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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-07 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION May 7, 2002 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order in the City Council Chambers of the Englewood Civic Center at 7:00 p.m., Vice-Chair Willis pre- siding. Members present: Mueller, Parks, Roth, Schum, Welker, Krieger, Willis Members absent: Lathram, Waggoner (both members gave previous notice) Staff present: Senior Planner Langon Planner I Donnelly Planner I Voboril Guest: II. City Attorney Brotzman Ken Ross, Director of Public Works Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Dave Woolfall, Carter Burgess APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 16, 2002 Vice-Chair Willis stated that the Minutes of April 16, 2002 were to be considered for ap- proval. Krieger moved: Roth seconded: The Minutes of April 16, 2002 be approved as written. No amendments were proposed. The roll was called. AYES: NAYS: Parks, Roth, Schum, Willis, Krieger None ABSTAIN: Welker, Mueller Lathram, Waggoner ABSENT: The motion carried. Ill. SAFEWAY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 3575 South Logan Street Proposed Gasoline Fueling Station H:IGROUPIBOARDS\Pl.ANCOMM\Minutcs\Minutcs 2002\PCM 05--07--02 .doc CASE #PUD 2001-02 1 Vice-Chair Willis stated that the issue to be considered is a proposed gasoline fueling sta- tion in conjunction with the Safeway Store at 3575 South Logan Street. He asked for a mo-• tion to open the Public Hearing. Schum moved: Krieger seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #PUD 2001-02 be opened. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Roth, Schum, Welker, Krieger, Mueller, Parks, Willis None None Lathram, Waggoner The motion carried. Vice-Chair Willis set forth parameters for conduct of the Hearing. Staff will present the case, followed by the applicant and proponents, and opponents will then be heard. Com- mission members will be given an opportunity to pose questions to each witness. Staff was then asked to proceed . Bill Donnelly, Planner I, was sworn in. Mr. Donnelly's testimony addressed the following: • Asked that the staff report and publication of Notice of Hearing be made part of the record. • Stated that the Certification of Posting will be submitted to staff on 5/8/02. • The applicant is Dan Clayton on behalf of Safeway, Inc. • The applicant has submitted a request to rezone the Safeway, Inc. property at 3575 South Logan Street from B-1, Business District, to Planned Unit Development (PUD). • The applicant proposes to develop a gasoline fueling station on the southeast corner of the Safeway property at Logan and U.S. 285 . • Gasoline fueling stations are not a permitted principal use in the B-1 Zone District, thus the rezoning application from B-1 to PUD. • Total Safeway site is 4.34 acres. • Property to the west, north, and east is zoned B-1, Business District; developed with a mix of retail uses. • Property to the south across U.S. 285 is zoned B-2, Business District, and is part of the greenway trail open space. • Southeast corner of U.S. 285 and South Logan Street is zoned R-3, High Density Residence, and is developed with a medical office building. • The PUD will encompass all but the retail shops on the north edge of the Safeway parking lot. • The PUD District Plan and PUD Site Plan are being considered concurrently. • An accessory outdoor garden center (partial year use) is also proposed as part of the PUD. • Safeway is required to provide 157 off-street parking spaces for employees and cus- tomers. Safeway provided 292 spaces. • Forty-four ( 44) off-street spaces are leased to businesses along north property line. ltlGROlJPIBOAllDS\PLANCOMM\Minutes\Minutes 2002\PCM 05--07--02 .doc 2 • • • • • • Safeway currently has an excess of 91 parking spaces . • Parking stalls will be reconfigured -changed from 8' x 19' to 9' x 18'. This will result in a reduction of total number of off-street parking spaces from 292 spaces to 254 spaces. • If the PUD is approved, and parking spaces are reconfigured, Safeway will still have an excess of 53 parking spaces. • Staff suggests that the accessory garden center be restricted in use to no more than 53 parking spaces for the months of May and June. • Access point to the Safeway development from South Logan Street will be ex- panded from 28 feet to 36 feet; this will provide two egress lanes and one ingress lane. • City Traffic Engineer recommends that fueling tanker trucks enter and exit the site from South Sherman Street via East Hampden Avenue . • Fire Marshall will recommend tanker trucks park to the side of underground tanks when refueling to assure that tanker and fuel hoses are located outside of normal circulation aisles . • Oil Inspection Section of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment regula- tions fuel tanks , spill containment, and emergency fuel shutoff as part of required State permits. • An additional 21 trees and 103 shrubs are proposed for landscaping of the site. • Applicant proposes to relocate existing sidewalk adjacent to the curb, thus creating a wider landscape area to help screen impacts of parking and the fueling station . • Staff recommends approval of the PUD with the following four conditions : o Refueling tanker truck access to the site shall be only from South Sherman Street access via East Hampden Avenue . o Outdoor garden center accessory use shall be limited to the months of May and June, and shall not utilize more than 53 parking spaces; layout shall be reviewed for traffic and parking impacts. o The number of proposed signs be reduced so that only two faces of the can- opy contain signs . o A total number of signs and a maximum total sign area be established for the PUD. Mr. Roth asked if there are distance requirements for service station location from Little Dry Creek. Mr. Donnelly stated there are no distance requirements. Mr. Welker asked about control of gasoline spillage. Mr. Donnelly reiterated that control