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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-10-04 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION October 4, 1977 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 Judith Pierson. Members present: Lathrop, Parker, Pierson, Smith, Wade, Williams, Draper Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Owens, Tanguma Also present: Assistant Director Romans II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Pierson stated that Minutes of the September 20, 1977, meeting were to be considered for approval. She asked if there were any corrections, additions, or deletions to be made? Mrs. Wade noted that on Page 11, the vote on approval of the Jim Dandy Subdivision Waiver was erroneous; she stated that she had voted in opposition to this matter. Mrs. Pierson stated that she had also voted in opposition to the request. Lathrop moved: Parker seconded: The Minutes of September 20, 1977, be approved as corrected on Page 11, changing the vote on the Subdivision Waiver for the Jim Dandy Restaurant to reflect that Mrs. Pierson and Mrs. Wade had voted in opposition to the re- quest. AYES: Pierson, Smith, Wade, Williams, Lathrop, Parker, Draper NAYS: None ABSENT: Owens, Tanguma The motion carried. III. FINDINGS OF FACT John J. Littlehorn Wm. & James Jackson R-1-C to R-2-C CASE #14-77 Mrs. Pierson stated that the Findings of Fact on the matter of the rezoning request filed by Mr. John J. Littlehorn and Messrs. William and James Jackson, which was heard at Public Hearing on September 20, 1977, were to be considered. -2- Wade moved: Smith seconded: The Planning Commission approve the Findings of Fact on Case #14-77, said Findings pertaining to the rezoning request f iled by Mr. John J. Littlehorn, and Messrs. William and James Jackson for a change of zone classification from R-1-C, Single-family Residence, to R-2-C Medium Density Residence; said Findings of Fact are to be forwarded to City Council as a matter of information. AYES: Parker, Pierson, Smith, Wade, Williams, Lathrop, Draper NAYS: None ABSENT: Tanguma, Owens The motion carried . Mr. Wanush noted that Mr. Littlehorn attended the October 3, 1977 meeting of the City Council to appeal the decision of the Planning Commission. The City Council postponed the matter for two weeks. IV. STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION WORK REQUESTS 1978-1979 Highway Work Program CASE #19-77 Mrs. Pierson stated that projects to be included in the 1978- 1979 Highway Work Program were to be considered by the Com- mission. She asked the staff if there was a need to prioritize these items? Mr. Wanush stated that priority rating was not needed; these are all items that need to be done. Mr. Wanush reviewed the requests, noting that the main improvements that are requested are on Santa Fe Drive and U.S. 285. Mr. Wanush stated that the City has requested that the Denver Regional Council of Governments begin the process for transfer of funds for the construction of a one-way couplet on U.S. 285 and Ithaca Avenue between Santa Fe Drive and South Broadway . Mr. Wanush noted that the staff's suggested projects also includes the extension of Floyd Avenue west of Santa Fe Drive; this project was also suggested last year, and was deleted by the City Council. This extension of Floyd Avenue is shown in the Master Street Plan, and the staff did include it in the recom- mended projects for this year. Mrs. Romans pointed out that there are other additions, one being the correction of the drainage problem of Little Dry Creek backing up from U.S. 285 at South Clarkson Street. A second addition is to the Construction Projects on the Federal Aid Urban System, adding the installation of a landscaped median on that portion of South Broadway from Quincy Avenue south to Belleview Avenue. The possibility of the deletion of reference to the extension of Floyd Avenue was discussed. Mrs. Romans pointed out that this street extension and improvement is in the Master Street Plan. -3- Don Smith discussed the practicality of such an extension of Floyd Avenue, and pointed out that the straightening of Floyd Avenue at Broadway was estimated to be extremely expensive. Mr. Smith reiterated that he did not feel the extension of Floyd Avenue to the west was realistic, and should be deleted. Discussion ensued. Smith moved: Lathrop seconded: The Planning Commission accept and recommend the 1978-1979 State Highway Work Program re- quests with the following deletions: I. A. 1. a. (2) II. B. 4. The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. West Floyd Avenue to be constructed to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street. Discussion ensued. Mr. Parker questioned if it has not been the intent for quite some time, that the extension of Floyd Avenue would relieve some of the traffic congestion on U.S. 285. Mr. Smith pointed out that the City has recommended a one-way couplet on Ithaca Avenue and U.S. 285 to relieve the traffic congestion between Broadway and Santa Fe on U.S. 285. The extension of Floyd Avenue would create one more overpass or underpass with the railroad tracks, which he felt was in- advisable. Mr. Parker stated that it was a possibility that a hotel would be developed in this immediate area, and that the Floyd Avenue extension would be needed. Mr. Smith stated that he did not feel this argument was relevant, and pointed out that there is a major interchange at U.S. 285 and