HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-12-12 PZC MINUTESI
I
I
Page 1525
Discussion followed.
Ross moved:
Robins seconded: The staff notify all members of the Special Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
December 6, 1972, for ·the purpose of discussing action taken at
this meeting and proposed action with respect to development of the
KLZ Tract.
AYES: Lentsch; Robins; Ross; Stanley; Brown
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Henning; Vobejda; Weist; Carlson
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 6, 1972.
Gertrude G. Welty
Recording Secretary
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I. CALL TO ORDER.
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
December 12, 1972
SPECIAL MEETING
The Special Meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:05
P.M. by Chairman Lentsch.
Members present: Lentsch; Vobejda; Ross; Stanley; Robins; Brown
Supinger, Ex-officio
Members absent: Carlson; Henning; Weist
Also present: D. A. Romans; Messrs. Criswell, Eitel and Harvey
II. LARWIN MULTIHOUSING CORPORATION
Subdivision Waiver -KLZ Tract
CASE #20-72
Mr. Lentsch suggested that possibly the Commission members would want to devote the first
half hour to one hour to a study session at this meeting, off-record, and determine what
direction the Planning Commission wants to go on the matter of the requested Subdivision
Waiver for Larwin Multihousing Corporation. Mr. Lentsch asked that members present bring
up any matter that may be of concern to them for discussion at this time. Mr. Ross stated
that if the matter was to be discussed informally, it would be better if it were off-record.
An informal study session ensued.
Brown moved:
Ross seconded: The meeting be opened and of record.
AYES: Stanley; Lentsch; Vobejda; Brown; Robins; Ross
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Carlson; Henning; Weist
The motion carried.
Mr. Lentsch asked how much open space was to be retained under the plan as presented? Mr.
Supinger stated that Exhibit "A 11 which was previously recorded with the action of October
17th, indicates there shall be a minimum of 46.9% open space, excluding paved areas, and
club houses. There are six club houses proposed; these figures are for the total develop-
ment. Discussion followed. The Commission asked the percent of paved areas, percent used
for streets and parking sites? Mr. Robins asked what was meant by "open space?" Mr.
Supinger noted that he was not in attendance at the meeting of October 17th, at which time
it was determined that such notations would be indicated on the site plan; however, to him
open space means an area that would be uninhibited by development and open from the ground
up. Mr. Ross asked if this definition could include trees and shrubs. Mr. Supinger stated
that it would include trees and shrubbery; however, it would not include paved areas and
structures not intended for use in open space activities. It is conceiveable it would in-·
elude a "shelter" type use such as is commonly found in parks; it would not include dwelling
units or parking space. Mr. Ross asked if the figures for open space include "Parcel A",
which is the park proposed for dedication to the City? Mr. Supinger stated he could not
answer that question, and would investigate the matter.
Mr. Lentsch asked how many parking spaces are there going to be? Mr. Supinger stated that
he did not · have the figure available; the development will have · to meet the requirements
of the Ordinance. Mr. Supinger noted that approval of the parking plans is a separate
action of the Commission. Mr. Lentsch asked "Are you saying they don't have a plan of the
whole site?" Mr. Supinger stated that he is saying "to have detailed parking, building
and plans for the entire site would not be typical of the type of plans submitted for your
approval; it would not be required for your approval in my estimation." Mr. Supinger pointed
out that a general development plan is "conceptual" and after review of the Commission, if
the Commission determines they are in agreement with the "concept"; the applicant should
be in conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and Building plans before building permits may
be issued. In the waiver that was acted upon October 17th, one of the attached conditions
set forth is that it will be the responsibility of the staff to determine that all building ·
permit applications are in conformance with the general development plan, Exhibit A.
Page 1526
Mr. Ross referred to the staff report on the parking plan for the first four phases; Phase
I, a total of 232 units, 400 spaces are provided; Phase II and III, a total of 348 units,
607 spaces are provided; Phase IV, a total of 152 units, 281 spaces provided, for a total
of 1,288 parking spaces for Phases I, II, III and IV.
