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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-09 ACE MINUTES• ALLIANCE F OR COMMER CE IN ENGLEWOOD October 9, 2003 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Alliance for Commerce in Englewood (ACE) was called to order in the City Council Conference Room of the Englewood Ci vie Center at 11 :35 a.m. Chairman Nick Panetta presided. Members Present: Members Absent: Liaison Present: Guest Present: Staff Present: Cook, McDermott, Rees , Panetta Ashenfelter, Guinther, Schalk Councilman Yurchick Councilwoman Wolosyn Business Development Specialist Hollingsworth Senior Planner Mark Graham Long-range Planner John Voboril II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 10, 2003 Chairman Panetta asked for consideration of the Minutes of September 10 , 2003. • Cook moved: • McDermott seconded: The Minutes of September 10, 2003 be approved as written. AYES : NAYS : ABSTAIN : ABSENT: Cook, McDermott , Rees, Panetta None None Ashenfelter, Guinther, Schalk The motion carried. III. SUMMARIZATION OF LAST MEETING Chairman Panetta briefly summarized topics of discussion from the September l01h meeting. IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Activity R eport Mr. Hollingsworth led discussion on the Activity Report , citing inquiries for business locations , the status of the inquiries , and those that look promising for location in Englewood. Mr. Hollingsworth also updated the membership on the Catalyst Program , noting that 12 projects are underway or have been completed to date this year, and the projection of additional catalyst pro- jects completed before year's end . H:\G RO UP\BOARDS \AC E\Mi nut es\2 00 3\ l 0-9-2003 .doc 1 • • • Mr. Vasilas and Mr. Graham entered the meeting during the above discussion, and took chairs with the membership. Mr. Rees inquired about progress on the Becker's Appliance site on South Broadway. Mr. Hol- lingsworth stated that they have not followed through on their catalyst proposal , however, they are an approved project for 2003 . B. Economic Development Strategv Chairman Panetta introduced Mr. John Voboril, and asked Mr. Voboril to inform the member- ship of his work with the City. Mr. Voboril stated he is a Long-range Planner in the Department of Community Development, and worked on the Economic Development Strategy draft the membership will consider. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that the Economic Development Strategy is a first draft, and is de- signed for a five to seven-year framework. The Strategy Plan evolved from input received from participants in the 2002 Business Forums hosted by ACE. The goal of the business forums was to create a vision for the business community, and develop strategies to reach that vision. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that the ED Strategy Plan is a document that will require approval by the Planning Commission and by the City Council, and will be an amendment to the recently ap- proved 2003 Englewood Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that staff would like support of the ED Strategy Plan from the ACE membership , and hoped that the Greater Engle- wood Chamber of Commerce and business community would buy in to the goals , objectives, and strategies set forth in the Plan . Mr. Hollingsworth discussed a possible timeframe to get the Strategy before the City Council, but the timing can be extended. Mr. Hollingsworth then reviewed the Plan text, noting that this text is part of the 2003 Engle- wood Comprehensive Plan. The text sets forth the goals and objectives within the Plan. A ma- trix has been developed , fleshing out the strategies in detail , establishes priorities, timeframe , roles of ACE and Chamber of Commerce , staff roles, and issues where consulting assistance may be needed. Mr. Cook asked how such a plan will be policed and maintained. Mr. Hollingsworth pointed out prioritization of the strategies, from one to three. He stated he anticipated other partners (Cham- ber etc.) will help make the plan a reality, and that the goals , objectives, and strategies can be broken down to develop a yearly work program for ACE , staff, and participating partners. Ms. McDermott commented that the ED Strategy Plan is "daunting", but is very thorough and well-thought out. It appears that ACE will be a very impo1tant part of this Plan in leadership and research roles. She did point out there is considerable reference to use of consultants, and ques- tioned whether this is feasible with the budgetary constraints the City is facing. She stated that this aspect of the Plan needs further discussion. Mr. Voboril stated that the Plan was developed as something that will encompass several years. Many of the items prioritized #1 may be worked on for one or two years before the next step is H:\GROUP\BOARDS\ACE'u\llinutes\2003\10-9-2003 .doc 2 • • • reached. Full budgeting to implement a specific goal, objective, or strategy may not be needed at one time, but can be phased or addressed as each step is considered. Mr. Panetta asked if the intent is to engage the business community and get their .support, how will the document be made available to the community, how will the business community be in- formed. Will forums be scheduled to present the Plan? Mr. Hollingsworth stated that informa- tion on the ED Strategy will be included in the Business Fax that is sent monthly to all busi- nesses; the Plan will be placed on the City web page, and information can also be included in the Englewood Citizen. Mr. Hollingsworth reiterated that all who participated in the 2002 Business Forums did have input on issues contained in the Plan, and the Planning Commission will have to review the document as well as hold a Public Hearing on it before recommending it to City Council. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that the Plan can also be made available to the Chamber for their membership to review and comment. Mr. Panetta stated that as much exposure of the Plan to the business community as possible would be beneficial. He also suggested that whatever form the information takes, a list of ACE membership should be included so that an interested business person can contact them if they so desire. Mr. Hollingsworth asked that ACE membership review this document, and if they feel that an important issue has been eliminated from the list to please contact him . He stated that one item he is aware of that was not included is development of a "Welcome to Englewood packet" for new businesses . The Matrix was discussed briefly . Mr. Voboril clarified that highlighting some portions and not others is only a means of visual enhancement -every other strategy was highlighted. Ms. McDermott noted that a lot of the Priority #1 's are current and on-going projects. Are these cur- rent and on-going projects projected to continue for the entire timeframe? Mr. Voboril stated that a number of the projects are "continuous projects" with no start/stop dates. Mr. Vasilas questioned what relationship exists between the medical campus, the City, and the Chamber of Commerce, and how local businesses can encourage employees of the medical cam- pus to shop locally. Members pointed out that many employees of the medical campus are shift workers , with very limited time for lunch hours and short breaks not conducive to leaving the campus to shop. It was suggested that efforts be made to communicate with the upper manage- ment of Swedish and Craig Hospitals on advantages of shopping local stores and ask that this information be provided to all their employees . Mr. Hollingsworth stated that a shuttle system will be implemented in the near future between the medical campus, the business district, and the light rail stations; hopefully, this will provide a means to inform those employees and encourage shopping at local stores. Ms. McDermott noted that with some development for medical func- tions now being located to the west of Broadway , it may provide an opportunity for employees that may travel from one medical campus area to another to become aware of business outlets that are of interest to them. Mr. Rees commented that it is his belief the status change of the hospital from "non-profit" to "for-profit" has some bearing on participation of the hospital staff with the Chamber and other H:\GRO UP\BOARDS \AC E\Minutes\2003\10-9 -2 00 3.doc 3 • • • City organizations. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Vasilas reiterated that the medical campus should be approached to let them know what is in downtown Englewood, and to encourage their employees to shop locally. Mr. Hollingsworth noted that Englewood has a large employment base and cited Gart's Sports, the medical campus (Swedish Medical and Craig Rehabilitation hospitals), the businesses located in Bank One and Wells Fargo . He asked if ACE membership had any ideas or recommendations to assist in outreach to those employees. Mr. Panetta noted that at one time there was an Englewood Merchant's Association that was ac- tive. Mr. Vasilas stated the Merchant's Association doesn't exist any more. Mr. Panetta sug- gested that the downtown merchants should get together to come up with means to attract shop- pers to their area; he commented that he does not perceive this as an ACE function. He com- mented on the need to encourage more participation by businesses in the Chamber of Commerce , and to make the Chamber Directory available to the business community and their employees. He suggested asking Ms. Ashenfelter, ACE member representing Swedish Medical Center, what can be done to encourage more inter-action with the business community and the medical cam- pus employees. Mr. Voboril further commented on the development of the ED Strategy Plan. Segments of the community were studied and a "void analysis" done -what uses are needed that Englewood does not provide ; uses and services that Englewood has and provides , and determine how we can build on this information . Mr. Cook commented on the need for a good business mix. We should explore ways to encour- age not only employees within the City to shop at the local businesses , but to also attract shop- pers from outside our boundaries. He pointed out that there is no "theme" for the City that would attract shoppers to the City. Mr. Hollingsworth pointed out that Broadway is a