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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-03-07 PZC MINUTESPage 1402 I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION March 7, 1972 The Regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Lentsch at 8:00 p.m. Members Present: Stanley; Brown; Carlson; Henning; Vobejda; Robins; Lentsch; Weist Members Absent: Ross Also Present: Romans, Acting Ex-officio; Planning Assistant Young - --- --- --- - - -- ----- - --- II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Lentsch stated that Minutes of February 23, 1972, were to be considered for approval. Henning moved: Vobejda seconded: The Minutes of February 23, 1972, be approved as written. The motion carried. -- --- --- - --- --- - - - --- - - -- -- - III. EASEMENT VACATION CASE #6-72 Lot 11, Oxf~rd Heights Second Filing Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. & Mrs. Louis Aldretti, owners of property at 4005 South Jason Street, have requested that the 16 ft. utility easement on the north side of their property at that address be vacated. Mrs. Romans stated that this property is R-1-C (Single-family Residential), and abuts I-1 (Industrial) property to the west. The block in which this property is situated runs from West Mansfield Avenue to West Oxford Avenue, because West Nassau Avenue was not dedicated from the Jason/Kalamath alley to · South Fox Street. Mrs. Romans stated that at the time the subdivision plat for this area was approved, a 16 ft. easement was placed across the north side of Lots 11 and 12,. Oxford Heights, Second Filing, and across Lot 7, Oxford Heights, 3rd Filing; which lots are located in what would hava been West Nassau Avenue, were it to have been dedicated. The easement on Lot 7 has previously been vacated in 1965. Mrs. Romans stated that there is a water line in this easement, but that the Utilities Department has stated that when a problem arises with this line, it will be cut off and service will be provided from other available lines. There are no plans to install other utilities in this easement. Mrs. Romans stated that the Aldretti property has a 58 ft. frontage, and the owners want to build a garage with driveway, but cannot do so if the easement is retained. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. and Mrs. Aldretti could have better use of their property if the easement were to be vacated, and the proposed garage would be in keeping with the intent of the Com- mission to require property owners to provide off-street parking spaces for as many auto- mobiles as possible. Mrs. Romans discussed the 16 ft. Jason/Kalamath alley, which is dedicated only from West Mansfield Avenue south to the north line of the Aldretti property. From that point south to West Oxford Avenue, there is a 16 foot utility easement rather than an alley. She pointed out that the property to the west is zoned I-1 Light Industrial, and that the in- dustrial buildings have been built right to the property line giving no rear set-back, and there is no entrance to most of these buildings off of the alley. Residents on the west side of South Jason Street ~lace their trash cans in the alley, and the trash haulers use this alley to empty the cans. Because it is a dead-end alley, their exit is to South Kalamath Street across that portion of West Nassau Avenue between the alley-easement and Kalama th. The Aldretti 's have grown a hedge across .the back of the eight ft. easement which is across the west line of their property. Because of this hedge, the turning radius is such that the trucks either hig the building at 3970 South Kalamath or the Aldretti's hedge when turning into West Nassau Avenue to go west. Mrs. Romans stated that there is a drainage problem in the alley, and because it has been so difficult to maintain, the Public Works Department has included this alley and a i6 foot extension of the alley out to South Kalamath Street in the Paving District for 1972. The Public Works Department has discussed the proposed paving with the Aldrettis, and has indicated that if the Aldrettis will deed to the City the 8 ft. x 30 ft. easement on the west line of their property to give proper turning, radius from the alley to the right-of-way for West Nassau Avenue, the City will not charge the Aldrettis for . paviAg the alley. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City has no need for the easement on the north line of the property, and stated that the staff recommended vacation of such easement, subject to receiving a quit claim deed from the Aldrettis for the. 8 ft. x 30 ft. strip .. Mr. Lentsch stated that he and Mr. Robins had inspected the area, and asked why the City didn't take a dedication on the west side of the Aldretti property for the entire width of their property? Mrs. Romans pointed.out that the Public Works Department has indicated an intention to vacate a portion of West Nassau Avenue, giving a 16 ft. alley from the Jason/ Kalamath alley west to Kalamath Street rather than the present 60 ft. right-of-way. Mrs. Romans stated that requiring a dedication of the 8 ft. easement for the full north-south width of the Aldretti property would serve no public purpose. Mr. Robins stated that he felt "the