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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-02-19 PZC MINUTES• I. CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIO N FEBRUARY 19, 198 6 CALL TO ORDER. The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairman Carson at 7:00 P. M. Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: Carson, Magnuson, Mesa, Mul hern, Maunakea, Allen Gourdin, Barbre, Beier D. A. Romans, Assistant Director of Community Development Harold J. Stitt, Planner II II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. February 4, 1986 Chairman Carson stated that the Minutes of February 4, 1986 were to be cons idered for approval. He asked if there were any cor- rections or modifications to these Minutes. Mr. Mesa pointed out that on Page 3, Paragraph V, Mr. Barbre should b e noted as "absent", and not Mr. Beier. Mr. Carson stated that if there were no further corrections to the Minutes, they would stand approved as amended. III. HELIPORT TASK FORCE. Dennis Roberts, DRCOG Chairman Carson welcomed Mr. Dennis Roberts of the De nver Regional Council of Governments Heliport Task Force to the meeting. Mr. Roberts stated that the Heliport T as k Force is composed of approxima tely 30 members representing local governmental juris- dictions and helicopter/heliport operators. Mr. Roberts stated that the FAA was p etitioned for planning grant funds to prepare a preliminary feasibility study for a regional heliport system. One of the purposes of this Task Force and feasibility study is to bring about cooperation between the operators of the copters and heliports and the local communities. Mr. Gourdin entered the meeting at 7:05 P. M. Mr. Roberts stated that the Task Force has reached some compro- mises that seem to be agreeable to both the operators and the local jurisdictions, and presented members of the Comm is sion with a copy of a letter they hope to distribute on a State-wi de basis. Included with the letter wi ll b e a copy of a corridor map which was displayed to the Commis s ion. Mr. Robert stated that the Task Force is asking that the en route altitude for helicopters be increased from 6,000 feet to 6,500 feet above mean sea level. Fixed wing aircraft have a minimum flight altitude of 7,000 feet, and the 6,500 foot alti- tude for helicopters will provide sufficient separation between the fixed wing aircraft and the helicopters. By increasing the minimum flight altitude to 6,500 feet, the noise level of the helicopters will be decreased --approximately a 2/3 reduction in the perceived noise level. The Task Force is also recommending that helicopter operators adhere to primary flight corr i dors. In the course of their study, they have found that the greatest num- ber of complaints are against "tra nsient" operators who are not familiar with the major traffic corridors and local street pat- terns in the metro a rea. Mr. Roberts stated that all transient operators will be asked to maintain the minimum 6,500 foot flight altitude. Mr. Roberts stated that the Task Force has identified major traffic corridors to be followed, which include Interstate 25, and Interstate 70; secondary routes to be followed include U.S. 285 and Colfax Avenue, Colorado Boulevard and Wadsworth Boulevard. The corridor route map will also depict hospitals and emergency medical service locations with high volume helicopter traffic; the hospitals will include Childrens/St. Joseph's, St. Anthony's Central, St. Anthony's North, and Swedish Medical Center. Mr. Roberts stated that the Task Force will be drafting and dis- tributing some planning guidelines for local jurisdictions and helicopter operators/users to use in developing future heliports; these guide l ines will address such matters as setbacks, noise emissions, land use compatibility, etc .. Mr. Roberts stated that the ingress/egress flight pattern for helicopters using the Swedish Medical Center heliport will be along Girard Avenue. If the chopper is on a "life threatening" flight, the pilot may deviate from a p proved corridors to take the most direct route. The north/south route for helicopters using the Swedish Medical Center heliport will be along South Franklin Street. Mr. Maunakea asked where the 6,500 foot figure for minimum flight altitude came from. Mr. Roberts stated that 7,000 feet is the minimum