COUNCIL TO WEIGH IN
Homeowner wants special-use permit in residential area
Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

-- Courtesy Photo Coach Tammy Rooney, Christopher Braaten, Ryan Morris, Kailee Schmitz, Amber Braaten, Damien Pettigrew and Coach Nannette Woodall pose for one last photo as the tennis season comes to an end at Regionals.

When Bullard City Council next meets, it's likely many residents of Bullard Heights subdivision will be in attendance.

On April 19, Bullard's planning and zoning commission conducted a public hearing to discuss and make a recommendation on a special-use permit for a print shop in the restricted neighborhood.

The five zoning board members present all agreed that they could not recommend the permit for the business - even if -- as the landowner said - it's unobtrusive.

Member Terry Cowan spoke to audience members once all the comments were made.

"We try to be guided by the neighborhood, " he said. "If they have no objection, then we're usually okay with it. It not, we must take that under consideration, " he said.

And since there were many who spoke against the measure, the commission denied recommending the permit when it goes to city council on May 8.

Property owner Tony Brazil did his best to assuage his neighbors and also said he bought the land from owners who told him that the land wasn't in the city limits and therefore not bound by zoning requirements.

"I didn't move in to be a business," Brazil said. "There are no signs, no trucks, no traffic.

"It's just a supplement to my social security."

Resident Carl King believed that while that might be the case, he was still opposed to any business in the area.

"It was residential when it was developed and we request the commission allow it to stay that way," he said.

Jimmy Cantrell, also opposed to the action, was concerned about property valuation, as well.

"I've lived there since 1980, and I moved there because of the residential zoning," he said.

Mayor Pro Tem - who attended the meeting - spoke about his concerns for the legalities of the move.

"Not only would this set a dangerous precedent, but I think that even if the city were to sign off on it, it still wouldn't be allowed," he said.

Hines said Bullard Heights is a restricted community, and therefore has rules and regulations to follow that usually go above and beyond the city's ordinances.

"We - the council - don't have any authority to override deed restrictions," Hines said.

King said he didn't want anything contentious, and he didn't want to cause hard feelings.

"We want to be good neighbors," King said. "But we also want to protect the neighborhood."

Brazil, his wife and son all took turns speaking - and all basically affirming the same thing. Brazil has already built a 1,500 square foot tin building in which to house his three presses.

"You can't hear the machines," Brazil said. "There won't be any advertising for the business, I just want to continue to serve the few churches that I've been doing work for for years.

"No one will even know it's there."

Commissioners asked Brazil if he could possibly incorporate space into the home they're building for the press, but Brazil said his wife couldn't stand the noise.

Brazil indicated he would follow the request all the way to council.

Commissioner Connie Lyles explained the procedure to the Brazil family.

"We are a review committee," Lyles said. "It's our job to make recommendations to the council.

"But even if we all agreed, you have to remember you're up against deed restrictions."

Bullard City Council will hold its next regular meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Bullard City Hall.

The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 903-894-7223.

Amber Braaten recently took a trip with her fellow tennis players and coaches to Texas A&M in Allen to compete in the Region 11-AAA Tennis Championships, April 25 and 26.

"Amber played very well," Coach Tammy Rooney said, "We are very proud of her and her season this year."

Braaten had a 3rd place seeding in the regional tournament by winning 1st place in the recent 14-AAA district tournament and her placement in recent season tournaments and dual matches.

In the first rounds of the Regional competition Braaten defeated Brittany Stone of White Oak 6-4, 6-2. Later she then went on to defeat Jackie Pericone of Pleasant Grove 6- 4, 6-4.

During the semi-final and final rounds Braaten faced off with the 2nd seed, Brittany Perry of Kaufman, were she was defeated 6-4, 6-7.

Then for 3rd place in the tournament Braaten took on Sarah Case from Van but was defeated 6-2, 6-7.

Mixed doubles partners Kailee Schmitz and Ryan Morris along with boy singles player, Christopher Braaten also traveled to Allen as alternates after placing 3rd in district play.

"We had a excellent tennis season this year," Coach Rooney said, "I would like to thank all our parents for their support through out the season."