HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-05-02 PZC MINUTESPage 1416
Mr. Ross suggested that perhaps the amortization would be worked on the same basis as it
would be for the I.R.S. Discussion followed. Mr. Lentsch askeq Mr. Ross to look into this
matter, and report back to the Commission.
Mr. Supinger stated that he felt the Commission should meet with the Chamber of Commerce
Board in addition to the Board of Adjustment. Discussion followed. Mr. Supinger stated
that the adoption of a new sign code is important, and should be accomplished as soon as
possible. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt it was very important to meet with representa-
tives of the Chamber, the sign industry, etc. while the Ordinance was being drafted. Dis-
cussion followed.
Mrs. Romans stated that she was prepared to start drafting the preliminary Ordinance. Dis-
cussion followed. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt the representatives of the sign companies,
Chamber of Commerce, etc. could participate in the development of the S~gn Code. Discussion
followed. Mr. Supinger discussed architectural review, which applies to both buildings and
signs. Mr. Supinger pointed out there is more involved in the "design" of a sign than area,
etc. Mr. Supinger stated that an Architectural Review committee would be composed of persons
that have a background in "design". Further discussion followed. It was determined that
representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the Merchant's Asso ciation, Board of Adjustment,
League of Women Voters, sign companies, industrial developments, and realtors, among others,
should be included in the group asked to work on the development of the Code with the staff.
III. OFF-STREET PARKING STANDARDS CASE #13-72
Amending Chapter 22.5-5 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
Mrs. Romans stated that the preliminary draft of the proposed amendment of the Off-Street
Parking Standards, dated April 4, 1972, has been revised as of April 11, 1972, incorporating
suggestions from members of the staff and those previ o usly received from the Commission.
Mrs. Romans pointed out changes in the proposed amendment, amont them a formula setting
forth widths and sizes of parking stalls. The minimum width of any parking stall is pro-
posed to be 9 ft.
Mrs. Romans stated that she had reviewed publications from the American Society of Planning
Officials on off-street parking requirements; these publications reviewed 66 separate zoning
ordinances, with 85 major use categories, with 609 different parking space requirements con-
tained within the 83 major categories. Mrs. Romans stated that the staff has not attempted
to break the use requirements down as far as some ordinances do.
Mrs. Romans pointed out sections of the proposed ordinance which had been reworded, or in
which space requirements had been increased. Mrs. Romans stated that she had called the
State to determine what their requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, etc. are. In
stating parking requirements for churches, restaurants, etc., the present ordinance requires
parking based on the square footage of "seating floor area". This provision has been re-
moved, and the parking will be based on the "gross floor area." Discussion followed. Mr.
Supinger pointed out that if this propo sed amendment is approved, a use will not become
non-conforming if they do not meet the new parking requirements; these requirements cannot
be retroactive.
Mrs. Romans discussed the parking required for restaurants under the present ordinance
versus that which would be required under the proposed ordinance. It is felt that the pro-
posed requirements are much more realistic than the present requirements. Mrs. Romans noted
that the American Society of Planning Officials studies had broken restaurant needs into
four categories: (1) drive-in (McDonalds); (2) carry-out (Kentucky Fried Chicken); (3) sit-
down intensive use (mid-day; and (4) sit-down low intensity use (evening).
The location of off-street parking spaces, the joint use of such spaces, and the maintenance
of parking areas was then considered. Mrs. Romans noted that specifications for the paving
or blacktopping of parking areas have been added. Discussion followed.
Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt there should be a requirement for lighting of public parking
areas. Further discussion followed. Mrs. Romans noted that the matter of multi-level
parking structures is not covered in this proposed amendment. Mr. Wupinger suggested that
perhaps a section could be written in providing that all parking structures must be approva:i
by the Commission. Further discussion followed.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M.
Gertrude G. Welty
Recording Secretary
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I. CALL TO ORDER.
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
May 2, 1972
Chairman Lentsch called the regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission to
order at 8:00 P. M.
