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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-01-21 PZC MINUTES• • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JANUARY 21, 1975 I . CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Chairman Martin. Members present: Brown; Jorgenson; Lentsch; Martin; Smith; Tanguma; Wade Supinger, Ex-officio Members absent: Jones; Weist Also present: Assistant City Attorney George Lee. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Martin stated that the Minutes of January 7, 1975, were to be considered for approval. Brown moved: Wade seconded: The Minutes of January 7, 1975, be approved as written. AYES: Brown; Jorgenson; Lentsch; Martin; Smith; Tanguma; Wade NAYS: None ABSENT: Weist; Jones The motion carried. III. THE MURPHY CORPORATION Planned Development Lentsch moved: Smith seconded: The Public Hearing be opened. CASE #3-75 AYES: Wade; Brown; Jorgenson; Lentsch; Martin; Smith; Tanguma NAYS: None ABSENT: Weist; Jones The motion carried. Mr. Supinger stated that the application for approval of a Planned Development has been filed by the Murphy Corporation, 3535 South Sherman Street. Mr. Jones entered and took his place with the Commission. - Mr. Supinger stated that a retail/office complex is to be developed in an area generally situated between U.S. Highway 285 and East Hampden Avenue, South Lincoln Street and South Sherman Street. -2- Mr. Martin asked for persons who were opposed to the develop- ment to speak. Mr. Busheff, Mountain Bell Engineer for the Englewood Exchange, stated that Mountain Bell is not opposed to the development; however, there are some problems which will have to be solved before their approval can be obtained. Mr. Weist entered and took his place with the Commission. Mr. Busheff stated that the major problem is with a telephone cable extending south from Hampden; the property will have to be filled, and this will raise the elevation of the buildings too close to the cable. He stated the Murphy Corporation had been advised they would be billed for the relocation of the cable. Mr. Busheff stated there has been inadequate time to really get into the problem; Public Service Company is also involved, and everyone involved has not gotten together to discuss the matter. Mr. Busheff stated he has been informed by a signed agreement regarding the financing before Mountain Bell will move the cable. he was confident the problem can be worked require time. Discussion followed. Mountain Bell that must be obtained Mr. Busheff stated out, but it will Mr. Busheff stated there was an east-west line across the Murphy Corporation property that will be removed at the expense of Mountain Bell; the north/south line will have to be relocated at the expense of the Murphy Corporation. Mr. Lentsch questioned the possibility of placing the cables underground at such time as they are relocated. Mr. Busheff stated his initial contact with the Murphy Corporation had been approximately one year ago at which time they submitted pre- liminary plans for the development, but the project had not been pursued to this point. Discussion followed. Mrs. Wade stated that this is a new development, and it would seem the wise move would be to go underground with the utility service lines. Mr. Busheff again referred to the matter of cost in putting the service lines underground. He noted that Mountain Bell does not bury the lines on private property; the property owner must provide the conduit for the lines. Mountain Bell would provide conduit in "easements" to under- ground the lines. Discussion followed. Mr. Ralph Murphy stated that their initial intention was to bury the utility service lines. They discussed this with representa- tives of PSC and Mountain Bell approximately one year ago, and were given a $20,000 cost estimate. Mr. Murphy stated there • are 10 utility poles on their property, and it was their deter-' mination that the Corporation couldn't put up that kind of money to bur y the lines. Mr. Murphy stated there is one telephone pole that is within the property line, and outside of the uti lity easement. Mr. Busheff noted that the poles were placed in 1952. Discussion followed. • • • -3- Mr. Supinger asked if the Murphy Corporation had any objection to any of the conditions set forth in the staff report? Mr. Ralph Murphy stated there were no objections. Mrs. Wade further questioned the possibility of putting the lines underground at this point? Mr. Murphy reiterated the cost factor. Mr. Supinger stated he felt that putting utility lines under- ground should be approached on an overall district basis; it just is not practical to do it on a piece-meal basis. Mr. Martin noted that in this case the costs are prohibitive, and questioned whether that much would be gained if the lines were put underground. Mr. Lentsch stated that "you have to start somewhere", and stated that he didn't think it makes too much difference on the size of the project. Mr. Tanguma stated he felt the City should require