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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-03-21 PZC MINUTES• • • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION March 21, 1989 I. CALL TO ORDER. D R A F T The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Volkema. Members present: Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Barber, Becker, Carson, Draper, Fish, Gerlick Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: None Members 1 ate: None Also present: D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development Susan Hirsch, Senior Planner Rick DeWitt, City Attorney Mr. Volkema declared a quorum of the Commission present. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. March 7, 1989 Chairman Volkema stated that the Minutes of March 7, 1989 were to be con- sidered for approval. Carson moved: Draper seconded: The Minutes of March 7, 1989 be approved as written . Mrs. Becker pointed out a typographical error on Page 3 of the Minutes --the word should be They and not The. Mr. Carson and Mr. Draper accepted Mrs. Becker's correction, and upon the call of the role: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Tobin, Volkema, Barber, Becker, Carson, Draper, Gerlick, Schultz None Fish None Mr. Fish raised a point of order: that members who were absent at a previous meeting should abstain from voting on matters such as approval of Minutes. Chairman Volkema stated that he had seen the procedures followed both ways -- requiring abstention, and permitting voting if the members have read the Mi- nutes and feel comfortable voting on them. Chairman Volkema ruled that he would allow the vote to stand, and ruled the Minutes approved as corrected . -1 - III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENT STREET VACATION ALLEY VACATION CASE #14-88 (Remanded) CASE #18-88 (Remanded) CASE #19-88 (Remanded) Mr. Carson stated that his wife has recently begun working part time for Swedish Medical Center, and that he will abstain from participating in the Public Hearing and decisions regarding these matters. Mr. Carson then took a seat in the audience for the duration of the Public Hearing and discussion. Mr. Volkema asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Fish moved: Gerlick seconded: The Public Hearing on the Swedish Medical Center Planned Development be opened. AYES : NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Volkema, None Carson None Barber, Becker, Draper, Fish, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin The motion carried. • Mr. Volkema asked that everyone recognize that while requests for street and alley vacations do not require a public hearing, the request for the vacation of the south 366.10 feet of the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania, and for the vacation of the north 375 feet of the South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley in the 3400 block, will be included in and discussed during the course of the • Public Hearing on the Planned Development. Decisions, however, will be made on each case individually. He stated that he would presume the applicant's presentation would address the matter of the vacations as a part of the over- all development proposal. Mr. Volkema asked City Attorney DeWitt for clarification on why the City Coun- cil remanded these cases to the Planning Commission. Mr. DeWitt stated that City Council wants to make sure there is a full exploration of everything in- volved in this request, and it was a mutual agreement between City Council, the applicant, and legal counsel for the opponents that the requests be re- manded to the Commission. Mrs. Becker asked if the Commission could under- stand from Mr. DeWitt's statement that the matters were not remanded because of improper procedure. Mr. DeWitt stated that he did not believe this was the reason for the action on the part of Council remanding the matters to the Commission. Mr. Volkema asked for the presentation by the staff. Susan Hirsch, Senior Planner in the Department of Community Development, was sworn in. Ms. Hirsch presented Mr. Volkema with City Exhibit #1, the Cer- tification of Posting for the 12 signs which were installed at various loca- tions on the property to give notice of the Public Hearing, and City Exhibit #2, a copy of the Public Notice which was published in the Englewood Sentinel on March 1, 1989. Ms. Hirsch referred to a map which will be City Exhibit #3; a copy of the Zoning Map, which is City Exhibit #4. The Staff Report is City • Exhibit #5, and the files on these cases will be City Exhibit #6. -2 - • • • Ms. Hirsch testified that Swedish Medical Center is the applicant, and the request is for approval of a Planned Development, the vacation of the South 366.10 feet of South Pennsylvania Street in the 3400 block, and the vacation of the north 375 feet of the South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley in the 3400 block. Ms. Hirsch stated that the discussions with Swedish Medical Center began in August, 1988 at which time the Medical Center brought in plans for Medical Office Building #2 (MOB II). During the course of discussions, the plans for the total campus were brought up and the City staff suggested that, even though it is not required, it would be of assistance in evaluating the overall plans if a Planned Development were to be presented. The Medical Cen- ter complied with this suggestion, and submitted an application for approval of the Planned Deve 1 opment in September, 1988, which was submitted to the Planning Commission for information on October 4, 1988. A Public Hearing be- fore the Commission was scheduled for November 15, 1988, and was continued to December 13, 1988. On December 13, 1988, following the completion of the Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to favorably recommend the Planned Development and the vacation of the south 366.10 feet of the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania Street and the north 375 feet of the 3400 block South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley to City Council. A Public Hearing was held before City Council on January 16, 1989, and continued to February 21, 1989. On February 21, 1989, the City Council voted to remand the request from Swedish Medical Center to the Planning Commission for rehearing. Ms. Hirsch stated that the Planned Development site plan encompasses an area bounded by East Girard Avenue, East Hampden Avenue, South Emerson Street and South Logan Street. The main campus of Swedish Medical Center is bounded by East Girard Avenue, East Hampden Avenue, South Logan Street and South Clarkson Street, and is the site of the proposed development. The three main compo- nents of the specific plan for the main campus are the construction of the Medical Office Building II (MOB II); an addition on the west side of the hospital itself, part of which will house a new ICU unit; and a parking struc- ture adjacent to South Logan and East Girard Avenue. The MOB II is under con- struction at the present time, and will contain 61,800 square feet, and re- quire 206 off street parking spaces. There will be a link between MOB II and the existing parking structure on the south side of Hampden Avenue, which will be an overhead covered wa 1 kway, and an at-grade 1 ink to MOB I. Ms. Hi rs ch stated that the proposed add ition to the hospital facility on the west side of the main facility will accommodate the immediate construction of the new In- tensive Care Unit (ICU) on the southern portion, and an improvement to and enlargement of the emergency room services are to be added at a future date on the northwest portion of the hospital. The parking structure will be accom- plished in phases, the first phase of which will accommodate 312 pa r king spaces. Access to this parking structure will be from South Logan Street, and via the proposed cul-de-sac on South Pennsylvania Street. The access from South Logan Street will be to the ground level of the structure, and the ac- cess from the cul-de-sac will be to the upper parking levels. Ms. Hirsch addressed the request to have the south 366.10 feet of South Penn- sylvania Street in the 3400 block vacated, and to have the north 375 feet of the South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley vacated. A cul-de-sac will be con- structed on the south end of the the portion of South Pennsylvania Street which is to remain open, which cul-de-sac will provide access and turning ma- neuverabi 1 ity for the Dunn properties at 3419 South Pennsylvania Street and 3430 South Pennsylvania Street, as well as provide access to the proposed parking structure. The cul-de-sac will be designed as a "hammerhead". The South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley will remain open on the south end of the -3 - block , and the Medical Center will dedicate a 25 foot easement from South Lo- gan Street east to the existing alley to provide circulation on the south end • of the block. Ms. Hirsch stated that in considering the Planned Development, the Commission should keep in mind the following items: (1) The property has been properly posted by the placement of 12 signs; (2) Proper publication was given in the Englewood Sentinel on March 1, 1989; (3) Whether or not the use proposed in the development plan is a Permitted Use in the underlying Zone District. Ms. Hirsch pointed out that a Planned Development is an overlay of an existing zone district, and does not change the basic zoning of a property. The fourth (4th) item to keep in mind is whether the proposal is consistent with the Com- prehensive Plan. The 1979 Comprehensive Plan does not specifically address the main campus of the Medical Center, but