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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-07-13 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Special Meeting July 13, 1999 I. CALL TO ORDER The special meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Welker in the City Council Chambers of the Englewood City Hall. Members present: Weber, Willis, Douglas, Hayduk, Lathram, Rininger, Welker Members absent: Stockwell, Ransick Also present: Harold J . Stitt, Senior Planner Nancy Reid, Assistant City Attorney II. ORDER OF AGENDA Douglas moved: Lathram seconded: The Order of the Agenda be changed, Item IV, Findings of Fact, to be considered before Item III, Final Plat for CityCenter Englewood. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Douglas, Hayduk , Lathram, Rininger, Weber, Welker, Willis None None Ransick, Stockwell The motion carried. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 22, 1999 Chairman Welker stated that the Minutes of May 22, 1999 are to be considered for approval. Douglas moved: Rininger seconded: The Minutes of May 22, 1999 be approved as written. .. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Willis, Douglas, Hayduk, Lathram, Rininger, Weber, Welker None None Ransick, Stockwell 1 The motion carried. IV. FINDINGS OF FACT CASE #SUB-99-01 CityCenter Englewood Subdivision Preliminary Plat Chairman Welker stated that the Findings of Fact on Case #SUB-99-01, CityCenter Englewood Subdivision Preliminary Plat, are to be considered for approval. Douglas moved: Weber seconded: The Findings of Fact on Case #SUB-99-01 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: Hayduk, Lathram, Rininger, Weber, Willis, Douglas, Welker None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Ransick, Stockwell The motion carried. v. CITYCENTER ENGLEWOOD SUBDIVISION Final Plat CASE #SUB-99-01 Mr. Stitt, Senior Planner, presented the Final Plat of the CityCenter Englewood Subdivision to members of the Commission. This Plat has been modified to include the points of concern cited by the Commission at the Public Hearing on May 22°ct. Mr. Stitt enumerated and cited the modifications on the Plat. Mr. Stitt also distributed copies of "road type profiles" which iridicate the treatment of the rights-of-ways through the site. Mr. Stitt identified which "road type profile" will be applicable to each individual roadway or portion thereof. All private rights-of-ways and easements have been shown on the Plat. Mr. Stitt also displayed a copy of the utility plan, indicating location of water, sewer , and storm sewer lines . There may be some modification of this plan depending on the actual location of structures in the blocks of the subdivision. Also, some existing utility easements will be vacated when the new lines are located, and the existing lines are removed . This will be brought before the Commission as the construction work progresses. Mr. Douglas inquired about the Type lA roadway profile through the Wal-Mart property; will there be a middle turn lane on this section of the roadway. Mr. Stitt stated there will not be a .- turn lane on this section of the ."easement" . .. Mr. Welker asked if the Commission will have an opportunity to see a site plan of the Wal- Mart development. Mr. Stitt stated that staff does not have a site plan at this time, but when one is presented, he will make sure the Commission has an opportunity to see it. Mr. Stitt stated that once the Subdivision Plat is approved by City Council, the closing on purchase of the property by Wal-Mart will occur in mid-to late August. 2 • • • • • • Mr. Willis asked when Wal-Mart is projected to open. Mr. Stitt stated the store is projected to open in March, 2000. They have quite an aggressive construction schedule. Mr. Welker asked the pleasure of the Commission. Rininger moved: Lathram seconded: The Final Plat of the CityCenter Englewood Subdivision be approved as presented, and referred to the City Council for approval. AYES: NAYS: Lathram, Rininger, Weber, Willis, Douglas, Hayduk, Welker None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Ransick, Stockwell The motion carried. Ms. Lathram excused herself from the meeting. Assistant City Attorney Reid also excused herself from the meeting. General discussion on the CityCenter Englewood development ensued. Mr. Stitt displayed a recent layout of the proposed development, drawing attention to the treatment of the various roadways throughout the site. Commission members posed questions regarding a proposed theatre and parking sufficiency. Commissioners expressed a preference for "stadium seating with built-in cup-holders" in the theatre. Mr. Stitt discussed the parking sufficiency, noting the several sites designated for parking, and that this will be "shared" parking -shared be- tween employees/patrons at the municipal building, those using the light rail, and patrons of the theatre, restaurants, and other retail outlets. Wal-Mart will have its own parking area de- veloped in front of their building. Mr. Stitt also displayed conceptual renderings of the proposed Wal-Mart development, point- ing out unique features such as the tower and "art wall" which will be included as part of this development. Mr. Stitt briefly discussed the negotiation process between the City and Wal- Mart, and stated that the City is quite pleased with the negotiation results. Mr. Stitt noted that at the July 20th meeting, the Commission will consider an amendment to the PUD for Englewood Town Center regarding sign guidelines. These proposed sign guide- lines will pertain to the Engle\\'.ood TowQ Center development only. Topography of the site was briefly considered . Mr. Stitt stated that the site slopes to the north and west. The grade work on the eastern portion of the site is completed; there is some grade work yet to be completed on the west portion of the site. The residential sector of the redevelopment project was discussed. Forest City is the developer of the residential units. Mr. Stitt discussed the general concept of this sector of the develop- ment. He pointed out that access to the interior portion of the Forest City development will be 3 controlled, possibly "gated". Mr. Willis inquired about the landscaping on the interior of the Forest City sites; is there a landscaping plan for this area, or will the landscaping be done by • that developer. Mr. Stitt stated that the City has landscaping guidelines, which set forth spe- cies that are acceptable or unacceptable, but layout and design will be the responsibility of the developer. Mr. Welker asked about Phase II of the redevelopment, is there a time-frame on this part of the redevelopment. Mr. Stitt stated that Phase II has been considered only in terms of acreage that will be available and what square footage of development can be accommodated. VI. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CASE #OR-99-03 Mr. Stitt introduced Ms. Laura Dannemiller, Planning Analyst in the Department of Neighbor- hood and Business Development, to the members of the Commission. Ms. Dannemiller has been researching the issue of historic preservation . Ms. Dannemiller stated that the City of Englewood has recently purchased the Skerritt house on South Bannock. This house has a lot of historical significance to the City of Englewood, and the City now wants to find funds to restore the structure -if not to its original status, at least to a usable condition. Ms. Dannemiller referenced supporting documentation that was included in the Commissioner's packets, which documentation sets forth several avenues of historic preservation. One method is "site specific"; another method is "district designation". Ms. Dannemiller reviewed issues to be considered, such as the goals of a proposed ordinance; the scope and administration of an ordinance; regulations that might be contained therein; any costs associated with a proposed ordinance; legal ramifications of historic designation; specific benefits of historic district or property designation; and standards for property modifications. Ms. Dannemiller discussed goals and components of the proposed ordinance , and cited and discussed the following four options for consideration: Option 1: No ordinance -no ordinance is completed . Option II: Historic Preservation Ordinance with Planning Commission Review . Option III. Historic Preservation Ordinance with Historic Preservation Commission Review. Option IV: Historic Preservation Ordinance with Historic Preservation Commission Review and Certified Local Government Designation. Ms. Dannemiller noted that in addition to the Skerritt House site, there is the Arapahoe Acres neighborhood in nof'theast Englewood which is developed in a California style. This style is distinctive to this particular neighborhood, and residents of Arapahoe Acres have been actively gathering information regarding historic designation. Ms. Dannemiller discussed the "district designation " and whether participation by individual homeowners should be voluntary or man- datory. Mr. Douglas asked what other known historical sites exist in Englewood. Ms. Dannemiller stated that the Englewood Depot is listed on the State Historical Register. 4 • • I • • • Mr. Welker asked about the "Brown House" on Dartmouth Avenue. Mr. Stitt stated that this house has been moved from its original location. Mr. Welker indicated that the house on East Dartmouth is not the house he was referencing; his referenced structure is on West Dartmouth Avenue. Mr. Stitt stated that the Gothic Theatre was, at one time, considered for historical designation. Mr. Stitt also stated that the Cinderella City Mall had historical status but was not listed on any historical register; the interior of the Mall had to be photographed before the structure could be demolished. Ms. Dannemiller stated that structures must be at least 50 years old to get on the historical register. Mr. Rininger asked for more information on the Arapahoe Acres neighborhood. Ms. Danne- miller stated that this is a development of approximately 30 homes of very similar architecture -California style architecture -and the property owners have expressed interest in designation as a historic district. If this neighborhood is given a historic district designation, homeowners can apply for grants from the State to fund modifications to their home; however, there will be restrictions on the type of modifications that may be made so that the character of the structure is not compromised. Ms . Dannemiller stated that once a "district" is placed on a historic reg- ister, the "district" designation can be removed as a whole, but an individual owner within a district could not opt out of the designation. Ms. Dannemiller stated that typically, a lot of historic districts are in downtown areas. Mr. Rininger asked if Arapahoe Acres could go di- rectly to the state for designation. Ms. Dannemiller responded affirmatively . Ms. Dannemiller reiterated that the City Council now has a property (Skerritt House) that the City needs to be restored, and the need to get some grant funding is important. Mr. Welker commented that, in his opinion, the downtown area of Englewood is not an area of historic significance. Mr. Hayduk stated that this can be a volatile issue when considering property rights, and pos- sible cost to the community. Mr. Hayduk stated that right now, there is only one specific piece of property to be addressed, and in his opinion there may be other ways to get the funds for restoration without enacting a new ordinance. He asked about Arapahoe Acres -why are people concerned -is someone wanting to demolish existing homes and rebuild in a different style. .- Ms. Dannemiller stated that so.me of the property owners in Arapahoe Acres feel that the des- ignation will help maiptain their property values. There are property rights issues involved in historic district designation -again, the issue of mandatory participation vs. voluntary partici- pation. Mr. Welker stated that designation of the site specific Skerritt House is different than a "dis- trict" designation affecting any number of properties. This could put a lot of people at risk if they plan improvements to the property that might not be allowed because of the designation. Ms. Dannemiller stated that standards would have to be set on what modifications would be 5 allowed within a district. Mr. Welker stated that he could support site specific historical des- ignation, but he is reluctant to impose a district designation with specific guidelines. • Mr. Willis stated that Arapahoe Acres is a unique area. Ms. Dannemiller stated that the City Council is seeking guidance from the Planning Commis- sion on how to proceed. Mr. Welker stated that whatever is proposed must be "flexible". Mr. Willis stated that the site-by-site designation appears to be the way to proceed at this time. Mr. Douglas stated that the Skerritt House, while of significance to the City, isn't really "original" -there have been several modifications over the years; if funding is obtained, will it be used to remove the additions, get down to the original structure, and improve that structure. Ms. Dannemiller funds can be used for this purpose, or could be used for research to deter- mine what the original structure may have looked like, or the funds may be used for improve- ments. Mr. Douglas noted that the Skerritt House can be seen from U.S. 285, and it could be quite nice to have the original structure visible from the highway. Mr. Welker stated that when application for the grant is made, a description of the proposed used of the funds will have to be given. Ms. Dannemiller agreed, noting that applications for State grant funding must be very specific. Protection provided by historic preservation desig- nation was discussed. Ms. Dannemiller stated that the protection could be prevention of fur- ther degradation of an area or a specific structure. Mr. Weber stated that other than the Arapahoe Acres neighborhood, he was not aware of any other "unique district" where a district designation would be applicable. Discussion ensued. Mr. Douglas commented that, while Englewood may have limited historical value now, this may change. Mr. Stitt suggested that there may be value to the City to draft a minimal ordi- nance for application to specific sites. Mr. Welker stated that he isn't against historical pres- ervation, but suggested there is a need for an inventory of sites eligible for historical designa- tion. Mr. Willis reiterated that case-by-case approach to historic designation appears to be the best way to proceed at this time. Ms. Dannemiller noted that by allowing for voluntary designation, doesn't really mean "case by case"; this only provides the forum and guidelines to obtain the designation. She stated that we can provide the format for voluntary designation of properties . ... Mr. Stitt stated that the acquisition of the Skerritt House brought the issue of historic preserva- tion to a head. A site or structure can have historical status, but not have historical designa-.. tion. The City is taking this opportunity to look at historic preservation across the board . A historic preservation ordinance will allow the City to apply for funds to preserve structures that may be of historic significance. Mr. Stitt suggested that there may be other structures in town that are of historic significance in need of restoration or preservation. Mr. Welker suggested that a framework be developed so that structures that may be of histori- cal significance can be reviewed. He also suggested that an inventory of structures and/or sites 6 • • ' , • • • that may be eligible for historical designation be developed. Ms. Dannemiller pointed out that if an ordinance for historic preservation is in place, the City can apply for funds to do the in- ventory -an intern could be employed to survey the City for historical structures. Ms. Dannemiller thanked the Commission members for their time and attention to the issue, and for their feed-back. She stated that she will work on the issue further, and report back. VII. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present to address the Commission. VIII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Stitt stated that on July 20, 1999, there will be a public hearing before the Commission on the sign guidelines for the development; this is an amendment to the Englewood Town Center PUD. Mr. Stitt stated that on August 3, the Public Hearing on Group Living will continue. On August 17m, the South Broadway Sign Overlay Plan will be brought forward. The Five Year Capital Plan will also be on the agenda for that evening . The Colorado American Planning Association meeting will be in Breckenridge. Any Commis- sioner wishing to attend, please notify staff so that reservations may be made. Mr. Stitt stated that a tentative date of August 23rd has been suggested for a joint meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission. Mr. Stitt noted that City Council meets with the various boards and commissions throughout the year. Mr . Stitt stated that Mr. Christopher Ransick is the new member appointed by the City Council to complete Mr. Dummer's term. Mr. Ransick has previous commitments for this evening, and the evening of July 20 and August 3rd. He has assured staff that after August 3rd, his Tuesday evenings will be cleared for attendance at Commission meetings. IX. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE .. Ms. Reid had left the meeting earlier, as noted . .. X. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Douglas referenced comments contained in recent City Council minutes attributed to Councilman Waggoner to the effect that the Planning Commission reviews and approves the FYCP every year, therefore the Commission grants approval to Parks projects contained in that plan. Mr. Douglas stated that it should be made known that the documents on FYCP which the Planning Commission receives for review are very vague, are quite voluminous, are 7 not available in time for in-depth consideration, and some of the projects listed for specific year funding come to fruition and some don't. Mr. Douglas stated that for anyone to think, • just because the Planning Commission approves the overall FYCP, that this action grants spe- cific project approval is incorrect. Brief discussion ensued. The meeting was declared adjourned. Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Secreta f : \dept\nbd\group\boards \plancomm\minutes 1999 \pcm 07-99a .doc • .. • 8