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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-08-07 PZC MINUTES• CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 7, 1990 I. CALL TO ORDER. D R A F T The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Tom Gerlick at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the En- glewood City Hall. Members present: Gerlick, Schultz, Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Cronk, Dummer Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Daviet Glynn, with previous notice Also present: D. A. Romans, Planning Administrator H. J. Stitt, Planner Dan Brotzman, Assistant City Attorney II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. July 24, 1990 Mr. Gerlick stated that the Minutes of July 24, 1990 were to be considered for approval. Ms. Daviet entered the meeting and took her seat with the Commission. Schultz moved: Tobin seconded: The Minutes of July 24, 1990 be approved as written . AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Schultz, None Glynn None Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Cronk, Daviet, Dummer The motion carried. III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER Planned Development Amendment CASE #2-90 Mr . Gerlick stated that the Public Hearing regarding the proposed amendment to the Planned Development approved by the City in 1989 was opened on June 12, 1990 and continued to July 24, 1990, on which date the hearing was continued further to August 7, 1990. The amendment application is to request permission to erect a six story parking structure on the northeast corner of the South Cl arks on/East Hampden Avenue intersection, which was not contained in the original Planned Development. Mr. Gerlick asked that the staff make their presentation at this time . -1 - • Mr. Harold Stitt was sworn in, and testified that the application filed by the Medical Center is for an amendment of the approved Planned Development to al- low construction of a six story, 614 space parking structure on the northeast corner of the South Clarkson/East Hampden Avenue intersection. Mr. Stitt stated that staff had requested a traffic analysis of the impact of this park- ing structure, which has been completed and reviewed by Traffic Engineer Pliz- ga and other members of the City staff. Mr. Stitt stated that in addition to the conditions on approval cited in the Staff Report, he is requesting that the Commission include as an additional condition #3 that an additional traf- fic analysis be submitted if: 1) Additional hospital or office expansion which require added parking is proposed, or 2) An additional amendment to the Planned Development is requested. This traffic analysis would be based upon anticipated build-out conditions of the medical campus. Mr. Stitt stated that this proposed condition has been discussed with personnel from Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Stitt stated that he has received no comments on the proposed amendment from adjacent property owners, or indeed, from anyone in the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Gerlick asked the applicant to make their presentation. David Rhyne, Architect Davis Partnership 1775 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado -was sworn in, and testified that Medical Office Building II (MOB II) was leased to capacity before it was constructed, necessitating an immediate construction of MOB III. Mr. Rhyne stated that MOB III is part of the approved Planned Development; however, the parking structure to serve this office building was not. Mr. Rhyne stated that an overall view of the campus development indicated that there was a need for a parking structure on South Cl arks on at East Hampden, in addition to the parking structure south of East Hampden between Pearl and Washington Streets, and the park- ; ng structure on the southeast corner of the East Girard Avenue/South Logan Street intersection. The proposed park- ing structure would provide parking for support staff, pa- tients and physicians using MOB III. Mr. Rhyne stated that it has been determined that an addition to the parking garage south of East Hampden Avenue would be too expensive, and would provide an insufficient number of spaces. The parking garage to the west is too far away from MOB III to expect people to use it, even though an expansion of this garage could accommodate the needed spaces. Mr. Rhyne displayed renderings of the proposed development, stating that they will provide landscaping and buffers at the street level. They are also con- sidering exterior colors to tie into the color theme used by Craig Hospital. Mr. Rhyne stated that there are additional consultants and hospital personnel in the audience to answer questions the Commission may have. Mr. Gerlick asked if the elevated pedestrian walkway is a definite part of the development plan. Mr. Rhyne stated that it is being