only logical thing is to get a dedication from the Aldrettis for the full width of Nassau Avenue as is dedicated to the west of the alley." He felt the small portion of the easement on the Aldretti property not proposed to be dedicated would "never be maintained, and will be a trash catcher." Discussion followed. Mrs. Romans reiterated the plans of the Public Works Department to ask for vacation of all but a 16 ft. right-of-way on West Nassau Avenue from South Kalamath east to the Jason/ Kalamath alley. Mrs. Romans stated that the staff could not go along with Mr. Robbins' sug- gestion, for the reason that there would be no public purpose served were the additional easement area to be dedicated, and that the staff would continue to recommend that the Aldrettis be asked to dedicate only the north 8 ft. x 30 ft. of the easement. I I I I I I Page 1403 Discussion followed. Mrs. Henning asked if . the staff knew when the request for vacation of West Nassau right-of-way would be considered? Mrs. Romans stated she would check this out with City Public Works Director Waggoner. Mrs. Henning stated that this matter has been discussed at City Council level at the time of the Public Hearing on the Paving District. She stated that this is a cooperative venture be- tween the City and Mr. and Mrs. Aldretti, and will help both parties. Mr. Aldretti stated that he would agree to dedicate the 8 ft. x 30 ft. portion of the ease- ment. He pointed out that the portion of the easement on their property has not been allowed to collect trash; they have a flower garden and the hedge in the area, and they haye worked to keep it clean. Mr. Aldretti stated that papers from the industrial plants to the west of his property blow into his hedge, but not into his yard. Mr. Robins stated he still felt the dedication should encompass the entire length of the easement on the Aldretti property, and that at such time as Nassau Avenue right-of-way is vacated, this portion could be deeded back to the Aldrettis. Discussion followed. Henning moved: Weist seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council the easement in the north 16 feet of Lot 11, Oxford Heights, Second Filing, be vacated; such vacation shall be subject to the dedication of the north 30 ft. of the 8 ft. utility easement on the west line of the Aldretti property, said dedication containing 240 sq. ft., and as further defined in Case #6-72. The reason for the recommended vacation b eing that neither public necessity or convenience requires continued maintenance of this easement. The motion carried, Mr. Robins voting nay. IV. EASEMENT VACATION CASE #7-72 Lot 12, Oxford Heights, Second Filing Mrs. Romans stated that in 1965, the City vacated the utility easement on the north line of Lot 7, Oxford Heights, Third Filing, which is directly east of Lot 12, Oxford Heights, Second Filing. Mrs. Romans stated that she had contacted Mr. & Mrs. Blevins, property owners of Lot 12, in regard to the possible vacation of this easement, and they asked that the easement be vacated. Mrs. Romans stated that the staff has contacted the utility companies and concerned city departments, and there is no objection to the vacation. Mrs. Romans stated that, again, there is no public purpose to be served by retaining th i s easement. Weist moved: Henning seconded: The motion carried. The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the easement in the north 16 feet of Lot 12, Oxford Heights, Second Filing, as further described in Case #7-72, be vacated; the reason for the vacation being that no public purpose will be served by the retention of the easement. V. SUBDIVISION WAIVER 4211 South Huron St. CASE #8-82 Mrs. Romans stated this property is located north of West Quincy Avenue and is on the.west side of South Huron Street. Mrs. Romans stated this is a rather large parcel of land, and the owners, Mr. & Mrs. McLaughlin, are seeking permission to sell the north 75 ft. of the property. Mrs. Romans stated that the Subdivision Regulations have a provision whereby if there is nothing to be gained by the filing of a subdivision plat such as public access, utilities, etc., the Planning Commission may grant a subdivision waiver. This Resolution granting the . waiver is recorded with the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder as a part .of the permanent record of the particular real est~te. Mrs. Romans stated that as far as this parcel of land at 4211 South Huron Street is concerned, there appear to be no problems --utilities are available, no additional right-of-way is needed, etc. Mrs. Romans stated that it is the recommendation of the staff that the subdivision waiver be granted to Mr. and Mrs. McLaughl~n, giving them the right to sell the north 75 ft. of their property. Mr. Lentsch commented that this will make a beautiful building site. Henning moved: Vobejda seconded: The Planning Commission grant a waiver of the Subdivision Regulations to Mr. & Mrs. McLaughlin, 4211 South Huron Street, granting them the right to sell the north 75 ft. of their property as referred to in Case #8-72. The motion carried. Mr. Supinger entered the meeting. VI. BICYCLE TRAILS SYSTEM CASE #5-72 February 23, 1972 February 8, 1972 Mrs. Romans stated that Police Chief Clasby has been invited to the meeting to discuss various items previously considered by the Commission in connection with the Bicycle Trail System, and upon which the Commission wanted additional inf o rmation. Chief Clasby discussed the bicycle licensing program which is now in effect, and that which is proposed in the Bicycle Trails System Report. Chief Clasby stated that at the present time, it is a one-time licensing program, the license costing $.50. Chief Clasby stated that the present Ordinance governing the control of bicycles was written many years ago, and gives no auth o rity for impounding the bicycle, does not require registration or proof of Page 1404 ownership and gives the Police Department little enforcement capability. Chief Clasby stated th~t the present ordinance requires that the licensing functions be carried out through the Police Department; he has recommended to the City Manager that possibly the licensing program could be expanded through use of the Fire Department substations, and that this could help make the licensing become more effective. Chief Clasby reviewed the procedure now pursued by a bicyclist in an effort to ·get his bicycle licensed, and stated that this is inconvenient for both the bicycle owner and for the Police Department staff. Chief Clasby stated he felt the proposal to make use of the Fire substations would be more convenient for the bicycle owner, ·and that he also felt the on-duty firemen would be better . equipped to conduct the inspection of the bicycles. Chief Clasby stated that today many of the bicycles purchased have no serial numbers on them. He advocated the stamping of such a number on the bicycle at the time the license is purchased; he further noted that today, even if a bicyclist purchases a license for his bicycle, and the bicycle is stolen, it is very difficult to recover with only the license as a record. Chief Clasby stated that the stamping on of the serial number is another reason he is in favor of the licensing pro- gram being carried out by the Fire Department. Chief Clasby i stated that the stamping of the serial number would not be hard to do, nor would it be expensive, and this would give one additional method for future identification. Chief Clasby stated that when he assumed the position of Chief of Police, there was an entire "room full of bicycles" that had been recovered after being stolen, but the owners could not be traced, and there was no approved way to dispose of such items. Chief Clasby stated that at the present time, bicycles that are recovered and whose 0wner cannot be found, may be (1) sold at public auction, the · funds going to the Police Benefit Association; (2) donated to needy families; or (3) donated to service clubs or charities for distribution to needy families. Chief Clasby discussed efforts of the Police Department to increase the · licensing program through a public relations program in the schools, and in conjunction with service clubs, such as the Kiwanis Club, which inspects and repairs bicycles for the children if they will bring them to school. Chief Clasby stated that he felt that most children's bikes were "in pretty good shape'', and that most of them are licensed; but, he stated tha~ a good many adults don't have their bicycles licensed. Chief Clasby stated that he felt a program to encourage licensing and an effort to make the licensing procedure convenient to the bicyclist would be very beneficial. Mr. Lentsch asked how many accidents involving bicyclists had occured this past year or so? Chief Clasby stated that the number of accidents is "so insignificant" that separate records are not kept. Chief Clasby suggested that ·a method of annual licensing should also be instigated for bicycles, rather than the "cumulative" one-time procedure now in effect. Chief Clasby further discussed the theft problem, and noted that there were 344 bicycle thefts last year, of which 33 bicycles were recovered. He noted that stolen bicycles are hauled out of the metro area by the "truck-load" and are often sold to second-hand dealers in other municipal areas. Chief Clasby then discussed the proposal of requiring proof of ownership by the bicycle rider. Mrs. Henning inquired as to what type of proof would be required? Chief Clasby stated that a registration card as auto drivers carry would be sufficient. Chief Clasby suggested that with the initial license application, a bill of sale would serve as proof of ownership, but questioned whether we should go that far in the proposed licensing program. Chief Clasby did suggest that once the bicycle was licensed, ·the rider be re- quired to have the registration in order to ride the bicycle on a public street. Discussion followed. Chief Clasby stated that if the City did adopt a bicycle trails system that 0rdinances governing bicyclists should be adopted at the same time. Mr. Weist questioned whether the increased traffic has had an effect on the number of bicycles involved in accodents? Chief Clasby stated that the increased traffic has had little or no effect on the number of accidents with ·bicycles. Enforcement of present laws against minor bicyclists was considered. Mrs. Henning asked Chief Clasby -how it w0uld be