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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-08-22 PZC MINUTES\ CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 22, 1995 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:05 PM by Vice Chair Redpath. Members present: Douglas, Dummer, Horner, Redpath, Tobin, Shoop, Weber Mason (Late) Members absent: Also present: Garrett (with previous notice.) Planning Administrator Harold J. Stitt City Attorney Dan Brotzman II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. July 18, 1995 Vice Chair Redpath called for consideration of the Minutes of July 18, 1995 . Chairman Mason entered the meeting and assumed the Chair. Tobin moved: Douglas seconded: The Minutes of July 18 , 1995 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: None ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Dummer, Horner, Tobin, Shoop, Weber, Douglas, Mason Redpath Garrett The motion carried. III. THE MARKS WEST Planned Development Amendment Mr. Mason asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. CASE #7-95 It was moved and seconded that the Public Hearing on Case #7-95 be opened. AYES: Horner, Redpath , Shoop , Tobin , Weber, Douglas, Dummer , Mason NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Garrett 1 The motion carried. Planning Administrator Stitt was sworn in, and presented the Chair with the proof of Publication and posting certification. Mr. Stitt also distributed amended plans which reflect the recommenda- tions of the Public Works Department, Traffic Engineering Division, regarding the proposed new access point. Mr. Stitt reviewed the development history of this site from its use as the KLZ Towers, proposed site for the Cinderella City Mall in the early 1960's, the Larwin development in the 1970's, and the Waterford development and The Marks development in the 1980's. "The Marks" was developed as one unit; however, a couple of years ago the City became aware that a portion of the develop- ment had been sold. A "Minor Subdivision" was approved and the development is now "The Marks" and "The Marks West". The Marks West is requesting a new point of access from South Lafayette Street which will facili - tate ease of access for prospective tenants to their marketing office . The Marks and The Marks West are no longer managed by the same company , and no longer share marketing facilities. The initial plan for the access point onto South Lafayette Street was considered by the Technical Review Committee. The Traffic Division of Public Works Department was concerned that the ini- tial proposal of paint-directed turning movements was inadequate , and suggested a gated access point. This gate would be controlled by a loop detector in the pavement and a chain or other bar- rier must be available to prohibit entry whenever the gate is not operational. This suggestion has been incorporated in the revised plans which were distributed to the Commission earlier this even- ing. Mr. Stitt stated that staff does recommend approval of the Planned Development amendment, with the understanding that the City reserves the right to close the access drive in the event either of the following conditions occur: • The gate is continuously open (not loop controlled .) • The flow of traffic on South Lafayette Street is negatively impacted as a result of this access drive . Mr. Mason asked by what authority the City could close the access point --a matter of public safety, or what. Mr. Stitt stated that if the Planned Development is approved , with the condition as suggested, it will be the responsibility of the City to monitor the traffic conditions on Lafayette Street and the functionality of the gated access . Authority for closure would be the Planned Devel- opment. Mr. Horner asked for clarification on composition of the Planned Development "amendment". Mr. Stitt provided that clarification, agreeing that some of the signage is new , but it is not part of the PD amendment. 2 , Mr. Redpath questioned the location of existing points of access on South Lafayette Street. Mr. Stitt reiterated that the new access point would be south of East Girard A venue. In response to an inquiry from Mr. Shoop , Mr. Stitt stated that the parking provided for The Marks West is presently sufficient. Ms. Tobin asked why this is just now coming to the Commission, when it has been in effect for some time. Mr. Stitt stated that the change in ownership and management now necessitates the amendment of the PD to gain the additional point of access. At the present time, points of access are only from Girard A venue or Gilpin Street , neither of which provide a direct route to the mar- keting/leasing office for The Marks West. Mr. Stitt stressed that Lot 1 and Lot 2 are under sepa- rate ownership. Mr. Horner asked when the ownership changed. Mr. Stitt stated that the City learned of the own- ership change and division of the site in 1993 . A "Minor Subdivision", an administrative proce- dure , was approved. Ms. Tobin asked what constituted a 'minor subdivision'. Mr. Stitt stated that the division of residential property into three or fewer lots can be accomplished by this procedure. In this case , the City legitimized what had already been done by the sale to separate owners . Mr. Douglas asked if other entrances are "gated ". Mr. Stitt stated that an entrance at Floyd and Franklin Street is gated or chained to provide access only to emergency vehicles. There may be one additional point of access from Lafayette that is also restricted for emergency access only . Mr. Stitt reiterated that Lot 1 , The Marks West , is in separate ownership from Lot 2 , The Marks; the Planned Development amendment to provide the additional point of access seems