Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-07-17 PZC MINUTESI I I I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION July 17, 1969 Page 1173 The special meeting of the City Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Woods at 8:10 P. M. Members present: Carlson; Lentsch; Lone; Touchton; Woods Romans, Ex-officio Members absent: Parkinson Also present: City Attorney Criswell; Miss Margaret Isom, Joe Magers, and R. G. Woods, III; members of the City Planning Department staff. II. ZUIDER ZEE RESTAURANT Parking Layout CASE July June June May #26-69D 8, 1969 17, 1969 10, 1969 20, 1969 Mr. Woods stated that this matter had been t abled at a previous meeting and asked the Com- mission pleasure on consideration of the matter. Lentsch moved: Carlson seconded: The matter of the Zuider Zee Restaurant parking lot be removed from the Table. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Malone, counsel for the officials of Zuider Zee, was present, as was Mr. Aiken, who is affiliated with Zuider Zee. Mr. Malone urged the Commission to relax the requirements placed on the access to the parking lot which were contained in a decision made at the meeting on May 20, 1969. This decision was a s follows: "The. Planning Commission approve the parking plan of the Zuider Zee Restaurant subject to the following conditions: (1) a structurally sound ornamental iron fence is t o be constructed along the south and west sides of the site; the fence to be adequate t o prevent cars from running from the parking lot onto the railroad tracks to the west, or onto U.S. 285 on the south. (2) Wheel stops or curbing is to be provided along ths east boundary o~ the property and on the north boundary adjacent to the parking stalls for a minimum distance of 80 ft. from the northeast corner west, to separate the parking lot from the roadway and to cause access to and from the lot to be only from the north rather tha n from South Jason Street extended." Mr. Malone stated that they have suggested two alternatives to solve their problem of access onto South Jason Street; one would be to limit the southernmost curb cut as shown on the plans to exit only, and the northernmost curb cut to ingress only. The second alternative would be to have one curb cut in the center of the lot for both ingress and egress, but he pointed out that this would necessitate some rev~mping of the parking layout, whereby they could possibly lose a few parking spaces. Mr. Malone urged the Commission to give considera- tion to the first alternative; this would allow the Restaurant to maintain the required number of parking spaces on their lot, and still give them access to the dedicated street. Mr. Malone reviewed the requirements of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which state that a building site must abut on a "dedicated street", and pointed out that due to the peculiar location of this parcel of land, South Jason Street is the only dedicated street to which they have access. Mr. Malone stated that he had read the memorandum from the Traffic Engineer in which Mr. Hammond had stated that he does not see any reason to deny access to and from South Jason Street. This memorandum, dated July 1, 1969, reads as follows: "TO: D. A. Romans FROM: J. Hammond SUBJECT: Jason St. and U.S. 285 North Leg Also Zuider Zee Restaurant 1. As per your request we will schedule a machine count of traffic on Jason Street north of US 285. There are no recent counts. 2. I see no need to deny the restaurant driveway access to Jason Street as long as the driveway(s) are no wider than standard 24' and the beginning drive is not less than 20' from the east /west flow line of US 285. Delineation of these driveways by use of curb-stops, pin-down curb, or other means should be required. /s / Jim Hammond Jim Hammond Traffic Engineer JBH:pd" Mr. Lone asked if a parcel of land must have access to a street to fulfill the requirement of the Zoning Ordinance that all sites must abut on a dedicated street? City Attorney Criswell stated that access canno t be denied to private property; however, in this case, they do have access to what is essentially a public street on the north that there is public ground which must be devoted to the movement of traffic on the imm~diate north of the Zuider Zee property. Mr. Lone asked if the cuts were permitted now, and were found to be causing traffic problems at a later date, if the City could order the cuts closed? Mr. Criswell commented that he felt it would be better to condition the approval now rather than try later to rescind absolute approval. Further discussion followed. Page 1174 Touchton moved Lentsch seconded: The Planning Commission favorably accept the petition of the applicant to amend action taken by the Commission at a meeting on May 20, 1969, in respect to the parking layout of the Zuider Zee Restaurant and the ingress and egress therefrom, and approve the "Alternate Plan I" discussed by the applicant, which plan would provide egress only at a point approximately 25 ft. from the intersection of South Jason Street with U.S. #285, and would provide ingress only at a point some 80 ft. north of the cut de- voted to egress. The applicant must comply with the regulations governing curb cuts within the City of Englewood, and further, must install bumper stops along the portions of South Jason which will not be used as access points. Appropriate signing of the curb cuts must be undertaken at the expense of the applicant, the signing to be approved by the Traffic Engineer. It is also noted that this approval is based on the opinion of the Traffic Engineer, in that he does not feel there will be a problem with egress an<l ingress to and from South Jason Street. The property is to be fenced on the west and south sides as required by the Commission in their action of May 20, 1969, and bumper or wheel stops are to be in- stalled on the north boundary of the site separating parking stalls from the maneuvering area. The motion carried unanimously. III. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Public Hearing Lone moved: Lentsch seconded: The Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Englewood be opened. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Woods asked if there were any rules that the Commission wished to set forth in the dis- cussion of the Plan? Mr. Lone suggested that each section of the Plan be reviewed with a question/answer period at the end of each section. It was agreed that this procedure would be followed. Mr. Woods asked Mrs. Romans to review the Plan. Mr. Parkinson entered and took his place with the members of the Commission. Mrs. Romans introduced members of the Planning Department staff who are working in the depart- ment this summer, Miss Isom, and Messrs. Magers and Woods. Mrs. Romans then reviewed the provisions for a Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the State Statutes and the City Charter of the City of Englewood provide that the Planning Commission shall prepare and present to City Council a Master Plan as a guide for the growth of the City. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan is not designed as an instrument which by itself can solve the City's problems, but rather it is to act as a guide and to set forth goals for us to work toward. A Comprehensive Plan includes zoning, street plans, public facilities, storm drainage, parks and recreation, and other programs which affect the growth of a city and affects its citizens. A Comprehensive Plan may be adopted in whole or in part; a Plan may be adopted which will affect the entire City, or only a portion of the City. A Comprehensive Plan is not static, but must be revised on a periodic basis as goals of the City are achieved and new goals are considered. Mrs. Romans stated that an attempt has been made by the staff to have the Plan written so that a person not familiar with the Planning function would understand it. Specifics have not been included in the Plan, because, as has been stated before, the Plan serves as a "guide" --not the definite route to follow. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the technicai reports from which the Plan has been taken are on file in the Planning Department for those who are interested or who need more detail. HISTORY AND CHARACTER. Mrs. Romans reviewed the section of the Comprehensive Plan entitled "History and Character". This section traces the growth of the City from the time of incorpora- tion, May 13, 1903, through the present day, and generally sets the stage for the other sections of the Plan. A visual presentation accompanied Mrs. Romans discussion. A PLACE TO LIVE. This section of the Comprehensive Plan is devoted to the neighborhood in which one lives. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City of Englewood could easily be divided into six neighborhoods: (1) the northwestern portion of Englewood west of South .Santa Fe Drive ; (2) the section of the City between South Broadway and South Santa Fe Drive and north of U.S. 285; (3) the section of the City east of South Broadway and north of U.S. 285; (4) the section of the City east of South Broadway and south of U.S. 285; (5) the section of the City between South Broadway and South Santa Fe Drive and south of U.S. 285; and (6) the portion of the City west of Santa Fe Drive and north of Belleview. A visual presentation accompanied the discussion, and the above "neighborhoods" were shown. Also shown were areas of the City in which there is a concentration of older deteriorating and dilapidated housing. There are five areas of particular concern and these were set forth in the visual presentation and in the Plan itself: (1) the residential area in North- west Englewood. It was noted by Mrs. Romans that there are substandard dwelling units in a portion of the industrial area and that inasmuch as residential uses are not permitted in the industrial district, plans should be made to relocate persons living within that area. She . noted that the residents of this northwest area are also concerned about the redevelopment of their neighborhood and are working with the City on this redevelopment program. (2) The area west of Broadway and north of West Dartmouth Avenue has a concentration of aged homes on substandard 37-1 /2 ft. lots; the minimum requ.i •rements.