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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-19 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY Of ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION March 19, 2002 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Development Conference Room of the Englewood Civic Cen- ter, Chairman Waggoner presiding. Members present: Members late: Members absent: Staff present: Jim Rees, Visitor Welker, Lathram, Parks , Schum, Roth , Waggoner Willis, Krieger Mueller Senior Planner Langon Senior Planner Stitt Planner I Donnelly Planner I Voboril Public Works Director Ross Assistant City Attorney Reid II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 5, 2002 Chairman Waggoner stated that the Minutes of February 5, 2002 were to be considered for approval. Welker moved: Lathram seconded: The Minutes of February 5, 2002 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Lathram, Parks, Schum, Roth, Welker, Waggoner None None Willis, Krieger, Mueller The motion carried. Ill. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Element Mr. Ken Ross, Director of Public Works, discussed the Transportation Plan, covering the fol- lowing issues: • Carter Burgess, a consulting firm hired by the City of Englewood, is preparing the Transportation Plan. H·IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM \Minu1es 1M1nutes c00 21PCM 03-1 9-0 2 doc • • • • There were neighborhood meetings conducted during 2001 to gain public input. • In November, City Council created the Englewood Traffic Advisory Committee {ET AC). • The initial draft of the Transportation Plan has been reviewed by ETAC and staff and returned to the consultant for revision. • Revised copies of the proposed Plan are anticipated by April 5th. • Copies will be placed in the Library for public viewing. • An open house is planned for April 11th to elicit public comment. • Written notices will be sent to everyone who attended the public meetings during 2001 advising of the April 11 open house. • Staff hopes to have a "finished" document to the Planning Commission in late May. Ms. Lathram asked whether the Alliance for Commerce in Englewood (ACE) membership has seen the document, and whether it has been made available to the Chamber of Com- merce for review. Mr. Stitt stated that: • ACE has recei v ed a presentation regarding the Transportation Plan . • Staff has received no feedback from the ACE membership. • Initiall y, onl y the goals and objectives will be included in the Comprehensive Plan. • The Transportation Plan document will be included as an element of the Compre- hensive Plan, possibl y as part of the implementation phase . • If the revised Plan is received as anticipated in April, and there is need for additional revision following the open house on April 11th, a Public Hearing will be scheduled before the Planning Commission in May. • The Public Hearing will be on the "goals and objectives" of the Transportation, Housing, Business & Employment, and Parks & Open Space elements of the overall Comprehensive Plan . • Neighborhood meetings will be scheduled to discuss goals and objectives, and to gain input from citizens to determine implementation strategies. • The major transportation document developed by Carter Burgess will form a large part of the Publi c Works Traffic Division work program. Mr. Waggoner asked if the final document would contain more than just goals and objec- tives. Mr. Stitt responded affirmatively; the Public Hearings will present the goals and ob- jectives to the Planning Commission, City Council, and citizenry attending the Hearings. Mr. Willis entered the meeting and took his seat with members of the Commission. Mr. Stitt suggested that adoption of the completed Comprehensive Plan, with goals, objec- tives, implementation strategies and text, may not occur until late fall, 2002. Additional Public Hearings will be held on the complete Plan before the Commission, and before Council. Mr. Waggoner posed the following questions: H·l.GR OUP\BO ARO S\PL AN COM M\Minutes1Min utcs :!00 ~\PC~ OJ -19-0 :? doc • • • Will the Transportation Plan contain maps indicating proposed street designations as collectors or arterials. • Will maps i ndicating existing street designations be included . • Will the revised Transportation Plan be available to the Planning Commission prior to May. • Will bicycle paths be included as part of the Transportation Plan. • Will truck routes be mapped as part of the Transportation Plan . Mr. Ross stated that maps indicating street designations would be part of the Transportation Plan . Mr. Ross then discuss ed staffing in the Public Works Department, and stated that a new emplo y ee has recentl y be e n hired w hose duties will include developing bicycle routes and connections for existin g routes . Mr. Ross stated that the Plan avoids use of the "truck route " terminol o gy; statem ents regarding w hich streets ma y