handled. Chief Clasby stated that possibly there should be a modification of Ordinances; he discussed the statutes which regulate bicyclists, noting that the rules were "vague", and he felt they should be strengthened. Chief Clasby stated that the "delinquincy" provision wolild be used in enforcement against minors, but that adul6 bicyclists could be cited into municipal court. Mr. Lentsch asked Chief Clasby if he was in favor of the bicycle trail system as proposed in the report submitted to the Planning Commission? Chief Clasby stated that he was not in favor of taking public streets and turning them into bicycle paths. Chief Clasby acknowledged there should be provisions for people who want to ride bicycles, but particularly if the in- crease of bicyclists that is expected does occur, they should not have the bicycle lanes on a public street. Chief Clasby cited an incident when he drove from Santa Fe to Broadway on Ridge Road, which Road has a bicycle path along it, and stated that when he drove this route during the "night-time hours", bicyclists using the bicycle route caused a definite hazard. Mr. Brown asked Chief Clasby if bicyclists were ever ticketed for running red lights, stop signs, etc? Chief Clasby stated there were no court citations issued in 1970, 1971, or to date in 1972. Mr. Brown then asked if Chief Clasby felt the Ordinances needed to be "tightened up?" Chief C~asby stated that he did feel so. Mrs. Romans noted that Mr. Royther of the Parks Department will be prepared to discuss the bicyqle lane system at .the time of the meeting of the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission. Mr. Lentsch thankeq Chief Clasby for attending the meeting, and for his views on the matter. ---- -- ---- -----~----- -- I I I I I I VII. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION March 29, 1972 Page 1405 Mrs. Romans stated that a suggested date for the meeting of the Planning Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission is March 29th. Mr. Lentsch noted that this would be a special meeting for the Planning Commission and might possibly be a special meeting for the Parks Commission. Mrs. Romans pointed out that it was a "suggested" date only. Mr. Carlson asked if this meeting could be worked in with the Planning Commission regular meeting, or maybe with the Parks Commission regular meeting? Mr. Supinger stated that it was felt both Commissions could spend one entire evening in dis- cussion of the bicycle trails system, and that perhaps an evening when no other business had been scheduled would be best for this meeting. Mr. Lentsch stated the Planning Commission would plan to meet with the Parks Commission on March 29th. VIII, DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Fred Wolf, a member of the Denver Planning staff, has offered to come to a Planning Commission meeting and explain the Denver Bicycle Trail System. Mrs. Romans questioned if the Commission would want to set a meeting date to hear Mr. Wolf's presentation, or if possibly they might want to invite him to the Parks Commission/Planning Commission meeting on March 29th? Mr. Lentsch questioned that the Commission was ready to hear Mr. Wolf, and suggested that when he did make his presentation to the Commission, his time should be limited to 1 /2 hour or so. Mr. Lentsch noted that he had observed bike trails in Lakewood and Aurora, and that no one was using the trails in Aurora, for instance, at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Discussion followed. Mrs. Henning stated she felt there is a need to expand the bicycle licensing program, and that this could be done right away, inasmuch as it does not tie into the bicycle system itself. She further stated that she would like to see firm recommendations from the staff on changing the Ordinances concerning bicycles. Mr. Weist co:mm.ented that he does not feel that the City of Englewood is in any real hurry to get into the bicycle trail system, and that perhaps we should wait until the Denver system has been in operation for a time. Mrs. Vobejda stated she agreed with Mr. Weist, and that she felt the City should take it "one step at a ti!Jle." Mr. Carlson stated he would like to have information from Littleton residents who live along bicycle trails. For instance, do the residents .feel that the "buttons" marking the trails have any effect, and do the bicyclists ride in the designated trail? Do the residents still park the automobiles in the trails; Mr. Carlson stated he felt there was considerable research that should be done before a decision was made. Mrs. Stanley stated she felt the Commissio.n should be "totally informed"; she noted that the project is expensive and she felt the Commission should have as much information as possible. Mrs. Vobejda asked if Mr. Wolf would come to the meeting and give just a background summary of the Denver system? Mr. Carlson suggested that this be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting if the agenda isn't too full. Mr. Robins stated he felt much more research must be done; he noted that it is a "lot of money to put into it when you don't know if people will use it." t Mr. Brown stated he felt Mr. Wolf should come to a Commission meeting; he stated he felt we should talk to all the "research people" that we possibly can, and then form a decision. Mrs. Romans stated that items suggested for discussion with the Parks & Recreation Commission are: 1. A briefing on the Core Area Planning Committee. 