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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-10-19 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION • October 19, 1976 I. CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Tanguma. Members present: Jorgenson, Parker, D. Smith, Ed Smith, Tanguma, Jones Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Pierson, Wade, Williams Also present: Assistant City Attorney DeWitt; Assistant Director Romans; Associate Planner House. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Tanguma stated that the Minutes of October 5, 1976, are to be considered for approval. Parker moved: Jorgenson seconded: The Minutes of October 5, 1976, be approved as written. AYES: Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, D. Smith, Ed Smith, Tanguma NAYS: None ABSENT: Pierson, Wade, Williams The motion carried. Mrs. Wade entered and took her place with the Commission. III. HAMPDEN PROFESSIONAL PARK Subdivision Plat CASE #31-76 Assistant Director Romans stated that the preliminary design of the proposed Hampden Professional Park Subdivision is to be considered this evening. The proposed Subdivision encompasses Phases 8 and 9 as identified in the Larwin Subdivision Waiver, which was approved in October 1972. The proposed subdivision is approximately eleven acres in size, and is located in the southwest corner of the Larwin site. The parcel is to be divided into two blocks, with eight lots to each block. The lots will be 24,000 square feet in area, to conform with the minimum lot area requirements of the R-3 High Density Zone District. If the property were to be developed for professional offices, nursing homes, etc., the 24,000 sq. ft. minimum lot lot area would be adequate. However, were the property to be developed for multi-family use, two lots could be combined to meet the minimum lot area of 42,000 sq. ft. Mr. Tom Regan is the developer of this site, and has indicated that the individual sites will be sold in such size as the prospective builders may want. -2- Mrs. Romans briefly reviewed the Larwin development, which • was to have encompassed the entire site and which was to have been developed as a "unit". No major streets were dedicated, but are, rather, private roadways that do not meet the City's minimum street widths. Mrs. Romans reminded the Commission of a meeting they had with a Mr. Pogue of the Larwin Corpora- tion, at which time Mr. Pogue was advised it would be necessary to plat the site prior to selling any portion. Letters have also been written to Mr. Pogue to again advise him of the necessity to plat the site; it appears, however, that Larwin is ignoring any attempts by the City to contact them. The staff has devoted considerable time discussing this matter, and has determined that the best way to handle the situation is to work with the individual developers of the property as it is purchased from Larwin. Mrs. Romans stated that attempts are being made, by working with Mr. Regan, to secure a 60 ft. dedication for Girard Avenue through the site rather than the 30 ft. private roadway that now exists. Mr. Regan has indicated that he wants the street dedicated before he purchases his property. The street that would bisect the subdivision proposed by Mr. Regan would have a 50 ft. dedicated right-of-way. There will be no additional access to the development from U.S. 285; the primary access will be at Lafayette and Girard and at Lafayette and the proposed street between Girard and U. S. 285 which will probably be identified as Hampden Place. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Lou Carey, who had proposed de-~ velopment of the site several years previous to the Larwin ~ purchase and development of the site, had placed covenants on the land limiting the residential development to 1,500 units. Larwin had also agreed to these covenants. Mrs. Romans stated that it is her understanding that Mr. Regan is looking more toward a professional office complex rather than an apartment development. Mrs. Romans introduced Mr. Regan, Mr. Starkloff, and Mr. J. D. Willis, architect with Sternberg Partnership. Mr. Starkloff is a former member of the Englewood Planning Commission, m.d is a local developer. Mrs. Romans stated that the staff report contains suggestions that the staff feels should be incorporated in the Final Plat. Mrs. Pierson entered and took her place with the Commission. Mrs. Romans stated that a Public Hearing will have to be held on the Final Plat. Pursuant to the procedure set forth in §12-3-28 of the Subdivision Regulations, certified letters will be sent to all adjoining property owners notifying them of the time and date of the Public Hearing. Mr. Tanguma asked if the Commission had any questions. Mr. Parker asked if Larwin was a party to the subdivision? Mrs. Romans stated that Larwin was not. -3- Don Smith stated that his major concern is drainage of the site. He stated that he does not think any of the drainage should get off the site. Mr. Smith also questioned whether the present drainage system would be able to handle the drainage resulting from 10 acres of development in addition to the present develop- ment on the site. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the drainage plan was approved for the entire site at the time of the Larwin Subdivision Waiver; the original development plans called for a density much higher than that proposed by Mr. Regan . Discussion ensueq. Mr. Jones asked if Mr. Regan could work out an agreement with Larwin to tap onto the storm sewers which they have installed? He noted that there would have to be some easement rights worked out in addition to the agreement to allow tapping onto the storm drainage line. Mr. Regan stated that there have been discussions between he and Mr. Pogue of Larwin regarding the matter of drainage. As it stands now, a condif-;," of t h eir · o ntract to purchase is Larwin's granting an ea::;,'mc n t in o r ·k r that he can tap on to the storm sewer drainage system ; it is also contingent upon Larwin's dedicating the necess ar y additional right-of-way for East Girard Avenue through the Lar win development. Mr. Tanguma asked Mr. Regan i f h e had any idea of the type of buildings the development would have? Mr. Regan stated that he is looking to a medical and professional off ice park-type development. Mr. Regan stated that a number of doctors and other professional men have expressed a desire to own their own building; in fact, the idea f or such a development was brought to his attention by a local doctor . Discussion followed. Mr. Regan stated that their purchase of the land is contingent on the approval of the Subdivision Plat, which is contingent on Larwin granting easements to them for the drainage and waste water disposal and on dedication of additional right-of-way for East Girard Avenue. Mr. Parker asked if the roadway opening from U.S. 285 into the Larwin site was a dedicated roadway, or a private roadway? Mrs. Romans stated that it is a private roadway. Mr. Jones discussed the topography of the site in the area of South Lafayette and East Girard Avenue. Mr. Jones asked if this topography would result i n drainage water from the site running west and north down South Lafayette Street? Discussion ensued. Mr. Regan stated that he felt it could possibly be controlled with the profile of t he roadway. Mr. Jones asked the size of the inlet trunk line on East Girard Avenue? Mr. Regan stated that it was a triple sized line. Mr. Jones asked if it was a 24" pipe? Mr. J. D. Willis, architect with the Sternberg Partnership, stated t hat the pipe to t he north of their property is oval --18 11 hi gh by 28" wide. -4- Mrs. Pierson asked if Mr. Regan had done any studies on the demand for office space in the Englewood area? Mr. Regan stated that he has spoken with a number of people and the majority seem to be interested in the project; he stated he felt there is enough demand for him to make the attempt to develop the site. Mrs. Pierson stated that she has been trying to find property to lease for her firm; it is her feeling there is a great deal of vacant office space in the area. Mr. Regan stated that he has been talking to the local pro- fessional people, who are interested in owning their own building, probably a 10,000 to 15,000 sq. ft. building, with ample parking. Mr. Regan noted that medical and professional buildings have a unique demand for parking space. Don Smith asked approximately how many offices Mr. Regan planned for the development ; what was the average medical building need? Mr. Regan stated that this would depend on the individual who purchased the lots. He noted that the professional people he has talked to are now in much smaller quarters than the 10,000 to 15,000 sq. ft. figure he cited earlier, and they want to get more office space and more parking space. Mr. Jones asked if the development would be high-rise buildings or of a lower profile --say two or three stories in height. Mr. Regan stated that he hoped to have architectural approval on the sites he sells; he would like to control the quality of development and get a uniform approach to the development. Mr. Regan repeated that he felt right now that most of the structures would be one, two or three story buildings. Mr. Jones asked if Mr. Regan could get architectural control as a covenant running with the land? Mr. Regan stated that this could be done; he would want to have a committee that would review the building plans of each structure. Mrs. Pierson asked if all the parking would be at street level, or would there be