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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-09-22 PZC MINUTESPage 1282 I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION September 22, 1970 The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chair- man Carlson at 8:00 P.M. Members Present: Woods; Patrick; Mosbarger; Lentsch ; Henning; Carlson Supinger, Ex-officio Members Absent: Walsh; Senti; Lone Also Present: Assistant Planning Director Romans II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Carlson stated that Minutes of the meeting of September 9, 1970, were to be con- sidered for approval. Lentsch moved: Mosbarger seconded: The Minutes of September 9, 1970, be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously. Dr. Walsh entered the meeting and assumed his place with the Comm i ssion. III. STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT WORK PROGRAM -1971/1972 City of Englewood Requests Mr. Supinger noted copies of letters from the Denver Regiona l Council of Governments, dated September 9, 1970, and from the Arapahoe County Engineer, dated September 11, 1970; also a communication from Public Works Director Waggoner to City Manager Dial concerning the requests of the City of Englewood for inclusion in the 1971-1972 Work Program of the State Highway Department. Mr. Supinger noted that the time limitation wil l change the procedure of recom- mendation slightly; previously, recommendations have been made to the City Council by the Planning Commission, and then forwarded to the County. However, this year, it is suggested t hat the recommendation be made to the City Manager who wil l forward the recommendation to the County in time to meet the date they have set for submission of requests, October 1, 1970, and the presentation hearing they have set for October 6, 1970, before the State hignway Com- mission. Discussion followed. Mr. Supinger commented that the staff had nothing further to add to the list of suggested requests, and suggested that if the Commission had projects in mind that they might be discussed before the recommendation is made, and possibly included in the recommendation. Mr. Senti entered the meeting and assumed his place with the Commission. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Woods commented that the only thing he felt the City had really gotten from these requests in the recent past is the Broadway/285 interchange. Mrs. Henning asked if the Commission had in the past pretty close l y adhered to the recommendation of the Public Works Director? Mr. Carlson noted that a number of items have been initiated by the Planning Commission and staff. Mr. Ca r l son then suggested that next year this matter might be placed on the agenda several months earlier, inasmuch as it is an annual request, and not again experience the time limitation such as we have this year. Mrs. Henning asked if the request for installation of storm sewer at Federal Boulevard and West Union Avenue would conflict in any manner with the overall City S torm Sewer program? Mr. Supinger replied that it would not. Mrs. Henning then questioned the value of the pedestrian overpasses as requested by the Public Works Department? Mr. Supinger stated that in his opinion they do not serve the purpose they are intended to, and are not worth the construction cost when there are so many other items that could be financed with these funds. Mr. Supinger pointed out that the requests for the pedestrian overpasses were dis- cussed in conjunction with the capital improvement program, and he was of the impression that the Department Heads felt the signal system was adequate for crossing #285 at Logan - Sherman and Elati streets. Mrs. Henning asked if it would be more feasible to install a "safety island" on #285 rather than the overpasses? She noted that this is a wide street for older people to cross with the light, and asked if the "i slands" would be acceptable? Mr. Supinger commented that he felt it was a reasonable suggestion. Mrs. Romans pointed out that there is a pedestrian actuation device on the signals for #285 and Logan, Sherman and Elati Streets, and that if these devices are actuated additional time is given which is ample to cross #285. She suggested that a better educational program might be instituted to inform the citizens of this phase of the signalization. Mrs. Romans further commented that the State Highway Department "frowns" on the safety island installa- tion, and in fact, are removing such islands on South Broadway at the present time. Further discµssion on the merits of pedestrian overpasses followed. Dr. Walsh stated that he knew of three in the Denver metro area which received very heavy use : Colorado Boulevard and 14th Avenue; 13th Avenue and Clarkson; and the overpass situated on the former Boulder Turnpike by the Chevrolet dealership. Dr. Walsh reiterated that these overpasses receive heavy use, and that they do serve their intended purpose. He then asked if there were elementary school age children who attend Lowell Elementary but live north of the Highway? Mrs. Romans replied that children living north of the Highway may attend Lowell Elementary School at their option --it is not compu l sory. Mrs. Romans commented that several years ago, the School Board requested an overpass across #285; a study was run, which study in- dicated the majority of children crossing the Highway were doing so within 50 ft. of the marked, signalized intersection, and the request by the School Board was flatly denied by the State Highway Department. - I I Page 1283 Mr. Lentsch noted overpasses in Thornton and in Colorado Springs that seem to serve the in- tended purpose. He noted that he has observed children crossing #285 on several occasions, and stated that the children do not get completely across the highway before the signal changes. Further discussion followed. Dr. Walsh questioned why the two categories CONSTRUCTION and TOPICS were set forth? He asked that. the difference in the two be explained. Mrs. Romans stated that the TOPICS