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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-12-22 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER 22, 199 2 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Chairman J. C. Schultz Members present: Tobin, Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Shoop, Schultz Merkel, Ex-officio Members absent: Covens, Leonard Also present: Planning Administrator Harold J. Stitt Assistant City Attorney Dan Brotzman II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. December 8, 1992 Chairman Schultz stated that Minutes of the December 8, 1992 meeting were to be considered for approval. Tobin moved: Shoop seconded: The Minutes of December 8, 1992 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Shoop, Tobin, Schultz None Covens, Leonard None The motion carried. III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER PD Amendment #IV CASE 13-92 Chairman Schultz announced that the issue before the Commission is a proposed amendment to the Swedish Medical Center Planned Development. Chairman Schultz then set forth the pa- rameters for the conduct of the Public Hearing, and asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Draper moved: Tobin sec onded: The Public Hearing on Case #13 -92 be opened. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Shoop, Tobin, Schultz None Leonard, Covens N one The motion carried. Mr. Covens entered the meeting and too k his seat with members of the Commission. 1 Chairman Schultz asked that staff present the issue. Harold J. Stitt, Planning Administrator, was sworn in. Mr. Stitt testified that this is the fourth amendment to the Planned Development which was initially approved in 1989. This is, how- ever, the first major amendment to the comprehensive plan that has been developed for the to- tal campus, and addresses the change in focus on long range medical service delivery. The development indicated in this Amendment IV will complete the construction within the campus boundaries (East Girard A venue, South Clarkson Street, East Hampden A venue, and South Logan Street). At some point in the future, there may be replacement of or modifications to existing structures. The restructuring of the delivery of medical services to patients necessi- tates some restructuring of the physical plant itself; this is reflected in the proposed PD Amendment IV. Mr. Stitt stated that this Amendment IV does provide the City with a "long- range" document indicating what type of development can be expected on the campus. Mr. Stitt testified that the Planned Development Amendment IV was reviewed in a Techn ical Review Committee, and comments or suggestions from the members of this Comm i ttee have been incorporated into the Staff Report, which is before the Commission. Mr. Stitt stated that this concluded his presentation. Mr. Zane Todd, Administrator of Swedish Medical Center, was sworn in. Mr. Todd re fe r- enced the presentation by SMC on November 17 regarding Patient Care 2000, and noted th a t the proposed PD Amendment IV is the structural result of the way medical servi ces will be provided under the Patient Care 2000 plan. This proposal is a solid three to five year plan for SMC to work toward. Mr. Todd stated that SMC wants to involve the nei g hborhood in th e process and has sent invitations for two open houses to discuss these plans: Janu a ry 5 and January 12. These open houses will be held to encourage neighbors --residents and business neighbors alike --to come in to view the proposal and to ask any questions they may have. Mr. Todd extended the invitation to City staff and to members of the Planning Commission. Mr. Todd then introduced members of the contingent from Swedish Medical Center , includin g Bill Studnika, Bob Powell, and Margaret Sabin. Bob Powell, Project Coordinator, was sworn in. Mr. Powell testified as to the time and per- sonnel involved in developing the proposed amendment, noting that this has involved meetings with City staff, physicians groups, architects, traffic consultants, and others in order to reac h the point of presenting the proposed Amendment IV to the Commission . The intent is to im- prove traffic access to various facilities on the campus, as well as to improve the traffic flo w within the campus. A second objective is to "clean up" the north side of the campus, and make it more attractive to the residential neighborhoods across Girard A venue. Mr. Powell introduced members of Klipp, Colussy, Jenks & DuBois Architects, who will give a slide presentation. Brian Klipp and Kin DuBois were sworn in. Mr. DuBois presented slides of the existing de- velopment, areas where development will be modified or occur, and slides of the architectural model. Mr. Klipp provided narrative to accompany the slides, emphasizing points of concern regarding