Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-02-17 PZC MINUTESI I I I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 17, 1970 Page 1225 The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Carlson at 8:25 P.M. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Woods, Senti, Lentsch·, Carlson Romans, Ex-officio Walsh, Lone Councilmen Schwab , Dhority, Lay, Brown; City Manager Dial; Mr. J. ~. Smith, Executive Director of Council of Governments; Mr. J. Miles, State Planning Director; Messrs. Herlinger and .Maldonado, Fair Housing Center; Mr. G. Mason, Englewood Human Relations Council; and Mrs. Hildred Garrison, League of Women Voters. Introductions were made, and Chairman Carlson welcomed our guests to the meeting. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Carlson stated that Minutes of February 3, 1970, were to be considered for approval. Woods moved: Lentsch seconded: The Minutes of February 3, 1970, be approved as written. The motion carried unanimously. III .. METRO FAIR HOUSING. Mr. Carlson asked Mr. Dial for an opening statement for this discussion. Mr. Dial stated that discussion of the Metro Fair Housing program had first begun several months . ago, when a letter was received from Mr. Lapp. This letter requested consideration of a resolution, which resolution would approve rent supplement housing in Englewood. Mr. Shed Devers of Metro Denver Fair Housing, then spoke to the Urban Mayor's meeting, at which meeting several representatives of Englewood were in attendance, and they were able to get more information on ·the program .. The possibility of a meeting of the Council and Commission with representatives of the Fair Housing was considered, and has culminated in the meeting this . evening. Mr. Dial then turned discussion of the programs to Mr. Herlinger. Mr. Herlinger stated that they appreciated the opportunity to discuss their programs with the City of Englewood. Mr. Herlinger stated that Mr. Maldonado is the field representative for Arapahoe County. Mr . Herlinger stated that the Resolution previously mentioned stems from the 1964 Housing Act, which basically requires that housing units for rent supplement cannot be built in a given area unless the political entity has approved the Resolution. Adoption of the Resolution indicates permission by the local entity for construction of low- income housing. Mr. Herlinger stated that in the Rent Supplement Program, low-income families pay no more than 25% of their income for housing, and the difference between what they pay and the market value is paid by the Government. He discussed the program undertaken by the Archdiocese of Denver; they are committed to 300 units for rent supplement housing. They have sites in Denver, and are attempting to secure sites in Boulder and Jefferson County. They also have sites in Adams County. Mr. Herlinger stated the adoption of the Resolution does not necessarily mean that there will be several units built in the municipality which approves the Resolution, but it does mean that a non-profit group can build the units in the municipality should they desire to do so. He emphasized that the non-profit developers must adhere to the local zoning and building codes. Mr. Herlinger stated that HUD must ap- prove a Workable Program for a community before funds may be obtained from the Federal Govern- ment. Mr. Herlinger stated that there are no plans now for construction of low-income housing in Englewood; however, the Archdiocese must locate four or five additional sites to meet their commitment of 300 units. Mr. Herlinger pointed out that the adoption of the Resolution will not apply to only one project. Mr. Schwab asked if there were limitations on rent subsidy. Mr. Herlinger stated there were general income limitations which differed in each of the five counties in the Denver metro area. In Arapahoe County, a family of five may make a maximum of $5940, and be classified in the low-income bracket. A family of three may make $5200, and a family of ten may make $7560 and still be eligible for rent supplement. These families will pay no more than 1 /4 of their income toward rent; the government will pay the difference between the payment of the renter, and the market value. Mr. Herlinger stated that under the Arch- diocesan program, a five-bedroom apartment will rent for approximately $89 per month with rent supplement; the market value is approximately $212 per month. Mr. Dhority stated that in the previous discussion, there has been mention of "non-profit" and "limited profit" corporations. He asked what a limited profit organization was? Mr. Herlinger stated that a limited profit organization can make no more than 6 % on their in- vestment per month. Mr. Herlinger stated there were also ways for private property owners to become involved; the units are built by private enterprise. Mr. Herlinger stated that the profit margin isn't great, but cited 400 units built last year by Premac. Mr. Dial asked if the Council approved the Resolution, and there was a need for low-income housing in any part of town, whether it would be possible to implement this program if the zoning was not proper? Mr. Herlinger stated the zoning must be appropriate, or the area must go through the procedure for rezoning. Page 1226 Mr. Herlinger discussed public housing, and stated that houses may be leased from