unique commercial corridor, and suggested that there are a couple of themes that could be built upon - around the CityCenter and light rail area ; the Sports Authority and Recreation Center area being two. Brief discussion ensued. Ms. McDermott noted that the ED Strategy Draft Plan represents a huge amount of work on the part of staff, and on the part of ACE members to critique it. Mr. Hollingsworth suggested the membership might be interested in scheduling extra meetings to go through the Plan. Mr. Cook suggested that each member could review the plan , and transmit comments through e-mail to Mr. Hollingsworth. Discussion ensued on ways to critique the plan-individually, or on a group ba- sis. The consensus was that the next meeting will be devoted to review and discussion of the ED Strategy Plan. Mr. Yurchick stated that in his opinion, it will require more that one or two meet- ings to really review the Plan in depth; he wants to take ample time to provide good review and input opportunity. Mr. Hollingsworth stated that there is no "set in stone" deadline to get the document to the Planning Commission or to the City Council, and if ACE wants to take the next several meetings to review the document that is fine . H :\G RO UP\BOARDS\ACE\M inutes\2003\ I 0-9-2003 .doc 4 • • • v . OLD BUSINESS A. South Broadwav Plan 2003 Mr. Panetta noted that the Plan was a topic of discussion at the Chamber Governmental Affairs meeting, and asked for a report on that meeting. Both Ms. Wolosyn and Mr. Rees attended the meeting and provided a brief update . Ms. Wolosyn stated that much of the discussion centered on the car dealerships, and they are very concerned about "condemnation". She stated that Chamber member Sanchez and "Brian" from Burt on Broadway, did much to allay concerns. Ms . Wolosyn also noted that Mr. Guanella from Burt on Broadway stated that valuation of land is based on visibility and traffic volume , and not so much on the use of the land. Mr. Rees agreed that use of the word "condemn " in the South Broadway Plan 2003 "scares everyone"; he suggested removal of that word would go quite a way to eliminate concerns. Mr. Rees stated the fact that the Plan is "loose" helps , and issues can be "tied down" once development or redevel- opment begins to occur. Mr. Rees referenced developments like Kaiser, where the development extends across the alley to the street front, but they acquired land themselves and didn't "force" anyone out. Mr. Graham commented on the meeting before City Council where a number of the residents expressed their concerns, and that these concerns centered on fear of "condemnation and bull- dozing". Mr. Graham stated that a lot of misinformation has been circulated throughout the community, and has roused the fears of residents that their homes will be taken by the City. This allegation is untrue . Mr. Graham stated that this Plan does not give anyone the power to use the tool of condemnation, and removal of the word "condemn " will not eliminate the power to use condemnation -the City Charter gives that power to the City Council , and condemnation is a tool that should be available to the City in some instances. Mr. Graham provided a brief defini- tion of the word "condemn " and "condemnation power". Mr. Graham noted that the Urban Re- newal Authority made use of condemnation powers during the 1980's redevelopment efforts. Mr. Graham emphasized that use of condemnation powers will not be used to implement the South Broadway Plan 2003 -acquisition of property will not be done by the City, but by private sector developers. Ms. Wolosyn suggested the Plan might be reworded a bit to eliminate use of the word "con- demn", and noted that a majority of the people reading the Plan may not understand the meaning of the word. Mr. Graham stated that in response to the public concern expressed at the City Council meeting, two meetings , open to the public , are scheduled: October 15 in the Community Room at 6:30 p.m., and October 23 in the City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Staff will be present the Plan , discuss the intent of the Plan, and respond to questions. Postcards providing notice of these meetings are being mailed no later than October 101 h to all property owners and residents within three blocks of either side of South Broadway. A third meeting may be scheduled, but no date has been determined. Mr. Graham stated that the Plan is a business plan, and business owners are aware of the Plan. Mr. Graham stated that he has been meeting with a sub-committee of auto dealers regarding their concerns. H:\G RO U P\BOARDS\ACE \M i nute s\2003\ I 0-9-2003 .doc 5 • • • Mr. Graham discussed the "node" concept, and noted that at Dartmouth and Broadway there is currently one use -Nathan's Funtastic Fun -that presently extends to South Acoma Street. The permitted height would not change in the "node" area -structures currently are allowed 60 ft. height in the B-2 District. Professional office buildings are allowed along South Acoma Street in this area, and would continue to be allowed. Mr. Graham emphasized that the "node" concept is intended to provide flexibility for development and use types. Mr. Graham