standards will be established by the State. He suggested that Fire Marshal Greene might also be able to address this concern . Mr. Parks asked about the appearance and construction of the canopy -will it be quality construction. Mr. Donnelly stated that from what he has seen, it appears that the canopy will be of quality construction and will enhance the area . H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM\M inutcs\M i11111cs 2002\PCM OS-0 7-02.doc 3 Mr. Schum asked if the kiosk will provide a full convenience store, or serve only as a staffed office for payment of fuel. Mr. Donnelly stated that it will not be a full convenience store; • there will be very limited shopping at the kiosk; customers will shop at Safeway, and buy and pay for gas at the kiosk. Mr. Schum asked for clarification on the relocation of the sidewalk. Mr. Donnelly stated that the proposal is to move the existing sidewalk to abut the curb; this will eliminate an existing narrow strip of sod, provide a wider landscaping opportunity immediately adjacent to the parking lot, and will help mitigate impacts of the parking lot and the fueling station. Mr. Willis inquired about hours of operation. Mr. Donnelly stated that the fueling station will be open 24 hours per day. Mr. Welker noted that Safeway is not a 24-hour/day opera- tion. Mr. Willis asked when the tankers would be on-site to refill underground tanks. Mr. Don- nelly stated this has been discussed with the Traffic Engineer; it was his recommendation that the tankers be required to refuel tanks in early morning hours, or late evening hours. Further, the Traffic Engineer recommended that access to the site by the tankers be from U.S. 285 to South Sherman Street, and access the Safeway site from South Sherman Street. Mr. Welker asked whether the applicant has presented a traffic study, or anything to ad- dress the additional traffic load on the streets that will be created by the proposed use. Mr. Donnelly stated that a traffic study was presented, and reviewed by the City Traffic Engi-• neer. The study indicates that additional excess traffic will not be created. Mr. Donnelly stated there was concern about tanker access to the site . Mr. Welker asked if additional consumer traffic will be generated by the fueling station. Mr. Donnelly stated that this is not indicated by the traffic study. Ms. Krieger asked about signage, when the maximum total sign area will be established, and by whom. Mr. Donnelly stated that the applicant considers the entire site -Safeway and the proposed fueling station -as a single use. Staff does not. Under the B-1 Zone Dis- trict regulations, the Safeway site is permitted up to five (5) signs, with a maximum area of 600 square feet; Safeway now has six signs on-site. The applicant is asking for an additional six signs -one sign on each face of the fueling station canopy, and a monument sign at each of the South Logan Street and East Hampden Avenue points of entrance. Staff is rec- ommending that signage on the canopy be limited to one sign on two faces of the canopy, and that a maximum number of signs and total sign area be established for the PUD. Mr. Donnelly suggested that the Commission establish the square footage of signage allowed, and the maximum number of signs allowed in the PUD. Mr. Willis asked the applicant to make his presentation to the Commission. John Beauparlant, of Galloway, Romero & Associates, was sworn in. Mr. Beauparlant stated: • His firm represents Safeway Stores that are doing fueling stations in conjunction with • their grocery operations throughout the nation. H:IGROUP\BOARDS\PLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minuus 2002\PCM 05.07.02.doc 4 • • • • The concept of hypermart gasoline marketing, while relatively new, began with big box retailers. It is now a standard concept with major grocery chains. • Hypermart gasoline marketing promotes the "one-stop shopping" concept. • Parking lots for grocery stores constructed in the '70's and '80's are "over con- structed". • With the addition of fueling stations in conjunction with grocery outlets, there will be a reduction of stand-alone gasoline facilities in cities. • Customers may use the Safeway Club card to obtain discount prices on fuel pur- chase at this site. • The kiosk will be approximately 422 square feet, and may offer commodities such as cigarettes, coffee, or gum -it will not be a full-service convenience store. • Eight fuel dispensing pumps are proposed, and will be under the canopy with the ki- osk. • The proposed kiosk/dispensing pumps are proposed in the far southeast corner of the Safeway parking lot. • The fueling station will be open 24 hours per day. • A traffic study was prepared, submitted to and approved by Traffic Engineer Vostry. • Improvements to the existing parking layout include widening the Logan Street en- trance to three lanes -one ingress lane; two egress lanes. • The turning radius from South Logan Street onto U.S. 285 has been modified. • Angle parking spaces along the eastern perimeter of the site will be converted to 90° parking . • Tanker route to underground tanks will be from South Sherman Street via U.S. 285. • Tankers will refuel the underground tanks two to three times per week. • Size of parking spaces will be changed to 9' x 18'. • The Safeway parking lot also provides parking for the retail business on the north pe- rimeter of the site; this parking agreement will continue. • The proposed PUD will enhance the landscaping of the Safeway site. • Four trees will be removed; 21 new trees will be planted. • Relocation of existing sidewalk on east and south perimeter to abut curb will pro- vide additional landscaping space. • Parking lot "islands" will be landscaped, and dead vegetation will be removed. Mr. Welker discussed turning movements for tankers from South Sherman Street. He said that he used to office in this immediate area, and noted many times someone would not be able to maneuver the turn and would hit the "bollards" placed to delineate the point of en- trance. He