underground parking? Mr. Regan stated that this would again be up to the individual purchaser. Mrs. Pierson stated that she was afraid we might be sacrificing some greenery for parking lot. Mr. Regan stated that the R-3 Zone District does have landscaping requirements that must be met. Brief discussion _ensued. Don Smith moved: Parker seconded: The Planning Commission approve the Preliminary Plat of the Hampden Professional Park Subdivision subject to the following conditions: 1. The size of each of the proposed lots shall be no less than 24,000 square feet, the minimum area which is required for most of the Permitted Uses in the R-3, High Density Residence District. ~ If a high-density residential development is proposed, two lots could be combined to meet the 42l000 square foot minimum lot area requirement. -5- 2. The proposed 50 foot right-of-way through the center of the subject site will be dedicated as shown on the Preliminary Plan and a name for that street shall be determined and it shall be so identified on the Final Plat. 3. In order to provide for access for utility service, easements of a width of no less than ten feet (5 ft. on each side) shall be established along all side and rear lot lines. 4. The necessary land will be dedicated for East Girard Place to make it a 60 foot right-of-way rather tha~ the existing 40 foot width. 5. A drainage plan shall be included as a part of the Final Plat. Such drainage plan shall meet the requirements set by the Director of Public Works. 6. There shall be compliance with all of the provisions of §12~3-26 of the Subdivision Regulations in preparing the Final Plat. Don Smith stated that he feels the proposed subdivision will be an asset to Englewood, and by granting the approval of the Preliminary Design Plan, the developer will be able to proceed to work out agreements with Larwin Corporation. Mr. Smith stated he felt the Commission would still have enough control to assure that the drainage problems are worked out and any other problems shall be solved prior to approval of the Final Plat. The vote was called. AYES: Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Pierson, D. Smith, Ed Smith, Tanguma, Wade NAYS: None ABSENT: Williams The motion carried. IV. DIRECTOR 'S CHOICE Mr. Wanush reported on the City Council meeting of October 18th, at which time recommendations from the Commission concerning I-470 and a joint meeting of Western Arapahoe County jurisdictions were received and considered by the Council. Mr. Wanush stated that City Council tabled action on the recommendation that the Santa Fe Drive/U.S. 285, Alternate #12, be designated as the routing for I-470. On the proposal that Englewood host a meeting of the Western Arapahoe County jurisdictions to dis- cuss the matter of I-470, the date for such meeting was set for November 4, 1976. The City Council determined they would invite the City Councils, Planning Commission members and administrative staff to this meeting. Mr. Wanush stated that the decision on the I-470 routing was tabled until after the -6- meeting of the jurisdictions to determine the feeling of those communities. There have now been indications the Highway Department will hold off making a decision until November 12th, Don Smith stated that his personal concern is not with Alternate #12, but rather what do we do on U.S. 285 from the Santa Fe interchange east to South University Boulevard? We do not at this time have either the answer or the money. Neither is there an answer on the treatment of Santa Fe Drive from U.S. 285 north to I-25. Mr. Smith stated there are enough traffic problems on U.S. 285 now, and there is no money available to do the improvements that are needed. Mr. Smith stated that Alternate #12 seems to be an acceptable method to give access to Denver. Mr. Tanguma stated that he feels the Highway Department will be forced to improve Santa Fe Drive north of U.S. 285; there is no way they could leave that part of Santa Fe Drive without some improvement. Don Smith pointed out that 1,5 million dollars is all that is available to spend on the widening of South Santa Fe now, and reminded the members of the Public Hearing scheduled for October 20th on this matter. Mr.Smith stated that Englewood cannot come up with 50% matching funds for the improvement of U.S. 285, He stated that he felt the City has to determine where the money is coming from to m~ke the improvements. Mr. Wanush pointed out that this question would pertain to any alternative ~ that was chosen. Don Smith stated that City Council had passed a resolution in support of the widening of South Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Wanush stated that tile State terms the widening of Santa Fe Drive a "short-term solution", and that even with the widening, they expect to have the