Richardson City Plan Commission Meeting September 19th, 2023
Four of the seven regular commissioners are present, Chairman Marsh, Vice-Chair Southard, Commissioner Roberts, and Commissioner Bohnsack. One alternate, Gary Beach, is also present and will participate. Commissioner Walraven, Commissioner Costantino, and Commissioner Keller are absent.
Minutes of the previous meeting are approved unanimously.
The consent agenda, which includes approval of a replat to change easements at 111 W. Spring Valley, is also approved unanimously.
The action item for this evening is a public hearing on ZF 23-09, a special permit and rezoning request for a carwash, Clearwater Express, at 524 Centennial. Staff notes that one speaker card in opposition was received from the neighborhood to the west of the site. A representative of the developer steps to the microphone to address any questions. Commissioner Roberts asks about the expected water usage of the car wash. The representative states that she doesn’t know how many gallons of water are used but they do use water reclaim tanks. She states that she will get back to the commission with that answer. Vice-Chair Southard asks about the plan for site security and safety. The representative states that employees will monitor the area during operating hours, 7:30-7. Chairman Marsh asks why they chose this location with no frontage for a car wash. The representative answers that they wanted to pair it with the local Kroger grocery store and fuel station. Commissioner Beach asks about daily water usage. He expresses the opinion that, if residents are required to limit water use but a carwash gets to use all they need, that doesn’t gel with what he thinks is right. The representative agrees to text someone who might know the answer. No other public speakers are present. Chairman Marsh expresses concerns about drainage, traffic flow, and parking disputes with the neighboring soccer complex but agrees that the site should be developed. The CPC votes 3-2 to recommend approval. Commissioners Roberts and Beach are the opposing votes, both due to water usage concerns it sounds like. (JN: Along with a traffic and infrastructure impact analysis, I’d also like to see an environmental impact analysis. Maybe that’s something we can get done in the comprehensive plan update. I notice what appears to be two runoff management culverts on the site. If that’s an indication that the site experiences a good amount of runoff, I think it’s appropriate to consider how the chemicals used might affect the natural environment. I also agree with the concerns expressed about water usage. If we need to conserve water, we need to walk the walk. I’m curious to hear their water usage numbers.)
Council will have this on the agenda for the Oct. 9th meeting. Meeting adjourned.