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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-08-06 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 6, 1991 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:02 P. M. by Chairman J. C. Schultz. Members present: Tobin, Shoop, Schultz, Gerlick, Dummer, Draper, Daviet Wanush, Ex-officio Members ibsent: Covens, Glynn Also present: C. Esterly, Director of Public Works II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. July 2, 1991 Chairman Schultz stated that the Minutes of July 2, 1991 were to be considered for approval. Gerlick moved: Tobin seconded: The Minutes of July 2, 1991 be approved as written. The motion carried. III. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Traffic Plan Mr. Schultz stated that review of the Traffic Plan/Transportation Plan is a part of the revision of the Comprehensive Plan. He asked Mr. Wanush to lead discussion on this issue. Mr. Wanush introduced Mr. Charles Esterly, Director of Public Works, to the Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that a Task Force was formed to consider the traffic/street plan; Ms. Daviet represented the Commission on that Task Force. Mr. Wanush stated that the Task Force did not recommend major changes. There are, however, a couple of modifications to be suggested for inclusion in the Traffic Plan, one of which is the re-inclusion of the one-way couplet on U.S. 285 and Ithaca Avenue from Santa Fe Drive to Broadway. Mr. Covens entered the meeting and took his seat with the Commission. The one-way couplet would assist in the movement of traffic through this sec- tor of the City. There will have to be improvements to the Broadway bridge at U.S. 285. Mr. Esterly stated that the City and State Highway Department are jointly financing a study of traffic improvements, and that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was mailed to four firms on August 2. Mr. Esterly stated that the firm selected will be asked to consider several scenarios, such as the couplet, improved computerized traffic signalization, depressed roadway, and elevated -1 - roadways as an example. Mr. Esterly stated that both the elevated and de- pressed roadways are "capital intensive", but will do the job of moving traf- fic. The State Highway also needs to consider how to move the traffic on either side of Englewood, not just "through" Englewood. The local needs, such as access to local businesses and pedestrian safety, must be taken into con- sideration. Mr. Esterly stated that the improvements needed at the Broadway Bridge will mean a totally new interchange. The Hampden interchange and im- provements are pretty well completed. Mr. Draper discussed a problem with eastbound traffic on U. S. 285 swerving into the through lanes from the off-ramp to Broadway when they realize what lane they are in. Mr. Esterly stated that there are a number of signs posted along U. S. 285 regarding the off-ramp lane. He suggested that there is a need for a sign at the intersection of the ramp with Broadway, however, which would prohibit the double left-turn which a number of motorists make. Mr. Esterly pointed out that all of the improvements --couplet and Broadway Bridge improvements --would have to be done simultaneously. Mr. Wanush stated that the second issue the Commission must consider is the protection of "neighborhoods" from through traffic, and yet move traffic through the City. Mr. Wanush pointed out that Broadway, Santa Fe Ori ve, University Boulevard, Federal Boulevard, Belleview Avenue, U. S. 285, and West Evans Avenue are designated as arterial streets. However, there must be "col- lector" streets to funnel the traffic from the neighborhoods into the arterial streets. Streets designated as collectors are South Lowell Boulevard, South Zuni Street, South Tejon Street, South Windermere/Navajo/Santa Fe Lane, South Logan Street, and South Downing Street; also Dartmouth Avenue, Hampden Avenue (old Hampden) and Oxford Avenue. Mr. Wanush stated that the Commission will have to determine criteria to emphasize one street vs. another as collectors. Mr. Schultz inquired about traffic counts, and how long it would take to get this information. Mr. Esterly stated that if the street in question is part of the coordinated (signalized) system, this information could be pulled from the computer in a short time. There are also the typical traffic counters that may be pl aced on other streets. Mr. Esterly stated that if there are neighborhood streets that are "problem streets", counters can be placed to quantify the traffic that street carries. Mr. Schultz asked if random traffic counts are taken, or only in locations that experience problems. Mr. Wanush stated that counts are normally taken in problem areas. Mr. Schultz asked if the Commission needed to determine if one