private owners for up to five years, with a "guaranteed income" to the owner for that length of time. Mr. Herlinger noted that a family on t~e rent supplement program may increase their income, and they can purchase the home they have rented from the Housing Authority. Mr. Dial asked to what extent the adoption of the Resolution would affect mobile homes and prefab homes? Mr. Herlinger stated that it could affect it indirectly; that the codes would have to be followed, and on the prefab homes, the building departments would have to give approval. City Attorney Berardini entered and took his place at the table. Mr. Schwab asked Mr. Herlinger if he considered mobile homes low-income housing? Mr. Herlinger stated that his personal viewpoint was that they were not low-income housing; they might be "low-cost housing" but that was not necessarily "low-income housing". He pointed out that "low-income" families didn't live in the mobile homes. Mr. Schwab stated that we have had quite a few applications for mobile home park approval, and one of their strong arguments is that it provides low-income housing. Mr. Herlinger discussed the mobile home park matter; he noted that there is a national housing crisis, and that in the 1969 Housing Act, the FHA can now insure loans on mobile homes for up to 10 ye~rs. Further discussion followed. Mr. Schwab asked if the housing development in Sheridan was being done under the auspices of the Denver Fair Housing? Mr. Herlinger stated that the project in Sheridan is an experimental program by the American Investment Company; there will be 40 units, of which 20% will be rent supplement units. It will be of modular construction, with families supposed to be able to move into the units 18 days after the ground work has been completed. Mr. Herlinger stated that this project was in no way connected with the Archdiocese projects. Mr. Brown asked if there was uniformity of rent on these projects. He cited the fact that the supply does not meet the demand in Englewood, and therefore, it seems that the rents would be correspondingly higher than they might be in another part of the metro area. He asked if the rent would be the same in the different locations of the metro area? Mr. Herlinger stated that the proportion of payment by the tenant remains the same --1 /4 of the salary for rent. He stated that the qualifications for rent supplement aid. in the five counties are different and cited the following: for a family of five members, the maximum salary in the following county would be: Adams Jefferson $5,805. $6,075. Arapahoe Douglas $5,940. $5,805. Denver $7,155. Mr. Lentsch asked if the government could pay the entire rent in some instances, such as when a person is disabled? Mr. Herlinger stated that for disability, the person would get a pension, and 1 /4 of that pension would go toward rent, with the government standing the remainder. Mr. Lentsch asked if leased housing payments by the tenants would be on the same basis? Mr. Herlinger stated that the Public Housing Authority would negotiate with the property owner for the market rate, and if they agreed on $125 per month for instance, the property owner would get the $125 per month from the Public Housing Authority .. Maintenance would be handled by the Public Housing Authority. Mr. L~ntsch asked what the difference was between payments made by the Urbpn Renewal Authority and payments made by the Public Housing Aµthor~ty. Mr. Herlinger stated that the Urban Renewal Authority makes "relocation payments", but there has been considerable controversy over this policy, in that a home in the Urban Renewal area may be worth $8,000; but the displaced residents cannot buy another home for $8,000, and many of these people are pensioners with limited incomes. Some adjustments have. been made, whereby payments up to $5,000 over and above the market value may be made, but this still does not make th.e program functional. If a person is a "tenant" in an Urban Renewal area, they wou]d receive a "moving" payment up to $200. Mr. Herlinger pointed out that the rent supplement units pay the regular real estate tax based on assessment, and are not tax free in any way .. This is not -true with a Public Housing Authority, which may ma$e payments in lieu of taxes based on gross income from rents. Further brief discussion followed. Mr. Carlson thanked Mr .. Herlinger and Mr. Maldonado for their attendance. Discussion of the proposed resolution followed. Senti moved: Lentsch seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the following Resolution be adopted: RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL HOUSING OWNERS IN THE FEDERAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PRCXJRAM WHEREAS, under the provisions of Section 101 of the Housing and Uxban Development Act of 1965, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is authorized to enter into contracts to make rent supplement payments to certain qualified housing owners on behalf of qualified low-income families who are elderly, handicapped, displaced, victims of natural disaster, or occupants of substandard housing; and WHEREAS, the provisions of said Section 101 cannot be made available to housing owners in certain localities unless the governing body of the locality has by resolution given approval for such participation in the Federal Rent Supplement