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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-02-21 PZC MINUTESI. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 21, 1990 CALL TO ORDER. D R A F T The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Vice-Chairman Fish at 7:00 P.M. in Conference Room A of the Englewood City Hall. Members present: Baumgartner, Covens, Daviet, Fish, Glynn, Schultz, Tobin Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Becker (with prior notice) Gerlick (with prior notice) Also present: D. A. Romans, Planning Administrator Harold J. Stitt, Planner Daniel Girouard, Planning Intern Steve Holt, Fehlberg, Holt & Ullvig Patricia Crow, City Clerk Mr. Fish asked City Clerk Crow to administer the oath of office to Mr. Glynn. Ms. Crow administered the oath of office to Mr. Glynn. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. February 6, 1990 Mr. Fish stated that the Minutes of February 6, 1990 were to be considered for approval. Ms. Tobin asked that the Minutes be amended to reflect the fact that she had discussed Xeriscaping as an alternate form of landscaping. This addition to the Minutes was so noted. Tobin moved: Covens seconded: The Minutes of February 6, 1990 be approved as amended. AYES: Covens, None Becker, Glynn Daviet, Fish, Schultz, Tobin, Baumgartner NAYS: ABSENT: Gerlick ABSTAIN: The motion carried. III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS It was announced that Mr. Gerlick was not present for health reasons. Discus- sion ensued. It was suggested that election of officers for the year could be postponed to the next meeting. -1 - Tobin moved: Daviet seconded: The election of officers be tabled until March 6, 1990. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Tobin, Daviet, Fish, None Becker, Gerlick None The motion carried. Baumgartner, Covens, Glynn, Schultz IV. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW Transportation Mr. Stitt introduced Mr. Steve Holt, who is with the consulting firm of Fehl- berg, Holt & Ullvig. This firm has served as consultant to the Metropolitan Transportation Development Commission. Mr. Holt has been asked to discuss the MTDC. Mr. Holt stated that his firm has served a large range of clients, including the State of Colorado, DRCOG, and a number of municipalities. The firm was engaged to provide technical expertise to the MTDC. Mr. Holt presented mem- bers of the Commission with copies of "A Regional Solution to Metropolitan Transportation" which was prepared by MTDC. Mr. Holt reviewed the process followed in the formation of the MTDC, and re- ferred Commission Members to a map contained in the report submitted to them, which map indicates the 20 year transportation program proposed by MTDC. Mr. Holt stated that t he Commission determined the transportation needs in the metro area, what is needed in funding to accomplish what is needed, and ar- rived at a specific financing plan and report which was submitted to the legislature. The overall estimate ranged from $7 billion to $10 billion, with an estimated $400,000,000 per year to build out to the 2010 Plan. Mr. Holt stated that it is the consensus that taxpayers will not support a program at that level, and an alternate financing package has been proposed. MTDC pro- poses the expenditure of $117.8 million per year in new revenues for 20 years, which will be used to build eight rapid transit corridors {including four light rail transit) 67 regional road projects, and 49 state highway projects. The plan would allow leveraging of additional monies from existing tax dol- lars: $10 million from RTD, $20 million from State Highways, and $15 million from local sources. The funding of the proposal was further discussed. Mr. Holt stated that each county in the six-county metro area will receive their equitable share commensurate with the taxes paid by that county. Mr. Holt discussed rapid transit and alternative transportation, and pointed out that the population cannot continue to rely on the automobile as the sole means of transportation. High Occupancy Vehicle lanes will be emphasized. The study also addresses the issues of noise abatement, alternative fuels, bikeways, and special transit for the elderly and disabled. Mr. Holt also discussed specific projects which have been broken out by county, and whether the project is a State Highway, Regional Road or a Transit and Bus/HOV. Mr. Fish suggested that Commission members ask questions of Mr. Holt. Mr. Covens stated that it appears that Adams County and Baul der County will not have light trail transit on any of their system. Mr. Holt stated that Boulder -2 - has indicated they will allocate their share of transit funds to a pilot pro- gram to reduce single occupancy vehicle use; they will subsidize van pools and support HOV in an effort to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Mr. Covens