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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-10-05 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION October 5, 1976 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 PoM. by Chairman Tanguma 0 Members present: Jorgenson, Parker, Tanguma, Williams, Jones Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: D. Smith, Ed Smith, Wade, Pierson Also present: Assistant Director Romans; Associate Planner House; Assistant City Attorney DeWitt 0 II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Tanguma stated that Minutes of the September 21, 1976, meeting were to be considered for approval. Jorgenson moved: Williams seconded: The Minutes of September 21, 1976, be approved as written. AYES: Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Tanguma, Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Pierson, D. Smith, Ed Smith, Wade The motion carried. III. JEFFERSON PROFESSIONAL BUILDING CORP. Rezoning: R-2 to R-4 CASE #28-76 Mr. Tanguma read a letter from the Jefferson Professional Building Corporation requesting that action on their rezoning case be postponed for 120 days to allow 1he members of the Corporation additional time to determine the development of the site. Mr. Tanguma asked the pleasure of the Commission? Parker moved: Williams seconded: The Commission postpone action on Case #28-76 for 120 days as requested by the applicant. The matter will be brought before the Planning Commission at the end of the 120 day period. Don Smith entered the meeting. AYES: Williams, Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Tanguma NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Don Smith ABSENT: Pierson, Ed Smith, Wade The motion carried. -2- IV. I-470 ALTERNATIVES CASE #19-76 Mr. Tanguma stated that he understood there were some representa- tives of Cinderella City present who were interested in the I-470 discussiono Those present from Cinderella City were: Elaine Good, Jim Burnett, Sally Bland Muir, Berney Ponder, Dwight Rinderle, Dan Zambelli, J. Neuschwanger, Franz Hummel, Kendall Palmer. Also present was Larry Noworki. Mr. Williams noted that the Governor's I-470 Ad Hoc Commission had killed the Super Grid as of October 1, 1976. , . Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the action of the Ad Hoc Commission is an indication that the municipalities should act quickly on their preferred route for the interstate. Mr. Wanush noted that the staff report which was delivered to the Commission is out-of-date because of the action of the Ad Hoc Commission, and the Super Grid system is no longer an item of discussion. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the Commission had the choice of staying with their recommendation in favor of the airport diagonal route; they may re-examine that decision to determine if there are other alternatives that may be more beneficial to the City of Englewood; or the City can attempt to work out another kind of system similar to the Super Grid systemo Mro Wanush noted that the Governor's Commission did leave open the option of transferring funds for alternative traffic systemso Mr. Wanush stated that his recommendation is to re-examine the ~ existing interstate alternatives; to study these alternatives in the same manner that the Super Grid was studied, that is, place Englewood in the "center" and look at the benefits and problems each of the systems has for the City of Englewood. Mr. Wanush pointed out that the responsibility of the Commission is to determine what system does the best for the City of Englewoodo Mr. Wanush discussed the amount of traffic that presently goes "through" Englewood, and noted that all alternatives will increase the amount of traffic through the City. He noted that the 1975 traffic figures on South Santa Fe Drive show approximately 40,000 to 44,000 cars per day at U.S. 285 and Santa Fe Drive. South Broadway carries approximately 22,000 to 27,000 vehicles per day. Mr. Wanush stated that the Com- mission must consider the fact that traffic will be going through Englewood, and determine which is the best solution for moving that traffic, as well as providing access to Englewood. Mr. Wanush stated that there are 13 separate traffic "links" in the Englewood areao Using the Airport Diagonal route, pro- jected traffic volumes would decrease on nine of the 13 links; the projected traffic volume would increase on two of the links, and there would be no change on two links. This is compared with a "do-nothing" system. The Santa Fe Route shows a decrease on five of the links. -3- Mr. Wanush noted that the Commission cannot make a judgement on the traffic volumes alone; they must also consider how well the traffic moves, and the level of service. The Airport Diagonal route increases the level of service on two of the links; the Santa Fe Route increases the level of service on six of the links. Mr. Wanush stated that the Santa Fe Route will funnel people through Englewood to downtown Denver. Mr. Wanush noted that Santa Fe Drive at U.S. 285 will have a grea t increase in the