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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-09-03 PZC MINUTES• CITY OF ENG LE WOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION September 3, 1975 The meeting o f the Planning and Zoning Commissi on was called to order by Chai rman Art Martin at 7:00 P.M. Att endance was as follows: Commissioners Pre s e nt: Arthur Martin, Chairman Judith Pierson Chalmerse Parker Eddie Tanguma Lee Jones Ed Smith Mae Wade Commissioners Ab se nt: Howard Brown George Jorgenson Others Present: Dorothy A. Ro mans, Acting Director of Community Developmen t -Planning Steve House, Planning As sociate Bill James, Director of F inance Karl Nollenberger, Assistant City Manager Kells Waggoner, Director of Public Works Chairman Ma rti n declared there was a quorum presen t . It was dec ided that the minutes of meetings of Aug ust 12, August 19, and August 26, 1975, would be tabled for approval u n til the meeting of September 9 in order to give Commissioners time f or reviewing all minutes. Mrs. Romans indicated that the staff had been som ew h at c oncerned over the I-3 Zoning District. She explained that, in her opin- ion, spec i al regulations had been drafted to "placate" t hose in the Sant a Fe-Union annexation area. She explained that most of our industrial districts are adjacent to residenti a l a reas, and that in t h e past, wrecking yards were not considere d t o be com- patible with those areas. Discussion followed. Mrs. Romans led discussion of Rockwell Concrete, a n on-conforming use , o n West Union Avenue, west of the Platte River ; the fact that Rockwel l h a s applied for I-3 zoning, but failed to p ost the prop- erty in time f o r the Public Hearing which had b e en scheduled for this date. I t was suggested that other requests for I-3 may be received from areas which would not lend themselves t o such in- tense uses as are permitted in that District. There was further discussion. Chairman Mar t in s tated his only hesitation is that some day some- thing will have to be done with that land (Santa Fe-Union) and that annexing this area would provide a good chance for the City to expand their tax base. Mr. Parker asked if we had ever con- sidered taking Rockwell by itself. Mrs. Romans stated that it • is in the City. Originally, an asphalt plant was started on the rear of what was then the Holland property, and it had gradually evolved to the present use. The Building Department has spent a great deal of time with the present owner trying to get it cleaned up. Over a year ago they had to go to the Board of Adjustment, and told that Board that they were applying for re- zoning. They did submit an application, but to this time, either the information on the application has been faulty, the legal not accurate, and finally, they failed to post the property. Letters have been sent to Mr. Clinger, the owner, and to his attorney, with copies to the City Attorney's office and the head of the Code Enforcement Division, in order to keep them informed of the delays. One of the most recent reasons given for the de- lay is that they were going to try' to get some of the adjoining properties to join in the application for 1-3. Mrs. Romans sug- gested that possibly the City Attorney should be requested to give an opinion as to how long the applicant could continue the rezoning request in this manner before the City could close the case and ask them to refile when their application would be in a form that it could be acted upon. The possibility of the Santa Fe-Union area being annexed to the City in the future was discussed. It was the opinion of most of those present that there would have to be a rather sizable change in ownership in that area before annexation would again become feasible. There may also be an entirely different de-·~ velopment in mind for the area at that time. Discussion was also held on services which would have been available in Engle- wood, and those available to the area at this time. The possi- bility of the rechannelization and beautification of the River area was also considered. Ms. Pierson moved , and Mr. Smith seconded a motion TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE STAFF IN THE MATTER OF CASE NO. 24-75, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT SECTION 22.4-15, 1-3 HEAVY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT IN THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE BE RE- PEALED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: 1. THE ZONE DISTRICT WAS DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY TO ACCOMMODATE AN AREA NO LONGER WITHIN THE CITY. 2. THE USES WHICH ARE PERMITTED IN THE DISTRICT ARE OF AN INTENSITY THAT THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS WHICH ARE WITHIN THIS CITY. 3. THERE ARE TWO OTHER INDUSTRIAL ZONE CLASSIFICA- TIONS: 1 -1 LIGIIT INDUSTRIAL, AND I-2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL , WHICH CAN BE APPLIED TO LAND WHICH LENDS ITSELF TO THAT TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT. 4. NO PERSONS WILL BE DENIED THE USE OF THEIR LAND BY THE ELIMINATION OF THIS DISTRICT. AYES: Tanguma, Wade, Jones, Martin, Parker, Smith, Pierson. NAYS: None. ·A ABSENT: Brown, Jorgenson. ,., The motion carried. 