroyed the habitat for endangered species and there is an ongoing investigation. The fact is the environmental assessment said there is no adequate habitat there for any endangered species. Bill Meek, 114 Kathryn Cove, and President of the Franklin Square Association, said to live, work and play, we need to connect, collaborate and create. This is an exciting time and he encouraged the City Council to embrace what they are discussing. To build San Marcos means new ideas, new strategies and breaking new ground. Everyone has common irons in the ground. Property owners have rights, and we should embrace that. The proposal for a neighborhood commission should be explored by the City. They could serve in an advisory capacity to the city and its governance. • RM051810 Minutes Page 2