accommodate truck traffic are used i nstea d. He stated that th e re v ise d report w ould be made available to the Commis- sion members w h en it is recei v e d in April. Mr. Schum mentioned the imp o rtance o f bicy cle trails and having maps indicating the trails available for use. Mr. Ross reit erated that a lot of bike path connections are missing. He stated that the Plan will show ex isting bicy cle routes , but the consultant will not address linkage or new paths . Mr. Ross expressed the opinion that designation of bicycle path link- age can be better addressed in-house . Mr. Schum noted need for improved signage and lighting in man y places along the routes . Mr. Ross stated that they want to install water fountains and map holders along bicy cle routes . Bicycle rack installations and connections to public wa y s are needs to be considered. Mr. Willis asked if the transportation plan addresses pedestrian access. Mr. Ross agreed that pedestrian access is an important element, and will be addressed . Mr. Welker asked if goals of pedestrian access across U.S. 285 were addressed. He pointed out that this has been a c oncern of the Commission for a number of years. Mr. Schum asked if the Transportation Plan addresses how streets and bicycle paths in Englewood line up with streets and paths in adjo i ning cities. Mr. Ross suggested that this issue is not something to be addressed in the Transportation Plan, but rather through better working relationships with our counterparts in adjoining agencies. He stated that the Plan does extend beyond the City boundary to show the traffic lane line-ups in adjoining cities. Mr. Ross stated that widening a street in Englewood to four lanes isn 't a solution to traffic problems if the municipality to the north and south , or east and west, provide only a two lane street. Mr. Waggoner asked what major problems Englewood is facing. Mr. Ross stated that popu- lation growth, urban sprawl, and vehicle miles dr iven by commuters are major problems facing the metro area -not just Englewood. A growth of 10% to 20% is projected, and the • street capacity to handle the increased traffic does not exist. H GROL:P\BOARDS \PL ANCO .~IM \Min u 1cs 1 M i nu1cs ~002\P C."I OJ .19.0! do c • • • Mr. Welker asked if the Plan looks at integration of new development that may occur along the light rail line, the CityCenter and the crossing of U.S. 285 and Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Ross stated that the Plan takes note of the light rail corridor. Mr. Welker stated that it appears from the discussion that the Plan doesn 't address getting pedestrians or motorists across U.S. 285 into CityCenter. Mr. Ross stated that a previous consultant developed the traffic plan for CityCenter within the last few years, and he did not ask that Carter Burgess revisit the traffic plan for this de- velopment. Mr. Welker expressed the opinion that the Transportation Plan should address more than accommodation of people driving through Englewood; it should also address provision of crossing points on major thoroughfares for pedestrians and motorists; provide a plan to ac- commodate traffic created by new development or redevelopment areas. Mr. Welker asked if bus routes are addressed in the Transportation Plan. Mr. Waggoner stated that all activity centers need to have sufficient ingress/egress routes . The inc reased use of light rail also needs to be taken into consideration. Mr. Ross agreed that light rail usage has placed such a demand on RTD that additional cars will be added on the southwest line. The need for adequate parking for light rail riders has been recognized. Mr. Welker noted that parking need is only part of the equation. He referenced the shuttle system that has been proposed, which would assist in transporting transit riders from out- points of the city to the light rail station . Mr. Willis discussed the need to educate the public on alternative modes of transportation -something besides dependence on the motor vehicle. Mr. Ross suggested that when Trammell Crow has Alexan I and Alexan II built out and fully occupied, an attitude change regarding vehicle ownership may be determined -rather than a two-vehicle family, one vehicle may suffice, and residents will make everyday use of light rail rather than relying on the family car . Mr. Ross cited statistics that indicate 61 % of peo- ple still wa nt to use the private vehicle in lieu of public transportation. Mr. Willis expressed the opinion that this statistic is changing, and that it is the responsibility of City staff and Commission members to "shape" what people will want and accept so far as transportation modes are concerned. Mr. Willis emphasized that the City still needs to work on attracting new businesses, particularly restaurants and a movie theater. Mr. Willis expressed the opinion that the CityCenter area is the "heart and soul" of Englewood, and getting people here is a very important segment of the Transportation Plan. Mr. Welker reiterated the need to address the "entire transportation package" in the trans- portation plan -truck routes, bus routes, bicycle lanes, pedestrian ways, points of crossing major streets, ingress /egress to light rail stations, parking issues for light rail stations, as well as traffic capacity for city streets . H'I GRO IJP\BOARDSIPLA NCO MM'.Minu1 es 1Minu1es 2002 \PCM \lJ.19·02 doc • • • Mr. Ross stated that the issues of bicycle and pedestrian paths have not been addressed at this time. Mr. Waggoner noted that the 1979 Comprehensive Plan indicated areas where additional streets were needed, and cited the Navajo/Windermere/Tufts area. Once this need was identified in the Plan, developers seeking Building Permits had to make provision for right- of-way for that particular needed street. Another area identified in the 1979 Plan for addi- tional right-of-way is the Northwest Englewood area ; lots are large and quite deep, and some property owners expressed interest in dividing their lots and putting in new streets to enable additional development. Mr. Welker stated that this issue should be addressed in the Transportation Plan -this is what the Commission needs to look at. Discussion ensued . Mr. Ross stated that the only new right-of-wa y needed that he is aware of is through the General Iron redevelopment project, and will align with Inca Street. Mr. Welker and Mr. Willis discussed possible rezoning along the light rail corridor, and pos- sible redevelopment east of South Broadway. Mr. Stitt reminded members that the initial phase of the Comprehensive Plan revision is to address goals and objectives for the various elements of the Plan; implementation strategies will be developed and addressed after goals and objectives are adopted. He pointed out that the Commission discussion is addressing "implementation" factors. Mr. Stitt pointed out that there is very little opportunity to widen streets in Englewood, or for development of new roadways. He agreed that the 1979 Comprehensive Plan did identify a couple of areas that needed additional right-of-way -the Tufts /Navajo/Windermere and northwest Englewood areas. The industrial area along Tufts /Navajo/Windermere has developed in the last 20+ years. The northwest Englewood area has not developed as rapidly, because not all property owners are interested in developing new streets and dividing their property. Mr. Stitt stated that the intent is to adopt a set of goals that will stand the test of time -20 years or so. He acknowledged that access for pedestrian and vehicle traffic is needed, connections to parks and activity centers are needed, and access through neighborhoods must be provided . Mr. Stitt pointed out that at this stage, it is very difficult to determine what is needed at any specific intersection to improve crossing by vehicle or pedestrian. Mr. Welker discussed the problems created by highway design, intersection of the high- ways with the light rail line should be addressed by the Comprehensive Plan Transportation element. Ms. Lathram stated that the Commission needs to have the information prior to the Public Hearing, and to have the information far enough in advance to become familiar with the material. Mr. Ross stated that he will get copies of the revised plan to the Commission; he reiterated that the revised plan is due on April 5th. Mr. Ross was thanked for his attendance and discussion . H.IGRO UPI BOARDSIPLA NC OMM IMin u1es 1Minu1es 200 2\PCM 03 -19-02 doc • • IV. PUBLIC FORUM No one addressed the Commission. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Ms. Langon suggested that Mr. Stitt provide an update on the Elati Street site. Mr. Stitt stated that there is little new to report. An unsolicited offer was received from Si- tus Realty; the offer was submitted to the Elati Review Committee and to City Council, and was determined to be un acce ptable b y both groups. A marketing package has been pre- pared for the sit e, w hic h is no w cle ared and will be marketed as a "clean site". Mr. Stitt stated that ther e has been si gnifi c ant interest expressed in the site recently -for restaurant development, mixed-use development, and office use . Mr. Willis asked about increa sin g the total site to encompass the Phar-Mor development. Mr. Stitt stated th at i nc re as e o f th e total site available for redevelopment has been consid- ered , and there hav e b ee n some d iscussions with Kimco, the owner of the Phar-Mor devel- opment. St aff un d er stand s th at a Spanish Grocery has expressed interest in locating in the Phar -Mor building. Mr. Stitt stated that Kimco is aware of potential development sites in town . Mr. Stitt also discussed redevelopment possibilities of the former Office Depot site south of U.S . 