HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-01-21 PZC MINUTES\ \
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I.
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JANUARY 21, 1992
CALL TO ORDER.
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission
was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman J. C. Shultz.
Members Present: Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin
Members Absent: Covens, Daviet, Draper
City Staff Present: Neighborhood Services Administrator Stitt
Public Works Director Esterly
II.
Off ice Engineer Kahm
Traffic Engineering Analyst Vostry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 19, 1991
December 3, 1991
Chairman Schultz stated that Minutes of the meetings of November
19, 1991 and December 3, 1991 were to be considered for approval .
Tobin moved:
Glynn seconded: The Minutes of November 19, 1991 be approved
as written.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin
None
Covens, Daviet, Draper
None
The motion carried.
Tobin moved:
Shoop seconded: The Minutes of December 3, 1991 be approved
as written.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin
None
Draper, Covens, Daviet
Dummer
The motion carried.
III. FINDINGS OF FA~T
case #7-91
Case #8-91
Chairman Schultz stated that the Findings of Fact for Case #7-91
and Case #8-91 were to be considered for approval.
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Glynn moved:
Dummer seconded: The Findings of Fact for Case #7-91 and for
Case #8-91 be approved as written.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin
None
Covens, Daviet, Draper
None
The motion carried.
Mr. Schultz stated he understood that City Council had approved
the rezoning of the 3200 block of South Broadway, from South
Acoma to South Lincoln Street, from B-1, Business, to B-2, Busi-
ness.
Mr. Covens entered the meeting and took his chair with members of
the Commission.
IV. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER
Mr. Stitt suggested that Mr. McElhinney of Swedish Medical Center
introduce members of his group in attendance, and discuss their
proposal with the Commission.
Mr. McElhinney introduced himself, stating that he is Vice Presi-
dent of Hospital Services for Swedish Medical Center. He then
introduced Mr. Dave Rhyne and Kevin Scott of Davis Partnership,
Architects; Bob Leigh, of Leigh Scott and Cleary, and Reed Dalton
of Robinson, Dalton Engineers.
Mr. McElhinney summarized the previous discussion which SMC had
with the Planning Commission on their plans for construction of
__ MOB IV. Upon further review of the footprint for MOB IV, it was
determined that the configuration and size of the building would
not be appropriate at the previously cited location. Alternate
sites were then considered, and they have determined to construct
MOB IV on the west side of the campus, at the present location of
the auxiliary gift shop.
Mr. Rhyne displayed a site plan and mock-up of the proposed de-
velopment, outlining proposed changes in traffic flow, points of
access for delivery vehicles, etc. He stated that in their opin-
ion, the proposed west side location of MOB IV is more
"responsive" to the medical campus; further, the MOB IV will be
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in close proximity to ~ an-·.exi-stin .. park·ing .. t structure, -:-.wh·ich park--, .-,: . ....:;; ~;.!.;
ing structure wiltl .accomm.odate... an..·..addi t.i..Qnal -2. 5.~ le eJ.,s..,...f.or . v:-eh.L:-. ._:.,. ~·~ .•• ...-.
cl es. Mi. Rhyne stated . that t.he. additional parking Levels s .hould
accommodate the proposed MOB IV, as well as help eliminate exist-
ing parking problems in the area.
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Mr . McElhinney agreed that the additional levels of parking will
be of great assistance in eliminating the parking p roblems that
have exist ed i n the immediate area for over t wo years .
Mr . Rhyne further delineated the proposed changes as shown on the
mock-up o f the proposed development; a cc ess to t he loading doc ks
wou l d be shifted to South Logan Street, with a right-in /right-out
movement.
Mr . Covens asked how many floors are proposed for MOB IV. Mr.
Rhyne s tated that the MOB IV would have five floors. Mr. Rhyne
indicated the bridges from the MOB IV t o the medical center it-
self, and from the pa rking g a rage to MOB IV.
Mr . Leigh addressed some of the traffic issu es, and stat ed that
in h is opinion, the proposed change in traffic pattern will im-
prove the traffic flow in the neighborhood . Mr. Leigh acknowl-
edged that South Logan Street carries a l ot of traffic, and the
proposed changes will concentrate the traffic on one street. Mr .
