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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-09-08 PZC MINUTES\ CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION September 8, 1976 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Chairman Tanguma in the Community Room of Englewood .City Hall. Members present: Pierson, D. Smith, E. Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams, Jones, Parker Wanush, Ex-officio Me~bers absent: Jorgenson Also present: Mayor Taylor, Councilmen Brown, Mann; City Manager Mccown; Public Works Director Waggoner; Assistant Director for Planning Romans; Associate Planner House;Planning Intern Fessenden. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Tanguma stated that Minutes of the meeting of August 17, 1976, were to be considered for approval. Williams moved: Jones seconded: The Minutes of August 17, 1976, be approved as written. AYES: Parker, D. Smith, E. Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams, Jones NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Pierson ABSENT: Jorgenson The motion carried. III. I-470/SUPER GRID ALTERNATIVE Colorado Department of Highways Mr. Richard J. Brasher, Colorado Department of Highways District 6 Engineer, stated that for the last several months, transporta- tion in the southwest quadrant of the Denver metro area has been re-evaluated in relation to I-470. Approximately 13 alternatives to I-470 were proposed, and these have been narrowed down to five alternatives, including the Super Grid. Mr. Brasher emphasized that neither the Colorado Department of Highways nor the Governor's ad hoc committee which was appointed to consider the proposed alternatives, have made a formal de- cision on the alternatives, nor have they made a recommendation. Both the Highway Department and the Governor's Committee are still in the analysis process. Mr. Brasher stated that they will have available, in approximately one week, an assessment report which goes into detail on the total assessment process -2- used in analyzing the alternatives to I-470; 42 environmental factors were considered in these assessments. Mr. Brasher discussed several of the alternatives that have been considered. First, there is the "do nothing alternative", or the Practical Grid; this alternative allows for some im- provements in the southwest quadrant under the normal funding procedures. Other alternatives include the "outer alignment", the "outer alignment with the airport diagonal" routing, the Wadsworth route tying into I-470 at Rooney Road; the County Line Road, Santa Fe/Hampden route; and the Super Grid proposal. Under the Super Grid alternative, County Line Road, which is an arterial, would be a limited access facility and this would be one of the first routes to be constructed under the Super Grid system. University Boulevard would be proposed for six- lane construction. On South Santa Fe Drive in the Englewood area, there would be improvement to the U.S. 285/Hampden/Santa fe intersection; and improvement would be made to U.S. 285 in the vicinity of Cinderella City. This might involve splitting the highway, putting one direction of traffic south of the existing U.S. 285 route. Mr. Brasher noted that this is only a concept at this point, and not a firm decision. U.S. 285 would be improved to eight lanes from Santa Fe west to South Wadsworth Boulevard. Mr. Brasher discussed the South Santa Fe Drive corridor. Inter- change concepts are indicated at Evans, Dartmouth, Quincy and Belleview, and grade separations are indicated at Oxford, Belleview and the railway tracks, and at Bowles Avenue. West Quincy Avenue is proposed to be constructed across the South Platte River and will extend to South Simms Street. Mr. Brasher stated that these are projects that have been selected by the Colorado Department of Highways, and have been judged against the criteria of whether or not the plan could be implemented. Mr. Brasher discussed the funding process. Under the 1976 Federal Highway Act, the funds that were appropriated for the construction of I-470 may be transferred to use in the construction of the Super Grid system. Before these projects can be implemented, they must go through an extensive planning process in each of the affected jurisdictions. Mr. Mccown asked· for clarification of the proposal on County Line Road? Mr. Brasher stated that under the Super Grid system, County Line Road, the location of I-470, is proposed as a four- lane controlled access facility. This would extend westward to Simms, then up Simms to Belleview and then tie in to 1-70 on a northwesterly route. I , -3- Mr. Parker asked about the possibility of extending Colorado Boulevard through Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village? Mr. Brasher stated that it would be physically possible to ex- tend Colorado Boulevard, but that Cherry Hills Village is adamantly opposed to such extension. Mr. Parker questioned if traffic routes should be politically determined? Mr. Brasher stated that the Department of Highways tries to work with a particular region, but they still have to look at the transporta- tion network as a whole. Mr. Tanguma questioned the effectiveness of University Boulevard being six lanes from Arapahoe Road to U.S. 285; he stated that he felt the traffic flow would still be severely limited beyond the north and south boundaries. Ed Smith asked if he understood that each community would have to apply for their portions of the improvements proposed in the Super Grid? What would happen if the improvement affected several different communities --would all communities have to reach agreement before the project would be done? Mr. Brasher discussed the withdrawal process which is based upon a Pequest by the local agency, and with concurrence of the Governor. The Joint Regional Planning Program Committee also has to concur in the request. JRPP is composed of personnel from the State High- way Department, the Regional Transportation District, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Mr. Tanguma questioned the matching funds, and asked how much the local communities would be expected to match? Mr. Brasher stated that this would depend on the system the alternative project would be on --local, State or Federal system. He noted that most of the Super Grid projects are on the State Highway System, and the local governments v.ould not have to provide matching funds. Don Smith asked who would have to approve a withdrawal, if every community would have to approve such a request before it was approved by JRPP, and if in fact, did it have to be approved by JRPP? Mr. Brasher stated that the JRPP, the Governor and the local governments would have to concur before the withdrawal is approved. Ed Smith asked if all the local governments would have to con- cur with a particular project before any improvement could be done? Mr. Brasher stated not necessarily. The Highway Depart- ment has requested an opinion in this matter but to this date an opinion has not been given. Mayor Taylor referred to the Super Grid plan, and asked if all these projects would be accomplished through the with- drawal process? Mayor Taylor discussed the traffic problems on South Santa Fe Drive. He asked if Littleton, Englewood and Sheridan could get together and ask for improvement on South Santa Fe Drive? Mr. Brasher stated that improvement of South Santa Fe Drive is shown on the Practical Grid plan, and that 1.5 million has been budgeted for improvement of Santa Fe, and -4- that they are in the design stage now. There is an additional $800,000 budgeted for right-of-way acquisition on South Santa Fe Drive from Florida Avenue to Yale Avenue. The Department of Highways next step is to hold a public hearing on the right- of-way acquisition, which hearing will be held within the next month or so. Mr. Brasher stated that if the proposal is well received at the public hearing, the Department of Transportation can determine the proposal is a viable project and will continue. Mr. Brasher emphasized that this is for a six-lane improvement on South Santa Fe. Mr. Brasher again stated that the design work is underway from Bowles Avenue north to Yale. Mr. Brasher noted that the Santa Fe Drive improvement is a very difficult project. R. T. D. has considered a lot of designs for the Santa Fe corridor and the Highway Department plans must fit into the R.T.D. plans. Monies for improvement along Santa Fe cannot be spent until it is determined that the Highway Department and R.T.D. plans fit together. Having established the fact that there is a ridership corridor on Santa Fe Drive, RTD is now looking toward commuter rail, bus lanes, etc. rather than the rapid transit. The Highway Department is working very closely with RTD. Ed Smith asked how many governmental agencies are affected by the Airport Diagonal route? Mr. Brasher stated that five agencies are affected, those being Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Lakewood and Littleton. Seven agencies would be involved on the Super Grid system. Not all agencies would have to concur on a withdrawal project, but Mr. Brasher did not have the exact figures on the number of agencies required for approval. Don Smith asked what the City of Englewood could do to encourage an expedient effort on the design work on South S~nta Fe Drive from Bowles Avenue to Yale Avenue, and also asked what the time table is for the Super Grid? Mr. Brasher stated that they hoped to have the Super Grid implemented by 1990. He stated that the City could support the efforts of the Highway Depart- ment to implement the interim projects they are involved in; the City could give support at the Public Hearing for the right- of-way acquisition. Mayor Taylor asked if there is a time limitation on the availability of the Federal money for the I-470/Super Grid construction? Mr. Brasher stated that the money is there. Mayor Taylor asked if some of these funds were used to improve Santa Fe Drive, if this meant forfeiting the possibility of I-470 construction? Mr. Brasher stated that South Santa Fe Drive would still have some improvement in the event I-470 were to be built; however, there would not be money for necessary grade separations or interchanges. These traffic improvements would be made in lieu of 1470, if this is the decision of the local agencies, and if it is approved ~ by the Governor and the JRPP. Mayor Taylor noted that Englewood ~ is centrally located, and that the north/south arteries of Santa -5- Fe, Broadway and University Boulevard border or bisect Englewood, as does the east/west artery of U.S. 285. Mayor Taylor noted that there is going to be great development in the southern area around Chatfield Dam, John Mansville, and the Madden de- velopments; and that this traffic will have to be carried also. Mr. Brasher noted that the studies indicate that the outer route doesn't really carry that much traffic; most of the routes which will carry traffic to the "core" city, will be the north/south routes. Mrs. Wade asked what capacity was proposed for 1-470? Mr. Brasher stated that 1-470 was proposed as a six-lane express- way; they now propose to improve County Line Road to a four- lan~ limited access arterial under the Super Grid system. Mr. Brasher introduced a Mr. Ruble, who gave a traffic analysis of the alternatives. Mr. Ruble stated that a