HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-03-16 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 16, 1976
I. CALL TO ORDER.
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission
was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Tanguma.
Members present: Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Tanguma, Williams
Members absent: Pierson, Don Smith, Ed Smith, Wade
Also present: Associate Planner Steve House
Assistant City Attorney DeWitt
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Mr. Tanguma stated that Minutes of March 2, 1976, were to be
considered for approval.
Parker moved:
Jones seconded: The Minutes of March 2, 1976, be approved as
written.
Mrs. Pierson entered and took her place with the Commission.
AYES: Williams, Jones, Parker, Tanguma
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Jorgenson, Pierson
ABSENT: Don Smith, Ed Smith, Wade
The motion carried.
III. STREET VACATION REQUEST
2700 Block South Elati
S 1 /2 450-500 Block of
West Yale Avenue.
CASE #9-76
Mr. Tanguma asked Associate Planner House for a background of
the request.
Mr. House stated a request has been received for the vacation
of the 2700 block of South Elati Street, and the south one-half
of Yale Avenue from the Delaware/Elati alley west to the west
line of South Elati Street. The applicant is Stearns-Roger
and General Iron Works; they own the land on both sides of
South Elati Street adjacent to the right-of-way for which the
vacation is sought. Having their land divided by the public
right-of-way is inconvenient, and General Iron feels that in-
creased access is needed to the storage area on the east side
of South Elati Street in the 2700 block. South Elati Street
in that block is an unpaved 60 ft. right-of-way. The land on
the east side of South Elati Street in the 2700 block is zoned
I-1, Light Industrial; the General Iron Works land to the west
of South Elati Street is zoned I-2, General Industrial.
-2-
Property east of the Elati/Delaware alley is zoned R-2, Medium
Density Residence. The 2700 block of South Delaware is developed ~
residentially, most of which are single-family homes. Notice ~
of the request to vacate was sent to all property owners in the
2700 block of South Delaware Street.
The Comprehensive Plan suggests that this area be used industrially.
The staff has recommended against the requested vacation because
it is felt that future traffic patterns will depend on South
Elati Street and West Yale Avenue being open. There was strong
opposition to the request voiced by the Department of Public
Works. That Department pointed out that West Yale Avenue is
designated as a Collector Street in the Master Street Plan,
and therefore should not be vacated. South Elati Street is
proposed as a truck route by the Department of Public Works,
and the Departmental staff felt that South Elati Street should
remain open. The Utilities Department had no objection to the
vacation, but requested that easements be retained in both
Elati Street and Yale Avenue for maintenance of the lines in
those streets. Neither the Fire nor Police Departments objected
to the vacation. The Denver Planning Office recommended against
the requested vacation; Yale Avenue is designated as an Arterial
in the Denver Master Street Plan.
Mr. House stated that a meeting was held with the applicant,
representatives of the Denver Planning Office, the Englewood
Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department,
Utilities Department and the Department of Community Development
to discuss the request and the problems involved. The applicant
was made aware of the problems forseen by the various depart-
ments at that meeting, and several alternatives were considered.
One alternative that was proposed by the staff is the dedication
of right-of-way adjoining the west side of the Delaware/Elati
alley, which with the 16 foot alley, would become an alternate
street. This would provide for a traffic flow pattern in the
area.
Mr. House stated that a call was received from a Mr. Brown, who
owns property at 2775 South Delaware Street; Mr. Brown indicated
he didn't care whether the vacation was approved, he did express
concern about the storm drainage on West Amherst Avenue and what
the vacation would do to the drainage flow pattern.
Mr. House noted there were representatives of General Iron in
the audience.
Mr. Jones asked what General Iron proposed for the property?
Mr. Stephens, President of General Iron Works, stated that
the land to the east of South Elati Street in the 2700 block
is zoned I-1; they propose to use the land for "low-profile"
storage of materials. Mr. Stephens stated that contrary to
the staff report, General Iron has not had possession or use
of the land prior to now; the land was leased and the equipment
-3-
that was stored there is now moved. Mr. Stephens stated that
no manufacturing or fabrication process is contemplated for
this property at this time.