volume of traffic, and the same will be true for U.S. 285 at the Santa Fe intersection. While there wou ld be some increase in the level of service on the interstate route, there would also be an increase in congestion. He suggested that if the Santa Fe Route is chosen, the recomme nda- tion should also set forth the improvements needed at key intersections, for instance on U.S. 285, and on Belleview Avenue. Mr. Wanush noted that a factor to be considered is the grow th trends; population and commercial and retail businesses te nd to move out along an interstate route. Hotels are a business use that are attracted to an interstate route. The State Highway Department projects a 5% increase in growth to the south if the outer route is used for I-470. Mr. Wanush stated t hat for the reasons of economics, improved accessibility, etc. that having the interstate designated through or near Englewood is advisable. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the Super Gr id system would have been the most benefit to Englewood, but this is not an alternative to be considered now. Mr. Wanush stated that in considering all the alternatives, the Santa Fe Route does seem to offer the best solution f or Englewood, but it is also the most expensive route. It will also result in the most disrupt ion and relocation of perso ns and businesses. However, once the interstate has been co n- structed along this route, i t should be a highly marketabl e area along U.S. 285 and South Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Tanguma stated that he would like to hear from the mer chants from Cinderella City . Ms. Elaine Good Cinderella City Merchants Association -stated that the merchants of Cinderella City were pres ent to offer support of Alter native #12, the Santa Fe Drive route. Ms. Good stated that they are strongly in favor of the Sant a Fe Route, and feel that it would be the best for Englewood and for Cinderella City. Ms. Goo d pointed out the possibility of mother regional shopping ce nter locating along the "outer route" if that route should be c h o sen and implemented. Ms. Good stated that one of the things that came out of the "Town Meeting '76" session, was fear of a lot of business being taken away from Englewood to other areas of the Denver Metropolitan area. With the outer route, this fear could become a reality. -4- Mr. James Burnett Denver Dry -pointed out that one must consider the trend of population growth --where is it going? He pointed out that the housing just isn't available in Englewood. Englewood has grown to the "four walls", and we should concern ourselves with ways to get people into Englewood. Mr. Burnett stated that the concerns should be the traffic flow, movement and level of service. Mr. Burnett stated that we should be con- sidering the future --what will happen to Englewood in 25 or 30 years. Mr. Kendall Palmer J.C. Penneys Co. -stated that two to two-and-one-half years ago, Cinderella City was the biggest shopping center in the southern metro area; now there are four regional shopping centers. Mr. Palmer stated that he felt Englewood is progressively becoming more of a "downtown shopping center", and the suburban area has moved further away. One of the biggest problems is access and egress to the Englewood shopping area; it is difficult to get in and out of Englewood. Mr. Palmer stated that convenience is one of the most compelling shopping attractions that Englewood has; and we have to make this area even more convenient for the customers. Mr. Palmer stated that the City now has the opportunity to capitalize on the fact that the Super Grid system was turned down. There is an opportunity, with the Santa Fe route for the interstate, to get people in and out of Englewood. Mr. Palmer stated that he felt something "dramatic" was needed to revitalize Englewood. Dwight Rinderle McDonald's -stated that Alternate #12 would take care of the population living in the southwest area today --the people who have an investment in this area today. Mr. Rinderle stated that the major problem is accessibility, and the purpose of Alternate #12 is to eliminate such negative aspects. Mr. Jones noted there were two different problems under con- sideration. The problem of getting people into Englewood as opposed to getting people through Englewood. Mr. Jones noted that there are problems on Broadway and U.S. 285 in the move- ment of traffic and South Santa Fe Drive has a high level of truck traffic. Mr. Jones further discussed the traffic level on U.S. 285 and Santa Fe Drive, and noted that a one-way cuplet for U.S. 285 may be required to carry the volume of traffic. Mr. Jones noted that there would be problems with a one-way cuplet, in that traffic east-bound would have to cross the west-bound traffic to get into Cinderella City. Mr. Jones noted that a study was done a few years ago on acquiring right-of-way to depress U.S. 285; this would have cost a great deal of money for the section of the Highway from Bannock to Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Jones pointed out that there will have to be