· of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for a single or two family dwelling unit is 50 ft. frontage. A great deal of interest for redevelopment has been shown in this area also, but the residents have been hesitant to approve any re zoning which they feel would permit a high concentration of families with children. (3) The third area of concern is generally between East Dartmouth Avenue and East Hampden Avenue and just east of Broadway ~ Older homes predominate in this area, many of them are small, and would not meet the standards of the Housing Code. (4) The fourth area is between I I I I I I Page 1175 U.S. 285 and approximately West Lehigh Avenue and west of Broadway. Mrs. Romans noted that it is felt that this area will redevelop because of the stimulus provided by the Shopping Complex to the north of U.S. 285. (5) The fifth area is in the 4700 block from Acoma through the east side of South Huron Street. Again, many of the residents of this area do want to improve the area, but it has not been proven financially possible to re- place one old house on a lot with one new house. The cost of the laRd is such that a slightly higher density would appear to be necessary to encourage the redevelopment of this area through private enterprise. Also considered in the Plan is the need for additional bus service in the residential areas of the City. A visual presentation was made on the proposed routes. Mrs. Romans noted that an application has been prepared by the City for Federal aid to purchase three additional buses, but that this program alone would not solve the problem of inadequate public transporta- tion for the elderly, the disabled, the youth, the housewife or the workers who live in the City. Chairman Woods asked if there were any questions about the first two sections. Mrs. Estelle Brown 1440 E. Bates Avenue -stated that she didn't understand the. Plan, and that it was so "general" it didn't say anything. She stated that she wanted specific cost estimates given in the Plan. Mrs. Brown stated she felt it was a "collection of generalities." She asked that consulta- tion of professional planners in the City had had in the writing of this Plan. She stated that in her opinion, the Plan did not answer any of the current community problems. The matter of public transportation was considered. Mr. Woods stated that the City of Englewood has been cooperating with the City of Littleton for some time on the matter of the bus routes, and that we are seeking a solution to this problem. The City has applied for Federal aid to purchase additional buses to expand the service. Mr. Don Marshall 6059 South Elati -. stated he felt the Comprehensive Plan will be a policy of the City, and will establish the "atmosphere" in which special planning, such as transportation studies, etc., can be accompiished. He stated that he would have to agree that it isn't specific, but he felt that it should not be, and that the City Plan should provide "generalities" which act as a guide for the specific programs. Councilman Lone agreed that the Plan is general, but pointed out that where the City has plans such as the storm drainage study, that they are .necessarily more specific, and in the drainage section of the Comprehensive. Plan, a route is recommended. He also emphasized that this Plan will serve only as a "guide" to the City. Mr. George Allen 2799 S. Downing - Mrs. Sally Parsons 6777 Southridge - Mrs. Kudalis 4320 S. Kalamath - Mrs. Tourtelot 2791 South Ogden - stated that he had worked r ather closely with the City departments and was of the opinion that the City has well-qualified personnel who are capable of drawing up a Plan such as this. stated that the League of Women Voters, of which she is President of the Arapahoe County branch, is a political b.ody, but is nonpartisan. Mrs. Parsons stated that sha hoped the Public Hearing on the Plan was only the first step in involving people in the Planning process. She stated that she is looking forward .to an in-depth study which will involve the entire community. Mrs. Parsons then discussed some of the objectives of the League of Women voters, and gave members of the Commission copies cl. some material the League is working on. stated she felt the Plan was very well written. She stated she was concerned about the "neighborhood" concept as discussed in A PLACE TO LIVE. She stated that she would want to be assured that if the "neigh- borhood concept" as discussed in that section does not serve the purpose it is supposed to serve, that the City will not be bound or stymied by the reference to an article by Clarence Arthur Perry. asked why no bus route was proposed on South Santa Fe Drive? Mrs. Romans stated that it would not be wise to put slow-moving buses on a fast-moving arterial such as Santa Fe Drive. Mrs. Romans also stated that suggestions for expanded routing of the buses would be welcomed. Mrs. Tourtelot asked if the proposed bus system would fit into the Urban Design? Mrs. Romans stated that at this time, the system does fit into the plan under which Denver is operating. Mrs. Lorraine Saban 4683 Tule Lake Drive - . stated that the League of Women Voters has studied the matter of transportation from the metropolitan point of view, and since the Senate Bill has proposed a .transportation district, they would like to urge that the City of Englewood cooperate on a "regional level". She stated they would also like to urge us to consider the possibilities of using the railroad right-of-way along the freeway, and to keep the matter of air pollution in mind before we recommend the .construction of additional highways. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City of Englewood is a participating member of the Denver Regional Council of Governments, and that the City is coordinating their plans with the regional plans. Mrs. Saban asked what about the financing of the bus routes? Page 1176 Mrs. Romans stated that this would be a matter for the City Council to decide. The Compre- hensive Plan, again, is a "GUIDE" --a framework within which the City can operate. City Attorney Criswell asked to speak. Mr. Criswell stated that a Master Plan, or Comprehen- sive Plan, should locate problems of a community, and should point a direction or goals toward which the City should work. But, it should not .set forth the specific projects, nor should the Planning Commission go into the problem of financing of the projects, as they do not have that responsibility. Mr. Criswell stated it was not the respon~ibility of the Master Plan, or of the Planning Commission, to say "how" a project should be accomplished, but that particular responsibility rests with the City Council, and they alone can make that decision. Mr. Criswell then discussed at some length the cooperation between the cities of Englewpod, Littleton, and Sheridan in subsidizing the existing bus lines,which these cities have been doing for the past two or three years. Mr. Carlson stated that he would like to make a few comments. Mr. Carlson stated that he has been in several Planning Offices in the State, and that the Englewood Planning Office has more information in it and we have more requests for the information we have than any other office in the State. Mr. Carlson stated that for those persons who do not know what a Planning Office does, or what one is supposed to do, that perhaps they should arrange to at least "tour" through our office. Mr. Carlson further stated that he felt the staff had done a good job on this project. Mr. Touchton commented that he. felt the staff is well able to answer questions the citizens might pose. He also felt that the Plan was good. POPULATION AND LAND USE. Mrs. Romans reviewed the section of the Plan on Population and Land Use. Visual presentations were again used. When the City incorporated in 1903, our popula- tion was approximately 2,000 people. It is presently estimated at 36,600, and is projected to 50,000 by 1980, with 60,000 projected to the year 2000. The land use of the City was considered. A plan of the proposed zone classifications was shown, which plan indicates the approximate areas of each particular classification. Again, it was noted that this is not specific, in that the zoning boundary might not be on tha exact street as presently shown, but in the general area. The Platte River Valley was shown as a "greenbelt" through the area, with only a very small portion of it within the jurisdiction o.f the City of Englewood. Mrs. Romans pointed out that we are cooperating with SPARC and other agencies in considering the redevelopment of the river valley, and hope to have recreational facilities bordering the .river.· In relation to zoning, Mrs. Romans stated that the office is revising the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and is going into a very thorough analysis of the zone districts. It was noted that in the analysis of the R-1-A District in the northeastern portion of the City, that at least 75% of the lots do not meet the minimum standards of 75 foot frontage and 9,000 square feet of lot area. These-rots are non-conforming on this account, and in many cases they exceed the permitted 25% lot coverage. In the revised OrdLnance, in order to make these areas con- forming, the standards of the R-1-A District will have to be lowered. Mrs. Faye Strauss 5052 E. Princeton -asked if we anticipated that the people who would be displaced from . their older homes through the higher density redevelopment could be relocated without financial hardship to them? She also asked if there were any undeveloped land in this area? Mrs. Romans replied that this is indeed a problem, and that the City hopes to go into a neighborhond redevelopment program. The only undeveloped land in the area of any size that is zoned for residential use is the former KLZ Site. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City is trying to encourage private redevelopment, and that there have been in excess of 20 homes removed for redevelopment of the land thus far. Mrs. Howell 6785 S. Ash Way -spoke on the need for low-income housing, and the responsibility of pro- viding this housing. The League of Women Voters is working with the Re- development Research Committee, and are surveying Englewood now. She noted that 2 /3 of the welfare cases in Arapahoe County reside within the limits of the City of Englewood. The City has a large percentage of elderly people also. Mrs. Parsons stated that the League would like very much to support the City of Englewood in locating an area far lower cost housing, and that they would like to participate in the project. Mr. Parkinson questioned the statement that 2 /3 of the welfare recipients live within Engle- wood. Mrs. Howell stated this was correct. Mrs. Romans stated that she had talked to the Welfare Agency in Arapahoe County, and that this is indeed correct; that the City has a go~ job market with the hospitals and the shopping area, and limited public transportation is available along South Broadway with the Englewood /Littleton bus line and the Denver Tramway line running through the northern end of the City. These conditions plus a large number of older rental units has made the City a convenient place for the Arapahoe County Welfare cases to locate. There are also many older people living in their own homes throughout the City. Many of these people are also listed as welfare recipients. PUBLIC FACILITIES. Mrs. Romans reviewed this section, and noted that whereas the Plan does not go into the specific number of square