Mr. Jones asked if General Iron needed more yard room because
of their recent expansion, or if the yard room was needed to
facilitate further expansion? Mr. Stephens stated that the
facility has been expanded in the past few years and they
need more yard space. The yard space is needed to handle
matters they have in operation now, and items that will be
used in future operations. The present yard area is too com-
pact to work efficiently, and does not provide for adequate
maneuveratibility for fire equipment; therefore, there is not
adequate fire protection around the site.
Mrs. Pierson asked if General Iron owned all the property be-
tween Amherst Avenue and Bates Avenue? Mr. Stephens stated
that General Iron did not. Mr. Stephens noted that in the
pictures of the General Iron site, previously mailed to members
of the Commission, properties owned by General Iron are in-
dicated in red.
Mr. Jones asked if the proposed dedication for a street on
the extreme east property line of the General Iron ownership
east of South Elati Street had been discussed with the applicant,
and if it could be considered as an alternative? Mr. Stephens
stated that this alternate does have some major problems; he
understood the proposal to require a 60 ft. dedication plus
the 16 ft. alley that is in existance. An easement would have
to be maintained were South Elati Street, as it exists, to be
vacated; this would seriously restrict the useability of the
property between South Elati Street and the Delaware/Elati
alley. Mr. Stephens stated that he felt the designation of
South Elati Street as a truck route would be impractical; the
street would have to be greatly improved, and the trucks don't
seem to use Elati anyway, but use Amherst, Broadway and Dartmouth.
Mr. Stephens stated he felt the residents on the west side of
South Delaware Street would have objections to a street on
both sides of their homes.
Mr. Tanguma asked how much traffic used the 2700 block of
South Elati? Mr. Stephens stated there is very little traffic
on South Elati; it is a dirt street right now. Drivers from
Bob's Auto sometimes use this block of South Elati but over-
all, it is very lightly used.
Mr. Jones noted that South Delaware Street is posted for a
7,000 lb. limit south of Yale Avenue; the truck traffic was
restricted on this block because of the residential develop-
ment. Mr. Jones noted that Elati Street has been suggested as
as a truck route; would there be an alternative that could be
considered to handle the truck traffic rather than putting it
on Delaware in the event South Elati Street is vacated? Mr.
Jones noted that he lives in the 2700 block of South Cherokee
Street, and has noticed the problems General Iron has experienced
in delivery and shipment of large items, such as the large
-4-
cylinders which were moved in recently. Mr. Jones noted that
to get the cylinders onto the General Iron property took a e
great deal of maneuvering and turning radius; he stated he is
concerned about access for this large equipment and whether
or not the operation could function. He stated he felt additional
room to maneuver was needed on the site. Mr. Jones asked what
underground utilities were in South Elati Street?
Mr. House stated there is a 4" water line; in Yale there is an
18" sewer line plus a relief line, and a 6" water line. Mr.
Stephens noted there would be no problem in providing easements.
Mr. Stephens stated that the large cylinders that came in recently
which Mr. Jones referred to, were brought down Amherst Avenue
through the east gate into the General Iron property; however,
the grade did cause problems and they had to use cranes to move
the cylinder. Mr. Stephens stated that it is very important
they be able to bring these large items in and out of the site;
he noted there will be 14 truck loads shipped to Texas very
shortly. Mr. Stephens stated that it cost General Iron $1,000
to move the large cylinder from Amherst Avenue onto their property
because of the grade and inaccessability to the site. Mr. Stephens
stated that Fire Chief Hamilton has stated he cannot now get
the large fire equipment onto the site because of the grade.
Mr. Stephens presented pictures to the Commission members of
the delivery of the large cylinder, showing the problems with
grade and the use of the crane to maneuver the cylinder. Mr.