considered, but isn't sure that it is a given part of the plan. Mr. Rhyne stated that there will be ambulatory surgery conducted in MOB III. The overpass, if constructed, would -2 - • tie into the third level of the garage. The possibility of restricting this level of parking for handicapped patients was discussed. This would assist in providing a safe means of access for wheelchair bound patients or patients with other ambulatory problems from the parking garage to the MOB III. Ms. Tobin inquired about the appearance of "lanais" on the parking structure. Mr. Rhyne explained that the corners have been "cut out" or "relieved" to re- duce the massiveness of the structure, and he believed what Ms. Tobin was referring to is a "shadow line" on the rendering. Mr. Schultz asked what the eastern boundary of the parking structure is. Mr. Rhyne stated that the parking structure will abut the existing alleyway. Mr. Schultz stated that the parking structure is proposed for the area where there are two levels of surface parking now; this will be eliminated, and a six story parking structure erected --is this correct? Mr. Schultz asked the height of the parking structure. Mr. Rhyne stated that the elevation varies because of the topography of the site, but estimated that the height would be approximately 70 feet on the south, and approximately 60 feet on the north. Mr. Rhyne stated that Swedish Medical Center (SMC) is negotiating with the owners of the house immediately north of the proposed parking garage, and the property owner has agreed to the purchase by SMC, or a trade of property. The Medical Center owns the properties north of this house, and the apartment house to the east and north of the proposed parking structure. The issue of the pedestrian overpass was discussed further. Mr. Wanush point- ed out that one of the conditions for approval cited in the Staff Report is that a pedestrian bridge over Clarkson Street between the parking garage and MOB III shall be constructed. Mr. Rhyne stated that he did not realize that the traffic analysis was that "strong" on this point, and after consultation with other members of Swedish personnel present, stated to the Commission that "it's in". Mr. Covens asked if the area between the two medical office buildings (MOB II and MOB II I) was lands caped open area. Mr. Rhyne stated that they want to develop this area as an open "green" area for people to sit --a landscaped courtyard effect. Ms. Tobin asked if the handicapped would have access to the garden areas planned in the development. Mr. Rhyne indicated on the plan, the location of access for handicapped patients to the garden/landscaped areas. Mr. Dummer stated that the staff report indicates the possible construction of a ramp to Craig Hospital. If this is possible, would the parking garage also provide spaces for people going to Craig? Mr. Rhyne stated that this proposal is in the early discussion stages. Mr. Studnicka indicated to Mr. Rhyne that Craig is negotiating with Swedish for 100 parking spaces in the garage. Mr. Covens asked if the buildings would be under construction at the same time, and what is the time table for completion of the construction. Mr. Rhyne stated that they hope to begin construction on MOB I I I in September, with construction on the garage beginning a short time later; projected com- pletion of both structures is Spring of 1991. Mr. Schultz inquired about anticipated parking problems and restrictions during the period of construction, particularly on the parking garage wherein the surface parking lots will be eliminated. Mr. Rhyne stated that by begin- ning construction on MOB III first, they would get the heavy construction work -3 - • completed and still have use of the surface parking lots. Mr. Rhyne stated that Swedish does have a shuttle service to several outlying lots for employees. Ms. Tobin asked when the Commission could expect to see an overall plan of the Swedish Medical Center campus. Mr. Rhyne stated that he would defer to Mr. Bill Studnicka on Ms. Tobin's query. Bill Studnicka, Director Building and Grounds -was sworn in, and reiterated Mr. Rhyne's statement that the hos pi ta l is negotiating with the property owner immediately to the north of the proposed parking structure, who has committed to the purchase by Swedish or a trade of properties . The Medical Center owns the two houses to the north of this property, and the property across the a 11 ey and five or six lots going north. Residents at 3402 South Clarkson Street have not voiced any objection to the proposal. Mr. Studnicka addressed the long-range plans for the hospital , and stated that funds are budgeted in 1991 to put together the long-range plan. Mr. Wanush asked if the long-range plans could be brought to the Planning Commission for discussion purposes only. Mr. Studnicka agreed, and stated that he felt the administration would be open to discussion with