11/07/2016 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Motion carried 5 -0. 4. Public hearing to consider and take action regarding the petition of Jerry & Lynda Stephens for a change in zoning from Single - Family Dwelling District No. 2 (SF -2) to a Multi - Family Dwelling District No. 2 (MF -2), on City Block 262, Lots 8A & 12, being located at 1240 NE 20`h Street. Public hearing was declared open. A. Ten individuals spoke in favor. Chad Stephens, 3935 Miranda Drive, Paris, Texas spoke in favor of the petition. Mr. Stephens stated he is speaking on behalf of his parents Jerry and Lynda Stephens who have owned the property for 43 years. Mr. Stephens stated after the garden apartments burned down and left 120 people homeless he started looking for apartment developers. Mr. Stephens stated that in the past few months the realtor market has been nothing like he has ever seen. Homes are being sold above asking price and seeing multiple offers due to the high demand and shortage of housing. With that being said and the projected developments in the near future we cannot accommodate them. Mr. Stephens stated that we have a contract with Hamilton Properties which have several facilities all over the state and other states. However, it is contingent on our land being rezoned to multi - family. They are looking to invest about 5 million dollars and they only need about 4 to 5 acres. The size of the lot is about 12.5 acres. Mr. Stephens stated that their research of the 67 homes that surround the property 37 are renter occupied and 30 are owner occupied, which makes it a predominant renter neighborhood. Approximately, 8 years ago a developer wanted to invest 7 to 8 million dollars for an apartment complex and the neighborhood banded together to squash it. The estimated revenue that the City lost was approximately 1.5 million dollars. During our committee meeting the neighborhood stated some reasons they didn't want it. Mr. Stephens stated he has addressed the issues and made a list of pros and cons of why it is good for the City. Mr. Stephens stated as far as the pros it will fill the demand of the local housing crisis, provide quality homes, new construction inside the loop, increase tax revenue, increase safety, decrease theft and squatters, reduce the snake and rodents, clean up the property, help with drainage issues by installing a detention pond, provide green space around the property for privacy, jobs for contractors and beautify the neighborhood with first class facilities. Mr. Stephens stated that he was unable to come up with any cons to this development. Mr. Stephens further stated that it would be great for the City, the developers and the neighborhood. Mr. Stephen finally stated the Hamilton Properties made a great point we can invest 5 million dollars in Paris or in Waxahachie. Jeff Hill, 480 Airport Road, Reno, Texas, spoke in favor of the petition. Mr. Hill stated he believed this development could potentially help with the safety, lighting