traffic, internal development, and the improvements on the north side of the campus . Mr. Klipp pointed out that the development of the campus to the south side is of a higher in- tensity than the proposed development on the north. The development to the north side of the campus is focused more to "neighborhood clinic" aspects, and is proposed to be only two to three stories in height. The emergency vehicle access will still be from the north , however, it will be modified and screened from the street. The storage area for medical gases on the north will be relocated to the general service area on the interior western portion of the campus. To the south side of the campus, one curb cut will be eliminated, and a third lane will be devel- oped in the drive-through area in front of MOBs I, II, and III. Traffic will enter from the 2 easternmost curb cut, and exit at a curb cut approximately 50 feet east of South Pearl Street. Th~ curb cut whic~ lines up :-Vith South Pearl Street will be a one-way access for the hospital mam entrance. It is the op1mon of SMC and of the traffic consultants, as well as the architec- tural firm, that condensing the points of ingress/egress from five down to four will do much to alleviate the traffic confusion and gridlocks which now occur on East Hampden between South L?gan and South Clarkson Streets. The ICU wing will be built up to the five story height, and will have 34,000 square feet gross space. Elevators will also be constructed in this area for convenient patient transport within the ICU wing. Changes in parking areas were discussed. The parking garage at Logan and Girard will have the additional 2.5 levels of parking added to accommodate the MOB IV clientele. The surface parking on South Pennsylvania and East Girard will be eliminated, and an "L" shaped, three level leg of the existing garage will be constructed which will accommodate an additional 120 spaces. The emergency vehicle entrance/emergency center access was further discussed. The ambu- lance entry is now "depressed" and ambulances must pull in, maneuver to unload the patient, and then exit via the same point of access. The proposal will be to elevate the ambulance ac- cess level to the fourth floor, with a one-way in/one-way out lane of travel; this will be shielded with a canopy that contains translucent glass and architectural features to lessen the impact on the residential neighborhood to the north. The overall PD amendment will accommodate an additional 33,000 sq. ft. area on the north, and 38,000 sq. ft. on the west. A second helipad is proposed for the site. SMC is now a Trauma Center for the South Metro area, and the second pad is justified. Determinations have not been finalized on which will be the primary pad and which will be the "holding" pad. Arnie Ulevig, Principal in the firm of Fehlsburg, Holt & Ulevig Traffic Consultants, was sworn in. Mr. Ulevig testified regarding the traffic analysis done for the SMC proposal, and cited key points that had to be considered in doing this analysis. Mr. Ulevig summarized sug- gested improvements which include the consolidation of access points on Hampden A venue; revision of the traffic flow at the main entrance of the Hospital and around MOB IV; and the implementation of intersection improvements around the campus; these intersections include Girard at Logan and Clarkson, and on Hampden at Logan, Clarkson and Downing Streets. Traffic flow as far west as Broadway on Hampden was taken into consideration in the analysis. Mr. Draper discussed his concerns with motorists making left-turning movements from Hamp- den A venue to get into the hospital entrance or the MOB entrances. Mr. Ulevig reiterated that the consolidation and directional restriction on the curb cuts along East Hampden A venue should do much to alleviate the congestion. Mr. Ulevig also pointed out that to allow for the left-turning movements, there must be sufficient "stacking" space for a left-turn lane. Ms. Tobin brought up the problem of motorists south bound on South Logan turning left into the parking garage, which is hazardous and creates a traffic block. Mr. Ulevig acknowledged that this is a problem, and that the entrance to the garage will be "enhanced" to discourage the left-turn movement. Mr. Klipp pointed out that the lower level of the garage, accessed via South Logan Street, is reserved for doctors only at this point in time. Other levels of the parking garage are accessed from South Pennsylvania Street. Mr. Dummer discussed the bottleneck with the valet parking in front of the MOBs on East Hampden A venue. Mr. Klipp reiterated that a third lane will be added within the campus in front of the MOBs; this should alleviate a lot of the problem. 