HomeMy Public PortalAbout19840802CCMeeting1
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Tybee Island, Georgia
August 2, 1934
The regular meeting of the Tybee Island City Council was
held at City Hall on Thursday, August 2, 1984. Mayor Charles J.
Hosti presided, welcoming an unusually large audience at 7:30 p.m.
Members of City Council present were: Paul Jackson, Jeanne Hutton,
S. J. Orsini, David McCutchen and Christopher P. Solomon. The City
Attorney, Thomas J. Mahoney, Jr., was also present. Absent was
City Councilman John Wylly.
The first visitor to speak, at the Mayor's invitation,
was Jeff Schroeder, President of the local Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber would like to sponsor a street dance in the South End
Parking Lot on Saturday, August 25th. Mr. Jerry Rodgers would be
a co- sponsor. Councilperson Chris Solomon spoke in favor of the
plan; there were questions from others concerning the time, exact
location and the extra services that would be needed, if any. Mr.
Schroeder promised to present Council with a written statement
of these details.
The next speaker was Charlie Masterpoulis, a local merchant,
asking for a Resolution naming Second Avenue for T. S. Chu. The
proposal met with favorable response from the large audience, and
Mayor Hosti promised that the.matter will be taken up under regular
business later in the meeting.
Mayor Hosti then opened the meeting for a public hearing
on a petition for re- zoning by Francis E. Williams, III for property
familiarly known as the "old golf course tract" (PIN # 4 -02 -23 -001)
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August 2, 1984
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and consisting of twelve or thirteen acres, more or less, located
in Fort Ward. (Blocks 2 through 6, or portions thereof). Mayor
Hosti instructed the audience that the meeting will be conducted
by the Roberts Rules of Order, and that he expects courtesy so
that everyone who wishes to speak can be heard. He explained
that this hearing is to consider approval or disapproval of a
preliminary plan only - final development plans would go back to
Planning Commission and be heard again by the City Council prior
to the granting of a building permit. He further stated that
the following order of speakers will be in effect: first, the
applicant and /or his agent(s), then persons speaking in favor of
the project, then all those opposing the project, ending with a
summation by a representative of each group.
The first to speak for the petitioner was an attorney, Mr.
Edward T. Brennan who filed a constitutional objection against
the Tybee Island Planning Commission's action of July 2nd, 1984.
He then spoke at length in favor of the re- zoning, concluding
with the argument that the development of the island is in the
best interests of the small businessmen and the city for economic
reasons.
Mr. Francis E. Williams, III, then spoke, stating that PUD
classification was recommended for this property by the Master
Plan of 1975 prepared by a previous planning commission and the
Metropolitan Planning Commission. He added that he believes this
to be the best use of the land because it leaves 70% of the land
August 2, 1984
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in its natural state. He stated his belief that economic pressure
will force the development of this property, and that the planning
commission's action was based,_in part, on erroneous information
that the property might be preserved in its natural state, and
also erroneously, that the owners would suffer no financial loss
if developed in another manner.
John Allgood spoke as an owner of one of the Officers' Row
houses, saying that the plan leaves more open space, more access
to the beach, and more compatibility to the existing neighborhood
than would single family residences developed randomly.
Jeff Schroeder spoke, saying that the organization "Friends
of Tybee" appeals to the emotions of people but that Tybee is a
deprived island; average incomes differ widely; small businesses
need development here; and that he believes that condominium
dwellers can provide a positive cultural, social, civic and
economic influence on the island. Mayor Hosti called the audience
to order several times during Mr. Schroeder's speech.
Earl Marlin spoke, stating that apartments bring more revenue
to the city than do single family homes, and single family homes
cost the city more in services. He added that the Friends of Tybee
have not been, to his knowledge, previously active in civic affairs
on the island, and most have never voted here. He recommended
approval of the re- zoning.
Bob Duffy, an attorney living on the South end of the island
spoke next. He stated his opinion that the issue is light and air.
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August 2, 1984
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Mr. Duffy further stated that forty years ago a plan was made
to develop the property for single family housing which never
materialized. He believes that this type of random development
results in NO PLAN at all, ignores the owners' constitutional
rights and damages the progress of small businesses on the island.
Other speakers in favor of the re- zoning were: Mrs. Loree
Anderson, Mr. Tom Bradley, III, Burt Barrett, Jr., and Anthony
P. Simon.
Speakers against re- zoning were then invited to express
opinions. The first to do so was Mr. James Kluttz, who is
President of the Friends of Tybee and owns the house at #41
Officers' Row. He reminded everyone that the developer repeatedly
stated, at the Planning Commission meeting, that the area could
be developed for single family residences. He reminded everyone,
too, that the real issue is re- zoning for higher density.
Jim Sheley spoke next of his concern for water pressure,
stating that he is not opposed to development, but he is opposed
to tax increases and he believes this project will cause taxes to
keep going up, and will increase the burden on those already living
here, both because of taxes and because of inadequate services.
Mrs. Thelma Peterson stated that she has lived in an R -1
area, at the northern tip of Officers' Row, since 1977 and believes
she and other owners are entitled to protection for their single
family neighborhood.