Members present: Stanley; Lentsch; Robins; Henning; Vobejda; Brown; Ross
Supinger, Ex-o fficio
Members absent: Carlson; Weist
Also present: Assistant Director of Community Development Romans; Public Works Director
Waggoner; Fire Chief Hamilton; Captain Hartley.
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Page 1417
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Chairman Lentsch stated that Minutes of the Regular meeting of April 4, 1972, and of the
Special meeting of April 11 , 1972, were to be considered for approval.
Brown moved:
Ross seconded: The Minutes of April 4, 1972, and April 11, 1972, be approved as
writt.en.
The motion carried.'
III. FLOYD AVENUE -ELATI STREET
Traffic Island in Elati
CASE NO. 10-72B
March 21, 1972
April 4, 1972
Mr. Supinger stated that Public Works Director Waggoner has submitted scale drawings
showing the existing intersection, and four alternate proposals for improvement of the
traffic flow and elimination of confusion that now exists at this intersection. Mr.
Supinger reviewed the alternate proposals. Exhibit A shows an enlarged island in Elati
Street, which could allow right turns onto Elati from westbound on Floyd Avenue, and right
turns onto West Floyd from southbound on. South Elati Street. The enlargement of the island,
as proposed in Exhibit A, would prevent traffic traveling north on South Elati Street north
of Floyd Avenue. The proposal will, however1 , require additional right-of-way from the
corner properties to make this imprpvement.
Exhibit B is a cul-de-sac proposal, the cul-de-sac having a 40 ft. radius.
Chief Clasby entered the meeting.
Mr. Supinger noted that the proposal would allow a large "turn around" area, but will re-
quire additional right-of-way from two properties on each side of the street.
Exhibit C is also a cul-de-sac proposal, the radius of thi~ proposal being 30 ft. Additional
right-of-way will have to be obtained on the two corner properties on Elati Street.
Exhibit D indicates the traffic island removed, and a free flow of traffic would be permitted.
City Attorney Berardini entered the meeting.
Mr. Supinger stated that the island in the center of West Floyd Avenue would be cut back
as indicated in proposal D, to allow a better turning movement.
Mr. Weist entered, a .nd took his chair with the Commission.
Mr. Lentsch asked if the Commis$ion members had questions they wished answered by staff
members present? Mr. Lentsch asked if there was an estimate of the cost involved in each
of the proposals reviewed? Mr. Su pinger stated that ther.e ha v.e not been any appraisals
of cost made at this time. He noted that proposals where additional right-of-way would be
required, would, of course, be more expensive. Mr. Lentsch inquired about the possibility
of signalization? Public Works Director Waggoner stated that a full traffic count has not
been taken at this intersection to determine the need for a signal.
Mrs. Henning asked if there would be a problem were Al ter.na te D to be approved, noting the
difference in street widths, 38 ft. on Elati north of Floyd, and 25 ft. on Elati south of
Floyd. Mr. Waggoner. noted that Ela ti Street north of Floyd Avenue has parking permitted on
both sides, while south of Floyd Avenue, parking is not permitted on either side between
Floyd Avenue and Girard Avenue. Mr. Waggoner noted that the street is "off-set", but there
would still be adequate space to accommodate the traffic.
Mr. Robins commented that he felt a signal at this intersection could handle the problem,
but that as much traffic as possible should be discouraged from going north to Dartmouth,
as that street is h,ea vily traveled. He stated that he felt this would only aggravate a
situation that is already bad.
Chief Clasby stated that the Police Department has recommended signalization of the inter-
section; he pointed out that two patrolmen are needed to handle the traffic at peak time.
Chief Clasby stated that his Department is in favor of removing the island in Elati, and
cutting ~he island in Floyd back to facilitate movement of traffic. Chief Clasby ppinted
out that there are motorists who cross Floyd and turn right into the oncoming traffic in
an attempt to get. around the island in Elati; he stated that this is a dangerous situation.
Mr. Robins inquired about additional signing of the intersection. He noted that the sign
stating "Do Not Enter" is "way over on one side." Pµblic Works Director Waggoner noted
that the "signing is proper." Discussion followed. Chief Clasby noted that motorists
dodge the Elati island on both sides. Further discussion followed.
