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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-11-10 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 10, 1992 I. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Jan Schultz in the City Council Chambers of the Englewood City Hall. Members present: Gerlick, Glynn, Shoop, Covens, Draper, Dummer, Schultz, Leonard (late) Merkel, Ex-officio (arrived at 7:30; was attending another meeting) Members absent: Tobin (with previous notice) Also present: Planning Administrator Harold J. Stitt II. APPROVAL OF MlNUTES. October 20 , 1992 Chairman Schultz stated that the Minutes of October 20, 1992 were to be considered for ap - proval . Draper moved: Dummer seconded: The Minutes of October 20, 1992 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Glynn, Leonard , Covens , Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Schultz None Shoop Tobin The motion carried. III. RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION CASE #11-92 ~hairman Schultz asked Planning Administrator Stitt to present the issue before the Commis- s10n. Mr. Stitt stated that the request before the Commission is the vacation of a portion of the "hammerhead turnaround" in the 3400 block of the South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley, which was dedicated to provide turning space for vehicles after the vacation of the north leg of the alley in 1989; this was done in conjunction with the original Planned Development ap- proval granted to Swedish Medical Center (SMC). Shortly after approval was granted on the latest amendment to the PD to allow construction of MOB IV, the architects and engineers determined that the required square footage could be provided with minor modifications in the footprint of MOB IV, and that the structure could be reduced from five floors to four floors, thus reducing the building "mass", and the overall im- pact of the building on adjacent properties. The Planned Development regulations do make provision for administrative approval of minor changes in structural location, provided the change does not increase the density of the development. The proposed modifications to MOB IV lengthened the structure slightly, thus resulting in an "encroachment" into the dedicated 1 hammerhead turnaround, and necessitating the request to vacate a portion of the existing ham- merhead, and the dedication of an alternate area for the hammerhead. Mr. Stitt addressed the issue of fire protection concerns, and discussed the fire safety provi- sions that have been required of and provided by Swedish Medical Center and MOB IV ; hy- drants have been installed on the campus, standpipes have been installed, and the building will be sprinklered. Mr. Stitt stated that the only use of the alley and the hammerhead has been for trash trucks , and the residents of the apartment house at 3470 South Logan Street, and possibly some ser- vice vehicles for SMC. Mr. Stitt stated that the proposal is to "rotate" the hammerhead 90° to a west/north axis rather than the existing east/west orientation. The dedication of the additional right-of-way for the new leg of the hammerhead will occur at the same time the vacation of the existing portion is considered by the City Council. Mr. Schultz inquired about the dimensions of the hammerhead. Mr. Stitt stated that the di- mensions of the existing hammerhead are 22' x 20'; the proposed dedication will be a widen- ing of the "alley" extension to 20' rather than the existing 16'; this 20' width will extend for approximately 31 feet north/south; the west leg of the hammerhead will also be 20' wide. Mr. Stitt then graphically illustrated the orientation of the proposed hammerhead for members of the Commission. Mr. Stitt emphasized that the change in the hammerhead will not change the function of the alley; it will still serve the residents of the apartment house and the service businesses such a s trash haulers. Mr. Schultz inquired whether the orientation of the new hammerhead will have an impact on the parking garage. Mr. Stitt stated that there will have to be a retaining wall installed. Mr. Stitt further emphasized that the City is not losing property by vacating this portion of the hammerhead inasmuch as SMC will dedicate additional property to compensate for this vaca- tion. Mr. Schultz stated that this is not a Public Hearing, but noted that there are members of the public in the audience. He asked if they would like to comment on the issue before the Com- mission. Ms. Carol Williams, 3470 South Logan Street, distributed written comments to the members of the Planning Commission. (These comments are appended to the Minutes of this meeting as a part of the record.) Ms. Williams stated that the hammerhead is not used by residents of her apartment building on South Logan, but was intended for access by emergency and service vehicles. Ms. Williams stated that there are people who park in the hammerhead, presumably visitors to SMC. She stated that she does not have people parking on her property; however, some motorists do turn in the alley not realizing it is dead-end, and drive across the bumper stops to get onto her property and thus to the street. She stated that one bumper stop has been crushed and will have to be replaced. Mr. Covens inquired about her response from Public Service regarding the burial of utility lines and the possible encroachment on her property. Ms. Williams stated that a sub-contrac- tor called her and told her that they were within an 8 'easement; she stated that a survey of the 2 property she had done in 1989 shows no 8' easement and she is still of the opinion that they have crossed her property. Discussion ensued. Mr. Draper stated that Ms. Williams has raised valid issues regarding signage at the entrance to the alley, lighting of the hammerhead, and the need for increased police surveillance in this alley /hammerhead. Mr. Schultz inquired of Ms. Williams whether she understood the landscaping that has been removed during the construction period will be replaced. Ms. Williams stated that in discus- sions with Mr. Stitt she understood it will "probably" be replaced. Mr. Schultz assured Ms. Williams that the landscaping is part of the original Planned Development approval, and that it WILL be replaced. Mr. Covens asked Ms. Williams