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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-11-09 PZC MINUTES' CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION November 9, 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, Pierson, D. Smith, Ed Smith, Tanguma, Williams Members absent: Wade Also present: Assistant Director Romans; Associate Planner House II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Tanguma stated that Minutes of October 14, 1976, and October 19, 1976, were to be considered for approval. Williams moved: Jones seconded: The Minutes of October 14, 1976 and October 19, 1976, be approved as written. AYES: Williams, Jones, Jorgenson, Parker, Ed Smith, Tanguma NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Pierson, Don Smith ABSENT: Wade The motion carried. III. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Review of 1969 Edition Mrs. Romans announced prior to beginning the review of the Comprehensive Plan that Mr. Wanush had been invited to meet with the Littleton City Council to discuss I-470 alternatives. Mr. Wanush hoped to be back in time to partake in some of the discussion on the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Romans reviewed the background for the Comprehensive Plan. The authority to adopt a master plan is given in the Colorado Revised Statutes, and in the Charter of the City of Englewood. As set forth in these two sources, the Master Plan, or Compre- hensive Plan, shall cover such matters as streets, public facilities, housing, utilities, etc. The Plan may be adopted in whole or in part, and may be developed taking into consideration the geographical composition of the city, or by the f unctional purposes of the Plan. In preparing the Plan, there must be careful study of the present conditions and the anticipated -2- future growth of the City. The purpose of the Plan is to guide the growth of the City, and to "promote the health, safety, and welfare" of the citizens of the City. The Plan is adopted by the Commission by resolution after a Public Hearing on the Plan. The Plan is then referred to the City Council, which body is not required to hold a Public Hearing on the Plan, and may then adopt the Plan by resolution, al so . The Plan must be signed by the Chairman of the Planning Com- mission and by the Mayor, and is then recorded in the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder's Office. This same pro- cedure must be followed for any changes to, or amendment s of, the Plan. Once the Comprehensive Plan is adopted, the State Statutes state that no street, square, building or any other public way or public use shall be constructed within the municipal ity unless and until it has first been considered by the Commis sion and a recommendation thereon made to the City Council. Mrs. Romans stated that the Plan must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the membership of the Commission. Mrs. Romans stated that it is the duty of the Commission t o consult with public officials and advise them in carrying ou t the Plano Mrs. Romans stated that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council by Resolution #28, in 1969. The Plan was recorded on August 19, 1969. There were seven sections to this Plan --History and Character, Drainage, Master Street Plan, Recreation Plan, Population and Land Use, Central Business District, Public Facilities, and a Place to Live. There have been two amendments to this Plan since 1969; one by Resolution #50 of 1973, which designated streets needed in Northwest Englewood for which additional right-of-way is necessary, and the second by Resolution #39, Series of 1975, which reclassified certain streets. Mrs. Romans stated that a Land Use Map and Land Use Study we re prepared, which analyzed the entire City prior to writing o f the Plan. The Zoning Map, which is part of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance was also taken into consideration in dra f ting the Plano . Mrs. Rpmans reviewed the seven sections of the Comprehensive Plan. "A Place to Live" discusses the housing situatio n; t he City is divided into six neighborhoods, with five areas o f concern identified in these six neighborhoods. These f i v e areas of concern contain older deteriorating housing sto c k that is in need of rehabilitation or redevelopment. These areas of concern were again identified in the Workable Program, which was certified by the Federal Government. Mrs. Romans noted that the City does now have a rehabilitation program which may help to upgrade some of this older housing stock. Mr s. Romans noted that this section of the Comprehensive Plan dis- ' . ' cussed the need for bus transportation, which is now being provided by RTD. -3- Mrs. Romans stated the former City Attorney, John Criswell, had stated he felt the Comprehensive Plan should be broad in scope rather than restrictive. As an example, specific sizes of drainage pipes and right-of-way widths should not be given; this would not restrict the City if it were to be determined that a smaller size pipe or less right-of-way would be adequate in a given situation. The section on "Population and Land Use" was then reviewed. At the time this was written, it was anticipated that Englewood would reach a population of 55,000 by the year 2000. This figure needs to be adjusted downward in light of the 1970 Census and recent population trends. Mrs. Romans stated that there have been no permits issued for a high density residence since the City amended the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to re- quire a minimum lot area of 42,000 square feet for an apartment structure. Discussion ensued. Don Smith asked if it was feasible to indicate in the Comprehensive Plan areas where additional parking is needed? Mrs. Romans pointed out that the City Attorney's Office has stated that the City cannot require a property owner on whose land there has been a change of use, rather than new construction, to provide additional parking that may be required for the new use. If a new building is constructed, then the existing parking standards will have to apply. Ed Smith stated that he felt with the Comprehensive Plan we would be considering