2012-11-05 Meeting Report (Verizon Wireless Expansion)SPIN MEETING REPORT
CASE NO.
ZA12-096
PROJECT NAME:
Verizon Wireless Expansion
SPIN DISTRICT:
SPIN # 1
MEETING DATE:
November 5,2012;7:00PM
MEETING LOCATION:
1400Main Street, Southlake, TX
Training Rooms3C–3D
TOTAL ATTENDANCE:
Ten(10)
SPIN REPRESENTATIVE(S) PRESENT:
Rob Baker#1
APPLICANT(S) PRESENTING:
Wick Fisher White, Jacobs Wyper, et al (5)
STAFF PRESENT:
Caroline Eckel, Planner I
STAFF CONTACT:
Richard Schell, Planner II:(817)748-8602or rschell@ci.southlake.tx.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Property Situation
The Verizon Campusis located at 500 W. Dove Road, bordered by S.H. 114 to the west
and Kirkwood Blvd. to the east.
Development Details
SitePlan proposed for atwo-phase, two-story Verizon Wireless expansion with
approximately 5,380 square feet of floor area on each floor and an approximately 6,500
square foot service yard.
Phase I of the expansion will be for equipment storage. Phase II would happen at a later
date, and is currently undesignated space. It could house additional equipment or be
used for administration.No additional parking required.
Theplan presentedat SPIN:
Phase I
Phase II
QUESTIONS / CONCERNS
Can you see it from S.H. 114?
Phase I, no. You would only see the top of the parapet of the existing building.
o
Phase II, you may see the top of the parapet.
Will the expansion add to the noise level?
This expansion should not add any additional noise, beyond the current noise
o
level. The added generators in this area are part of a redundant system, so they
will not run all of the time. They will be exercised once a month.
With the current expansion under way, there are already additions to the building with
new generators, and now you’re adding more generators?I am concerned that the noise
will increase.
This is a redundant system, exercised monthly, and only running when the other
o
system is down. We will conduct a sound study.
Another developer is proposing a residential development on theproperty north of the
Verizon Campus, Williamsburg Estates. The backyards of those homes may face this
new expansion.
We will coordinate with thedeveloper.
o
Although the expansion is not visible from the road, we would prefer anything other than
chain link fencing.
It is tucked behind the building, and you will never see it.
o
The current phase of construction –although it’s not part of this proposed project—has
killed trees along the perimeter of the site, and the locationsof the construction trailers
are awful.
We will report back.
o
Once the second story is added during Phase II, will you not see this addition from S.H.
114 or the service road?
You may see the top corner of the parapet. Maybe.
o
If, in the future, additional development occurs around the propertyand trees are
removed, will thegenerators/chain link fence be visible? We don’t wantthe entrance to
our city to look industrial.
Very little would be visible. Landscaping on our property buffers the view.
o
We still don’t like the chain link fence. It is not appropriate for our city. We would prefer a
masonry wall for sound abatement.
The proposed chain link fence is matching the existing chain link fencing
o
currently used on the back side of the property.
Please coordinate with the developer of Williamsburg Estates to the north. We are
concerned about low home values in that area adjacent to S.H. 114, and the view of this
expansion may make those homes more difficult to sell. It is important for us to preserve
property values.
We will coordinate with that developer, conduct a sound study, and look closely
o
again at our sightlines. We are sure that landscaping on both properties will
provide a buffer.
Since the proposed expansion includes a large space for equipment storage, will this
cause more truck traffic in the area, for deliveries or distribution?
No, the equipment is for use within the building. It is data center equipment.
o
The current construction yard on the Verizon Campus has been problematic. Where will
the construction yard/staging befor thisproject?
We would have an open bid for this project. However,it would be convenientif
o
the group working on the current project could stay. Their construction
trailers/equipment would already be in place and we would not need to set up a
new staging area.
The current construction site has a temporary parking lot, is it planned to become
permanent?This proposed expansion will require no additional parking?
We believe the current temporary lot is planned to become permanent; additional
o
parking was planned as part of the original campus. It is likely needed to
accommodate visitors to the building, but no additional parking will be needed for
this proposed expansion. The proposed space is being used only to house
equipment.
With all of the construction, and especially with the additional parking becoming
permanent, additional landscaping along Kirkwood Blvd. is important to us. Homes back
up to Kirkwood along the east side of the campus. Additional landscaping and
replacement of trees would help provide a buffer.
rd
The 3Phase of Kirkwood Hollow often experiences power outages, especially during
the summer. We wonder if this neighboring campus drains our power.
We have excellent back-up systems in place which help to prevent us from losing
o
power. So it may appear that our lights are on when yours are out, but we just
have extensive emergency systems in place.
SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN Representatives. The report is neither verbatim nor official
meeting minutes; rather it serves to inform elected and appointed officials, City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents and
the general responses made.Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as guarantees by the applicant.Interested parties are
strongly encouraged to follow the case through the Planning and Zoning Commission and final action by City Council.