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August 2, 1984
Page Five
Julian Toporek, an attorney residing part -time at 31
VanHorne Drive, :spoke asking that the issue be considered on
its merits, adding that he does not believe in personal attacks
such as some of those made on the organization "Friends of
Tybee ", saying that the organization's motives are pure. He
praised the new PUD Ordinance, but stated that the developers
will probably have to ask for variances, and stressed that the
city has no professional planning staff. He reminded the group
that the Planning Commission recommended disapproval and ended
by saying he hopes to be here ten years from now, but doubts that
these developers will be.
Tom Eldridge of #31 Officers' Row spoke, saying that he
is in favor of single family residences and opposes condominiums.
Mrs. Dorothy Kluttz spoke, giving the highlights of a hand-
out prepared for the City Council and distributed to each member.
Her subject was water supply and fire protection.
Other speakers against re- zoning were: John Jarvis, Sister
Mary Jude of the Sisters of Mercy, Mrs. Betty McLendon, Paula
Sloan, Sally Spadaro, Julie Dobyns (Treasurer of Friends of Tybee
and a registered voter), Joe Shields, Mark Harris, Andrew Harris
and James Foley.
In addition to these, Michael Graham, an attorney living
part -time in a small, quaint house that was once one of the Fort's
latrines, spoke of his familiarity of coastlines here and in (North
Carolina, Virginia and New Jersey. He stated that the Friends of
Tybee
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will outlive this one issue, reminding everyone that the Historic
Savannah Foundation began with a few concerned individuals who
objected to demolition of historic buildings for such prosaic
projects as parking garages, but their organization spearheaded
the development of the City of Savannah into a quality tourist
attraction and brought many, many dollars into the area's economy.
He noted that Charles Fraser, one of Hilton Head's earliest de-
velopers, responsible in part for Sea Pines Plantation, has re-
cently called for a halt in development and a reassessment of
that island's future growth. Mr. Graham said that he has a vision
of Tybee in our grandchildren's time - 40 or 50 years from now -
and would like to see the unique character of the island enhanced
and preserved.
Sally D'Arcy said that the access paths to the beach are
flooded now as a result of recent rain and questioned how this
property, the lowest in the area, can utilize gravity drains to
correct problems of standing water; she also questioned whether
all 53 lots shown on the old plat can be developed since some of
them must extend over the dunes and thus be unbuildable under the
State Shore Assistance Act.
Sally Spadaro said that she was impressed by the profession-
alism of the Planning Commission, by their preparation for the
July hearing given the developers, and especially by the questions
prepared in advance and asked of the petitioners, adding that she
felt that not enough planning had been done by the developers.
She added that she felt the City Council should put their faith
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August 2, 1984
Page Seven
COW'
in the work of the Planning Commission.
Mr. James Kluttz summarized the position of the opposition.
Mr. Francis E. Williams, III summarized the petition of the
developers and owners, stating that the requirements of the new
PUD Ordinance, passed in July, 1934 can be met by the developers.
By unanimous consent the many letters, pro and con, were not
read, but were acknowledged for the record, including two petitions
and letters from attorneys representing clients who are property
owners in the area, from Historic Savannah Foundation, and from
the city's own Planning Commission. Opportunity to examine these
letters was given to those members of City Council who wished to
do so.
Mayor Hosti then opened the meeting for business legally
presented and stated that the vote on the question of re- zoning
would take place later in the meeting.
Mrs. Loree Anderson was then asked to come forward and Mayor
Hosti presented her with the "Citizen of the Month" award, praising
her for her many volunteer tasks, but especially for spearheading
the Blood Pressure Checks now available twice a month at City
Hall.
The minutes of the meeting of July 5th and the meeting of
July 20th were accepted as written.
Bills for the month of July were approved as follows: Water/
Sewer Department - $4,685.56, Public Works /Sanitation - $6,783.44,
Finance /General Government - $921.92, Recreation - $157.16,
Fire Department - $208.46 and Police - $1,905.32.
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A Resolution honoring Mr. T.S. Chu was read. Councilperson
Solomon moved its adoption; Councilperson Orsini seconded and the
vote was unanimously in favor. Naming Second Avenue "T.S. Chu
Avenue" was discussed at length; the audience and the Council all
seemed favorable to the plan, but it was tabled for study in case
there should be legal or other ramifications presently unknown to
the City Council.
A Resolution (copy attached) was read. The Resolution accepts
a $15,000.00 grant from the State for emergency work on the seawall
and for surveys and photographs of the strand requested by the
Scientific Task Force studying Beach Erosion. The Resolution
passed by unanimous vote.
A contract in the amount of $12,163.00 *for dune crossover
structures at 6th, 7th and 10th Streets by Councilperson Hutton
who stated that this was the low bidder of six bids and moved its
acceptance, Councilperson Solomon seconded and the motion passed
unanimously. The low bid was by Dan -D Construction, Inc.
