HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-04-05 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COl\fMISSION
APRIL 5, 1994
I. CALL TO ORDER.
Vice Chairman Clemens called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. M. in Conference Room A of
Englewood City Hall, 3400 South Elati Street.
Members present: Dummer, Garrett, Shoop, Becker, Clemens
Merkel, Ex-officio
Members absent: Gerlick, Mason, Tobin, Covens (all with previous notice)
Also present: Public Works Director Charles Esterly
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 22, 1994
Vice Chairman Clemens asked for a motion on approval of the Minutes.
Dummer moved:
Garrett seconded: The Minutes of March 22, 1994 be approved as written.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Dummer, Garrett, Becker, Clemens
None
Gerlick, Mason, Tobin, Covens
Shoop
The motion carried.
ill. SOUTH SANTA FE DRIVE AND U. S. 285
Activity Up-date
Mr. Merkel introduced Mr. Charles Esterly, Director of Public Works, to members of the
Commission, and introduced members of the Commission whom Mr. Esterly had not previ-
ously met. The Planning Commission is very involved in the yearly recommendations for the
Public Improvement Fund program, and the update by Mr. Esterly is in preparation for the
budget season as well as for general planning purposes.
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Mr. Esterly stated that South Santa Fe Drive is a State Highway, as is U.S. 285 through
Englewood. Mr. Esterly distributed a Colorado Department Of Transportation (CDOT) proj-
ect log for improvement phases along South Santa Fe Drive.
Mr. Esterly discussed, and illustrated locations on an aerial photograph, the improvements that
have been completed along the South Santa Fe Drive corridor. These improvements include
construction of the railroad bridge at Dartmouth A venue and the relocation of the tracks to the
bridge; the railroad bridge at U.S. 285 and the relocation of the tracks. Lipan Street north of
Dartmouth will serve as an access road for the businesses fronting on Santa Fe, necessitated by
the policy of no access from private drives to Santa Fe Drive. Natches Court between Quincy
and Oxford has been constructed; this is in Sheridan, and was constructed to provide service to
the former PACE warehouse. The Navajo detour from Oxford Avenue to Stanford Avenue,
and the future construction of the "S" curve to tie into South Windermere Street was discussed.
The railroad bridge at Oxford Avenue is being constructed, and the Oxford intersection will be
closed for the duration of the construction project in this general area --an estimated three
years. In the interim, both West Tufts and West Quincy intersections that are scheduled for
future closure will remain open until the Oxford Avenue intersection opens. Union Avenue
will remain open, and will be a fully signalized intersection.
Points of access to Santa Fe Drive will be at West Dartmouth Avenue, U. S. 285, West Ox-
ford Avenue, and West Belleview Avenue.
Mr. Esterly discussed the improvements that were negotiated by the Tri-Cities Group with the
CDOT, including transportation graphics on retaining walls, decorative lighting, landscaping,
etc. Graphics will be "painted on" the Jersey Barriers that will separate the two directions of
traffic.
Funding of the improvements was discussed. Mr. Esterly commented that the railroad bridge
at U.S. 285 was a "rehab" and not a "rebuild"; therefore, the existing curve in the alignment of
the tracks will not be completely straightened. Mr. Esterly commented that it appears funds
previously committed to the Santa Fe project may have been rechanneled to other CDOT proj-
ects that are in progress, notably road improvements around Denver International Airport.
Mr. Esterly then discussed the six phases of improvements that are yet to be completed along
the Santa Fe Drive corridor, including bid dates, estimated beginning date of construction,
budget, and estimated total cost. Issues such as rerouting of traffic to accommodate light rail,
bicycle trails and pedestrian crossings, construction of the Rob Roy frontage road were also
part of the discussion. Mr. Esterly stated that there will be grade separations for the railroad
traffic, but at-grade intersections at Oxford and Santa Fe and Dartmouth and Santa Fe.
Mr. Esterly noted that at least 35 properties need to be acquired to facilitate the improvements
between U.S. 285 and Big Dry Creek, particularly for the Navajo alignment and the "S" curve
to tie into South Windermere. The City has committed $500,000 to this project, with the re-
maining funding to be the responsibility of CDOT . Urban Drainage has also contributed some
funding to this phase of the project.
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Mr. Esterly pointed out that a number of the improvements to South Santa Fe Drive are an "air
quality issue", not safety or capacity issues, citing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane,
and the provision for light rail. Mr. Esterly discussed the need for metropolitan area motorists
to adjust their living habits, depending on light rail, bus transportation, or car pooling to re-
duce air pollution. If the citizenry doesn't do this, the Federal Government will impose re-
strictions to accomplish this reduction.
Landscaping proposed along the Santa Fe corridor was briefly discussed.
Mr. Esterly commented that CDOT has obtained a variance from the City noise ordinance to
enable them to do night work, and discussed the "partnering" concept being used to coordinate
efforts between the various parties involved, especially the businesses on South Santa Fe. Mr.
Esterly noted that a recent trend in contracts has been to "rent" the street to a contractor for a
specified amount per day rather than trying to collect a "penalty" for not completing a project
by a given date.