Leigh emphasized tha t additional truck traffic is not being
added; the points of ingress and egress are being relocated.
Ms. Tobin inquired about the impact the traffic changes will have
on the residential neighborhood .
Mr. Schultz recalled that the Commiss i on had expressed conc ern
during the previou s consideration of the Plann ed Development re-
garding traffic on South Logan Street; how does this modified
plan differ from what was originally proposed. Mr. Leigh stated
that the grade on South Logan Street (approximately 4.5% to 5%)
is acceptable for truck traffic, and there will be an estimated
50 delivery trucks per day, though they have not completed the
traffic counts.
Points oLentry for the delivery trucks and the parking garage
were clarified. Mr. Leigh stated that SMC will have three park-
ing garages, and there will be very little surface parking for
employees, patients, or visitors.
Mr. Schultz asked if the landscaping around the apartment struc-
ture on South Logan would be modified, or if the traffic pattern
in the alley back of the apartment structure would be changed.
Mr. Dalton stated that the landscaping barrier will remain in
place; he then discussed the modifications that will be made to
the "hammerhead" turn-around in the alley, but would not impact
the apartment complex.
--Mr. Stitt asked when-the majerity -of ~he deliveries to the _hospi-
tal are made. Mr :-McElhinney stated during regular business
hours .
Mr. Covens inquired whether construction proceeded on time with
the parking garage on South Clarkson Street. Mr. McElhinney
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stated that it did ; the first level will be card-access for MOB
III; remaining lev els are f o r patients a nd employees.
Mr . Stitt discussed the procedure that wi ll be fol l owed once the
amendm e nt for the Planned Development ha s been filed; the Commis-
sion is required t o hold a Public Hearing and make recomm end a tion
to City Council. City Co uncil then has the option of holding a
Public Hearing, but is not "required " t o do so.
Mr . Schultz pointed out that construction of MOB IV in the loca-
t i on now proposed will i mpact the view from part of the new hos-
pital wing. He also inquired whether MOB I V will be s i milar to
the p r ev i ou s MOBs , and was assured that it wi l l be s i milar in
c o nfigurati on and exterior finish ; they are str i ving for a cohe -
sive effect o n th e campus .
Mr. Co v e ns inquired ab o ut th e oc cupan c y o f the MOBs . Mr . Rhyne
sta t e d t h a t MOB III cons truc tio n was b e gun th i s las t spring, and
th e b u ildin g is already fully leased , b u t is not yet completed .
Th ey h ave h ad n o probl em s at a ll in getting comm i tme n ts fo r sp a c e
in any of the MOBs.
Mr. Schu l tz e x pressed the app r eciation of the Co mmission to the
Medical Ce nt er representatives for t h is discussion o f t h eir pre-
limina ry plans. Mr. McElhinney and the other SMC repre s entatives
then left the meeting.
There was discussion among the Commission and City staff members
regarding the traffic impact of the proposal. Mr. Stitt stated
that there has long been concern about the capacity on South Lo-
gan Street, the possible restriction of parking to add another
lane to carry traffic, and the possible need for additional
right-of-way. Off ice Engineer Kahm stated that staff will be
closely scrutinizing the traffic reports that are required to be
filed with the PD. Ms._ Tobin _asked whether the city "accepts" a
traffic analysis filed by an applicant, or whether the City does
their own. Mr. Kahm and Mr. Esterly stated that staff does both;
in order to verify the accuracy of a traffic analysis submitted
by an applicant, staff pretty much has to do their own for com-
parison.
Signal improvement in the immediate vicinity of the Medical Cen-
ter was then discussed. Mr. Kahm stated that SMC is funding the
improvements to five signalized intersections.
v. TRAFFIC CONSULTANTS
u. s. 285
·· ·Public Works Director Esterly introduced me~ber;;. of his staff,
Rick Kahm, Off ice Engineer, and Ladislov Vos try, Traffic Engi-
neering Analyst, as well as two members of the consulting team,
Nancy Bauer and Joe Hart. Mr. Esterly stated that the City of
Englewood and the State of Colorado are jointly funding the study
of U.S. 285 from South Santa Fe Drive to Broadway. The study was
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begun approximate l y s ix weeks to tw o months ago , and they hope t o
have i t completed within the next two months.