underground utility lines immediately on projects such as this. Mr. Supinger stated that this cost to the developers would be passed on to the tenants, and it may be economically unfeasible because tenants could not afford , to rent space in this develop- ment. Mr. Tanguma asked "are we going to let Englewood grow and beautify Englewood in the manner we should?" He stated he felt a start should have been made five years ago in putting the lines underground, and it will be more expensive in the future if we wait. Mr. Supinger stated that he agreed with Mr. Tanguma, but that this project, in his opinion, is not large enough to justify this sort of cost. Mr. Supinger noted again that the cost will be apportioned to the tenants, and this development will be competing with other retail and office space in the area that has not had to put lines underground. Mr. Tanguma asked how many tenants the development would have? Mr. Murphy stated there would be 24,000 -25,000 sq. ft. rental area. Mr. Lentsch asked if the Murphy Corporation knew the charge per square foot for the new development? Mr. Murphy stated the cost is $6.00/sq. ft. in the present building; this includes janitorial service. In the proposed development, $6.50/sq. ft. is being discussed. Mr. Martin stated that he is very impressed with the present Murphy Corporation structure, and is sure this development will be a "great boon" to the downtown area. Discussion followed. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Tanguma is correct in wanting to start somewhere with the underground service lines; however, in this instance it may well mean the difference between having a development and not having a development. -Discussion ensued. Mr. Lentsch noted the staff report stated nothing about parking . He asked if something on parking should be shown on the Plan? Mr. Supinger stated that the proposed parking for the development meets the standards for parking areas. Mr. Supinger noted that if the P.D. is approved, this plan would be filed, and the development must be according to the filed plan. -4- Mr. Brown asked about the finish and structure of the buildings? Mr. Murphy stated they would be similar to the existing building; ~ stucco with a shake shingle roof, and they will use "lots of W glass". Brown moved: Wade seconded: The Public Hearing be closed. AYES: Tanguma; Wade; Weist; Brown; Jones; Jorgenson; Lentsch; Martin; Smith NAYS: None The motion carried. Brown moved: Wade seconded: The Planning Commission approve and recommend to City Council the approval of Planned Develop- ment application #73209, to be developed in the 3500 block between Lincoln and Sherman, for the following reasons: 1. The proposed Planned Development is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan, which projects a business use for this area of the City. 2. The proposed retail and office uses of the site are per- mitted uses in the B-1, Business District, §22.4-10 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 3. The project as proposed appears to be tastefully done. Access to the site is sufficient and the architectural style of the proposed buildings will be similar to the existing Murphy Corporation office building. This approval and recommendation is subject to compliance with the following conditions: 1. A fire hydrant shall be installed on the southwest corner of the site. 2. The storm run-off shall be collected on-site and piped to the storm sewers in the adjacent streets. 3. Agreements must be reached with Mountain Bell and Public Service Company as to the location of utility service before building permits are issued. Mr. Tanguma offered an amendment to the motion, requiring the development to have underground service for telephone and electrical lines. The amendment died for lack of second. The vote was called on Mr. Brown's motion: AYES: Smith; Wade; Weist; Brown; Jones; Jorgenson; Lentsch; Martin NAYS: Tanguma The motion carried. • • -5- IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Supinger referred to a memorandum from City Manager Mccown regarding reappointments to Boards and Commissions. It was noted that the terms of Mr. Lentsch and Mr. Weist will expire February 1, 1975. However, City Council has asked these members to serve until reappointments or new appointments can be made. Discussion ensued. Mr. Brown noted that Council has asked for no recommendations from the Commission as a body. Individuals are asked to notify Council in writing if they are interested in serving on the Commission. Mr. Supinger called the Commission's attention to memorandums from Mr. Bittner and himself regarding property at 2650 West Union Avenue. This property is used as a storage area for insurance adjusters, and is in compliance with the Commission's conditions for approval. Mr. Supinger stated that maps showing the existing street rights-of-way have been distributed to the Commission. These maps will be used in conjunction with further discussion on the Master Street Plan. Mr. Martin noted that he hoped new appoint- ments to the Commission would be determined soon, inasmuch as several items have been delayed for study sessions until the membership of the Commission is determined. Mr. Supinger stated that regarding the proposed regulations for Movement and Demolition of Structures, he has obtained some information, but additional · information should be in hand prior to further discussion. He stated he would hope to have all the information at the next meeting. V. COMMISSION'S CHOICE Mr. Martin stated he had received a notice regarding a seminar on open lands, sponsored by Colorado Open Land Foundation, Inc., and the U.S. Department of the Interior. This seminar will be held Friday, February 7, 1975, at the Regency Inn of Denver, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mr. Martin stated he would not attend, but would like to see someone from the Commission do so. Mr. Jorgenson stated he would attempt to attend this Conference. Mr. Lentsch stated that he voted to approve the Planned Development because he hates to stiffle development; however, he does feel that Mr. Tanguma has a strong argument regarding underground utility lines. Mr. Lentsch questioned if there were some way the staff could inform developers the Commission wants utility lines underground? Discussion followed. Mr. Supinger stated that possibly the staff could-make a report back to the Commission on the possibility of undergrounding the utilities and the cost differences. -6- Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt the Commission had failed to live up to the expectations of City Council by their decision • this evening to not require the utility lines be underground in the Murphy Corporation development. Mr. Martin stated that he felt the Commission must look at both sides of the situation, and it's easy enough to require something such as undergrounding of utility service ''when you are spending someone else's money.'' The possibility of drafting an Ordinance requiring utility service lines to be underground in new developments was discussed. Mr. Tanguma stated he would like to ask that the staff draft such an ordinance for presentation to Council. Mr. Jones discussed the franchise basis on which the City operates with both Mountain Bell and Public Service Company. He suggested that putting utility lines undergroung might best be accomplished through a special improvement district. Mr. Jones stated he doubted that an Ordinance prepared re- garding putting the lines underground would accomplish anything, as any change in such policies would have to be conditioned around the franchise and PUC. Mr. Jones further discussed the service from Mountain Bell and PSC, and stated he understood the PSC was contemplating elimination of the Lincola Street sub-station. He stated he would be happy to look into this matter. Lentsch moved: Tanguma seconded: The staff be requested to conduct a study on the feasibility of requiring utility service cables to be underground. AYES: Lentsch; Martin; Smith; Tanguma; Wade; Weist; Jones; Jorgenson NAYS: None ABSENT: Brown The motion carried. Mr. Martin stated that the Commission is in receipt of a written report by Mr. Jorgenson regarding the Boulder Planning Conference which was held in December, 1974. Mr. Jones stated that his report is not completed at this time. Brief discussion followed. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. • . I · ) • e:~. ---rru --...,, -7- MEMORANDUM TO THE EN GLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: January 21, 1975 SUBJE CT: Approval of Murphy Corporation Planned Development RECOM MENDATION: Brown moved: Wade s ec onded: The Planning Commission approve and recommend to City Council the approval of Planned Develop- ment applicati on #732 09, to be developed in the 3500 block between Lincoln and Sherman, for the following reasons: 1. TI1e proposed Planned Development is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan, which projects a business use for this area of the City. 2. The proposed retail and office uses of the site are per- mitted uses in the B-1 , Business District, §22.4-10 of th e Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 3. The project as proposed appears to be tastefully done. Access to the site is sufficient and the architectural style of the proposed buildings will be simila~·to the existing Murphy Corporation office building. ' . This ap p r o val and recommendat ion is subject to compliance with the f o ll o wing c o nditions: 1. A fire hydrant shall be installed on the southwest corner of the site. 2. The storm run-off shall be collected on-site and piped to the storm sewers in the adjacent streets. 3. Agreements must be reached with Mountain Bell and Public S ervice Company as to the location of utility service before building permits are issued o AYES: Smith; Wade; Weist; Brown; Jones; Jorgenson ; Lentsch; Martin; NAYS : Ta nguma The motion ca rried . Respectfully submitted, By Order of the-City Planning and Zoning Commission .