advised that this needs to be considered much more carefully. Mr. Willis inquired about the location of the proposed garden center. Mr. Beauparlant stated that whatever location is chosen for the garden center will not interfere with move- ment to the fueling station, and will be no larger than what Safeway is using for garden and planting supplies now; it will be in a defined part of the site. Mr. Welker suggested that it be restricted from the south parking aisle . Mr. Schum discussed access to the site by high school students. H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minutcs 2002\PCM 05.07.02.doc 5 Mr. Welker noted that parking spaces are depicted abutting the property line; vehicles will • overhang into the landscaped area. Bumper stops need to be situated to alleviate vehicle "overhang" into the required landscape space. Mr. Beauparlant suggested, if parking spaces have to be moved back from the property line, that the length of the parking spaces could be shortened to 1 7 feet to avoid encroaching into driving aisles. Mr. Welker reiter- ated that the bumper stops need to be at least two feet back from the property line. Mr. Schum stated that provision needs to be made for pedestrian ways. Mr. Welker also noted the need to provide adequate access via curb cuts and interior access ways for wheel-chair traffic. He pointed out the proximity of this retail area to patients of Craig Re- habilitation Hospital and to Swedish Medical Center. There are also wheel-chair consumers who travel to the Safeway Store from the south. Mr. Willis questioned a statement from Mr. Beauparlant regarding survival of landscaping in the area between the existing sidewalk and the curb. Mr. Beauparlant stated that "winter splash" attributes to non-survival rate of trees and shrubs. The area is only about 4.5 feet in width, and isn't really wide enough to provide a nice grassed area. The City landscape stan- dards establishes the percentage of landscaped area, and the required number of trees and shrubs. Mr. Willis stated that he is concerned with placement of pedestrian traffic ways (sidewalks) right next to the curb line on heavily trafficked streets such as South Logan and U.S. 285. He suggested that the sidewalk be positioned closer to the retaining wall. Mr. Beauparlant responded that people are walking in this area now, and the retaining wall is on the right-of-way line . Mr. Schum noted the raised planting beds on South Santa Fe • Drive, and noted that vegetation in those beds has survived. The plantings in those planting beds are subjected to more winter splash than plantings along South Logan or U.S. 285. Mr. Beauparlant discussed the construction of the kiosk and canopy, noting that the canopy will be a very durable aluminum, with painted baked-on enamel. The kiosk will follow the Safeway store color scheme. The kiosk will be built on-site, not pre-fab and moved in. Mr. Beauparlant addressed the four conditions suggested by City staff. Condition #1: Refueling tanker truck access to site shall be only from South Sherman Street access via East Hampden Avenue. Applicant will agree to this Condition. Condition #2: Outdoor garden center accessory use shall be limited to the months of May and June, shall not utilize more than 53 parking spaces, and layout shall be reviewed for traf- fic and parking impacts. Applicant is of opinion the garden center will not use anywhere near 53 parking spaces, and will make sure the location will not impede traffic flow. How- ever, applicant does request that operation of the garden center be permitted from April through August. Condition #3: The number of signs be reduced so that only two faces of canopy contains signs. Applicant agrees to signage on only the south and east faces of the canopy. H:IGROUP\BOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minutcs W02\PCM 0'-07-02.doc 6 • • • • Condition #4: A total number of signs and a maximum total sign area be established for the PUD. Applicant is of the opinion that the PUD is for two separate uses: the grocery and the fueling station. Applicant wants to have a minimum of 10 signs total; six signs are exist- ing on the site, and they request four new signs. Applicant is willing to limit total square footage of sign area to 400 square feet. Mr. Welker expressed concern about location of the monument sign on South Logan, and suggested that it be moved to the south to create better visibility. Mr. Beauparlant stated that the signs are outside of the sight-triangle as required by the City. Mr. Welker stated that the base and the sign do impede vision. He stated that he knows what the sight trian- gle is, and he also knows what the real conditions are at this point of ingress/egress. Mr. Welker asked about the lighting under the canopy; what steps will be taken to assure there is no glare. Mr. Beauparlant stated that lighting will be "flat-mounted", and will not project off-site . Mr. Welker cited Drawing SP 2, noting errors in need of correction. Mr. Willis asked if the kiosk will be open 24-hours per day, and is it "pay at the pump". Will the pumps and kiosk be lighted 24-hours per day. Mr. Beauparlant stated that lights in the canopy will be on 24-hours/day. He was not sure about operation hours for the kiosk. Lights in the kiosk can be turned off when the kiosk is not open . Mr. Willis asked how construction of the fueling station affect business for the Safeway store, and how long construction will take. Mr. Beauparlant stated that access to the retail outlets -Safeway and the retail stores on the north strip -cannot be restricted during con- struction ; he stated that construction typically takes 75 days; the subject area would be cordoned off, but there will still be access to the main parking lot from South Logan Street and U.S. 285. Ms. Mueller pointed out that there are 10 gas stations within a one mile radius of the sub- ject site; she questioned whether it is necessary to take the parking lot of a grocery store/retail business strip for another gas station. Is it an absolute