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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-17 PZC MINUTES' • • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION March 17, 1998 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the C ity Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order in Conference Room A of Englewood City Hall at 7:00 P .M ., Chairman Douglas presiding . Members Present: Weber, Welker, Horner, Lathram , Rininger, Tobin, Douglas Members Absent: Staff Present: Also present: Dummer Harold J . Stitt, Planning Coordinator Mark Graham, Neighborhood Coordinator Tricia Langon, Neighborhood/Environmental Technician Harold Celva, Executive Director of EDDA Ron Straka Janet Spangenberg II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 3 , 1998 Chairman Douglas stated that Minutes of March 3 , 1998 were to be considered for approval. Tobin moved: Horner seconded: AYES: NAYS : ABSTAIN: ABSENT: The Minutes of March 3 , 1998 be approved as written . Welker, Horner, Lathram , Rininger, Tobin, Weber, Douglas None None Dummer The motion carried . ID. FINDINGS OF FACT I-1 and I-2 Zone District Amendments Case #OR-98-02 Mr. Douglas stated that the Findings of Fact on Case #OR-98 -02 , the proposed amendments for the I-1 and I-2 Zone Districts, are to be considered for approval. Ms . Langon briefly addressed the Commission, and advised them that the I-1 and I-2 ordinance copies which were included in the packets for the Public Hearing did not include the latest revisions regarding day labor establishments, pawn shops , or auto pawn. This did not affect the issues of car crushers or storage of hazardous waste , which is the topic of Case #OR-98-02 . Ms. Langon advised that what will be transmitted to City Council will , however, have the latest wording regarding the day labor establishments, pawn shops, and auto pawn uses. Horner moved: Tobin seconded: The Findings of Fact for Case #OR-98 -02 be approved as written . AYES : NAYS : Horner, Lathram, Tobin, Welker, Weber, Douglas Rininger ABSTAIN: ABSENT: None Dummer The motion carried . IV. ENGLEWOOD DO WNTO WN D EVELOP MENT AUTHORITY Downtown Plan Mr. Douglas welcomed Mr. Harold Celva, Executive Director of the EDDA , and Mr. Ron Straka, architect working with the EDDA on development of the Downtown Plan , to the meeting. Mr. Celva addressed the Commission , stating that the EDDA has been working with Mr. Straka to develop a Plan for the downtown area for the past year or so . Mr. Celva cited changes in the downtown area , the demise of the Cinderella City mall , changes in the Trolley Square development, and in the general metro area. Mr. Celva stated that all of the changes that have incurred are an incentive to develop a plan for the downtown area of Englewood, and in developing that document to write one that will work for the entire community . Mr. Homer stated that he has been privileged to see the presentation on the proposal; some of the long range plan- ning being done by the EDDA goes beyond the downtown boundaries , and they have done a very good job of ad- dressing some of the larger issues facing the community . • Mr. Straka discussed the proposed downtown plan , and incentives supporting the development of the plan . He noted that the 1979 Comprehensive Plan contains a map of the EDDA "district"; however, there is no "plan " for that dis- trict. This is an attempt to provide that "plan". The redevelopment of the mall is also an integral part of the down- town area, and there is need to tie that development in with the traditional South Broadway area . The plan will pro- vide tools and mechanisms to provide guidelines and general direction for the South Broadway corridor and the en- tire downtown area. Mr. Straka noted that at the time the planning effort on this downtown plan began , the City of Englewood was also holding public forum meetings regarding redevelopment of the mall. The EDDA and the City tried to combine the public comments and input gleaned through the public forums/meetings and put it to use to • identify real issues of citizen concern. The EDDA staff effort has also entailed talking to property owners in the downtown area, members of the general public, and has presented the proposal to the EDDA board . The EDDA team also worked with the CRNA volunteers, and with Citiventures and Deepwater Point representatives who are also involved in the mall redevelopment. Efforts will now be made to reach a wider segment of the community to discuss the plan. Mr. Straka emphasized that this is a draft proposal, and that it will change. Mr. Straka displayed conceptual drawings of the area between University and Santa Fe Drive, Eastman Avenue to Kenyon Avenue. Mr. Straka stated that this area is divided into "sub -areas" such as "gateway areas ", the medical complex, transit center and Broadway. Mr. Straka noted that many things will have to be changed to make things proposed in the plan hap- pen. He emphasized that the changes will not happen overnight, but will occur piece by piece. Mr. Straka stated that Englewood is the first city outside of Denver that will have a transit center; no other commu- nity has the opportunity -a 50 acre site