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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-05-16 PZC MINUTESPage 1422 CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION . May 16, 1972 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Chairman Lentsch. Members present: Members absent: Also present: Stanley; Carlson; Robins; Lentsch; Ross; Brown; Vobejda; Henning Supinger, Ex-officio Weist D .. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development :----- -- - II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Lentsch stated that the Minutes of May 2, 1972, were to be considered for approval. Vobejda moved: Brown seconded: The Minutes o f May 2, 1972, be approved as written. The motion carried. III. SUBDIVISION WAIVER 1101 W. Dartmouth CASE #15-72 Mr. Supinger stated that the staff has requested that the applicant submit additional informa- tion on the application for a waiver to the Subdivision Regulations. The .applicant has not yet submitted a revi sed plat, nor the legal description of land proposed to be deeded to the City so that a Quit Claim Deed can be drawn. Mr. Supinger suggested tbat this matter be tabled until .the next regular meeting, Mr. Robins asked what use was proposed f or the property? Mr. Supinger stated the applicant proposes a warehouse/o ffice use. Mr. Robins asked if this was a heavy industrial use, or light industrial? Mr. Supinger stated that warehousing and offices are permitted in both zone districts. Mrs. Henning asked why the address of the applicant on the application is the same as the address of the property? Mrs. Romans stated that the tax notices are sent to this address. Mr. Carlson asked if the present use, Fiberglassics, was owned by Mr. Snider? Mr. Supinger stated that it is. Discussion followed. Mr. Robins noted that the staff re- port states the City has discussed purchasing property to the west of Mr. Snider's property;. he asked how additional right-of-way would be obtained if the City didn't purchase the property west o f Mr. Snider's land and the only access would be the 30 ft. right-of-way Mr. Snider proposes to deed to the City? Mr , Supinger stated that the City has considered pur- chasing the property with the exception o f the south 300 ft. Mr. Supinger stated that right- o f-way on the south ·300 ft. of this property would be obtained at such time as . the owner de- veloped the property. Mr. Supinger stated that the matter could also be negotiated and/or condemnation proceedings instituted for the additional right-of-way, Mr. Supinger stated that a 60 ft, right-of-way is minimum for access to this property. Discussion f ollow ed. Henning moved: Carlson seconded: The motion carried. The request o f Mr. L. Wayne Snider for a waiver to the Subdivision . Regulations be tabled until additional information is submitted by the applicant. IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE, Mr. Supinger stated that the second portion of the "Housing Tour" will be on Saturday After- noon, May 20, leaving City Hall at 1 p.m. This portion will be a tour of housing projects in the Boulder Area, including public housing projects, a housing project by the Archdiocese, and a housing project for the elderly. Mr. Supinger encouraged members of the Commission to go on this tour, Mr. Supinger gave members o f the Commission copies of the Voorhees Tra ffic Study. Mr. Supinger stated that this will be reviewed at a meeting o f the Planning Commission, City Council, Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, and other interested gr oups. Mr. Supinger directed the Commission to his written report on the ASPO Conference in Detroit, which he, Mr. Lentsch and Mr. Carlson attended. Mr. Supinger then directed the Commission to a copy of a letter to Mayor Milton Senti fr om Mr. John Wilder notifying the City of the certification of the Workable Program Application. Mr. Supinger reported on the Core Area Planning Committee. He stated that this Committee is fast reaching the point where they will submit recommendations to City Council, Mr. Supinger stated he would try to summarize the recommendations he thinks the Committee will make to City Council. 1. Defining the problem, namely to maximize the potential of the Core Area as a "Regional Activity Center". It is the feeling of the Committee that the "activity center" should be improved; this would include emphasis . on the importa_nce of Cind,_ere.l.la City and Swedish Medical Center, and such future considerations as housing mass transit access and parking, the South Platte River Valley development, and c~nvention faciiities. Mr. Supinger stated that the primary "Core Area" has been defined as that area bounded by Dartmouth Avenue on the north; South Corona Street on the east ; Kenyon Avenue on the south, and South Santa Fe Drive on the west. I I I I I I 2. Page 1423 Position statements on transportation: The Committee feels that short-haul mass transit is of primary importance to the Core Area, and that steps should be taken immediately to secure right-oftway for personal rapid transit. Improved bus service in the outlying area should tie into the short-haul mass transit system in the core area, and this in turn tie into the long-haul system in the metro area. Mr. Supinger stated that the initial stage is proposed in the Girard Avenue "corridor" with later stages looping off to serve the north/south needs. The Committee feels that the proposed long-haul mass transit system as proposed by RTD in the Santa Fe corridor should be supported. The Committee will recommend that automobile storage and collection areas should be developed on the fringe of the Core Area to serve the mass transit systems and the employment areas. The Committee will further recommend that the interior of the Core Area should be devoted to pedestrians a .nd ma.ss-transi t. The Cammi ttee will strongly recommend that all developments be required to provide adequate off-street parking. The Cammi ttee feels that U. S. 285 should be up-graded to full freeway status, thr.ough the Core Area, to provide access to fringe parking areas and permit through traffic. 