feet that will be required for the new fire and police complex, it does state that a new complex is needed --again, in an attempt to be general and to provide necessary flexibility. The studies on the size of the complex have been made and may be seen by those who are interested. It was noted that there are four school districts within the City of Englewood: #1, the Englewood School District; #2, the Sheridan School District; #6, the Littleton School District, and #5, the Cherry Creek School District. Mrs. Romans noted that the location of the schools in the other school districts are not located within the City of Englewood, and therefore are not shown on the maps. Mrs. Romans noted that the School District #1 has considered relocating the school in the northwestern sector of the City of Englewood to a site adjacent to Baker Park --this will be to the west of the present location, which is zoned for Industrial use, and in the residential area. The Plan also sets forth the fact that a central garage is needed for the City vehicles and maintenance work, but again, it does not set forth a specific location by Which the City will be bound, I I I I I I Page 1177 Mr. Allen asked if the School Board had a time goal on the relocation of the new school in Northwest Englewood? Mrs. Romans replied that she did not believe they did have a time set. A recess was declared at 9:55 P. M. The meeting was called to order at 10:05 P.M. PARKS AND RECREATION .. Mrs. Romans noted that this plan is based on plans of the Parks Department and of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Prior to the sale of the former City Park, the City had ~8.60 acres of developed park land. The sale of the park was conditioned upon the $1,000,000 which the received being ear-marked for new park development. The parks which have been developed and the "themes" of these parks were listed. Mrs. Romans noted that it is the goal of the City to develop a golf course at the McLellan Dam site, and to provide other recreational activities around the site. It was pointed out that the area east of Broadway and south of U.S. 285 has only the Duncan School park. It is suggested that possibly "vest pocket parks" be developed in this area --on vacant lots, or possibly on the portion of any streets which might easily be vacated, etc. --also the area east of South Downing Street could use "vest pocket parks". Another area that is suggested for park use is the vacant land behind the GEM store. This site has no public access at the present time. The matter of mountain park sites being developed cooperatively with the Water Board. has also been considered. We presently have 110. 43 acres of land for park use. The Council of Governments s 'ets forth that there should be 10.5 acres park land for each 1,000 persons. Based on these figures and our population projections, we should have 973.9 acres of park land. by the year 2000. Were this to be a realistic goal, considerable additional land would have to be obtained to . meet these requirements. Mrs. Parksons asked if this Plan considers the development of the Platte River Valley? Mrs. Romans again noted that most of the river valley is outside of the jurisdiction of the City of Englewood; however, we are showing recreation areas along the Platte. DRAINAGE PLAN. The Drainage Plan was considered. Most of the storm drains that the City has are those that were installed by the W.P.A. during World War II or thereabouts. There hasn't been too much done since that time until last year when the area at Kenyon and Santa Fe Lane was taken care of. Additional lines are proposed to relieve the problem areas in the City. These lines were indicated on the visual presentation that was made as this section was re- viewed. The problem areas were outlined. A storm drainage project which would encompass the entire City would cost approximately $2,600,000. It was reported that there is an ad hoc committee of the City Council which has met with a group of citizens interested in this specific matter. The Flood Plain and flood plain zoning in relation to the South Platte River was discussed and maps were shown of these areas. By law, the Colorado Water Conservation Board is charged with designating flood plain zones of all waterways within the State, and no jurisdiction can zone for flood plain purposes land other than that which is indicated by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. This designation is made through the Denver Regional Council of Govern- ments. The Corps of Engineers has outlined the boundary of a Standard Project Flood along the Platte River. It was noted that this boundary or area was exceeded in the 1965 flo o d of the Platte, as the Corps had predicted it would be if debris upstream were to cause a "damming" effect. The Conservation Board has designated the boundaries of the Standard Pro- ject Flood zone as established by the Corps of Engineers for the South Platte River as the area which can be zoned for flood plain purposes. There was discussion of a proposed flood plain zone district which the Planning Department is proposing to draft and include in the revised Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. The flood plain of Little Dry Creek was then discussed. The Colorado Water Conservation Board, through the Council of Governments, has designated an Intermediate Regional Flood Plain on the Creek within which area restrictions can be imposed. It was pointed out that this