Program; NOW , THEREFORE, be it resolve.ct by the of the Approval is hereby granted for participation in the Federal Rent Supplement Program by qualified housi~g owners of property located in .. Upon the call of the roll, t~e mo~ion carried unanimously. - --- - --- --- ---- ----------- IV. RELATION OF LOCAL PLANNING AGENCIES TO REGIONAL AND STATE PLANNING OFFICES. Mr. Carlson stated that Mr. J. K. Smith, Executive Director of Denver Regional Council of Gov~rnments, and Mr. James Miles, State Planning Director, were present to discuss the re- lation of the Englewood Planning office to the Regional Council f G Pl · ff. o overnments and the State anning 0 ice. Mr. Carlson asked Mr. Smi"th t k h" · o ma e is presentation. I I I I I I Page 1227 Mr. Smith stated that a jurisdiction can expect to get as much out of the Council of Govern- menvs as they put into it, not from their financiai contributions , but from the parti~ipation of its members on the various committees. He .stated that there are several communities that are deeply involved in the programs of the .Council of Gov.ernments, and these communitie.s feel they are getting something in return. Mr. Smith stated that the Council has not been too successful because of the lack of participation by the member municipalities, and because of this lack of success of the Councils of Governments over the nation, he stated that he could see a gradual transfer ,of power to Federal agencies. Mr. Smith discussed legislation proposed in the Colorado Legislature, which would provide for the assumption of local powers by the State. Mr. Smith then briefly discussed the Land Use Commission, which would establish zoning for the entire State of Colorado. He cited this as another example of the State feeling they are fa~ enough removed from the local scene to step in. Mr. Smith ,stated that the local jurisdictions must take the responsibility and participate in the programs of the Council of Governments, and gi;ve guidance to those Councils, or !.'s o me o ne -else will do it for us.·" Mr. Miles stated that .we must face problems of domestic, docial and governmental nature. These problems exist at all levels. Mr. Miles stated that if the local governments are to survive, they must work together, and work closely .with the Council of Governments. Mr. Miles stated that he felt the principal relationship is between Englewood and the Council of Governments rather than the State at this point. He pointed out that the State Planning Office operates primarily outside of the metropolitan areas. Mr. Schwab stated that he didn't feel COG had had sufficient time to really function properly if it is to be the answer to our problems. Mr. Smith stated that the Denver Regional Counci 1 of Governments was originally formed in 1955, as the Inter-County Regional Planning Commission, and has been operating as a Council of Governments since 1967. Mr. Schwab commented that there must be an educational program aimed at everyone involved showing what it can mean to that municipality.. He commented that he felt the State has been lax in funding for the Council of Governments, and that if the State assumed these -responsibilities, they might get more funds.. Mr. Miles commented that the State Planning Office hadn't done too well · on funds to this point. Further discussion followed. Mr. Smith stated that additional entities are created rather than give additional power to the entities existing. Mr. Smith mentioned the special .districts in the metropolitan area, of which there are now 280 in existence; these include water districts, sewage districts, etc. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the fragmentation into these special districts results from the concept of "we" and "they" when reference is to COG. He pointed out that COG is composed of representatives of the various jurisdictions in the metro area, and that it must be realized COG is "all of us" rather than "something out there." Mr. Dial asked if one of the real problems for the Council of Governments wasn't lack of financing? Mr. Smith stated that it was a proQlem; he stated that .local participation has been very good, and that the Council has gotten 99% of what it has asked for. He stated that legislation providing for adequate funding has been proposed, but then it is expected that the staff of the Council of Governments should sell it to the Assembly, when it should be the responsibility of the membership of the Council of Governments. Further discussion followed. Mr. Miles commented that financial problems and lack of authority are some of the problems of the State Planning Office, and that the State Planning Office is not structured or financed to take over the responsibilities of the Council of Governments. Mr. Smith further discussed the Denver Regional Council of Governments, and stated it was a unique organization, because of the participation asked of the member jurisdictions. He also discussed the difficulty that has existed in staffing the Council of Governments to meet the programs they are committed to. Mr. Carlson asked Mr. Smith for an estimate of Englewood's funds as a participating member since the organization began? Mr. Smith stated that he would estimate it to .be in the neighborhood of .