flight altitude for fixed wing aircraft; 500 feet must be maintained between the fixed wing aircraft and rotary aircraft; therefore, the 6,500 foot minimum was recommended. Mr. Roberts discussed the different types of rotary aircraft that are in use in the State of Colorado; most of the flight for life copters are the "Alouette", which is a very powerful craft, and is noisy. News services use a single-engine aircraft, which is not as powerful, and is quieter. The military uses the Huey helicopter. Mr. Roberts stated that Swedish Medical Center is installing the equipment and tanks needed for helicopters to refuel; they now must deliver a patient to Swedish, and fly on to St. Anthony's Central to refuel, then back to Swedish. -2 - Mr. Carson asked if the military flights from Ft. Car son followed the route of I-25 on the flights to Denver . Mr. Roberts stated that the Task Force is worki ng with the military to require that all flight s follow such a ma jor arterial as I-25. Flights from Buckley to Ca mp St. George primarily follow U. S. 285. The Task Force will recommend that all helicopter pilots follow the guidelines set forth in the "Fly Neighborly" guide. Mr . Gourdin asked what type of direction could be given t o Engle- wood to assist DRCOG in the elimination of copt e r noise in neigh- borhoods. Mr. Roberts stated that if the 6,5 0 0 minimum flight altitude is adopted, this will decrease the noise exper ienced in neighborhoods greatly. Mr. Gourdin asked if t he City could write a letter to DRCOG indicating the interest of the City and s up port of the Task Force. Mr. Roberts stated that such a letter would be helpful . Mr . Roberts stated further that it would be benefi- cial to consider noise protection for development along the flight corridors. Mr . Roberts suggested t h at any members of the Commission or any of their constituents who have a comp laint about a helicopter flight should call him at DRCOG, or cal l the Stapleton Tower; he indicated he wo ul d leave the numbers with Mrs. Romans. He stated t hat they have had pretty good success in tracking complaints and determining aircraft, pilot and purpose of the flight. Mr. Gourdin n oted that the Commission will be considering traffic and street patterns later in the meeting; he asked if it would be of benefit to designate the major flight corridors as part of the Master Street Plan. Mr . Gourdin then stated that when the refueling capabilities are availab le at Swedish Medical Center, he feels the number of helicopter flights to this facility will increase by three or four times the current number rather than decrease the number of flights. Mr. Roberts stated that if the hospital demand is increased, or the facilities expanded, the number of flights could increase; otherwise the number of flights would be decreased because the craft based at Swedish will not have to make refueling trips. Mr. Maunakea asked about night emergency flights; will these cop- ters carry any form of I.D. such as special colored strobe lights so they are easily identified . He pointed out that in two states, Hawaii and Alaska, helicopters on e mergency flights at night must show specially colored lights for identification. Further brief discussion ensued. Mr. Carson thanked Mr . Roberts for his attendance. IV. MASTER STREET PLA N . CASE #7-86 Mr. Carson asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Magnuson moved: Gourdin seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #7 -86 be opened. -3- Mr. Carson declared the hearing open. Mr. S titt stated that the Commission has previously rec eived the staff report pertaining to the revision o f the Master Street Plan. These revisions will be to the map onl y ; n o change s in text are contemplated at this time. The current Master Street Plan was developed in 197 9 to identify a transportation network compatible with adjacent communitie s and neighborhoods; streets were identified as "collectors" or "arterials", and areas where additional right -o f -way is needed were i dent ified. Mr. Stitt stated that traffic counts have been take n by the Traffic En- gineering Department, and the map revis i ons have been b as ed on those tra ff ic counts. The T r affic Engineer questions some of the original counts, and wi ll be taking new ones. If, as a result of the new counts, substantial