same problems by 1985 that exist today. Don Smith reiterated he felt there was a big problem money-wise, and that no one is coixerned about money, and that it needs to be looked into. Mr. Wanush stated that the resolution passed by the Commission did recognize the need for improvements. If an outer route were to be chosen as the I-470 route, there would still be the need for improvements on Santa Fe and U.S. 285. Mrs. Wade pointed out 1hat Englewood stood to gain quite a few benefits from Alternate #12 and the improvements of Santa Fe Drive f~om U.S. 285 south; also, the construction would be done with federal monies. Don Smith discussed the term "transfer of funds", and stated that such an action is not possible. He stated he had called two Senators, both of whom assured him that transfer of monies from the interstate trust fund to the general trust fund cannot be done. Mr. Tanguma pointed out that Alternate #12 does not encompass any transfer of funds, it is merely a realignment of the proposed I-470 routing. Mr. wanush stated that there is new legislation which does permit the federal government to transfer an obligation from 'i • -7- the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund; he stated there is no "cash" transfer as such. Discussion ensued. Don Smith stated that he felt the City should try to get a commitment from the state or federal government as to what the scope of the project is, and what the development between Santa Fe and University on U.S. 285 would be. He stated he felt the City has been getting partial answers. Discussion followed. Ed Smith stated that if the Alternate #12 route for I-470 is chosen, the radius on the intersection will be so large it could create problems also. He stated that he felt the only thing to hope for is a good interchange, with a good flow of traffic. Also, there would be a major improvement of South Santa Fe Drive rather than the piece-meal approach that is being considered now. He stated he did not feel Englewood could do anything but gain from the Santa Fe/U.S. 285 route for I-470. Ed Smith stated he didn't feel the State Highway Department could do much to help Englewood on U.S. 285 until some of the other local problems are solved. Discussion en- sued. Mr. Jones stated that part of the attractiveness of I-470 on Santa Fe is the interchanges and grade separations, plus the 90/10 funding split ; he stated he felt this would be a high priority for the communities affected by the I-470 routing. Don Smith stated that he didn't feel Denver would like the proposed routing of I-470 --the southern metro area would benefit from the routing. Chairman Tanguma requested the Commission members to get back to the discussion at hand, the Director's Choice. Mr. Wanush noted that some time ago, members of the Commission suggested meeting with the City Council to discuss the Auto Wrecking/Junk Yard Ordinance. City Council is waiting for a specific date from the Commission. He suggested that possibly we could meet with City Counc i l on November 3rd, or November 16th. Mr. Parker questioned that anything would be gained by discussing this matter with the City Council at this time, and that the Commission should consider the matter and then send a recommendation to the City Council. Discussion followed. It was determined that the Commission would not meet with the City Council relative to this matter at this time. Mr. DeWitt suggested that it might lead to more open discussion if the matter were considered at a study session of the Commission. It was determined that the Commission would meet on November 9th in lieu of the meeting scheduled for November 3rd; at the meeting of November 9th, the discussion would center on the Comprehensive Plan. There would also be a meeting on November 16th, at which time the Auto Wrecking Yard/Junk Yard Ordinance would be considered by the members of the Planning Commission. -8- V. COMMISSION'S CHOICE Don Smith asked what progress has been made on the downtown meeting? Mr. Wanush stated that he has talked to Councilman Clayton, and planned to discuss the matter with him further. Mr. Smith stated he felt it would be difficult to get the downtown businessmen together until after Christmas. Mr. Jones discussed the meeting of the jurisdictions in Western Arapahoe County, hosted by Englewood, which is 1D be on November 4th. He asked if there should be exhibits and displays for this meeting regarding I-470? Mr. Wanush stated that he would discuss the matter with City Manager Mccown and take direction from him. Mr. Tanguma stated that he received a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers. He asked that the staff obtain a copy of the Land Use Statement on Reaches 2 and 3 of the South Platte River. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.