inquired if W470 would be built to the west. Mr. Holt stated that the Plan does not show that this segment is to be funded. Mr. Fish inquired about the primary funding for the MTA. Mr. Holt stated that the funding would come from RTD funding and the Highway Trust fund; however, if the MTDC pl an is not approved by the House, Senate, and ultimately the voters, the entire program will not come to fruition. Mr . Holt further dis- cussed MTDC funding, noting that the proposed 5% sales tax on car rentals has been eliminated. There will be a $10 registration fee for all vehicles in the six-county area; a .4% sales tax will be imposed which will finance the dis- trict, and a 5 cent/gallon tax on motor fuels will also be imposed. Bonding to finance the construction of the transit system was discussed, and what the transit system will entail was clarified. Mr. Schultz asked if George Wallace and the OTC proposal was part of the MTDC. Mr. Holt stated that this is an entirely new proposal and Mr. Wallace has no part in it. The proposal put forth by Mr. Wallace was defeated by the State Legislature, but the MTDC has been able to make use of a great deal of the information for the southeast corridor of the current proposal. Mr. Stitt asked if there had been discussion of federal funding. Mr. Holt stated that federal funding could not be counted on, but there is a possibili- ty that some funds may be available in the future. Mr. Glynn asked where construction of the system would begin if approval is granted by the legislature and the voters. Mr. Holt stated that he antici- pated initial construction would be in the southern and southwestern portion of the metro area. Mr. Holt stated that he was sure that RTD would voice an opposite opinion on the initial construction location, in that they want the airport routing to be constructed first. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Fish extended his appreciation to Mr. Holt for his attendance. V. AREAS FOR POSSIBLE REZONING Mr. Dan Girouard, a graduate student at U.C .D. and an intern in the Community Development Department, presented members with copies of a report he has pre- pared outlining eight areas to be considered for possible rezoning. These areas are adjacent to or adjoining the Central Business District (CBD) and the proposal is an attempt to meet the need for consistency in zone district ap- plication. Mr. Girouard identified the eight areas, as follows: Section 1: Bounded by the centerline of West Dartmouth Avenue on the North, Cinderella City's north parking lot on the South, the AT & SF RR right-of-way on the West, and Cushing Park on the east. The proposed change in this area would be from I-1, (Light Industrial) to R-2, (Medium Density Residential). This property is part of Cushing Park, and the remainder of the Pa r k property is zoned R-2. The proposal would conform with -3 - the surrounding residential and recreational character of the area, and pro- vide for more uniform zoning within the City as outlined in the Comprehensive Pl an. Section 2: Bounded by the centerline of West Eastman Avenue extended on the North, the centerline of West Floyd Avenue on the South, the AT & SF RR right- of-way on the West, and the centerline of the Huron/Inca alley. This property is zoned I-1, and is used as a surface parking lot by Cinderella City. The proposal is to change the zoning to B-1 to conform to the B-1 zoning imposed on Cinderella City. Section 3: Located on the Southeast corner of the intersection of South Elati Street and West Floyd Avenue. This 150' x 150' site is zoned B-2 and was the location of a Texaco gas station. This gas station has been demolished, and the site has been redeveloped by Lincor Properties of Colorado for the Phar- Mor Plaza. The proposal is to change the B-2 zoning to B-1 to conform to the zoning of the remainder of the site. Section 4: Bounded by the centerline of U.S. 285 (West Hampden Avenue) on the South, the AT & SF RR right-of-way on the West, Skippers property line on the East, and about 500 feet of the Cinderella City parking lot on the North. This site is zoned I-1, and the proposal is to rezone it to B-1. The site is occupied by Showbiz Pizza and Skippers Sea Food Restaurant. The zone change would provide uniform zoning around the Cinderella City complex and conform to the uniform zoning plan outlined in the 1979 Comprehensive Plan. Section 5: Located adjacent to Section 4 along the Southwest entrance to Cin- derella City and Bank Western. The site is currently zoned B-2, and the pro- posal is to zone it B-1. The site is the location of Bank Western and Minute Man Press, which uses conform to the B-1 Zone District. This would also pro- vide uniform zoning around Cinderella City and conform to the uniform zoning plan outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. Section 6: Bounded by the centerline of West Girard