does address the peripheral areas to the south, east, and west. These areas are designated to serve as a cata- lyst for medically oriented activities. The fifth (5th) matter the Commission should remember is the relationship of the proposed Planned Development to the surrounding area. Ms. Hirsch stated that there have been questions regarding the traffic impact that the proposed development will have on the neighbor- hood. The applicants have conducted traffic studies, and have said that they will upgrade the signalization at the intersections of Girard and Logan, and at Hampden and Logan. The City Traffic Engineer has indicated that, in his opinion, South Logan will function at the same capacity following the upgrad- ing of the two intersections as it does at the present time. The sixth (6th) item to consider is the matter of screening/landscaping . Ms. Hirsch stated that the R-3 Zone District requires 25% of the area to be landscaped, and the applicant is providing an area equal to 30% in landscaping. Ms . Hirsch stated that the R-3 Zone District requires a front setback of 15 feet for a three story structure, and a 25 foot setback for a six story structure. The pro-• posed parking structure when completed will, in actuality, be only four and one-half stories above grade, and the staff is interpreting the requirement for a setback to be 20 feet. Ms. Hirsch stated that one of the facets of a Planned Development is that re- quirements such as setbacks may be altered through the Planned Development process without having to go to the Board of Adjustment & Appeals. This pro- vides more flexibility for developers than the standard development procedure . The applicant is requesting an 11 foot setback along South Logan Street, and a 15 foot setback along East Girard Avenue. A two foot setback, in addition to the 16 foot alley, is being provided on the west side of the ICU addition, which will be adjacent to the Dunn's property at 3430 South Pennsylvania Street . The applicant has stated that they will provide additional landscap- ing on the east side of the alley right-of-way if allowed to do so . Adequate open space is another requirement the Commission must keep in mind when con- sidering the Planned Development. Ms. Hirsch stated that the applicant has provided a nice relief and buffering throughout the proposed project. The overall development will require 1,404 off street parking spaces, and 1,408 spaces are being provided. There will be adequate off-street parking at all stages of the development, and alternate parking sites will be provided during the period of construction. Ms. Hirsch stated that the zoning designation of this site is R-3, High Densi- ty Residence, which zone district allows high density residential uses, • offices, and hospitals and accessory parking structures . There is a provision -4 - • • • that a 25 foot setback/buffer must be provided when a multi-family zone dis- trict abuts a "single-family use district". Ms. Hirsch stated that the staff has taken the position that this provision does not apply in this case, be- cause while the properties owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are single-family in use, they are single-family uses within the R-3, High Density Residence Zone District. Ms. Hirsch stated that there will handicapped parking and access provided throughout the development, and bicycle racks will also be provided. Ms. Hirsch stated that the staff is of the opinion that the applicant has com- plied with the requirements for a Planned Development, and the Department of Community Development recommends approval . Mr. Volkema asked if there were questions from the Commission of Ms. Hirsch. Mr. Barber asked why there was no provision of a 25 foot buffer between the single-family district to the north across East Girard Avenue and the parking garage . Ms . Hirsch stated that this provision is normally not required when the districts are separated by a street. Mr. Wanush agreed with Ms. Hirsch's interpretation. Mr. Fish asked if the parking structure would occupy one-half of the vacated alley. Ms. Hirsch stated that it would not; there will be an 8 foot setback --the width of one-half of the alley that would revert to Swedish Medical Center --if the alley is vacated. Ms. Becker asked why the portion of the non-vacated alley on the east of the 3430 South Pennsylvania did not show as an alley on the map. Ms. Hirsch stated that the alley was shown in the same color on the display as the Dunn property inasmuch, as it's only purpose is to provide access to their garage. Mr. Volkema asked if anyone else wished to ask questions of staff. Hearing no further questions, Mr. Volkema asked that the applicant present their case. Ms . Patricia Merck, 501 East Hampden Avenue, General Counsel for Swedish Medi - ca 1 Center, was sworn in. Ms. Merck testified that the concerns of the Swedish Medical personnel were that at the first public hearing in November of 1988, procedural issues were raised by the legal counsel for Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. While she felt that the issues raised were technical, they were chal- 1 enged, and Swedish representatives are concerned that a 11 the residents of the area be gi ven the opportunity to have their concerns aired. Ms. Me r ck stated that Swedish representatives felt it was very important to begin the process anew, and give the community an opportunity to learn what is proposed, and to voice their opinions. Ms. Merck stated that the ICU improvements are necessary, and they do want to move ahead with their proposed deve 1 opment program. Mr. Nick Roccaforte, 501 East Hampden Avenue, Vice President of Swedish Medi- cal Center for Corporate Development, was sworn in. Mr. Roccaforte presented a slide program (slides designated as Applicant's Exhibit Al through AlO) depicting the overall campus, the site plan for MOB II, the elevations of MOB I I from both the front and the rear; the site of the parking structure and west expansion; the parking and landscaping plan; the parking elevations, and elevations of the ICU in relation to the Dunn property. -5 - Mr. Roccaforte stated that MOB II will provide space for 40 physicians who will bring their practices to the Englewood area. The building will be five stories in height, and will be connected to the Medical Center, MOB I, and the existing parking structure. The parking structure will accommodate 312 vehicles in the first phase; even- tual construction will accommodate 600 vehicles. The lower level will be as- signed, controlled parking, and will have 100 spaces. Access to this lower level will be from the proposed accessway from South Logan Street. The expansion and improvement of the ICU facilities was discussed by Mr. Roc - caforte. He stated that when they were determining the best location for the ICU facilities, they had to take into consideration the internal flow of ac- tivity, and determined that location on the southwest portion of the hospital facility was the proper site; this will have ICU in close proximity to the surgical wards, the emergency rooms, the laboratory, radiology, and the pro- posed Heart Catheterization area. All of these uses are concentrated on the third floor, and they will be on the third floor level of the new ICU also. The present ICU facilities are almost 20 years old; there have been numerous improvements in the state-of-the-art equipment and technology which Swedish does not have and cannot accommodate in their present facilities. These im- provements are needed to provide their patients with the quality of care that the patients deserve, and that Swedish prides itself on giving. • Mr. Roccaforte discussed the requests for vacation of the street and alley rights-of-way. There will be a main entrance to the parking structure from the east at East Girard Avenue and South Pennsylvania Street; the entrance will cross the alley between South Logan and South Pennsylvania streets. and this is one of the reasons that the alley vacation has been requested. There • is a walkway proposed from the parking structure to the Medical Center itself, which will also cross the alley and the street, so the vacation of those rights-of-way are necessary for the safety of the pedestrians (employees and/ or out patients and visitors). The dock and loading area of the Medical Cen- ter has access at the present time from South Pennsylvania Street, which is a public street. The large semi-trucks have to back in from the street, which inhibits the flow of traffic and is dangerous. Therefore, they are proposing the closure of the south 366.10 feet of South Pennsylvania, and providing an interior maneuvering space for the large trucks, which will then have direct access from Logan. The new ICU unit will, by necessity of design, be con- structed right to if not into the existing right-of-way for South Pennsylva- nia. Mr. Roccaforte stated that they do not want to build the ICU unit di- rectly over the loading dock area because of the fumes, noise, etc. which is not something one wants by an ICU area. Mrs. Becker asked if the maps before the Commission were in error, and cited Mr. Roccaforte's statement that the ICU unit could be built to, or into, the existing street right-of-way. Mr. Roccaforte stated that the drawings before the Commission are "conceptual" and schematic, and that the exact location of a structure is not pinpointed. Mrs. Becker inquired about the size of delivery trucks that are anticipated to use the loading facilities. Mr. Roccaforte stated that semi-trailer trucks as well as step vans make deliveries to the hospital. Mr. Fish inquired about the elevation change between the Dunn property (3419 • South