Stephens indicated on a map the proposed "angled" access and a A
ramp that would be created for easier access for deliveries of ~
large items. Mr. Stephens stated that he had met with representa-
tives of the Denver Planning Office earlier in the day to dis-
cuss Yale Avenue. Denver officials agreed to consider an alterna-
tive to the extension of Yale Avenue through General Iron property.
Mr. Stephens stated that a grade crossing at the tracks would
be the only type crossing that could be justified on Yale,
according to Denver representatives. Mr. Stephens traced an
alternate routing of West Yale Avenue to Santa Fe that would
eliminate the need for cutting across General Iron property.
Mr. Stephens noted that no agreement has been reached at this
point, but Denver has agreed to consider the alternative.
Mr. Stephens again stated that he did not feel Elati would be
a good truck route; he stated he had never seen a semi use
South Elati Street, and all their large equipment comes in from
Amherst Avenue. Other traffic to their business comes in the
front gate and circulates within their property.
Mr. Jones asked if Mr. Stephens felt improvement of the crossing
at Dartmouth and the tracks would improve the use of Dartmouth
for these large deliveries? Mr. Stephens stated that an improved
crossing would help; however, the heavy equipment entrance is
from West Amherst Avenue. Mr. Stephens stated that Denver has
no plans to extend Yale Avenue west of Santa Fe Drive. On the A
Denver Street Plan, Dartmouth Avenue isn't shown as a major ~
intersection with Santa Fe. Mr. Stephens stated that the street
patterns and vacation of South Elati Street is quite important
to the company; they have 700 employees,.and they must have a
-5-
safe, efficient operation to remain competitive. He noted
that they cannot afford to spend $1,000 to bring material into
the shop to be worked on. Mr. Stephens stated that the access
to the site results in poor fire protection. The livelihood
and security of 700 people will be affected by the decision of
the Commission on the request for vacation. If General Iron
cannot stay in business, it will have a very real impact on the
City.
Mr. Jones asked why the vessels being sent to Texas are going
by truck and not by rail? Mr. Stephens stated they came from
an area of north Denver where rail wasn't accessible. The 14
loads cannot be shipped by rail; therefore, it must be trans-
ported by truck. Mr. Stephens stated that General Iron depends
on truck traffic to transport items from their plant, as well
as rail service.
Mr. Stephens emphasized that the manufacture and transportation
of very large products is vital to General Iron Works. Mr •.
Stephens again discussed truck traffic on South Elati Street;
he emphasized the fact that very little traffic of any kind
uses Elati, and that one did not see trucks using South Elati
in the 2700 block. He stated he did not see what would change
to encourage trucks to use that block of South Elati ..
Mr. Jones inquired about drainage in the area; he asked if the
run-off water didn't flow north from Amherst on Elati to a
catch basin on Elati at Yale? Mr. Stephens stated there was
a small storm in-let at Elati and Yale; General Iron has plan
for culverts to carry the water from Amherst to Yale if South
Elati Street is vacated . He stated that General Iron sees no
problem with drainage, and they would accept the present flow
across their property.
Mr. Jones noted that the 2700 block of South Elati was deleted
from the last Paving District at the request of General Iron.
He further stated that .there is a high-pressure gas line in
Yale Avenue. Mr. Stephens stated there is also a gas line in
South Elati, but again emphasized that easements would be given
for the maintenance of these lines.
Mrs. Pierson asked why General Iron property couldn't be lowered
at this point of access to eliminate the grade problem? Mr.
Stephens pointed out that the rail spur is in this immediate
area and that this would require a change of the entire profile
of the parcel.