for redevelopment that will have new infrastructure. Mr. Straka stressed the opportunity that Englewood has with the proposed transit center, and that this can be channeled to the advantage of the City. Mr. Straka discussed the variety of uses that exist in the commercial corridor from South University Boulevard to South Santa Fe Drive , and the variety of uses that this corridor can accommodate through mixed use development and infill development. Mr. Straka noted that the medical complex (Columbia-Swedish and Craig Hospitals) provide over 2 ,000 jobs and is a 24-hour per day employer . Mr. Straka cited principles have been developed during the course of working on the plan ; including: 1) Development of a broader civic vision of downtown ; 2) Develop broader community goals. 3) Maximize and capture the value of infrastructure that is in place , or will be put in place . 4) New direction to take land use , transportation , and design ; a need to set goals . 5) Celebrate innovation -celebrate Englewood. Mr. Straka stressed the need to emphasize the innovative things that have happened in Englewood, things that have become specific to Englewood, and to not be "generic ". He emphasized that Englewood is a major place in the 2 • ) • • • Denver metro area. Mr. Straka identified primary "signature sub-areas" such as Broadway, the medical complex, and the mall area . These sub-areas all comprise the "downtown" area of Englewood. Mr. Straka discussed a need to change the pattern of development; he noted that presently there are some "strip" developments that are uninviting to a butting residential ne ighborhoods, or impact "walkability" from one segment of the downtown to another seg- ment. Mr. Straka also discussed mixed use development, noting that many communities have "layered" mixed use - such as retail on the lower level, offices on the second level, residential units on the third level. Developments of this nature provide a synergy to an area. Mr. Straka discussed the need for streets to go through to provide vehicular connection as well as provide sidewalks for pedestrians ; this will improve access from one area to another. Mr. Straka noted that the population is now primarily automobile-oriented; we need to encourage and develop "walkable areas". Another segment of the population that must considered is that of the wheelchair-bound -there is need for wider sidewalks to accommodate the chairs , ramps at intersections, easy accessibility to businesses. Mr. Straka em- phasized the need to improve the rear of buildings along Broadway -visually and physically . Access to the busi- nesses from the rear of the buildings should be encouraged -there is some parking provided in the 3400 block of South Lincoln Street, but the businesses are not accessible except through the front of the building . Another facet of the plan discussed by Mr. Straka was "governance"; this makes development possible by creating partnerships, ex - erting leadership , cooperation , and political will to make something happen . Mr.· Straka emphasized that Englewood has a window of opportunity, albeit for a very short period of time. Mr. Straka identified 15 major ideas/key concepts of the proposed plan: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10 ) 11 ) 12 ) 13) 14 ) 15 ) Englewood is a major place Downtown district is bigger than Broadway to Cinderella City of Englewood Signature areas Public realm (public infrastructure) Distinctive streets Civic places Open space network Connectivity Finer grain Views Mixed use Catalytic/signature sites Surrounding districts Urban design character elements Governance Mr. Straka stated that the medical complex serves as an anchor on the east side of South Broadway; this is a major employment center, and U.S. 285 is a major street. The "gateways" cited in the plan provide an opportunity to do nice landscaping, and can provide a focal point for both the motorist and the pedestrian. A feature of the proposed plan is to straighten the curve in Englewood Parkway, and extend this street west to the proposed transit station site . They also suggest changing the name from "Englewood Parkway" to something that would provide a "signature address" -such as "Skerritt Boulevard". Mr. Straka suggested that old Hampden Avenue from South Lafay ette Street west to its intersection with South Acoma Street should be made more "people-oriented", with landscaped "edging" and possibly some street furniture to provide a place for v isitors , employees , or patients of the medical campus to escape the "hospital atmosphere" for a brief time . South Broadway also needs improvement so that it becomes more pedestrian friendl y and "walkable" -street furniture, landscaping, etc. Dev elopment or improvement of a "civ ic place", such as The Plaza at Little Dry Creek, needs to be undertaken. Mr. Straka discussed improve- ments that could be undertaken along South Lincoln Street, that would provide a pedestrian-inviting area in the neighborhood of the senior housing units , Malley Center, and St. Louis Schoo l/Church . He also addressed the need to improve alley s to encourage people to walk through them . Mr. Straka addressed the need for open space connections -make connections of the greenbelt/open spaces along Little Dry C reek from South Clarkson Street to the South Platte River. The western view of the mountains should be capitalized on wherever possible. He suggested that "cultural memories" for Englewood might be incorporated into g ateway elements . 