$25,000, whereas our benefits from federal aid is close to $1,000,000. Mr. Schwab asked how these funds would have been obtained if COG had not been in existence? Mr. Smith replied that the funds would not have been ob- tained, and also pointed out that if any jurisdiction with 25% of the population in the metro area should decide they do not wish to be a member of the Council of Governments, the Council is "dead",and the funds from HUD will be .stopped. Mr. Smith stated that the organization has tremendous potential, and can play a very dynamic role in the metro area if the membership wishes it to do so. Mr. Schwab asked if the State Planning Commission could qualify to assume the responsibilities of COG if necessary? Mr. Smith stated that they could not assume the responsibilities within the metro area. Mr. Miles stated that the State Planning Office could not qualify either. Further discussion followed. Mr. Smith stated that he has ap- preciated the participation of the City of Englewood, both financial participation, and the participation of our staff members. Mr. Smith stated that the land use study published by the Englewood Planning Office was a · v ·ery fi·ne-piece of wo-rk, and that other Planning Depart- ments should be doing such studies. Mr. Carlson expressed the appreciation of the City for the attendance of Mr. Smith and Mr. Miles and commended Mr. Smith on his new position in the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada. V. WORKABLE PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEME NT. Mr. Carlson reviewed an outline of procedures for the Workable Program. He noted that we have pretty well accomplished steps to see that proper Le o de Enforcement is maintained; we have accomplished the Planning and Programming step, and are well into the Housing and Re- location phase of the requirement. He stated that this now brings us to the fourth step -- that of getting citizen involvement. Mr. Carlson discussed the possibility of various com- mittees to aid the City in the improvement of our community. He cited the Storm Drainage Committee as an existing Committee which is helping the City solve a problem. He stated that he felt a committee on such issues as the golf course, for instance, would b e helpful and would accomplish "citizen involvement". Mr. Carlson asked that the Councilmen and Com- mission members come up with a list of names of citizens they feel should be included on these committees. Mr. Lentsch questioned whether it was th~ responsibility of the Planning Commission to appoint a citizens committee --he felt that Council had the authority to appoint such committees, and they should do so. Mr. Carlson stated he didn't feel it made too much difference who appointed the people to the committees, and if the Council wanted to appoint them he saw no problem. Mr. Dhority stated that the Council had discussed this Page 1228 very matter about a year ago, and talked about having two people from each precinct on the committee. This committee would be advisory, and would study the budget and other problems. He stated that he felt this would be a good thing, and .would utilize the talents of the citizens. Further discussion followed. Mr. Schwab commented that the idea of the committees was fine, and suggested that possibly the committee should .be named ·the "goals committee"; he felt a liaison between the people and the government was needed, and that the committee might accomplish that. Further discussion followed. Mr. Dhority commented that the Council has talked about the matter but has not gatten the committee appointed, and that if the Commission could get the group together, it was OK with him. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City has been divided j,nto six "neighborhoods" in the Com- prehensive Plan, and that five areas of concern were identified in the Plan. She stated that she felt citizens from these five areas were needed on the committee, and asked that this be kept in mind when appointments are made. Members of minority groups and low-income families living in the City of Englewood should be represented on the citizen committees, also. She stated that support of all the people was needed for this program, and stated that an educational effort will have to be undertaken to get this support. Mr. Schwab stated he felt it would be well for both the Council and Commission members to come up with a list of names of prospective committee members, have discussion together on these lists, and then decide who should be appointed, and how the appointment should be made. He commented that possibly if the committee were to be appointed by City Council it would carry more weight. Mr. Carlson commented that he didn't feel it would be an easy task to appoint such a committee. Mrs. Romans asked that we keep in mind that the Workable Program must be certified, and re- certified within two years of certification. She pointed out that an action program must be adopted and a time table must be set to carry out this program and followed to warrant recertification. Further discussion followed. City Attorney Berardini suggested that the Planning Commission might certify a list of names for appointment to the Committee, and the City Council could confirm them. Further discussion on the proposal followed. Mr. Lentsch reiterated that he felt the committee must be under the jurisdiction of the Council. Mr. Schwab discussed the possibility of having the "goals