Mrs. Hewitt
3155 S. Elati -asked about the interest in the Floyd-Elati iQtersection? Mrs. Hewitt
stated that she very much appreciated Mr. Robin,s' comments that Dartmouth
was overloaded. She agreed that if through traffic is permitted on
Elati Street, it will cause greater problems on Dartmouth.
Mr. Supinger stated that the matter of the Floyd-Elati island was brought to the attention
of the Planning Commission by the City Councii, who had received complaints from residents
in the area about the congestion an~ confusion caused by this particular intersection. These
residents suggested that the island be removed. The Planning Commission was requested to re-
view the matter, and report back with recommendation to City Council.
Mrs. Hewitt pointed out that there is an elementary school in the 3100 block of South Elati
Street. She stated she did not feel the additional traffic should be instituted on Elati
Street by this school. Mrs. Hewitt again thanked Mr. Robins for his views on Dartmouth.
Page 1418
Mr. G. A. Kulp
3274 s. Elati St. -stated that be felt the island was a "good thing" for their neighborhood.
Elton Biltoft
He stated that if the island were to be removed, they would have a "race-
way" on Elati Street. Mr. Kulp offered the suggestion of closing the
parkway on Floyd Avenue. Mr. Kulp stated that if Exhibit A were to be
approved, that a great deal of right-of-way would be taken from the north-
east corner property. He asked ~f perhaps the radius could be lengthened
and thus not require so much additional land? Mr. Kulp closed his
presentation by asking that the intersection and traffic island be "left
as is."
3151 s. Elati St. -stated be was opposed to the removal of the island in Elati Street. He
reminded the Commission of the elementary school in the 3100 block of
South Elati, and pointed out that Elati would be the first "through"
street east of Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Biltoft stated he was in favor of
the cul-de-sac proposal.
Mrs. Martha Scott
3231 South ·Elati. St. -stated she bas lived at this address for 21 years, and "has been
through this from the beginning." Mrs. Scott stated that the original
plans presented called for a green strip preventing through traffic
Einer Burget
3234 South Elati -
Homer Todd
3258 South Elati -
at all stree~s except South Fox. The plan was subsequently modified,
and an island was proposed at South Elati Street. Mrs. Scott stated
that this plan was approved, and that the island does prevent through
traffic through the residential area. Mrs. Scott noted that she had
studied the traffic on South Elati, and that it is "almost one-way
traffic" with the cars traveling south on Elati Street to reach the
shopping center. Mrs. Scott stated that the average was one car per
minute on Elati Street at the present t~me, and stated if the island
were to be taken out the traffic would be doubled. Mrs. Scott stated
that she felt the island helped preserve the feeling of a "residentiai
neighborhood" in the area north of Floyd, and she felt if the island
were to be removed they would become a part of the "inter-city, so to
speak." Mrs. Scott stated that the residents on Elati Street are
proud of their area, and most of them own their homes; the residents
"like it there and want to keep it the way it is." Mrs. Scott thanked
the Commission for listening to the residents on this matter.
stated that when the citizens of Englewood voted to sell the park, one
of the reasons a majority of the residents north of Floyd Avenue agreed
to the sale $as the promise of the green strip down Floyd Avenue so that
the shopping center wouldn't be visible from the residential area, and
that traffic would be kept out of the residential area. Mr. Burget
stated that there is no "Do Not Enter" sign on the island at all, and
that he further feels the sign is misplaced. Mr. Burget suggested
additional signing to further attempt to prevent throu~h traffic on
Elati Street. Mr. Burget stated that the school in the 3100 block
should be considered in this matter; he urged that the island remain
in South Elati Street, a.nd that additional signing be instituted.
stated that while the signs on the island may be "properly placed", they
are not effective. He stated that the residents were "promised that
Elati and Delaw~re were not to be through streats when the center was
built." He asked that the island in Elati be retained.
Mr. Kulp noted that the traffic is a problem at Christmas t.ime, .but that it is a concentrated
problem because of the holidays. He stated that if the island were to be removed, the
"neighborhood would have the problem for the entire year."