close coordina- tion with Cherry Hills Village, Englewood and Sheridan. He '• -5- pointed out that both Cherry Hills Village and Sheridan have been concerned about the negative impact of high volume traff i c on their communities. Mr. Jones stated that he felt conside rably more study will be required on this matter. Don Smith noted that on October 4, 1976, the City Council vo ted to send a letter to Governor Lamm stating that the Englewood City Council did not approve of the manner in which the dec i s ion was made on the Super Grid. Mr. Smith discussed the "trans fer of funds" vs. the appropriation of funds. He stated that h e understood the "transfer" of funds is not accurate; rather, funds must be budgeted and appropriated. In light of this, it is his understanding that the money for construction of I-470 is in the Highway Trust Fund, and is available; monies for any alternative plans is not available unless appropriated. Mr . Smith asked if he understood correctly that there is money for grade separation construction in a separate fund? Mr. Wanu sh stated that the funds for widening of Santa Fe is in a fund . Mr. Smith stated that he understood the money for the widen ing of Santa Fe is in the Urban Systems Fund, but are there fund s set aside for grade separations on Santa Fe? Mr. Wanush st ated that he did not think so at this time. Don Smith noted that according to statistics in the I-470 and Alternatives summary, the Santa Fe alternative is twice as costly, and would result in twice the relocations or displac e- ments. Mr. Wanush pointed out there could be both benefits and liability in this, howevero Discussion ensued. Don Williams stated that Santa Fe is in the process of being widened now. He emphasized that Urban Systems funds do not apply to State Highways, as stated by Mr. Smith. Don Smith asked if Alternative 12 were adopted, could it be in- cluded under the interstate highway funding as it is propose d now? Mr. Wanush replied in the affirmative. Mr. Wanush brought up the matte r of financing ramps from th e interstate system to Cinderella City, for instance; would t he City have to pay for the ramps; would the Cinderella City merchants pay, or would the State pay? Mr. Wanush stated that he fel t this is an important question. He pointed out that there must be a capability to funnel the traffic to points of destinat ion within and without Englewood. Mr. Jones asked if it would be out of line to request some assistance from the State Highway Department? Don Williams assured the Commission that Mr. Brasher, the District VI Highway Engineer, and his sta ff would be willing to meet with the Commission again to go over the alternatives. Mr. Jones discussed previous ideas of moving the railroad tracks; now, however, with the coal trains the moving of the traffic would present a real problem. Mr. Williams noted that any time railroad tracks are moved, the railroads do not pa y for the relocation. -6- Mr. Jones stated that he felt the Commission must consider the possibility of a one-way cuplet on U.S. 285. Mr. Wanush noted that there was a study of Hampden done in the past. Discussion ensued. Mr. Wanush stated that the Commission has recommended the widening and improvement of South Santa Fe Drive as part of the work program requests to the State Highway Commission over a number of years. Mr. Tanguma asked what alternative the Cinderella City merchants favored? Ms. Good stated that the merchants favored alternate #12. She stated that they understood the off/on ramps are part of the interstate improvements. Ms. Good stated that the inter- state running through Englewood would increase property taxes and sales taxes and would provide a good tax base. She stated that the Cinderella City merchants feel this is a way of channeling Englewood's growth, and there is a need to strengthen the growth from within Englewood. Don Smith asked where funds would be obtained for the improve- ment of U.S. 285; he noted there is no inexpensive alternative to U.S. 285. He stated that before decisions are made on the alternatives to recommend, he felt there should be considerably more study. Mr. Tanguma asked if there was another deadline given for recommending an alternative? Mr. Wanush stated that it is apparent after the Ad Hoc Commission's decision on October 1, that a matter can be discussed just so long, and then someone else will make the decision. He acknowledged that there are some real problems with the Santa Fe route, that must be addressed. Mr. Larry Noworki 2553 South Lincoln St. -stated that he had been involved in highway planning in Indiana, concerning interstate relocation. He stated that Alternate #12 has the beauty of using a substantial portion of existing right-of-ways. It does follow, and would make good use of major arterials that are in existence and there would be fewer land owners to deal with when discussing relocation and acquisition of right-of-way. Don Smith asked how Mr. Noworki arrived at the conclusion of fewer land owners? Mr. Noworki stated that he was referring to the immediate area of the Santa Fe/U.S. 285 intersection. Mr. Jones further discussed the one-way cuplet. He noted that Jefferson Avenue has possibly a 60 ft. right-of-way, which, in his opinion, would have to be expanded to the width of U.S. 285. This would mean that extensive right-of-way would have to ·be acquired from the railroad tracks to Logan or Clarkson. The interstate would also have to be depressed at Broadway. Mr. Jones stated that he could not see anything happening in 1977 but the widening of Santa Fe as scheduled, and he does not want to do anything to discourage that. .. .. -7- Don Smith stated that he can understand the concern of t he Cinderella City merchants, and the fact that the interst ate designation and construction may not happen for a while. He stated that he felt the Commission must take time to study the alternatives and to make a decision. The City must also make every effort to solve the problems that could result from the construction of the interstate. He acknowledged that Al ternat e _ 12 appears to benefit Englewood, but does create problems o n U.S. 285. Mr. Williams stated that in light of the Ad Hoc Commissio n's decision on the Super Grid, he felt the Planning Commiss i o n should come up with an alternate plan that they can at l east discuss. Mr. ·wanush pointed out that all the other alternatives are y e t to be considered. Mr. Tanguma noted that Ms. Good stated that the Cinderel la City merchants wished to help; he asked how they proposed to o ffer that help? Ms. Good stated that the Merchants Association feels ve ry strongly in support of Alternate #12; they are willing to offer a leadership role. Ms. Good read a letter from the Board of Directors, dated August 27, 1976, which strongly supported Alternate #12, the South Santa Fe Drive/U.S. 285 alignme nt. Mr. Tanguma asked in what capacity they would offer a le ader- ship role? Mr. Zambelli stated that they feel very strongly about Alternate #12, and that some of the larger stores in the shopping c omplex are represented this evening. Mr. Zambelli stated that they will do all they can to get public support for Alternate #12 . They believe that if a decision is not made, and if someone does not take the leadership, someone else will decide where I-470 should go. He stated that it seemed that while there are problems with Alternate #12~ Englewood has a good opportunity to help in the decision-making process because of the be nefits to be realized from Alternate #12. He stated that he b elieved the outer route will be almost impossible to build. Th e Super Grid system had "something for everyone", but is now a dead issue. He stated that Alternate #12 should be consider e d as to whether or not it brings benefits to the City of Eng lewood. He stated that it is the concensus of the Merchants Asso ciation that Alternate #12 would be the best alternative for Eng l ewood. He added that there will be a 90/10 funding split on the i nter- state, and that these funds are available. Mr. Zambell i stated that Cinderella City will help to mold public opinion wi thin the community of the City of Englewood if the City decide s in favor of Alternate #12. Mr. Zambelli stated that what is good for Englewood is good for Cinderella City, and vice versa. Mr. Zambelli stated that Cinderella City merchants want t o cooperate with the City. They are in the process of havi ng -8- petitions signed to ask the decision-makers to look at Alternate #12 favorably and he stated that they could produce a large number of signatures on these petitions. Mr. Tanguma stated he would like to sit down for one or two hours, possibly on October 12th, and come up with a specific proposal for discussion. Mr. Williams asked if the Commission could have colored maps on the different alternatives available at the work session on the 12th? Mr. Jones asked that the staff contact Mr. Brasher to see if he could attend the special meeting on October 12th. Don Smith stated that he felt a preliminary look should be given U.S. 285, and if possible, list the problems that would occur with South Santa Fe Drive as the interstate location. Mr. Tanguma stated that he would like to look at more than one alternative. Mr. Jones noted there were certain design criteria to be used for freeways, that the Commission may not be aware of. It was the concensus 0£ the Commission they would meet in special session on October 12, 1976; 7:00 p.m., to discuss the I-470 alternatives. A recess was declared by Chairman Tanguma. The meeting reconvened with the following members present: Williams, Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, D. Smith, Tanguma. Absent were: Wade, Pierson, Ed Smith. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. There was nothing to be discussed under Director's Choice. VII. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Williams pointed out there is a possibility that Mr. Brasher might not be available for a meeting with the Commission on such short notice, but suggested that possibly someone else from Mr. Brasher's office could be in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.