Pennsylvania) and the south side of the parking lot. Mr. Roccaforte -6 - • • • stated that there will be no elevation change proposed to the parking lot south of the Dunn property. There is a sma 11 garage on the Medi ca 1 Center property which may be torn down. Mr. Roccaforte estimated there is approxi- mately a four foot drop in elevation. Mr. Fish asked if it is feasible to access the a 11 ey from the Dunn property. Mr. Rocca forte stated that while access to the alley would not be "impossible", concrete retaining walls would have to be removed, and leveling would have to occur to make direct access to the alley from the Dunn property available. Mrs. Tobin inquired about the location of the emergency entrance and parking lot for the main hospital facility. Mr. Roccaforte stated that these lo c a- tions will remain the same. When future construction on the emergency ser- vices area does occur, the parking 1 ot for emergency room patients wil 1 be moved to the west. Mr. Fish stated that Mr. Roccaforte has given good reasons for the construc- tion and 1 ocat ion of the proposed ICU; and asked why the parking structure needs a reduction in the required setback. Mr. Roccaforte stated that in developing the parking structure, they took into consideration the number of vehicles they needed to accommodate, which is 312 at the present time, and an eventual figure of 600 to comply with the requirements for the total bu i ldout. The constraints of the site, i.e., 125 foot depth, also had to be taken into consideration, as well as the width of vehicles, driving aisles, support columns, etc. In an attempt to keep the parking structure relatively "low profile", it was designed closer to the street than the minimum requirements. If the full setback requirements are met, then the structure would have to be increased in height to accommodate the same number of vehicles. Mr . Barber asked why the parking structure could not be partly below grade. Mr. Roc- caforte stated that part of the structure would be below grade as it is desig- ned , and from a practical standpoint, they do not want to go lower than it is designed. Not only would this be more expensive, but it would also create an awkward traffic flow for ingress and egress, and they would run into adverse soil conditions. Mr. Fish asked if the walkway to the medical office building across Hampden Avenue from the existing parking structure was enclosed. Mr. Roccaforte stated that it is. Mr. Gerlick asked if there was sufficient room for semi trucks to maneuver in the dock and 1 oadi ng area. Mr. Rocca forte stated that the semis would have sufficient space to pull in, turn, and back into the loading area and this would all be accomplished off-street. Mr. Roccaforte stated that he wanted to discuss the involvement of the Medical Center with the community, and stated that Swedish Medical Center is a 328 bed community hospital; almost 30% of the employees of the Hospital are residents of the City of Englewood. He stated that the hospital is faced with a period of reconstruction and rejuvenation, and that in the last year, the Hospital has had to ask for the early retirement of 50 of their employees . The ad- mi ni strati on does not want this policy to continue, and is trying to take steps to eliminate this policy. Mr. Roccaforte stated of their total payroll, $4.3 million went to residents of Englewood in the last year. In 1988, the Medical Center purchased over $823,000 in supplies from local Englewood ven- dors, the hospital maintains a list of vendors of which over 80 are located in Englewood. -7 - Mr. Roccaforte stated that the hospital has developed a number of services for the community center, the la test being the designation of SMC as the south metro area trauma center for critically injured patients. They will have • Board-certified surgeons in-house 24 hours per day to staff the trauma center. In 1988, over 500 patients were treated in the trauma center. Another program that is being established is a pediatric program, as well as a cardio-vascular program. The establishment of these programs will mean that Englewood resi- dents will not have to go to a hos pita 1 out of the City of Englewood for treatment. In the past, three to five people per week were referred to another medical facility because of the lack of space in the ICU at Swedish Medical Center. The average stay in ICU is 5 days, and he estimated a loss of revenue of ap- proximately $741,000 per year because of the necessity to refer patients to other ICU facilities. Mr. Roccaforte stated that in the three year period since 1985, $375,000 has been paid in use tax to the City of Englewood. It is estimated that with the construction of MOB II, the parking structure, and the ICU facility, an addi- tional $335,000 of revenue will be generated for the City. Mr. Roccaforte discussed another service that Swedish is involved in, that being the care of the indigent population of the Community. They have worked with the doctors in the community to form the Doctor's Care Program to serve the people who cannot afford medical care. A $200,000 fund was established to pay the cost of providing care to these individuals, and the physicians have been willing to donate their time to provide care for these people. Mr. Roccaforte closed his portion of the presentation by stating that Swedish • Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the City of Englewood, and it is the goal of the Medical Center to provide the best possible medical care to the community. Robert Leigh, traffic consultant with Leigh, Scott & Cleary, 1889 York Street, Denver, was sworn in. Mr. Leigh submitted his resume for the record, as well as a copy of the "Traffic Impact Analysis Swedish Medical Center", which docu- ments were tagged as applicants exhibit Al2 and All, respectively. Mr. Leigh stated that his firm has been established since 1975, and has done work for the City of Englewood in the past, and has worked with a number of the metro area hospitals in projecting traffic impacts. Mr. Leigh stated that the as- signment for Swedish Medical Center was to determine the traffic impact the proposed development program will have on the surrounding neighborhood. The development program includes not only the construction of the MOB II, the ICU facility, and the parking structure, but also the request to vacate the right- of-way in the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania and the South Logan/South Penn- sylvania alley. Mr. Leigh stated that traffic counts have been taken at all the major intersections in the neighborhood; counts have been taken of traffic using the parking lots at the Medical Center; counts have been taken of pa- tient traffic in and out of MOB I; and counts have been taken of the trucks loading and unloading at the Medical Center. Mr. Leigh stated that the pro- posed ICU facility will require a change in the parking locations, and MOB II will change the parking needs. An effort will be directed to encourage more employees to park in the new parking structure on the west side of the development project, thus freeing up space in the existing garage for use by • persons going to MOB II. Mr. Leigh stated that South Logan Street will have -8 - • • • more traffic as a result of the construction program, approximately 900 addi- tional vehicles per day. The traffic that now uses South Pennsylvania Street to access the SMC surface parking 1 ots wi 11 use both South Logan and South Pennsylvania off of East Girard Avenue to access the parking facility. Mr. Leigh stated that while the number of vehicles per day that presently use South Pennsylvania Street will be decreased with the new development program, the traffic using the north portion of the block will not be eliminated be- cause that will be a primary point of access to the parking facility and sur- face lots on South Pennsylvania. Mr. Leigh stated that motorists that use South Pennsylvania Street as a ''through street" to U.S. 285 would be better advised to use South Logan Street because there is a controlled intersection at Logan and 285. The amount of traffic per day on South Pennsylvania Street north of Girard Avenue is esti- mated at less than 300 vehicles per day, and there is very little "through" traffic on Pennsylvan i a at the present time. Mr. Leigh stated that a major effect of the proposed parking facility wi 11 be to relieve much of the "on street" parking that now uses the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania Street. More employees and clients will have an opportunity to park in a safe, con- venient, and well lighted garage. Mr. Leigh stated that he has discussed the upgrading of the signals on South Logan Street at East Girard Avenue and East Hampden Avenue with Ci t y Traffic Engineer Plizga. The upgradings will be tied into the main City signal system, and would be responsive to traffic on South Logan Street. Mr. Volkema asked if there were questions of Mr. Leigh from members of the Commission. Mrs. Becker asked for clarification of an "eight phase" signal; Mr. Leigh defined the "eight phase" signal . Mr. Fi sh stated that it appears that the intersection of Hampden and South Clarkson would not be affected by the traffic increase, that most of the im- pact will be on South Logan Street. Mr. Leigh stated that there will be new traffic generated on the peripheral streets, but the heaviest impact will be on South Logan Street. Mr. Barber asked how much on-street parking would be reduced by the construc- tion of the new parking structure. Mr. Leigh stated that he could not cite a specific figure, but poi nted out that the location of the parking structure will be very convenient for employee