Discussion followed on the number of units to be constructed on the north half vs. the south
half of the site. It was determined that there will be a total of 732 units in the first
four phases, for which permits have already been issued, constructed on the nort~ half of
the site, which is less than half of the actual land area. There will be 768 units constructed
on the south half of the tract.
Mr. Robins stated that the original request from Larwin was for 558 units on the north portion
of the site; they now want 732 units on the north half. Mr. Supinger stated that he had a~
tempted to explain to Mr. Robins at a previous meeting that . the 558 unit figure was tabulated
in the office of Community Development, and that while the letter was from Larwin, they used
the figure from the Community Development tabulation. Mr. Supinger stated that he had further
attempted to explain to Mr. Robins that when the staff tabulated the units in Phases II and
III, both of which have 174 units each, a total of 174 units was used for both Phases, thus
giving the 558 unit total rather than the correct 732 unit total.
Mr. Brown stated that he had three items he would like to have clarified:
1. The application.
2. Drainage -any definite plans rather than the "concept?"
3. Traffic -up-to-date traffic counts on #285 and other key streets.
Mr. Supinger stated that there were, originally, two applications filed by Larwin Corporation;
one for a Subdivision Waiver for the total site, and one for a Planned Development for the
total site. Because Larwin was interested in initiating construction on Phases I thru IV,
and because the City Attorney said building permits could not be issued on any part of the
site as long as a Planned Development was pending for the entire site, Larwin withdrew the
PD application, and indicated they did not feel the Subdivision Waiver provisions should
apply to the site. The City Attorney indicated in an opinion that the Subdivision Regulations
would apply to the site. Subsequent to that, Larwin filed a letter saying they wanted to .
draw the application for Waiver back to the north 1 /2 of the tract; subsequent to this action,
it is Mr. Supinger's recollection that there was mutual agreement between the Commission and
Larwin at a public meeting that the waiver consideration would again be for the total site.
On the matter of drainage: the plans submitted related to a conceptual plan for the entire
site. Mr. Supinger stated that it has been explained to the Commission it was necessary to
get approval of the conceptual plan before going ahead with a specific design based on that
concept. Mr. Supinger stated that if he understood the waiver document acted upon October
17th, the Commission was saying that they approved of the concept for drainage and the
assumptions and standards used in preparing that document, and it would be up to the Director
of Public Works to approve specific plans in accordance with that concept before issuance of
Building Permits, which could include certain temporary measures which would be used to store
storm waters on the site until the City system was installed. Mr. Supinger stated that the
possibility of delaying construction of one building on the northwest section has been dis-
cussed; this area would be used for the temporary drainage storage. Mr. Supinger stated
that in planning the over-all City storm drainage system, the storm drainage consultant made
assumptions on the eventual development of the KLZ Site, and assumed a certain discharge of
water from that site -60 cfs. When the actual development plans came in, Larwin was told
that anything over and above the 60 cfs could not be handled by the City storm drainage
system, and they would be required to store on-site anything over and above the 60 cfs, up
to the amount of water created by a 100-year storm. This is ~he reason the detention ponds
were devised. The water stored in the detention ponds can drain into the City system as the
system can accept it.
Mr. Lentsch stated that he could not understand why, in a development of 1,500 units, "in no
area are they putting in a storm sewer." Mr. Supinger noted that "it's more expensive to
put in an underground system than it is a surface system." When Larwin was told they would
have to provide for this storage, and at that time they were also talking about the park
area, they asked if the park area could be used for surface detention and the staff indicated
there would be no objections from the staff. Mr. Lentsch stated that "they have to have the
park for storm drainage; they could have put it underground; they aren't really giving us
anything." Mr. Supinger stated that "if the people who brought this up had taken time to
research the records, the statement would never have been made." Mr. Supinger stated that
the drainage time from the ponds for a 100-year .storm, would be less than three hours. Mr.
Supinger emphasized that this is for a 100-year storm, anticipated to occur on a 1 % probability.
The park will, in no way, be under water all the time. Mr. Supinger stated that he thinks
it is very unfair to criticize Larwin or the City staff for recommending the acceptance o f the
park based on erroneous and unfounded information. It does a great disservice to make those
accusations without attempting to research the matter. Mr. Lentsch then discussed the drainage
problem in the 3100 block of South Franklin, noting that they have problems with drainage all
the time, and that it does not take much water to create problems.