2 • Mr. Kells Waggoner, Director of Public Works, entered. Mrs. Romans introduced the wall chart showing priorities for the projects of the different departments for the Capital Improve- ment Program. Mr .. Waggoner stated that the Public Works Department consists of Engineering, Traffic Regulations, Storm Drainage, Building Maintenance, and "everything else that no one else wants". He stated that what is requested is not necessarily what is wanted, but that it is up to the Commission members to decide what they want to do as a City function. The projects submitted by the Public Works Department are as follows: City Survey--Suggested to have a survey made of the entire City with reference corners at all intersections to make surveying more accurate. This is needed, particularly in the northwest part of town and other areas that are particularly bad, such as around Kenyon and Delaware and further south from that corner. At Belleview and Clarkson, two corners are five feet apart. The accuracy of the survey is dependent on which corner the surveyor uses. This is definitely a projec which will benefit several departments; for example, each building permit requires a survey. Mrs. Romans stated that the Department of Community Development would rate this as the Number 1 Priority. Mr. Waggoner stated that his department has not given any priorities; it is up to the Planning Commission to do so. Mr. Smith inquired if pins would be placed at every intersection, and Mr. Waggoner stated so, and that the cost is included for every intersection. He further stated that he would retain a land surveyor to do it; that we would save that amount of money in five years' time alone, not only in City time, but in legal fees, staff time, and the citizens' and surveyors' time. He stated that Council approved two encroachments where buildings have ended up in street rights-of-way because of inadequate sur- veys. No one can afford to pay the price of a complete survey, checking section corners, etc. There was discussion. Municipal Refuse Collection--Mr. Waggoner stated that unless somebody does something about refuse collection, we are going to have problems some day. DRC<Xi is doing a study right now on refuse collection. He feels that Englewood citizens are eventually going to demand municipal collection; Denver has it without cost, other than in property taxes, and it is def- initely cheaper than paying private collectors. Mr. Waggoner stated that there are eventually going to be no dump sites available, and that we'll have to go to incinerator systems. There was discussion about the EPA view on this pollution, and Public Service Company's possibility of util~zing this as a heat source. Mr. Waggoner suggested putting this lower on the list of priorities, and Mrs. Wade felt 1978 was a good year to look at it tentatively. Lebow Avenue Bridge--Mr. Waggoner explained that this year, Englewood paved all the way from Broadway on Lebow to just short 3 of the bridge. He stated that the Littleton Public Works Direc- tor indicated an interest to go in on a bridge with us, and that the bridge would relieve the sharp dip at that point. Discussion • followed about flooding possibilities. It was concluded that there is a possibility of getting it budgeted to coincide with Littleton's budgeting, in order to get the bridge in in a joint ventµre. Mrs. Romans inquired whether there had been any more requests for signalization at Lehow and Broadway, and the re- sponse was negative. She also stated that there was hope of purchasing property on the south side of Lehow just east of the bridge for open space, with nature trails, a bird sanctuary, etc. Union Avenue Connector--Mr. Waggoner stated that this had been requested in the Public Improvement Fund years ago. The main point is getting rid of the job across Santa Fe at Union. It was encouraged that this should be an item of priorities sug- gested to Council, that it should be integrated with the State Highway Department planning on Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Waggoner stated that at one point, he tried to get the State Highway De- partment to approve signalization at Union and Tufts, but to no avail. Now, with new personnel in that particular office, he felt there might be a change of attitude. It was concluded that this is a fairly important item that shouldn't be postponed more than a year or two. Right-of-Way Acquisition--This applies to where the City does not have full right-of-way dedication. Discussion followed on whether to purchase right-of-way, or wait for the development of property, letting people dedicate the land with no cost to the City, obviously the more economical way of doing it. The plan would be to mainly make an effort to acquire rights-of-way for streets in northwest Englewood, such as on Yale, between Tejon and Zuni. Question was brought up by Mr. Nollenberger about fairness of some people donating the land and others get- ting paid for it. Mr. Waggoner felt there was no problem, that we have to get the land. Mrs. Romans stated that the state