Mr. Es t erly directed the atte n ti o n of t h e Commission to several
s chematic plans of var ious impro vement proposals to U.S . 285.
Mr . Esterly stated that sta f f and the consultants have met with
some of the busi n essmen along U.S. 285 , and another meeting has
been scheduled for January 30 in the Perrin Ro om at the Library.
Businessmen and affected property owners have been i nvited to
both meetings , but there has been limited attendance so far. Mr.
Esterly discussed th e bottlene ck at t he Broadway Bridge, and t h e
need for improvement a nd wideni ng of this bridge. U. s . 285 also
serves as a "p ed estrian barr ier" for persons living to the south
wanting to walk to Cinderella City .
Ms . Tobin pointed out anoth er se ve re problem on westbound U. s.
285 is the off-ramp t o Broadway. She emphasized the need to
clari f y this situation for dr i vers . Mr . Esterly pointed out that
the lan es are signed for some distance back, and questioned that
more can be done to assist in this situation .
Mr. Stitt asked what level o f service exists on U.S. 2 85 . Mr .
Vostry stated that the service level varies from "D" to "F".
Discussion ensued .
Mr. Covens inquired whether Dartmouth Avenue is carrying more
traffic fo llowing the improv ement s to that intersection. Mr . Es-
terly pointed out that the Dartmouth intersection is only half
done, and the volume o f traffic ha s not increased appreci a bly on
that street .
Mr . Sho o p inqu i red if the spe ed limit o n U.S . 285 will be in -
c re ased , or whether i t is even b e ing conside red . Mr . Esterly
s t a t ed that the con s ult ant s have n ot been consi d er i ng the speed
lim it , but wa ys t o impr ove t h~ ca r ry ing c ap ac i t y a nd move t he
tra f fic effi c i e n t ly a n d sa f e l y.
The variou s schematic proposals were discussed. Ms. Tobin ex-
pressed c oncern that some of the proposa l s could increase traffic
flow throu g h the residential neighborhoods, and could also in-
crease air pollution.
Mr. Kahm stated that comments from some of the businessmen in the
previous meeting with staff, consultants and property owners was
that the couplet proposal might increase property values for po-
tential business development. Mr. Esterly pointed out that the
businessmen who were in attendance at the meet i ng did not support
.t he frontage r oad p ropos al. The e l evat ed r oadwa y_pro p osal is ex~.
tremely expensive. Discussion ensued. ~
Mr. Esterly commented that in his opinion, the solution to the
problems on U.S. 285 will be a combination of facets from each of
the proposals.
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Mr. Schultz asked if the consultants had an "unbiased opinion" on
a solution to the problem. Mr. Hart stated that in his opinion,
some facet of each of these proposals could be phased in. Mr.
Hart discussed the need to maximize the Colorado Department of
Transportation funding for the corridor; to do this, through
traffic would have to be encouraged, which is contrary to the
needs of the local community.
Mr. Esterly discussed the accidents which occur on U.S. 285. Mr.
Kahm verified that there are an estimated 250 accidents per year
on this segment of the highway.
Mr. Covens questioned the possibility of funding a portion of the
improvements in consecutive years, and whether this would encour-
age assistance from the State and whether they would follow
through on their funding assistance. Mr. Esterly stated this
proposal is possible, and pointed out that the Highway Department
is looking for projects that have local participation, but the
local communities have to have solutions that are acceptable to
the State.
Further brief discussion on the various schematics ensued. Mr.
Esterly encouraged attendance at the meeting on January 30, which
will begin at 6:30 P.M. in the Perrin Room. Mr . Kahm stated that
property owners in the area between U.S. 285 and Jefferson Avenue
have been invited. Mr. Esterly stated that if there are pro-
posals that have been displayed and discussed this evening which
are not acceptable, they would like to know. Ms . Tobin commented
that the elevated roadway "seemed more L.A. than Englewood."