3 Mr. Covens expressed concern on the traffic problems along East Hampden Avenue. It was pointed out that the main hospital entrance will be in alignment with South Pearl Street; the points of ingress/egress to the MOBs I, II,and III will be east of South Pearl Street. Mr. Powell pointed out that another concern that has been addressed is that of temporary ac- cess from Logan during the construction of MOB IV. Mr. Powell emphasized that this is "temporary" access, and that SMC has tried to work with the various vendors who are using this access to alleviate the impact on the apartment residents at 3470 South Logan Street. Ms. Margaret Sabin was sworn in, and discussed the attempts of the SMC personnel to create a closer working relationship with the City Council and City staff. SMC does recognize that the hospital must co -exist with the neighbors and community-at-large, and they look forward to continued cooperative planning as the hospital works toward completion of their construc- tion program. Mr. Schultz commended SMC on their presentations, and asked of the Commission if there were further questions from persons who have testified thus far. Ms. Tobin suggested that the merchants along East Hampden should be kept apprised o f th e activities of SMC, as should the residents of the area. Ms. Tobin stated that the relo cation o f the "tanks" had been mentioned, and asked whether the new location will be readily accessibl e by the Fire Department. Ms. Tobin was assured of the accessibility of the tanks by Fire p e r- sonnel. Ms. Tobin was also assured that the merchants along East Hampden had recei ved an invita tion to the open house SMC will be hosting on January 5 and on January 12, as had residents. Mr. Covens asked if there was a traffic signal at Hampden and Pearl. Mr. Stitt stated there is not; traffic warrants would have to be met before a signal could be installed. This intersection will be monitored by the Traffic Division quite closely. Mr. Covens asked where the val e t parking for MOB I, II, and III will go; will they use the Girard/Logan parking garage. Mr. Stitt stated that the valet parking for MOBs I, II , and III will use the Hampden garage; on ly MOB IV would use the Logan/Girard garage. Left-turning movements and restricted visibility along Hampden Avenue were discussed. Mr. Covens suggested that the volume of traffic us- ing the Hampden/Pearl area will be increased. Mr. Ulevig stated that the volume of traffic is estimated to remain the same; however, it will be concentrated at four directional-controlled curb cuts rather than five uncontrolled cuts. Mr. Dummer questioned the number of valets that will be required to efficiently handle the parking for MOB I, II, and III. Mr. Powell reiterated that the addition of a third interior lan e and the redesign of the access/egress points will allow for more efficiency. Part of the solu- tion will also be signage on the interior lanes. Mr. Shoop asked whether valet parking is a fact of life for this hospital. Ms. Sabin stated th a t valet parking is dependent on yearly budgets, but it appears to be a fact at least for the next year or two. Mr. Klipp stated that they have tried to work with the hospital to assure th at valet parking is used by those who need it --the eld e rly and infirm. Mr. Dummer asked whether the proposed Amendment was increasing the "footprint" of the medical center. Mr. Klipp stated that additional square footage will be added to the north, but they are removing some temporary buildings and surface parking to accommodate the im- provements. Mr. Merkel interjected that the "campus footprint" is not enlarging; the "building footprint" is. Mr. Klipp agreed; they are still within the general boundaries, but there will be more density within the campus. 4 Mr. Covens inquired about 3430 and 3419 South Pennsylvania Street; what are the results of recent conversations with these property owners. Ms. Sabin stated that there were conversa- tioi:s wit_h Mr. and Mrs. Dunn as recently as two months ago, and they are not interested in selling either property. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn should be aware of the Public Hearing tonight inasmuch as there were signs posting all points of access to the SMC Campus, and they hav~ also received invitations to the open houses on January 5 and January 12. Mr. Covens asked about 3470 South Logan Street. Ms. Sabin stated that an offer to purchase was made to Ms. Carol Williams, who then made a counter-offer. The offer and counter-offer were not acceptable to either party, and Ms. Williams does not appear to be willing to sell her property. Mr. Covens inquired if the SMC determined to expand the campus, would they consider ex- pansion to the south, or to the north. Ms. Sabin suggested the expansion would probably be to the south. Ms. Tobin stated that at one time SMC owned property to the east of South Clark- son Street. Mr. Klipp stated that SMC still does own property east of