City officials at any time . Mr . Covens stated that the proposed parking structure will contain 614 spaces, which will apparently be used by staff, physicians, and patients of MOB III, and Craig Hospital patients. He asked if any spaces had been committed to use by the public. Mr. Studnicka stated that he anticipated a considerable number of staff wi 11 be parking in the structure at Girard and Logan, with the pa- tients and physicians using the proposed parking structure. Ms. Daviet asked Mr. Studnicka if he was comfortable with the condition requiring the construction of the pedestrian bridge. Mr. Studni cka stated that this condition is agreeable to SMC . Ms . Tobin asked Mr . Studnicka if he had received any complaints or comments from people in the neighborhood on this proposal. Mr . Studnicka stated that he has not received comments or complaints from anyone on this proposal. Mr. Gerlick asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in opposition to the proposed PD amendment . No one in the audience spoke in opposition. Mr. Gerlick asked if anyone else in the audience wished to speak on the mat- ter . No member of the audience addressed the Commission. Mr. Gerlick asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Tobin moved : Daviet seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #2-90 be closed. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Schultz, None Glynn None Shoop, Tobin, Covens, Cronk, Daviet, Dummer, Gerlick -4 - The motion carried. Mr. Gerlick stated that the request would now be discussed by the Commission members. Mr. Schultz asked what the height restrictions are in this zone district. Mr. Stitt stated that the height restriction in the R-3 Zone District is a maximum of 60 feet; however, under the Planned Development provision, the height and setback requirements may be varied without going through the process of requesting a variance from the Board of Adjustment & Appeals. Mr. Wanush af- firmed that the increased height can be approved by the City Council through the Planned Development process. Mr. Schultz asked what the height of MOB III is. Mr. Stitt stated that MOB III is the same height as MOB II, five stories; however there is a difference in elevation so they do not appear to be the same height. Ms. Daviet inquired if the signalization improvememts would be accomplished. Mr. Wanush stated that the signalization modifications will be a condition of approval. Mr. Wanush stated that traffic counts were taken during the course of the traffic analysis, and were reviewed by the City Traffic Engineer. Ms. Tobin discussed the fact that not everyone uses the existing pedestrian bridge over East Hampden Avenue, and the need for additional warning or sig- nalization for motorists. She stated that she was driving on East Hampden Avenue recently, and there were a number of small children who were crossing the street. She asked if there could be a pedestrian actuated signal to as- sure that motorists stop for the pedestrians. Mr. Wanush stated that he would pass Ms. Tobin's concerns on to the Traffic Engineer. Ms. Tobin urged proper signalization for the pedestrian crosswalk from the new parking structure, also. Mr. Studnicka pointed out that on Page 4 of the Staff Report, Item 1-c required the installation of a warning beacon at the access to the garage. Mr. Schultz asked if it would be better to have pedestrian access only at intersections rather than mid-block. He also asked if the street-level cross- walk on East Hampden Avenue wi 11 remain now that the pedestrian bridge has been constructed. Mr. Studnicka stated that the crosswalk will remain. Mr. Rhyne pointed out that during the winter months, pedestrians did use the bridge rather than the street-level crosswalk. Mr. Rhyne stated that in the proposed parking structure, they are not trying to encourage street-level crossing, but do have to provide stairs that go directly to street level as an emergency exit. Mr. Rhyne stated that they are required to have two emergency exits in addition to the exits for vehicles. Mr. Rhyne stated that the build- ing is pre-cast concrete, is 50% open, and is as fire proof as a building can be, but they are still required to provide a specified number of exits. Daviet moved: Tobin seconded: The Planning Commission approve the amendment to the Planned Development filed by Swedish Medical Center, and refer the Planned Development to City Council for favorable consideration. The fo 11 owing conditions are incorporated as part of the approval of the Commission: 1. Traffic Operations. -5 - a. Signalization Upgrades: Upgrade the traffic signalization at the Clarkson/Hampden and Clarkson/Girard intersections by the installation of new multi-phase traffic controllers, loop detec- tors and interconnect wiring. These two signals should be interconnected with the City's master traffic control system. b. Remove on -street parking from