committee" of about 15 members, and one or two of those members become leaders of other committees concentrating on specific problems. Mr. Carlson stated that he felt it would be better to keep the membership of the committee under 20, if possible. Further discussion followed. No action was taken. V. MOBILE HOME PARK ORDINANCE CASE #5-70A February 3, 1970 Mr. Carlson stated that discussion of the proposed ordinance would be postponed until the next regular meeting when Mr. Lone and Dr. Walsh, our new member, could be present. Mr. Schwab commented that he felt mobile home park owners and mobile home owners should contribute more for the services that the City provides. VI. CONFERENCES. Mr. Carlson stated that the Annual Planning Conference is scheduled in Boulder the 19th and 20th of March. Members were urged to attend if possible. Mrs. Romans announced the American Society of Planning Officials convention is to be in New York, April 4th thru the 8th. Funds have been budgeted for the attendance of one Com- mission member and the Planning Director. No designation was made. Woods moved: Senti seconded: The meeting be adjourned. The motion carried; the meeting adjourned at 10:40 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION: Senti moved: Lentsch seconded: February 17, 1970 Resolution for Rent Supplement Program The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the following Resolution be adopted: RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL HOUSING OWNERS IN THE FEDERAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM. WHEREAS, under the prov1s1ons of Section 1-1 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development . is authorized to enter into contracts to m~ke rent s~p~lement payments to certain qualified housing owners on behalf of qualified low-income fam1l1es who are elderly, handicapped,.displaced, victims of natural disaster, or occupants of substandard housing; and WHERE~S, the ~r<:>visions of said Section 101. cann~t be made available to housing owners in certain local1t1es unless the governing body of the locality has by resolution given approval for such participation in the Federal Rent Supplement Program; I I I I I I Page 1229 NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Approval is hereby granted for participation in the Federal Rent . Supplement Program by qualified housing owners of the property located in 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 MARCH 3, 1970 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, Lentsch, Carlson Romans, Ex-officio Members absent: Walsh, Lone Also present: City Attorney Berardini, Neil Richardson, Rex T. Garrett II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Carlson stated that the Minutes of February 17, 1970, were to be considered for approval. Lentsch moved: Senti seconded: The Minutes be approv~d as written. Mr. Carlson directed attention t o Page 5 o f these Minutes, and suggested that the last portion of the following sentence be deleted: "He stated that he felt a committee on such issues as the golf course, for instance, would be helpful and would accomplish "citizen involvement", (but he also noted that the golf course matter could involve people living outside of Englewood, inasmuch as they would use the golf course also.)" Mr. Carlson noted that he had tried to set forth the idea that if people outside of Englewood would benefit fr om something such as the golf course, that we should possibly look to Federal Aid, and not try to solve the problem by ourselves. Brief discussion followed. Mr. Lo~e entered and took his place with the Commission. Woods moved: Lentsch seconded: The motion to approve the Minutes o f February 17, 1970, be amended by amending the Minutes, Page 5, Section¥, by deleting: " ••• but he also noted that the golf course matter could involve people living outside o f Englewood, inasmuch as they would use the golf course also." Mr. Carlson called f or the vote on the motion to amend the Minutes. AYES: Senti, Woods, Lentsch, Carlson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Lone Mr. Carlson called f or the vote on the motion, as amended. AYES: Woods, Senti, Lentsch, Carlson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Lone III. DR . ROBERT CAMPBELL 3500 S. Delaware St. CASE #22-68B 8 /7 /68 Mr. Neil Richardson was present to discuss Dr. Campbell's proposed apartment building in the 3500 block of South Delaware Street with the Commission on behalf o f Dr. Campbell. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Richardson has been asked to handle the negotiations for the apartment house by Dr. Campbell and his associates, and that Mr. Richardson wished to dis- cuss the preliminary plans with the Commission. Mr. Richardson stated that there are 10 lots under consideration f or the development, 4-1 /2 of which are owned by Dr. Campbell, and 5-1/2 of which are owned by Mr. Brinkerhoff, but which are now under option for purchase by Dr. Campbell. Mr. Richardson stated that Architect Wilson has been asked to prepare a new design for the apartment house which will have 86 units. The first three or four floors are being considered for offic~ use, with apartment units on the several stories above the offices. They are planning 130 of f-street parking spaces, which will be approximately 1.5 to 1. The building will cover 25% of the gr ound