Santa Fe. Mrs. Romans pointed out that Floyd Avenue has been designated on the Urban System and the extension of Floyd Avenue has been discussed for many years. At the time Cinderella City was proposed for the present location, it was felt that Floyd Avenue should be improved to carry traffic to and from the Center and other points. To the west of the South Platte River, Floyd Avenue is the boundary between Englewood and Sheridan, and Englewood has been requiring right- of-way for the north half of Floyd as development occurs in that area. In the long-range traffic patterns, Floyd Avenue will be necessary to carry traffic, and if the construction of the expansion is approved, the proper time to do this work is with the current construction program on Santa Fe. Mrs. Wade noted that it will not be approved if it is not requested. The vote was called on Mr. Smith's motion to delete reference to Floyd Avenue extension. -4- AYES: Smith, Draper NAYS: Parker, Pierson, Wade, Williams, Lathrop ABSENT: Owens, Tanguma The motion was defeated. Williams moved: Wade seconded: The Planning Commission accept, approve and recommend the following State Highway Work Program for 1978-1979 to the City Council: I. Requests to the State Highway Commission for inclusion in the F.Y. 1978-79 Work Program. A. Construction Projects on the State Highway System: 1. South Santa Fe Drive: a. Widen and improve to a Principal Arterial be- tween I-25 and County Line Road, a distance of approximately ten (10) miles. To be con- sidered in the engineering of this principal arterial are: (1) ~(2) (~ (~ (~) (~ The construction of an interchange at the intersection of West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. The upgrading of the interchange at South Santa Fe Drive and U.S. 285. The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Oxford Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. The construction of an interchange at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Quincy Avenue. The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Tufts /West Union Avenue. The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Belleview Avenue with the railways. The construction of an interchange at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Belleview Avenue. -5- 2. U.S. 285: a. The construction of a one-way couplet between South Broadway and South Santa Fe Drive utilizing the present alignment of U.S. 285 and West Ithaca Avenue, and the upgrading of the U.S. 285 - South Broadway interchange as a part thereof.* b. The construction of an interchange at the inter- section of U.S. 285 and South University Boulevard. c. The correction of the drainage problem of Little Dry Creek backing up from U.S. 285 at South Clarkson Street. 3. Belleview Avenue: a. The construction of Belleview Avenue to four lanes from South Peoria Street to South Sheridan Boulevard. b, The construction of an interchange at the inter- section of West Belleview Avenue and South Broadway. c. The installation of storm inlets on the north side of West Belleview Avenue from South Elati. Street to Big Dry Creek. 4. Centennial Parkway. a. Construction. II. Requests Relative to the Federal Aid Urban System. A. Additions to the Federal Aid Urban System. 1. South Clarkson Street from East Yale Avenue to East Dartmouth Avenue. B. Construction Projects on the Federal Aid Urban System: 1 . South Broadway from Yale Avenue to Floyd Avenue to be widened to the same width as South Broadway from U.S. 285 to Quincy, providing left-turn pockets and a landscaped median; and from Quincy to Belleview to be provided with a landscaped median. *This project has also been submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments as one of the substitute projects to be constructed with the I-470 transfer funds . -6- 2. 3. ~4. I South Clarkson Street: To be constructed to two lanes from U oS. 285 to East Orchard Avenue o South Windermere Street: To be constructed to two lanes from West Oxford Avenue to Gates Parkway. West Floyd Avenue to be constructed to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street. Quincy Avenue: To be constructed to four lanes from I-225 to South Simms Street. AYES: Wade, Williams, Lathrop, Parker, Pierson NAYS: Smith, Draper ABSENT: Tanguma, OWens The motion carried. Vo COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Mrs. Pierson noted that there are only 2-1/2 months working time left on the revision of the Comprehensive Plan if the target date of January 1st is to be met. She asked for a pro- gress report on each committee. Don Smith stated that he was unable to attend the last meeting of his committee, and asked that Mrs. Romans report on the last meeting of the Downtown Review Committee. He stated that he understood one result of the meeting was a decision to tour the Boulder Mall sometime in October. Mr. Wanush stated that the members of this Committee want to talk to businessmen, bankers, etc. in Boulder, and get their reaction to the Mall. Mr. Smith stated that he questioned the Committee would get too much done during th e holiday season, but he hoped they could make recommendations after the holidays. Mr. Parker stated he had attended the last meeting, and that the Boulder Mall tour was one of the main topics of discussion. The committee also briefly discussed additions and deletions to the list of Permitted Uses. Mrs. Romans stated that they plan to leave Englewood around 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. on