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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-19 PZC MINUTES• • • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION October 19, 1999 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:01 p .m. in the City Council Chambers of Englewood City Hall, Chairman Welker presiding . Present : Stockwell, Weber, Willis, Douglas , Lathram , Ransick , Rininger , Welker Absent: Hayduk (previous notice given) Also present: Mark Graham , Senior Planner Lauri Dannemiller , Planning Analyst Nancy Reid , Assistant City Attorney II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 5 , 1999 Chairman Welker stated that the Minutes of October 5 , 1999 were to be considered for ap- proval . Douglas moved: Lathram seconded : The Minutes of October 5 , 1999 be approved as written . Mr. Welker offered an amendment on Page 1, noting that the time the meeting was called to order was 7 p.m., not 7 a.m . The proposed amendment was accepted by Mr. Douglas and M s. Lathram . The motion on approval of Minutes , as amended , was called . AYES: NAYS : Willis , Douglas, Lathram, Ransick , Rininger , Stockwell , Welker None ABSTAIN : Weber ABSENT : Hayduk The motion carried . III. FINDINGS OF FACT CASE #99-03 Historic Preservation Ordinance Chairman Welker stated that the Findings of Fact on the Historic Preservation Ordinance , Case #99-03 , were to be considered for approval. 1 Douglas moved: Rininger seconded: The Findings of Fact on Case #99-03, Historic Preservation Ordinance , be approved as written . AYES: NAYS: Willis, Douglas , Lathram, Ransick , Rininger , Stockwell, Welker None ABSTAIN: Weber ABSENT: Hayduk The motion carried. IV. COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE Sign Code Amendment CASE #ORD-99-04 Chairman Welker noted that the agenda indicates a request for further continuance of the Pub- lic Hearing to a date certain . Ms. Reid announced that she had copies of a memorandum from City Attorney Brotzman which sets forth his reason for requesting further continuance ; she asked if the Commission wanted to receive copies of the memorandum . Chairman Welker requested that Ms. Reid read the memorandum into the record . The memorandum from City Attorney Brotzman is as follows: "TO: Bob Simpson , Director of NBD "FROM : Dan Brotzman, City Attorney "DATE: October 14, 1999 "REGARDING: Draft of the Sign Code "At the present time I have not had a chance to fully review your consultants draft of the Sign Code amendments. My understanding is that Nancy Reid has indicated to you that she has a number of legal and practical concerns concerning this draft. From cursory review I note that several issues that previous Council Members wanted to have addressed are not incorporated at this time and a number of practical problems which have arisen in the past and which have previously caused confusion are still in this version It is also my understanding that the per- sonnel that will be enforcing the Code have not had the opportunity to make comments upon this draft. "Due to the practical issues that need to be worked out to make this ordinance enforceable and due to legal concerns, I would recommend that you not take this to the Planning and Zoning • • Commission prior to having discussing these matters with the effected staff and having them • resolved . I believe this will prevent some of the problems that have occurred and are now oc- 2 • • • • curring with the Open Space Ordinance and the Group Home Ordinance . Fully staffing this issue prior to taking it to the policy makers will be more cost effective and will result in a more enforceable and more practical ordinance. "When you have the opportunity we would like to sit down with your staff, the consultant and those who would be required to enforce the Sign Code Ordinance to discuss these issues. CC: Lauri Dannemiller Nancy Reid Chris Olson Lance Smith Bob Moore David Lynn Gary Sears DB /nf" Ms. Reid commented that the City Attorney 's Office has been working on the agree- ments / contracts with the Museum of Outdoor Arts and the David Taylor Dance Troupe, as well as other issues related to the CityCenter, and the staff is spread pretty thin trying to cover the workload. Ms. Reid also acknowledged that some vacations have disrupted the work schedule . Mr. Graham stated that the proposed Sign Code amendment was forwarded to the Public Works Department and to the Building & Safety Division of Safety Services for their com- ments early in the process. The individual responsible for enforcement of the Sign Code pres- ently reports to the Chief Building Official. Those individuals to whom the proposed sign code amendment was referred chose not to submit any comments to NBD. Mr. Graham reiterated that NBD staff did attempt to communicate with affected departments, but no response was re- ceived. Mr. Welker asked what date certain staff would suggest. Ms. Dannerniller suggested the dates of November 2 or December 7. Ms. Dannemiller questioned that amendments the City Attor- ney may want would be incorporated in time to meet the November 2 date, and suggested that the Commission might consider December T 11 • Mr . Welker asked if notice of the Public Hearing needs to be republished in light of the many continuances on this case. Ms . Reid stated that inasmuch as the continuances are done in a public meeting, it is not required that public notice be republished. However, if the Commis- sion is of the opinion that the citizenry will be better served by republishing notice of the Hearing, they may direct staff to do so. Mr . Welker asked for a motion for continuance to December 7 , 1999 . 