program makes use of federal monies which are allocated to the City for a project which is done by the City. All reque~ts for these monies must be approved by the State Highway Department and the Council of Governments. This program is aimed toward traffic safety through control of flow, signalization, etc .. The CONSTRUCTION phase of the request is just that --construction or physical change in streets, etc. Dis- cussion followed. The CONSTRUCTION requests were considered in detail. Mr. Woods commented that he would suggest the designation of South Clarkson Street as a State Highway from U.S. 285 to Belle- view be placed as the #1 priority rather tha,n #3 which .it was given by the Public :Works De- partment. He noted that there is increased traffic, and that the street has carried more traffic since we have made an attempt to improve it. He pointed out that this is a link be- tween two State Highways, and that he feels it should retain its high priority the project has had in the past. Mr. Woods contrasted the condition of South Clarkson, the Public Works Department #3 priority, with the condition of Broadway which widening and overlay from U.S. 285 to Quincy is the #1 request of the Public Works Department. He stated that he is of the opinion that South Clarkson is in much worse condition than South Broadway. Mrs. Henning asked if the State Highway designation were obtained for South Clarkson if this would make it a major arterial? Mrs. Romans replied that South Clarkson is designated as a major arterial and as a truck route at the present time. Discussion on the proposal to widen and overlay South Broadway from #285 south to Quincy Avenue ~nsued. Mr. Woods commented that he could not understand why the State Highway De- partment should be expected to appropriate monies for the widening of Broadway when a portion of it isn't designated as a State Highway. Mr. Senti commented tbat he had attended a Council of Governments meeting recently, at which meeting an official of Cherry Hills Village stated that they do not want traffic on South Clarkson Street, and they do not plan to im- prove this street. Discussion followed. Mr. Lentsch asked if there were accident reports in exist~nce which could be attribute~ to the lack of turn pockets on Broadway, and if there were a count of these reports? Mrs. Romans stated that the Planning Department had no accident reports, but noted that the rear end collision did increase with the removal of the turn pockets. Pending fur~her discussion, the following ~as determined to be the order in which to recom- mend the CONSTRUCTION projects: . (1) Widen and overlay South Broadway (S.H. 87) from U.S. 285 to Quincy to conform to the width of Broadway south of Quincy; this will allow for left turn pockets and bus turn- outs. (2) Repeat the request for South Clarkson from State Highway 70 to State Highway 88 to be added to the State Highway system and improved with paving, etc. (3) Install storm sewer at Federal (S.H. 75) and Union Avenue to prevent flooding of the intersection and thereby eliminating an inconvenience and increasing capacity and safety. The TOPICS program was then considered. Mrs. Henning questioned the replacement of signals at Dartmouth and Downing, Hampden and Downing, Logan and Quincy and Oxford and Bannock; she asked what was wrong with the signals presently installed at these intersections? Mrs. Romans stated .that the signals in use at the present time are "fixed-time" signals, and that the replacement signals will probably be "actuated" signals. The possibility of eliminating the pedestrian overpasses from the request was discussed. Mr. Woods commented that he felt there were other projects that were needed much more than the overpasses. Mr. Mosbarger commented that he couldn't really see heavy use of these over- passes by the public. The priority of the request for the overpasses in the capital improve- ment program was contrasted with the priority listed now; discussion followed. Five members of the Commission voted to eliminate the request for pedestrian overpasses to the State High- way Department ; one member voted to retain the request, and two members did not vote. The difficulties ~hat are encountered in crossing the highway were considered. Mr. Mosbarger suggested that "right turns on red light" be prohibited, in an effort to give more uninterrupted opportunity to cross the highway. Further discussion followed. The entire request, as suggested by Mr. Waggoner and modified by the Planning Commission, was again reviewed briefly. Lentsch moved: Henning seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to the Ci~y Manager the following re- quest for inclusion in the 1971 -1972 Work Program of the State Highway Department: ,, FOR CONSTRUCTION: 1 . Widen and overlay South Broadway (S.H. 87) from U.S. 285 to Quincy to conform to the width of Broadway south of Quincy; this will allow for left turn pockets and bus turnouts. 2. Repeat the request that South Clarkson from State Highway #70 to State Highway #88 be added to the State Highway System and improved with paving, etc. 3. Install storm sewer at Federal Boulevard (S.H. 75) and Union Avenue to prevent flooding of the intersection and thereby eliminating an inconvenience and increasing capacity and safety. Page 1284 TOPICS: 1. Widen portions of South Broadway from Yale to Floyd to provide for bus turnouts and left turn pockets; thereby increasing capacity. and safety by maintaining two thru lanes in each direction. 2. Improvements to Santa Fe Drive and Union Avenue intersection. In- cludes construction and signalization and would extend Union across Santa Fe then tie into Tufts Avenue (only if City will furnish right- of-way). 3 .. Replace existing controllers and signal heads for more efficient operation at: Dartmouth and Downing; Hampden and Downing; Logan and Quincy; Oxford and Bannock. Upon the call of the roll: AYES: Walsh, Senti, Patrick, Mosbarger, Lentsch, Henning, Carlson NAYS: Woods ABSENT: Lone The motion carried. IV. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Lentsch asked that Mr. Supinger further discuss the "architectural review" concept which had been briefly discussed at the dinner meeting with the Council and Commission. Mr. Supinger stated that he is suggesting special study sessions for the Commission to familiarize themselves with material that he has on the subject of architectural review. He commented that architectural review had been standard procedure in Tustin, California, and that it worked very well. Mr. Supinger stated that he has a number of slides he would like to show the Commission, and a considerable amount of material to be reviewed. The route of appeals which is followed now was discussed. Mr. Supinger commented that he felt the purpose of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals was to hear appeals from administrative decisions, but that he does feel the powers of the Board should be more clearly defined in the City Charter. Further discussion followed. Mr. Supinger commented that if the idea of architectural review was felt to have merit, that it could take a considerable number of "study sessions" to really get the committee going etc. Mr. Lentsch commented that if the "review board" could handle situations such as is now at Hampden and Broadway, we should waste no time setting this committee up. Mr. Supinger stated that he knew the architectural review idea will work, as he has seen it work and work very well. He pointed out that the committee in Tustin, California, was composed of an architect, an engineer, a developer, a landscape architect, and a member of the Planning Commission. He pointed out that the building activity in Tustin, California, was more flourishing than is activity in Englewood right at present, and that of all the cases the review board handled, only one or two ever reached the City Council on appeal, and none ever went to court. Mrs. Henning asked Mr. Lentsch if he felt the "Englewood Square" project would benefit from a committee and procedure such as has been discussed? Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt there would be benefits; he commented that the promoters of "Englewood Square" needed some type of "plan" and guidance from the City, and he felt this might be what they are seeking. Mrs. Henning stated that she would be in favor of a study session; she also noted that Vail, Colorado, has strict architectural and sign review in efiect and that it seems to work well there. It was suggested that a study session be set for September 29, 1970, at 7:30 P.M. at which time the slides will be presented, and the matter will be considered further. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Supinger stated that on October 29th and 30th there is a Planning Conference scheduled in Boulder. He stated that this will be an "orientation" meeting for Planning Commission members, and the theme for the Conference is structured around this idea. Further informa- tion will be available shortly, and will be sent to the members of the Commission. Mr. Carlson suggested that if reservations are made for a person, and they find they cannot attend, that they pay for that reservation rather than the City picking up the cost. Mrs. Romans noted that Mr. Supinger will be moderator of a panel at .the Planning Conference on the afternoon of October 30th. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I I I I I I Page 1285 MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY MANAGER REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: September 22, 1970 · SUBJECT: Requests by the City of Englewood for inclusion in the 1971-1972 State Highway Department Work Program. RECOMMENDATION: Lentsch moved: Henning seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to the City Manager the following request for inclusion in the 1971-1972 Work Program of the State Highway Department: FOR CONSTRUCTION: 1. Widen and overlay South Broadway (SH 87) from U.S. 285 to Quincy to conform to the width of Broadway south of Quincy; this will allow for left turn pockets and bus turnouts. 2. Repeat the request that South Clarkson from State Highway #70 to State Highway #88 be added to the State Highway system and improved with paving, etc. 3. Install storm sewer at Federal Boulevard (SH 75) and Union Avenue to prevent flooding of the intersection and thereby eliminating an in- convenience and increasing capacity and safety. TOPICS : 1. ·Widen portions of South Broadway from Yale to Floyd to provide for bus turnouts and left turn pockets; thereby increasing capacity and safety by maintaining two thru lanes in each direction. 2. Improvements to Santa Fe Drive and Union Avenue intersection. In- cludes construction and signalization and would extend Union across Santa Fe then tie into Tufts Avenue (only if City· will furnish right- of~way). 3. Replace existing controllers and signal heads for more efficient operation at: Dartmouth and Downing; Hampden and Downing; Logan .and Quincy ; Oxford and Bannock. Upon the call of the roll: AYES: Walsh; Senti; Patrick; Mosbarger; Lentsch; Henning; Carlson NAYS: Woods ABSENT: Lone The motion carried. Respectfully submitted, By Order of the City Planning and . Zoning Commission. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary .. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *·* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** CITY OF .ENGLEW OOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION October 7,.1970 I I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Carlson at 8:00 P.M. Members Present: Woods; Senti; Patrick; Mosbarger; Lentsch; Henning ; Carlson Supinger, Ex-officio Members Absent: Walsh; Lone Also Present: Assistant Planning Director Romans; Planning Assistant Wardlaw; City Attorney Berardini. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Carlson stated that Minutes of September ,22, 1970, were to be considered for approval. Mosbarger moved: Senti seconded : The Minutes of September 22, 1970, be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously. -- - --------- - - --------------