good land use and good development; the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance is the tool to ensure good land use and good development. Mrs. Romans stated that this is correct. Mrs. Romans discussed the 11 generalized land use maps", and noted that this particular section of the Comprehe~sive Plan is probably one of the weakest and one which must be amended. These maps were based on information gathered in the Land Use Study; the matter of economics was considered, as were the areas of concern and the areas where there was a concentration of older homes; it was asked if it would be economically feasible to tear down one old or deteriorated house in an older neighborhood and replace it with one new unit, or would redevelopment be more feasible, in fact, if two or three units were allowed, depending on the amount of frontage. Mrs. Romans stated the projected density indicated on these maps was based on the theory of 11 in-fill 11 --replacement of one deteriorated unit with two or more new units depending on the area of the site, and not in anticipation of rezoning large areas of the City for large-scale redevelopment. Mrs. Romans stated that she had discussed the matter with FHA -particularly the area of concern in the 4700 block between South Acoma Street and South Huron Street -and they had indicated they would rather loan money on a new duplex on a single-family residential zone, than they would on a new single unit next to a deteriorated unit. Mrs. Romans stated that it was not the intent to allow three-story walk-ups as 11 in-fill 11 • Don Smith stated that he felt one of the objections is the 11 creeping 11 look of the high density over the northern part of the City. Ed Smith suggested that perhaps a different designation would have taken care of the objections. -4- Mrs. Romans stated that she felt this section would have to be changed; she ~ pointed out, however, that this concept was not challen ged in 1969 at the time ~ of adoption. Ed Smith noted that the philosophy on Englewood 's growth has changed in the last five or six years, and the rapid development expe rienced in the late '60's and early '70's has slowed considerably. Mrs. Romans discussed the Public Facilities section. It was noted that many of the items discussed in this section, such as acquisition and development of property for a golf course, construction of a new police and fire center and other items which were needed in 1969, have been realized. Mrs. Romans noted that the map of this section will have to be up-dated, also. The Parks and Recreation section of the Comprehensive Plan was considered. The sale of the "City Park" in 1964 for $1,000,0 00 facilitated development of several neighborhood parks throughout the City. The former City Park was bounded on the south by U.S. 285, on the west by Santa Fe Drive and on the east by the South Broadway business district; the only easy, safe access to the park by children was from the north. The amount of park land that is developed, and the recommended amount of park land was discussed. It was agreed that the figures of the amount of park land yet needed could be ad- justed downward to agree with the adjusted population figures. Mrs. Rorrans pointed out property in back of the former GEM Store, known as the Pasternak Property. This land is shown as a park on the Comprehensive Plan; however, it is questionable that City Council would expend funds to purchase park land on the extreme southeast boundary of the City. She stated that this land is a problem --it is virtually land-locked and would be ex- tremely difficult to develop. Discussion ensued. The Drainage Plan was then reviewed. Mr. Parker asked if there is any restriction against underground parking in a flood plain area? Mrs. Romans stated that parking of operable cars is permitted in a flood plain, and there is nothing specific about "underground" parking. Mr. Parker asked if there could be underground parking on the Ambrose Parking Lot? Don Smith stated that he thought the cost of concrete for the underground walls would be prohibitive. Mrs. Romans stated that the City has three main run-off interceptors: The Denver City Ditch, Little Dry Creek, and the South Platte River. Right-of- way along Little Dry Creek was discussed in regard to the possibility of bicycle trails; Don Smith stated that he had a copy of an abstract that he would bring in; he felt there is suffucient right-of-way to acco1T1T1odate a bicycle trail along the Creek and along the City Ditch. Mrs. Romans pointed out that in many instances, this right-of-way has been vacated by City Council, and that many people have indicated they do not want a bicycle trail "through their back yard." Mrs. Romans stated that the stonn drainag e program, which has been accomplished through the Capital Improvements Program, is well underway. Mr. Tanguma asked how much was yet to be completed? Mrs. Romans stated that she under- stood that the North Central Basin and the High School Basin were yet to be completed. e Mr. Parker asked if the area at Dartmouth and Downing had been completed? Discussion ensued. The Master Street Plan was then discussed. Mrs. Romans indicated a map of the Master Street Plan, which does show the two amendments that have been made to the Master Street Plan since 1969, and also shows the identification -5- of arterials, collectors and freeway corridor. In relation to recent discussions relative to 1-470 Alternatives, and the Highway Department Work Program, Mrs. Romans stated that the City is now saying there must be improvements made in specific locations --improvements must be made on South Santa Fe Drive, on U.S. 285 from Broadway to Santa Fe Drive, and the .Broadway under- pass must also have considerable improvement. The U.S . 285/South University Boulevard intersection should also be improved --this in t ersection having picked up a great deal of traffic in the last few years . Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt one of the problems on Englewood streets are the lights; she asked if these lights could be timed properly? Mrs. Romans stated that while it s·hould be possible to coordinate the lights, it is very difficult to do so with actuated signals; also, the minimum distance between signals should be 1200 feet --not as they are spaced on U.S. 285. Ed Smith stated that he did not feel there would be too much support from the State Highway Department in solving these .problems on the state highways in Englewood; it is our problem and the way these proble ms wi ll be solved is for Englewood to do it. Mr. Smith suggested that the streets of major importance to Englewood should be designated and developed without consideration of the other communities. Discussion ensued. Mr. Williams stated he felt possibly the Commission should have reco1JJT1ended the transfer of funds as the alternative for 1-470 rather than the Santa Fe/U.S.285 routing of the inter state. Mrs. Romans noted that the City of Englewood is forced to carry traffic from one jurisdiction to another, both north and south and east and west, and the other communities cannot be ignored. Ed Smith stated that in his opinion, Englewood should try to project some means of handling the traffic through the City re- gardless of what is done for 1-470. Discussion of the 1-470 project ensued. As to the Super Grid alternative, Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Brasher, of the State Highway Department, had stated the State Highway Department would not attempt to "sell" the Super Grid to the communities --that the burden of promoting the Super Grid is now on the individual community if the communities are interested in that alternative. Further discussion ensued . The Central Business District section of the Comprehensive Plan was considered. Mrs. Romans stated that this section points out the fact that the CBD is used from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and to be viable, the CBD must be used 24 hours a day. There is a need to permit high-density residential development, a need for theaters, restaurants, housing for the elderly --such as that which is now under construction --and Little Dry Creek should be made t he focal point of the downtown area. Mrs. Romans stated that one of the suggestions at the time the Plan was written was to 11 mall 11 Acoma and Lincoln Streets. The Core Area Plan which was proposed a few years back was briefly discussed. It was noted that this Plan had attempted to define areas for office buildings, etc., and was more restrictive than what was or is now pennitted in the B-1, Business District. -6- The Forward of the Plan was reviewed. Mrs. Romans noted that the City Council has adopted a Capital Improvement Program for the years 1977 thru 1981; and through the C.I.P., the City now has a budgetary tool to aid in implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Romans stated that she felt the process of review would be to determine where the City has been and where the City is now in terms of meeting the needs and goals of the Plan. Are the statements in the Plan accurate, or do they need revision? Is there a need to address the industrial areas and the matter of employment? The procedure the Cormiission wants to follow in the revision of the Plan was considered. It has been suggested that the staff gather the information, · that corrunittees be established to study the material, and address specific problems. This would involve people in the 11 planning process 11 • Discussion ensued. Mr. Jones noted that the Chamber of Commerce has a very active industrial corrmittee that might be willing to participate. Mrs. Romans discussed the fact there is very little vacant land in the industrial areas. Ed Smith noted there are some areas zoned for industrial use that are not so developed, but which have residential uses throughout. Ed Smith stated that he felt it might be wise not to use members of committees already formed exclusively, but to also choose other citizens to give a fresh point of view. Mr. Jones stated that Little Dry Creek is a threat to any development in the downtown area and will be until it can be determined what we are going to do with the creek --how will it be improved? Mrs. Pierson stated that she would have to leave the meeting very shortly, but she stated she felt the review of the Comprehensive Plan is one of the most exciting projects that has been before the Commission since her term began. Mrs. Pierson stated that she realized a great deal of time and effort will be needed until the revision is complete, and that she hoped to be of assistance. The possibility of publicizing projects which were listed in the 1969 edition of the Comprehensive Plan was discussed, as was the possibility of a public relations person being designated by the City. Don Smith suggested that articles on projects that have been accomplished might be published in the Englewood Citizen. Mrs. Pierson excused herself from the meeting. Mr. Tanguma corrunented that he felt the Comprehensive Plan Work Program as set forth by Mr. Wanush was very similar to that followed by the Core Area Citizens Corruni ttee. Don Smith stated that 11 methods don't have anything to do with results.11 Mr. Tanguma announced a short break of the Corrunission. Messrs. Williams and Parker left the meeting at this time. IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans stated there will be a second meeting of the jurisdictions in western Arapahoe County on November 18th, to discuss I-470. This meeting will be in the Englewood City Hall Community Room. ' . " Mr. Wanush entered the meeting at this point, and Mr. Tanguma asked for a report on his meeting with the Littleton City Council. Mr. Wanush stated that it was a very cordial meeting . The members of the Littleton City Council are opposed to the Santa Fe/U.S. 285 route for Interstate 470, and seem to be in favor of the transfer of funds to finance improvements to local roads that would be of aid to Littleton. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt members of the Littleton City Council understood the risk involved in the transfer of funds, and were willin~ to take that risk to attempt to improve the traffi c carriers in their jurisdiction. Discussion ensued. Mr. Jorgenson excused himself from the meeting. Further brief discussion ensued. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M. / I ~ -7-