HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-08 PZC MINUTES•
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CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
December 8, 2015
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was ca ll ed to order at
7:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room of the Englewood Civic Center, Chair Fish
pres iding.
Present:
Absent:
Staff:
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Bleile, Brick, Freemire, King, Kinton, Knoth, Madrid, Townley, Pittinos, Fish
None
Mike Flaherty , Deputy City Manager
Harold Stitt, Senior Planner
John Voboril , Planner II
Brook Bell , Plann e r II
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• November 17, 2015 Minutes
Knoth moved :
Bleile seconded: TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 17 , 2015 MINUTES
Chair Fish asked if there were any modifications or corrections. There were none.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSE NT:
Bl e ile, Brick, Freemire, King, Kinton, Knoth, Madrid, Fish
None
Townley
None
Motion carried.
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Ill. Study Session 2015-011 2016 Work Priorities
Brook Bell reviewed the 2015 projects that were co mpl eted and th e topics that the
Commi ss ion will add ress in 2016.
Required:
El ec tion of Offi ce rs
Capital Projects
Approval of Comprehensive Plan
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Sign Code
The list of projects was developed by the Commission and include, in order of priority:
1) Accessory Dwelling Units
2) Ground Floor Commercial Requirements for Multi-Family
3) Drive-thru Setback Exemptions
4) Building Frontage Requirements in the Medical Districts
5) Parking Requirements
6) Principal Structure Dimensional Standards Review
7) Short Term Rental Regulations
The Commissioners requested joint meetings with City Council and the Englewood Urban
Renewal Authority.
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IV. Study Session 201 3-003 Englewood Forward 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update
Mr. Flaherty outlined the options for completing the review and subsequent approval of
the Comprehensive Plan. After discussion , the Commissioners agreed that their goal is to
approve the draft Comprehensive Plan at the January 20, 2016, regular meeting. The
amendments suggested by the Commission will be incorporated into the draft and will be
presented to Council with the revisions.
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Chair Fish asked the Commissioners to address the two areas of concern, Strategies and
Policies. Mr. Brick expressed concern with the topic of attracting low income housing.
Mr. King commented that the recommendation for a strategy for historic designations was
the only area where he had a concern. Mr. Bleile stated that he was satisfied with the
plan as amended. He agreed with Mr. Brick 's concern about the strategy of attracting low
income housing.
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It was the consensus of the Commission that an extra meeting in January will not be
necessary. Mr. Stitt reminded the Commission that Findings of Fact would be approved at
the first meeting in February or could be approved by e-mail in order to forward the draft
to City Council as soon as practicable. Mr. Flaherty stated that Council is amenable to
allowing the Commission extra time to work on the draft.
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Chair Fish asked for a discussion on low income housing. Mr. Knoth stated he feels low
income housing is a vital part of the community. Research indicates that having a mix of
income groups is beneficial to the surrounding properties. Low income housing provides
opportunities for those above the poverty level to afford housing in a desired area. Mr.
Kinton commented that workforce housing is very important to the community. Mr. Brick
questioned whether or not it is in the best interest of the City to recruit developers of low
income housing. Mr. Flaherty commented that there are low income projects in the City
for senio rs and there are scattered Section 8 properties throughout Englewood. Workforce
housing limits are aligned with the median income in Englewood. Opportunities to
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promote home ownership of single-family homes are limited but by encouraging the use
of CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority) programs it would be possible. Staff will
re-examine the verbiage regarding housing costs as the Commissioners do not wish to
promote or discourage low income housing.
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Pol icy Recommendations
The Commissioners discussed the general elements of the recommended policies. Mr.
Knoth had concerns about the Romans Park area and whether or not retai I is an
appropriate strategy for old Hampden. Concern over recommendations for rezoning of
the Joshua School on University was discussed; Mr. Bell elaborated on the state of the
PUD (Planned Unit Development) and the amendment to the PUD that may be requested
by the property owner. It was the consens u s of the Commission to strike the
recommendation. They agreed that the recommendations for a retail/restaurant district on
old Hampden should be included.
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In discussing the Centennial Park area, it was agreed that recommendations for increased
density are desirable. The strategy of defining character within the neighborhoods was
deemed to be impractical due to the wide variety of housing in each neighborhood area
and the subjective nature of creating standards.
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Mr. Pittinos suggested that vision and long term policy cou ld be developed for the area
south and east of Centennial Park. The uses are currently industrial in nature but there is
open land that could be developed.
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IV. PUBLIC FORUM
No members of the public were present at the meeting.
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V. ATIORNEY'S CHOICE
Interim City Attorney Comer was not present at the meeting.
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VI. STAFF'S CHOICE
Mr. Bel I presented the tally of the vote for the projects selected by the Commissioners for
2016:
1) Accessory Dwelling Units
2) Ground Floor Commercial Requirements for Multi-Family
3) Drive-thru Setback Exemptions
4) Building Frontage Requirements in the Medical Districts
5) Parking Requirements
6) Principal Structure Dimensional Standards Review
7) Short Term Rental Regulations
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Mr. Voboril presented the Commissioners with the revised v1s1on statements for the
Comprehensive Plan. He asked the Commissioners to read it and be prepared to comment
at the next meeting.
Mr. Flaherty thanked the Commissioners for their hard work and wished them happy
holidays.
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VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE
Mr. Madrid commented on a LCD sign at a car dealership on Broadway north of Yale in
Denver that is very large and bright.
Mr. Knoth shared comments from Planning magazine.
Mr. Bleile wished the Commissioners happy holidays and acknowledged that there has
been a great deal of change at the City. He expressed that he appreciates the staff's
professionalism during this period of transition.
Mr. Fish thanked the staff for their work.
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Mr. Brick commented on the conditions along the Platte River Trail and the improvements
taking place. Mr. Voboril commented that the improvements are being made by South
Suburban Parks and Recreation. Mr. Flaherty explained the River Run project taking place
at Oxford.
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
~~ecording Secretary