Mr. Todd stated that he was in sympathy with the Police Department, but noted that at
Christmas time the traffic will be heavy whether the island is there or not, and whether the
intersection is signalized or not. Mr. Todd pointed to instances-in downtown Denver during
the holiday season where patrolmen are required to direct the traffic, and stated that the
same will be required in Englewood.
Mr. Lentsch asked that persons in the audience in opposition to removal of the island raise
their hands. Eleven (11) persons indicated they were opposed to removal of the island. Mr.
Lentsch asked for a show of bands of those persons opposed to leaving the island in. No one
indicated they were in opposition to leaving the island in South Elati Street.
Mrs. Henning asked if South Elati Street is designated as an arterial on the Master Street
Plan? Mr. Supinger stated that it was not. Mrs. Henning then asked if Mr. Supinger felt
that the removal of the island would indeed make it a major arteria~? Mr. Supinger stated
that it would; he pointed oux that traffic circulation around a shopping center will cause
problems no matter what, and that considering the advantages the shopping center bas brought
to the City of Englewood, the City must make every effort to assure convenient access and
egress for the shoppers. Mr. Supinger stated that the circulation patterns for traffic to the
north of Floyd are not good, and the removal of the island would improve this pattern. Dis-
cussion followed. Mr. Waggoner commented that he regarded the proposed removal of the island
as an overall benefit for the City; he stated that a signal won't accomplish anything without
the removal of the island. Mr. Waggoner further stated that he felt the problem was not one
of too much traffic or that the intersection needed signalization, but that the island is
dangerous in the way that motorists circumvent i~. Chief Clasby noted that traffic circula-
tion in tpe area north of the Shopping Center is very poor. Chief Clasby stated that the
change to two-way traffic on Girard Avenue only compounded the problem that existed in this
area previously. He stated that he felt the volume of traffic could be far better accommodated
if the intersection of Elati and Floyd were to be opened to through traffic.
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Page 1419
Mr. Brown thanked Mr ~ Waggoner for presenting the alternate plans for the intersection.
Mr. Brown then brought up the fact that the City Council has had a traffic study done by
Voorhees, Associates, the final draft of which should be available very shortly. Mr. Brown
stated that the Study could contain recommendations on this particular matter, and that he
felt the Commission recommendation should be delayed until the receipt of the final draft
o f the Traffic Study. Mr. Brown stated that he felt a recommendation from the Commission
will require a great i deal of serious study, and that the recommendation should be made re-
garding what is best for the City .of Englewood in its entirety.
Mr. Ross asked i f the Traffic Study would take into consideration the background of the
traffic island: the contract with the people , the proposal and promise that there would
be no through traffic on Elati Street, etc.? Mr. Ross stated that the "Agreement" appeared
to him to be a serious commitment to a group of people in the area where it was obvious
there would be a "great deal of traffic". The commitment was made that there would be a
green strip along Floyd Avenue with trees and landscaping .and no openings to allow through
traf f ic except on South Fox Street. He stated that it appeared to him that "we are trying
to overlook the fact there is this commitment". Mr. Ross stated that he did not regard con-
tracts and commitments as "something to be pushed under the table when something new comes
up." He stated that he felt this commitment has to be a major consideration in the solution
of this problem. Discussion followed. Mr. Lentsch commented that he felt the City ad-
ministration should have been aware of the need of proper traffic circulation around the
shopping center at the time the commitment was made.
Mr. Weist stated that in view of discussion that has taken place at this meeting, he did
not feel the .C0mmission was in a position to make a recommendation for a change.
Weist moved:
Vobejda seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the island in
South Elati Street at West Floyd Avenue be left as it presently exists.
Mrs. Henning offered the following amendment to the motion: "The traffic director be
directed to re-sign this interseftion, providing signs indicating right or left turns only
to give further indication to motorists that through traffic is not permitted on South
Elati Street."