Mrs. Pierson asked about the possibility of raising the grade
of Elati at this point? Mr. Stephens pointed out that the 2800
block of South Elati was paved last year, and a small "hill"
that had existed was leveled at that time; to raise the grade
of South Elati now would be a major undertaking and would be
very expensive. Mrs. Pierson then asked Mr. Stephens if he
-6-
had an estimated value of the 2700 block of South Elati Street
if it were to be vacated. Mr. Stephens stated he did not know
what the estimated value would be. Mrs. Pierson stated that a
very rough estimate would, in her opinion, be approximately
$100,000, Mr. Stephens stated that if access is no longer
needed, the street should be given back to the property owners;
the land originally belonged to the property owners, and it
was deeded to the City for access. Mrs. Pierson pointed out
that we are talking about $100,000 worth of land; she stated
that possibly a few thousand dollars should be spent to solve
the problem on South Elati Street rather than vacating the
street and then having to spend more thousands of dollars to
purchase the land back if access is needed. She stated that
she is of the opinion "you are asking for too much in the way
of a solution when there are less expensive ways to solve
your problem." Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt there was a
possibility of need for South Elati Street in the future. She
stated that she felt Yale should not be vacated and should be
developed as a through street. Mr. Stephens stated that in his
op1n1on, Yale Avenue will never go through General Iron property,
it might go through properties to the north and intersect with
Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Stephens emphasized that the area would
be used for storage of materials in conformance with the light
industrial zoning classification. If South Elati Street were
not to be vacated, to use the property east of South Elati
would require gates, and would require fork-lift and personnel
crossing the street to and from the storage area. Mr. Stephens
stated he feels this would be a safety hazard, but it would
cone to this to stay in business.
Mr. Williams suggested that this matter be set aside until a
later meeting inasmuch as the Commission needs more informa-
tion on the matter. He stated he felt it is very important to
General Iron that the correct decision is made.
Mr. Tanguma asked if there were anyone else in the audience
who wished to speak to the matter?
Mr. Jackson
2797 South Delaware -stated that he received a letter notifying
the property owners of the request and
the meeting date; he asked what the property would be used for
if it was "rezoned"? How would this effect property owners on
South Delaware? Mr. Tanguma stated that the question is not a
matter of rezoning; the request is for the vacation of South
Elati Street in the 2700 block.
Mr. Jackson asked if this would make it inconvenient to the
property owners on South Delaware?
Mr. Tanguma stated that the property would be used for storage
purposes. Mr. Stephens stated that it will be used for "low
profile storage"; no huge materials will be stored on the site;
the storage will be of pipe, castings, plates, etc., and will
be low in total height. There will be no fabrication on the
lot; it will only be storage of slow-moving items.
-7-
Mr. Parker asked if there were any possibility of ra1s1ng the
grade on Amherst Avenue and not on Elati, but raise it just
for that portion used as access to the General Iron property?
Mr. Stephens stated that a ramp on Amherst to the gateway into
the General Iron property could be constructed, but it would
not be feasible to continue to use South Elati at that point.
Mr. Parker asked what the difference was in grade? Mr. Stephens
stated approximately two to three feet. Mr . Parker asked if
traffic on South Elati would be impaired by an elevation of no
more than two or three feet at that point?
Mr. Jackson asked if the vacation of the street would affect
the property values in the area? Mr. Tanguma stated that he
did not think the property values would be affected.
Mr. Jones asked if an opaque screen would be required between
the industrial use and the residential area on South Delaware?
Mr. House stated that any new use would be required to provide
screening. He stated that there is a possibility the City
could require the installation of an opaque fence.
Mr. Stephens stated he felt discussion had zeroed in on the
truck traffic problem; he stated if they didn't have the trucking
operations, they would still be asking for the vacation for the
reasons of efficiency of operation, safety to employees, etc.
Williams moved:
Pierson seconded: Consideration of the request be tabled until
April 20th, for further information and dis-
cussion.
AYES: Williams, Jones, Parker, Pierson, Tanguma
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Jorgenson
ABSENT: Wade, Don Smith, Ed Smith
The motion carried.
Mr. Jorgenson stated he wished to abstain from all discussion
and consideration of this request; he pointed out that he was
retired from Stearns-Roger, and that he wished to avoid any
possible conflict of interest.
IV. ALLEY VACATION
West leg of the
Downing/Marion
Alley, 3500 Blk.