standard traffic assignment was used in the analysis, and that they looked at the improvements contained in each alternative compared to the Practical Grid. Mr. Ruble indicated areas of acceptable service, areas of unstable flow and areas of stop-and-go forced flow on a map. All the north/south facilities show congestion. The outer route does give some improvements, but not where the problems are. The analysis indicates that the Super Grid does provide an improved level of service. Mr. Jones noted there was a particularly bad problem on U.S. 285 in the vicinity of Cinderella City. He asked what is pro- posed for this area, and what is the timing on the improvements? Mr. Ruble stated that if the Super Grid is implemented, con- gestion would be relieved; there could be some improvement with a one-way cuplet in the vicinity of Cinderella City; but this cannot be done without some disruption. Mr. Jones asked if the problem would be complicated if they attempt to build an improved facility on an already over-loaded facility? Mr. Ruble ·stated that the Super Grid would relieve some of the worst congestion. Mr. Mccown noted that in reading some of the original reports on 1-470, it was asserted that the construction of 1-470 would not have very much effect on U.S. 285 traffic. He noted if this were the case, there would have to be some improvement on the U.S. 285 traffic congestion. He asked if this interpretation is correct? Mr. Ruble stated that Mr. McCown's interpretation is correct. Mr. Mccown asked what benefit the City of Englewood would realize from the construction of 1-470? Mr. Ruble stated that the construction of 1-470 would not do anything for presently congested areas. -6- Mr. Brasher noted that if the Super Grid alternative is selected, they would still be operating under restricted conditions, there will still be contestion, but there would be an over-all benefit to the communities. Mayor Taylor noted that U.S. 285 is the one arterial running through Englewood in an east/west direction, and that Englewood has three north/south arterials. If an attempt is made to put all that traffic from the south developments on one street going north and south, there will be more congestion. He stated that he understood I-470 was to help in diverting the north/south traffic from being funneled through Englewood. Mr. Ruble stated that the Highway Department has planned the location of the improvements to relieve the north/south con- gestion. Percentages of persons passing through Englewood to other destinations were discussed. Don Smith stated that he felt the concern seems to be that the Super Grid is routing more traffic north and south through Englewood. Mr. Brasher noted that the limited access facility on County Line Road would still be available for those motorists who want to use it. Mr. Brasher said that with the Super Grid, there would be a "small I-470" --the four-lane limited access facility on County Line Road, and the remaining monies could be used to finance other improvements on the Super Grid System. There is also estimated to be $47,000,000 to spend in the Denver area on projects that have not yet been identified. Mr. Tanguma asked if the data for the Super Grid takes into consideration the growth factor south of Littleton? Mr. Ruble described the process they used in determining growth rate and the distribution of that projected growth. Ms. Patsy Goodman, Department of Highways, stated there is 155.3 million dollars available in the Highway Trust Fund which is earmarked for the construction of I-470. Under the original estimate, this amount would have been 90% of the total monies estimated for construction of the highway; the 10% would have been local funds. Under the "transfer" process, this 155,3 million dollars would become 80% of the total construction funds, and 20% matching funds would be required. Under the transfer process, the State share would be twice what it would be if the interstate facility were constructed. There would be 103 million dollars available for the construction of the super grid; 18.7 million would be used for part of the Practical Grid proposal. Under the transfer process, all of the funds do not have to be used in the southwest quadrant; they could be used within the Denver metro area for as yet unidentified projects. $47.8 million dollars would, therefore, be available for construction of highway projects outside of the southwest quadrant. Ms. Goodman stated that 24.6 million dollars is pro- posed for improvement of the South Santa Fe corridor; she stated that the Department of Highways and RTD will work with the rail- roads in an attempt to solve some of the problems along this corridor. The improvements on Santa Fe would include grade -7- separation structures in an effort to eliminate the stop-and- go traffic on South Santa Fe. Ms. Goodman stated that the construction of a four-lane facility on the outer route would cost an estimated 88.6 million dollars, which amount is all the Highway Department could justify at this point based on traffic projections. This construction would qualify for 90% funding from the Federal government. Ed Smith asked if there is a specific time limit within which the funds from the Federal Government must be used? Ms. <.bodman stated there is no time limitation; the funds must be transferred to the General Fund from the Highway Trust Fund, and appropriated by Congress. There is now more funds available than there are requested projects. Discussion ensued. Mr. Tanguma introduced State Representative Betty Ann Dittemore who had entered tbe meeting. Mayor Taylor asked what would happen if Congress should decide against appropriation of all these monies? Ms. Goodman stated that some projects could be delayed for a time. Ms. Goodman stated that there could be risk involved in using the transfer funds; however, the improved level of service must be con- sidered. By transfering the funding, there would be 47.8 million dollars available for improvement outside of the south- west quadrant and 24.6 million dollars would be available for use in the Santa Fe corridor, none of which is available if the I-470 interstate facility is constructed. Ms. Goodman stated that the Highway Department staff can only point out the risks involved and the benefits that could be realized from the transfer of funds for the Super Grid. Discussion ensued. Don Smith noted that the original plan was to solve the traffic problems in the southwest quadrant; now, under the transfer of funds, Denver will be getting 47.8 million dollars for improve- ments that will be of no benefit to the southwest quadrant. Mr. Brasher stated that projects in the Super Grid are those the staff feel are reasonable to implement. Mr. Jones stated that he understood under the transfer of funds, the financing will be 80/20, with the local governments required to meet the 20%. He stated that he felt the State will be "hard pressed to meet the 20% requirement.'·' He noted that one year ago, all the communities had applied for improvement of South Santa Fe Drive, and to date, nothing has been done. Further discussion on the funding ensued. Mr. Atchison, of the Department of Highways, noted that if the gas tax increase is not approved, "we can forget everything." Mr. Waggoner asked if the Highway Department is saying that improvements to Santa Fe will become reality faster if the -8- funds transfer is approved than they would under the normal budget procedure? Mr. Brasher emphasized that they are now in the design stage for a six lane facility on South Santa Fe Drive from Bowles Avenue north; but this does not include the construction of grade separations or interchanges. The transfer would provide funds for these structures and they could use the money to implement the improvements faster. If another project were to be granted a higher priority, however, that priority might have to be constructed first. Mrs. Pierson stated that she understood from this discussion that the 155.3 million dollars is not certain money under the transfer of funds, and that we could be taking a gamble that would benefit areas outside of the southwest quadrant. Ms. Goodman stated that there are greater benefits to be realized in the southwest quadrant under the Supe.r Grid transfer of funds than there are to be realized with the construction of the Interstate. Under the Super Grid system, there would be an outer facility constructed, plus the improvements to other streets to facilitate the movement of traffic. Don Smith stated that he understood the construction of I-470 alone is less than 100 million dollars of the 155.3 million dollars in trust; if I-470 is constructed, could the southwest quadrant then make use of the remaining monies for other im- provements? Mrs. Goodman stated no; the only money funded would be for the actual construction of the Interstate. Funding and benefits of the Super Grid system were further dis- cussed. Mrs. Dittemore noted that the Practical Grid doesn't appear to do anything for Englewood. Mr. Tanguma asked what priority Santa Fe Drive improvements have? Mr. Brasher stated that it is of top priority under the present funding procedure; this will provide for a six-lane facility, but no other improvements. Don Smith asked for the general timing on Santa Fe improvements under the year-to-year funding process? Mr. Brasher stated that the biggest thing is the acquisition of right-of-way from Yale to Florida; this is estimated at approximately two to two and one-half years~ They hope to begin improvements at Bowles Avenue by the Spring of 1977, and to work north on Santa Fe from that point. Improvements in the southwest and southeast areas were dis- cussed in relation to the improvements proposed. Ms. Goocbnan stated that under their projections, they feel the proposed system will be adequate. Mr. Brasher stated they have attempted to come up with what is most reasonable in possible funding; he stated that he feels this is the most the southwest quadrant could possibly get for the Super Grid. If the Interstate is constructed, the only other improvements would be on the Practical Grid system. Mr. Atchison discussed some of the proposals that were made and rejected by the jurisdictions involved. They had con- sidered extending South Colorado Boulevard southward from -9- East Quincy Avenue, but received opposition from Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village. They also considered the im- provement of Dry Creek Road, but met with opposition from the City of Littleton. Mr. Atchison stated that these proposals were "pulled off the map" as projects that could not be implemented; this is how they arrived at the 47.8 million dollars that would be available for projects not within the southwest quadrant. Mr. Atchison acknowledged that the Super Grid alternative is a high risk alternative in light of whether or not the federal money would be available through 1990 when they hope to have the Super Grid System implemented, but he termed it an "attractive alternative." Mayor Taylor inquired as to the local share? Ms. Goodman stated that the total local share is 1.2 million dollars. Mr. Parker stated that it appeared that perhaps the best plan is to construct I-470 if the Santa Fe improvements are assured anyway. Mr. Brasher noted that the interim improvements on Santa Fe would be two additional outside lanes. These improve- ments are on the five-year program; but the Highway Commission must still approve the annual budget requests. It is a minimum improvement to provide the two additional lanes. Mayor Taylor asked if this improvement would include grade separations? Mr. Brasher stated that it does not. Mr. Temple, CDH, discussed their concern with the coal trains proposed to travel the tracks which run parallel to Santa Fe, and the problems this could cause with at-grade crossings. Mr. Brasher stated that even with the improvements, but without the grade separations, they would anticipate a low level of service along Santa Fe Drive. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt there might be other less expensive ways to solve problems with the coal trains than constructing grade separations at several points along South Santa Fe Drive. Discussion ensued. Mr. Temple pointed out that the Highway Department doesn't have too much information on the coal trains at this point; however, they have heard discussion o n approximately 28 one-mile-long coal trains per day on these tracks. Mr. Brasher confirmed that the Highway Department did not have all the facts on the matter of coal trains; he did state there is a need to separate the railroad tracks from the arterial crossings; he noted that Belleview Avenue and the tracks is one of their highest hazard spots. He noted that the poi n t they wanted to make, is that there is a problem of safety and traffic congestion at the points of intersection that will only get worse; he stated that he felt the grade separations at the rail crossings are justified. Mr. Tanguma asked to hear from Mrs. Dittemore. Mrs. Dittemore commended the Highway Department staff for their "good job". She stated that she was concerned abt>Ut Englewood in these traffic plans, and wants to help Englewood all she can. Mrs. Dittemore acknowledged the Super Grid system "looks good" -10- and discussed the withdrawal system previously discussed for the transfer of funds. She stat-ed that "concurrence" means that each of the entities involved would approve the transfer of funds and the specific projects. Mrs. Dittemore noted that the original figures quoted for I-470 were 92.5 million dollars which has been escalated to 155.3 million dollars available for the financing of the Super Grid system. Mrs. Dittemore stated that she had asked Mr. Kintslinger of the Highway Department if there was a "firm commitment" for the 155.3 million dollars, and he indicated "he thought there was." She asked if it is true that the Secretary of the Department of Transportation has discretionary powers on the funds that are to be transferred? Mrs. Dittemore stated that Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village will not support the Super Grid proposal. Mrs. Dittemore stated that this plan "isn't set in concrete", and there is no guarantee on the 155.3 million dollars for the Super Grid. Mrs. Dittemore stated that she is trying to get the feeling of the Commission and Council on this matter so that she can best serve the wants and needs of Englewood. Don Smith asked if there were any inquiries being made in Washington to find out how Congress feels about the transfer of funds? Mrs. Dittemore stated that "it looks like the funds will be available." Don Smith asked the estimated completion dates on the projects? Mr. Brasher stated that I-470 is proposed for completion in 1985; the Super Grid would be completed by 1990, and the Practical Grid system would be completed by 2,000. Mr. Brasher emphasized they are not trying to sell a program, but do feel a serious obligation to point out the facts in this matter. Mayor Taylor stated that he would like some time to think about the presentation this evening, and consider the matter further. Mr. Tanguma expressed his appreciation and that of the Council and the Commission, to the Highway Department personnel for their presentation. A recess was called at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order with the following members present: Parker, Pierson, D. Smith, E. Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams, Jones. IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Wanush had earlier excused himself from the meeting. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Wanush has expressed a desire to meet informally with the Commission members. Mrs. Romans suggested that possibly this could be arranged following the meeting on September 21st. -11- V. COMMISSION'S CHOICE Mr. Tanguma referred to a letter from Mr. Jack Carver Patterson regarding the proposed Halcyon Heights II development at South Clarkson Street and U.S. 285. Mrs. Romans stated that no building permits have been issued for the development; the applicants stated that they wanted to pre-lease a given number of the units prior to making application for a building permit. Mrs. Romans stated that approximately one month ago, the architect for HH II was in touch with the staff, and indicated at that time that they are proceeding with the development. Again, Mrs. Romans emphasized, no building permits have been issued, no variances have been granted, and the alley has not been vacated for this development. The Planning Commission and City Council did approve the Development Plan some time ago. She· stated that she felt Mr. Patterson should be so informed. Discussion ensued. Don Smith moved: Wade seconded: The matter of Mr. Patterson's letter be placed on the agenda of the next meeting. AYES: Jones, Parker, Pierson, D. Smith, E. Smith, Tanguma, Wade Williams. NAYS: None ABSENT: Jorgenson The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.