differences in the Co llector/Arteri al designations are warranted, the Street Plan will be amended . Mr. Stitt reviewed the change in classifications for several streets, noting that the number of arterials has been reduced from the 1979 Plan. There is still a need for right -of-way on several streets in Northwest Englewood. Mr . Mesa asked what effect the street cl assification has upon the placement of traffic regulatory signs, lights, etc. Mr . S titt stated that art erial streets and collector streets would receive prior ity in the timing of traffic signals and in the installation of stop signs. Mr . Gourdin asked about the one-way couplet concept using Ithaca Avenue and U .S. 285. He asked why the proposed amendment of the 1979 Plan is being considered. Mr. Stitt stated that some of the traffic volume projections done in 1979 have not materialized, and the Plan is proposed to be changed to reflect actual traffic usage and new projections. Mr. Stitt pointed o ut that traffic count s are not the sole cr i teria for street designations; such ma t ters as street width, construction, traffic control, etc. are also taken into consideration in the designation of a particular street. Mr . Gourdin asked if the street designation carried any priority in street maintenance programs. Mr. Stitt stated that it does not. Street maintenance is a program carried on through the Public Works Department; street designations are taken into con- sideration when reconstruction of streets is undertaken. The propos ed change of South Downing Street from the 1979 desig- nation as an arterial to the proposed designa tion as a local street was discussed. Mr. Stitt pointed out that further traffic counts will be taken on South Downing Street, as well as some other thoroughfares. Mrs . Romans stated that local streets are to carry traffic to collector streets , which carry traffic to arterial streets, which normally tie into arterial streets in adjoining jurisdictions. Mrs. Romans stated that South Downing Street serves as a collec- tor, and ties into a like classification in Denver; she stated that she felt South Downing Street should be d esignated as a col- lector street. Mrs. Romans suggested that the Com mission should also consider the need for a collector street between South Broadway and South Santa Fe Drive between West Belleview Avenue and U.S. 285. Mr. Gourdin suggested that West Kenyon Avenue between Broadway and South Santa Fe Dr i ve should be a minor collector; he felt this would help take some of t he traffic conge stion of f U .S. 285 , and provide local citizenry access to Cinderella City. Mr . Stitt po inted out that Sheridan has requested closure of the West Kenyon Avenue/railroad crossing, and has submi t ted a petition to that effect. There have been several hearings on this matter to this point in time, and the city of Englewood is opposing such closure . Mr. Stitt stat ed that the improvem ent plans for South Santa Fe Drive also indicate the crossings at West Quincy Avenue and West Tufts Avenue will be closed; this will leave acc ess across the railroad tracks and Santa Fe Drive at West Dartmouth Avenue, U.S. 285, West Oxford Avenue, and West Belleview Avenue. Mr. Go urd in stated that with the redevelopment of the Union Sta- tion property in Denver, he anticipated that a great deal of the rail activity will shift further east. Mr. Gourdi n stated that he anticipated t hat the existing railroad right-of-way will be used as a light r a il corridor. Mr. Stitt stated that this is not indicated in the Highway Department plans that he has seen. Mr. Ma gnuson added that even with the redevelopmen t of the Union Street property, the plans indicate the rail tracks will follow the present route. Mr. Gourdin stated that he wanted to see more information on rail traffic through Englewood, and wh at the proj- ected plans are for this corridor. Mr. Stitt stated that he can ma k e available the information the State has given to the staff. Mr. Allen asked why the closure of the crossings is being pro- posed; is it based on the number of traf f ic accidents that have occurred at these locations. Mr. Stitt stated that the State has a limited amount of money to use in improvement of the crossings; it is his impression that the State would rather spend the money available on one or two key crossings