The motion to amend was seconded :
Discussion followed. Mr. Brown asked what action would be taken if the Voorhees Traffic
Study did .contain some recommendation on this intersection? Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt
such a decision would be the responsibility of City Council. Mrs. Henning pointed out that
the Core Area Committee is studying the entire downtown area, and the ingress and egress to
this area also. Mrs. Henning further commented that she didn't feel the cost of a few signs
would break the City Treasury. Mr. Ross stated that he felt whether or not there was another
study on the matter, it should be recognized that traffic patterns will change over and over;
but, the commitment to the residents living north of Floyd Avenue was made and the area was
to be protected from heavy traffic. Mr. Ross again asked if the persons doing the traffic
study and the Core Area Committee were aware o f the commitment made between the City and
the residents north of Floyd Avenue? Mr. Ross stated he felt the Commission could make a
recommendation on the matter now. Mr. Ross then asked ".how many times do we have to ask
the residents to come in" to discuss this with the Commission.
The vote on the motion to amend was called: Motion to amend carried.
The vote on the motion to retain the island as is, as amended, was called: the motion
carried.
Mr. Kulp stated that a "Left Turn Only" sign on the island would be appreciated.
Mrs. Scott thanked the Commission, and stated that if the matter is again discussed by the
Commission, those residents in favor of the island would like to be notified and they will
attend the meeting.
Mrs. Hewitt stated that she appreciated the interest the Commission has given the people in
their opinion of the matter.
Mr. Lentsch thanked the residents for coming to the meeting.
IV . AMENDMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE
Section 22.4-11 b
CASE #14-72
Mr. Supinger stated that City Manager Dial had received a letter from Mr. Alan Sternberg on
behalf of Mr. Wayne Roberts, who wishes to operate a dry cleaning establishment in a ' B-2
Zone District, the dry cleaning establishment to use flammable .)..iquids. The Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance, §~2.4-lOb permits "Cleaning with non-inflammable cleaning agends only";
§22.4-llb permits any use permitted in the B-1 Zone District (§22.4-10) and additional uses.
Mr. Sternberg had sent with his letter to Mr. Dial, copies of two letters to Mr. Sternberg
from Mr. David D. Conway, a chemist employed with an oil company. Mr. Conway points out
that while the Stoddard solvent does have some fire hazard, it is no more hazardous tha'n
operations using paint applications, service stations, etc. Mr. Conway further points out
that perchloroethylene (non-flammable cleaning agent) presents a tox•ic hazard to operators
or adjacent property owners ~f the level of concentration exceeds the 100 ppm range.
Mr •. Supinger stated that Mrs. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development, has dis-
cussed this request with representatives of the Fire Department, the Chief Building Inspector ·
and City Attorney; it is the concensus that the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance be amended to
permit cleaning establishments with no restrictions in agents used in the B-2 Zone District ~
Mr. Ralph Taylor, representing Mr. Roberts for Mr. Sternberg, noted that Mr. Roberts was
present if the Commission wished to ask questions of him. Mr. Taylor stated the property
with which Mr. Roberts is concerned is located in the 4600 block of South Broadway. Mr.
Roberts has a cleaning establishment there now, and wants to enlarge the establishment. The
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance limits the use to non-flammable type cleaning agents, but
Page 1420
does permit filling stations and other similar uses in the B-2 Zone District. Mr. Taylor
asked the Planning Commission to direct the staff to draft an amendment to the Comprehen-
sive Zoning Ordinance permitting cleaning establishments using flammable cJ_eaning agends in
the B-2 Zone District, and that such amendment be favorably recommended to the City Council.
Mr. Lentsch asked the City Attorney for his opinion on the matter? Mr. Berardini stated
that he felt the request had a great deal of merit. (He pointed out that while the Stoddard
solvent is flammable, it has the .flash . point of kerosene. Mr. Berardini stated that he felt
the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance should be amended.