Mr. Supinger then cited other areas in town where multi-purpose use will be made of a park-
greenbelt, such as Harvard Gulch, and an area in the south portion of Englewood. Mr. Supinger
stated that this type of drainage-parkway is proposed throughout the City.
Mr. Ross asked if water from Floyd Avenue will drain into the park? Mr. Supinger stated
that it would not; there will be curb and gutter, and the park will be bermed up at that
point. Mr. Supinger stated that there will be three or four outlets from the park site
into the storm drainage system. Further discussion on the drainage matter followed. Mr.
Brown stated that the contracts for the construction of the Englewood drainage system have
been let. He asked if Larwin really has plans they feel will work? Mr. Supinger stated
that Larwin is being required to do more than any other developer has been required to do
in relation to drainage, in that they must provide on-site storage of storm waters up to a
100-year storm. Mr. Ross asked what the $240,000 for off-site storm drainage by the pre-
vious developer encompassed? Mr. Supinger stated that it would not have handled a 100-year
storm. Discussion followed. Mr. Supinger stated that the drainage problem referred to by
Mr. Lentsch does not drain from the Larwin Site. Mr. Robins stated "not now ; it's absorbed.
Once you put houses and paving on there, it will be different story; it will all run off."
Mr. Ross asked what have we got in the way of a study to indicate where the water will go?
I
I
I
I
I
I
Page 1527
Mr. Supinger stated the conceptual drai n age plan for the total site, which has been approved
by the Director of Public Works and the Storm Drainage consultant. Larwin has also submitted
specific plans for the first four phases which have been approved by the Director of Public
Works and the consultant. Mr. Ross asked if there is underground drainage or will it all
run into the park? Mr. Supinger stated that the plan is broken into segme~ts, and part will
flow toward the northwest corner, the remainder flowing into the detention ponds.
The matter of a catch basin was considered. The following questions were asked in relation
to that matter:
1. How large is the basin, and how much water will it carry?
2. If it does overflow, where does the water go?
3. What protection do the people down the street have if the basin doesn't hold it?
Mr. Supinger was directed to "find out where we stand, and get it in writing."
4. What provision is made for a catch basin from the mid-rise section west?
Further discussion followed. Mr. Brown s t ated he understood there would be three outlets in
the City drainage system: Lafayette and Floyd; Franklin and Floyd; High and Floyd; with the
retention ponds in the park to hold water until the City system can accept it.
Subsurface drainage system throughout the · site was then considered. Mr. Ross asked if
there was anything subsurface except where it drains into the City system? Mr. Ross asked
if we have any specific drainage plans on the site? Mr. Supinger stated there were specific
plans on Phases I, II, III and IV.
Discussion followed. Mr. Ross asked if th e re was any reason they were beginning construction
on the north 1 /2 first? Mr. Supinger stated that he could not remember the specific reasons
given by Larwin for wanting to begin const r uction on the north portion.
Mr. Ross asked "will Larwin begin construc t ion on Phase I first?" Mr. Ross then asked when
are the drainage facilities of the City go i ng to be available that can handle the drainage
from the site? Does the contract have a completion date specified? Where does the drainage
system go? Does it include some kind of tie-in at Lafayette and East Floyd Avenue? Is
there any other drainage system to be installed by the City which will take any drainage
from this site?
Mr. Supinger stated that the KLZ Site will drain to the north, and the developer must design
the entrances to U. S. 285 so that drainage from the State Highway will flow across their
property.
Mr. Lentsch asked how the streets and parki n g lots would be drained? Mr. Supinger stated
that they will be designed to flow into the system, either surface or subsurface.
Mr. Ross asked if the drainage contract had been let? Mr. Brown stated that the contract
has been awarded, and construction is to begin as soon as possible. Mr. Ross stated that
he wa~ concerned about the completion date. Mr. Supinger pointed out that the date could
not be too specific --it must take tnto account weather, etc.
Mr. Ross asked if the fact that the conceptual drainage plan has been approved means it is
not subject to change? Mr. Supinger stated that it has been approved as f~r as concept is
concerned; he thinks it can be modified to do the job. Further discussion followed.