South Clarkson. The build-out of the campus was further discussed. Ms. Sabin stated they consider MOB IV to be the "last hole in the ground", and further additions to the campus are not being considered . Mr. Klipp pointed out that the minimum landscaping requirement for the entire campus is 25%; the campus presently has 28.8%, which does not leave a lot of space for additional de - velopment. Ms. Tobin inquired where persons who drive large vans can park; she noted that her vehicle cannot be accommodated in the parking garages. Mr. Klipp indicated areas of surface parking on the main campus to members of the Commission. Ms. Tobin also questioned the relocation of the pediatrics center closer to the proposed women's center. Ms. Sabin discussed the relationship between the various "centers" in the hospital, and the rationale behind the locating of services that may have a close relationship. Mr. Schultz asked that opponents now address the Commission. Richard A. Frost was sworn in, and testified that he was appearing on behalf of Ms. Carol Williams who is out of town because of a family medical emergency. Mr. Frost read into the record a letter from Ms. Williams (said letter is appended to these Minutes as a part of the record of the Hearing). Mr. Glynn questioned the "threat" referenced by Ms. Williams, and asked who made such a statement to Ms. Williams. Mr. Frost stated that he was not there, and could not answer that question. Ms. Tobin asked if Mr. Frost felt that Ms. Williams may be back in town to attend one of the open houses hosted by Swedish. Mr. Frost stated that it is his opinion that Ms. Williams will be in town by that time. Mr. Frost did take issue with Ms. Sabin's statement that Ms. Williams had no interest in selling her property in light of the information contained in the letter he just read into the record. Mr. Schultz stated that Ms. Williams had tried on three different occasions to reach him by telephone --messages were left on his answering machine; he attempted to return her calls on two occasions, but was never able to contact her. He asked if members of the Commission had further questions. 5 Mr. Draper asked if an offer was made to Ms. Williams. Ms. Sabin stated that an offer, well above market value, was made to Ms. Williams, which was not acceptable to her. She coun- tered with an offer that was unacceptable to Swedish. Ms. Tobin asked who had determined that the SMC offer was above market value. Ms. Sabin stated that a real estate appraiser made the determination of value of the property. Ms. Tobin inquired whether this appraiser was an independent, or in the employee of Swedish. Ms. Sabin stated it was an independent; on one other occasion this person was asked to render an opinion of value on a piece of property that SMC ultimately acquired. Mr. Gerlick stated that it does seem the alleged threat should be answered. Was it, in fact, made; who made it, etc. Ms. Sabin stated that whoever made the statement was not an em- ployee of Swedish, and they will check with their "partners" who might have been in contact with Ms. Williams. Mr. Todd confirmed that SMC will make every attempt to determine who could have made such a statement to Ms. Williams. Mr. Frost stated that he will be reporting back to Ms. Williams regarding the meeting this evening, and asked whom she should call if she has further questions. Mr. Schultz stated that Ms. Williams does have his telephone number, and she could call him, or call staff. Mr. Covens inquired about the administrative offices on the north side of Girard Avenue be- tween Pearl and Clarkson; will these offices remain open, or will these functions be incorpo- rated into the main campus. Ms. Sabin stated that the final determination has not been reached on these operations. She estimated that each building is approximately 9,000 sq. ft., with probably 10 employees each with the exception of the Finance function, which might have 14 employees. Mr. Stitt entered into the record of the proceedings Certification of Posting for nine signs placed on the SMC campus perimeter giving notice of the Hearing, as well as the proof of Public Notice published in the Englewood Herald on December 3, 1992. Mr. Lee Merkel, Director of Community Development, was sworn in. He testified that vaca- tion of the east leg of the hammerhead was approved by City Council at the meeting of De- cember 21, and will become final in 30 days. Staff has analyzed the submittal from SMC, and there were very few recommendations or conditions suggested as a result of the Technical Re- view Committee meeting. Mr. Merkel commended Mr. Stitt for his diligent work with SMC and other City staff on this project. Mr. Merkel pointed out that this is the fourth amendment of the Planned Development since its initial approval in 1989. SMC has not been encouraged to consider "growth" north of Girard Avenue; there is solid housing stock north of Girard, and it does not make sense to infringe into residential areas, but to encourage any additional growth to the south between Hampden Avenue and U.S. 285, and to the west as far as Broad- way. Mr. Merkel did point out that the growth and development which has previously been approved by the City Council does give the aspect of "growing around" the apartment house at 34 70 South Logan street, and pointed out that dirt and noise are part of construction and growth. Mr. Shoop asked whether staff has, in the last year, heard from anybody other than Ms. Williams regarding Swedish' s activities. Mr. Stitt stated that Ms. Williams has been the only contact that he is aware of; no other adjacent resident or merchant has contacted staff regard- ing the plans for SMC. He did point out that the only times contacts are elicited is when the property is posted giving notice of Public Hearing. Mr. Schultz recalled that the initial PD did encompass the main campus, and also extended east of South Clarkson. It appears because of the change in health care delivery, that the PD has been scaled down; the zoning to the south does allow for medical office buildings, and ap- 6 pears to be a logical expansion area were expansion to be considered in the future. Mr. Schultz again commended SMC for the quality of their presentations to the Commission. Ms. Tobin agreed that SMC does make good presentations, but emphasized that she does not want anyone --merchant or resident --to feel that the City is "hand-in-glove" with Swedish; she does not want citizens to feel they have no means of appeal or relief. Mr. Merkel pointed out that the Commission and Council are charged to take into considera- tion the needs of all --residents, merchants, etc. Mr. Shoop inquired about a construction timetable. Is this a three to five year plan; when will construction begin. Mr. Klipp mentioned that matters such as the expansion of the ICU tower will be done immediately, as will the additional levels on the existing parking garage at Gi- rard/Logan. Improvements on the curb cuts and traffic flow along Hampden A venue will also be done very soon. Other facets of the proposal will probably begin within 16 to 18 months. Mr. Powell estimated that probably 90% of what has been discussed this evening will be done within the third to fourth year of the five-year plan. He pointed out that the improvements not only have to be planned, programmed, but also funded. Mr. Covens questioned whether it would be possible that Craig Rehabilitation Hospital could independently propose expansion outside the boundaries of the main campus. Mr. Merkel stated that he did not know of any consideration for expansion by Craig. Mr. Stitt pointed out that the campus planning has always included Craig as an integral part of the overall campus , but it is possible they could make an independent request. Ms. Sabin stated that it is her understanding that Craig does not plan any expansion at this time. Gerlick moved: Draper seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #13-92 be closed. AYES: NAYS: Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Draper, Schultz None ABSENT: Leonard ABSTAIN: None The motion carried. Mr. Schultz stated the Commission may now discuss the issue among themselves, but no new information may be elicited. Mr. Draper commented that when SMC presents a request, it is done very professionally; the only question asked by staff that was not answered was in regard to the statement reportedly made to Ms. Williams, and SMC assured the Commission this would be investigated. Mr. Covens stated that he is still concerned about the traffic on Hampden and Pearl. He urged that the City continually monitor this situation. Mr. Schultz asked the pleasure of the Commission. Gerlick moved: Dummer seconded: The Planning Commission approve Amendment IV to the SMC Planned Development with the following conditions, and recommend said Amendment IV to City Council for favorable consideration. 7 1. If significant traffic delays result from turning movements at the eastern-most access point on East Hampden Avenue, the City will require: a. Restriction of the eastbound left-tum movement; or b. Elimination of the on-street parking in this area, with adjacent property owner consent, to accommodate an eastbound left-tum lane for this access point. 