and "do it right" than spread t h e money out over a greater number of crossings and not really achieve the obje c tive of the proposed improvements. Mr. Stitt also pointed out that Oxford Avenue extends west across South Santa Fe; Quincy Avenue and Tufts Avenue do not have the "through" capabilities that Ox ford Avenue has. Mr. Stitt stated that the railroad also wants to see as many crossings closed as possible. Mr. Gourdin stated that it appeared to him that the r a ilroad is trying to relieve themselves of problems, and are creating problems for the City; h e urged that the City try to keep the crossings open. Mr. Stitt then addressed rights-of-way that will require vacation to facilitate the new tra f fic pattern. Mr. Stitt reiterated that the changes proposed are only on the map, not in the text of the Plan, and that reference to the one-way couplet will remain in the text of the Plan even though it is removed from th e map. Discussion ensued. -c,_ Mr. Gourdin asked if the proposed amendments to the map are com- patible with other facets of the Compreh ensive Plan, such a s the housing section with the designation of ma jor and minor streets. Mr. Stitt stated that the potential development cited in the Housing Section were based on zoning maximums in the areas which were available for development. Mr. Stitt stated that the Hous- ing Section and other sections of the Comprehensive Plan were taken into consideration in drafting the proposed Master Street Plan map amendments. Mr. Carson asked if anyone else wished to address the Commission either in favor or opposition to the proposed Master Street Plan amendment. No one else addressed the Commission. Allen moved: Magnuson seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #7 -86 be closed. Mr . Carson declared the Hearing was closed. Discussion ensued. Mr. Stitt stated that he is of the opinion that the closure of the Kenyon crossing at Santa Fe Drive is a foregone conclusion. He stated that the City of Englewood is fighting to keep the crossings at Kenyon, Quincy, and Tufts open. Mr. Magnuson stated that he felt efforts should concentrate on keeping Quincy Avenue open across Santa Fe. Further discussion followed. Mr . Maunakea pointed out that crossings at Tufts Avenue and Oxford Avenue would off er a more proportionate spacing between crossings; Oxford and Quincy would be too c lose together. Gourdin moved: Magnuson seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council the amendment of the Master Street Plan section o f the Comprehensive Plan by making the following designations in the Map: ARTERIALS:--West Evans Avenue (Raritan to Zuni) --U.S. 285 (University to Santa Fe) --Belleview Avenue (Clarkson to Lowell) --University Boulevard (City Limit to U.S. 285) --Broadway (Yale to City Limit) --Santa Fe Drive (Yale to City Limit) --Federal Boulevard (City Limit to Belleview) MAJOR COLLECTORS:--Dartmouth Avenue (Zuni to University) --East Hampden Avenue (Broadway to U.S. 285) --Oxford Avenue (Broadway to Santa Fe) --Quincy Avenue (Broadway to Santa Fe) --Logan Street (Yale to Belleview) -6- AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: MINOR COLLECTORS:--Floyd Av enue (University to Fox) --Kenyon Avenue (Broadway to Santa Fe) --Oxford Avenue (Broadway to Cla r kson) --Quincy Avenue (Clarkson to Broadway) --Tufts Avenue (Broadway to Santa Fe) --Union Avenue (Santa Fe to Federal) --Downing Street (Yale to U.S. 285) --C larkson Street (Yale to Belleview) --Elati Street (Floyd to Kenyon) --Fox Street (Dartmouth to Floyd) --Fox Street (U.S. 285 to Belleview) --Windermere/Navajo Street (Kenyon to Prentice) --Lowell Boulevard (City Limit to Belleview) --Platte River Drive (City Limit to City Limit) --Tejon Street (Evans to Dartmouth) --Zun i Street (Evans to City Limit) RIGHT-OF-WAY NEEDED:--Adriatic Avenue (Vallejo to Zuni) --Caspian Place (Tejon to Zuni) --Hillside Avenue (Tejon to Zuni) --Area south of Union Avenue, West of Platte River to Decatur) STREETS TO BE ADDED:--Englewood Parkway (Broadway to U.S. 285) --Floyd/Broadway Realignment --Inca Street Realignment (U.S. 285 to Jason) STREETS TO BE VACATED:--Acoma Street (Floyd to Englewood Parkway) --Bannock Street (Englewood Park- way to U.S. 285) --Jason Street (U.S. 285 to Ithaca) . Mesa, Mulhern, Maunakea, Carson, Gourdin, Magnuson None Allen Barbre, Beier