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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-12-22 PZC MINUTESPage 890 The motion carried unanimously; the meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION December 22, 1965 Regular Meeting I . CALL TO ORDER . The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:15 P.M. by Chairman Carlson. Members present: Woods, Touchton, Rice, Parkinson, Carlson Romans, Ex-officio Members absent: Fullerton Also present: Staff members Rod Strahm and Pat Hermann; Mr. Gass, Architect; and Herald Report Scheiner. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Carlson stated there were minutes from the Regular Meeting of December 8, 1965, and from the Special Meeting of December 15, 1965, to be considered for approval. Parkinson moved: Rice seconded: The Minutes of the December 15, 1965, Special Meeting be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously. Rice moved: Parkinson seconded: The Minutes of the December 8, 1965, Regular Meeting be approved as amended on December 15, 1965. The motion carried unanimously. III. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. "No Time for Ugliness" Mrs. Romans introduced Mr. Gass, of Gass-Gay Associated Architects. Mr. Gass was present to show the film "No Time for Ugliness", and to discuss the film with members. Following the presentation of the film, Mr. Parkinson commented that he thought it was a very interesting and informing film, and asked Mr. Gass what Governmental bodies could do to encourage a more aesthetic development of the cities? Mr. Gass stated that the improvement of a city was a responsibility of the people as a whole; but it is the hope of the Institute of Architects that the various governmental bodies will encourage an interest on the part of the people in their city to the extent that it will eventually bring about the necessary and desirable improvements. Mr. Gass pointed out that ordinances controlling signs and bill- boards, if enforced, would do much for the beautification of a city. He stated that all citizens must be made aware, somehow, of the vitalness of beauty in their cities. Mrs. Romans asked if the Institute was encouraging aesthetic considerations in the zoning ordinances? Mr. Gass stated they could not give requirements on the type of construction, the type of materials used, etc.; however, he stated that spot zoning should be eliminated, and the separation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic should be accomplished, if only from a safety viewpoint. The possible development of the Platte River flood plain throughout the metropolitan area was discussed. It was asked of Mr. Gass if he thought it could be developed similarly to the San Antonio River in San Antonio, Texas? Mr. Gass stated it would be much more difficult, in that the Platte River flows through several different municipalities; the various governing bodies would have to be in agreement on the development to accomplish this. The San Antonio River was subject to only one governing body, the City of San Antonio. Mr. Carlson discussed the New Englewood shopping area which is to be built across the street from the City Hall. Mr. Gass agreed that the present downtown merchants have a tremendous opportunity if they will work together to beautify the existing commercial area, and to offer a wider selection of merchandise. He also agreed that the new shopping area would very probably be good for the downtown merchants, in that it will give them competition, which in turn, will encourage them to improve their area. Mrs. Romans asked if the American Institute of Architects would give aid to communities that are attempting to draft regulations for condominium or planned unit developments? Mr. Gass stated that he did not feel any ordinance drafted could be comprehensive enough to give an actual "yardstick" to a community; each project must be evaluated on its own merit. Mr. Carlson expressed the appreciation of the Commission to Mr. Gass for the opportunity to see the film and his willingness to discuss it with the members. I I I I I I Page 891 IV. CONFERENCE ROOM "C" Mr. Rice stated he wished to point out that he did not feel the Planning Commission Conference Room, Conference Room C, was suitable for public meetings, in that the temperature of the room is much too warm, and the noise level makes it practically impossible to be heard. Discussion ensued. Mr. Parkinson suggested that until these matters are eliminated, the Commission request the use of Conference Room "A" for all meetings. The members concurred. Rice moved: Parkinson seconded: The City Manager be notified that the Planning Commission does not feel that Conference Room "C" is satisfactory as a public meeting room, inas- much as the noise level is much too high, and the temperature is virtually uncontrollable. The motion carried unanimously. V. ARAPAHOE COUNTY CASE #18-65D Kent School Property Mrs. Romans stated that the rezoning of the west 11-1/2 acres of the Kent School property had been favorably recommended by the Arapahoe County Planning Commission. The Public Hearing before the County Commissioners will be some time in February. VI. SOUTH ENGLEWOOD K-Mart Store CASE #21-65 Mrs. Romans stated that the K-Mart Store proposed on the southwest corner of Belleview and Broadway will possibly need the western portion of their land rezoned to make the entire area in the proper zone classification. The building permit was obtained while the annexation of the area was under litigation; the permit was issued by Arapahoe County. Discussion followed. Mrs. Romans commented that Mr. Criswell had stated that in his opinion, the en- tire area would not need to undergo a zoning procedure; the zoning which the City had placed on the area prior to the decision of the Distririt Court would be applicable. It was the con- census of the Commission that further discussion should be held with the City Attorney on the zoning of this entire area, and that further clarification on the matter of the permit issued to K-Mart by Arapahoe County should be obtained. The appeal decision could indicate that the area was within the City limits of the City of Englewood and, therefore, not under the jurisdiction of Arapahoe County at the time the permit was issued. VII. CITY HALL 3400 S. Elati REZONING I-1 to B-1 CASE #17-65A Mrs. Romans stated that a Public Hearing date for the rezoning of the City Hall site had been set for January 19, 1966; she asked if the Commission would prefer to hold this hearing and possibly the one for the K-Mart site at the same time? If so, the hearing date for the City Hall Site would need to be postponed. The members agreed this should be done. VIII. COUNCIL APPOINTEES TO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION. It was pointed out that there will, as of the first meeting in January, 1966, be three Council members who are also members of the Planning Commission , Mr. Rice, Mr. Parkinson, and Mr. Fullerton. Discussion followed. Mr. Parkinson pointed out that Council members are appointed for their tenure on the Council, and that Mr. Rice's tenure, therefore, will be until 1968. However, Mr. Fullerton would in effect be starting a new term of office. IX. VARIANCES. Mr. Touchton discussed the granting of variances for the installation of some of the signs and billboards within the City. He reviewed comments made by Mr. Gass on the enforcement of Ordinances and Codes for the regulation of these signs and billboards. Discussion followed. Other variances were discussed. Mr. Carlson cited Case #65-120 of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. He stated he did not feel this was a "variance", but a changing of the ordinance. He stated that a variance should be regarded as applicable to the land, i.e., an instance of an owner not being able to meet the frontage, side setbacks, etc., because of a physical pecularity of the land, and should not be applicable to the use. He questioned the authority to grant such a "variance". Discussion followed. Rice moved: Parkinson seconded: The meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously, and the meeting was declared adjourned at 10:20 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *