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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-20 PZC MINUTES\ CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JUL y 20, 1993 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Covens at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of Englewood City Hall. Members present: Gerlick, Tobin, Dummer, Garrett, Clemens, Covens Merkel, Ex-officio Members absent: Mason, Shoop, Bleau Also present: Planning Administrator Harold Stitt II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 22, 1993 Chairman Covens stated that the Minutes of June 22, 1993 were to be considered for approval. Tobin moved Garrett seconded: The Minutes of June 22, 1993 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Tobin, Dummer, Garrett, Gerlick, Covens None Clemens Mason, Shoop, Bleau The motion carried. ID. MEMBERSHIP/TOUR Chairman Covens welcomed Dan Clemens, recent appointee to the Commission to complete the unexpired term of Ms. Linda Cuesta. Mr. Covens expressed appreciation to the staff for arranging a tour of the City, highlighting some developments and issues that have been before the Commission in recent months. IV. SOUTH SUBURBAN PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT Regional Park Planned Development CASE #8-93 Mr. Covens asked staff to bring the Commission up-to-date on the Regional Park issue. I Mr. Merkel stated that development of the Regional Park on the former Arapahoe County e Fairgrounds and South Drive-In sites requires consideration and approval of a Planned Devel- opment. The Public Hearing was scheduled for this evening, during which Hearing testimony would be taken from the applicant, proponents, and opponents of the Development. However, some issues which have considerable impact on the proposal have arisen in the last few days, and the applicant has not resolved the issues. The staff report could not be written with the issues still pending; therefore, it is the recommendation of the staff that the Public Hearing be opened at this time, but that no testimony be received from staff, applicant, proponent or op- ponent, and continued until August 3, at which time the applicant and staff feel confident that all issues will be resolved, and the Hearing can proceed. Mr. Stitt stated that the South Suburban Parks & Recreation District acquired ownership of the former Fairgrounds and South Drive-in site some time ago; the land is zoned B-2, Business, and R-3, High Density Residence. In these zone districts, Planned Development approval is required for all developments over one acre in size. South Suburban has submitted a Planned Development indicating the development proposed for the total site. There have been several in-house reviews of these Plans, and as a result of these in-house reviews, it has been deter- mined that additional data was needed, which is not readily available; thus, the staff recom- mendation that the Hearing be opened, and continued to August 3. Mr. Stitt stated that the property has been posted advertising the Hearing for this evening, and that staff from South Suburban Parks & Recreation District have stated they will up-date the signage with the new date for the Hearing. Public Notice of the Hearing was also given in the Englewood Herald, and a copy of this notice was presented to Chairman Covens. Mr. Covens noted that there were some people in the audience, and suggested that informal comments be received from these individuals under "Public Forum". Mr. Covens further sug- gested that the Commission proceed to this section of the Agenda at this time, and return to the Regional Park agenda item later. V. PUBLIC FORUM. Ms. Ruth Hansen, 4511 South Galapago, stated that she had thought there would be a large "master plan" of the proposed development for the audience to view. Ms. Hansen expressed concern that the ponds that are suggested to be developed on the site will drain the wading stream in Belleview Park in Englewood. She does not want to see this wading stream dried up. Ms. Hansen stated that members of the South Suburban staff have assured her that the stream will not be dried up "permanently", but she wants assurance from Englewood staff that the stream will continue to flow. Ms. Hansen also questioned access from the north park area to the park area on the south side of Belleview Avenue: will this be by way of an over-pass, surface crossing, or tunnel. Mr. Covens stated that overpass and underpass access has been considered in the past, and in his opinion, the underpass (tunnel) is probably the preferred method of access. Mr. Stitt stated that the City has applied for a Federal Grant to develop a bicycle trail along Big Dry Creek to 2 eventually tie into the South Platte River bicycle trail; this will result in the improvement of the existing turinel from Progress Park into Belleview Park. Brian Muller, South Suburban Park & Recreation District, agreed that the application for Fed- eral funds incorporates widening and improvement of the current underpass. The bicycle trail will go through the underpass. Mr. Muller stated that he has talked to the