statute provides that if the Master Street Plan has been adopted, you cannot build where streets are planned and further, that a building permit cannot be issued if it is on a route of the Master Street Plan and the right-of-way has not been dedicated. Paving District--It is recommended that paving districts be con- tinued until all streets in Englewood are paved to no less than City standards. Mr. Nollenberger inquired if it would take four more paving districts to complete the paving of all streets in the City, to which Mr. Waggoner replied that it could be done; but it would create four rather heavy districts with the current staff. The amount to be accomplished each year will depend on Council, and the objections of the people to their inclusion in the Paving District. There was discussion on the fact that where there has been storm ·~ sewer construction, the City has held off on paving districts 4 • until completion of the storm sewer construction. Mr. Waggoner stated that at one time it appeared the City might get an Urban Renewal grant which would have made it possible to pave all of the streets in northwest Englewood at no cost to the people. This program did not materialize, however. Sidewalk District--Mr. Waggoner gave introduction by way of say- ing that there are many sidewalks in the City which need to be replaced; however, the property owners cannot afford to pay the cost all at once, so the districts are formed. This way, citi- zens have ten years to pay for the sidewalk, paying yearly, along with their other taxes. Of course, the property owner must pay interest, too, if he extends the payments in this manner. Dis- cussion was had on boundary streets and sidewalks thereon. There was further discussion. Overlay Program--It was pointed out that Arapahoe County actually levied 1.3 mills, and the City of Englewood receives one-half of that, based on assessed valuation in the City. The funds are used either for sealcoating or for overlay. If we don't overlay, we start losing streets, because overlaying streets provides structural strength. We have streets that should have been over- laid this year, but didn't have the money to do so. Ms. Wade asked if there were additional debt to property owners. Mr. Wag- goner stated no. The property owners have paid once for the street to be paved to design standards and the City then takes on maintenance and provides the necessary overlay. Mr. Parker inquired when Clarkson would get paved. Discussion followed regarding Clarkson and the double ownership with Cherry Hills. Mr. Martin asked if this overlay program would be an on- going thing? Mr. Waggoner stated that it would be once we get started in the program. Ms. Pierson asked how often we should overlay. Mr. Waggoner stated that it depends on usage, what is under the street (soil conditions), volume of traffic, and the base construction. Ms. Pierson inquired if this is definitely a permanent function of the Public Works Department, and how long the program would take. Mr. Waggoner stated that he doubted if it could be done in five years, to which Mr. Jones said it looked like a ten-year program which would then start over again. Dartmouth Widening--Mr. Waggoner stated that we had requested assistance of the Urban Systems funding now scheduled for fiscal year 1977, and we will have to provide 26 per cent of the cost of that improvement. Ms. Pierson asked if it were going to be widened to a four-lane roadway. Mr. Waggoner stated that it would be made 44 feet wide, and that there could be four lanes in that width, if there were no on-street parking. He also suggested that there was hope for fundings from PUC out of the Highway Protection Fund for the crossing; hopefully, they will pick up 80 per cent toward the gates and flashers, the railroads will pick up ten per cent, and we will pay only the other ten per cent. Dartmouth Widening--Zuni-Santa Fe--Mr. Waggoner said plans have been made for a 44-foot wide roadway, and financing would be 5 through the Urban Systems Program, scheduled for construction in fiscal year 1977, which begins July, 1976. Mr. Waggoner also stated that the section across Santa Fe would be wider, with a left turn pocket to be provided. Mrs. Wade asked if the bridge is the same width as the roadway; to which Mr. Waggoner responded that it was widened to coincide with the 44-foot roadway two years ago, and was one of the first widen- ing projects. Discussion followed. Widening of Bannock and Sherman--Mr. Waggoner stated that portions of both Bannock and Sherman will have to be widened if they are to serve as collector streets. It is hoped that they can be made 44 feet wide as are all other collectors and arterials. It was brought out that Bannock is only 32 feet wide for most of its length north of Oxford. The question was brought up about getting rid of the high crown in Bannock, which was developed by repeated overlays. Mr. Waggoner said that an effort will be made to try to adjust the street grade by bringing the sides of the road up to match the grade of the crown. Mr. Waggoner also stated that that street has been assessed for overlays, and can't be assessed again. He said if