Mr. Supinger stated that the only area that drains out the northwest corner is Phase I; all
the rest drains into the detention ponds. Mr . Ross stated that about 75% of the area drains
into the park in that event. Mr. Supinger s t ated that is correct. Mr. Lentsch stated
"then only Phase I drains into the 18 11 pipe at the northwest corner?" Mr. Supinger stated
yes.
Mr. Ross asked how much drainage would be retained on site with the two-year storm?
Brown stated that Mr. Waggoner has spoken to that point; he thinks Mr. Waggoner said
would be very little water retained under these circumstances. Mr. Supinger pointed
that .the estimated drainage time for a 100-year storm is less than three hours.
Mr.
there
out
Mr. Robins stated that a 1 11 rain isn't unusual, and further discussed the results of such
a rain. Mr. Supinger stated that he had no i n tention of arguing the point with Mr. Robins,
and saw no point in discussing it with Mr . Ro b ins any further. Mr. Lentsch asked if there
were any further questions on drainage? Discussion of the temporary storage provisions en-
sued. Mr. Lentsch noted that Larwin had agreed to leave a building site vacant until the
City facilities could accept the drainage. Mr. Ross asked "will it be near Kent Village?"
Mr. Supinger stated that the only site he rec a lled that was discussed was in the northwest
corner of the development.
Mr. Lentsch asked when will Larwin put the curb and gutter in along Floyd Avenue; will they
do it now, or wait until the project is completed.
Mr. Supinger stated that Larwin will rough grade the park area at the same time they rough
grade their site. They will probably do some excavation in the mid-rise area at the same
time they do the rough grading.
The matter of traffic counts was then discussed. Mr. Supinger stated that he would try to
have the latest traffic counts on U.S. 285 for the next meeting. Mr. Brown stated he would
like to know the latest counts; if there is nothing available within the last six months,
he would like up-to-date counts on U.S. 285, University Boulevard, Downing, Floyd and
Lafayette, and any other streets the staff or Commission feel are important. The Commission
then discussed the days they felt would be best for accurate counts. Mr. Lentsch stated
that he felt Saturday would be a good day, while Mr. Brown stated that he felt a work-day
would be good. Discussion followed. Mr. Robins stated that one year ago, there were 3,000
cars per hour on U.S. 285 between the hours of 4 P.M. and 5 P.M. In the mornings between
7 A.M. and 8 A.M., the count is slightly less. It was suggested that the counts be taken
on both a week day, and on Saturday, if possible.
Page 1528
A recess was called at 10:20 P.M. The meeting was called to order at 10:35 P.M.
Mr. Supinger noted that it had been called to his attention during
the meetings Mr. Waggoner attended, he had stated that there would
date from the time the contracts for the drainage system were let.
he was sure this completion time did not take into account "acts of
the recess that at one of
be an eight month completion
Mr. Supinger stated that
God'.'.
Mr. Ross asked "d o we have any antici p ated completion time on Phase I, or whatever Phase
Larwin begins construction on first?" Mr. Supinger .stated that he did not recall an actual
date; only that the completion time of the initial construction on Larwin and the completion
time of the drainage system would be "tight". Discussio n followed.
Brown moved:
Robins seconded: The Commission request up-to-date 24-hour traffic counts from the Traffie
Engineering Division as soon as possible on the following streets:
University Boulevard; Downing Street; East Floyd Avenue from University .
west to Logan; South Lafayette Street from Hampden to Dartmouth; U.S.
285·. If the Traffic Engineering Division has recently made counts on
these streets, within the last two or three months, new counts need not
be made.
Mr. Lentsch asked how many extra cars would be using Lafayette Street that would be attributed
to the Larwin development? Mr. Supinger stated that projections of that have previously been
given the Commission. Mr. Ross asked if those projections included any information on the
access points onto U.S. 285? Mr. Supinger stated they did not.
Mr. Lentsch stated that he was under the impression that Cherry Hills Village has an Ordinance
prohibiting left-turn movements on the portion of U.S. 285 that they control. Mr. Lentsch
asked that this be looked into by the City Attorney, and report back to the Commission.