requirement to have the fueling station at this site, and must it contain the eight dispensing pumps. Mr. Beauparlant stated that the Safeway organization determines the number of pumps for each site. Ms. Mueller expressed further concern regarding reduction of the number of parking spaces, and requiring pedestrians to cross access ways. Mr. Beauparlant suggested that not many people use the parking spaces along the east side of the site, except to park "cars with for sale signs", or people selling items out of car trunks. He reiterated that Safeway meets the parking ratio requirements. Ms. Mueller pointed out that parking spaces will be eliminated with the construction of the fueling station; they are also proposing to use space for a part of each year for a garden center -in her opinion, this is a "negative" situation. Mr . Welker stated that the southeast corner of the parking lot has typically been used for the dumpster location to collect used phone books for recycling part of the time. He asked where Safeway employees park -do they use these spaces. Mr. Beauparlant stated that he H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minutcs 2002\PCM OS.07.02.doc 7 understood the concerns of the Commissioners, but emphasized that "these parking spaces just aren't used." • Ms. Mueller discussed pedestrian traffic coming from the hospital campus; how do handi- capped or wheel-chair bound customers access the parking lot and store. Ms. Mueller asked how the applicant proposes to provide this access, and how they plan to make other parking lot users aware of handicapped/wheel-chair access routes. Mr. Beauparlant stated that this Safeway development was completed prior to development of ADA regulations, and he questioned that the parking lot and stores could be retrofitted. He suggested the possibility of modifying sidewalks in front of the north shops to provide access. Ms. Muel- ler reiterated that pedestrian/handicapped access ways must be delineated to let motorists know when they are in a pedestrian access area. Mr. Beauparlant stated that they will try to provide "crosswalks" that are delineated as such for pedestrians and wheel-chairs. Mr. Welker agreed that there is a lot of wheel-chair traffic in this area because of the prox- imity to the medical campus. Much of this wheel-chair traffic is in the streets -not on sidewalks. Mr. Welker discussed the need to provide wider sidewalks to accommodate the wheel-chairs, elderly customers, kids on skateboards, bicycles, etc. who frequent this store. The driving patterns within the site itself will be changed if the fueling station is developed, and he suggested that the applicants need to make the site more "friendly", and to explore development of "refuge" spots for pedestrians and wheel-chair customers who are trying to cross the parking lot to get to the stores. Mr. Schum noted that youngsters from Englewood High School cut across the corner of the parking lot to get to the store; they do not go north or west to a point of access, but cut across existing landscaping to get into the parking lot. Mr. Welker agreed, and suggested that possibly the applicants should consider development of a point of access at the corner. Mr. Beauparlant stated that they are willing to work with staff to protect pedestrians; he noted that there is nothing they can do to prevent customers from cutting across the park- ing lot and not following pedestrian lanes. Mr. Willis commented that a lot of people ac- cess the parking lot at the corner -it is the "point of least resistance". Mr. Beauparlant pointed out that if a corner access point is provided, "you are now telling people to walk into the traffic area, and taking people diagonally across the parking lot isn't a good idea." He pointed out that there are pedestrian routes to the store now. Mr. Beauparlant discussed the proposed kiosk, noting that it is a small kiosk, and will not be on the order of a 7-Eleven Store. There will not be a large choice of products in the kiosk, and it will not be designed to serve walk-up traffic. It will be designed to serve customers purchasing gas and paying for that gas at the kiosk -possibly purchasing cigarettes, candy, or gum at the same time. Mr. Parks stated that providing and identifying handicapped and pedestrian access is very significant, and sidewalk widths and locations are of great concern. He also expressed concern regarding landscaping and quality of construction. H:IGROUP\BOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutes\Minutcs 2002\PCM OS-0 7-02 .doc 8 • • • • • Ms. Mueller stated that according to a recently done Traffic Study commissioned by the City, the Logan/U.S. 285 intersection is one of the most heavily traveled intersections in the City, with a high accident rate . The development of the fueling station will be adding traffic to this intersection. Ms. Mueller pointed out that the fueling station will be the only such facility on the north side of U.S . 285 for some distance, and will be very attractive to motor- ists. Ms . Mueller emphasized that this is a dangerous intersection at the present time, and the development of the fueling station on the Safeway site will be adding to the volume of traffic and the high accident rate. She reiterated that this is a very congested intersection. Mr. Parks agreed that this intersection has a high volume of accidents. However, he sug- gested the fueling station will increase City revenues. Mr. Parks also suggested the need for increased police presence on U.S. 285 to slow traffic and possibly lower the accident rate. Ms. Krieger stated that she felt people will see the gas station and stop, but that overall the traffic volume wouldn't increase because people won't go out of their way to go to the Safeway site to fill the car with gasoline. Mr. Welker suggested that if traffic counters were to be placed on South Logan Street today, and some time after the development of the fu- eling station, you will see an increase in the volume of traffic. He pointed out that Logan