the 26th of October, and return by 3:00 P.M. Mrs. Pierson noted that if there was sufficient room that members of the Commission might be invited to go on the tour. Mr. Parker commented that members of the Committee were very definite in their desire to talk to the businessmen in Boulder to determine their reaction to the Mall. Mrs. Pierson discussed the advisability of having weekly meetings for some of the committees that may be a bit behind schedule. ., -7- Mr. Lathrop stated that the Transportation Committee, which he chairs, has been in "limbo", but that he feels it is time to reactivate the committee. Mrs. Pierson suggested that possibly Mr. Draper might be able to work with Mr. Lathrop on the Transportation Committee. Mrs. Pierson reported that the Commercial Activities Committee which she chairs, has reviewed the first draft of the recom- mendations which that Committee will make. She anticipated that the Commercial Activities Committee would wrap up their work very shortly, and would then investigate the industrially zoned areas of the City. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt her Committee could complete reviews of both the commercial activities and the industrial development by the first of the year. Mrs. Wade reported on the Parks and Recreation Review Committee. She stated that this committee should have their recommendations in draft form by the next meeting, and should have the project completed by the first of the year. Mrs. Romans reported on the progress of the Housing Review Committee; they are reviewing the City by area now; there are five areas yet to be studied. This committee has been working on Goals, and are now determining how these goals relate to the areas being studied. Mrs. Romans also reported on the Public Facilities Committee, which is chaired by Larry Owens. This Committee has toured all of the City facilities, and will meet Thursday evening with School Board President Pool to discuss the Englewood School problems. On October 20th, Jerry Royther of the Englewood Parks and Recreation Department will be present to discuss the Elsie Malley Centennial Recreation Center, and Mr. Johnson of the Housing Division will be present to discuss the Simon Center. This Committee will also be considering alternatives to the matter of Little Dry Creek, and will then begin working on their report. Mrs. Romans stated that this Committee has been very active in their pursuit of information needed for their final report. VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush discussed an informal request for annexation of two lots to the City in southwest Englewood. The property is now zoned for residential use in the County, and the property owners have expressed an intent to ask for I-1, Light Industrial Zoning if the annexation to the City is accomplished. Mr. Wanush discussed the location of the proposed annexation, and noted that this would leave a "finger" of land still in the County, which would be surrounded by Englewood. Mr. Wanush noted that this could be a controversial request if a formal petition for annexation and industrial zoning is filed with the City. -8- VII. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mrs. Pierson noted that there were several meetings coming up which the Commission should make note of. On October 6th, there is an open house for Plaza de Medico, which might be of interest to Commission Members. October 26th is the date of the tour to Boulder to see the Mall, and on October 27th, the Parks and Recreation Commission holds their annual dinner meeting; reservations to this dinner meeting must be in by October 15th for those persons interested in attending. Mrs. Pierson reported that she, Mr. Parker and Mrs. Romans had attended an IPI Conference in Snowmass Village on land use. Mrs. Pierson reported that she felt there were several very interesting sessions at this conference, and as a result, Mr. Kirk Wickersham has been invited to talk to the Planning Commission on a Special Permit System that he had discussed at this conference. Mrs. Pierson stated that the tentative date for Mr. Wickersham's presentation had been set for November 8th, but that is the date of the City election, and questioned if the Commission wanted to set another date for this meeting. Mr. Wanush suggested that possibly two dates could be targeted, and give Mr. Wickersham his choice of date. Discussion ensued. The Commission chose November 1st or November 9th as the dates to hear Mr. Wickersham's presentation. Mrs. Pierson noted that the regular meeting of November 22 is the week of Thanksgiving, and the date has been reset to November 15th. Mrs. Pierson suggested that the Comprehensive Plan Review Committees be invited to attend Mr. Wickersham's presentation as she felt it would be of interest to several of these com- mittees. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Wade asked that the Special Permit System be defined. Mrs. Pierson stated that the basic theory as she understands it is that on the Broadway corridor, for instance, the present uses would be considered proper; any change in any of the uses or any new uses proposed would have to come before the Planning Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that any new use going into an area would require a special permit. Discussion ensued. Mr. Draper asked if this would result in spot zoning? Mr. Wanush stated that it would not, but the Comprehensive Plan must be very clear on what is desired in a particular zone area. This system would allow for some flexibility which is not available under the traditional zoning process. Mr. Parker discussed a process that is in use in Chicago, which ·was presented at this Conference. There is a considerable problem with abandoned property in Chicago, and they have re- involked the Homestead Act, whereby persons can gain title to -9- the property by improving it and living there. The units must be owner occupied. This enables the abandoned property to be placed back on the tax rolls, and persons can acquire property for the cost of improvement. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Wade asked the staff to look into the matter of screening of warehouses on West Radcliff Avenue. Mrs. Romans reported that Mr. George Jorgenson, a former member of the Planning Commission, had been in the off ice earlier in the day, and that his health seems to have improved and he looked quite well. Mrs. Romans also reported that Mr. and Mrs. Larry Owens recently became parents of a baby boy, and that Mr. Owens had brought his wife and baby home today. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M. -10- MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: October 4, 1977 SUBJECT: 1978-1979 State Highway Work Program RECOMMENDATION: Williams moved: Wade seconded: The Planning Commission accept, approve and recommend the following State Highway Work Program for 1978-1979 to the City Council: I. Requests to the State Highway Commission for inclusion in the F.Y. 1978-79 Work Program. A. Construction Projects on the State Highway System: 1. South Santa Fe Drive: a. Widen and improve to a Principal Arterial be- tween I-25 and County Line Road, a distance of approximately ten (10) miles. To be con- sidered in the engineering of this principal arterial are: (1) The construction of an interchange at the intersection of West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. (2) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. (3) The upgrading of the interchange at South Santa Fe Drive and U.S. 285. (4) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Oxford Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. (5) The construction of an interchange at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Quincy Avenue. (6) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Tufts/West Union Avenue. -11- (7) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Belleview Avenue with the railways. (8) The construction of an interchange at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Belleview Avenue. 2. U.S. 285: a. The construction of a one-way couplet between South Broadway and South Santa Fe Drive utilizing the present alignment of U.S. 285 and West Ithaca Avenue, and the upgrading of the U.S. 285 - South Broadway interchange as a part thereof.* b. The construction of an interchange at the inter- section of U.S. 285 and South University Boulevard. c. The correction of the drainage problem of Little Dry Creek backing up from U.S. 285 at South Clarkson Street. 3. Belleview Avenue: a. The construction of Belleview Avenue to four lanes from South Peoria Street to South Sheridan Boulevard. b. The construction of an interchange at the inter- section of West Belleview Avenue and South Broadway. c. The installation of storm inlets on the north side of West Belleview Avenue from South Elati Street to Big Dry Creek. 4. Centennial Parkway. a. Construction. II. Requests Relative to the Federal Aid Urban System. A. Additions to the Federal Aid Urban System. 1. South Clarkson Street from East Yale Avenue to East Dartmouth Avenue. *This project has also been submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments as one of the substitute projects to be constructed with the I-470 transfer funds. -12- B. Construction Projects on the Federal Aid Urban System: 1. South Broadway from Yale Avenue to Floyd Avenue to be widened to the same width as South Broadway from U.S. 285 to Quincy, providing left-turn pockets and a landscaped median; from Quincy to Belleview to be provided with a landscaped median. 2. South Clarkson Street: To be constructed to two lanes from U.S. 285 to East Orchard Avenue. 3. South Windermere Street: To be constructed to two lanes from West Oxford Avenue to Gates Parkway. 4. West Floyd Avenue to be constructed to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street. 5. Quincy Avenue: To be constructed to four lanes from I-225 to South Simms Street. AYES: Wade, Williams, Lathrop, Parker, Pierson NAYS: Smith, Draper ABSENT: Tanguma, Owens The motion carried. By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. DATE: October 4, 1977 SUBJECT: Findings of Fact for Case #14-77 RECOMMENDATION: Wade moved: Smith seconded: The Planning Commission approve the Findings of Fact on Case #14-77, said Findings pertaining to the rezoning request filed by Mr. John J. Littlehorn, and Messrs. William and James Jackson for a change of zone classification from R-1-C, Single-family Residence, to R-2-C Medium Density Residence; said Findings of Fact are to be forwarded to City Council as a matter of information. AYES: Parker, Pierson, Smith, Wade, Williams, Lathrop, Draper NAYS: None ABSENT: Tanguma, Owens The motion carried. By Order of the City Planning and Zoning Commission. ~ / / ·' / /(.. £ . .ti:• .. ~ { ·. <-· '-Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary :· . / .• ( 2 ( •. '