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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-11-13 PZC MINUTESI I I I. CALL TO ORDER CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 13, 1973 Page 1601 Chairman Lentsch called the special meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 8:00 P.M. in the all-purpose ~oom of the Scenic View School. Members present: Henning; Tanguma; Lentsch; Martin; Brown; Smith; Stanley Supinger, Ex~officio Members absent: Jorgenson; Weist Also present: Assistant Director for Planning Romans; Planning Assistant Young; Planning Assistant House. Members of the Commission and staff were introduced to members of the audience. Mr. Lentsch stated that this was the first of several neighborhood meetings the Commission hopes to have in different areas of the City. Mr. Lentsch asked that the audience express the needs and desires of their neighborhood to the Commission. Mr. Bill Johnson 2205 South Grant -stated that he was buying a house at 2380 West Baltic Avenue, and asked when the street would be paved between Vallejo and Zuni? Mr. Supinger stated that street paving is usually done by forming a special assessment dis- trict, which can be done on petition of residents or by designation of specific streets by City Council for inclusion in a paving district. Mr. Rhodus stated that he had ·spoken to several residents along South Tejon Street, and they are under the impression that industrial or commercial zoning will be instituted along the west side of South Tejon Street. He asked if this was correct? Mr. Supinger stated that the office has been contacted about possible industrial zoning on the west side of South Tejon Street; persons making such inquiries are told that the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 1969 does not show any change in the residential character of the area west of South Tejon Street, and that it would be difficult to get the zoning changed. Mr. Rhodus stated that he noticed the new houses being built in the area are putting a cement slab in the front yard for parking; he asked if this was permitted? Mr. Supinger stated that the Ordinance requires two off-street parking spaces to be provided; they may not be provided in the front 25 feet, but if the slab is to be used as a "driveway", the city cannot prevent persons from parking in the driveway. Mr. Rhodus noted that some time ago, he hada circular driveway in front of his house; he was notified by the City that such was illegal in the front yard, and he eliminated the circular drive. Discussion followed. Mrs. Celia Perry 2349 West Harvard -asked if the meeting "is because you want to change the zoning, is this why we are here?" Mr. Lentsch stated "no, the Commission just wants your ideas." Mrs. Perry stated she was opposed to any zone change in her area. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt it must be emphasized that the Commission is holding the meeting only to get ideas from the citizens on the type of neighborhood they want; if it appears that a number of residents are interested in changing the zoning, the Commission might determine to initiate a change of zoning. Mr. Supinger emphasized that "this is a forum to allow you to tell us what you feel the area should be like in the future zoning- wise, density-wise, etc." Mr. Mock stated that several years ago, petitions asking for R-2 zoning were presented to the Planning Commission; the requested change of zoning has not been acted on, and Mr. Mock stated that there are still some people in the area who are interested in R-2 zoning. Mrs. Romans stated that the petitions were presented to the Commission and tabled by the Com- mission for further consideration. They have not been raised from the table since they were presented. Mrs. Romans noted that several applications have been given to residents who have been in to the office since the petitions were presented; no applications have been retur~ed asking that the rezoning be instituted. Mrs. Romans stated that one of the reasons the petitions were tabled at the time of presentation, is that some of the residents in the area wanted covenants placed on the R-2 zoning, restricting the size of each unit to a minimum of 720 sq. ft., for inst~nce. This was not agreeable to everyone in the area, and the Commission agreed to table the matter. Mr. George Mason 2000 West Adriatic -asked if the entire "hill" would have to be rezoned? Mr. Supinger stated that the Commission has set a minimum area of one block per rezoning re- quest. Mr. Mason stated that he would like to have "multiple houses" in the area; he noted all the warehouses that have been constructed to the east of South Tejon, and noted that "these employees have to live some place." Mrs. Varde~an stated that they bought their land to have a place for the children to play so they wouldn't be playing in the street. She stated that the children won't have any place to play around the new homes that are being built. Mrs. Vardeman stated that she wanted to see the area stay as it is. Mr. Supinger asked if Mrs. Vardeman wanted the area "up-graded to require a larger lot size?" Mr. Supinger noted that the new homes which are being built in the area do