3 Mr. Straka cited uses that are inhibiting and unwelcoming, such as those with razor wire atop a chain-link fence. He cited a specific use on South Broadway, and urged that the City work with this business to provide a more inviting • appearance . Mr. Straka stated that the north Englewood area is a very important segment of the plan , and needs to be brought into the picture ; however, City staff is already addressing a plan for that area. Mr. Straka did suggest that possibly heavier landscape buffering could be placed along the north side of Floyd A venue -a relocation of the me- dian to the north side of Floyd -to provide protection to the residential neighborhood. Mr. Straka stated that studies indicate that 2000 feet is the distance people feel is "walkable". This should be taken into account in locating parking lots , transit stops , etc. He discussed a "parking district", and the need to develop and control parking structures, and the need to connect the transit station area by a bus system. Mr. Straka stated that scenarios to be considered could include a "respositioning" of Phar-mor and the Country Buffet to the south side along West Girard ; this could reduce the impact on the residential community to the north of Floyd Avenue - the residents would not be facing into the backside of those buildings . Mr. Straka again emphasized the need for additional greenery and landscaping along all streets to provide a delineation or buffer for the commer- cial/downtown area ; he noted that the City has an opportunity to provide really nice landscaping along the Santa Fe corridor. He also discussed the importance of linkage between the bicycle/pedestrian trail along Little Dry Creek to other pedestrian trails and bicycle trails. Optional placements of uses proposed in conjunction with the mall redevelopment were displayed and discussed . Development of pad sites along U .S . 285 was discussed. Mr. Straka noted that there is a considerable grade differ- ence, which could allow larger (taller) buildings to be placed along the south border of the Cinderella City site -it could give the appearance from U .S . 285 and developments farther south of only a one or two story structure, but would be two or three stories when accessed from the interior of the development area. Surface parking would also be developed in the lower grade, and will not have such a visual impact from the south. Informational/directional signs and location of City Kiosks were mentioned as a need throughout the commercial district, and along the Broadway corridor. There is strong need to identify the medical campus area. Mr. Straka then addressed improvements/redevelopment that can occur south of U .S . 285 ; one of the suggestions is • developing the Miller Park/Building into a satellite civic area, expanding this area, providing improved landscaping and street furniture . Larger developments could possibly be accommodated by using a two block area, and vacating the bisecting street. Mr. Welker discussed the difficulty for pedestrians trying to cross either 285 or South Broadway. He asked if the proposed plan will address this issue . Mr. Straka suggested that timing on lights might be changed to provide more pedestrian time ; he acknowledged this could slow traffic movement, but not severely . He also noted the need to provide pedestrian breaks in the medians being installed on U.S. 285. Mr. Straka emphasized the need to facilitate ease of pedestrian movement along and across old Hampden A venue . Mr. Straka stated that pedestrians must be- come a priority consideration in redevelopment plans. Ms . Tobin asked for clarification of proposed treatment of the Denny Miller Field. Mr. Straka stated that the plan suggests a "satellite civic center". Ms . Tobin discussed the need for places for children to play . Mr. Straka stated that there would be play areas for children, and picnic tables and rest areas included. He noted that there are one or two picnic tables on the northeast area of the Field at the present time. Ms . Tobin commented that the new plans that are being developed appear to be eliminating residential use; Englewood will become a business community with no residents . Mr. Celva discussed the need to define buffers between dissimilar developments , i.e., commercial/residential, or industrial/residential. He stated that the neighborhoods do need to be defined. One way to do this is with land- scaped open areas . Ms. Tobin discussed the needs of handicapped citizens , and asked if those individuals who are handicapped have been asked for input on the plan . Mr. Celva stated that the EDDA and Mr. Straka have been working with Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. Ms. Tobin emphasized the need to work with individuals confined to wheelchairs -not the • hospital administrative staff; work with individuals who are seeing impaired should also be