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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-10-22 PZC MINUTES• • • I• CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OCTOBER 22, 1991 CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman J. c. Schultz at 7:00 P. M. in conference Room A of Engle - wood City Hall. Members present: Gerlick, Glynn, Schultz, Tobin, Covens, Daviet, Dummer Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Shoop, Draper Also present: Harold J. Stitt, Neighborhood Services Administrator II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. October 8, 1991 Chairman Schultz stated that the Minutes of October 8, 1991 were to be con- sidered for approval. Glynn moved: Tobin seconded: The Minutes of October 8, 1991 be approved as written. AYES: NAYS: Glynn, Schultz, Tobin, Covens, Daviet, Dummer, Gerlick None ABSENT: Draper, Shoop ABSENT: None The motion carried. III. FINDINGS OF FACT 4236 South Broadway CA SE #6 -9 1 Chairman Schultz ,stated that Findings of Fact for Case #6-91 were to be c o n - sidered for approval. Covens moved: Tobin seconded: The Findings of Fact for Case #6-91, 4236 South Broadwa y, be approved as written. AYES: Schultz, Tobin, Covens, Daviet, Dummer, Gerlick, Glynn NAYS: None ABSENT: Draper, Shoop ABSTAIN: None The motion carried. IV. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER Mr. Wanush stated that representatives of Swedish Medical Center were invited to attend the Commission meeting to update members of the Commission on the -1 - plans of the Medical Center. Mr. Wanush stated that a Planned Development was approved by the Commission and by the City Council; any modification to that Planned Development will necessitate Hearings before both governmental bodies • Mr. Wanush stated there is no formal application before the Commission at this time; this discussion is for information only. Mr. Neil McElhinney introduced Messrs. Dave Ryan, Kevin Scott, Bob Leigh, and R. Dalton, all of whom are working with Swedish on their plans in architec- tural, traffic, or some other capacity. Mr. McElhinnney discussed the changes that have occurred over the past few years in the manner of providing health care, and the need for hospitals to redirect the use of their existing facilities. Mr. McElhinney stated that Swedish Medical Center (SMC) is a 328 bed hospital; however only 290 to 300 of those beds are used, and the remaining space is being used for other purposes. Recent improvements to SMC has included the construction of the Critical Care Unit (CCU), and an increase of beds in this unit from 24 to 32. SMC is one of three trauma centers in the Denver metro area, the other two trauma centers being St . Anthony's and Denver General Hospital. Mr. McElhinney discussed the redevelopment that will take place within the SMC structure to accommodate the change in the delivery of health care. There will be a new type of patient care units, comprised of 60 beds, and total care facilities --radiology, labs, etc. will be on each floor. This will elimi- nate the need to transport patients from one floor to another to have this diagnostic work done. Mr. McElhinney discussed the increase in out-patient vs. in-hospital acute care for patients. The majority of patients must be pre-certified to be admitted to a hospital, except in emergency situations • Insurance companies are going to HMO or PPO programs, and trends are to do as much on an out-patient basis as possible. Mr. McElhinney stated that in light of the changes in delivery of medical ser- vices, the only new construction that is being considered is construction of Medical Office Building IV (MOB IV); this would be constructed where the pres- ent ambulatory out-patient surgery center is presently located, and would be two stories above ground, and one below ground. This service would be relo- cated within the confines of the existing hospital. Other changes to the physical plan could include the removal of the neuro-diagnostic lab and the removal of the "Mayflower" wing. All services that are provided in these areas would be relocated, either within the existing hospital or to other of- fice areas owned by SMC in close proximity to the campus. Mr. Covens asked whether patient capacity was envisioned to change. Mr. McEl- hinney stated that he did not see growth in patient capacity, and discussed the exclusive contracts that insurance programs, such as Compre Care, seem to be going to. There is no free flow of patients to hospitals now; an insurance provider restricts the patients to specific hospitals . Mr. Wanush asked about the use of the building owned by SMC along the north side of East Girard Avenue. Mr. McElhinney stated that SMC will honor the commitment to not expand north of Girard Avenue, and will be able to move some of the functions operated from those units into the hospital itself with the reconfiguration of service delivery in the hospita l. Ms. Tobin inquired whether the provision of x-ray labs, etc. on each floor would not increase the cost to the consumer. Mr. McElhinney stated that it -2 - • • • • • • • would not; it will decrease the number of steps now required to provide a ser- vice, and will also eliminate the discomfort to patients of being