Rezoning Request: Loop 410 near Glencrest

Next Rezoning Meeting for District 7 Scheduled for May 2nd

Dear Oak Hills Citizens Association Neighbors,
 
ICYMI: 
Back in 2022, we received a presentation from the Kaufman Group about a rezoning request for the empty lot of 3 acres of land on the access road of Loop 410 near Glencrest (next to Frost Bank - see map below). Attorneys William Kaufman and Erin Bley made the presentation on behalf of their client, who was interested in purchasing the land and rezoning it for their proposed development. (2023 update: the land is now purchased)

*You can view the original 2022 presentation in the video player below or by clicking here:
 https://youtu.be/ce3YxLLbw6E

The current zoning is set to O2 for office buildings; they are proposing to rezone it to the least intense zoning classification of "C2 CD AHOD" which is a General Commercial District with conditional use for auto sales. This would limit the type of commercial business that could go on this property. For instance, it would prevent the owners of the property from opening a bar, nightclub, or other late-night business without the approval of the neighborhood.

For the TLDR folks - Jump ahead to the 2023 situation:

For 2023 Updates: Read our Blog with the Rezoning Details presented at the April 18th Zoning Meeting.

For 2022 Updates Read On:

The Kaufman Group is representing World Car Kia, which operates several self-financed dealerships in the area. This spot near our neighborhood - but outside of our covenants jurisdiction - has been selected to have a new generation of auto dealerships built for Kia. They will buy the land and are seeking to put a Gallery Design-styled dealership there. This plan calls for a smaller footprint that Kia indicates is more neighborhood-friendly in design.  

The service areas are fully enclosed to mitigate noise or sound. The facilities will not do body work or paint work. That will be done offsite. Kia will offer "light service" work such as oil, tires, and brake changes. At this location, a car would go into the side bay and all service would be conducted inside and enclosed doors instead of any outdoor space or lot. 
 
The initial design overview we were given is:

• No service bays facing the neighborhood
• Use of 100% Downlighting - nothing will shine towards the neighborhood
• Hours of Operation - no sales late at night 
• No access to the neighborhood from the site 

Below is a prototype of the design, which is a one-story facility. There would be a sales display in the front. The back of the facility facing the neighborhood would be a wall, with no activity to disrupt the neighborhood. Below are a few photos of the proposed design. The hope is they are a good neighbor. 
 

Kia Gallery Design - Front Elevation

Kia Gallery Design - Lobby View
 

Kia Gallery Design - Service Entrance on the Side

As in 2022, the current approach to this rezoning request remains the same - The company's ask is that we provide them with our questions and concerns about the rezoning uses. From the input received and agreed-upon terms, the Kaufman Group can submit a record of restrictive covenants, which is an agreement that whoever owns the property will be limited to what they can do. The covenant runs with the land. It cannot be amended without the approval of the neighborhood. This record of restrictive covenant can memorialize the agreement that is binding. Some examples would be lighting, hours of operation, etc  
 
As stated in 2022, the previous and current OHCA board continues to gather information to share at meetings, events, and online. It has been our responsibility to communicate the information we received and we implore you to provide your feedback and participate in the decision. Please submit your feedback to the Zoning Commission in time to be considered for the next meeting. 
 
This is an opportunity to let the Kaufman Group and their client be aware of your opinions so they can find a solution that is a good fit for the lot and our neighborhood.