area is now developed. It is doubtful that the City could order existing businesses to vacate the area, but any new construction would be required to build to flood-proofing standards. It is also proposed in the Plan that Little Dry Creek be developed as a focal point of the City rather than the eye sore that it has been permitted to become. Mrs. Parsons commented that in the study of the South Platte River by the League, that they feel no permanent structures should be permitted within the immediate flood area, and they would like to see the entire area reserved for a greenbelt area. Mrs. Brown asked about the financing of the storm sewer system? Would be the assessment be levied against the "advantaged" properties, or would it be levied against the entire city? Mr. Criswell stated that this had not been decided, but that the City officials are discussing a general obligation bond issue. MASTER STREET PLAN. Mrs. Romans stated that the Street Plan has been considered by the Com- mission on several occasions at public meetings. Englewood is an older community, and we have inherited the street pattern that was established as the areas developed while thBy were in the County. Basically, the City streets are laid out on the "grid" pattern, and since the City is almost entirely developed in the residential and business areas, there cannot be too many changes in the street pattern without. a major redevelopment program. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the former KLZ Site will have to be subdivided, and street rights- of-way provided to serve the area before it can be developed; also, there are industrial areas in which owners will be required to give rights-of-way prior to development. Mrs. Romans noted that in the Master Street Plan, the City is proposing only the "designation" of the primary traffic carriers, and not designating one-way patterns, which at this time is the responsibility of the Traffic Engineer. U.S. 285 is designated as the location of a pro- jected freeway. It was explained that the State Highway Department has been considering~ . freeway on U.S. 285, Quincy, Belleview, or Orchard Avenue, and it is the opinion of the City that U.S. 285 is the most logical location for that designation. Arterial streets were noted, and Mrs. Romans stated that an arterial street should have continuity between communities. It was explained that this plan is based on the DMATS System 4B Plan, and does fit into the Page 1178 Regional street plans. East and west arterials are: Evans Avenue, Yale Avenue, Dartmouth Avenue , Kenyon Avenue, Quincy Avenue, and Belleview Avenue. North /South arterials are: Federal Boulevard, South Tejon Street, S&nta Fe Drive, South Pecos /Santa Fe Lane, Broadway, South Logan Street, South Clarkson Street south of U.S. 285, South Downing Street and South University Boulevard. Collector streets are: Floyd Avenue, Girard Avenue, Hampden Avenue, Oxford Avenue, and Tufts Avenue for the east /west streets. North /south collector streets are: Lowell Boulevard, Zuni Street , proposed Platte River Drive, South Fox Street, South Bannock Street, South Sherman Street, South Clarkson Street north of U.S. 285, and South Lafayette Street. Mrs. Romans noted that a !'corridor" is shown for the Columbine Freeway, inasmuch as a formal decision on the location of the freeway has not been made. Mrs. Romans stated that the study by Meurer-Serafini-Meurer for the State Highway Department recommended .the western route while other groups are in favor of the eastern alignment for the freeway. She pointed out that it is the opinion of many knowledgeable people that the traffic cannot be carried on South Santa Fe Drive, and that . Santa Fe would still need to be improved to the standards of a major arterial were the Columbine Freeway to be located on the western route. Mrs. Tourtelot 2791 South Ogden asked if the opinion of experts in environment and mental health had been obtained on the reliance on automobiles and buses? She pointed out the air pollution factor and the fact that it seems to "hang" in the Platte River Valley. Mrs. Romans stated that studies such as this are being done on a regional basis. Mrs. Brown asked if the point of the question was not whether we should recommend a freeway in the Platte River valley because of the air pollution problem; she asked if the Commission had given any thought to this matter. She also asked if the Commission had considered the · routing of the freeway along Santa Fe and the railroad tracks? Mr. Woods stated that the Commission has attended numerous meetings at which both •proposed locations for the freeway have been discussed. He stated that he felt the members of the Commission were very well informed on the pros and cons of both locations. CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Mrs. Romans discussed this section of the Comprehensive Plan. She noted that it will take the cooperation of the tenants, the property owners and the City to accomplish what we would like to see in GUr core area. Several imaginative ideas were displayed in the visual presentation; mall developments on Lincoln and Acoma streets were displayed and discussed. One plan which would take the traffic off of South Broadway was shown and discussed. This plan depicted the "ponding" of the Little Dry Creek and developing the area with theaters, restaurants, office buildings, and residential development. The Acoma-Lincoln mall developments were further