transported from floor-to-floor for these services; the decrease in the steps required to provide the services will result in a lower dollar figure to provide the ser- vice. Mr. McElhinney emphasized that the focus of the change in delivery of health care services is on the patient. Ms. Daviet inquired whether SMC planned to open a pediatrics center that would provide cardiology, cancer, and other treatments to children. She stated that Children 's Hospital is presently the only location to provide such services to children. Mr. McElhinney stated that if there continues to be an increase of families in the service area, and there is enough volume to warrant such a center, SMC would open a pediatrics center. Ms. D4viet inquired about disposal of medical wastes. Mr. McElhinney stated that medical wastes are shipped out of this area. Mr. Wanush asked about parking. Mr. McElhinney stated that the parking garage at Logan and Girard can accommodate an additional two levels of parking. Mr. McElhinney discussed the need for better traffic flow, parking, and the need to clear the parking structure on the south side of Hampden for use by visi- tors and patients. Ms. Daviet asked how SMC's plans fit in with plans that Craig Hospital might have. Mr. McElhinney stated that the two medical institutions are discussing joint usage of MOB IV; he further noted that Craig is not in an expansion mode at the present time, either, and that most major hospitals are treating their trauma cases and not sending them to Craig . Mr . Gerlick asked what area the SMC trauma center serviced. Mr. McElhinney stated that SMC services the south and west areas, and will take overflow if DGH is at capacity. Mr. Wanush noted that in past discussions the traffic volume has been a major issue; he . asked whether studies have been done along South Logan, for in- stance, and whether the traffic flow is following the previous projections. Mr. Leigh, traffic consultant, stated that they have not followed up on the traffic flow impact. He pointed out that the parking garage on South Clarkson is still under construction, and that they cannot determine what impact this may have on traffic patterns. Mr. McElhinney pointed out that MOB IV will be filled with uses that are presently on campus in other locations; he did not envision a lot of new incoming traffic as a result of the new office structure. Ms. Tobin asked if SMC would redevelop the properties they own along East Girard Avenue once the medical uses have been moved on campus. Mr. McElhinney stated they would not be redeveloped. Mr. Schultz asked what these structures would be used for. Mr. McElhinney stated that he did not know at this time. Mr. Schultz expressed the appreciation of the Commission to Messrs. McElhin- ney, Leigh, Ryan, Dalton and Scott for their attendance and discussion with the Commission • -3 - .... .l . J, f. I v. BROADWAY PARKING AMENDMENT ·rCASE #1-91 ' : .. Sl6.4-SN • J. .L Sl6.4-6M ~' :' •("C' Sl6.4-9C Mr. Wanush stated that the first draft of a proposed amendment to the Com- .. preherisi-ve· Zoning Ordinance ' (CZO) to allow property owners to lease the ,rear 25 ·feet of ·-their property to businesses on Broadway for parking purposes. was included in · the packet for this meeting. Mr. Wanush stated that there are revisions that · he wants to make in this draft; for instance, the required fencing should not be six feet to the alley, but lowered at the rear to allow for visibility for cars exiting into the alley. The fencing between the park- ing area and the rear yard of the property owner should be the six feet in height. Discussion ensued. Mr. Gerlick suggested that an open fence could be considered for the rear portion to allow for visibility. Mr. Wanush pointed out that amendments to Sl6 .·4-SN and Sl6. 4-6M are to the R-2 and R-2-C Districts; the amendment to Sl6.4-9C is the R-4 District, and will allow the development · of off-street parking lots on 100 foot frontage rather than the presently required 200' foot frontage. The issue of "hard surface" for the parking area was discussed at length. Mr. Wanush stated that he would sugge st a public hearing on t<he proposed ·amendments be scheduled for November 19. Meeting dates for the Commission were discussed. Mr. Wanush stated that the first meeting in December is on the 3rd, at which time staff wants to discuss "housekeeping " amendments to the czo. The second meeting in December would be on the 17th; Mr. Wanush stated that at this time he wou ld recommend cancella- tion of this meeting date. Mr. Wanush stated that City Council has asked that each Department, Board, or Commiss·ion look at · ord inances they work with to determine what impact these ordinance would have on housing. Mr. Wanush stated that he will ask the Hous- ing Authority and Housing Division to submit a list ~f problems they have ex- " perienced in trying to build new housing or to rehabilitate .existing housing. -+ . Ms. Tobin inquired about 'completing the revis0ion .1 of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Wanush stated that he has discussed th.is with. Mr. ·Schul-tz.. Mr. Schultz stated that the major ity of the revisions us have been written; I". there · i.a some editing that must be done. Mr. Wanush stated that a large problem is t~ying to find staff time to get the editing done. Ms. Tobin asked if there was any- thing the Commission could do to assist in study> sessions• Mr .. Wanush stated v"i. ·t1J1at";the''eommissi b"n 'has -dorle their part up to Jthis point ·, and until the docu- "'~ lbents J ar e.:''\-eady 'for 'i>ublil:' 'Hearing, it is staff wo rk .1.tha·t -is vequired. Mr. ·g-chultz sugge·sted that ' staff ' check ' with 1the -.Parks.1 Department/Cqmmisstion to ~nquire on the status of the update that they were to do . . . "! .