is already a heavily traveled street, and has no where near the traffic capacity of U.S. 285. Mr. Beauparlant stated that the traffic study they presented does not say there will be no increase in traffic, but that people won't be driving to this site just to purchase gas . Mr. Welker discussed turning movements into and out of the Safeway lot from South Logan Street; these turning movements will increase with the development of the fueling station. Mr. Beauparlant discussed the "island" and striping proposed to assist in the ingress and egress to the site from South Logan Street. Mr. Schum suggested there will also be an in- crease in vehicles southbound on South Logan waiting to merge into U .S. 285 westbound traffic; this will add to the congestion on South Logan Street. Ms. Mueller stated that she appreciated the information presented by the applicant, and questioned whether the Safeway organization has plans to improve the existing store. She noted that the existing store isn't of the same size and quality as new Safeway stores. Mr. Schum also complemented the applicant for the presentation. Ms. Krieger stated that she appreciated the applicant's commitment to work with the City on this proposal. Mr. Willis asked if Safeway was developed under PUD regulations, and how the proposal will affect the Safeway zoning requirements. Will the PUD apply only to the parking lot and the fueling station, or will it encompass the store. Mr. Donnelly stated that if the PUD is approved, the store will also be included; the PUD will not include the shops on the northern perimeter of the site. Mr. Willis asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak in support of the proposed PUD. No one indicated a desire to speak. H:IGROUP\BOAllDS\PLANCOMM\Minutes\Minutes 2002\PCM 05-07-02.doc 9 Mr. Willis then asked for opponents to present their statements. Mike Niknan , 3501 South Logan Street, was sworn in. He asked how the City of Engle- wood and residents of the area benefit from the proposed gas station. Mr . Willis asked the applicant to respond. Mr . Beauparlant stated that there will be a slight increase in tax reve- nues to the City, and the fueling station will be a convenience to the public. Dan Jensen, 3531 South Logan Street, was sworn in . Mr. Jensen stated that he is owner of the Englewood Liquor Store, and is familiar with the parking problems on the site . He stated that there are 30 people working in the strip mall. There are customers who fre- quent the bicycle shop, Chaput Plumbing, and Playnix stores on the east side of South Logan Street who park in the Safeway lot. Parishioners of the Presbyterian Church also use the Safeway parking lot. Large vehicles that are not allowed to park on-street are also parked in the Safewa y lot. Mr. Jensen stated that sometimes people drive through the Safeway lot , and there is no place to park because of the "outsiders" using the parking spaces. Mr. Jensen stated that Safewa y must exercise control of their parking lot, and take steps to e liminate users from the "outside ". These outside businesses should be required to provide their own parking facilities . Mr. Jensen stated that he doesn 't know how to enforce parking limitations for only customers of the Safeway site , but it needs to be addressed. Mr. Jensen stated that all deliveries are supposed to be made before 10 a .m.; he is at his store by 6 a.m. to accept deliveries. Th is is to alleviate loss of parking spaces for customers • during the da y. • Mr. Schum asked if Mr. Jensen had raised the issue of park ing by "outsiders " with the land - lord. Mr. Jensen indicated he had not done so . Ms . Krieger asked if Mr . Jensen is in support of or in opposition to the proposed PUD . Mr . Jensen stated that he thought he might support the proposal if the other business people were not using the parking spaces. Mr. Welker commented that Swedish Medical Center uses the parking lot at the Masonic Temple for overflow parking and for construction worker parking. Dave Lawrence, manager of the Subway Store, was sworn in . Mr . Lawrence stated that he initially understood the gas station was to be a small, little gas outlet; but, from looking at the display it appears that more than half of the parking lot will be used by the fueling sta- tion . Mr . Lawrence discussed the impact on parking for the north tier of shops. He stated that his business has been in this location for 12 years , and in that length of time he has never seen anyone selling items from car trunks; he is there every day and has not seen cars with for-sale signs parked on the site. He resents this characterization of the neighbor- hood by the applicant. He pointed out that the canopy for the proposed fueling station will obscure the signage of businesses on the north side of the site. Mr . Schum asked if Mr. Lawrence felt he might gain additional business because of a fuel- ing station on-site. Mr. Lawrence stated that he does not anticipate extra business. He lt\GROUP\BOARDS\PU.NCOMM\Minutcs\Mi nutes 2002\PCM 0$-07-02.doc 10 • • • • pointed out that he must charge sales tax on sandwiches sold through his store, but Safe- way does not charge tax; therefore, people will purchase from Safeway. He acknowledged that during the lunch hour, he does get quite a bit of traffic from the High School young- sters. Mr. Lawrence indicated the site plan, and noted that "the area with trees is very con- gested", and maneuvering into and out of parking spaces is and will be difficult; it will lose business for him. Visibility of the shops on the north perimeter of the Safeway site was discussed. Ms. Muel- ler expressed the opinion that view of the businesses on the northern perimeter will be compromised by the placement of the proposed fueling station and interior landscaping. Mr. Beauparlant stated that Safeway has met with the owner of the shops on the northern perimeter; there is a formal agreement between the two parties that 50 parking spaces will be made available for use by employees and customers of these businesses. He