undertaken . Mr. Straka 4 \. J • • • agreed , and noted that part of the street furniture they are considering include Braille signage , rails to assist people not steady on their feet , and widen sidewalks to accommodate wheelchair-bound persons . Mr. Douglas stated he wanted to hear more about pedestrian access from the medical complex to Broadway. Mr. Straka pointed out that the sidewalks along Hampden A venue are very tight and narrow; widening of the sidewalks, provision of landscaping and seating/resting areas intermingled with this landscaping would provide an inviting at- mosphere for those who wish to walk. Mr. Homer asked about a proposed hotel; where did this idea originate . Mr. Straka stated that the proposal for a hotel site came from the hospital. A feasibility study for hotel development was done by Clarion Associates. There is a need for overnight accommodations for people who may have relatives in one of the hospitals (Swedish or Craig). The hotel can also provide banquet facilities, conference rooms , and a health club could be also be devel- oped in conjunction with hotel facilities. One of the restrictions on the hotel was that it be located to the east of South Broadway. Mr. Celva noted that a hotel located midway between the medical complex and the downtown area could also serve downtown. Discussion ensued . Mr. Homer inquired about the status of the plan. Mr. Straka stated that he and the EDDA staff will be scheduling meetings with different groups to gain public input. Once the plan is more clearly defined and finalized, it will be formally submitted to the Commission. Mr. Celva stated that there will be a smaller version - eight or nine pages -which is to be considered as an amendment to the City 's 1979 Comprehensive Plan . The larger version of the Downtown Plan will be "appendices" to the condensed version. Mr. Celva stated that EDDA has discussed "design review", and discussed some of the work that EDDA is involved in with the downtown merchants : new signage, etc. EDDA has a grant program to assist in improvement of facades and signs. EDDA is also trying to encourage improvement of the rear side of downtown buildings, and encourage rear entrances for customers. Downtown merchants are being encouraged to participate in a semi-annual clean-up program, and 30 students from Englewood High School will be providing assistance for a general clean-up on May 2. Mr. Celva expanded on the grant program, noting that 23 buildings have been done in the past four years . Typi- cally, the improvements are financed partially by the tenant, partially by the property owner, and partially by EDDA . Mr. Celva commented that a greater impact is made when funds are put into refurbishing buildings rather than using the funds to sponsor a civic event. Mr. Straka summarized on the need to define the character of the city/neighborhood, make streets more walkable, provide more and improved informational signage . Mr. Celva stated that to make improvements happen , the issue of "codes" comes into consideration. He stated that the City has a "lot of codes", and emphasized that the enforcement of the Uniform Building Code (UBC) makes it very difficult to remodel/rehab/refurbish many of the older buildings. New standards in the UBC , when applied to older buildings, are very costly. Mr. Celva noted that many older buildings have many layers of "facades" and to restore to an original fa<yade may not be financially feasible. Also , many of the original brick facades are in poor condition. Ms . Lathram inquired about historical funding -would this be available . Mr. Celva noted that some of the buildings were constructed in the l920 's, but the majority were done between the 1930 's and 1950's ; there is not a lot of his- torical character in these buildings . He stated that EDDA would like to avoid a "theme park" appearance . Mr. Straka stated that, in his opinion, there is "character" along South Broadway, and that this can be maintained and enhanced. He stated that there are ways to maintain the integrity and character of a strategic area, such as Broadway, meet the needs of motorists , pedestrians , and the businessmen . He further discussed the need for "park patterns" -additional landscaping and greenery -to encourage pedestrian usage of the area, slowing traffic through the downtown area to facilitate pedestrian movement. Mr. Douglas expressed the appreciation of the Commission to Mr. Celva and Mr. Straka for their attendance and discussion . 5 V. PUBLIC FORUM There was no one present to address the Commission . VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Stitt said he had nothing to bring forward. VII. ATTORNEY'S CHOICE No one was present from the City Attorney's Office . VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Homer asked if the Commission was to be provided material and information on the North Englewood Small Area Plan prior to the continued Hearing on April 21. Mr. Welker stated he would appreciate receiving the infor- mation as soon as possible. There was nothing further to come before the Commission; the meeting was declared adjourned. -- f:\dept\nbd\group\boards\plancomm\minutes 98\pcm 03 -98b .doc 6 l • • •