consultant on the Big Dry Creek Trail; a corner crossing at Belleview and Windermere is also being considered. Ms . Tobin asked if the crossing would be handicapped accessible. Mr. Muller assured Ms. Tobin of handicapped accessibility. Cheryl Cambra, 4875 South Galapago, stated that she wanted to see some "informative bro- chures" on the development --how the development will be phased in, etc. Mr. Muller briefly addressed the development phasing of the regional park; initial development will occur on the old South Drive-In site with three soft-ball fields and some lighting; five multi-purpose fields will be developed on the former Fairgrounds site. The development of these fields is a top priority for the District. Ms. Cambra stated she had heard discussion of a mini-golf course. Mr. Muller stated that the southeast corner of Belleview/Windermere has been proposed as the site of a mini-golf course; this would be leased to, developed by, and run by a concessionaire, and would not involve District money. This concessionaire would be responsible for obtaining all permits and approvals for this development from the City of Englewood, as well as work with the District on the design of the course. Mr. Muller stated that the installation/operation of a "batting cage" will also be through a "concessionaire". Mike Price, 1900 West Dry Creek Road, stated that he is with the Apache Baseball League, and the Arapahoe Youth League. He is a strong supporter of the development of the Regional Park, and discussed the shortage of soccer fields and lighted softball fields. Further discussion ensued regarding the wading stream in Belleview Park, and the possible need for a hydrologists report. Mr. Muller assured the Commission that at the meeting of Au- gust 3, they will have the appropriate representatives present to discuss the issues on the devel- opment of the Regional Park. Mr. Merkel and Mr. Covens urged members of the audience to attend the meeting on August 3. IV. REGIONAL PARK Mr. Covens asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Garrett moved: Gerlick seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #8-93 be opened. AYES: NAYS: Tobin, Dummer, Garrett, Gerlick, Clemens, Covens None 3 CASE #8-93 ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Shoop, Bleau, Mason None The motion carried. Mr. Covens then asked for a motion to continue the Public Hearing. Garrett moved: Clemens seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #8-93 be continued to August 3 , 1993. AYES: NAYS: Tobin, Dummer, Garrett, Gerlick, Clemens, Covens None ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Bleau, Mason, Shoop None The motion carried. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Merkel recalled a discussion with City Attorney DeWitt and Assistant City Attorney Brotzman at which time the members of the Commission were advised on procedures in quasi- judicial proceedings. Mr. Merkel emphasized the need to be extremely careful that personal opinions are not indicated prior to a Public Hearing and receipt of testimony. Discussion en- sued. Mr. Dummer suggested that the members of the audience this evening could either plan to attend the meeting of August 3, or the Commission could receive their written comments and they would be made part of the record. Mr. Merkel stated that this is correct. Brief dis- cussion followed. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Covens asked for a report on the CML Conference. Mr. Merkel and Mr. Stitt reported on sessions they had attended. Mr. Stitt had attended a session on adult businesses, and reported on the need to revise the restrictions on this type of business to comply with recent Court rulings. Discussion ensued. Mr. Covens expressed his frustration that several issues have been brought to the Commission and discussed, but have not been carried through to Public Hearing and recommendation to City Council. Among these issues are revisions to the Zoning Ordinance on ga- rages/ carports/ sheds, etc., home occupations, and the matter of revising the definition of Bookstore to modify the 10% of "gross sales" from adult material to 10% "gross square foot- age". Mr. Covens stated that he wants the Commission to be "effective", but does realize that the staff is inundated with day-to-day matters. Ms. Tobin expressed her concerns regarding canceled meetings when there is so much to do. 4 Mr. Merkel reminded members that the Comprehensive Plan basic work is being done by the "Englewood By Design" initiating committee. This committee has already met twice, and will pursue a process to describe the goals and objectives that the citizens want; these will then be pulled together into the "Plan". Ms. Tobin asked about progress on reduction of Cedar Mountain. Mr. Stitt stated that a con- tractor is mulching the shingles; however it is a very labor-intensive process to pull the non- recyclable materials out. He estimated that it could be a year before the recycling process is completed. There was nothing else brought up for discussion. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M. ertrude G. Welty, Recording Secre 5