Avenue on the North, the centerline of U.S. 285 (West Hampden Avenue) on the south, the centerline of South Elati Street on the West, and the alley on the East side of City Hall (South Delaware Street, extended). Existing zoning is I-1, and proposed zoning is B-1. This site was developed for use by the Norgren manufacturing company, but has been used as the Englewood City Hall since the mid-1960's. This zoning also encompasses a portion of the First National Bank of Englewood property along U.S. 285/South Elati Street. The recommended zone change would provide more uniformity in the City's zoning as recommended in the Comprehen- sive Plan. Section 7: Bounded by the centerline of West Hampden Place to the North, the centerline of U.S. 285 (West Hampden Avenue) on the South, the centerline of South Del aware Street extended on the West, and the centerline of Englewood Parkway on the East. This site is presently zoned B-2, and is is developed with the First National Bank building and parking lot. The recommended B-1 zone would provide consistent zoning in the area as outlined in the Comprehen- sive Plan. Section 8: Bounded by the centerline of U.S. 285 (West Hampden Avenue) on the North, the centerline of West Kenyon Avenue on the South, the AT & SF RR right-of-way on the West, and the centerline of South Elati Street on the East. The area is presently zoned I-1, Light Industrial, and the proposal is -4 - to zone it to 8-2, Business. The area has a mixture of retail and office uses, and there are a number of vacant or under-utilized properties. It has been the opinion of previous Planning Commission members that the B-2 clas- sification would encourage development or redevelopment of uses that would be more compatible with the existing land use than development which might occur under the 1-1 classification. Discussion ensued. Mr. Wanush pointed out that there may be one or two busi- nesses in section 8 that are of an industrial nature, which would become non- conforming if the area is rezoned to B-2. The general character of section 8 is retail/office in nature, however. Mr. Wanush stated that the possible rezoning of these eight areas has not been presented to any of the property owners at this point in time. Mr. Wanush suggested that if the Commission is of the opinion the proposal has merit, that City Council be informed of the proposals and an informal meeting be scheduled with the property owners before giving notice of a formal Public Hearing. Mr. Schultz asked if there had been any proposals for development in section 8 for uses that would not be appropriate in B-2. The development in the area identified as Section 8 was further discussed. Ms. Tobin stated that the Housing Task Force had considered the possible recommendation of use of a va- cant area south of U.S. 285 as a site for a limited care facility for elderly residents. This site is between South Galapago and Huron Streets in the 3600 block. Ms. Daviet asked what impact the change in zone classification might have on property taxes. Mr. Wanush stated that the use would be classified as "busi- ness", and expressed the opinion that the impact would be very minimal. There was further discussion on the procedure to be followed regarding the possible zoning changes. Ms. Tobin stated that she agreed the City Council needed to be informed of the proposal. Mr. Fish suggested that staff follow through and discuss the proposal informally with the City Council. VI. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Population and Land Use Mr. Wanush discussed the general land use plan for the City as is delineated in the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, and reviewed the discussion which occurred at a previous meeting in January. He pointed out that the proposed zone changes discussed by Mr. Girouard are consistent with this Plan. The present population of the City is estimated at 31,000+. Mr. Wanush then asked that each member of the Commission indicate a projected population they feel the City may reach by the year 2010. These figures, when members were polled, ranged from 31,000 to 52,000. Mr. Fish and Ms. Tobin had estimated 35,000 as the population in 2010. Mr. Fish stated that he felt there is a possibility of infill of vacant sites, and redevelopment of some older homes. Ms. Tobin stated that she feels there is a possibility that more young families with school-age children will be moving into the City. Mr. Schultz had estimated a population of 38,000, and suggested the possibili- ty of a high-density residential neighborhood developing closer to the transit -5 - system on Santa Fe. He pointed out that the former Genera 1 Iron site is available for redevelopment. Ms. Daviet had estimated 47,000 for the 2010 population. She suggested that some of the area along Santa Fe on the west side might be rezoned to allow higher density residential . Ms. Daviet also suggested the elimination of some older homes and redevelopment. Ms. Daviet further pointed out that the sizes of families are expanding to include two and three generations in one house- hold in some instances. Mr. Covens had cited a population estimate of 36,800. He also discussed the multi-generational household, and stated that there are older sections of the City that may redevelop to a higher density. Ms. Baumgartner had indicated a population figure of 31,000 for the year 2010. Ms. Baumgartner stated that she is not in favor of additional multi-family development, and is unfamiliar with the amount of land that might be available for resident i a 1 deve 1 opment that would increase the City '·s population over what it is today. Mr. Glynn had cited 52,000 as an ultimate population in 2010. Mr. Glynn stated that this figure isn't necessarily what he would "like" to see, but that it is possible the population could reach that figure, and that we should plan for that eventuality. Mr. Wanush pointed out that if the City were developed to the maximum allowed by the Zoning Ordinance, there would be a population of 50,000. Mr. Wanush suggested the need to reconcile the zoning maximums with the Comprehensive Pl an. VII. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Special Task Forces Mr. Wanush stated that the Waste Management Task Force, comprised of represen- tatives of the City Council and Planning Commission, has been meeting on a regular basis. Mr. Schultz and Mrs. Becker have been serving on this Task Force; however, Mrs. Becker has given verbal notice that she cannot attend the meetings, and another Commission representative should be appointed. The Transportation Task Force was also comprised of representatives of the City Council and Planning Commission, Mr. Fish and Mr. Carson being the Com- mission representatives. This Task Force met once, and it became very dif- ficult to get members to attend the meetings, so the group halted meeting un- til after the election and new Commission appointments were made. City Coun- cil is still interested, and again, the Commission needs to appoint a new mem- ber to this Task Force. Ms. Daviet stated that she is very interested in serving on the Transportation Task Force. Mr. Covens stated that he is also interested in Transportation, but would also be willing to serve on the Waste Management Task Force. Fish moved: Tobin seconded: Ms. Connie Daviet be designated as a representative of the Commission to serve on the Transportation Task Force, and that Mr. Lloyd Covens be designated as a representative of the Commission to serve on the Waste Management Task Force. -6 - • AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Baumgartner, Covens, None Gerlick, Becker None The motion carried. VIII. PUBLIC FORUM Glynn, Daviet, Schultz, Tobin, Fish There was no one present to address the Commission under Public Forum. IX. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Wanush discussed the American Planning Association annual conference which will be held in Denver this April. Copies of the proposed program were in- cluded in the members' packets for the meeting of February 6. Mr. Wanush sug- gested the possibility of getting two registrations, and possibly members could rotate use of the name tags to attend meetings they find interesting. Mr. Covens submitted a list of the sessions he is interested in attending. Ms. Tobin suggested that staff prepare a chart of the meetings available on each day of the conference so that members could indicate their interest on this chart. Mr. Wanush suggested that members do as Mr. Covens has done, and review the meeting brochure and make note of the meetings of interest, and staff will get two registrations. X. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE Mr. Covens discussed his attendance at the latest meeting on the improvement of Santa Fe Drive and closure of points of access across this thoroughfare. He presented members with copies of a map depicting crossing provisions at Oxford Avenue, but closure of crossing points at Qu .incy, Tufts, and Union. Navajo and Windermere are shown to give access from south of Union to north of Oxford through the industrial area. Mr. Covens stated it appeared from the discussion at the meeting that few business would be displaced, but two that would be taken are Svigel's and the liquor store, neither of which are in En- glewood. Mr. Covens estimated that 80% of the people in attendance wanted to see Oxford Avenue and Quincy Avenue as points of crossing at Santa Fe. Ms. Tobin stated that the report of the Housing Task Force had been included in the packet. She urged that members read and study the report in prepara- tion for the discussion scheduled for April. There was no further business to come before the Commission, and the meeting was declared adjourned at 9:12 P.M . -7 -