285 . He noted that Cart's corporate headquarters has relocated to the former Home Base site, and have brought in approximately 300 high-wage employees. These people need places to eat lunch, and even though restaurant developers have not expressed inter- est the old Office Depot site it is still a possibility . Mr. Willis di scus sed the pr o bl e m o f access ; he stated that successful development of Phase II (east of South Elati Stre et ) is ke y to success of the entire area -linkage of CityCenter to Broadwa y is vital. He asked if the City cannot negotiate or influence redevelopment. Mr. Stitt stated that there have been discussions w ith some property owners; he advised that the City must exercise caution that our v ision is not imposed on the property owners . Mr. Willis stressed the importance of attracting good restaurants to the area . He noted that the pad available for restaurant de v elopment in CityCenter is in the wrong location -the Kinko's building should be used for restaurant purposes -it has a good view, it's on the Plaza at Little Dry Creek. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Welker suggested the possibility of a business pad at the northeast corner of Girard Avenue and South Elati Street. Mr. Stitt pointed out that a great deal of the City property north of Girard Avenue contains a multitude of utility lines, and might not be acceptable for "development", but could provide required parking for development on another sector of the City-owned property. • Mr. Parks asked why the interest on the Elati Street site has increased, and why the Situs proposal was refused. Mr. Stitt re v iewed the offer from Situs Realty in fuller detail, and H:\GRO UP\BO AROS \PL ANCOMM\Mi nu1o:s\Min u1cs :002\PC:vt OJ-19-02 doc • • • stated that the City is not interested in selling to speculators . He suggested that the in- creased interest in the Elati Street site now is because developers see that CityCenter is "real " -the development is far enough advanced that they can envision possibilities for the entire area. Ms. Langon pointed out that the site is also cleared so prospective developers would be buying a "clean site". Mr. Parks asked about the Hispanic grocery. Mr. Stitt stated that he understood it would encompass the 50 ,000 square foot Phar-Mor store. Mr. Welker noted that there is a His- panic grocery on South Federal Boulevard, along with some groceries specializing in Asian foods on South Federal. Ms . Krieger entered the meetin g at approximatel y 8 : 15 p .m. and took her seat with the Commission . Mr. Parks agreed w ith Mr. Ros s's c itation that 61 % of people still want to drive a private vehicle for all trips ; he felt, howev er, that the Commission could encourage incentives to change this mindset. Ms. Lathr am commented that the City cannot dictate development -development and ap- proaches to development is market-driven. Mr. Parks stated that he did not advocate "dic- tation ", but to "incent" a change in approaches to transportation and travel. Mr. Parks stated that he felt the City could provide further incentives to improvement of housing stock; he commented that the City now has "retarded housing stock", discussed improve- ments he has made on his property, and noted that a doctor has purchased property three doors from him who wants to make changes on his property. He inquired about housing in the City Center and the General Iron redevelopment area. Mr. Stitt stated that in City Center, Alexan I is completed and is being leased; Phase II will be completed in August. Ms . Langon suggested that when Phase II is completed, the rate of lease-up will prob abl y incre ase . People are reluctant to relocate to an area where construc- tion is on-going . Mr. Willis asked who owns the Kinko 's property. Mr. Stitt stated that he cannot recall the ownership of the property; he noted, however, that Director Simpson has spoken to the property owner. Mr. Willis stated that in his opinion, the locations of Kinko's and Checker Auto Parts are both prime sites for restaurant location. There is good visibility and ample parking. Mr. Stitt reiterated that the City can exert influence only to a certain extent. Mr. Willis stated that the Comprehensive Plan should specify areas that may be redevel- oped. Mr. Stitt suggested that this will be addressed later this summer after goals and ob- jectives have been adopted . Mr. Willis asked why the city is marketing the Elati Street site now and not holding onto it. Mr. Stitt stated that the T-Rex project along the 1-25 corridor is displacing a lot of busi- nesses, and this presents opportunities to the City to sell the site and ensure redevelop- H"GRO UPIBOARDSIPLAN COM M\Minu imMinutes 2002 \PCM OJ -19-02 doc • • • ment. He further advised that the City will scrutinize proposals for development of the site quite closely . Mr. Willis further discussed restaurant development for the area. He noted that the Phar- Mor and Marketplace sites would have good visibility from Hampden, and are in reason- able proximity to South Broadway. He asked what restaurant chains the City has talked