Mayor Hosti announced the following appointments: To the
Board of Housing Appeals: Michael Kelly and Ted Erickson; to the
Board of Zoning Appeals: Bob Humphrey and Bob Wheat. Councilperson
Hutton moved, and Councilperson Orsini seconded, these nominations
and they were accepted unanimously. The terms are 4 -year terms.
An ordinance amending the parking decals ordinance was read
and Councilperson Hutton moved its acceptance on First Reading;
Councilperson Orsini seconded and the vote was four (4) to one
(1), with Councilperson Solomon opposing the amendment. The
*FUNDED BY A $60,000.00 LEGISLATIVE GRANT.
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Second Reading is scheduled for the September meeting.
The question of re- zoning heard in the public hearing
earlier was then brought up and the procedure governing PUD
projects was explained by the Mayor. It was stated that no
permanent zoning change takes!)place until the project's final
plans are approved - the re- zoning is thus provisional and, if
the project fails to meet the requirements of the ordinance by
providing an acceptable final plan within one year, then the
zoning remains Residential -One.
Councilperson Solomon requested, and was granted, a five
minute recess.
When the meeting re- convened Councilperson Hutton reminded
the group that a previous re- zoning attempt had been denied
largely because the neighbors objected and she therefore re-
quested a show of hands from those opposed who actually live
within the Fort Screven area. Councilman Solomon asked how many
of those with raised hands actually lived in apartments or multi-
family housing. There was confusion and no actual count cound
be made.
Councilperson Solomon questioned Councilperson Hutton's
objectivity due to her involvement in the Historic Fort Screven
Association and asked if her vote should be allowed.
Mayor Hosti stated that he considered the question to be
out of order, but referred it to the City Attorney who stated
that he does not believe Mrs. Hutton can be constrained from voting.
Councilman Solomon offered an apology.
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August 2, 1984
Page Ten
Councilperson Hutton requested the floor. Her request
was granted by Mayor Hosti and she spoke from the podium, leaving
her Council seat. She explained her involvement with the prepa-
ration of materials for the Historic Sites Application for the
National Registry, noting that she was at that time (1981) a
member of the Historic Fort Screven Neighborhood Association.
She reminded Council that she no longer lives in the Fort area,
but now resides on Fourteenth Street. She stated that the Fort's
historic status has no direct bearing on tonight's hearing since
the Fort will remain a Historic District regardless of the zoning
decision made by the City Council. She then spoke of her stand
on the issue, giving a number of reasons why she is opposed to
rezoning.
Several members of City Council then questioned Mr. Williams
on various points and on the future controls that the State of
Georgia and the city will exercise over the project in the develdp-
ment of ,the final plans.
Councilperson McCutchen moved that the re- zoning to PUD be
approved; Councilperson Solomon seconded and the motion passed
by a 'rote of three (3) to two (2), with Councilpersons McCutchen,
Solomon and Orsini voti:rlg in favor and Councilpersons Hutton and
Jackson opposing.
The meeting was then adjourned.
RK OF COUNCIL
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STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY OF CHATHAM
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, at the regular meeting of the City of
Chatham County, Georgia, held on August 2, 1984, a motion,,,
seconded that the City of Tybee Island agrees to the terms
between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and
authorizing the Mayor to execute said contract on behalf 'd
Island and accept the grant provided for in said contract;
S15,000.00.
and of
r4:0; and duly
cont;,ct
of Ty* Island
ItheY.City of-7ybee
amount of
Island of Chatham
t :
between the
ISland are hereby
said contract
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Ty
County, Georgia that the terms and conditions of the cont
Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the City of
agreed to, that the Mayor is authorized and empowered to
and any subsequent amendments thereto on behalf of the Ci Of Tybee Island
and the grant provided for in said contract in the amount 1 $I1000.00 is
hereby accepted to be used under the terms and conditions 4 said contract.
'Read and unanimously adopted in the regular nee
sponsor held on August 2, 1984.
ROWENA B. FRIPP
Notary Public, Chatham County. Ga.
My COmMisSim Expires July 28,1985
CITY OF!:
CHATH7
BY:
C004•1
the project
)'I8LAND
C •
T. S. CHU DAY
WHEREAS, Mr. T. S. Chu has been a good citizen of Tybee Island for more
than half a century; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chu has for 51 years contributed to the City's economic
health by operating. a fair and honest retail business at Tybee; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chu has served with distinction as a member of the Small
Business Advisory Board of the United States Government; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chu has on numerous occasions over the years provided kind
guidance and assistance to others seeking to succeed in business at
Tybee Island; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chu and the members of his three - generation family have served
the people of Tybee in a variety of civic, fraternal, and church
organizations, always setting an example of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chu's 80th birthday will be celebrated on August 26, 1984; now
THEREFORE, I, Charles J. Hosti, Mayor of the City of Tybee Island, Georgia,
and the City Council, do hereby declare and proclaim the day of
August 26, 1984, as "T. S. CHU DAY" in the City of Tybee Island,
Georgia, and urge all our citizens to join in.showing respect and
gratitude to this man of honor and dignity.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal and caused
the Seal of the City of Tybee Island to be affixed. This 2nd day
of August, 1984.
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