to be a rea- sonable solution, and staff does recommend approval with the aforementioned conditions . Mr. Brian Thede, of Trammell Crow, was sworn in . Mr. Thede stated that since the sale to sepa- rate owners in November , 1993 , the properties continued to be managed by one company, and leasing was done from one marketing office until May 31 , 1995. Now, however, The Marks West and The Marks are managed by different companies, and each has its own marketing/leasing of- fice. The Marks West needs direct access to their leasing office. Mr. Thede stated that they have been working with the Public Works Department for some time to design the second point of ac- cess to their marketing office . Mr. Shoop asked where the tenants of the complex enter and exit. Mr. Thede stated that the ma- jority of tenants of the complex enter and exit at Gilpin and U .S. 285. Jean Kamnikar was sworn in , and testified that she is the property manager. Ms . Kamnikar stated that The Marks West is at an economic disadvantage in attracting new tenants , and estimated that The Marks West gets only 66% of prospective tenant visits the other complexes such as The Marks , Kimberly Woods , and Kimberly Village have . Ms . Kamnikar stated that she is managing 280 units, and experiences probably seven to 10 prospective tenants on Saturdays . Kathy Vance was sworn in , and testified she is Division Manager for Trammell Crow . Ms. Vance also testified to the economic necessity for the second access point. Ms . Vance test ified that the 3 maximum occupancy in any of their units would be four persons. In response to a query from Ms. Tobin, Ms. Vance stated that there are no plans to complete the "Tot Lot" that is indicated on the plans of the original Planned Development. Ms. Tobin commented that children in apartment complexes need to have a play area, or they play in driveways and streets. She commented that development of the "tot lot" could be a good selling point for the complex. Mr . Mason asked for further comments. No one addressed the Commission on any additional points . Homer moved: Shoop seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #7-95 be closed . AYES: Homer, Redpath, Shoop, Tobin, Weber, Douglas, Dummer, Mason NAYS : None ABSTAIN: ABSENT: None Garrett The motion carried. Mr. Mason asked the pleasure of the Commission . Homer moved : Shoop seconded : The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that approval of the amendment to The Marks Planned Development be granted with the follow- ing condition : 1. The City shall reserve the right to close this access drive in the event either of the following occurs : a. The gate is continuously open (not loop controlled). b. The flow of traffic on South Lafayette Street is negatively impacted as a result of this access drive . A YES: Redpath, Shoop , Tobin , Weber, Douglas, Dummer , Homer, Mason NAYS: None ABSTAIN : None ABSENT : Garrett The motion carried. The applicants were thanked for their presentation, and advised the recommendation will be for- warded to City Council. IV. KING SOOPERS AT TROLLEY SQUARE Planned Development Amendment 4 CASE #8-95 t Mr. Mason asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Tobin moved: Redpath seconded : The Public Hearing on Case #8-95 be opened . AYES : Shoop, Tobin, Weber, Douglas, Dummer , Horner , Redpath, Mason NAYS: None ABSTAIN: ABSENT : None Garrett The motion carried. Mr. Stitt, still under oath, presented the Chair with proof of publication of the Public Notice of the Hearing. Mr. Stitt testified that the issue before the Commission is an amendment to the Planned Develop- ment (PD) approved earlier this year. The amendment is designation of a 2 ,500 square foot retail pad to be located on the northeast corner of the block bounded by Bannock on the west , Floyd on the north , Broadway on the east , and Englewood Parkway on the south. When the Planned Devel- opment was approved in May , one of the conditions was that at such time as details of the pad site were determined , the Commission would consider an amendment to the PD . The amendment be- fore the Commission is concerned only with the pad site ; there are no changes to any part of the original Planned Development. Mr. Stitt stated that there is a net increase in the amount of land- scaping, and even though part of the sod will be removed at such time as the right turn lane on Floyd to Broadway is developed , there will still be a net ga_in in landscaping over what exists today . Mr. Horner pointed out that while it is a net gain in "landscaping ", there is a decrease in square footage of "planting beds". Mr. Stitt agreed , but pointed out that the landscape ordinance does not differentiate between "sod" and "planting beds " as landscaping . Mr. Redpath asked for verification that the original Planned Development was approved by Coun- cil ; was there any change in the landscaping that was originally shown on the plan . Mr. Stitt stated that the PD was approved by Council. There is no change in the landscaping plan originally ap- proved ; the 42 inch high wall will be constructed along the east side of the property , with provision for the entrance/exit mid-block to Broadway . The parking that will be available on-site is sufficient to cover the needs of the retail uses in the 2 ,500 square foot pad. Mr. Mason stated that the redevelopment will eliminate the easternmost exit from the King Soopers lot on Floyd Avenue. Mr. Mason also commented on the inconvenience of the off-street parking area that served the former laundromat. Mr. Stitt stated that the former laundromat and flea mar- ket site will become part of the King Soopers operation; however , the parking will remain for the present. Ultimate use of the