Mr. Lentsch asked what affect such an amendment would have on another use using substances
similar to this? Mr. Berardini pointed out that the.Fire regulations limit the size of a
structure to 1,500 sq. ft. for uses of flammable agents. Discussion followed. Chief
Hamilton stated that he felt the restrictions and regulations contained in the Fire Code
and Building Code were very important. He stated that he had no objections to allowing
the use of . flammable _ cleaning agents in the B-2 Zone District, so long as such uses were
in compliance with "E Occupancy" as set forth in .the Fire Prevention Code. Chief Hamilton
further discussed some of the restrictions placed on such uses by the Fire Prevention Code
and the Building Code. Chief Hamilton stated that he didn't feel allowing such flammable
cleaning agents would be as hazardous a situation as a filling station where the tankers
are unloading and cars are being serviced. Chief Hamilton pointed out that with the use of
the flammable cleaning fluids, they will be .in a closed system and will be circulated and
recycled. Further discussion followed.
Mr. Robins askeQ that the .difference between the B-1 and B-2 Zone Districts be explained.
Mr. Supinger stated that the B-1 is the downtown Business District, and the B-2 was the
strip commercial district. Further discussion followed.
Mr. Ross asked Chief Hamilton to explain perchloroethylene. Chief Hamilton stated that this
is a non-flammable cleaning agent that is toxic. Perchloroethylene is not flammable, and
may be used to extinguish flames in fact, stated Chief Hamilton. Mr. Ross asked that Chief ·
Hamilton explain the Stoddard solvent. Chief Hamilton stated that Stoddard solvent requires
more extensive equipment that perchloroethylene, and is stored in large metal containers and
pumped through pipes. The Stoddard solvent is recycled after use into the storage ·containers.
Mr. Ross then asked how much of the Stoddard solvent would be used on the subject property?
Mr. Roberts stated that 100 gallons would be used in a system as small as he has proposed.
Mr. Supinger pointed out that a system using the Stoddard solvent would be limited in size
by the 1,500 sq. ft. limitation placed on such operations by the Fire Prevention Code.
Mrs. Henning asked if other communities had allowed the use of the Stoddard solvent in dry
cleaning establishments? Mr. Supinger stated that he had no information on the matter.
Brief discussion followed.
Henning moved:
Ross seconded: The staff be directed to draft an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance which will permit dry cleaning establishments using flammable
agents in the B-2 Zone District, and set a date for Public Hearing be-
fore the Commission.
The vote was called: the motion carried.
Mr. Supinger suggested a date of June 6th as date of the Public Hearing.
v. DIRECTOR'S cµoICE.
Mr. Supinger stated that the City has been notified that the Workable Program application
has been certified with minor conditions: some minor changes will have to be made in the
Plumbing Code, and this has been started.
Mr. Supinger stated that the City has been notified that funds for the Northwest Englewood
Greenbelt project have been approved.
Mr. Supinger stated that approval o~ funds for the Storm Drainage system is expected within
a month.
Mr. Supinger stated that May 11th has been scheduled for a meeting between the Workable Pro-
gram Citizens' Committee and residents in Northwest Englewood. This meeting will be held in
the Scenic View School, 7:30 P.M., and is for the purpose of explaining the Workable Program
and what is proposed to the residents of the Northwest Englewood area.
Mr. Supinger stated that City Council has asked
for a dinner meeting on M~y 15th, at 6 :00 p.m.
been determined, but CommissJon members will be
members were urged to attend this meeting.
. l
the Planning Commiss~on to meet with them
The location of the dinner meeting has not
notified as soon as possib~e. Commission
Mr. Supinger discussed a ljst of organizations which should be represented on the Sign Code
Committee. Mrs. Henning asked if there were an environmental group that might be represented.
Mr. Supinger indicated he would Jook jnto this. Mr. Weist suggested a Mr. Jim Staples be
considered as a "citizen" member of the Sign Code Committee. He noted that Mr. Staples
designs sign~, and is a resident of Englewood. Discussion followed.
Mr. Supinger asked if the Commission wanted to set a specific date for a tour of the City?
Mr. Lentsch suggested that the tour might be delayed until the recommendations from the Core
Area Committee are sent to City Council. He felt that the two could be tied together in one
tour, and he also felt that perhaps the report should be given to the Commission prior to
going on the tour. Discussion followed. The date of the tour was scheduled as June 3rd.
(
Mr. Supinger stated that he felt the ASPO Conference in Detroit was very valuable, and that
he would submit a written report at the next meeting.