Mrs. Becker expressed concern on possible structural damage that adjacent property owners
may experience as a result of the large equipment and activity. She asked how such alleged
damage can be verified, and how the citizenry can be advised of this issue. Mr. Esterly sug-
gested that video tapes of structures before and after have proven to be very helpful in deter-
mining liability on alleged structural damages. Mrs. Becker stressed the importance of timely
and proper notification of this issue to all the affected property owners.
The speed limit along South Santa Fe Drive was discussed. Mr. Esterly stated that the posted
speed limit will be 45 MPH, but the design speed limit will be 55 MPH.
Improvements of the Santa Fe Drive corridor into Littleton was briefly discussed. Mr. Esterly
noted that the standard median package and standard lighting package will be implemented in
Littleton, as well.
Mr. Esterly then discussed the U.S. 285 corridor, and briefly reviewed the CRSS study that
was recently done along this corridor. Mr. Esterly discussed the various proposals to handle
the volume of traffic on U.S. 285, including the one-way couplet proposal, and the meetings
that the City held with the property owners, businessmen and residents of the area south of
U.S. 285. Mr. Esterly stated that the development of ISTEA changed the distribution of fed-
eral funding in Colorado, removing some of the control from the CDOT and transferring it to
DR COG. Mr. Esterly pointed out that the CRSS study did convince CDOT that there is a ca-
pacity problem on U.S . 285, and that the Broadway bridge must be improved to accommodate
the existing vehicles and the projected increase. Other improvements in traffic flow will in-
clude installation of raised medians with plantings, and the traffic signal at South Huron Street
will be removed to assist in the "green progression" of the signals along U.S. 285.
Improvements to the Broadway bridge were discussed in more detail. Mr. Esterly commented
on the need to "partner" on this project to address the issues that will arise during this con-
struction period. Mr. Esterly further stated that the City will probably host additional meet-
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ings with the businessmen and property owners in the area from U.S. 285 south to possibly
Kenyon A venue.
Pedestrian crossings on U.S. 285 were considered. Mr. Esterly emphasized the need to acti-
vate the pedestrian crossing buttons on the signals, to increase the crossing time.
The effect the fire truck and ambulance Opticom access has on the progression of traffic on the
highway was also discussed. Mr. Esterly reported that it can take up to 20 minutes for the
system to settle into the proper cycle after an interruption by an emergency vehicle; police ve-
hicles do not have the Opticom access ability, but private ambulances do.
Improvements east of South Broadway along U.S. 285 include removal of the signalized inter-
section at South Sherman Street, and installation of fencing on the south side of the highway at
Sherman to eliminate pedestrian crossing. This is an attempt to provide a safer pedestrian
crossing for children, forcing them to use the underpass. Raised medians will be continued to
South University Boulevard.
Brief discussion ensued on ways to encourage motorists to participate in car pooling, ride
buses or use light rail.
Mr. Clemens expressed the appreciation of the Commission to Mr. Esterly, and commented
that the presentation was very informative and interesting. Mrs. Becker, Messrs. Garrett,
Dummer and Shoop also expressed their appreciation to Mr. Esterly for his presentation and
discussion.
IV. FINDINGS OF FACT
Cooper Planned Development
Vice Chairman Clemens asked for a motion on the Findings of Fact.
Dummer moved:
CASE #5-94
Clemens seconded: The Findings of Fact on Case #5-94 be approved as written.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Garrett, Becker, Clemens, Dummer
None
Gerlick, Mason, Tobin, Covens
Shoop
The motion carried.
Mr. Merkel reported that Mr. Cooper will construct four units on his property at 260 West
Jefferson Avenue, which does not require Planned Development approval. Mr. Cooper will
have to submit an approved drainage plan for the site prior to obtaining a Building Permit, and
construction will have to be in compliance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and
Uniform Building Code.
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V. PUBLIC FORUM.
There was no one present to address the Commission.
VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE.
Mr. Merkel suggested the need for a study session on wording of motions and setting forth of
reasons for a specific action, particularly a denial. Mr. Merkel advised the Commission that
decisions must have a sound basis that is defensible were a decision to be challenged. Brief
discussion ensued.
Mr. Merkel stated that nothing has been scheduled on the agenda for April 19 at this time.
VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE.
Mrs. Becker commented that she has driven by Omak's Place on several occasions, and they
have not been open for business. Mr. Garrett stated that he was by the establishment on two
occasions about 5:00 P.M., and they were open. Discussion ensued. Mr. Clemens expressed
the opinion that it is not the duty of the Planning Commission to determine what school
youngsters do during the day. Further brief discussion ensued.
Mr. Shoop cautioned members on the need to make full disclosure at public meetings of any
visits to a particular establishment or with the owners or employees of establishments that may
have a case before the Commission.
There was nothing else brought before the Commission, and the meeting was declared ad-
journed.