3. The Committee will recommend that housing to accommoda.te st.andard, moderate and high- income families be encouraged. The Committee will also recommend that units permitting children and catering to families be encouraged. 4. The South Platte River is an important feature near the Core Area, and it will be recom- mended that the River Valley be redeveloped to enhance this natural feature with open space, parks and recreational uses to complement the Core Area. The development of residential and office uses in the river valley should be encouraged; such development should complement the open space and recreational uses, and not prohibit mountain view. Cooperation between the cities of Englewood and Sheridan is encouraged most particularly on the redevelopment of the Platte River Valley. 5. Convention facilities should be developed, motel · and hotel facilities should be en- coura.ged. 6. Redevelopment of the .primary Core Area should be .encouraged with business, residential, office and governmental uses. 7. A Civic Center should be developed in a location complementary to the Core Area at such time as the present site of the City Hall becomes more valuab.le for another use. Mr. Supinger stated that th~ Committee will also recommend an "Action Program" which would include approval of the po~ition statements by City Council and informing the community of the proposals; hiring a consultant to develop the plans based on the adopted concepts;. and implementing the program. Mr. Robins asked if thought had been given to extending the boundary of the defined Primary Core Area north to Yale Avenue? He pointed out that the majority of this area is developed with older housing, and could feasibly be redeveloped. Mr. Supinger stated that this was consid~red by the Core Area Planning Committee, but it was felt that it should not be in- cluded in the Primary Cpre Area. Mr. Supinger pointed out that the Primary Core Area, as defined, is now one square mile, which is considered large for a Core Area. Mr. Supinger further pojnted out that he feels that the area north of Dartmouth to Yale would not re- ceive the proper attention if included in the study of the Primary Core Area, and that it would be better to stud~ that area separately. Mr. Supinger stated tpat the Core Area Planning Committee will meet on May 18th, and would probably finalize their recommendations to City Council. Mr. Supinger stated that a meeting of the Core Area Planning Committee, the Planning Commission and City Council is being considered for May 30th. , Mr. Robins discussed the projected plans of the Swedish Medical Center, and asked if it had . been determined what effect the removal of all that property from the tax rolls would have on the City. Discussion followed. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt the full development of the Swedish Medical Center was so vital to the welfare of the. Cor~ Area that this would off- set any hardship incurred by removal of property from the tax rolls. Mr. Supinger pointed out that the full development of the Medical Center ·will . provide an important employment, educational and professional center for the City. Mr. Lentsch urged all members of the Commission to attend the meeting with the Council, Dore Area Planning Committee anp the Planning Commission. -,_ V. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Robins stated that he had researched the matter of the Stoddard Solvent vs. perchloroethylene cleaning fluids. He stated he wanted to know wny service stations were permitted in .a B-2 Zone District, but cleaning establishments using the Stoddard Solvent were precluded. Mr. Robins stated that upon inquiry, he has been told that the Stoddard Solvent must be heated to 140 °+ to evaporate the solvent from the cleaning. Mr. Robins stated he was told the solvent has a flash point from 105 ° to 140 °, and the fact that it must be heated to a high temperature makes it extremely dangerous, as "any kind of spark would set it off." Mr. Robins stated that he had checked with insurance agents on the matter, and was told that some cleaning establishments using the Stoddard Solvent are now insured, but that no new policies are being issued. The rates for adjoining buildings are also higher reported Mr. Robins. He stated there are a "few large Stoddard systems left in Denver" and he "under- stands the pollution board is now taking .these people to court to eliminate these systems." Mr. Robins stated that a large amount of the Stoddard fluid is lost through evaporation. Mr. ~obins compared such cleaning establishments to service stations, noting that the service station 11 aoesn't have to heat it" to provide service. Mrs, Romans stated that she had contacted other municipalities in · the Denver area, and that Arvada, Zoning Department, states that dry cleaning establishments are permitted but are re- stricted by the Fire and Building Codes. Page 1424 Aurora does not specifically mention "dry cleaning establishments", bu~ does per~it dress making and laundries; the gentleman to whom she spoke stated dry cleaning establishments could probably be permitted under the dress making and laundries secti~n,_and ~ould be con- trolled by the Fire Code. Denver prohibits the use of any flammable liquids; it m~y be used for "spot" cleaning, but further use is restricted. The City of Lakewood al~ows pick-up stations etc. in restricted business districts. The City of Littleton permits no flammable liquid. 