these streets don't remain collectors, then this widening can be dropped. Widening of Broadway from Yale to Floyd--to provide the same width as just completed between U.S. 285 and Quincy. Mr. Waggoner stated that even though this portion of Broadway is not on the State Highway System, it may be possible to get a request for funds under the Urban System. He said this portion of Broadway came up "pretty high" on the priority list on Urban Systems prior- ity ratings, and if this program continues, it is possible that we could get this portion of Broadway widened under this program. Mr. Waggoner did explain that our allotment of Urban System money has already been taken up for Dartmouth; but that we could post- pone the Dartmouth widening and do Broadway. He said he would propose the same treatment for this portion as Broadway now has south of U.S. 285 with planters, etc. He added that Broadway between U.S. 285 and Quincy functions well. There was further discussion about sidewalks and rights-of-way. After a short break, the session continued. Widening Broadway from Floyd to U.S. 285--Mr. Waggoner said that this is a wider segment than the north or south portions of Broadway, and would not take as much widening, but in order to get the same cross section, it would have to be widened five feet on each side. Different alternatives are possible in this area, depending on whether or not planters are provided, parking, and the width of sidewalks. There was further discussion re- garding off-street parking, setting doors back into the build- ings, the Voorhees plan for making a mall on Girard, and other considerations for making Broadway into a mall. Mr. Smith inquired about the property between Key Savings and the Highway. Mr. Waggoner stated that this is owned by the City ~ 6 • and is to be a park, then some discussion followed concerning Interchange Park. It was stated that that park is already in the Six-Quarter Budget and that the Englewood Centennial- Bicentennial Committee is planning flower beds, etc., at that location. There i s $24,761 in the Six-Quarter-Budget for Inter- change Park. Floyd-Broadway Re-Alignment--Mr. Waggoner stated that due to the present signalization, the traffic flow is relatively smooth, but that it is proposed to remove the present jog on Floyd at Broadway. Mr . Jones stated that with improvements on Dartmouth, that should remove some of the load on Floyd Avenue. There was discussion about crossings over Santa Fe and suggested that in the event Floyd were to continue west, it would go over Santa Fe, rather than intersecting with it. West Floyd Avenue Extension--It was stated that there are greater priorities, and that this can probably be postponed. In the long run, the City would like to get Zuni straight through to U.S. 285 and Floyd, then, could be extended to Zuni. Mr. Martin asked if Sheridan would allow Zuni to go through to U.S. 285. Mr. Waggoner said that the problem with Sheridan, would be getting rid of the light at Bryant, but that he feels that Zuni would provide better access for Sheridan than Bryant. Mrs. Romans stated she had been told there would be only right turns at Hampden and Zuni, if it were to be extended. Broadway Planters--From South Quincy to Belleview. This project is to essentially beautify this portion of Broadway. Ms. Pierson asked how much distance is involved, and how much each unit costs? Mr. Waggoner stated there are eight blocks in that area, approx- imately one mile, and that each block would cost around $1500. Mr. Parker stated that the planters do look nice, and Mr. Waggoner stressed how nice it would be to be able to drive from the north end of the City, all the way to Belleview with the planters . Storm Drainage Program--Mr. Waggoner said he wanted to complete the Master Plan on Storm Drainage. He indicated that on the map that was included in the Commission's report, ·the black areas are areas where no storm drainage improvements have been undertaken. This is in the High School, Central Englewood, and Filtration Plant Basins. Mrs. Wade inquired of Mr. Waggoner about the area around Belleview and Federal. Mr. Waggoner ex- plained that the new drainage being installed would carry the storm waters from Belleview to Federal. Mr. Martin asked if the State is going to fund the storm drainage; to which question Mr. Waggoner said that the State is giving us a portion of the ex- penses on Federal. Mrs. Romans asked Mr. Waggoner to discuss the-proposed detention pond at Bates-Logan Park. Mr. Waggoner stressed the success of the drainage design at Romans Park and at Huron and Radcliffe, and discussed the possibility of designing a similar pond at Bates-Logan Park. It was stated that the cost of buying housing would never be as cheap as it is currently, and in order to 7 develop Bates-Logan, some consideration would have to be given to land acquisition. The detention pond could be constructed within the present boundaries; but it would be preferable to do ,..._ it the other way. Mr. Waggoner suggested that he would like to .., go for bids on this project :in November, hopefully having bids back in time for Council to make an award at the first Council meet~ng in January. It must be decided what we want to do now, rather than to try moving the detention pond at a later date. Mr. Martin inquired that if Mr. Waggoner was suggesting going out for bids in November, if he is putting a high priority on this particular item? Mr. Waggoner stated that storm drainage and park improvements are budgeted, and that this detention pond should go into this park as soon as possible. With the pond, the remainder of the storm drainage down stream from that point will be less expensive. Little Dry Creek -Sherman to Clarkson--Mr. Waggoner stated that under the Master Plan, this is proposed to be a concrete lined open channel in order to carry flows to keep it within the banks for the 100-year storm. The City Manager has signed a contract with the same firm that did our drainage plan to study different proposals along Little Dry Creek. Discussion followed. Mr. Smith brought up Councilman Sovern's views on using an open grass channel, as opposed to a box culvert, and the dangers of Cinderella City in case of a major storm and flooding. Further background was discussed. Mr. Waggoner stated that currently, the channel that goes under King Soopers, Floyd Avenue and Cin- derella City is capable of carrying 3800-4500 cfs. Some back- ground was introduced as far as past studies, past projections • of cfs to go through that channel, and the dams now constructed for control. Mr. Smith stressed the economical strategy that could evolve from flooding in the core area and Cinderella City due to present facilities such as the loss in sales tax revenues, etc. Further discussion ensued. Ms. Pierson asked Mr. Waggoner to list his priorities. For Prior- ity Number 1 he listed Storm Drainage, City Survey, Overlay Pro- gram, Paving District, and Sidewalk District. For Priority Num- ber 2 he listed Dartmouth Widening, Broadway Planters, Broadway Widening for the entire strip that has not been improved, Union Bridge connector, Rights-of-Ways, Little Dry Creek improvements. His Number 3 priorities included Floyd Avenue at Broadway, Floyd Avenue Extension, Bannock and Sherman improvements, and the Municipal Refuse rated lowest. Mrs. Romans inquired whether the Commissioners had received the memorandum regarding the Old Timers' request to light Denny Miller Field and remodel the building? Everyone had. Mr. Waggoner commented that no funds have been included in either his project requests or Mr . Romans' to pay for the trees that will go in the planters or for the sprinkling system. The total amount of installation of the sprinkling system will probably be around $25,000.00. I 8 • • • Mr. Romans' request which was submitted at the request of the Old Timers Association for lighting of Denny Miller field and the remodeling of the building was discussed . Mr. Nollenberger inquired whether Ms. Pierson's question on the bookmobile garage was answered last time. Mrs. Romans said yes;. it would cost $20,000. Mr. Martin then discussed timing of the budget improvement projects. Ms. Pierson requested a the one on the wall for each Commission member making their decisions relative to priorities. agreed to do so. for the public chart similar to to study when Mrs. Romans It was decided that the resolution for the Housing Authority would be tabled till September 9th. Mrs. Romans mentioned the 104-Unit Housing going to a G.O. Bond Election December 24, 1975, and the reasoning for the postponment of the election to that date . Discussion followed. Under Director's Choice, Mrs. Romans discussed the procedure that is being followed to prepare for the hearings on the amendment to the zoning map, zoning those areas which were R-2-A and R-2-B to R-2 and R-3A and R-3-B to R-3 . Discussion followed pertaining to certain areas and the zoning therein. After lengthy discussion, Mrs. Romans said that they are t rying to set up a hearing for as early in October as possible . Mrs. Romans told about a possible development on the Larwin site. She stated that all Department Heads would be getting a memo on Thursday regarding a meeting to discuss this site and its possible development. A gentleman from Larwin will be in town next week and Mrs. Romans has been in contact with a realtor who is involved in the proposed development •. Discussion followed. Further, Mrs. Romans explained about another gentleman interested in developing the l and on South Cherokee Street north of West Kenyon Avenue which will be zoned. This District permits multi- family development as well as including offices for doctors, lawyers, dentists, architects, engineers. The entity which wants to develop there is a branch of Westinghouse; they want a 1 or 2 story building to house 40 members of their firm, 90% engiIEers, 10% clerical. Mrs . Roma n s stressed how excited this firm is in moving into Englewood and it was concluded that September 9th, 5:30 p.m. would be an appropriate time to meet with them. In closing, it was decided t hat Mrs. Pierson would draw up a resolution for Attorney George Lee who has been appointed to serve as a District Judge . The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M . Donna Sovern ' _9_ Recording Secretary