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' CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
IN THE MA TIER OF CASE #6-94 )
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS )
AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING )
TO THE REZONING OF LOTS 1-32, BLOCK )
21, ENGLEWOOD, FROM I-1, LIGHT )
INDUSTRY, TO R-2, :MEDIUM DENSITY )
RESIDENCE )
UPON AN APPLICATION FILED BY:
TIMOTHY W. SHIPLEY, D/B/ A
COLORADO HOMES
POST OFFICE BOX 958
MORRISON, COLORADO 80465
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
FINDINGS OF FACT AND
CONCLUSIONS OF THE
CITY PLANNING AND
ZONING COMMISSION
Commission Members Present: Mason, Shoop, Tobin, Becker, Clemens, Dummer, Gar-
rett, Covens
Commission Members Absent: None
This matter was heard before the City Planning and Zoning Commission on May 3, 1994, in
the City Council Chambers of the Englewood City Hall.
Testimony was received from staff, from the applicant, and from one of the property own-
ers/ sellers. The Commission received the Notice of Public Hearing, and the Staff Report,
which are incorporated into and made a part of the record of the Public Hearing. Also re-
ceived by the Commission was a packet of information submitted by the applicant, which in-
cluded copies of a news article, a schematic plan of the subject block, and a sample of floor
plans for the proposed residential development.
After considering the statements of the witnesses, and reviewing the pertinent documents, the
members of the City Planning and Zoning Commission made the following Findings and
Conclusions.
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9a
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. THAT the Public Hearing was initiated upon application by Timothy W. Shipley,
D/B/ A Colorado Homes.
2. THAT the Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Englewood Herald on April
21, 1994.
3. THAT the applicant testified to the posting of the property for 20 days by placing four
signs on the corners of the block giving notice of the date, time, and place of the Public
Hearing.
4. THAT the rezoning application encompasses a block described as follows: Beginning
at the centerlines of South Huron Street and West Jefferson Avenue, then east along the
centerline of West Jefferson Avenue to the centerline of South Galapago Street, then
south along the centerline of South Galapago Street to the centerline of West Kenyon
Avenue, then west along the centerline of West Kenyon Avenue to the centerline of
South Huron Street, then north along the centerline of South Huron Street to the point
of beginning.
5. THAT Planning Administrator Stitt testified to the zoning history of the subject block,
to efforts of the City and staff to encourage development of this block over a number of
years; to the rezoning requested by Mr. Shipley, and to the development proposed by
the applicant. Mr. Stitt offered further testimony that the proposal is in compliance
with the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed zoning and development will be compatible
with the adjacent development, and the proposed development will be of benefit to the
City of Englewood.
6. THAT the applicant testified to the construction experience he has in the City of
Englewood, beginning work with Project BUILD that determined the successful market
for new housing in Englewood. His company has since purchased vacant lots through-
out the City for construction of new houses, and there is a backlog of interested pur-
chasers for homes that he builds.
7. THAT the applicant testified to the mix of residential uses proposed for construction,
the mix comprising single-family homes with two three-unit townhomes on the north
end of the block. The applicant further testified he hoped to begin construction of the
single-family homes mid-June or shortly thereafter, that the construction period should
be six months for the single-family homes. Construction on the townhomes will begin
after the single-family home construction is completed.
8. THAT Mr. John Hollberg testified that he, his mother, brothers, and aunts are the
owners and sellers of the block. Mr. Hollberg testified to his family's efforts to sell
the block for acceptable uses over the last 10 years, and to their intention that the ulti-
2
'
mate development of the block will be an asset to that particular neighborhood and to
the City in total. Mr. Hollberg testified that he supports the requested rezoning from I-
I, Light Industry, to R-2, Medium Density Residence.
CONCLUSIONS
1. THAT proper notice of the Public Hearing was published in the En~lewood Herald on
April 21, 1994, and that the property was properly posted the required 15 days.
2. THAT testimony was received from staff, the applicant, and one of the property own-
ers/sellers, which is made part of the record of the Public Hearing.
3. THAT written information in the form of the Staff Report and a packet of information
submitted by the applicant, was received by the Commission and incorporated into the
record of the Public Hearing.
4. THAT the proposed rezoning is in conformance with the Generalized Land Use Plan of
the Comprehensive Plan, is compatible with the adjacent development, and will be of
benefit to the City.
DECISION
THEREFORE, it is the decision of the City Planning and Zoning Commission that the rezon-
ing application filed by Mr. Timothy Shipley, d/b/a Colorado Homes, for a change of zone
classification from I-1, Light Industry, to R-2, Medium Density Residence, should be ap-
proved .
This decision was reached upon a vote on a motion made at the meeting of the city Planning
and Zoning Commission on May 3, 1994, by Mr. Clemens, seconded by Ms . Tobin, which
motion states:
AYES:
NAYS:
The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the rezoning request filed
by Mr. Tim Shipley, d/b/a Colorado Homes, for a change of zone classification from
I-1, Light Industry, to R-2, Medium Density Residence, be approved .
Becker, Clemens, Dummer, Garrett, Mason, Shoop, Tobin, Covens
None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion carried.
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These Findings and Conclusions are effective as of the meeting of May 3, 1994.
BY ORDER OF THE CITY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION.
Lloyd Covens, Chairman
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