parking. Mr. Barber asked if counts had been made of employee on-street parking. Mr. Leigh stated that this count was not done. Mr. Volkema asked if there were further questions of Mr. Leigh. Mrs. Becker asked how long Logan can be anticipated to handle the increased traffic; will the street have to be widened in the foreseeable future. Mr. Leigh stated that their study indicates that Logan has the capacity to handle the traffic projections and growth for up to 10 years. He estimated traffic volume growth has been about 3% per year. He stated that one possibility to consider is the restriction of on-street parking along Logan. Mr. William Keller, Civil Engineer with Robinson & Keller, 3001 South Jamaica Court, Suite 100, Aurora, Colorado was sworn in. Mr. Keller discussed his background and work experience, 17 years of which have been in the Denver Metropolitan area. Mr. Keller stated that his firm has prepared a master drainage study and the development plan for Swedish Medical Center, as well as the preliminary utility and grading plan. Also, a boundary survey of all the -9 - properties owned by SMC has been done, and they have compiled a list of adja- cent home owners which has been provided to City staff. Mr. Keller stated that his firm has determined the final grading plan for MOB II, the parking • structure, and for the addition to the hospital facility itself. Mr. Keller stated that they have also prepared legal descriptions for the retention of utility easements in the Logan/Pennsylvania alley and South Pennsylvania. They have also prepared a legal description for the air rights for the walk- ways between MOB II and the existing parking facility on East Hampden Avenue, and an easement description for Public Service Company which would serve MOB I and MOB I I. Mr. Keller stated that the traffic circulation patterns for the SMC and the surrounding neighborhood were studied. Mr. Keller stated that the walkway from the proposed parking structure to the hospital facility is proposed as an open walkway at the present time, though it is planned that it will be covered at some time in the future. Mr. Keller addressed Mr. Barber's earlier question as to why the parking structure could not have been partially below-grade. Mr. Keller stated that the main entrance from South Logan Street is at ground level, and also the issue of drainage had to be considered. By constructing the parking structure at grade, this will eliminate the need to pump water from around the founda- tion. Mr. Keller also addressed the size of the garage, corroborating Mr. Leigh's earlier statement of the size of pillars, width of vehicles, aisles, etc. which had to be considered in determining the size of the structure and the number of vehicles that will have to be accommodated. Mr. Keller stated that no new water lines will have to be constructed in the project, but one line will have to be relocated. Mr. Keller discussed the • sanitary sewer needs, and noted that there is an existing sanitary sewer line. The City is requiring that public use and private use be separated, and they have redesigned the line to provide for that separation . Mr. Keller stated that the sewer lines in the Logan/Pennsylvania alley will remain, and that an easement would be retained to provide access to the sewer lines, which serve the Dunn properties. Mr. Keller stated that there are also gas, electrical, Mountain Bell, and Cable Television lines in the alley, and all utilities would be able to maintain their lines by the retention of the easement. Mr. Keller stated that the master drainage plan for the main SMC campus has been designed, and provision will be made to provide detention for more than a two-year storm on site. Mr. Keller discussed fire protection, and stated that the Fi re Department has viewed the proposed development pl ans and asked for the installation of additional hydrants. The overall parking plan for the development was discussed by Mr. Keller, who stated that the total required is 1,404 and the SMC will be providing 1,408. The 1,408 will be provided at the total buildout of MOB II and the ICU. The parking facility will contain 312 spaces initially, with the possibility of ultimately accommodating 600 vehicles. Mr. Keller stated that trash removal and mail service to the Dunn properties will continue unchanged. Mr. Keller stated that 25% of the site is required to be landscaped, and they • are providing landscaping for 30% of the overall campus site. Mr. Keller -10 - • • • stated that SMC will provide a well landscaped area, and that it will be well maintained . Mr. Draper asked about motorists who will attempt to make a left turn into the parking structure from South Logan Street; he asked how this would be handled. Mr. Keller stated that South Logan Street could be striped to allow for a left-turn pocket, even though they do not feel it is warranted at the present time. If a left-turn pocket is to be allowed, on-street parking will have to be restricted for the length of the left-turn pocket. Mr. Fish asked why the parking structure appears to be "indented" on the corner and not squared off. Mr. Keller stated that the interior parking pat- tern doesn't allow vehicles to be parked in corners and this was an area that could be "cut back". Mr. Keller contrasted the setbacks on the existing park- ing facility, which setbacks are 5 feet, with those setbacks for the proposed parking facility, which will be 11 feet. Mrs. Becker asked for clarification of the storm drainage detention plan. Mr. Keller explained that there will be a "ponding" of 4" to 6" in specific areas, and the water will be allowed to drain off slowly over a period of time. Mr. Keller submitted the following exhibits: Al3 Mr. Keller's resume. Al4 Preliminary Drainage Report for SMC Al5 South Pennsylvania Street Cul-de-Sac Al6 Cover Sheet & Design Specs for Parking Structure Al7 Sanitary Seer Plan and Profile A18 Improvement Survey Plat -SMC/MOB II A19 Signage and Striping Plan A20 Legal Descriptions (8) prepared for SMC * * * * * * * * * * Chairman Volkema declared a 15 minute recess of the Commission at 9:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m. with the following members present: Barber, Becker, Draper, Fish, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema Wanush, Ex-officio Mr. Carson had earlier stated he would not participate in the Public Hearing, and was seated with members of the audience. * * * * * * * * * * Dr. Robert Gillespie, 950 East Harvard Avenue, was sworn in and testified that he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Swedish Medical Center. Dr. Gillespie stated that he has been practicing medicine in the south metropoli- tan area for 15 years, and that the cooperative efforts between Porter Memo- rial Hospital and Swedish Medical Center have had to cease because of ac- creditation requirements . Dr. Gillespie stated that there were 2,385 patients in ICU last year. The ICU contains 26 beds, and was built approximately 20 years ago. The ICU is really two units, one of which contains 14 beds and is an "open" concept, which is fine for the nursing staff, but does not provide privacy and quiet for the patients. The rooms in ICU that are "private" are too small by today's standards to accommodate the state-of-the-art equipment -11 - that is required. The average size of the existing rooms is 100 sq. ft., and an ideal size would be 250 sq. ft. to 260 sq. ft. Or. Gillespie stated that • in the existing ICU it is difficult to provide isolation for some patients who require it, citing a viral problem that personnel had to deal with, and five of the patients who contracted the virus were quartered in the "open" ICU area. Dr. Gillespie also pointed out that hospitals must provide isolation areas for AIDS patients. The existing ICU private rooms do not provide toilet facilities; these have to be brought in for the patients. There is insuffi- cient waiting areas for family members of patients in the ICU, and it is very difficult to hire and retain a good nursing staff when nurses are required to work under the conditions that prevail in the SMC ICU. The nurses take pride in their work and they need and want a good environment so that they can pro- vide the quality care patients expect and deserve. Dr. Gillespie discussed the designation of Swedish Medical Center as a trauma center in the south metropolitan area. SMC is one of three major trauma cen- ters in Denver, the other two being at St. Anthony north, and at Denver Genera 1 Hospita 1. The other two trauma centers are "closed staff", meaning that only doctors on the staff at that particular hospital may treat the pa- tients. Dr. Gillespie stated that it is very important for the south metropolitan area to have a trauma center, and this puts an added respon- sibility on the ICU personnel. Dr. Gillespie stated that there have been a number of patients diverted to other facilities because of the ICU overload at SMC. Dr. Gillespie discussed the Cardiology unit, and the ''invasive treatment" pro- gram for this service. A Catheterization Lab is proposed, and there must be a top quality ICU available. Mrs. Becker asked when medical center administrators make plans for an ICU or trauma center, are they being responsive to a medical board that says this may be needed in a specific area, or is this decision made by each hospital. Dr. Gillespie stated that there is an ICU advisory committee for Swedish Medical Center, and the former State-wide Planning Committee for medical services no longer exists. Dr. Gi 11 es pie stated that the spirit of cooperation between SMC and Porter Memorial Hospital has deteriorated, and cited the fact that there is a difference in