2. As a condition of approval of the proposed Planned Development Amendment No. IV for Swedish Medical Center, all existing non-sprinklered areas of the hospital facility must be retrofitted with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system notwithstanding exclusions permitted pursuant to §10.306(g) of the 1988 Uniform Fire Code. In addi- tion, all new hospital facility construction must be fitted throughout with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with City-adopted code requirements. · 3. Swedish Medical Center will be responsible for the relocation of a manhole that presently exists within the footprint of the proposed addition to the Logan Street Park- ing Structure. Ms. Tobin asked what the Commission should do about the letter from Ms. Williams. Mr. Schultz stated that it is a part of the Record of the Hearing. He stated that he did speak to Ms. Williams following consideration by the Commission of the issue of the hammerhead vacation. Apparently contact was made between Ms. Williams and SMC, and unfortunately the of- fer/counter-offer was not satisfactory to either party. Mr. Gerlick pointed out that activities would continue on MOB IV whether PD Amendment IV is approved or not. Mr. Dummer agreed, and commented that the noise and dirt will continue with the construction on MOB IV. Mr. Schultz stated that he would like to encourage Ms. Williams' attendance at one of the open houses hosted by SMC. The vote on the motion was called: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Gerlick, Glynn, Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Draper, Dummer, Schultz None Leonard None The motion carried. Mr. Schultz thanked members of the SMC presentation team for their attendance and informa- tive presentation to the Commission. IV. FINDINGS OF FACT Waste Management, Inc. CASE #12-92 Chairman Schultz stated that the Findings of Fact for Case #12-92 were to be considered for approval. Tobin moved: Draper seconded: The Findings of Fact on Case #12-92, Waste Management, Inc. PD Amendment, be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: Glynn, Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Draper, Dummer, Gerlick, Schultz None 8 ABSENT: Leonard ABSTAIN: None The motion carried. V. PUBLIC FORUM There was no one present to address the Commission under Public Forum. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Merkel stated that he had nothing to bring before the Commission. VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Schultz wished everyone Happy Holidays. The meeting was declared adjourned. ' .-1 1 0· (,// -7 . . - .X/Ci IG..f,v ,I' .;;3 t4 ·Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary 9 TO: Mr. Schultz and all Planning and Zoning Committee Members FROM: Carol H. Williams, Owner of The Englewood Apartments DATE: December 21, 1992 I am unable to attend tonight's meeting due to a family medical emergency. Therefore, I have asked Dick Frost, a friend who has been working in the Englewood community for many years, to read this letter and ask that it be incorporated in the minutes of this public hearing. Swedish Medical Center is asking to have additional expansion plans approved at this time. While I understand and appreciate the service Swedish provides to our community and the surrounding area, I still have many concerns about this continued growth; growth without apparent concern for the rights of individual property owners bordering the campus who are directly and sometime adversely affected. The Englewood Apartments located at 3470 South Logan has literally been in a c onstruction war zone since 1989. The 23 families that reside in the apartments have endured around the clock truck traffic, construction dirt and noise and the increase in traffic on Logan Street that makes it very difficult and dangerous to get in and out at all times. During all this time Swedish has n ever c ontacted me or any of the tenants in an effort to receive input from us as their neighbors. This constant construction has made it difficult to maintain residents and to rent those vacant apartments when a person moves. In the last several months, Swedish Medical Center has been in contact with me to discuss the possibility of their purchase of my property. They made an offer that was well below fair market value, which I countered. In a discussion following that series of contacts I was told "If I were in your shoes, I would take the offer. If you don't, we will just continue to grow all around you like we did before". This implicit threat confirms my greatest fear; that Swedish has gotten so large that they can make an unreasonably low offer which the owner must accept; if not they will build around him further devaluing the property so that the next offer is lower still. The only remedy we, as small individual property owners have is to ask your help in persuading Swedish to communicate with the owners of impacted properties. Before you recommend approval of this additional expansion request to City Council, please take some time to learn from the surrounding property owners how detrimental the changes are in relation to the benefits to Swedish. I ask that you protect us, the small property owner, from being unfairly swallowed up by Swedish :-fedical Center.