Mr. Schultz asked if the schematics had been shown to the State.
Mr. Esterly stated that state representatives were invited to the
first meeti ng, but no one attended. Mr. Esterly commented that
the Highway Department does not view U.S. 285 as a "problem".
Brief discussion ensued .
Mr. Schultz expressed the appreciation of the Commission for the
attendance of the consultants and city staff, and for the presen-
tation.
VI. PUBLIC FORUM
There was no one present to address the Commission.
VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE
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M~. ·Stitt summarized it.he."-City Coun9il .meetin .of JaJlu.,ar.y _ 20-, -,··::.._'i 1 -~.,
_ .1992 '· a:id tJ:ie: pu~l ,ip ~-~5~in~ -:.?P _tll..~ .. Ee~'.'9~fi:,9-o~~ t i e _ 3209 . o~..,'? .. ?_k ... of'_ .-~· ... .-~
South Broadway.. Th_e Brl1 . w~'§':._a_p,_pro y~q ~:m . s_~cona :readfng ; and ·'"'· _l , -
will become final 30 days· following publication. Discussion -en-~----:--I!'
sued. Mr. Stitt stated t-hcft there may be two or three applica-
tions for approval of .Conditionai -use in .this block following the ··'
finalization of the rezoning.
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Mr. Stitt stated that a Public Hearing has been scheduled for
February 4 at the r e quest of Waste Management Denver -South;
they have purchased the former City greenhouse property an d have
applied f or a Planned Development on this site. The PD will en-
compass the entire Waste Management ownership.
Mr. Stitt stated that SMC will be filing their application for
amendment to the Planned Development within the next few weeks,
and he anticipated the hearing on this to be scheduled in March.
The Tri-Cities Planning Group was brought up for discussion. Mr.
Stitt stated that this group is composed of representatives of
the cities of Englewood, Sheridan and Littleton, and is to
address issues of common interest and concern to these three
communities. These issues include, but are not limited to, the
Santa Fe/South Platte River corridor; signage and beautification
along this corridor; economic development, etc. The representa-
tion to the group includes Councilmen and administrative staff
from all cities, and they have expressed interest in expandi ng
the representation to include a member from each of the Planning
Commissions. Mr. Stitt stated that the next meeting is scheduled
for January 30, and will be hosted by Sheridan; the meeting is to
begin at 6:00 P.M., and will be a four-hour goal setting session .
Mr. Stitt suggested that the time commitment will be quite in-
tense in the near future, and that a couple of sessions are
planned for four-hours during the goal setting discussions. Dis-
cussion ensued.
Mr. Covens will represent the Englewood Planning Commission on
the Tri-Cities group, and Mr. Roger Shoop will serve as the al-
ternate representative.
Mr. Stitt announced that Community Development Director Richard
Wanush submitted his resignation to City Manager Fraser on Jan-
uary 13, 1992; his last day with the City is January 24. Deputy
City Manager Martin will serve as the Acting Director until a -new
individual is hired to fill the position. Commission member s ex-
pressed their regret on the resignation of Mr. Wanush, and stated
that this is a great loss to Englewood.
VIII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE
Mr. Gerlick asked about the committee to review Home Occupations;
should this committee be appointed. Mr. Stitt stated that the
inquiry regarding Home Occupations was a request to allow beauti-
cians to work out of th e ir homes. Mr. Stitt stated th a t the En-
glewood Ordinance reli es on outdated State regulations regarding
ba:r:bers a nd beau t ician s o perating out of their homes_;_ h _owever,
this can be handled a i~t h e ""t ime th E! Co mprehensive Zoning Ordi-
nance is amended. Mr . St i tt suggested that possibly this issue
might be delayed a short time until a new Director is hired. If
this period is longer than six months, the Commission may want to
consider proceeding on the general amendment of the Ordinance.
Brief discussion ensued.
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Mr. Covens inquired about the information on the Statewide Land
Use Planning System, which was included in the packets. Mr.
Stitt stated that he planned to attend a Legislative Planning
workshop on January 23 regarding this, and would report back to
the Commission.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meet-
ing adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Gertrude G. Welty {/
Recording Secretary
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