CASE #10-76A
March 2, 1976
Mr. House stated that this request was tabled at the last
meeting. The staff has met with the applicant and various
City Departments that would be involved. Mr. House presented
a group of pictures of the alley involved in the request. He
stated that the applicant is Mr. Lambros, and he has requested
the vacation of the west leg of the 11 T" shaped alley just south
of Hampden Avenue between South Downing and South Marion Street.
-~
The alley adjoins property at 3540-42 South Downing Street on
the south, and to the north abuts Fratelli's Pizza Parlor and
Dr. Makens' Veterinary Clinic. Persons attending the meeting
of March 10th, were Mr. Diamond, Mr. Lambros, Dr. Makens and
City of Englewood personnel. The possibility of vacating the
west portion of the alley back to the property owners was dis-
cussed; Mr. Lambros indicated he felt he could meet the drainage
requirements as set forth by the Department of Public Works.
If the alley were to be vacated, Mr. Lambros would put a fence
or some such barrier in the alley to direct the flow of water
to South Downing Street. However, the suggestion of a radius
to be dedicated from property at 3515 South Marion to facilitate
turning movements of large equipment was felt to be unfair by
Mr. Lambros. The property at 3515 South Marion Street is owned
by Mr. Lambros, as is the property at 3540-42 South Downing
Street. Dr. Makens suggested at this meeting the possibility
of extending his retaining wall /flower box across the width of
his property and possibly across the width of Fratelli's Pizza
property. This would obstruct traffic from coming up the alley
and going through the parking lot of these two businesses to
get to Hampden Avenue. Mr. House stated that Dr. Makens had
indicated he would discuss the matter with Mr. Plummer of
Fratelli's. Mr . House stated that he had discussed this with
Mr. Plummer earlier in the day, and that Mr. Plummer indicated
he would be agreeable with some type of barrier across his rear
property line --a chain, or bumper stops, or something similar.
Mr. Jones discussed the drainage problem. He asked if the
drainage problem would be aggrivated by restricting the flow
of water? Mr. House stated this is a possibility. He stated
that the barrier would be to keep the flow of water from Mr.
Lambros' property, and that he felt Mr. Lambros would be
agreeable to placing the barrier where it would do the most
good. Mr. House pointed out that at the time Mr. Lambros pur-
chased the property in July, Fratelli's had not begun their
extensive expansion and remodeling project.
Mr. Tanguma asked if Mr. Diamond or Mr. Lambros wished to say
anything? Mr. Diamond stated that he was representing Mr.
Lambros in this matter, and attended the meeting Mr. House
mentioned. He stated that Fire Chief Hamilton was at the
meeting, and voiced no basic objection to the vacation request
as long as there was ingress and egress to the property for
the fire equipment. It was pointed out there is access to
the properties from Hampden Avenue for those fronting on
Hampden. Mr. Diamond pointed out that Fratelli's has planned
to have a curb cut onto South Downing as another point of access,
as well as the access from East Hampden Avenue. Mr. Diamond
stated there is a natural flow of drainage from the east to
the west, and from the north to the south; the topography is
such that drainage flows to the west and south, and runs a-
cross Mr. Lambros' property at 3540-42 South Downing. When
the Pizza Parlor had the parking area blacktopped, it increased ~
the flow of water onto properties to the south. Mr. Diamond
stated that Dr . Makens had mentioned the possibility of erecting
a fence along the length of his property which would channel
-9-
the water from the east to the west to South Downing Street;
this would alleviate the drainage onto Mr. Lambros' property.
This would also eliminate the speeding traffic cutting through
the property from the alley to East Hampden Avenue, and might
also curtail traffic using the west leg of the alley. Mr.
Diamond stated that Mr. Sagrillo, City Engineer, had said at
that meeting that if this were to be done, he would guarantee
the City would have grading in the alley that would carry any
run off and would eliminate the hazards of kicking up loose
materials and throwing it against Mr. Lambros' house. Mr.