stated that he has reviewed the lease. There will be a limited reduction in overall parking spaces avail- able, but the same number of parking spaces will be made available to the businesses on the north perimeter. He acknowledged there will be some reconfiguration of parking spaces and layout, but 50 spaces will still be available to the north tier of businesses. Mr. Beauparlant stated that vehicles parked in the lot illegally should not be there, and added that he has photographs of diesel trucks being repaired in this lot. He suggested that Safe- way may post the lot advising the parking is only for Safeway customers. The issue of competition between Safeway and other sandwich shops or food outlets in the area is a private issue. Mr. Welker discussed the parking layout as presently existing versus that proposed; the north parking island will be considerably reduced and this parking island is now full on a typical day. The parking islands to the south may not be as impacted, but don't provide the same benefit to the shop owners on the north perimeter. Mr. Beauparlant stated that their concern is the number of spaces, and reiterated that the overall number of spaces commit- ted to the north perimeter shops will be the same. Mr. Willis stated that the proximity of those spaces to the businesses is a concern. Mr. Lawrence again addressed the Commission and noted three proposed trees which, in his opinion, will totally block view of his business. Removal of these trees will alleviate some of the impact on his business. He noted that "walking 80 steps" to get to his business is "ridiculous". Mr. Beauparlant stated the trees referenced by Mr. Lawrence were re- quested by the City. He acknowledged that all businesses want visibility, and that the pro- posed trees will be small ornamental deciduous trees. Mr. Welker discussed landscaping issues and the impacts that businesses can experience. He particularly cited installation of trees along South Broadway, that inhibited vision of business signage. He suggested that maybe shrubs could be used in lieu of the trees in the landscaping proposal for Safeway; it would provide greenery, yet not inhibit visibility of the businesses on the north. He noted that this is a PUD, and there is some flexibility allowed in designing the layout. H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minutcs 2002\PCM 0$-07-02 .doc 11 Mr. Beauparlant stated that vision of the businesses will not be inhibited by the canopy; the • view of businesses to the north from vehicles will be below the canopy. Mr. Roth suggested moving the Logan Street entrance further south. Mr. Beauparlant stated that the Traffic Engineer probably would not approve relocation of the entrance point further south . Mr. Schum stated that relocation of the entrance further south might also entail approval from the State Highway Department. Mr. Welker stated that the three-lane ingress/egress point is a benefit, but cannot be made a signalized intersection. It will provide more space to stack vehicles turning onto Logan. Ms. Mueller noted that removal of the three trees noted by Mr. Lawrence will provide a psychological benefit to the north-perimeter businesses. She asked if they could be relo- cated to another part of the site. Mr. Ben Greene, Fire Marshal, was sworn in. Mr. Greene discussed his concerns regarding the fueling station and location of the underground storage tanks . Tankers serving these storage tanks will block parking spaces during the time of down-loading. This issue was raised with the applicant and has yet to be resolved . Mr. Greene stated that Englewood has no history of large fuel spills, and that new regulations will be coming within the next year or so regarding containment of spills. Mr. Welker asked if on-site containment of any spills has been considered. Mr. Greene • stated that with proper "sloping" small spills may be contained. Nothing can be released into storm drains. Further brief discussion ensued. Vice-Chair Willis asked if anyone else wished to address the Commission. No one so indi- cated. Mr. Willis asked for a motion to close the Hearing. Mueller moved: Krieger seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #PUD 2001-02 be closed. AYES : NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT : Schum, Welker, Krieger, Mueller, Parks, Roth, Willis None None Lathram, Waggoner The motion carried. Vice-Chair Willis asked the pleasure of the Commission . Welker moved: Krieger seconded: The Planning Commission approve Case #PUD-2001-02 , with the fol- lowing conditions, and forward to City Council for favorable consid- eration. H:IGRO UP\BOARDS\PLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minutcs 2002\PCM 0$-07-02 .doc: 12 • • • • 1 . 2. 3. 4. Refueling tanker truck access to the site shall be only from the South Sherman Street access via East Hampden Avenue. Outdoor garden center accessory use shall be limited to the months of April through August, shall not utilize more than 20 parking spaces, and the layout shall be reviewed for traffic and parking impacts. The number of signs be reduced so that only two faces of the canopy (east and south face) contain signage. A total number of 10 signs for both Safeway and the fueling station, and a total maximum sign area of 400 square feet, be established for the Safeway PUD. Mr. Welker questioned whether inclusion of removal of the three aforementioned trees and relocation of the monument sign on South Logan Street further south should be included as part of the conditional approval. Mr. Willis stated that he still has concerns regarding pedestrian access, location of the air station and underground storage tanks in conjunction with the fueling station, construction access, and tanker circulation. Discussion ensued. Ms. Mueller stated that she wants to see a revised plan layout before sending this to City Council. Mr. Schum agreed; he also has concern with the air station, sidewalk location, and the removal/relocation of the three aforementioned trees. He emphasized