quadrant of the City is more heavily used than another, and do we know how many people use the collector streets. Mr. Wanush pointed out that the arterial streets, which carry the he a vi est traffic, are designed with different standards than the typical neighborhood street. Ms. Daviet discussed the signal timing at Dartmouth and Elati, and suggested that this needed to be lengthened to enable the school children to safely cross Dartmouth Avenue. Ms. Daviet stated that the improvements at Dartmouth and Santa Fe Drive have enhanced the usage of Dartmouth Avenue and she stated that the timing on the signal is insufficient to allow children to safely cross Dartmouth Avenue. Mr. Esterly stated that if the pedestrian walk button is activated, this throws the signal into a different cycle, and does provide sufficient time for crossing the street. Mr. Esterly suggested that the -2 - School personnel need to educate the youngsters who must cross Dartmouth Avenue on the necessity of activating the walk button. Mr. Esterly pointed out that no traffic signal made, and no timing devised, can adequately protect all children. Mr . Schultz agreed that the schools need to strongly emphasize the safety factor when crossing streets. Mrs. Tobin suggested that this safe- ty education might be something to be addressed by Dorothy Romans through the Community Relations efforts of the Police Department. Mr. Draper discussed the short phase for Dartmouth traffic westbound at Broad- way, and noted that if one is the second vehicle wanting to make a left-turn to southbound Broadway, it cannot be done on one light. Mr. Est erly stated that he would have to check into the timing on this signal, and get back to the Commission. Mr. Covens inquired about installation of left-turn lanes/signal timing for Floyd Avenue at Broadway. Mr. Esterly stated that this intersection has been studied, and cost is not a factor on whether or not left-turning movements should be specifically accommodated. The capacity of the street must be con- sidered, and the volume may not warrant a specific left-turn lane/signal. Mr. Schultz asked if the City has considered rush hour "lane reversal". Mr. Esterly stated that it is his understanding that the State Highway Department does not advocate this procedure. He pointed out that this would be very dif- ficult to accomplish on streets such as U.S. 285 and Broadway because left- turn lanes would have to be shifted or eliminated. The signal synchronization along Broadway was discussed. Mr. Esterly stated that the Littleton signal at Littleton Boulevard and South Broadway is not synchronized with the other Broadway signals, but Littleton does not want to change the timing on that signal. Mr. Shoop asked if there were designated truck routes in the City of Engle- wood. Mr. Esterly stated that he was sure there are, but did not know which streets were so designated. Mr. Esterly stated that there are signs which prohibit truck traffic, particularly trucks over a certain weight. Mr. Ester- ly stated that a truck route would have to be signed in addition to being shown on a map. Mr . Draper asked why South Bannock between U.S. 285 and Quincy (the one-way designation) doesn't carry more traffic. He suggested that if it is not heavily used, perhaps consideration should be given to returning it to two-way traffic. Mr. Shoop inquired about hazardous materials routes. Mr. Wanush stated that there are designated routes, and designated ti mes when these routes may be used by vehicles hauling hazardous materials. The enforcement on these routes was discussed, and Mr. Esterly suggested that it is "after the fact enforce - ment". Mrs. Tobin inquired about notification processes in the event of re- quired evacuation of population. Mr. Esterly stated that this is out of his area of expertise, and suggested that this is more properly addressed by the Fire Division of Safety Services. Mr. Wanush stated that the Fire Division does have such a procedure. Mr. Covens asked if the Public Works/Traffic Division had been involved in the issue of parking along South Broadway/South Acoma/South Lincoln. Mr. Esterly -3 - stated that he is not acquainted with this issue. He would study the issue, however, and discuss it with Director Wanush. Mr. Esterly asked if the Commission would like to participate in the study on traffic he alluded to earlier. Does the Commission want to have input from the beginning, or hear presentations during the progress and end of the study; what degree of input would the Commission like. Discussion ensued. Mr. Draper commented on the "washboard" effect of the recent blacktopping on Englewood Parkway. Mr. Esterly discussed the new system that is being used; it is very cost effective, and doesn't take as much time to set before vehi- cles may drive across/over it. Discussion ensued . Ms. Daviet stated that she was impressed with the brief 1 ength of ti me it took to do Broadway . Mr. Schultz inquired about the removal of the plastic lines and arrows on the streets that were blacktopped. Will these be replaced with the same type of material. Mr. Esterly stated that initial replacement with the plastic material had been started; however, a stop order was placed against the con- tractor. A new process will be used to apply the lines and markings. Ms. Daviet asked if there are any modifications proposed for the South Cherokee/Englewood Parkway intersection. Mr . Esterly stated that he is not aware of any changes that are proposed, and does not have funds in his budget to do any modifications. Mr . Covens inquired about Santa Fe Drive south of Dartmouth Avenue. Mr. Es- terly addressed the improvements that are proposed, including addit i ona 1 im- provements at the Dartmouth intersection. This will include moving railroad tracks to the west, depressing east/west cross streets, and widening Santa Fe Drive to the east with space being allocated for a mass-transit lane between Santa Fe traffic and the tracks. The time frame for this work is within the next two to three years, with work south of Oxford coming later. The Belle- view intersection will be similar to the Evans intersection. Mr. Schultz inquired about the improvement of Belleview (widening) from Santa Fe west of the river. Mr. Esterly stated that he did not know timing on any improvements to that portion of Belleview. Mr. Schultz expressed the appreciation of the Commission to Mr.-Esterly for his attendance. IV. SOUTH BROADWAY PARKING ISSUE South Acoma/South Lincoln Mr. Wanush stated that a number of merchants along South Broadway have insuf- ficient parking for employees and customers, and the side streets are used as parking lots for the employees to allow customers the Broadway parking spaces. This has created contention and hardship for some residents along South Acoma Street and/or South Lincoln Street. This issue has been discussed with the Commission previously, and staff was directed to schedule meetings with prop- erty owners/residents a 1 ong South Acoma and South Li nco 1 n. Meetings were scheduled on July 24 and 25, at 3:00 P.M. and 7:00 P. M., and 105 letters were mailed on July 12 giving notification of these meetings. Mr. Wanush stated on July 24, the 3:00 P.M. meeting was attended by himself, Jon Schultz, and Tim Ausfahl of A & A Tradin' Post. The 7:00 P.M. meeting on July 24 was attended by himself , Tim Ausfahl, Councilman Wiggins, Councilman Clayton, Tim Ausfahl, and four South Acoma Street property owners. No one attended either of the -4 - meetings on July 25. Mr. Wanush stated that from these attendance statistics, it is impossible to determine the wishes of the residents. Mr. Wanush re- viewed some of the proposals which were put forth in the discussion on July 24th: Institute some type of permitting system on the residential streets which could limit the length of time or ability to park on-street, and would give residents an opportunity to park in front of their homes; change zoning restrictions to allow adjacent businesses to lease land from residents and use the rear 20 -25 feet for parking for their specific businesses; modify the frontage requirements from 200 feet to 75 feet to allow businesses to purchase and develop parking lots with restricted access from the street right-of-way and require landscaping to soften the impact of parking in the residential area. Mr. Wanush stated that in his opinion, a "rezoning" would be opposed by a majority of the property owners in the residential area. Mr. Wanush noted that the residents who were in attendance were from one block, and they want to be able to park in front of their homes. Mr. Ausfahl, whose business im- pacts the parking in this block, suggested that he and the homeowners get together to try to resolve the problem. Mr. Wanush stated that if he were to be asked for a recommendation on the is- sue right now, he would recommend modification of the ordinance to allow resi- dents to lease the rear 20 -25 feet to adjacent businesses for parking pur- poses. There would have to be some restrictions placed on the use of the property for parking, such as hard surfacing, the number of vehicles permitted per 50 foot ownership, etc. Ms. Daviet inquired about the possibility of a bi-level parking structure being constructed on Broadway itself to serve a several block area. Mr. Wanush stated that the businessmen cannot afford to construct such a struc- ture, and the City cannot afford to do so. Mr. Wanush further asserted t ha t this would not be a cost effective solution to the problem. Discussion ensued. Mr. Schultz stated that he had been told that if parking spaces are marked on- street, this can result in an increased