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VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE.
' Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt the ASPO Conference was a very good conference , and he
particularly felt the "mobile workshops" were beneficial. Mr. Lentsch stated that he would
submit a written repor,t on the Conference. Mr. Lentsch discussed some of the points made
at the Conference: Planned Developments should be "complete", with 7-11 Stores and gas
stations, and should be convenient to the residents within 1 the Development. Mr. Lentsch
discussed the composition of a Planning Commission, noting that the Copference stressed .
that the Commission members should be appointed by City Council, and that persons appointed
should have leadership ability and the ability to evaluate issues that come before the
Commission.
Mr. Lentsch noted that the City of Detroit has a good many homes that are vacant and boarded
up --Mr. Lentsch estimated as many as 20%. Mr. Lentsch noted that these were in the older
area and the central section. He stated that ·Detroit has no . qrdinances forcing property
owners to raze dilapidated buildings. Mrs. Stanley asked if these buildings had been
condemned? Mr. Lentsch stated not necessarily; in many cases the residents had just moved
out. Mr. Robins asked if the property owners continued to pay taxes on these structures?
Mr. Lentsch stated that they do. He noted there was a hospital that has been abandoned --
it has just been left vacant. Mr. Lentsch then discussed transportati~n systems as were
con$idered at the Conference. It was ~oted that such a system should be in a high density
area, near a shopping center and downtown area.
Mrs. Henning gave a report on a Community Oenter for the City of Englewood. She noted the
{ \ Student Government students had taken this matter as their subject for their Council meetirg .
Mrs. Henning stated that the students researched the matter on the basis of remodeling the
police/fire station on West Girard vs. construction of a new building. Mrs. Henning noted
that the basic remodeling was estimated between $50,000 and $70,000; this building would
accommodate 50 -60 persons at one time. The upkeep and maintenance of the building would
be $5,700 per year. Mrs. Henning stated that the estimate of constructing a new building
with gym facilities was placed at $500,000. Mrs. Henning stated that the standards are one
community building for each 20,000 to 25,000 population; Englewood should have at ieast one
community building. Mrs. Henning pointed out that the s .tudeni'._s also conside r ed the possibility
of using the Duncan School Building, which is soon to be abandoned, and the school building ·
at Mille~ Field. Discussion followed. Mrs. Henning stated that the students had decided,
at their Council meeting, to remodel the fire /polic~ statio~ for the community center, to
be used during the day for recreation purposes, and used ~or youth activities in the evening.
Mrs . Henning stated that the students felt that this program should be given a "trial run",
and no great expenditure of funds $hould be made until it is determined whe ~her the program
is a succyss. Mrs. Henning stated that she felt the stude~ts h~d given a considerable amount
of study to this project, .and she felt their decisions were correct. Mrs. Henning pointed
out that ·the Parks and Recreation Department is fast running out of facilities f<?r some of
their classes, such as ceramics, etc., and that there is also need for gym facilities. Dis-
cussion followed.
Mr. Brown stated that City Council passed on final reading the Ordinance creating a Planned
Development District.
Mr. Lentsch discussed the survey conducted by the JC's ~ Mr. Weist asked how many persons
were surveyed by the JC's? Di~cuss~on followed. It was determined that the JC's survey
was given in percentages rather than the actual number of persons co~tacted.
Mr. Robins stated that , the f inal report o f the Voorhees Traffic Study is not released. Dii:r
cussion followed.
Mr. Supinger stated that plans for the proposed development on the former KLZ Site have been
received.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
Gertrude G. Welty
Recording Secretary
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MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY
' PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.
DATE: .May~' 1972
• SUBJECT: Floyd A venu~/Sou th Ela ti Street .. Traf fie ~sland
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the island in .
South Elati Street at West Floyd Avenue be retained , and that the Traffic
Director be directed to modify the directional signs at the intersection,
providing signs indicating right or left turns only to give further in-.
dication to motorists that through traffic is not permitted on South Elati
Street.
Respectfully ~ubmitted,
By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission.
Gertrude G. Welty
Recording Secretary
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