3 Douglas moved: Ransick seconded: The Public Hearing on the proposed Sign Code amendments, Case #ORD-99-04, be continued to December 7, 1999, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. AYES: NAYS: Douglas, Lathram, Ransick, Rininger, Stockwell, Weber, Willis , Welker None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Hayduk The motion carried. V. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present to address the Commission. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Nothing was brought up under Director's Choice. VII. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE Assistant City Attorney Reid stated that the Historic Preservation Ord inance will be taken to the City Council on first reading on November 15, 1999 . The City Council held the public hearing on the Group Living Facilities ordinance on October 18 th. Mr. Douglas asked if City Council had any problems with the proposed ordinance . Ms. Reid. stated that Council did not. Mr. Graham stated that use of Arapahoe House as a family homeless shelter was raised during the course of the Hearing . Arapahoe House has used the former convent house affiliated with St. Louis Church/School for a number of years as a substance abuse center; they presently use only the basement , and the top two floors are vacant. The proposed Group Living Facilities ordinance will not allow use of this structure for homeless families because of the required 750 ft. distance from a school. A variance from the Board of Adjustment & Appeals, and Condi- tional Use approval by the Planning Commission , would have to be granted prior to use of this structure as a family homele ss shelter . Mr. Graham also noted that residents in the neighborhood of Dr . Bruno 's Corona Street group home were in attendance at the City Council Hearing, and presented some suggestions the y want to see incorporated in the ordinance . Mr . Welker asked if reuse of structures such as the former convent/ Arapahoe House was ade- • • quately addressed in the group living facilities ordinance. Mr. Graham and Ms. Reid both in-• dicated they felt this provision is adequately addressed. 4 ., • Mr. Stockwell recapped the discussion which occurred at the City Council meeting on October 18th regarding Arapahoe House . Mr. Stockwell stated that there are several groups interested in providing a family homeless shelter in Englewood or western Arapahoe County. At the pre- sent time , there is no such facility in this part of the County . The proponents are looking for a site to accommodate families , and one that possibly will not require children to change schools. Mr . Stockwell emphasized that the proposed facility is for homeless families . He stated that Senior Planner Stitt , in his address to the City Council during the course of the Public Hearing , discussed the adaptive reuse provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, and outlined options that may be followed to secure use of the former convent structure as a family homeless shelter. A variance from the Board of Adjustment and Appeals on the 750 foot distance requirement, and on parking requirements , would have to be obtained. The Planning Commission would then have to consider whether the family homeless shelter should be permitted as a Conditional Use . Discussion ensued regarding conditional uses; Mr . Graham noted that conditional use approval may be revoked for cause by the Planning Commission . Brief discussion ensued . VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Stockwell further discussed the Public Hearing on the group living facilities ordinance , pointing out that the "grandfather " clause is of concern. City Council indicated that the grand- father clause would be studied further, and a representative of the Corona Street group home indicated that if any steps are taken to remove the grandfather clause which might affect the • status of that particular group home, the City could expect to be sued . Brief discussion ensued. The regular meeting of the Commission adjourned at 7 :30 p .m. Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Secretar)'. • 5 STUDY SESSION Metro Vision 2020 The Commission reconvened in the Community Room for further discussion on the Metro Vi- sion 2020 Plan and the Open Space Plan. Mr . Graham had several maps displayed, on which maps is the outline of the corridor area along the South Platte River and South Santa Fe/light rail , as well as flood plains for drainage ways within the City. Mr. Graham stated that the cor- ridor is delineated 1300 feet east of the light rail right-of-way, and 1300 feet west of given points on the South Platte River . Mr. Graham pointed out that a great deal of the property in- cluded in the 1300 foot distance on the west side of South Santa Fe Drive , to and across the river to the west , is actually within the City of Sheridan and unincorporated Arapahoe County . Mr. Graham commented that the City of Englewood is actually a large landholder within the City of Sheridan -the Englewood Golf Course is within Sheridan. Mr. Graham briefly touched on annexation possibilities of some areas west of Santa Fe Drive . • Mr. Graham stated