also emphasized the willingness of the City to work with developers or investors interested in doing something along the corridor, but that it will be the responsibility of the developer or investor to assemble land needed to accommodate their proposal. Mr. Graham further addressed the issue of auto-dealerships along the Broadway corridor, and the movement being considered to revamp State tax laws to split sales tax revenues between the ju- risdiction of sale origin and jurisdiction of vehicle ownership. Mr. Graham stated that if the tax laws can be changed, it would result in substantially i_ncreased revenues from the Broadway cor- ridor. Mr. Graham spoke to the goal of "concentration" of like businesses (auto dealerships, for exam- ple) in one "district'', and the belief that this concentration would encourage location of acces- sory or related businesses in this same area. Mr. Graham suggested, for instance, that the down- town area might work to attract more entertainment venues to complement the Gothic Theater. Accessory or compatible uses in an entertainment area could be development of quality restau- rants offering vaiious cuisines . Mr. Panetta asked what Mr. Graham sought from ACE. Mr. Graham stated that he hoped ACE could endorse the Plan as written, or with a few caveats if they could endorse the Plan. Mr. Pa- netta asked how Mr. Graham feels the Plan, as currently written, is perceived by the public: a win-win for the City, residents, and business community? Mr. Graham stated that the auto deal- ers feel they are "losers" in the PJan as written. Ms. Wolosyn commented that references to elimination of alleys and rezoning entire blocks scare people, and that many people question whether high density residential should be devel- oped along the Broadway corridor. Mr. Graham stated that he had read the letter from the Bon- nie Brae Hobby Shop owner expressing those concerns, and that people like the "SO's character" of Englewood. Mr. Graham suggested that people should begin to liken the downtown area to "LoDo" in Denver-think entertainment, residential, and business uses and the day's activities in the area can be expanded from a typical 12-hour day to maybe an 18-hour day, and could enrich the existing commercial area. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Rees reiterated that the Plan should be kept "loose" and "vague"; remove references to condemnation and vacation of alleys. If an alley needs to be vacated in the future to accommodate a large development, the issue can be revisited at that time. Ms. McDer- mott agreed, and emphasized that the Plan should not be used to condemn the car lots. Engle- wood doesn't need to get the reputation of not welcoming businesses. Mr. Vasilas stated that the City needs to support a welcoming business climate . H :\G ROUP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\2003\ I 0-9-2003 .doc 6 • • • Mr. Graham pointed out that the South Broadway Plan 2003 is a "policy" document -not a regu- latory document. It will be adopted by resolution at the City Council level, and is an amendment to the 2003 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Graham further expanded on his efforts to work with the auto dealers, and issues that are being explored such as developing criteria for establishment of new dealerships. Existing dealerships will probably be "grandfathered" in, but new dealerships would have to be approved by the Planning Commission . Mr. Graham stated that he understood that ACE is recommending elimination of reference to "condemn" or "condemnation", and alley vacations. The membership concurred. Mr. Panetta asked what the next step is for ACE in this matter. Mr. Graham stated that the timing on present- ing the Plan to Council for formal action has changed. Mr. Graham suggested that he make the changes in the Plan as suggested by ACE, and bring it before the membership in November for further consideration and endorsement. Mr. Panetta asked that Mr. Graham also, at that meeting, provide a summarization of the upcom- ing public meetings cited previously by Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham stated he would do so. VI. COMMENTS AND EVENTS Ms. McDermott stated that the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After-Hours get- together this evening. Ms. McDermott recalled that she had offered to write an article about ACE for information , and asked how the membership wanted this article released -as a press release to the newspaper, through the Englewood Citizen, or some other media means. Mr. Hollingsworth suggested in- cluding a small article as part of the Business Matters fax that is sent out monthly to all business establishments . It was agreed that this issue be discussed further at the November meeting. VII. ACTION ITEMS Action items generated in this meeting include: > Critique the Economic Development Strategy Plan > Modification of the South Broadway Plan 2003. VIII. AGENDA ITEMS > Economic Development Strategy Plan > South Broadway Plan 2003 > ACE Informational Article The meeting was declared adjourned at 1 :07 p.m. dertrude G. Welty, Recording Seer H:\GRO UP\BOARDS\ACE\Minutes\200 3\10-9-2003 .doc 7