Diamond stated that Mr. Lambros could not get involved in
whether the fence is actually constructed as proposed by
Dr. Makens. Mr. Lambros did take exception to the 45 ft. radius
required from the property at 3515 South Marion Street. Mr.
Diamond stated that he had asked, at the meeting of March 10th,
how large grading equipment was maneuvered in the alley now
without a turning radius? Mr. Sagrillo reportedly stated that
the graders and other large equipment are "backed in" and
grade out to the street on the north/south alley, and grades
straight through from east to west on the alley in question.
Mr. Diamond stated that he feels if the graders are "backed
in" to grade the north/south alley, they could be backed in to
grade the east leg of the east/west alley, and that the require-
ment of a 45 ft. radius is inequitable in light of the way
the City has been maintaining the north/south alley up to the
present time. Mr. Lambros has proposed, if Dr. Makens and
Mr. Plummer do not erect a fence on their rear property lines,
and if the alley were to be vacated, that he would erect a
retaining wall to channel the water flowing from north to
south. Mr. Diamond pointed out that only the Department of
Public Works has indicated the vacation would present problems
for their grading equipment, and Mr . Diamond questioned the
need for the radius only if the west leg of the alley is
vacated.
Mr. House noted that the north/south alley is an 18 ft. dedica-
tion; there are some fences set into the alley right-of-way.
There is in existance a small radius off the corners of lots
13 and 28, but this radius is not annotated on the Subdivision
Plat. Mr. House discussed the drainage flow from north to
south; he noted there would have to be 1-1/2 to 2 feet of
water collecting in .the alley before it would flow onto Mr.
Lambros' property.
Mr. Diamond noted that the water flowing north to south and
from east to west seems to converge on Mr. Lambros' property.
Mr. Jones asked if Mr. Lambros and Mr. Diamond felt there had
been any changes in the conditions that were existing at the
time Mr. Lambros brought the property? Mr. Diamond stated he
did not know of any changes. Mr. Diamond stated that Mr .
Lambros was unaware of the problems the alley has caused at
the time he purchased the property, and that he had purchased
the property on South Downing Street in good faith. Mor.e and
more persons are beginning to use the west leg of the east-
west alley because the Pizza Parlor has expanded. Mr. Diamond
-10-
emphasized that the house at 3540-42 South Downing Street is
only five feet from the alley line, and the heavy use of the
alley and resultant damage to the structure has cost Mr. Lambros
tenants. Mr. Lambros has provided a concrete parking slab in
the rear for the tenants; a motorist recently narrowly missed
a parked car when they sped down the alley and tried to cut
through into the Pizza Parlor parking lot. The alley is used
as a "race track" for persons cutting through to and from East
Hampden Avenue. Mr. Diamond stated that Mr. Lambros would be
satisfied if Dr. Makens and Mr. Plummer did indeed install the
fence and if the City Engineer would indeed see that the grade
of the alley was correct.
Mr. Jones discussed the problem of ice build-up in the alley,
particularly were a fence or retaining wall to be erected if
the alley were to be vacated. Mr. Jones stated he felt it
would be difficult for the City to maintain a drainage-way if
it is imposed over private property. Mr. Jones stated that
he is most concerned about drainage in this area in the winter
time. He stated that he felt the right-of-way might be needed
for drainage control, and that paving the alley would eliminate
the problem of gravel being thrown against the house.
Mr. Diamond stated that if a retaining wall were to be erected
in the vacated alley, it might create an ice problem, but it
wouldn't change what is there today. He noted that some of
Mr. Lambros' property is being washed away by the drainage
running across his property.
Mr. Parker stated he felt an error was made when the black-
topping was allowed of the pizzeria parking area at a grade
above the alley, thus allowing more run-off into the alley.
Mr. Jones stated he didn't think the grade was changed when
the parking area was blacktopped. The alley is there to
provide a drainage way.