when she was first aware of the proposed MOB IV construc- tion or modifications. Ms. Williams stated that she first became aware of the MOB IV con- struction when the access road was cut through to the north of her building and the landscaping was being removed. Mr. Covens asked who should be responsible for the signage at the entrance of the alley, and the improved lighting in the alley/hammerhead. Ms . Williams stated that it is still a public al- ley, and she would assume this would be the responsibility of the City. Mr. Schultz asked if Mr.Stitt would address the issues raised by Ms. Williams. Mr. Stitt agreed with Ms. Williams that this is a public alley/hammerhead, and that it is a responsibility of the City to properly sign the entrance to the alley and see that the lighting is sufficient for safety. Mr. Stitt did point out , however, that anyone noticing suspicious vehicles or activitie s occurring in the alley/hammerhead does have a responsibility to notify the Englewood Police Department. Mr. Dummer asked whether there were lights on the parking structure. Mr. Stitt stated that the parking structure is lighted on the interior, and he believes there are some lights on the exterior. The grade/elevation of the alley/hammerhead was discussed. The parking garage and use of the lower level for valet parking and physician parking was dis- cussed. Mr. Stitt reviewed the valet parking issue as was discussed during the approval proce- dure of MOB IV, noting that the proposed routing outlined at that time is still in effect. The service road to the north of Ms. Williams building is a temporary access during the period of construction; this will be filled and the landscaping will be replaced when the construction has been completed. Mr. Gerlick asked if the signage at the alley were posted notifying motorists that it is not a through alley, and the lighting in the alley/hammerhead were improved, would Ms. Williams' concerns be alleviated . She responded they would be. Mr. Gerlick noted that as far as the people driving over the bumper stops, the only thing he could advise is to have higher bumper stops. Ms. Williams emphasized that she is not opposing the vacation and new dedication of the hammerhead turnaround, but did want to point out some problems. 3 Mr. Draper suggested that people who "park" in the hammerhead are probably SMC visitors looking for a close-in parking space, and that signage should be of help. Gerlick moved: Draper seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the following described public right-of-way be vacated: A parcel of land situated in a part of Lots 33 and 34, Block 5, WEST VIEW ADDITION TO ENGLEWOOD, City of Englewood, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado, being more particularly described as fol- lows: BEGINNING at the southwest corner of Lot 33, said Block 5; thence Northerly along the west line of said Lots 33 and 34 a distance of 35.00 feet; thence Easterly and perpendicular to the West line of said Lots 33 and 34, a distance of 22.00 feet; thence Southerly and parallel with the West line of said Lots 33 and 34, a distance of 20.00 feet; thence West- erly and perpendicular to the West line of said Lots 33 and 34, a distance of 7.00 feet to a point of curvature; thence Southwesterly along the arc of a curve to the left, having a radius of 15.00 feet, a central angle of 90°00'00", and an arc length of 23.56 feet to the Southwest corner of said Lot 33 and the POINT OF BEGINNING, containing 488 square feet, or 0.011 acres, more or less. The Planning Commission further recommends that the City sign the entrance to the South Lo- gan/South Pennsylvania alley on the north side of East Hampden A venue giving notice that this is a dead-end alley; also, the City shall provide proper lighting of the alley and hammer- head area to assure the safety of this public area. Mr. Shoop inquired about the installation of a guardrail along the top of the retaining wall. Mr. Schultz pointed out that this is not City property, and that while the Commission could ask that SMC consider this, it could not be required. Mr. Dan Weyland, partner in MOB IV, stated that he would bring this issue up with Swedish, and that the Commission can be assured that it will be done; this is a safety factor that they want to provide and will do so as part of the MOB IV construction. Mr. Weyland assured the Commission that SMC and the MOB IV partnership will cooperate in any way possible with both the City and with Ms. Williams. He noted that he has had several discussions with Ms. Williams on various issues, and that he is rather surprised that she has chosen this forum to raise issues with the Commission. Discussion ensued. The vote on the motion was called: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Leonard, Shoop, Covens, Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz None None None The motion carried. Mr. Schultz stated that this issue will be referred to City Council for final action. He thanked Ms. Williams and Mr. Weyland for their attendance. 4 Mr. Weyland further addressed the efforts of SMC and MOB IV Partnership to cooperate . Mr. Weyland stated that the issue of the Public Service Company extending the underground line to the transformer is not something that SMC/MOB IV had anything to do with, and sug- gested that possibly Public Works Department might know more about this. Mr. Weyland stated that he was also concerned about the traffic issue, and the valet parking was proposed in an effort to mitigate heavy vehicle usage and turning movements on the local streets. Mr. Weyland reiterated that the guard rail will be installed, and that he will notify SMC represen- tatives of the other concerns Ms. Williams has expressed regarding the hammerhead. Ms. Williams stated that Mr. Stitt called her on Friday, November 6, and notified her of this meeting of the Planning Commission. Ms. Williams emphasized that she is not in attendance this evening to oppose SMC or MOB IV; she did attend to point out her concerns and feels it is the responsibility of the City to respond to those concerns. Ms. Williams further pointed out that she is not "accusing" anyone regarding the issue of the underground lines to the trans- former crossing her property; she has questions and is trying to get answers to those