• # • ,,.... • :~ Bri.'ef discussion ensu'ecL · • '). " l Covens moved: Glynn seconded: The Public Hearing on the amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance be scheduled for November 19, 1991. -4 - • • • • • • • AYES: Tobin, Covens, Daviet, Dummer, Garlick, Glynn, Schultz NAYS: None ABSENT: Shoop, Draper ABSTAIN: None The motion carried. Further discussion on the "hard surface" issue and lighting of the parking areas ensued. VI. BROADWAY REZOHIHG CASE #7-91 3200 Block South Broadway Mr. Wanush reviewed previous discussion of the possible rezoning of the 3200 block of South Broadway from B-1, Downtown Business, to B-2, General Business. The Chamber of Commerce is supportive of the B-2 Zoning encompassing the east side of South Acoma Street and the west side of South Lincoln Street; this would leave a strip of B-1 Zoning 1/2 block wide on either side of the pro- posed rezoning area. Mr. Wanush stated that letters will be sent to all prop- erty owners in this proposed rezoning area inviting them to an informal meet- ing to discuss the issue. Mr. Wanush addressed concerns raised by the EDDA that rezoning of this block may be a long-term solution to a short-term prob- lem. Discussion ensued . Mr. Wanush advocated setting a Public Hearing date for November 19 on the ~czo ning. Tobin moved: Daviet seconded: The Public Hearing on the rezoning of the 3200 Block South Broadway from B-1, Downtown Business, to B-2, General Busi- ness, be scheduled for November 19, 1991. AYES: Tobin, Glynn, Garlick, Daviet, Dummer, Covens, Schultz NAYS: None ABSENT: Draper, Shoop ABSTAIN: None The motion carried. VII. PUBLIC FORUM. There was no one present to address the Commission. VIII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Wanush stated that the meeting between the Planning Commission and City Council has been postponed from November 4 to November 25. Mr. Wanush stated that one of the 1992 Goals of the City Council is that each Board and Commission do a self analysis of their purpose, mission, and activi- ties. Discussion followed. Mr. Wanush stated that he had recently received a telephone call from someone who wished to purchase residential property in Englewood, and operate a hair styling business from the home. At the present time, hairdressers, beauti- cians, and cosmetologists are specifically prohibited as Home Occupations in the residential zone districts. Mr. Wanush stated that he has been informed that the State has relaxed some of their restrictions governing the operation -5 - of beauty salons, etc. from homes --such as no longer requiring separate en- trances, bathroom facilities, etc. Mr. Wanush stated that he told the in- quirer that he would discuss the issue with the commission on an informal ba- sis at this point in time. Mr. Wanush advised the Commission that if they were of the opinion that these uses could be permitted as Home Occupations, that this amendment be undertaken as part of an overall review of the CZO, and not in response to one telephone call. Discussion ensued. Ms. Daviet pointed out that a number of businesses · are being operated from private homes, and that she felt this change in attitude should be taken into consid~ration. Ms. Tobin discussed the parking impact that some home businesses have on neighborhoods. Ms. Daviet stated that sig- nage would have to taken into consideration. Further discussion ensued. It was the consensus of the Commission that the issue should be explored, but in the context of an overall review of the Zoning Ordinance. IX. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Ms. Tobin stated that she was amazed to read that the City will come onto pri- vate property to tow a derelict vehicle. Mr. Wanush stated that the City is offering towing service to any place in the metro area for residents that want a derelict vehicle towed from their property. Mr. Wanush further explained discussions on the derelict vehicle ordinance which had occurred at the City Council meeting on October 21; there will now be two types of permits, one of which is free and good for six months; it will allow an owner to work on the vehicle without paying the $100 fee. This permit cannot be renewed for this vehicle once the six month period has expired. The vehicle must then be removed from the property, or the $100 permit must be acquired. A second change that has been made to the Ordinance is that of definition and enforce- ment: if a vehicle is covered with a tie-down covering, is on a hard-surfaced area and has all four tires inflated, it is deemed to be a "legal" vehicle and not subject to the $100 permit. Discussion ensued. The meeting adjourned • Gertrude G. Welty (/ Recording Secretary -6 - • • •