both sides of Hampden between Clarkson and Emerson and install side-by-side left turn lanes in conjunction with the new garage. c. Install flashing Warning Beacon on Clarkson Street at the access to the proposed garage. d. Monitor traffic volumes at the intersections of Logan/U.S. 285. When the volume of eastbound to northbound left turns reaches 200 vehicles per hour, begin preliminary engineering studies to construct double left turn lanes. (The present maximum volume is 160 to 170 left turns per hour.) e. U.S. 285/East Hampden Intersect ion. This intersection, which allows westbound traffic on U.S. 285 to right turn (enter only) on to Hampden Avenue, poses a dangerous problem because there is not a deceleration lane in advance of the turnoff. The problem is compounded by an acceleration lane for the signalized inter- section of U.S. 285/Gilpin which is located about 500 feet to the east. This acceleration lane ends about 200 feet east of the Old Hampden turnoff. To correct this problem, it is recom- mended that either one of two actions be completed: (1) construct a continuous right turn lane from the signalized intersection or Gil pi n/U. S. 285 to the turnoff to East Hampden Avenue; or (2) Close the acceleration lane at Gilpin and U.S. 285 and con - struct a new deceleration lane east of the East Hampden turnoff. (An acceleration lane at this intersection is inappropriate.) 2. Pedestrian Safety. a. Require the construction of a Pedestrian Bridge over Clarkson Street spanning between the new parking garage and the new MOB III. b. Prohibit mid-block pedestrian crossings across Street along the parking garage frontage. pedestrian street level access to the garage northern limits. 3 . Parking Operations. South Clarkson Don't allow except at its a. Design the parking garage so that, if conflicting left turns on Hampden Avenue become a problem, garage access can be achieved from the mid-block alley between Clarkson and Emerson. -6 - b. Access the existing Swedish Medical Center employee parking lot, which is located just east of the garage site, from Emerson Street only. Do not allow access to it from the alley if the present alley access is utilized for garage access. c. Encourage midday parkers at the garage to use the Hampden Avenue access. 4. The upgrading of the signals at Downing and Hampden, Logan and Hampden, and Logan and Girard as required by the original Planned Development but not yet implemented. 5. An additional traffic analysis shall be carried out if: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: a. Additional hospital or office expansion, which would require added parking, is proposed or; b. An additional amendment to the Planned Development is requested. This traffic analysis will be based upon anticipated build-out condi- tions of the campus. Shoop, Tobin Covens, Cronk, Daviet, Dummer, Gerlick, Schultz None Glynn None The motion carried. Chairman Gerlick stated that the requested amendment to the Planned Develop- ment will be referred to City Council for their consideration. IV. PUBLIC FORUM Mr. Gerlick asked if anyone in the audience wanted to address the Commission on any issue. No one addressed the Commission. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush stated that he had nothing to bring before the Commission. VI. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Gerlick stated that there are no cases on the agenda for the meeting of August 21, and questioned the possibility of canceling the meeting scheduled for this date. The next meeting of the Commission would then be on September 5, a Wednesday. It was the consensus of the Commission that the meeting of August 21 be canceled. Mr. Gerlick asked about the need to appoint a second Commission member to the Transportation Task Force. Ms. Daviet reported that the Task Force should be wrapping up their deliberations in one more meeting, and didn't see the need to appoint a second representative for just one meeting. However, there has been some discussion of a continuing committee to consider issues such as in- stallation of four-way stop signs, etc., and it is possible that additional Commission representation on this committee should be considered. -7 - Ms. Daviet discussed some problems she has been experiencing with the enforce- ment of the noise control ordinance, and the fact that in her opinion, it is being used as a form of harassment. Complaints have been registered because a child has been practicing a guitar, and because of a dog getting into aluminum cans and chasing them over the yard. The Police have told her that they have to respond when the complaints are made, and that with additional complaints they will have to issue a citation into Court. Discussion ensued. Mr. Wanush stated that he would look into the matter and report back to Ms. Daviet . There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was declared adjourned at 7:55 P. M. -8 -