discussed, and it was noted that the merchants of the core area want and need the parking to remain on the streets, and that a mall develop- ment to meet their needs could · not entirely restrict the parking on Lincoln or Acoma Streets . Mrs. Howell questioned the advisability of permitting residential uses in the core area,· particularly lower-cost housing. She stated she feared that it could lead to the "ghetto" type development of other cities, and she didn't feel that this is what we want. Mrs. Romans stated that new development was being contemplated when residential uses are being suggested in the core area. She pointed out that we do not now permit residential uses in the business zone districts under the provisions of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. She pointed out also , that we have had numerous requests for rezoning, or variances, to permit residential uses in the core area, and that in conversations with businessmen they feel that residential uses in the core area are needed. Mrs. Tourtelot asked if there were plans by the Public Service Company to put their utility lines underground? Mrs. Romans stated that the Public Service Company is developing long range plans to put their lines underground, and that the Telephone Company also is developing long-range plans at this time which undoubtedly include underground lines. Mrs. Romans noted that an area in Northwest Englewood which the City and property owners are trying to redevelop by opening additional streets. In cooperation with this program, the utility companies have said they will relocate their lines at their own expense, and they have discussed underground installa- tions in this instance. Mrs. Judy Henning 3074 Cornell Circle -asked what the process of approval was for the Comprehensive Plan, and asked also what the members of the Planning Commission felt about the Plan? Mrs. Romans stated that the Planning Commission would recommend a Plan to th€ City Council, which would, when approved by resolution of the Council, be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder. Mr. Criswell asked to speak. He stated that studies have been going on for some time in the City on .the possibility of Federa 1 a id, and the meeting this evening, this Public Hearing, is the result of several officials of the City saying that we "must have a general guide" for the City. This Master Plan is such a guide and once this plan is adopted, the City must develop a "workable program" which will go into more detailed consideration of the housing problem, which may lead into a Community Redevelopment Program. This will take the goals set forth in the Comprehensive Plan and expand them in detail, which will then enable the City to carry out its goals. Mr. Lone stated that he was ready for public hearing this evening. a way as to be "binding", that ·he and does not bind the City; it is adoption of this Plan. to adopt this Plan that has been before the Commission He stated that if the Plan were f o be presented ·in such might not be ready, but that the Plan is "conceptual" · a beginning point for our goals, and he is in favor of Mr. Woods stated that he felt he could recommend this Plan to the City Council and support it in the future. I I I I I I Page 1179 Mr. Parkinson stated that the City does have cooperation with other cities, and that this Plan is based on "cooperation" with other cities, and that the Plan does indicate a way which we want the City to go. Mr. Touchton noted that we are living in a "state of flux" and that it is hard to keep abreast of community needs, but that we have to start somewhere. He felt that we are going on "record" with this Plan, and asked how many other cities had a Plan on file at the Clerk's office? Mrs. Romans stated that the last time she ehecked with the County Clerk there were no cities in Arapahoe County which had recorded a Master Plan. Mr. Touchton stated he felt that our staff has made good progress on this Plan, and he is in favor of adopting this. Mr. Carlson stated that a great many of our problems do not ori~inate in our City. He stated that we must have the Comprehensive Plan as a first to a certified workable program. He is in favor of this Plan. Mr. Lentsch asked how many o f the people in attendance lived in the City of Englewood? Eight people indicated they resided within the City. Mr. Lentsch noted that without citizen guidance we were stymied, and that any plans or suggestions which citizens might have would be welcomed by the Commission . Mrs. Romans discussed a meeting she had held on July 10th, at which time representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the news media, the League of Women Voters, and the School Board were invited to "preview" the Plan. Discussion followed. Parkinson moved: Lone seconded: The Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan be closed. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Lentsch stated that he would like to thank the League of Women Voters for their attendance. Parkinson moved: Lone seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the Comprehensive Plan, as submitted, be approved and adopted. The motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Romans asked the pleasure of the Commission in the matter of the date for referring the Plan to the Council ; she noted that there were several minor changes she felt should be made, and the maps to go with the Plan will have to be run by the Central Services Office, and that inasmuch as some of the maps will take seven or eight different runs, it would be a very time-consuming project. Discussion followed. It was the determination of the Com- mission to refer the Plan as is, and make changes and run the maps for the final publication. IV. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM. Mrs. Romans reminded Commission members of the Capital Improvements Program, which will be considered at a meeting on July 22, 1969. V. MEETING WITH ENGLEWOOD SCHOOL BOARD. Mrs. Romans stated that she had discussed the possibility of a meeting of the Planning Com- mission with the School Board and that Mr. Harper had replied to her query that the Board would be happy to meet with the Commission. No date was set, however. Discussion followed It was suggested that possibly we should hold off on the joint meeting until next September. VI. MISCELLANEOUS. Mrs. Romans stated that she has contacted officials of Arapahoe County and the City of Sheridan about the possibility of their changing the names of those portions of South Pecos Street and South Santa Fe Lane within their jurisdictions to South Windermere S t reet to con- form with the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Mrs. Romans stated that the Commission had given approval to Mr. K. Wayne Nelson to develop a trailer park at 3035 South Santa Fe as a Conditional Use. ·A check on the progress of this conditional use indicated that Mr. Nelson was operating the park without conforming to the requirements of the Mobile Home Park Ordinance as required by the Planning Commission. The matter was referred to Public Works Director Waggoner, and at a meeting between Mr. Nelson, Mr. Waggoner and Mrs. Romans, it was determined that Mr. Nelson will report to the Planning Commission at their August 5, 1969, meeting on the progress he has made in conforming to the Ordinances of the City of Englewood. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M . Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary Page 1180 MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: SUBJECT : RECOMMENDATION: Parkinson moved: Lone seconded: July 17, 1969 Approval and Adoption of the Comprehensive Plan The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the Comprehen- sive Plan, as submitted, be approved and adopted .. The motion carried unanimously. By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION July 22, 1969 The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:10 P.M. by Chairman Woods. Members present: Carlson ; Lone; Parkinson; Touchton; Woods Romans, Ex-o ~ficio Members absent: Lentsch - ------ -- --- - - - --- - - --- - - --- II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Woods stated that the Minutes of July 8, 1969, were to be considered for approval. Parkinson moved: Lone seconded: The Minutes of July 8, 1969, be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion on the Minutes of the July 17, 1969, meeting, which minutes are not yet ready for printing, followed. It was requested that the staff deliver the Minutes of the July 17th meeting to the Commission at the earliest opportunity and to then take a telephone poll of the Commission members relative to their approval, in order that the Minutes might be referred to the City Council immediately. III. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. 1970 to 1975 Mr. Parkinson asked Assistant City Manager Mack how much money the Commission has to consider for the Capital Improvement Program this year? Mr. Mack stated that there will be an estimated $685,000 ·for the Capital Improvement Program in 1970, Mr. Mack stated that if funds above the $685,000 were considered, that the mill levy would have to be increased; he _pointed out that each mill is worth $63,000. The list of recommendations made last year by the Planning Commission, and the lost for which funds were budgeted by the City Council were considered. Mr. Mack pointed out that the refinancing of City Hall had drawn $50,000 from the Public Im- provement funds; also, that .th~ sales tax receipts have fallen below the projections of laqt year when the budget was prepared. Mr. Lone asked if the $10,000 considered for the aerial housing for the new fire apparatus was still a valid figure? Mr. Mack replied that it was, and that they are now considering a temporary metal building to be placed alongside of Station #1 until the new headquarters for the Fire Department are completed. Discussion on the location of the new headquarters on a site between South Elati Street and South Fox Street and between West Ithaca Avenue and West Jefferson Avenue followed. The Capital Improvements which were budgeted in 1969 were considered. Mr. Lone commented that only 1 /3 of the Planning Commission's recommendation of last year was even budgeted, and with the refinancing of City Hall, not even all that budgeted will be accomplished. Mr. Mack stated that the paving and sidewalk districts, the park replacement program, and the central garage project will be completed for a total of $338,000 this year. He stated they are estimating a carry-over of $163,000 from our unexpended funds for next year. Discussion followed. Mr. Lone commented that attempting to do the storm sewer project with $100 000 each year just isn't working out, and that he would be inclined to eliminate that proJect until we find out whether or not a General Obligation Bond Issue will carry and we can obtain I I I