Hotel parking prompts runoff discussion
Planning and Zoning gave future development a boost at its Thursday, Sept. 23, meeting by approving a replat and two preliminary site plans but a great deal of the meeting discussion focused on dealing with water runoff.
Commissioners approved the preliminary site plan for the gated parking facility submitted by Stephen and Janice Scheve, PA Smith Hotel, LLC, but not without first discussing Navasota’s rainwater runoff during flash floods.
Commissioner Todd Wisner said, “When we get all of these water numbers and people are using geologic or Tx DOT survey, we always get these 2-year, 5-year, 10-year flood plans, that’s not the way it rains. When we get four inches of rain in two hours, that’s never mapped on these things. I don’t understand how it can’t be considered.” Wisner continued, “For me, 2-year, 24-hour marked at 4.2 inches…we get 4.2 inches in an hour, not 24 hours. How do we map that kind of stuff and how do we interpret your expertise in writing water runoff in these situations?”
Project Engineer Shaun Hanson of Gessner Engineering suggested that the City’s design guidelines be modified.
Hanson said, “We’re designing based on what the City is telling us is the requirement. If there is a certain situation where that is something you want to see, I think the design guidelines need to be either modified or looked at by the City engineer, or whoever represents the City engineer, to say ‘with something this small, in this case, we want to see an analysis of the intensity of this value over this time.’ It’s going to have to be addressed with the design guidelines.”
Hanson continued, “During pre-development meetings when you’re looking at smaller sites like this that may be something to be brought up and considered.”
According to Development Services Director Lupe Diosdado, a conditional use permit had been approved by city council June 28. The only change since then was the relocation of a landscape buffer from outside to inside the wrought iron fence and the PA Smith Hotel will assume responsibility for maintenance.
Fairway Drive replat
A replat application for Fly Away Field on Fairway Drive submitted by Mariah Cunneen on behalf of Anthony and Amanda Cunneen received commissioners’ approval. The 6.061 acres is zoned B-1, General Business District and will be replatted into four individual lot sizes of 2.061 acres, 2-acres and two 1-acre tracts.
Hi-Ho to expand parking lot
Commissioners also approved a preliminary site plan submitted by Hi Ho Holdings, LLC, to expand the existing parking lot at 1921 SH 105 East. Based on the recommendation of the City engineer, the motion required the extension to be constructed of concrete instead of limestone and chip sealed.
Other business
Before adjourning, commissioners approved the Sept. 9 meeting minutes.
Present were commissioners James Harris, Carolyn Katkoski, Patty Tokoly, and Todd Wisner providing a quorum. Chairperson Randy Peters, Dia Copeland and Dr. John Walla were absent. Diosdado and council liaison Pattie Pederson represented the City of Navasota.
P&Z meets the second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. in city council chambers at 200 E. McAlpine Street. Meetings may be viewed at https://www.navasotatx.gov/planning-zoning-commission/pages/2021-plannin....