1 Mrs. Romans noted that Captain Hartley of the Fire .Department is following through on the Fire Codes, etc. Mr. Robins further discussed the use of Stoddard Solvent; he stated that exhaust fans and vents must be kept in working order. Discussion followed. Mr. Robins stated that in light of the information he has obtained on the Stoddard Solvent, he would have to oppose the amendment of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to permit such use. Mr. Lentsch asked the staff to check into the use of the Stoddard Solvent in the adjoining municipalities etc. and if possible, to get the information .in writing. Mr. Robins stated he had not been able to talk to .personnel at the Tri-County Health Department, but it is his understanding they are also opposed to the use of Stoddard Solvent in cleaning establishments. Further discussion followed. Mr. Lentsch stated that he f elt the City Council/Planning Commission meeting of the previous evening had been a good meeting. Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt the Council would like the Commission to have more study sessions and recommend new "ideas" to the Council. Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt the Commission should "set some goals" and work toward them. Mr. Br.own discussed the function of the Workable Program Citizens' Committee and the Core Area Planning Committee. He stated that he felt the City was very fortunate to have these two committees working for the City. Mr .. Brown stated that at the City Council meeting of May 15th, the recommendation of the Planning Commission on the retention of the traffic island in South Elati Street and West Floyd Avenue was received and approved by the City Council. Mr. Robins asked if the City Charter required th~t there had to be a Planning Commission? Mr. Supinger stated that the Charter does require that there be a Planning Commission. Mr. Robins stated that he was concerned because the Commission was by-passed by other Boards and Commissions going directly to Council, as apparently will be the case with the Core Area Committee recommendations. Mr. Supinger stated that the xecommendations of the Core Area Committee will be referred to the Planning Commission for their consideration. Mr. Carlson concurred that the recommendation will have to be considered by the Planning Com- mission. Discussion followed. Mrs. Henning stated that at the Council meeting on the 15th of May, a member of the audienc~ spoke on the height of the permitted uses in the Industrial District. This person mentioned the T. W. Anderson building for one, and noted that this building (5 stories) is obscuring the mountain view for some residents. Mrs. Henning stated that she feit this zone district should be studied by the Commission in regard to the height. Mrs. Henning reviewed the meeting of the Workable Program Citizens' Committee which was held at the Scenic View School on May 11th; she stated that some members of the audience had sug- gested that an agricultural zone classification ~ould meet the needs of the neighborhood. She stated that perhaps this should be considered. Discussion .followed. Members were reminded of the tour scheduled for June 3rd for the Planning Commission. A Public Hearing on ~he amendment of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to permit dry cleaning establishments using flammable liquids has been scheduled for June 6th, and a rezoning hearing is scheduled for June 20th. Mr. Lentsch stated that perhaps the study session on the Northwest Epglewood area could also be scheduled for the 20th of June. The regular .meetings of the Commission for the month of Jul~ were set for July 11th and July 18th. Mr. Ross asked about proposed development of the KLZ tract? Mr. Supinger discussed the progress of the Larwin Company on the proposed development of the KLZ Site; he noted that the full application by the Larwin Company will probably. be filed in the early part. of June, and a public hearing held in July. Mr. Ross asked if this would be developed under the Planned Development ordinance? Mr. Supinger stated that he assumed the Larwin Company would apply for the Planned. Development. Mr. Robins stated he was concerned about the traffic outlets proposed by Larwin onto Hampden Avenue· he noted that this would be adding to a bad situation as Hampden is over-loaded presently. Discussion followed. Mr. Carlson reviewed the ASPO Conference he attended in Detroit. He stated he was impressed with the "Operation Eyesore" that is being done in Dearborn. Mr. Carlson discussed the deterioration of housing that he viewed while in Detroit. Mr. ·Carlson also discussed housing projects such as "Colchester Community", catering to citizens with incomes from $4800 to $9800; the units rent from $125 for one bedroom unit, to $182 fq~ a four bedroom unit. Discussion followed. Mr. Carlson then discussed "Dial-A-Ride", wherein persons would call the office and a small bus is sent out to pick them up and take them where they ~ant to go. He stated he felt such a project would have merit and could work. ·Further discu~sion . followed. Mr. Brown asked if the Commission could have a study session on the Comprehensive Plan for the City. He stated that he wanted "to see that this Commission thinks about it." The housing situation was discussed. Mr. Supinger stated that possibly something could be worked out that woule e :p able a person to tear down a "shack" and replace it with a duplex r~the~ ~han a single-family structure which contractors say is not feasible economically. Discussion followed. Mrs. ~enning stated that housing must be provided for elderly persons who o~n the smaller houses in and around the Core Area. Mrs. Henning noted that quite often these houses are run-down, and the property owner is living on a fixed income and cannot affo~d to bring the house up to standard, nor can they afford to move to an apartment Dis- cussion followed. · Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Gertrude G . Welty, Recording Secretary * * * * * *' * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I I I