Central Wichita Falls Revitalization Area Committee Minutes - 12/03/2024 MINUTES
Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee
December 3, 2024
PRESENT:
Jose Garcia •Member
Councilor Whitney Flack •Member
Larry Fox •Member
Mike Mitchell •Chairman
Nadia Menchaca •WFAAC Liaison
Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager •City Staff
Christal Cates, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator •City Staff
ABSENT:
Councilor Robert Brooks •Member
Wendy Browder •Vice Chair
Ann Arnold-Ogden •Member
Andrea Robles •Member
GUEST:
Wayne Pharries, Planning&Zoning Commissioner •Guest
Doug McCulloch, Planning&Zoning Commissioner •Guest
Steve Wood, Planning&Zoning Commissioner • Guest
Jeremy Woodward, Planning&Zoning Commissioner •Guest
Debi Johnson, Developer&Resident •Guest
Cherie Newman, Developer&Property Owner •Guest
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Mike Mitchell called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m., and all attendees
were introduced.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Mitchell asked if any members of the public wished to speak. No
comments were made.
VII. NEW COUNCIL OATH OF OFFICER
New Oath of Office administered to new Councilwoman Whitney Flack.
VIII. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
Councilwoman Flack moved to approve the minutes from October 31st, 2024, as
presented. Committee member, Jose Garcia seconded. The motion passed
unanimously, 4-0.
IX. REGULAR AGENDA
1. Zoning in the Neighborhood Revitalization Area
Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 2 December 3, 2024
Mr. Fabian Medellin presented a brief review of Zoning and what was covered
during the discussion at the last meeting. Mr. Medellin discussed setbacks and
what setback requirements were for each of the zoning districts found in the
Neighborhood Revitalization Area of Single Family-2 Residential (SF-2), Multi-
Family Residential (MFR), Limited Commercial (LC), General Commercial (GC),
River Development District (RDD) and special districts of Commercial Corridor
(CC), Brook Avenue District (BA).
Next, Mr. Medellin discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) in residential areas,
covering what was classified as a residential accessory, the uses allowed, and the
specific setbacks and requirements. It was suggested by Planning & Zoning
Commission member, Wayne Pharries that those setbacks be reduced to allow a
larger building envelope for residents. There was much discussion among the P&Z
Commission, Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, staff and guests regarding
uses, ADU's, and setbacks.
Another topic discussed that shapes the development of the neighborhood was
reducing the percentage of buildable space from 50% to 75% of the property. Mr.
Medellin advised staff, with the guidance of the Committees and public could
broaden or narrow the wording of the Ordinances to what they would like to see in
this neighborhood. Mr. Medellin specified what could be changed that would apply
to just the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) and what would affect the
entire City of Wichita Falls.
Parking, was briefly discussed, particularly how certain requirements for a change
in use of an existing neighborhood structure could trigger additional parking needs,
potentially hindering future development. A brief discussion on the impact of
parking requirements, with the Committee noting firsthand challenges with parking
and its effects on growth and development within the already established
neighborhood.
Staff encouraged the Committee to review the topics discussed during the meeting,
focusing on any factors that might impede neighborhood growth and development.
Mr. Medellin informed the Committee that at the next scheduled meeting on
December 17th, staff would present similar proposed modifications aimed at
fostering development and streamlining the development process successfully
used in other cities.
X. OTHER BUSINESS
Mrs. Cates stated the Bridwell Park Block Party was a huge success with over 400
attendees and information from over 90 surveys was gathered. Mrs. Cates advised
the name chosen for the neighborhood would be The Heart of the Falls. More
information gathered from the surveys would be sent to the Committee in a future
email.
Updates on demolition orders approved by City Council for properties in the
neighborhood were given. Staff advised 2132 Avenue H, 2002 11th Street, and
1817 9th Street had been approved for demo at the City Council meeting held
earlier that day.
Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 3 December 3, 2024
Staff advised the Committee the submission of the Community Change Grant was
done on November 20th. The grant was picked up by the Environmental Protection
Agency from Grants.gov and is currently being reviewed. Staff is awaiting
information.
Nadia Menchaca, from the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture, invited
everyone to the Arts Alliance Christmas party on December 12th, from 2-4 p.m. at
1005 9th Street, Ste. 102.
Xl. ADJOURN
Staff advised it had been brought to their attention that the current meeting time
would not allow all members to attend and advised an email to select a new
meeting day and/or time would be sent out by staff the following day. Chairman
Mitchell advised that the upcoming meeting would tentatively be on December 17th
at the regularly scheduled time of 4 pm, back at the Arts Alliance, located at 1005
gth Street, Suite 102.
Staff thanked the P&Z Committee members for attending as well as the input given
by guests and the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. Chairman Mitchell
adjourned the meeting at 5:03.
lig/f7/ X
ike Mitchell, Chairman Date
Fab' dellin, Al P, Planning Manager Date