meet the minimum standards of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; the majority of the ownerships in the area are 1 /2 acre or more. Mrs. Vardeman stated that she liked the 1 /2 acre lots, and again urged that the area be left as is. Page 1602 Mr. Rhodus stated that several years ago, residents of the area worked with City staff on street dedications, attempting to put several .streets through and open more land for develop- ment. Mr. Rhodus stated that he felt the streets should be put thru, and at a minimum cost to the land owners; this would get rid of the weed lots on the rear of a number ?f propertie~, and open land for development. Mr. Supinger asked: "are you suggesting we push the streets thru and double the density by splitting the lots?" Mr. Rhodus stated "Yes"; he noted that the rear of a number of the lots were nothing but weeds. Mr. Ernest Bliss asked if the City had an ordinance on weeds? Mr. Supinger stated that there is an ordinance pertaining to weeds, and that it is enforced. The matter of lot sizes was discussed; Mr. Kelley stated that 6,200 square foot minimum was too small. Mr. Larson 2020 West Warren -stated that he did not want the streets to go thru; they have a nice garden on the rear of their property and keep the weeds down. He stated that he got tired of living in Denver, and moved to this address to get "elbow room." Mrs. Perry stated that property owners are now "stuck with a long piece of land"; if the streets were cut through the entire area would look better, and would still have enough ground on each ownership to avoid over-crowding. Mrs. Perry attributed the lack of streets cut through to her feeling that "the City doesn't want to maintain the streets." A member of the audience asked how much land was required for a street. a 50 ft. right-of-way was felt to be adequate for the residential area. Mr. Supinger stated Discussion followed. Mrs. Stanley Rhodus stated that she was against high density; they do not want high-rise units in the area. Mrs. Rhodus stated that there has been a great increase in the number of burglaries in the area since the elementary school was relocated to the residential area. Mr. Bliss stated that he has lived in the area since 1942. He pointed out there are shortages of gas, fuel, etc., and yet people talk about building more houses. He asked how they were to be heated with the fuel shortage? Mr. Chambers 2200 West Vassar - Mr. Hayes stated that he purchased his property 25 years ago, he has 1 /2 acre, and would like to see the area remain as is. 2218 West H~rvard Avenue -stated that he owns .one acre of ground; he stated he would like to see some agricultural zoning in the area. He wants to keep a horse and maybe a cow but cannot do so under the present zoning. He stated they do not want high density de- velopment. Mr. Lentsch asked if there was good water pressure in the area? Mrs. Perry stated that "we don't have any water pressure." Mrs. Rhodus stated that it was pretty good on Harvard, but is bad just across from the school. Mrs. Henning asked if the citizens desired bus service in the area, what time of day, loca- tion, etc.? Mrs. Perry stated that bus service was promised the residents of the area some . time ago "to go to Cinderella City"; there is no bus service in the area at the present time. It was determined that the residents wanted bus service to downtown Englewood, and wanted the bus to circulate in the residential area of .Scenic View. Mr. Shiner 2001 West Warren -stated that he had moved to the area one year ago; the traffic has doubled in the area in that one year. He asked what the plans were for the future of the area? Mr. Supinger outlined on a map the residential areas, industrial areas and commercial areas, and stated that this is what the Comprehensive Plan projects .for the area. Mr. Supinger pointed out that South Zuni Street cannot carry the traffic it is supposed to carry, inas- much as the street is only partially dedicated for much of its Englewood/Denver boundary, and it is doubtful a full dedication can be obtained from Denver in the near future. Mr. Shiner asked how many children were enrolled in the elementary school in Scenic View? Mr. Supinger stated that he believed the 1973-74 figure was 106 students. He pointed out that the entire City has experienced a school population decline. The property owner at 2159 West Vassar asked when the greenbelt /park/drainageway would be finished? Mr. Supinger stated that bids had come in 80% above estimate, and the City is now going to act as general contractors and rebid subcontracts for the development. The City hopes to start construction this year and have the project completed next year. Mr. Supinger stated that the most intense use of the greenbelt would be between South Tejon and South Zuni Street; the greenbelt east of South Tejon would be 150 feet wide, and will be grassed and used for biking, riding and h~king trails. Mr. Jerrold Capesius 2350 West Warren -stated that the new homes being built are pretty close together. He stated that he had attempted to get a permit to construct a garage and was informed .that he must have a pin survey; however, apparently the developers of the new houses