philosophies between a community hospital (SMC), and one that is administered by a Board of Directors in another state. Ms. Mary Smith, 769 Detroit, Denver, was sworn in and testified that she has been employed by SMC for 10 years, the last six years in the ICU. For the last year, she has served as the ICU educator in charge of educating nurses in ICU care and new techniques. Ms. Smith stated there is a need for a new ICU to enable the SMC personnel to give patients quality care; the existing quarters are in a small area, and in some cases when there is need to bring a lot of emergency equipment in for a patient that has "gone bad" there is in- sufficient room to maneuver, which inhibits the care for that patient. SMC does not have a state-of-the-art ICU, and critical care nurses are in high demand, and SMC does not have the kind of environment to attract good critical care nurses. Ms. Smith stressed the need to have the ICU and other critical care support units, such as radiology, X-Ray, Surgery, etc., on the same floor in the same general vicinity. Ms. Smith stated that there is a holistic as well as a medical approach to healing, and this cannot be accomplished without the provision of privacy and dignity to the patients. -12 - • • • • • Mr. Harris Cohn, Chairman of the Board for Swedish Medical Center, 1585 South Eudora Street, Denver, was sworn in. Mr. Cohn stressed that SMC is a communi- ty hospital dedicated to providing only the highest quality services and care to our community. The hospita 1 is independent, and owned by the community. The Board of Directors are volunteer membe r s, not paid members, who are serv- ing on the Board because they want SMC to remain a community hospital. Mr. Cohn stated that whatever revenues that are brought in go back t o the communi- ty, and/or into the hospital. Mr. Cohn again stressed the com mu nity orienta- tion of the SMC, and their dedication to providing the highest quality medical service possible to the community. Debbie Perry-Smith, 3297 South Humboldt (residence), 3501 South Clarkson (business), was sworn in and testified that she and her husband own and oper - ate an ice cream parlor across the street from the Medical Center. They chose to live in Englewood and raise their family here, and SMC was a major factor in making that choice. Ms. Perry-Smith stated that she has noticed that there is an increasing number of young families who are purchasing homes in Engle- wood, and that Swedish Medical Center is very important to these people. Ms. Perry-Smith stated that she and her husband chose to open their business acros s from SMC because of the pedestrian traffic from the Medical Center and the office buildings, and they have been in business at that location for 1.5 years. Ms. Perry-Smith stated that she feels the success of her business is due in no sma 11 part to the clients and patients from SMC. Ms. Perry-Smith stated that other small business owners in the area also depend on SMC for their livelihood, and she is in favor of the Planned Development. Mr. Volkema asked i f anyone else in the audience wished to speak in favor of the request. No one else from the audience spoke in favor. Mr. Volkema then asked if the Planning Commission members had any questions about the plans. Mrs. Becker asked about the location of the City Ditch, and whether it would be affected by this construction program. Mr. Keller traced the location of the City Ditch across the SMC property for Mrs. Becker, and stated that they will not be doing any construction that would affect the Ditch. This is one of the circumstances which precluded relocating the parking garage furthe r to the south. Mr. Volkema asked the opponents to now present the i r arguments. Mr. Peter D. Vansoest, 1123 Delaware Street, stated that he is appearing on behalf of Mr. Huckeby who is the attorney for Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, and could not be in attendance this evening. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are present, and he would like to ask both parties questions. Mrs. Eleanor Dunn, 3419 South Pennsylvania/3430 South Pennsylvania, was sworn in. Upon questioning by Mr. Vansoest, Mrs. Dunn testified that she has re- sided at her home at 3419 South Pennsylvania Street 35 to 37 years. Mrs. Dunn stated, in response to Mr. VanSoest's question, that the Planned Development will have an adverse effect on 3419 South Pennsylvania Street, because there will be no access to the alley, which is used for access by servicemen she hires to spray her trees and lawn . Mrs. Dunn stated that this alley also con- tains service 1 ines for telephone, gas, and water and sewer service to this residence. Mrs. Dunn stated that the pedestrian traffic by this residence will increase considerably, and there will be vehicular traffic to the north of the residence constantly. The cul-de-sac proposed on South Pennsylvania Street will be part of the emergency turn around, and stated that she and her -13 - husband like to park their vehicles in front of their home, and have family and friends that come to visit. She stated that if parking is restricted on the cul-de-sac, there will be no parking for their visitors. Mrs. Dunn stated, in response to questioning from Mr. Vansoest, that she plans to continue living in her residence. Mr. Vansoest asked if Mrs. Dunn "liked" the hospita 1. Mrs. Dunn stated that she would not be admitted to Swedish Hospital. Mrs. Dunn stated that she does not believe the alley should be vacated, and certainly does not believe the street should be vacated. People who live to the north and west will be looking at the parking structure and that the traf- fic impact on South Logan Street will be "outrageous". Mrs. Dunn stated that family living in this neighborhood has been destroyed; homes have been bull- dozed and families displaced. Mrs. Dunn referred to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and stated that she is on the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, and that the members of that Board make every effort to up ho 1 d the requirements cited in the Zoning Ordinance. Mrs. Dunn stated that there is a requirement for a 25 foot buffer between single-family districts and uses such as the hospital, and is of the opinion that the Supreme Court will have to look at this provision to determine what the Ordinance actually says. "If the Or- dinance isn't right then someone will have to give the correct ruling on how the ordinance is interpreted." • Mrs. Becker asked for clarification of which alley Mrs. Dunn was referring to as being used for access for lawn service. Mrs. Dunn stated that she was referring to the alley west of 3419 South Pennsylvania Street. Mrs. Dunn stressed the need for this alley to provide access for services such as lights, gas, water and telephone. Mrs. Dunn stated that if this alley is va-• cated, she will realize an eight (8) foot addition to her property, and that would be fenced. Ms. Hirsch addressed the Commission and stated that when an alley is vacated, it reverts to the adjoining property owners; in this case, one-half of the alley (8 feet) will go the Dunn's, and 8 feet will go to Swedish Medical Cen- ter. The easement to provide access for these service lines cited by Mrs. Dunn will be retained, and the alley may not be built over. Mr. Fish asked Mrs. Dunn what kind of access she had presently, and what ac- cess did she feel was needed. Mrs. Dunn stated that it is her impression that the building will be right to the line, and she wants vehicular access to and from the rear to her property. Mr. Draper pointed out that there will be a vehicular access on the north, and asked if the service vehicles couldn't get to the rear of her property via that route. He further asked if the lawn and trees could not be sprayed from the street frontage. Mrs. Dunn stated that she did not think the contractors she hires could come in from the north and turn to access the back of her property. Mrs. Dunn stated that she has a lot of trees on the south side of her property, and the contractors spray those trees from the alley. They have only come in the back way. Mr. Fish asked about the parking on-street in front of Mrs. Dunn's property; will on-street parking be prohibited. Ms. Hirsch stated that she has heard • nothing about parking restrictions in the cul-de-sac, only in the hammerhead which provides the alternate turn-around. -14 - • • • Mr. Fish stated that Mrs. Dunn has given two addresses, and asked where she actually lived. Mrs. Dunn stated that she owns both addresses, and uses 3419 as her official registered address. Mrs. Becker addressed Mrs. Dunn's statements on the homes that have been bull- dozed, and the families that have been displaced. Mrs. Dunn stated that over the past 25 years, 65 families were displaced; this would include the 3300 blocks to the north of Swedish Medical Center. Over 45 families from that immediate area have been displaced because of the expansion of Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Volkema asked if this "displacement" was because the owners sold their property to Swedish Medical Center. Mrs. Dunn stated that SMC bulldozed the houses down. She acknowledged that Swedish had purchased the homes. Mr. Gerl ick asked if the street and cul-de-sac is wide enough to allow for parking on both sides, and still allow for traffic flow. Ms. Hirsch stated that it is wide enough for at least a portion of the cul-de-sac, and that the Traffic Engineer did not address the matter of parking restriction. Mr. Vansoest called on Mr. Homer Dunn. Mr. Homer Dunn, 3430 South Pennsylvania Street, was sworn in. In response to questions from Mr. Vansoest, Mr . Dunn stated that he and his wife, Eleanor, are owners of the subject property, and he has lived at 3430 South Pennsylva- nia Street since 1943. Mr. Vansoest asked Mr. Dunn how the Planned Develop- ment would affect their residing at 3430 South Pennsylvania Street. Mr. Dunn stated that people who work or visit patients at SMC will still park in his driveway. There will be more traffic coming out of the new parking structure, which will use the portion of 3400 South Pennsylvania Street which will not be vacated. Mr. Dunn stated that there is no reason to vacate the south portion of South Pennsylvania, and that someone will get killed on South Logan Street because of the increased traffic. The walkway from the parking facility to the ICU facility wi ll go right by 3430 South Pennsylvania street, and there will be increased fo ot traffic, and there will be no fire protection because there won't be access from South Pennsylvania. Mr. Dunn stated that there is a hill in front of their property, which does ice up during the winter months and there could be a problem with motorists skidding. This hill is one of the first areas that the City sands during bad weather. Mr. Dunn stated that SMC will be building "right on top" of .their property, and suggested that the hospital should follow the ordinance, §16-4-15, and provide the proper dis- tance between their development and the Dunn properties. Mr. Vansoest asked "if they backed off would you be happier with the p 1 an?" Mr. Dunn stated that he would be happier, but there is no reason to close the street. In reference to the side setback, Mr. Vansoest asked "would 25 feet be sufficient". Mr. Dunn replied in the affirmative. He stated that he and his wife have filed suit against the City and questioned whether this matter should even be considered at this time. Mr. Draper stated that Mr. Dunn gave his address as 3430 South Pennsylvania, while Mrs. Dunn had given hers as 3419 as her legal address. Mr. Draper asked if Mr. and Mrs. Dunn lived separately. Mr. Dunn stated that he and Mrs. Dunn are married and live together; he is registered to vote at 3430 South Pennsyl- vania Street. -15 - Ms. Hirsch addressed the Commission, and stated that as part of the Develop- ment process, all development activities go before a Technical Review Commit-• tee, which is composed of representatives of the various City Departments. The hammerhead in the cul-de-sac has been designed to provide emergency access and maneuverability. Acting Fi re Chief 01 son has stated that adequate fire protection can be provided via the cul-de-sac and turn-around, and that in fact, response would be from three different directions: from the main sta- tion on South Elati, from the Tejon Station, and from the Cherry Hills Village station. The closure of South Pennsylvania Street will not adversely affect fire service. Mr. Volkema asked about the ice situation during winter months on the hill in front of the Dunn's property. Ms. Hi rs ch stated that this portion of the street will remain a public, dedicated street, but will be maintained by SMC. It will be the responsibility of SMC to sand the street, to repair potholes, etc. Upon a question from Mrs. Becker, Ms. Hirsch indicated on a map the location of the hammerhead in relation to the property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. Mr. Dunn stated that he had talked to a member of the Fire Department, and was told there was no way they could fight a fire on the higher floors of the SMC; they would have to take elevators to areas above the 8th floor. Mr. Dunn stated that he and his wife want on street parking in front of their home for their vehicles, and not for SMC employees. He stated that SMC "dic- tates everything." Mr. Vol kema suggested that perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Dunn should talk to the Traffic Engineer about restricted parking. Mr. Fish asked Mr. Dunn what was to the east of his property at the time he acquired ownership. Mr. Dunn stated the site was used as a TB Sanitarium, but there was an alley between his property and that belonging to the Sanitarium. There was also a preacher's home on that block. Mr. Vansoest stated that he would not be testifying or presenting evidence, but presenting arguments for consideration by the Commission. Mr. Vansoest stated that it is difficult to argue against a community facility such as SMC, but pointed out that there are long time residents who will be affected by the building plans of Swedish. Mr. Vansoest cited the 25 foot buffer zone re- quirement for developments abutting a "single-family residential use district" (§16-4-15 e (6)(a)), and stated that the Dunn's believe there should be a 25 foot buffer between the Swedish Development and their property on all sides. Mr. Vansoest suggested that the Commission look at this provision very care- fully. Mr. Vansoest further reviewed the provisions of the Planned Develop- ment regulations and stated that it appears the City was looking for certain aesthetics when the regulations were drafted, and if the City wants these aes- thetics within the boundaries of a PD, they should also want the same aes- thetics on the edges of the PD. Mr. Vansoest reiterated that the properties owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dunn will be affected by the Planned Development as pro- posed by increased traffic, noise, and trash. Mr. Vansoest stated that there will be peak periods when everyone is trying to access or egress the parking facility. The Dunn's believe it is their right to have the street in front of their property maintained by the City, and can call the City if there is a problem in the maintenance. He suggested that private maintenance of a public right-of-way could present problems. Mr. Vansoest suggested that it is to the -16 - • • • • • detriment of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn to have the street and alley vacated as re- quested; while it is true that their property will be increased by 8 feet in depth, it will not be possible to get a vehicle back there to provide the landscaping maintenance as they do presently. Mr. Vansoest stated that the application should be denied based on the fact that the application does not comply with the ordinance, and takes away the rights of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. Mr. Stan Williams, owner of 3470 South Logan Street, residing at 8663 East Monmouth Place, Denver, was sworn in. Mr. Williams stated that he is not anti Swedish Medical Center, nor anti-growth for the hospital, but a lot of infor- mation has come out in this meeting. It is his opinion that if growth is good for a community, everyone should benefit from that growth. Mr. Willi ams stated that since he acquired ownership of 3470 South Logan Street in 1977, he has periodically called SMC to keep abreast of their development plans. He stated that recent responses were that, eventually, they would have to do some more building, and were just acquiring the properties now. When homes in his immediate area were torn down, and the parking lot developed and landscaped, he furnished water for SMC's landscaping. Mr. Williams stated that he is shocked by the impact that this development plan will have on the neighbor- hood, an d specifically on his apartment building at 3470 South Logan with the propo se d access way from South Logan Street to the existing alley just north of his property. Mr. Williams stated that some of the adverse impact will be in noise, pollution, lights, increased traffic, etc. all right by his proper- ty, and in fact on two sides of his apartment complex. Semi trucks will be using this access way on the north side of the apartment complex to access the loading and dock area for the hospital. Mr. Williams stated that it is dis- couraging to him that not one person from SMC contacted him to discuss these problems prior to his attending the Public Hearing. Mr. Williams stated that it does not seem reasonable to have spent this kind of money and to leave this apartment house vulnerable to the increased traffic as proposed. He stated that in his opinion his property values will decrease, and no one will want to purchase his property. Mr. Williams stated that he is opposed to the Planned Development and present- ed a letter in opposition for the record (Opponent's Exhibit #1). Mr. Williams stated that an additional 900 vehicles per day have been proj- ected for South Logan Street; he stated that a good many of these will be in- gressing and egressing the parking facility to the north of his property, and the lights will be intruding on the privacy of his tenants. Mr. Williams asked if this is the final hearing on the proposed development plan. Mr. Volkema stated that this is the final hearing before the Planning Commission. Mr. Fish stated that City Council will have to consider the Development Plan, and Mr. Williams would have an opportunity to address that body. Mr. Wi 11 i ams further addressed the access way from South Logan on the north side of his property, noting there is a planting area of trees, but that trees will not cut down on the noise. He stated that he "cannot imagine this get- ting this far along without taking the apartment building into consideration." Mrs. Becker stated that there will be a 25 foot access way, with trees plant- ed, which would be a buffer for the driveway and truck access. Ms. Hirsch stated that there will be no connection between the existing 16 foot alley to -17 - the east of Mr. Williams's property and the parking structure. There will be a 9 foot buffered area planted with trees and shrubs. Mr. Williams noted that a third medical office building is indicated in the future buildout plans of SMC; he asked what will happen when this occurs. Mr. Volkema stated that the impact of that building would have to be addressed at the time of construction. Mr. Williams again expressed concern about the traffic impact of the east/west access to the north of his building. Mrs. Becker asked if the traffic study addressed the traffic using the east/ west access, and the impact it would have on the adjacent property. Mr. Leigh stated that no traffic study was made on the east/west route. Mr. Draper stated that it appears to him that the access way from Logan to the existing alley will be serving only the apartment house tenants and the service station on the corner of Logan and Hampden Avenue. Mr. Williams stated that he is opposed to this plan, and stated that he did not see how this deve 1 opment pl an would be of benefit to anyone in the neighborhood. Mr. Volkema asked if anyone else wanted to address the Commission in opposi- tion to the proposed Planned Development. No one wished to address the Com- mission. Mr. Volkema stated that the Commission would now grant the propo- nents an opportunity for rebuttal. Mr. Roccaforte showed several slides of the Dunn property on the west side of South Pennsylvania Street (3419) which slides depict the grade differential between their property and the alley. Access to the garage at 3419 South Pennsylvania Street is from Pennsylvania and could not be from the alley as it exists. Mr. Roccaforte presented the slides (Applicants Exhibits #AlO through 16) as part of the record. He stated that he had no further state- ments in rebuttal. Mr. Fi sh asked if a buffer between the pedestrian walkway from the parking structure to the ICU was planned, and if so, what is proposed. Mr. Roccaforte stated that they are willing to design and install an opaque fence at "eye level" to give privacy to the Dunns. Ms. Tobin asked if any of these things SMC has stated they will be willing to do have been put in writing, such as maintaining the street, design and con- struction of the privacy fence, etc. Mr. Roccaforte stated that SMC does have an agreement ready on the maintenance of the street. Ms. Tobin asked if any- thing regarding the construction of the fence, and the matter of the alley by the apartment house had been put in writing. Mr. Rocca forte stated that at this ti me, nothing is in writing. He stated that SMC will be happy to work with Mr. Williams to try to resolve his concerns. It was pointed out that these concerns are addressed by the Development Plan. Mr. Volkema asked if Mr. Vansoest had anything to add in rebuttal. Mr. Vansoest stated that he understood Mr. Roccaforte to say that the exact 1 ocat ion of the ICU has not been determined. Does this mean the di stance between the ICU facility and 3430 South Pennsylvania can vary, or is it a • • fixed distance. Mr. Roccaforte stated that he does not have the exact dimen-• sions, the plans are conceptual and the final design is being developed. -18 - • • • Ms. Merck addressed the Commission and discussed the site plan, noting that at the location of the proposed ICU, there is "no more room" and it cannot be 1 ocated further east or south. The question has been asked as to whether agreements are in writing; Ms. Merck stated that the commitments with the City are in draft form and wi 11 be executed at such time as approval of the Development Plan is granted. Ms. Merck stated that the City Council had asked, at the time of the Hearing in January, for SMC and the Dunns to try to have their differences resolved by mediation with a third party. Ms. Merck stated that a series of letters were sent back and forth between SMC and Mr. Huckeby, the attorney representing Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. SMC made several over- tures to attempt to resolve the differences, but were not able to establish any time to discuss the issues with Mr. Huckeby or with Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. Ms. Tobin asked if any contact from SMC had been made to the owner of the apartment house. Ms. Merck stated that the SMC properties were posted, and publication was in the official City Newspaper. No personal contact with the neighboring property owners was made. Mr. Keller pointed out that a great many of the issues that have been raised have been addressed and included on the Development Plan, citing location of buffers, fences, lighting, etc. Mr. Williams stated that he had made several telephone calls in an attempt to reach someone from Swedish Medi cal Center to discuss the issues, and was finally able to reach Mr. Roccaforte's office on Monday. He had talked to SMC several months ago, and recalled the name of Mr. Johnson, who informed him that SMC was getting "zoning approval" for some future construction, and they planned to construct a parking garage . Mr. Wil li ams stated that at that time there was no reason for him to "get into it". Mr. Volkema asked if anyone else had any comments. Mr. Fish asked the staff to delineate the setback variances that are being proposed in this Development Plan, and for the parking structure at its ulti- mate buildout of six stories. Ms. Hirsch stated that the setback to be provided on the west side of the parking structure (South Logan frontage) is 11 feet, 20 feet is required. On the north side (East Girard Avenue), the plans show a 15 foot setback, 20 feet is required. On the east side adjacent to the Dunn property at 3419 South Pennsylvania, the requirement is 15 feet; if the alley is vacated an 8 foot setback will be provided; if the alley is not vacated, there will be zero foot setback. On the east side of the Dunn property at 3430 South Pennsylvania, a 2 foot setback is shown, and 15 feet is required; however, there is the 16- foot alley east of that property. Mrs. Becker pointed out that the elevation of the garage will not be 6 stories above ground, but will follow the topography of the land. Mr. Volkema stated that if there were no further questions, he would entertain a motion to close the Public Hearing. Fish moved: Becker seconded: The Public Hearing be closed . -19 - AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Becker, None Carson None Draper, Fish, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Barber The motion carried. Mrs. Becker spoke to Mrs. Dunn's concern about caring for the rear yard with- out access to an alley. Mrs. Becker stated that this can be done and that her property is enclosed on three sides, and the rear yard is well maintained. Mrs. Becker stated that she did not feel this argument posed by Mrs. Dunn had merit. Mr. Fish stated that he is of the opinion that it would be very easy to pro- vide access to the alley from the existing at-grade parking lot north of 3419 South Pennsylvania Street, and would like to see the provision of that access a condition for approval. Mrs. Becker stated that the concern about parking on the cul-de-sac could be resolved by allowance of short-term parking, or by obtaining a special permit from the City. Mr. Volkema stated that the Traffic Engineer could issue the special permit, or post the cul-de-sac for short-term parking. Mr. Fish stated that there are some problems which need to be addressed, one of them being the determination of whether the Dunn properties qualify as a "single-family use district". Mr. Wanush stated that there are "districts" defined in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and it is clear that a "dis- • trict" is not a "use". The R-3, High Density Residence District does allow single-family use, which is what the Dunn property is. Mr. Fish stated that • he would agree that a single-family residence is not a "district." Mr. Fish stated that he does feel the access to the alley is an issue. Mr. Fish stated that he felt it would be "unwise to disallow this" request of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, and would probably oppose the Planned Development if there is no provision for access to the alley. Mr. Fish stated that he has no problem with recommending the vacation of the right-of-way, but the Dunns should have access to the alley. Mr. Schultz pointed out that if the vacation is ap- proved, there would be no access to the alley except across private property owned by Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Draper pointed out that the slides shown by Mr. Roccaforte clearly indicate that there is no direct access to the alley from the Dunn property now. Mr. Fish agreed, but reiterated that it would be very easy for SMC to provide access to the alley through a parking lot. Mr. Fi sh addressed the concerns expressed by Mr. Wi 11 i ams regarding fumes, noise and lights inflicted upon the tenants in his apartment structure. Mr. Fish pointed out that the apartment structure is located right next to a ser- vice station, which emits fumes in the air at the present time. The decline of property values cited by Mr. Williams is very speculative, particularly in light of the proposed future Medical Office Building III; Mr. Fish stated that he is of the opinion that Mr. Williams could get a very good offer for his property. Mrs. Becker stated she had recently had some discussions with employees of Porter Memorial Hospital on the need for emergency room services. There is a definite need for a critical care unit in the south metro area, and that the spirit of cooperation between SMC and PMH has degenerated. -20 - • • • • Becker moved: Schultz seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to Englewood City Council that approval of the Planned Development application filed by Swedish Medical Center be granted, with the condition that the cul-de-sac be signed for short-term parking or the Dunns be granted special parking permits. Fish moved: The motion be amended to include the condition that SMC shall be required to provide access through an at-grade parking lot to the alley at the rear of 3419 South Pennsyl- vania Street. There was no second to Mr. Fish's motion. Mr. Volkema stated that a tentative list of Findings is before the Commission, and asked that they be reviewed prior to the call of the roll on the motion to recommend approval. SECRETARY'S NOTE: The following Findings were considered by the Commission in making their decision: FINDINGS 1. THAT the public hearing was initiated by the filing of an application for a Planned Development for Swedish Medical Center for the property located primarily between East Girard Avenue, East Hampden Avenue, South Logan Street and South Emerson Street . 2. THAT the notice of the public hearing was published in the Englewood Sen- tinel, the official City newspaper on March 1, 1989, and the property was posted at twelve different locations for not less than 15 days prior to the date of the public hearing. 3. THAT the subject property is zoned R-3, High-Density Residential Dis- trict. A hospital facility, professional offices and accompanying park- ing structures are permitted uses within the R-3 zone. 4. THAT the Planned Development filed by Swedish Medical Center is consis- tent with the intent of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan. 5. THAT the Planned Development was a voluntary submittal in compliance with a request by staff so as to better evaluate the overa 11 impact of new development by Swedish Medical Center. 6. THAT the purpose of the Planned Development District as cited in Section 16-4-15 of the 1985 Englewood Municipal Code is "to permit and encourage diversification in the location of structures and the appropriate relationship of various uses and structures to their sites without in- hibiting the potential advantages of new and imaginative techniques and concepts of design of urban land use." -21 - 7. THAT the Planned Deve 1 opment depicts the conceptua 1 deve 1 opment of the entire Medical Campus, including the 60,000 square foot MOB II, the park-• ing structure of 312 spaces (ultimately 608) on the west side of the cam- pus, and the expansion of the hospital facility itself to the west for the ICU expansion. 8. THAT Swedish Medical Center is existing and does impact the surrounding neighborhoods. Any additional negative impact caused by development pro- posed through the Planned Deve 1 opment has been mitigated by increased landscaping, additional traffic controls, internal walkways, driveways and additional provisions for parking. 9. THAT the subject property consists of 25.13 acres; 12.471 on the current main campus, plus 12.658 acres in outlying parcels. 10. THAT off-street parking is provided in excess of Ordinance requirements. 11. THAT 30% of the lot area will be landscaped. This is in excess of the 25% requirement. This is of sufficient size to adequately serve the sur- rounding hospital uses and is accessible to the entire main campus. 12. THAT the 25 foot landscaped buffer that is required where non-residential buildings are "adjacent to a single-family residential use district" does not apply in this case since the Dunn properties and Swedish Medical Center are zoned R-3, High Density Residence. This buffer was intended for the situation where a Planned Development consisting of multi-family or non-residential structures abuts a Single-Family Residence District (R-1-A, R-1-B and R-1-C). 13. THAT the Planned Development proposes that South Pennsylvania Street be closed with a cul -de-sac provided of approximately 220 feet from East Girard Avenue for access to the Dunns' properties and the parking facilities. 14. THAT additionally, the north 375 feet of the alley between South Logan and South Pennsylvania Street is proposed to be vacated in the 3400 block. 15. THAT Swedish Medical Center has agreed to upgrade the signalization on South Logan Street at East Girard Avenue and at East Hampden Avenue to minimize the impacts of closing South Pennsylvania Street. 16. THAT the Planned Development proposes setback variations from those re- quired in the R-3 Zone District, and where possible Swedish Medical Cen- ter has provided additional landscape buffering and/or screening to miti- gate the effects of the reduced setback. 17. THAT the proposed Planned Development has been reviewed by the City Tech- nical Review Committee, and it is in compliance with applicable City Ordinances. 18. THAT the Department of Community Development recommended approval of the Planned Development. The vote was then called: -22 - • • • • Mr. Draper stated that he would vote in favor of the approval, finding that the property has been properly posted, proper publication of the hearing was given, the property is zoned for the uses proposed by the Swedish Medical Cen- ter, and that the proposed development plan meets the requirements of the Com- prehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Fish stated that he would concur with the Findings, and stated that City Council should consider access to the alley at the rear of 3419 South Pennsyl- vania Street. Mr. Gerlick stated that he would vote in favor of approval, and concurred with the Findings, as stated. Mr. Schultz stated that he would vote in favor of approval, and concurred with the Findings, as stated. Ms. Tobin stated that she would vote in favor of approval, and concurred with the Findings, as stated. Mr. Volkema stated he would vote in favor of approval, and concurred with the Findings, as stated. Mr. Barber stated he would vote in favor of approval, and concurred with the Findings, as stated. Mrs. Becker stated she would vote in favor of approval, and concurred with the Findings, as stated . Mr. Carson abstained from voting. Mr. Volkema ruled that the motion carried. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY South 366.10 Feet of South Pennsylvania Street Draper moved: Case #18-88 Gerlick seco nded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the south 366.10 feet of the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania Street be vacated. Mr. Fish asked that the tax implications of the vacation be clarified. Ms. Hi rs ch submitted City Exhibit #7, a map showing areas which were to be va- cated. Ms. Hirsch stated that when right-of-way is vacated, it reverts to adjoining property owners; thus, approximately 1/3 of the area on South Penn- sylvania Street in the area to be vacated will be added to taxable property. The vote on the motion was called: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Fish, Gerlick, Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Barber, Becker, Draper None Carson None • The motion carried. -23 - VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY North 375 of the 3400 block of the South Logan/South Pennsylvania alley Becker moved: Case #19-88 Fish seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council that the north 375 feet of the South Pennsylvania/South Logan alley in the 3400 block south be vacated, and that an easement be retained for utility service. Mr. Fish again asked the tax implications of the proposed vacation. Ms. Hirsch stated that the west portion of the alley, if vacated, will revert to Swedish Medical Center, and the east portion abutting the Dunn property will revert to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. The vote on the motion was called: AYES: Gerlick, None Carson None Schultz, Tobin, Volkema, Barber, Becker, Draper, Fish NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: The motion carried. * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Carson resumed his chair with members of the Commission. * * * * * * * * * * IV. PUBLIC FORUM. No one addressed the Commission under Public Forum. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush stated that he had nothing to bring before the Commission. VI. COMMISSIONER'S CHOICE. Mr. Volkema stated that the members of the Commission had met at 6:00 P.M. this evening to interview prospective citizen members of the Housing Task Force. Four out of five citizens were interviewed. Mrs. Romans stated that she has talked to Mr. Dennis Kelley previously, and knows that he is interest- ed in serving on the Task Force. Mr . and Mrs. Kelley have been very active in the Northwest Englewood area since it was annexed to the City since 1958. Mr. Carson and Mrs. Becker both indicated that they are acquainted with Mr. Kel- ley, and know of his interest in serving the City. Mr. Wanush stated that if it was a matter of mis-communication, perhaps the Commission would want to invite Mr . Kelley to meet with them at 6:45 p.m. on April 4. Carson moved: Becker seconded: The Planning Commission accept the following five community members for the Housing Task Force: Mrs. Mae Wade, Mr . Curtis Such, Mr. Robert Sanger, Mr. Eugene Schmeckpeper, and Mr. Dennis Kelley. Other members on the Committee will -24 - • • • • • • AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Schultz, Gerlick None None None The motion carried. be Commission representatives Bill Draper and Helene Tobin; Housing Authority representative R. J. Berlin; Dr. Tom Syn- nott representing the School Administration; Milton Senti, Ms. Jane Craig of First Federal Savings; Mr. Tom Dinkel of First Interstate Bank; Mr. Dave Kmezich, Mr. Steve Nash, and Ms. Frances Shaffer. Tobin, Volkema, Barber, Becker, Carson, Draper, Fish, Mr. Volkema asked if anyone had anything they wanted to discuss. Nothing fur- ther was brought up for discussion. Mr. Volkema declared the meeting adjour- ned at 11:35 P. M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary -25 -