P&Z approves car wash near Kroger, debates abuse shelters

During its regular Oct. 06, 2016 meeting, the Forney Planning and Zoning Commission met and (this is a preliminary report, subject to revision):

• Items approved in one motion, after some discussion about the fire lane, front and back - there will be a connection in the future to other property.
  
  • a preliminary plat for the Kroger Drive North Addition, located west of F.M. 548 and north of Kroger Drive.
    
  • a final plat for the Kroger Drive North Addition, located west of F.M. 548 and north of Kroger Drive.
    
  • a site plan for Pristine Car Wash, located west of F.M. 548 and north of Kroger Drive.

• a revised site plan for Sneh Plaza, located west of F.M. 548 and north of U.S. Highway 80.
  
  Staff recommends approval. Mr. Morgan said is just S of huddle house, had already approved a site plan, but Huddle House said they did not want this new building to connect to theirs, so the building is moved 5 ft. Staff recommends requiring a safety barrier to prevent people going in it. Mr. Bowen asked if huddle house happy now? Mr. Morgan - no, but it meets all regulations. There is continued discussion between the property owners. There was discussion about the fencing - leaning toward wrought iron. The applicant stated this is the first he's heard of it, has no issue with wrought iron. They had envisioned it as connecting the parking lots, but...
  Approved, with stipulation that barrier fencing is supplied between the buildings.
  
• Discussed current and potential zoning regulations for community homes, domestic violence shelters, foster family homes, rehabilitation care facilities, and similar uses.
  
  Mr. Morgan began the discussion with a slide-show. Some community homes already exist in the city, annual inspections are done. Also have foster family homes, with inspections. Those two are permitted in residential areas, but require inspections. Halfway house - no zoning is assigned for these uses. Such a facility or institution could currently be opened. They were contacted by someone wanting to open a womans shelter. Staff has spoken with other cities, and the fire marshal - many cities don't address this use. They specify parking conditions, to prevent impact on the neighborhood. A big difference with the institution use would be the requirement for fire sprinklers. Staff recommends all half-way house requests got through a CUP, which would require public hearings and council approval.
  The potenial applicant spoke about their goals. Chairman Wilcoxson asked if they currently have a program or ministry - no, they have been out in community and working with Genesis Center. Anticipate opening a 20-bedroom house, but will start with 5-6. Chairman Wilcoxson asked if the 20 people would be residential - no, wouldn't be fair to the neighborhood, maybe more out in the country. Mr. Cunningham asks if the city or the organization would provide a definition for "temporary boarding". The applicant suggested 90 days, Mr. Morgan said could look at state code. Chairman Wilcoxson asked if there wouldn't always be people there... Mr. Rexrode asked if there would be a maximum # occupants - yes, fire marshal. Chairman Wilcoxson said it would always be full. . . . Mr. Bowen asked if this would be the first one - yes. He asked what the goal of the institution, should there be a cap on the total number of facilities? Mr. Morgan said usually not a cap, but can require certain distance between facilities. Mr. Bowen asked if there would be supervisors living at the residential facility - they would have morning shift, then someone at the house 9-5, then a night shift. Mr. Bowen asked how it was funded - private foundation . Mr. Bowen asked if any came from federal or state government? not now. Mr. Bowen asked where the women/children would be coming from - that is unknown, could be out of state.
  
  Mr. Bowen said there is a need for it, but are security concerns; Genesis has a large fence. They plan to have fencing and alarms. Mr. Bowen said his concern that some abusive parties could travel here. They plan to work with the police. The applicant is an abuse survivor, has been in facilities, will work to get the women back into society and provide safety. The applicant said she has many advisors she can call, has an advisory board, half of which have experienced abuse. Chairman Wilcoxson says the question is if you have help - counselors are not good administrators. Applicant plans to have a full staff, with directors and counselors.
  
  Mr. Bowen says the wording for halfway house are good. Chairman Wilcoxson appreciates the attention to parking, expressed concern that as Forney is so small, it will become known where the home is. Mr. Bowen asked if the house would not require a CUP - correct.

  Mr. Bowen would like language that the non-profit should have experience . . . . Chairman Wilcoxson asked if there was some way to prevent someone profiting from a non-profit. Halfway houses would be easier to do that with. Mr. Rexrode asked if were annual inspections for CUP - Mr. Morgan said to make sure are complying with ordinances, probably in conjunction with fire marshal. Council can at any time revoke a CUP. Mr. Cross likes the 4-car-street-parking limit, and asked about fencing. Mr. Morgan said no requirement in the ordinance. Residential fencing would not allow front fencing.