Mr. House stated that Mr. Plummer of Fratelli's Pizza Parlor
is considering installation of bumper stops along the boundary
of his property, not necessarily the erection of a retaining
wall or fence; he stated he did not want Mr. Diamond to mis-
understand this point. Mr. Plummer's intent is to stop the
through traffic from cutting across his property, and is not
necessarily considering installation of a retaining wall.
Mr. Tanguma stated that he could easily understand the concern
with the ice build-up; there is still snow on the north side
of Mr. Lambros' property, and he feels that a retaining wall
just might compound the problem that exists.
-11-
Parker moved:
Jones seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council
that the requested alley vacation of the west
leg of the "T" shaped alley in the 3500 block between South
Downing Street and South Marion Street be denied on the grounds
it is felt there is a strong possibility more problems would
be created than would be solved.
AYES: Tanguma, Williams, Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Pierson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Wade, Don Smith, Ed Smith
The motion carried.
Mr. Diamond was asked to contact the staff to discuss the
appeal procedure to City Council.
VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE
Mr. House stated that City Council has accepted a petition for
annexation of Lot 6, Bell Isle Gardens, owned by Mr. and Mrs.
Leon E. Mardesen. The petition for annexation was referred
to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendationo
Mr. House indicated the parcel which is the subject of the
annexation petition on a map of the area; the parcel is located
on the southeast corner of the intersection of West Tufts
Avenue and South Windermere Street. The parcel was previously
included in the area known as the Santa Fe /Union annexation
area, which was declared invalid in an earlier Court decision.
Mr. House noted that the applicant, Mr. Mardesen, and his
counsel, Mr. Eitel, are in the audience.
Mr. Eitel stated that he is an Attorney-at-Law, with offices
in Suite 1016, First National Bank Building of Englewood; he
stated that he represents Mr. and Mrs. Leon Mardesen in their
petition to annex to the City of Englewood. This area was
involved in an annexation action which was ruled invalid
approximately one year ago; Mr. and Mrs. Mardesen supported
the move to annex the area to Englewood at that time, and
were also supportive of the zoning which was applied to the
area during the time it was under Englewood jurisdiction. Mr.
Mardesen had applied for a Building Permit in Englewood about
the time the Court had invalidated the annexation and, of
course, was denied. Under the County zoning restrictions for
an industrial district, Mr. Mardesen must provide a 50 ft.
setback; this leaves 30 ft. of the property to build on. Mr.
Mardesen tried to go Planned Development on his site, but he
was told he would have to form a Water District to provide
service 1o the site. Mr. Mardesen is now petitioning for
annexation to the City of Englewood. The annexation map be-
fore the Commission was prepared by Mr. Nicholl, a licensed
surveyor. The property is contiguous to Englewood for 212.3
feet, or 31,4%, and does meet the contiguity requirements. Mr.
Eitel stated there is water service in West Tufts Avenue, and
Mr. Mardesen has been told by the City there would be no problem
with water service if his property was annexed to Englewood.
-12-
There is one rental unit on Mr. Mardesen's property at this
time; the plans for development are for a light industrial
business. Mr. Mardesen does have a lessee ·for the property,
who wants to have the property by June. Mr. Mardesen must
have the property annexed and zoned as soon as possible or he
will lose the lessee. Mr. Eitel stated that Mr. Mardesen would
hope to be granted 1-1 zoning, and the proposed use of his
land is an auto-body shop. Mr. Eitel pointed out there is
industrial zoning to the south and on the part of the east
boundary of Mr. Mardesen's property which abuts the City limits.
There is also industrial zoning to the north and west, and there
is residential zoning on part of the east boundary. Mr. Eitel
pointed out that this annexation petition is a 11 100% annexation
petition"; it is for one ownership, and therefore, the City may
approve the annexation without having to hold a Public Hearing
on the request. Mr. Eitel stated that lE understood the City
would require an additional 20 ft. dedication from the north
of Mr. Mardesen's property for West Tufts Avenue; Mr. Mardesen
is willing to dedicate this land to the City upon annexat~on.