have not .had pin surveys inasmuch as some of the residents have told him they don't know what the boundaries of lots are. He asked how this new construction could be approved without a pin survey? Mr. Smith stated that he thought the pins were in place, but that when new construction is completed, and is graded, the pins are often covered and the proper.ty owner doesn't know where to look for them. I I I I I I Page 1603 Mr. Capesius stated that he felt it was a pretty .nice community; -he felt that most of the people living in the neighborhood were satisfied; they have a nice scqool and good parks. He stated that he felt if there was an attempt to impose industrial zoning west of Tejon he felt the residents would definitely oppose it. Mr. Capesius discussed the traffic on South Tejon Street; he noted that the street is patrolled on Sunday mornings, but not on weekdays, and that the 7-Up trucks use it as a speedway. Mrs. Vardeman noted an instance wherein a pickup truck had been driving over the school lawn; the police were called, and the custodian "waited over 1-1/2 hour:s and they still hadn't shown up." Mr. Hayes asked "who pays for the land you take away from the property owner" if the streets are cut through? Mr .' Supinger stated that the City takes the atti~ude that it would be a benefit to the properties in that it would give frontage on two streets and enable the owners to sell off the back half if they so desired. Mr. Supinger stated that the City administra- tion feels they cannot justify spending money to improve the value of one property. Mr. Supinger further stated that the City may pay for the additional right-of-way if the street needs to be widened if the need is generated from outside the neighborhood. Discussion followed. The matter of easements for utilities and street purposes was discussed. Mr. Supinger stated that he didn't know of any easements for roadway purposes in the Scenic View area. A gentleman from the audience asked if weight limit restrictions would be placed on streets following the completion of the greenbelt/parkway? Mr. Supinger noted that trucks may de- part from a designated truck route to reach a delivery site. The matter of a police sub-station in the area was discussed. Mr. Lentsch stated that at the time the Capital Improvement Program was discussed, the Commission was ~ssured by Chief Clasby that the City could be adequately covered from the one main station. The matter of street paving, curb and gutter was then considered. Mrs. Rhodus stated that she understood the paving, curb and gutter on their street would cost her $2,500; she stated tha~ the way costs were rising , she would prefer to have the ~treet paved as soon as possible. Further discussion followed. Mr. Supinger noted that there are prese~tly 163 dwelling units in the Scenic View Area; under the present zoning, there could be . development to a total of 470 dwelling units. Mr. Mason asked "how much longer do we have to wait until the City says this is what we are going to do?" Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt most of the residents at the meeting were not in favor of a zoning change,. and asked for a show of hands of persons in favor of a zoning change. Three persons indicated they were interested in rezoning; 16 persons in- dicated they did not want any rezoning in the residential area. Discussion of R-2-A vs. R-2-B zone classifications ensued. Mrs. Perry asked if this meeting had "anything to do with HUD?" She stated that the "people want to be left alone; they don't want to be bothered." Mr. Lentsch stated that the meeting did not have anything to do with HUD. The matter of street paving was again considered. Mr. Supinger stated that he felt it would be 5 or 6 years before all the streets in the area could be paved. Mrs. Henning noted that the City had cancelled the sidewalk district for 1973 because of a shortage of concrete. Mr. Lentsch stated that he felt the meeting had indicat~d: 1. The people do not want a change of zoning. 2. The people do not want more parks; just finish the on~s they have now. 3. The water pressure is low. 4. There is a need for a bus system, but it is wanted through the residential area. 5. The people want better police protection. 6. The people want something done about the 7-Up trucks speeding on South Tejon Street. 7. Look into paving the streets. Mr. Mason discussed the efforts required to acquire a traffic .light at Evans and Tejon; he noted that there had been 64 accidents and 2 deaths at that intersection before approval for installation of a light was given. Mr. Mock asked that the Dog Leash Law be enforced. Severa~ members of the audience agreed that the dogs running loose in the neighborhood did present a serious problem. The audience was thanked for coming to express their views to the Commission. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * t CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Npvember 27, 1973 . I. CALL TO ORDER. The special meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Conqnission was called to order by Chairman Lentsch. Members present: Members absent: Tanguma; Weist; Brown; Henning; Jorgenson; Lentsch; Martin; Smith Supinger, Ex-officio None