expansion area may entail some demolition and reconstruction because there is a change in floor elevation from the main store to this expansion area . Mr. Stitt did point out that development of the additional right-of-way lane along Floyd A venue , and along Englewood Parkway, will be dependent on whatever happens with the redevelopment of the Mall. 5 Ms . Tobin stated that she understood that the King Soopers phone shopping service will be moving into the expansion area. She asked if this could be verified . James Sullivan was sworn in, and testified that he is CEO and President of Sullivan Hayes Broker- age firm. Mr. Sullivan presented the Certification of Posting for the site . Mr. Sullivan testified that the proposed PD amendment reflects no changes to the original Planned Development as ap- proved by the City Council in May, 1995 . The only purpose for the amendment is to designate the 2,500 square foot retail pad; this will be a multi-tenant building, and two tenants are proposed at this time. One retail use will have 1, 100 square feet; the second will have 1,400 square feet of area. Signage for both uses will meet the specifications of the Sign Code . Mr. Sullivan addressed the issue raised by Ms. Tobin of the King Soopers Phone Center. The ex- isting shops to the south of King Soopers will house the customer shopping service until such time as the store itself wants to expand into this area. Mr. Sullivan stated that this store has lost busi- ness over the last several years , possibly partly due to limited visibility from Broadway. The raz- ing of the Broadway retail frontage improves the visibility , provides a point of access from Broad- way, and at such time as business increases , King Soopers will physically renovate the south retail area to accommodate the expansion. Ms. Tobin asked where the employees for the shoppers service will park . Mr. Sullivan stated that the employees would park on-site or across the street to the south. Mr. Sullivan stated that the Liquor Store located in the Broadway frontage will relocate to Englewood Parkway frontage ; as soon as this can be accomplished , demolition will begin on the Broadway frontage and then on the parking structure . In response to a query, Mr. Sullivan stated that there has been no further discussion with the Messrs . Kaufman. King Soopers now owns the entire block except for the Kaufman store. The parking lot will be resurfaced , and new lighting will be installed. When the Broadway retail and parking structure have been razed, construction can begin on the retail pad on the northeast comer of the block. Mr. Sullivan commented that it is their intention to use some of the existing roofing material on the new retail pad to provide for continuity of the Trolley Square ambiance. Mr. Weber noted that on Page A-3 , it appears that the wall will be very close to the curb ; is there sufficient space for pedestrian passage back of the wall. Also, what about wheel-chair bound pa- trons --how will they be accommodated . Mr. Sullivan stated that there is sufficient space for pe- destrian passage . Hardsurfacing will provide for wheelchair accessibility . Ms. Tobin commented about virtual reality design software that can be used on computers to dem- onstrate and verify issues such as wheelchair accessibility . She questioned whether this technique was used on this project. Mr. Sullivan stated that there are access guidelines that have to be fol- lowed, and this project did not make use of the virtual reality technique cited by Ms . Tobin . Mr. Shoop inquired as to the orientation of the buildings. Mr. Sullivan stated that the structure will be rectangular, with sign fronts of the stores facing to Broadway and to the west; entrances will be from the north and south. 6 , Mr. Horner commented on the protrusion of a small section of sod into the sidewalk area along Broadway. He asked if consideration had been given to replacing this small section of sod with concrete to maintain a uniform width of the sidewalk along Broadway. Mr. Horner stated that in his opinion, it is important to maintain a uniform width to the sidewalk, and it appears the proposed building will be located further to the west than existing structures. Mr. Sullivan stated that there is a bus stop at the north end of the block, and the ribbon of sod adds greenery to the front of the development. The sod can be replaced with concrete if that is the de- sire of the Commission. Mr. Horner noted that on Page A-5, the eastern elevation depicts a street tree in a planter. Is this correct. Mr. Sullivan stated that the planter will not be placed around the tree; existing conditions will be maintained . Mr. Horner inquired about lighting, noting that there appears to be no light fixtures attached to the exterior of the building. Mr. Sullivan stated that he anticipates that decorative wall sconces will be attached, but that the majority of the exterior lighting will be provided from the interior of the buildings, street lights, and parking lot lights . Mr. Horner asked if the design of the proposed pad development reflects any specific tenant de- sign. Mr. Sullivan stated that it does not; an attempt was made to design the pad development to reflect the character of the existing structures and to tie into Kaufman's Store. Mr. Horner asked what the elevation high point of the structure will be. Mr. Sullivan stated 22 ft. Discussion ensued. Mr. Horner asked if there was any interest from other members of the Com- mission to keep the width of the sidewalk along Broadway uniform. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Mason asked if anyone else wished to address the Commission. No one indicated they wanted to speak . Tobin moved: Douglas seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #8-95 be closed. AYES: Tobin, Weber, Douglas, Dummer, Horner, Redpath, Shoop, Mason NAYS: None ABSTAIN: ABSENT: None Garrett The motion carried. Mr. Mason asked the pleasure of the Commission . Horner moved: Tobin seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the King Soop- ers at Trolley Square Planned Development be approved as modified with the elimination of the brick planter shown on Page A-5. 7 Mr. Horner asked if the shoppers service takes the place of an expanded grocery space; if this is true, the retail part of the store will remain the same size. Ms . Tobin stated that she understood the expansion will come in the future. Mr. Horner suggested that the planting of grass versus concrete in the approximately four foot strip along Broadway be at the option of the applicant. Ms. Tobin reiterated that the citizens who have called her regarding the Trolley Square redevelopment want to see "more green." Further discus- sion ensued. Mr. Dummer suggested that if the strip were to be in grass it might present a safety hazard if someone were to turn an ankle stepping from concrete to sod that might be a bit lower; and could possibly present difficulty for wheelchair bound citizens. Horner moved: Shoop seconded: The motion to approve be amended to include the following condition: The Planning Commission recommends to the applicant that the strip of grass approximately 4 feet in width protruding into the Broadway sidewalk be re- placed with concrete . Brief discussion ensued. The vote on the motion to amend was called: A YES : Douglas, Dummer , Horner, Shoop , Weber NAYS: Redpath, Tobin, Mason ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Garrett The motion carried. The motion, as amended, now reads: The Planning Commission recommend to Ciry Council that the King Soopers at Trolley Square Planned Development be approved as modified with the elimination of the brick planter shown on Page A-5. The Planning Commission recommends to the applicant that the strip of grass approxi- mately 4 feet in width protruding into the Broadway sidewalk be replaced with concrete. The vote on the motion, as amended, was called: AYES: Weber, Douglas, Dummer, Horner, Shoop, Tobin, Mason NAYS: None ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Redpath Garrett The motion carried. 8 \ The applicants were thanked for their presentation , and were advised the recommendation will be forwarded to City Council. v. FINDINGS OF FACT Amendment of R-3 Zone District CASE #6-95 Mr. Mason called for consideration of the Findings of Fact on Case #6-95 , the proposed amend- ment of the R-3 Zone District to allow small animal hospitals and clinics as a permitted principal use. Mr. Shoop asked what action has been taken by City Council on this issue . The Commission was advised that the recommendation was forwarded to the City Manager 's office in time for inclusion on the August 21 agenda , but it was pulled from the agenda by the City Manager. Staff has not been advised of the reason for this action. Shoop moved: Weber seconded : The Findings of Fact for Case #6 -95 be approved as written . AYES: Dummer , Shoop , Tobin , We ber , Douglas , Mason NAYS : None ABSTAIN : ABSENT: Redpath Garrett , Horner The motion carried. Secr etary's not e: Mr. Horner briefly excused himself from the me e ting , and reentered the meeting shortly after the vote was called . VI. PUBLIC FORUM. No one was present to address the Commission . VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Planning Administrator Stitt informed the Commission that City Manager Clark has announced that the position of Director of Community Development will not be filled. Mr. Robert Simpson has been hired into the position of "Manager of Neighborhood and Business Development", and this position will be transferred to the Office of City Manager. Mr. S impson is presently an employee in the Lakewood Planning Department, and will begin his employment with the City of Englewood on September 5. In the "interim", Community Development employees will continue to report to Public Works Director Esterly. Mr. Stitt gave a brief report on progress to redevelop the Mall. Staff understands that progress is being made, albeit slower than anticipated . Issues of cleanup of asbestos and soils contamination are still being negotiated. VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. 9 Mr. Horner asked what was on the agenda for September 6. Mr. Stitt stated that no cases are on the agenda, and suggested that if we can anticipate a good attendance by Commission members on that date, staff will plan to begin discussion on the Design Review issue . Members were asked to bring the information which had been forwarded to them for the August 8th meeting to the Septem- ber 6th meeting. Mr. Weber inquired about the possible location of the Englewood Horsecar to the site of the relo- cated Englewood Depot. Mr. Stitt stated that the refurbishment of the Horsecar was quite expen- sive , and the Horsecar must be stored inside. Original plans to include an atrium for the Horsecar in conjunction with construction of an elevator to the second floor of City Hall had to be abandoned when the bids came in over estimate. For the time being, it will be moved into the City Shops . Ms. Tobin advised the Commission that she will be out of town the last week of September and the first week of October on vacation. Mr. Shoop commented that "Cedar Mountain " is nearly gone ; the majority of the shingle piles have been mulched. Mr. Horner stated that the property will be changing hands in the very near future. There was nothing else to come before the Commission , and the meeting was declared adjourned. 10 I