Zoning of the surrounding areas was discussed.
Mr. Parker asked if there was a sewer line in Thomas Avenue?
Mr. Mardesen stated there was an 8 11 line; he has sewer service
on three sides, and water service in Tufts .Avenue.
Mr. Tanguma asked what action the Commission was to take? Mr.
House stated that a decision could be made this evening as to
whether or not to recommend approval of the request, or the
matter could be referred to the staff for preparation of a
staff report and consideration at a later date. Mr. House
stated he knew of no reason the staff would object to the
annexation. Mr. Jones noted there would have to be action on
the annexation and on the zoning; he asked if this could be
handled in one action? Mr. DeWitt stated that it would have
to be two separate actions.
Mr. Tanguma asked if the annexation would encompass 1/2 of
South Windermere Street, or if it would be only to the west
boundary of Lot 6, Bell Isle Gardens? Mr. House stated this
point would have to be clarified with the City Engineer. Mr.
Eitel stated that the petition does not encompass one-half of
South Windermere Street; one-half of the street was not in-
cluded in the legal description on the annexation plat, and
it might, in fact, affect the contiguity of the parcel if
one-half of the street were to be included.
Jones moved:
Williams seconded: The matter of the Mardesen Annexation
Petition be referred to the Community
Development staff for further information and recommendation
to the Planning Commission for action; the staff report is
requested for the meeting on April 6, 1976.
-13-
Mr. Mardesen noted that time is of the essence to him.
Mrs. Pierson asked if the zoning could run concurrently with
the annexation petition? Mr. Eitel stated that they could be
considered concurrently; however, consideration and approval
of the annexation must precede approval of the zoning.
The vote was called:
AYES: Tanguma, Williams, Jones, .brgenson, Parker, Pierson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Ed Smith, Wade, Don Smith
The motion carried.
Mr. House stated that the Denver Regional Council of Governments
is sponsoring a Planning Commissioners Seminar which will be
held on April 8, April 15, April 22, and April 29. Members
were asked if they would want to participate. Messrs. Jones,
Tanguma, Williams and Jorgenson indicated they would like to
participate, and Mrs. Pierson stated that she understood Ed
Smith would also like to participate.
VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE
Mr. Tanguma noted that the DRCOG Annual Dinner Meeting is
scheduled for the evening of March 17th, 6:00 p.m., at the
Holiday Inn Southeast, at I-25 and East Arapahoe Road. Mrs.
Romans had a reservation to attend the dinner, but is ill
and will not be able to do so; members were asked if they
would be interested in attending the dinner meeting in Mrs.
Romans stead? Brief discussion ensued; Mr. House was designated
to attend the DRCOG Annual Dinner Meeting in Mrs. Romans stead,
and Mr. Tanguma would attend from the Commission o
Mr. Jones asked if it would be possible for the Commission to
have an opportunity to meet in a study session before every
meeting to go over the matters on the agenda? He suggested
possibly meeting at 7 P.M. for a study session, and opening
the public meeting at 8 P.M. Discussion followed. The
Secretary was asked to review the Minutes to determine if the
meeting time was formally changed by vote. Brief discussion
followed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
/ (' / . -r /,~:--( :,~/I . /,. /~ ..
Gel?trlldeG'.. iwe1 t'f"{t~
/Recording .,s·ecretary
-14-
MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR
RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION o
DATE: March 16, 1976
SUBJECT: Alley Vacation
RECOMMENDATION:
Parker moved:
Jones seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City
Council that the requested alley vacation
of the west leg of the "T" shaped alley in the 3500 block
between South Downing Street and South Marion Street be
denied on the grounds it is felt there is a strong possibility
more problems would be created than would be solved.
AYES: Tanguma, Williams, Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Pierson
·NAYS: None
ABSENT: Wade, Don Smith, Ed Smith
The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
By Order of the City Planning
and Zoning Commission.