The vote on the motion:
AYES: Lentsch; Vobejda; Ross; Robins; Brown; Stanley
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Carlson; Henning; Weist
The motion carried.
Discussion followed.
Ross moved:
Stanley seconded:
Discussion followed.
The vote was called:
The Chairman of the Planning Commission be authorized and directed to
transmit letters to the City Manager of the City of Englewood, the City
Council of the City of Englewood, and to Larwin Multihousing Corporation
for the purpose of giving official notice of the action taken by the
City Planning and Zoning Commission at its meeting of December 5, 1972.
The letters to read in substantial text as previously presented to the
Commission, with the one amendment to the letter to City Council stating
that " .•• the course of action ••. may if followed result in controversy
and may destroy or materially delay ... and which the Commission hopes
to accomplish."
AYES: Ross; Lentsch; Stanley; Brown; Robins
NAYS: Vobejda
ABSENT: Weist; Henning; Carlson
The motion carried.
Mr. Lentsch stated that he would like to know:
1. Construction standards -clarification of that portion of the Subdivision Regulations.
2. The width of streets within the project, and specifications on surfacing; will they
meet standards of the City of Englewood?
The matter of "specifications" was discussed. Mr. Brown stated that he felt that all
specifications should be available on the street surfacing.
Mr. Lentsch asked that the staff determine how many one, two and three bedroom units are
contained in each phase of the development. Mr. Supinger stated that the staff would have
that information in writing, and would also have the parking requirements for each phase.
Mr. Robins stated that he wanted all this information before the next meeting. Mr. Supinger
pointed out that the information is, as a rule, sent to the Commission Friday preceeding
the meeting. Mr. Robins stated that he wanted it before that.
Mrs. Stanley asked that information on whether or not Larwin has to post a bond be available.
Mr. Brown asked "will the report Mr. Supinger is going to get for us include any information
on drainage, or will it come from Mr. Waggoner?" Mr. Supinger stated that he would assemble
written material on the drainage matter, and would also ask Mr. Waggoner to be present if
so desired by the Commission. So ordered.
Mr. Lentsch asked Messrs. Eitel and Harvey if they had anything to discuss with the Commission?
Mr. Harvey stated that in instances such as this where the Commission has granted a waiver
and Larwin has acted on that belief, Larwin is reluctant to make further statements on the
matter; they do not want to waive any course of action they may have. Mr. Harvey stated that
Larwin representatives would be most happy to meet informally with the Commission to discuss
this matter; they cannot do it in a formal meeting. Larwin would prefer to have a meeting
where they are not exposed to the confusion that arises frQm a public meeting. Mr. Harvey
stated that Larwin representatives have indicated they will meet with the Commission at any
date the Commission might prefer.
I
I
I
I
I
I
Page 1529
Mr. Lentsch asked if Mr. Criswell and the City Attorney could be present at such a meeting.
Mr. Harvey stated he would inquire of the Larwin people, but he didn't feel they would ob-
ject to that type meeting, but they did want it to be informal, and off the record.
Mr. Ross stated that he felt it was a good gesture on the part of Larwin to offer to meet
with the Commission, and he felt that the Commission should plan such a meeting. Mr. Ross
stated he was sure time was of the essence as far as Larwin is concerned.
Discussion followed. Mr. Harvey stated that he and Mr. Eitel have made notes of the
questions asked by the members at this meeting, and that if there are any other questions
the Commission might want answered, if they could be communicated to the Larwin people some
way, Larwin would attempt to get the answers before the informal meeting. Mr. Harvey stated
that "Larwin would like to bring the information you want to you."
Discussion followed.
Brown moved:
Robins seconded:
The vote was called.
The Planning Commission meet in an informal off-the-record study session
with the Larwin Corporation on December 28, 1972.
AYES: Lentsch; Vobejda; Brown; Stanley; Robins; Ross
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Carlson ; Henning ; Weist
The motion carried.
Mr. Ross asked what the school district boundary was on this site? Mr. Supinger stated
that it is along the east side of the Franklin right-of-way.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P.M.
Gertrude G. Welty
Recording Secretary
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *