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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-02 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 2, 1999 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in Conference Room of Englewood City Hall, Chairman Douglas presiding. Members present: Members absent: Weber, Welker, Hayduk, Lathram, Rininger, Douglas Dummer (previous notice) Also present: Scibelli , Business Development Coordinator Graham, Senior Planner Secretary's Note: Two vacancies II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 19 , 1999 Chairman Douglas stated that the Minutes of January 19, 1999 were to be considered for approval . Rininger moved: Welker seconded: The Minutes of January 19, 1999 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS : ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Welker, Rininger, Weber, Douglas None Hayduk, Lathram Dummer The motion carried. ill. SOUTH BROADWAY ACTION PLAN Activity Update Mr. Douglas welcomed Mr. Scibelli, Business Development Coordinator, to the meeting . Mr. Scibelli introduced himself to the Commission, and asked that the Commission also introduce themselves. Mr. Scibelli stated that the South Broadway Action Plan is an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which was spearheaded two years ago by Mark Graham of the Neighborhood & Business Development Office. This Plan was approved and adopted by the Englewood City Council by Resolution #51, Series of 1997. Implementation procedures and definition of the specific districts are set forth in this Resolution. The South Broadway corridor is divided into four districts, those being: 1) Gateway; 2) Downtown; 3) Cherrelyn (formerly called Midway); and 4) Motorway. Mr. Scibelli stated that the pilot program for implementation of the SBAP is in District 3 , or Cherrelyn District, between Tufts and Mansfield Avenues. The improvements are being viewed and addressed for the public sector as well as the private sector. Public improvements include such issues as sidewalk improvements, street lighting improvements, undergrounding of Public Service wires, new street light poles, street furniture, transit/bus shel- ters, etc. Private improvements include items such as new signage, new store facades, ornamental ironwork, and new storefront lighting. Mr. Scibelli stated that there is a consulting team working with the City staff to provide architectural assistance for facades and site design, graphics for signage, and surveying for businesses participating in the improvement 1 project. Mr. Scibelli discussed the improvements on street lighting, undergrounding of lines, and installation of • new poles. He stated that this is being financed, at least in part, by the $500,000 PSC franchise funds paid to the City. The improvements will result in a brighter, safer , South Broadway, and will eliminate the clutter of over- head lines. Mr. Scibelli pointed out that South Broadway south of U.S. 285 carries fast-moving traffic, and will continue to do so. The Architectural Pattern Book was referenced, which book depicts improvements to specific sites -new signage, installation of the ornamental ironwork, facade improvement, etc. Mr. Scibelli passed display boards of various proposals to members of the Commission for their perusal. New signage, such as monument signs and pole signs were briefly noted and discussed. This pattern book is a reflection of the input and desires voiced by the South Broadway Merchants group working with the consulting/staff team. Mr. Scibelli suggested that the Sign Code needs to be revised, and that this can, hopefully, be accomplished in the coming year. Mr. Scibelli pointed out one specific business, building built circa 1950, that wants to refurbish and repaint the building to the original color scheme and wants signage to reflect that era. Mr. Scibelli stated that a "South Broadway Merchants" group has been actively meeting for approximately the last 18 months, and has given much thought and input into the implementation of the SBAP. A number of these same merchants are participating in the improvement program, taking advantage of the assistance provided by the Catalyst Program for architectural and design assistance. Mr. Scibelli cited Speer Uniform , Broadway's Sports Tavern, Marx Realty, Alpha Pawn, A & A Tradin' Post, Rick's Dress for Less Clothiers, Ted's Clothiers, Colo- rado Shavers, and the Culinary Group as participants in the program. Mr. Scibelli stated that staff and the consulting team are working with several auto dealers along South Broadway , and are encouraging these businessmen to explore creative ideas to improve their appearance and display of vehi- cles. Mr. Scibelli referenced the project schedules for all facets of the improvement program. This project schedule reflects the time line for activities over the next 19 months, and includes everything from individual business im- provements to the public improvements of transit/bus shelters, median improvements, sidewalk improvements, tree plantings , etc. Mr. Scibelli reiterated that staff and the consulting team has been working for the last one and one-half years on the design elements of the project. Mr. Scibelli stated that the City has hired URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, an engineering consulting firm, to lead the redevelopment effort in the Downtown and Gateway areas . The improvements occurring in the Cherrelyn District will be coordinated with the efforts in the Downtown and Gateway districts. This includes looking at widening of Broadway and median installation and/or improvement. The Downtown and Gateway improvements need to reflect what the community really wants this area to look like. Mr. Scibelli acknowledged that one project on the "front burner" is an attempt to make Downtown more pedestrian friendly. Mr . Scibelli also noted the im- provements that are proposed for the Gothic Theatre, and the recent relocation of the Swallow Hill music group to the Denver/Englewood border on Lincoln Street. Mr. Hayduk asked what role the Planning Commission is expected to have in this project, and will there be any hearings on facets of the improvements. Mr. Douglas stated that the South Broadway Action Plan (SBAP) was worked on by staff and the Commission about two years ago; at the last meeting, the Commission asked for an update on implementation progress and that is why Mr. Scibelli is in attendance this evening. Mr. Scibelli stated that the South Broadway Merchants Group meets about every six weeks or so at Burt's on Broadway to discuss the project. These are not "hearings", but are public meetings and Commission members are welcome to attend . Mr. Graham noted that any amendments to the Sign Code, parking standards, landscaping • requirements, or any other section of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance will require hearings before the Plan-• ning Commission and City Council. Mr . Graham stated that staff hoped to have some proposals on the Sign Code revision prepared and before the Commission within the next six months. 2 • • • Mr. Douglas asked what has been proposed to ease pedestrian traffic across Broadway. Mr. Scibelli reiterated that south of U.S. 285, Broadway will likely remain the high speed, high traffic volume corridor that it is . Mr . Scibelli referenced a depiction in the pattern book of a "bulb-out", and suggested that this might be used as a means of slowing traffic and/or providing shorter distance for pedestrians crossing Broadway . Mr. Douglas asked about "traffic calming"; how will the traffic be slowed . Even the depiction of the bulb-out appears to be removing parking to allow planting, but not narrowing lanes or slowing through traffic. Mr . Sci- belli commented that the "mantra" seems to be "wider, straighter, faster" regarding traffic movement. Mr. Sci- belli stated that by working with landscape architects, site design architects, engineers, and others in the consult- ing team, there must be some way to come up with traffic calming measure to mitigate speed. Any suggestions members of the Commission may have will be welcomed . Mr. Douglas agreed that we probably can't slow the traffic on Broadway -it's a big, wide , very busy thoroughfare. Mr. Douglas stated that Broadway is a very in- timidating street for pedestrians or those confined to wheelchairs to cross. Mr. Welker asked if the Commission would be considering change of zoning along the corridor at all. He noted that some blocks have newer buildings with parking in the rear; other blocks with older buildings don't have ac- cess to off-street parking . Or, will the Commission be considering an amendment to the CZO to reduce parking requirements. Mr. Scibelli stated that he does not have the technical expertise to address this issue; he does un- derstand that some of the ordinance provisions are being explored to allow a greater level of flexibility . Mr. Welker cited the parking requirement for the Gothic Theater; this venue will serve patrons from the entire metro area, and there is no parking for this business. Mr. Graham commented that the Englewood Downtown Development Authority has expressed interest in forming a parking authority to provide parking for businesses in the downtown area; he stated that he does not know the status of this effort. Mr. Welker commented that we do need to assure that parking is available . He addressed the issue of trees planted along Broadway; these trees ob- scure the building signage, and we now have the smaller signs located on the sidewalk . Mr. Douglas asked if the businesses are receptive to the proposed improvements. Mr. Scibelli noted the busi- nesses that are currently participating by way of new signage , improved facades, store windows , and /or lighting , and stated that several other businesses have expressed interest. Mr. Scibelli suggested that the improvements to businesses may serve as incentives to other businesses to improve their premises and appearance. Mr. Douglas asked about the trees proposed as part of the improvements along the business corridor. Mr. Scibelli stated that the trees will be columnar species rather than those with the wider leaf canopy. He noted that if the City is really considering widening South Broadway, the opportunity exists to eliminate the existing canopy trees . Mr. Scibelli stated that there was a meeting last week regarding formation of a parking district. The intent is to secure the parking area that is being leased by the City for the downtown businesses. Mr. Hayduk asked if there was any outreach to businesses to encourage participation in the improvement pro- gram . Mr. Scibelli stated that he does visit merchants along Broadway; there is the Broadway Merchants Group which meets on a regular basis , and reiterated his belief that improvements to some businesses will serve as in- centive for improvement to others. He stated that he really believes the program is beginning to build momen- tum, and a lot of businesses the full length of Broadway will participate. Mr. Scibelli stated that the underground of utility lines between Tufts and Mansfield will occur in late Spring to early Summer , and he predicted that this project , plus the new signage, improved lighting , ornamental ironwork, and facade improvements will have a definite impact on this part of South Broadway. Mr . Welker asked if there was any attempt to force auto dealerships to provide landscaping along their street frontage, or will they continue to park the vehicles up to property line. Mr. Scibelli stated that no attempt is be- ing made to "force " anything; staff and the consulting team are working with the auto dealers, and suggesting a number of incentives to them. Mr. Welker asked if any of the auto dealers are volunteering to provide landscap- ing along Broadway . Mr. Scibelli responded affirmatively , citing Kumpf Lincoln-Mercury ; they plan to remove some existing landscaping, replace a railroad tie feature with ornamental ironwork, and will enhance the trees and bushes on their property. This will be done in compliance with the Landscaping Ordinance. 3 Mr. Douglas asked how the City portion of this activity is funded. Mr. Scibelli discussed the Catalyst Program, • which provides participating businesses design assistance on improvements; this assistance requires a 1003 match . on the part of the business owner. There is a revolving loan fund -low interest, which is available for partici- pating businesses; the PSCo franchise fund earlier referenced to assist in the undergrounding of lines and new street lighting improvements; also, any public funds are used to leverage funds from the private sector. Mr. Sci- belli acknowledged Mr. Graham's efforts to assure that funds have been included in the Capital Improvement Program to assist in the improvement efforts. Mr. Graham noted there are some parts of the improvement program that aren't funded, and when the Commis- sion considers the Capital Improvements program later this spring, to keep this in mind when recommending proj- ects for funding. For instance, Mr. Graham recalled that initial discussion was to do an actual "gateway" at ma- jor points of entry to Englewood; this feature is not budgeted -funds would be needed to pay for design, as well as actual construction. Mr. Scibelli noted that he had made this same presentation to the City Council on Mon- day, February 1; City Council said they want port of entry monuments not only on the north/south points of en- try, but on the east/west ports of entry also. There is momentum to design one entry sign for all four major entry points . Mr . Welker noted that signs at major points of entry has been discussed for a number of years; some were de- signed several years ago, and installed along South Clarkson Street at Oxford, Quincy, and other points of access. A major gateway would be a major project and very expensive, but he expressed the opinion that this is a valid project to try to do. Mr. Welker stated that establishing identity is one of the reason for the push to make the light rail station unique . Mr. Scibelli stated that one of many things he has been discussing with Director Simpson is that of an "overlay" district for the South Broadway corridor. There are a number of issues, such as sign code requirements, which will differ for the commercial corridor from those requirements for the industrial districts. Broadway has unique needs that are not applicable to other business/industrial areas of the City. • Mr. Graham commented that Harold Stitt will be working on a transportation plan over the next six months; this plan will be before the Planning Commission and City Council as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. This plan will look at high volume traffic carriers, such as Dartmouth Avenue, Oxford Avenue, etc. in addition to major north/south thoroughfares. Mr. Scibelli again addressed the parking issue along the Broadway corridor. He stated that if one were to do an analysis of the enhanced revenue versus cost of one parking space, the enhanced revenues to the merchant -and to the City -will pay for additional parking areas in a very short time. Mr. Hayduk asked if there was provision to share parking areas -sort of a "time-share" provision. Mr. Graham stated that there is provision for businesses to share parking. Mr. Graham also noted that one of the businessmen next door to the Gothic Theatre has discussed the possibility of doing a land swap, because this businessman would like to relocate south to the "motorway" segment of South Broadway. He commented that there may be a way to assist this businessman and the Gothic Theatre by working on land assemblage and land swap. Mr. Gra- ham stated that there has also been discussion about a shuttle service for patrons of the Gothic Theatre who may have to park some distance away. Mr. Welker expressed the opinion that, for the Gothic Theatre reuse proposal to be successful, parking in close proximity is necessary. Mr. Douglas asked if members of the Commission had more questions for Mr. Scibelli. No further questions were posed. Mr. Douglas thanked Mr. Scibelli for his time and for the update. IV. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present to address the Commission. 4 • • • • V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Graham stated that there are no cases scheduled for the Commission meeting on Wednesday , February 17 'h; staff suggests that this meeting be cancelled . Mr. Douglas noted that the new Commission members should be appointed by that time , and that election of offi- cers should be on the agenda for the first meeting in March. VI. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE No one from the City Attorney's Office was present. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Douglas summarized the discussion from the last meeting regarding the Capital Improvement Program for those members who were not in attendance at that meeting . He asked that all members begin listing improve- ments that, in their opinion, need to be included for funding in the next CIP budget. The Commission will begin discussions of these topics , probably no later than April 6th. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was declared adjourned. ertrude G. Welty, Recording Secretary f:\dept\nbd\group\boards\plancomm\rninutes 99\pcm 02-99a.doc 5