that he feels there should be a "barrier" between the roadway and pedestrian movement on the side- walk, and that moving the sidewalk adjacent to the curb puts pedestrians right next to high volume traffic movement. Mr. Parks stated that he would like to see clarification of plans for pedestrian routing, and what resolution is proposed regarding parking for the north perimeter merchants. Ms. Krieger asked what other members thought regarding relocation of the monument sign. Mr. Schum stated that there is no perfect spot for the sign. Ms. Mueller stated that it should be located to provide maximum visibility for traffic movement. Mr. Welker stated that it is a big sign, and will inhibit visibility if retained in the proposed location. Ms. Krieger stated that she wanted to be assured that pedestrian crossings will be well marked; she is also concerned about the tanker truck access, and that off-loading is done during "off-peak" hours. Mr. Welker stated that the timing of tanker deliveries is also of concern, and suggested that it might be included as a "condition" of approval. He also wants to see the monument sign relocated to the south on Logan Street. The underground storage tank location must be determined as well as the air station location; location of pedestrian access ways, and the proximity of the sidewalk to traffic lanes needs further consideration . H:IGROUl'\llOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutcs\Minuta 2002\PCM 05-07-02 .doc 13 Mr. Willis noted that in addition to previously cited concerns, he is concerned about pump- ing gas without a kiosk attendant, suggested moving the retaining wall further on-site, doing • a better incorporation of landscaping, sidewalk, and walkways within and on the site pe- rimeter, a defined location for the garden center must be shown, and suggested that im- proved crossing sites for pedestrians across South Logan be explored. Ms. Mueller stated that she is concerned on pedestrian access ways and showing stops; ac- cess on the southeast corner of the site should be addressed, and agreed with concerns cited by other Commissioners. Mr. Roth stated that he feels all his concerns have also been expressed by other members. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Welker withdrew his motion to approve; Ms. Krieger agreed with the withdrawal of the motion. Continuance of the issue to a date certain was dis- cussed. Ms. Langon stated that she would suggest June 4th as the earliest date for continu- ance; there are multiple issues raised by the Commission to be addressed, and suggested that May 21st would not provide sufficient time to address them. Mr. Beauparlant stated that he did not feel there are many of the cited concerns that have not previously been addressed. He stated that the motion to approve is satisfactory to the applicant; they agree to relocation of the sidewalk, and could make the changes to reflect the desires of the commission. Mr. Beauparlant stated that the applicant and staff have been working on this application process for over a year. Brief discussion ensued . Welker moved: Mueller seconded: The Hearing on Case #PUD 2001-02 be continued to June 4, 2002. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Krieger, Mueller, Parks, Roth, Schum, Welker, Willis None None Lathram, Welker The motion carried. *********** A brief recess was declared at 9:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:40 p.m. ********** IV. TRANSPORTATION PLAN • Mr. Ross and Mr. Woolfall were present to solicit comments from the Planning Commission • on the transportation plan. This plan had been delivered to members of the Commission in H:IGROUP\BOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutes\Minuies 2002\PCM 05--07~2 .doc 14 • • • early April. An open house for public input was held on April 11 tti. Mr. Ross stated that the intent is to gather all comments received on the transportation plan for transmittal to City Council. Mr. Ross stated that he and Mr. Woolfall would like to know if there are things the Commission wants to see in the Plan that have not been included. Mr. Ross stated that the next step is development of a "transportation action plan"; this will contain a list of ele- ments to be taken into consideration during the budgeting process in upcoming years. Mr. Woolfall, Carter-Burgess, addressed the Commission. Mr. Woolfall discussed the proc- ess that has been followed over the last 18 months -two rounds of public meetings at various locations throughout the City to solicit input on traffic problems, formation of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee {ETAC), and a shift in focus from "calming" to "enforcement". Mr. Woolfall commented that this has been a difficult study to do. Mr. Schum stated that he has heard that a lot of citizens are calling for more enforcement; he stated that he can agree with need for more enforcement, but the cost of increased en- forcement may also have to be considered. Mr. Schum stated that he did like some of the "calming" proposals that were suggested, and expressed the opinion that this focus may be a better solution. Ms. Krieger suggested that "calming" is the way to go; enforcement doesn't seem to work. She stated that speed limit reduction in residential areas has been proposed, and she is not in favor of that. She noted a statement regarding a 75% return on a postcard survey; she stated that this seems high. Mr. Welker stated that he hasn 't had an opportunity to thoroughly review the report. He stated that in his cursory review, there are several issues he did not think were addressed: • Safe pedestrian crossings of major streets, such as surface crossings on Dartmouth Avenue. • Treatment of streets bisecting Englewood -Broadway, Dartmouth, U.S. 285, Belle- view, Santa Fe Drive; • Problem intersections such as Logan and U.S. 285 as was cited in the PUD case considered earlier this evening. • Need to address issues of access to light rail stations, bus traffic, truck routes, bicycle trails, pedestrian and wheel-chair traffic. • How will this transportation study become an element of the Comprehensive Plan, • Does the study address street designs that are applicable not only today, but twenty years into the future. • Why does the study show Oxford Avenue and Quincy Avenue at the same level, when Oxford is a through-street, and Quincy does not extend across Santa Fe Drive. • Traffic "barriers" to safe pedestrian movement must be addressed. • The study doesn't address increase of population and the impact on existing streets and traffic movement. Mr. Willis stated that the traffic pattern through City Center was not addressed in the study; neither was bus traffic routes, light rail needs, bicycle paths -both new and extension of H:IGROUPIBOARDS\PLANCOMM\Minutes\Minutes 2002\PCM OS--07.02 .doc 15 existing, and pedestrian traffic needs. Mr. Willis stated that the transportation study focuses on "vehicular traffic", but a transportation plan should include so much more. • Mr. Woolfall clarified that bicycle paths have not been studied as part of the transportation study; he understood this is to be undertaken by City staff. Neither did the transportation study get into traffic patterns within the City Center development; connections to City Cen- ter streets on the perimeter of City Center were studied. Mr. Schum stated that the Commission does need to see how all facets interact -private vehicle, bus routes, truck routes, bicycle paths, pedestrian trails. Discussion ensued. Ms. Mueller commented that it may not be workable to have bicycle paths on South Broadway, but they may be on South Lincoln Street. Mr . Woolfall stated that the streets in Englewood are very narrow, particularly with retention of on-street parking. Mr. Welker reiterated that Dartmouth Avenue is one of the most important streets that needs to be considered. Mr. Welker stated that he hoped the transportation study would provide guidance on what the City can do regarding Dartmouth and similar "barrier" streets. He acknowledged that when Dartmouth Avenue was improved at Santa Fe, it was understood that this street would carry a lot of traffic. Mr . Schum noted that residents living along Dartmouth Avenue are concerned about the speed of traffic, and the perception of Dartmouth Avenue is a "dangerous" street. There • are no means of pedestrian protection either along or crossing the street. Mr . Ross stated that ways to slow traffic is being considered. Mr. Ross noted the "bulb- outs" installed in the downtown area a couple of years ago to assist in pedestrian crossing, and "calm" traffic flow. He stated that the comments from Commission members will be added to the list of comments from the public given at the open house. Mr . Ross and Mr . Woolfall thanked the members of the Commission for their time. ********** Vice-Chair Willis noted the hour, and asked if the Commission wanted to continue through the agenda, or delay consideration of the remaining items to another date. Mr. Parks suggested the "need to begin looking at a realistic agenda ". Ms . Langon noted that the two items remaining on the agenda are the Unified Develop- ment Code and the Multi-year Capital Plan. If the Commission desires to delay these items, they may do so . Ms. Langon noted, however, that the Commission has been made aware of the interest to complete the UDC as soon as possible, and that the MYCP also has time limitations for budgetary purposes. Ms . Krieger suggested the possibility of extra meetings. Mr. Welker stated that he would support extra study sessions devoted to consideration of the UDC. H:IGROUPIBOARDSIPLANCOMM\Minutes\Minutes 2002\PCM 0 '~7~2 .doc 16 • • • It was the consensus of the Commission that consideration of Agenda Item V, Unified De- velopment Code, and Item VI, the Multi-year Capital Plan, be delayed. ********** V. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present to address the Commission. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Ms. Langon stated that a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission in a study session has been scheduled for June 3, at 6 :00 p.m. This study session will be in the Community Room. The recording secretary was asked to remind members of the study session by phone call . Ms. Langon stated that a Tent Talk is scheduled for June 13th . The de velopment moratorium for the northwest Englewood residential area was approved by City Council. VII. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE City Attorney Brotzman stated that City Council does appreciate the work the Commission does on issues such as the PUD. Mr . Brotzman stated that an update of the Englewood Municipal Code is underway, and one issue under consideration is the organ izational structure of the Boards and Commis- sions. Some of the issues to be addressed are alternate membership and Council represen- tation on some Boards . Mr. Willis asked why there is no Council representation on the Commission. It was noted that at one time, there was Council representation , but this was changed in the late 1970's. Mr. Brotzman cited the issue of "one person -two votes " on issues . Mr. Welker stated that he can understand the need for separation of membership with Council and Commission . Brief discussion ensued. Mr . Brotzman stated that the Bates Station Comprehensive Plan amendment was approved on first reading . The name has been changed because City Council did not like the "Frame- work " connotation in the previous title. Mr. Brotzman stated that the GIW traffic study, design standards and zoning regulations are going to the Urban Renewal Authority for their meeting on May 13. The EURA is the holder of the property until development. VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE • Nothing further was brought forth for consideration; the meeting was declared adjourned at 10:30 p.m . H:IGROUPIBOAJUJS\PLANCOMM\M in utes\Minutes 2002\PCM OS.Q7 .Q2.doc 17 • Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Seer • • H:IGROUPIBOARDS\PLANCOMM\Minutes\Minutes 2002\PCM 05-07--02.doc 18