number of spaces available on-street. Mr. Gerlick stated that in his opinion the option of leasing the rear portion of residential property for parking purposes does have merit. Mr. Shoop asked if the resident could "sell" the 20 -25 foot area to the ad- jacent business. Mr. Wanush stated that they could not, without reducing their lot area to a nonconforming status. He would suggest that the "lease" is the way to proceed. Mrs. Tobin stated that the leasing method would pro- vide an income for these residents, but suggested that staff check to deter- mine what impact this might have on the assessment of the residential proper- ties who do lease to the businesses. Mr. Wanush agreed this was a valid con- cern, and staff would check into it. Mr. Covens asked how to proceed to enact this provision. Mr. Wanush stated that he wanted to check out safety provisions further, because vehicles would be backing into the alleys. This would require a change to the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which will have to be written, and a Public Hearing will be required before the Commission and before Council before it could be effected. Mr. Wanush stated that the Commission might also want to consider whether the lease could be approved by Conditional Use, which will also require a Public Hearing, or whether administrative approval could be used provided there are standards and guidelines in place in the Ordinance. -5 - Discussion ensued. Mr. Wanush stated that he would bring this issue back to the Commission at their meeting on September 4th. V. PUBLIC FORUM. There was no one present to address the Commission. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush stated that the City of Englewood is involved with the cities of Littleton and Sheridan in a "Tri-City Planning Group" which is looking at the Santa Fe Drive/South Platte River industrial corridor. The objective is to develop a plan for the ultimate development of this industrial area. This committee does not have any representation from any of the Planning Cammi s- si ons; the group meets once per month each time in a different host city. Mr. Wanush stated that he understood that a letter will be forthcoming requesting a designated member from the Commission to participate in this Planning Group. Mr. Schultz asked if anyone on the Cammi ss ion is interested in serving. Messrs. Draper, Covens, and Shoop all indicated interest in serving on this committee. No appointment was made at this time. Ms. Tobin asked if there had been any follow through on the proposed joint meeting of the Englewood Planning Commission with Commissions from other jurisdictions. Mr. Schultz stated that we have not followed through on this. Mrs. Tobin suggested she would be most interested in meeting with the Denver Planning Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that the next meeting of the Commission will be August 20, 1991, at which time there will be a Public Hearing on a Conditional Use. Mr. Wanush stated that enforcement has begun on the derelict vehicle/hobby vehicle portion of Title 15, and that there was considerable discussion con- cerning the $100 permit fee at the City Council meeting on August 5. Resi- dents are not pleased with the permit fee, and several of them requested that we "go back to the old ordinance". Ms. Daviet stated that she was in atten- dance at the Council meeting, and stated that in her opinion the residents have some points in their favor: if a derelict vehicle is an "eyesore" it will still be an eyesore whether a $100 permit fee is paid or not. There are some flaws in the ordinance that need to be worked through. Discussion en- sued. Mr. Wanush stated that Title 15 was initially recommended by the Plan- ning Commission, and was then considered by City Council and modified by Coun- cil before enactment. Mr. Wanush stated that if the ordinance comes up for review, it is not required that the Commission have input; however, they may want to take another look at the ordinance and discuss it at their next meet- ing. Further discussion ensued. Ms. Daviet stated that the point should be made that the City Administration is going out of their way to work things out with the people who have a legitimate reason for not being able to pay the $100 permit fee. Mr. Wanush reminded members of the Commission of the City picnic on August 16th in Cushing Park beginning at 2:00 P.M. All members of Boards and Commis- sions are invited to attend. -6 - VII. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Gerlick suggested that the Commission should review their consideration and action on Title 15 to refresh their minds. Further discussion ensued con- cerning derelict/hobby vehicles, and what constitutes a "garage". The meeting was declared adjourned at 8:35 P.M. Gertrude G. Welty, Recording Secretary -7 -