2. A briefing on the Workable Program Citizens' Committee. 3. Discussion of drainage park-ways. 4. Discussion of the golf course study. 5. Discussion of possible parks along South Platte River. 6. The KLZ Site plans. 7. The bicycle trail system. Mr. Lentsch stated he wanted to discuss the goals of the Parks Commission; he stated he wanted to find out what their goals were for the next ten years, for instance. He stated he also wanted to know how much park land the City should have for the population we have. Mrs. Henning stated she felt the goals of the Parks & Recreation .Commission could tie into later discussions on the Capital Improvements budget. Mrs. Romans asked that reservations for the DRCOG Annual Dinner meeting be confirmed. Those attending: Mr. & Mrs. Lentsch; Mr. & Mrs. Weist; Mr. & Mrs. Carlson; Mrs. Stanley, and Mr. Brown. Mrs. Ro~ans stated that the Seminar for Planning Commission members has been scheduled on Thursdays from March 30th through May 11th, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mrs. Romans stated that this is a cooperative venture of the DRCOG and the University of Colorado, Denver Center. She stated that she felt there were well-qualified people involved in the Seminar, and urged members, particularly new members, of the Commission to participate. Mrs. Vobejda stated she would like to participate in the Seminar. Mr. Carlson asked if th:i5 was a "continuing program", or if one member could attend one evening, and another member Page 1406 attend a different evening. Mr. Supinger stated he felt it should be classified as a con- tinuing program, with attendance at all sessions advisable. Mrs. Romans asked if the Commission members wanted to set another special meeting date for discussion of the Sign Code? She pointed out that the Commission now has meetings set for March 15th, 21st, and 29th. Mr. Lentsch suggested ~hat this matter be brought up at the next meeting, and the date be set at that time. IX. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Lentsch stated he felt the Commission members should make an effort to view matters which it will be considering, such as the two eas.ement vacation requests considered this evening. Mr. Lentsch stated he was still concerned about the Jason/Kalamath alley in the 4000 block, and stated that he felt it should be made one-way. Mrs. Romans stated she would bring this point up to the Public Works Department for their consideration. Mr. Lentsch asked Mrs. Henning and Mr. Brown for a summary of the City Council meeting. Mrs. Henning stated that Offices, Ltd., has redesigned their building, and now does not need the height exception because they have provided sufficient setback to off-set the exceeded height. The applicant has now purchased the north 247.6 feet of land on the east side of the block (west side of South Sherman Street), and the Council will vacate the en- tire alley in Block 6, Premier Addition. The Commission will need to review the parking plans again, however. Mrs. Henning stated that Council passed a formal resolution approving the request for Federal funds for the Northwest Englewood Greenbelt, and for storm drainage in northwest and northeast Englewood. Mr. Lentsch asked if Council approved the attendance of two members of the Commission at tre ASPO Conference? Mrs. Henning stated Council did approve such. Discussion followed. Mr. Lentsch, Mr. Carlson, and Mr. Robins had all indicated a desire to attend this conference. Mr. Robins stated that if the approval was only for the attendance of two members, he would withdraw his name. Brown moved: Vobejda seconded: The motion carried. Mr. Leo Lentsch and Mr. Kenneth Carlson be designated as Commission representatives to the ASPO Conference to be held in Detroit, Michigan, April 15th -20th. Mr. Lentsch discussed the expense payments of the Planning Commission members, which is $16 per month as contrasted to other Board and Commission members who receive $25 per month. He stated that Mr. Dial had indicated he would check into this matter at one time, and Mr. Lentsch asked that the matter be pursued. Mr. Robins stated he didn't "know where anyone arrived at the figure of $16 per month; the Planning Commission does as much work or more than the rest of them." Mr. Lentsch asked why East Dartmouth Avenue from Logan west to Broadway has not been widened to match Dartmouth Avenue east of South Logan Street. He stated he felt this would be a reasonable improvement. Mr. Carlson suggested that this project might be one for the Core Area Planning Committee to consider, also. Mrs. Romans discussed a memorandum to the Commission on a follow-up oi Case #4-71, the vacation of portions of South Huron Street and West Cornell Avenue at the request of Winslow Construction Company, At the time of the action by the Commission, Winslow Construction Company agreed to a "decorative mesh-type weave" in the chain link fence they proposed to install across the south side o( their property, which is adjacent to West Dartmouth Avenue. This decorative material has not been installed as yet, and upon contacting the Construction Company, the staff has been assured that it will be. There apparently have been problems in obtaining the material for the fence. Mr. Lentsch discussed the parking lot north of the First National Bank. He stated that he felt the Ordinance should be amended to require better surfacing than has been placed in this parking lot. Discussion followed. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 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:. March 7, 1972 Easement vacation -Lot 11, Oxford Heights, Second Filing . The Planning Commission recommend to City Council the easement in the north 16 feet of Lot 11, Oxford Heights, Second Filing, be vacated; such vacation shall be subject to the dedication of the north 30 ft. of the .8 ft. utility easement on the west line of the Aldretti property, said dedication containing 240 sq. ft., and as further defined in Case #6-72. The reason for the recommended vacation being that neither public n~cessity or convenience requires continued maintenance of this easement. Respectfully submitted, By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Secretary I I I I I I Page 1407 MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: Mar~h 7, 1972 SUBJECT: Easement Vacation, Lot 12, Oxford Heights, Second Filing. RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the easement in the north 16 feet of Lot 12, Oxford Heights, Second Filing, as further described in Case #7-72, be vacated; the reason for the vacation being that no public purpose will be served by the retention of the easement. Respectfully submitted, By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONJNG COMMISSION March 21, 1972 The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Comm~ssion was called to order at 8:00 p.m., Chairman Lentsch presiding. Members present: Stanley; Carlson; Ross; Robins; Brown; Lentsch Supinger, Ex-officio Members absent: Henning; Vobejda; Weist Also present: Public Works Director Waggoner; Sergeant Wallace; Planning Assistant Young ; Assistant Director of Community Development Romans. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Lentsch stated the Minutes of March 7, 1972, were to be considered for approval .. Carlson seconded: Ross seconded: The Minutes of the meeting of March 7, 1972, be approved as written. The motion carried. III. FLOYD-ELATI INTERSECTION Traffic Island in Elati CASE #10-72 Mr. Supinger stated that he has received a request from City Manager Dial for Commission opinion and recommendation on the traffic island on South Elati Street at Floyd Avenue, north side. At a meeting of the City Council to consider the Paving District, several resi- dents living north of Floyd on Elati Street requested that the island be removed. Mr. Supinger stated thai he understood the installation ·of the traffic island at Elati and Floyd dated back to the development of Cinderella City, and that it was proposed in an effort to reduce the traffic resulting from this development dispersing through the residential area north of West Floyd Avenue. South Fox Street was proposed as the only through street from West Dartmouth Avenue south to the shopping center. Mr. Weist entered and took his place with the Commission. Mr. Supinger stated that the median strip installed in West Floyd Avenue had "breaks" at Cherokee and Elati Streets, and at South Fox. At South Cherokee and South Elati Streets, the traffic islands were installed to prevent traffic from crossing Floyd and going through to Dartmouth. The islands were proposed to be designed to allow right turns for westbound traffic on West Floyd Avenue, and right turns for southbound traffic on both Cherokee and Elati. The traffic island at South Cherokee Street and West Floyd Avenue was removed in 1969 after due study and deliberation by city officials, Planning Commission and City Council members. At that time, it was also requested that the island at South Elati Street be re- moved, but the Planning Commission recommended that this traffic island be retained, noting that there is an elementary school in the 3100 block of South Elati Street, and that heavy traffic should not be instituted on this street in the interest of safety for the children. Also, the majority of residents on South Elati Street between West Dartmouth Avenue and West Floyd Avenue asked that the island be retained as was promised by the City when the Floyd Avenue Agreement was signed. The Commission also noted that if there were changes in the traffic volume and traffic patterns, the island could be removed at a future date when so warranted. Mr. Supinger stated that the staff has contacted the Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department, and all three departments are in favor of removing the island from South Elati Street. Mr. Supinger stated that letters with return post cards were sent to property owners in the 3100 and 3200 blocks of South Elati Street, and also to the principal at William E. Bishop Elementary School and the Superintendent of Schools. This letter requested that property owners return the post card indicating whether or not they