to. Mr. Stitt cited discussions with Chili's, Bennigan's, and Appleby's restaurant chains, among others. He stated that the restaurant chains are seeking a business environment such as on Colorado Boulevard, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Park Meadows. And, they want a lot of parking; the idea of "shared parking" is not acceptable to them. Ms. Krieger noted that when the Pier I business closed, efforts were made to attract a res- taurant to that site, but the City didn't succeed. Kinko's leased the site. Changes in zoning restrictions were briefly discussed. Mr. Welker stated that we will be considering height and setback modifications, which may encourage investment by home- owners to increase size of their home. Mr. Parks stated that homeowners must be pro- vided some options for home improvement, and discussed need for PR regarding proposed changes . Discussion ensued . Mr. Parks commented that there is demand for housing in the 1,000 sq. ft. range; he further stated that 50% of single-family homes in Englewood are rentals. Mr. Schum noted that for a long time the selling price of Englewood homes was much lower than in the general metro area, and people could afford to buy two or three homes and hold on to them as rental units. Ms. Lathram stated that when she and her husband purchased their present home, they did not sell their previous house immediately. Im- provement of property values will eventually encourage people to sell rental units. She pointed out that the turn-around from renters to homeowners will not happen overnight. Mr. Willis asked who owned the Englewood Marketplace. Ms. Langon stated that she would get this information for Mr. Willis. Ms . Langon welcomed Mr. Roth to the Commission as a voting member. Mr. Roth was appointed by City Council as a voting member on March 18 1h to complete Mr. Stockwell's term. Ms. Langon stated that a memorial contribution from the Planning Commission has been made to The Gideon's International on behalf of Mr. Stockwell, who passed away on March 8 1h. Ms. Langon discussed the agenda for the April 2 meeting, noting that the only item on the agenda at this time is a Comprehensive Plan discussion. Mr. Stitt has suggested waiting un- til we are in receipt of the Transportation element to have another work session . H:IGRO UPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM\M inutcs1Min utcs ::!002\PCvt 03-19-02 doc • Mr. Waggoner stated that the meeting on April 2 may be cancelled; he did ask that mem- bers be supplied with copies of the Transportation Plan as soon as it is available. Ms. Lan- gon and Mr. Stitt assured members this will be done. Consensus of the Commission is to cancel the meeting on April 2. VI. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE Ms. Reid stated that she had nothing to bring before the Commission. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Welker stated that he was v er y surprised to learn of Mr. Stockwell's death. He stated that he had tried to find the location of the memorial service, but was unsuccessful. He in- quired about memorial contribution from the Commission. Ms . Langon reiterated that a memorial contribution had been made from the Commission to The Gideon's International. Copies of the e-mail noti fi cation of Mr. Stockwell 's passing that staff received from the City Manager's office w as distributed to members. Mr. Parks stated he would like to thank the City for the opportunity to attend the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute session . He found the session very interesting, and saw a number of people that he knew. • Ms. Krieger stated that in her opinion, the City has missed development/property im- provement opportunities because the zoning regulations still have not been updated. • Many people interested in property improvements have given up and moved on. She em- phasized the importance of getting this project completed as soon as possible. Ms. Langon discussed progress of the consultant and staff in revamping the zoning ordinance and de- veloping the Unified Development Code. She stated that she is blocking out every morn- ing to concentrate on the review and rewrite, but it has turned out to be a very slow, time consuming project. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Schum stated he had nothing to bring before the Commission. Mr. Willis commented that Mr. Stockwell's time as a member of the Commission was cut short, but "colorful and enjo y able". He noted that in the Community Development "News Flash ", it was noted that RTD will not be contributing to the shuttle program. He stated that he finds this to be a "disturbing" development. Mr. Roth stated he had nothing to bring before the Commission, but commented that he "has a lot of learning to do." Waggoner declared the meeting adjourned . Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Secretary H:IGRO UPIBOARDSIPLA NCOMM IMinu1es 1Minu1es l 00 21PCM OJ -19-02 .doc