questions. Mr. Covens and Mr. Schultz both thanked Ms. Williams and Mr. Weyland for their attendance and discussion with the Commission. IV. DffiECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Merkel apologized for arriving late; he was attending a Clean, Green and Proud Commis- sion meeting in the Community Room. V. C01\1MISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Covens asked what is on the agenda for November 17; is this meeting still scheduled. Mr. Merkel stated that the Commission will hear a presentation by SMC on "Patient Care 2000"; there will be discussion on the Santa Fe Improvements, and he hopes to have an update on the Comprehensive Plan process. There was nothing further brought before the Commission for discussion. The meeting was declared adjourned at 7:55 P.M. 5 ENGLEWOOD APARTMENTS 3470 S. Logan Street Englewood, CO 80110 TO: The Englewood Planning & Zoning Committee RE: Discussion on Vacation of Existing Hammerhead in Alley between Logan and Pennsylvania DATE: November 10, 1992 Chairman and Members of the Planning & Zoning Committee ... I am Carol Williams, owner of the Englewood Apartments. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to you regarding the vacation of the existing hammerhead directly to the east of my building. As you are all aware, in 1989 when MOB III was being considered and this same alley was to be vacated, both I and my husband at that time, objected to the vacation of the alley. The original plan was for the alley to proceed north behind my building and turn west to exit on Logan. This would provide for east/west access to the north/south alley around the building. We felt very strongly that this, in addition to all the other changes in the neighborhood, -high rise buildings -parking garage to the north -increase in traffic flow and congestion -construction noise and dirt would adversely affect the liveability in this residential building. That type of traffic circulation all around the building would have been unbearable for the 23 residents and their families that live in the Englewood Apartments. Following several months of discussion with Swedish and Council Members, on May 15, 1989, Swedish agreed to modify their plan to close the entrance to the parking structure on Logan Street and to landscape the area to the north of the apartment building to act as a buffer. They also discussed eliminating the east/west alley on the north side of the building. At the same meeting, we, my husband and I, agreed to withdraw our objection to the altered plan if: -landscaping was properly done -the east/west alley was deleted -the entrance to the parking garage was for doctors only. All others would enter from the north. The City Council voted and all three motions were carried at that meeting which resulted in Resolution 30, 1989 Series, Conclusions G, I and j. t The Englewood Planning & Zoning Committee November 10, 1992 Page 2 You can imagine my concern when MOB N was approved changmg these very items that were so important in maintaining the quality of life for the residents of the Englewood Apartments. Now, we find ourselves in another difficult situation. The east/west alley has been reinstated in MOB IV which causes heavy truck traffic to go by the bedroom windows of 50% of all residents. Some of the landscaping to the north of the building has been removed in order to place a transformer in its stead. And the new MOB IV plan approves the use of the first floor of parking for valet parking in _addition tG the. us.e hy physicians. Also, the alley we are discussing has been tom up for the last several weeks in an attempt to bury the utilities. Not one person discussed with me how this would or would not impact the building. I believe, according to my survey, that they have crossed my property, yet, no person has discussed it with me except, following my call to Harold Stitt, a representative of Public Service Company. I can see no easement where the lines were buried, yet this contractor assures me that he is within the 8' easement. As you can see, this presents another difficult situation. This difficult situation could have been avoided had all parties to the agreement, namely, Swedish, the City of Englewood and myself kept open the lines of communication. We are, after all, neighbors. I am not here to stand in the way of Swedish's progress. I do, however, believe that had we discussed these things many months ago, I would not be here tonight. We would have had some open, frank discussions about the impact of the plan and could have come to some agreement. The vacation of the east/west hammerhead and rededication of a north/west hammerhead that you are discussing this evening causes me, as a property owner and the residents, concern. These concerns can easily be remedied. 1. There has never been a sign posted at the south end of the alley stating it is a dead end. Many people, in an attempt to 'beat the light' turn into the alley. They then become frustrated and rather than turn around, they drive over the cement bumper and through our parking area. I believe that a simple sign would prevent this from happening. 2. The purpose of the hammerhead is to provide an area in which a fire truck can maneuver. However, Swedish does not monitor the area and swedish employees routinely use the area to park their vehicles during their shift. If these vehicles were ticketed, that practice would stop and the space would be available for the emergency for which it is designed. 3. There is a safety issue that I have not heard addressed. The hammerhead area has high walls around it but no lighting. I have seen young children play in the area long after dark. I have also seen people hide their vehicles there in an effort to avoid contact with the police or others. The area must be lighted and Swedish Security or the Englewood Police Department should patrol it. The Englewood Planning & Zoning Committee November 10, 1992 Page 3 I am making every effort to be neighborly and to support Swedish as they continue their growth in our community. They provide a valuable service, but I, too, provide a valuable service, that of affordable housing. I only ask that you, as representatives of the city, consider all that are impacted by this continued growth. We must work together to maintain our fine community.