that the 1300 foot corridor is a "walkable " distance to light rail stations . He indicated location of proposed light rail stations , and discussed progress on a possible mixed-use redevelopment of the General Ironworks Site. RTD is still interested in placing their maintenance facility on a northern portion of the site , vacate West Yale Avenue, and ex- tend the maintenance facility into Denver. Residential development on the southern portion of the GIW site in Englewood has been proposed and discussed before City Council. City Coun- cil has seemed quite supportive of the mixed-use proposal. Mr. Graham pointed out that the • RTD maintenance facility will provide in excess of 100 jobs , and be a 24-hour per day facility . The residential section would contain 700 housing units , and approximately 30 ,000 sq. ft . of retail . Growth projections in the Metro Vision 2020 area were discussed . Mr . Graham noted that residential development does not pay for itself -it costs approximately $500 per person to pro- vide City services such as police/fire services. The interdependence of residential , commer- cial , and industrial development was discussed at length. Mr. Graham stated that a fiscal im- pact report is being prepared, and may be ready for presentation within the next month . Mr. Douglas commented that the proposed 700 housing units on the GIW site may accommo- date 1400 + individuals . These people will be living in close proximity to the light rail line , and will need shopping and eating establishments in close proximity to the residential develop- ment. He acknowledged that these residents will not be "car-less ", but those who choose to reside close to the light rail line may not be so dependent on the family car. Mr. Welker stated that it is a fallacy that people living close to the light rail will be limited to using the light rail - these residents will own automobiles. These residents may make use of the light rail to get downtown to work, or to sports venues, but will still make use of the family car for trips to the outlying malls for shopping. 6 • .. • • • Demographics were discussed briefly . Mr . Graham noted that studies have indicated that hos- pital workers do not , traditionally, go out for lunch; neither do mechanics and laborers . White collar employees and office workers do, more traditionally , go out to lunch -thereby provid- ing support for restaurants . Mr. Welker questioned that hospital employees do not eat off-site, noting that many times he has seen professionals from Swedish Medical Center at the local restaurants; also, some of the mechanics from car dealerships frequent local restaurants. Mr . Willis questioned how lost tax base could be recouped if industrial properties were to be converted to open space and removed from the tax rolls. Brief discussion followed. Mr . Ransick stated that he would like to see a profile of the proposed mixed-use residential buyer , and a profile of the existing residential buyer/dweller. What type of business does the City need to encourage to attract new residents with families, as well as to retain our existing residential base? Mr. Graham cited statistics from the American Housing Survey, as well as from a study of housing components in Englewood done in 1990 . The Englewood survey indi- cated that 49 3 of the population were home-owners ; 51 3 of the population were renters. This has now turned around , and approximately 61 3 of the population are home owners. Mr. Graham stated that current numbers used to figure per household size is 1. 7 persons per unit in the CityCenter residential area , and 2.1 persons per household City-wide . This last figure has declined, and is still declining . Mr. Graham noted the difficulty of doing surveys in Englewood -where do people live, where do they work, etc. -because typically such surveys are accomplished at a local mall . Ms . Dannemiller stated that a market analysis on Broadway is being done , which may provide some answers to the survey issue. Mr. Welker stated that he would like to know what Englewood residents are looking for that they cannot find -this could be of assistance in the type of homes that are built , as well as the type of businesses that are pursued . Mr. Ransick expressed his frustration that there is no sporting goods store in Englewood. Mr. Willis stated that redevelopment of CityCenter and the GIW site provides a unique oppor- tunity to the City for redevelopment; he expres sed the opinion that demographics are based on "old school thought", and asked how this old school approach can be applied to new , unique redevelopment. Mr. Welker also expressed skepticism regarding demographics. What do the numbers per household cited previously by Mr. Graham reflect -children, adults , or a combi- nation . The life cycle of housing in Englewood was discussed -young couples start out in an apart- ment , purchase a small home and have one or two children before needing to move up to a larger home. A larger home may not be available in Englewood, so this family relocates out- side the City . When the children are grown, the empty nester may move back to Englewood to a smaller home and a smaller yard to care for . Mr. Welker asked how could these "gaps " in housing choices be filled . 