The motion carried. -7 - • v . FINDINGS OF FACT Case #2-86 case #3-8 6 Case #4-86 Ch airman Ca rson stated that the Findings of Fact for Cases #2 -86, #3-8 6, and #4-86 were to be considered for approval. Mr. Gourdin noted tha t on Page 2 of Case #4 -8 6 , there was a typographical error in that several words were repeated. Mr. Maunakea asked the resolution of the curb cut for the Hyunda i dealership. Mrs. Romans stated that it is her understanding that this ha been resolved with the City Traffic Engineer and the State Highway Department. Allen moved: Mu l hern seconded: The Findings of Fact for Cases #2-86, #3-86, and #4 -86 be approved . AYES: Mulhern, Maunakea, Allen, carson, Gourdin, Magnuson, Mesa NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Barbre, Beier The motion carried. VI. PUBLIC FORUM. There was no one who addressed the Commission. VII. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mrs. Romans stated that a letter was sent from the Commission over Mr . Carson's signature requesting a meeting with the City Council. She has been informed that the dates suggested by the Commission are not convenient for the Council, and the Commission has been asked to consider other dates; also, it has been sug- gested that the Commission consider meeting with them on an "off- Monday" rather than Tuesday evening. Several dates were dis- cussed. It was the consensus of the Commission that March 31 should be suggested as a date for the meeting with the City Council. Mrs. Romans stated that the City Council approved the vacation of the west leg of the "T" alley at South Clarkson and U.S. 285 on final reading. In conjunction with this vacation, Councilman Bilo has asked that consideration be given to requiring d e velopers of property where right-of-way has been vacated, to compensate the City in some way. This could be by increas ing the usability of the site to provide additional landscaping o v er and above that required by the landscaping ordinance, for exa mple . Mr. Bilo feels strongly that the public should receive some com- pensation for the vacation of any public ri g ht-of-wa y , and has • asked that the Planning Commission consider th is possibility. Discussion ensued . Mr. Mulhern pointed out that if a developer is truly improv ing the value of the property by the development, he is in fact giving something to the community. Mr. Allen ex- pressed the opinion tha t fo llowing this proposal wou ld be ''open- ing up a sack of worms, and there is no reason to get into it." Br ief discussion ensued. Mrs. Roman s suggested that this matter be placed on the agenda for further consideration at the next meeting. In regard to the APA Convention to Los Angeles, Mrs. Romans stated there has been no decis ion on out-o f -state trips for Co m- mission members, but it doe s not appear that any such trips would be approved at this time. Mrs . Romans reminded Commis sion members o f a "business-mixer" to be held on the evening of February 20 at 5:30 P.M. at Trolley Square. Members were encouraged to attend. VIII. COMMISSIO NER 'S CH OICE. Mr. Magnuson asked if the meeting with Swedish Medical Center is still scheduled. Mrs. Romans stated that it is scheduled for February 26, 7:30 A. M., and members are asked to convene in the lobby. Commi ss ion members will be called to remind them of the date. A special meeting of the Commission was proposed to consider fur- ther review of the Comprehensive Plan , and to d i scuss some mat- ters with the City Attorney . It was the consensus of the Commis- sion that they would meet in a work session on March 11 at 6:00 P. M. Mr. Gourdin stated that he felt issues such a s noise control and fireplace installations should be addressed in conjunction with the review of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Gourdin stated that he would like to see a meeting with the appropriate departmental officials to discuss issues such as acoustical finish and design on new developments, and noise and air pollution control. Mr. Carson stated that he had received notification of the 1986 DRCOG ann ual banquet which will be held in Lakewood. He asked if any members were interested in attending. The secretary was asked to make reservations for Mr. and Mrs. Carson. The meeting was declared adjourned at 9:25 P.M. G~~tf/:;/;~- Recording Secretary -9-