7 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) was discussed. Mr. Ransick asked if other communities have done anything similar. Ms . Dannemiller cited Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, and Dallas that • have done, or are developing, a TOD. The possibility of allowing business "nodes" to be developed in residential areas was dis- cussed. Mr. Welker asked if the Commission and staff should be considering this in conjunc- tion with the open space development along the River. Mr. Willis expressed his concern with "corporate America", and stated that he would like to see more of the "Mom'n Pop" businesses develop in Englewood. He stated that these small businesses are the backbone of the economy, provide good service to the clientele, and are im- portant to the economic health of a community. Mr. Willis asked why the City isn't looking for an small theater, rather than a national chain, for the CityCenter site. Mr. Welker cited one problem for the small businesses is lack of funding to locate and/or expand. Mr. Graham suggested that there are City policies the Commission can consider changing which might make it easier for Mom'n Pop businesses to operate in Englewood. Among these policies are amendments to the Sign Code . Housing development styles were discussed. Mr. Willis said that he finds developments such as Highlands Ranch to be "boring" -all houses are similarly style, similar color, etc. Englewood, on the other hand, presents a uniqueness that appeals to him. Mr. Welker agreed, and stated that he finds new developments unattractive -homes painted the same color, same style, etc. • The DRCOG projected growth was again discussed. Mr. Graham stated that DRCOG has projected "O" growth for Englewood. There has not been a great deal of new building in Englewood, and the City is basically landlocked. Any growth will have to be infill, redevel- opment, and or high-rise development. Denver, on the other hand, continues to absorb a lot of people , as do the outlying suburbs. The issue of increased density was discussed. Mr. Stock- well stated that he felt increased density should at least be considered; by indicating a willing- ness to increase density, it might be in Englewood's favor with DRCOG. Mr. Douglas stated that there are 2,000,000 people in the metro area at the present time; in 2020, DRCOG estimates that another 770,000 people will be part of the metro area -a 40% increase in population. Englewood's population is roughly 30,000; figuring a 40% increase of Englewood's population would increase the city population to approximately 42,000. This would equate to at least 6,000 additional housing units, figuring 2 people per unit. He ex- pressed the opinion that development along the light rail line and infill in other residential areas would be good. Mr. Weber suggested that we need to quantify the population that Englewood can handle. The Metro Vision 2020 metro area is comprised of 700 square miles; Englewood is slightly less than seven square miles in size, or 1 % of the overall metro area; therefore, us- ing this formula Englewood's share of population growth would be 1 % of the projected 770,000 population growth -or slightly more than 7,000 people . 8 • • Mr. Welker stated that the City needs to look at zoning which will support development of dif- ferent housing types . He suggested that while some people might not consider living adjacent to the light rail, but in his opinion noise and other impacts from the trains can be mitigated. He stated that we need to determine what citizens will accept in changes in the zoning regula- tions. Ways and means to increase density were discussed . Ms . Lathram cited Cherry Creek where entire blocks of older homes were scraped , and new townhouse/condo units were constructed . The possibility of combining two building sites in Englewood, constructing a four-plex with landscaped open area around it , was briefly discussed. Mr. Graham recalled some discussions with residents of the north Englewood area regarding paving alle ys to allow development of "alley houses ", or the development of two separate housing units , on a building site ; the pro- posal of paved alleys did not meet with great acceptance . Mr. Douglas discussed open space and park provisions ; he pointed out that Romans Park is small , but is heavily used. The use of small pocket parks was discussed . Mr. Willis com- mented that Highlands Ranch has done a good job developing open areas. Mr. Graham suggested points on which the Commission is in agreement need to be deter- mined. The Commission determined that there is support for the Comprehensive Plan and the 2020 • Plan that anticipated growth will occur along main transportation corridors . Mr. Ransick stated that he wanted to see the bi g picture of the overall plan , and then come back to "fine tune " the point s of agreement. Discussion ensued. ****************************************************************************** Ms. Dannemiller directed the attention of the Commission to a flyer announcing a meeting on the Smart Growth Grant -developing a shuttle linkage within the City between prime em- ployment sites such as Swedish Medical Center , with the CityCenter. She stated that there will be a total of four meeting s. Members of the Commission were invited to attend. Mr . Graham stated that RTD has committed to replan their bus routes to serve the light rail and improve linkages with outlying residential areas . The study session disbanded at 9 :25 p .m . Gertrude G. Welty , Recording Secre ry 9