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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-06-20 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION June 20, 1978 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 Larry Owens. Members present: Parker, Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, Owens Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Pierson, Smith, Williams, Mcclintock Also present: Assistant Director D. A. Romans II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Owens stated that Minutes of May 16, May 23, May 30, and June 6 were to be considered for approval. He asked the pleasure of the Commission on this matter? Parker moved: Lathrop seconded: The Minutes of May 16, 1978, be approved as written. AYES: Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, Owens, Parker NAYS: None ABSENT: Smith, Williams, McClintock, Pierson The motion carried. Parker moved: Tanguma seconded: The Minutes of May 23, 1978, be approved as written. AYES: Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, Owens, Parker NAYS: None ABSENT: Pierson, Smith, Williams, McClintock The motion carried . Parker moved: Draper seconded: The Minutes of May 30, 1978, be amended to reflect that Mr. Lathrop was present. AYES: Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, OWens, Parker NAYS: None ABSENT: Smith, Williams, McClintock, Pierson The motion carried. Tanguma moved: Draper seconded: The Minutes of June 6, 1978, be approved as written. \ -2- Mrs.Pierson entered and took her place with the Commission. AYES: Tanguma, Draper, Owens, Parker, Pierson NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Lathrop ABSENT: Williams, Mcclintock, Smith The motion carried. III. STREET VACATION South Acoma Street north of West Jefferson Avenue. Mr. Owens asked for the staff presentation. CASE #6-78 Mrs. Romans stated that the City has received a request for vacation of a portion of South Acoma Street from Mr. and Mrs. William Davis, Glennallen, Alaska. The portion of South Acoma Street encompassed in the request is a 60 foot right-of-way extending approximately 75 feet north of West Jefferson Avenue, and it was used as part of the U.S. 285/Broadway interchange when it was first constructed. Mr. and Mrs. Davis own the property on both the east and west sides of this right-of- way. When Mr. and Mrs. Davis purchased the property, they had indicated that it was their intention to live in the house on the west portion of the property, which house is now used as an office bui~ding, Mr. and Mrs. Davis have apparently had a change of plans and now feel that the property will probably be sold. If this portion of right-of-way were to be vacated, the property could be offered as one parcel. Mrs. Romans stated that the request was referred to all city departments and the utility companies. Public Works Director . Waggoner had discussed the matter with the State Highway De- partment and questioned the advisability of vacating this right-of-way when it may be necessary for modification of the Broadway/U.S. 285 interchange to accommodate the U.S. 285- Ithaca Avenue one-way couplet. Mrs. Romans stated that there is no design on the couplet or interchange modification at this time, and it cannot be determined whether this right-of- way will actually be required, but the staff does not feel that the vacation should be approved only to find that the City must purchase the land if it is needed. Mr. Owens asked if the applicant or a representative was present? Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. and Mrs. Davis are not present; their daughter, who is in the real estate business and has been the staff contact, was sent a copy of the staff report, but is not present at this meeting. Mrs. Romans noted that if the Planning Commission does recom- mend the vacation of the right-of-way, the matter will have to go to City Council for final action. Mr. Owens asked if the .. applicant has the right of appeal on the Commission's decision ~ on a street vacation such as this? Mrs. Romans stated that she would assume there would be the right of appeal to City Council. -3- Mr. Parker asked about the property on the east of the right- of-way in question? Mrs. Romans stated that this property is not improved as of now. Mr. Parker stated that he personally thinks that the right-of- way should not be vacated until the design of the improved interchange is available. Otherwise! the City may be buying it back in the near future. Mr. Owens asked if this right-of-way had ever been a part of the Davis' property? Mrs. Romans replied that Mr. and Mrs. Davis purchased the property fairly recently; the right-of- way was dedicated as such in the original platting of the subdivision. Mr. Lathrop stated that he would agree with Mr. Parker that this right-of-way should not be vacated at this time. He noted that Mr. and Mrs. Davis could reapply at such time as the design of the interchange is available, if it does not involve the subject right-of-way. Parker moved: Lathrop seconded: The Planning Coru.tlission deny the request of Mr. and Mrs. Davis to vacate the South Acoma Street right-of-way which extends for approximately 75 feet north of West Jefferson Avenue. AYES: Draper, Lathrop, Owens, Parker, Pierson, Tanguma NAYS: None ABSENT: Williams, Mcclintock, Smith The motion carried. IV. SUBDIVISION WAIVER Lot 7, Block 2, Tejon Industrial Park CASE #7-78 Mrs. Romans stated that a memorandum from Mr. Gary Diede, Director of Engineering Services, was submitted to the staff this afternoon pertaining to the Subdivision Waiver requested by Howard L. Penner of Penner Building Systems, Inc. Copies of this memorandum have been placed before the Planning Com- mission at this meeting. Mrs. Romans stated that because of this memorandum from Mr. Diede, and because there are two or three other matters that are not resolved, the staff would suggest that possibly the Commission would want to treat this meeting as a preliminary discussion, and delay final deter- mination and approval to a later meeting date. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Penner has an option to purchase land in northwest Englewood, described as Lot 7, Block 2, of Tejon Industrial Park . He is proposing to divide the Lot be- cause it is in excess of four (4) acres, and he feels it cannot be developed with one use. Mrs. Romans stated that the Englewood/Denver City limits and railroad tracks are on the -4- east of the property, and part of the property which Mr. Penner will be purchasing is within Denver. Access to Lot 7, Block2, Tejon Industrial Park, is from South Raritan Street. Mr. Penner has shown a cul-de-sac running on the south side of the property adjacent to the drainageway to provide access to the proposed parcels in Lot 7. The staff does suggest that if the cul-de- sac is approved with the 40 foot width as shown, that parking be restricted, and that it be so marked to serve as a fire lane. The proposed fire lane on the north and east of the property is shown as a 15 foot easement on the plan of the proposed division. Mrs. Romans stated that considerable discussion has centered on whether or not this cul-de-sac will be dedicated to the City, or whether it will be developed to City standards and maintained privately. Mr. Penner has indicated that he feels the individual lots would be more marketable if the street were dedicated to the City. Mr. Penner has agreed that the street shall be in- stalled to City standards with a vertical curb on the south side of the cul-de-sac, and a valley curb on the north side. Mr. Penner has also indicated a willingness to provide minimum land- scaping, although Mrs. Romans pointed out that this area is zoned for heavy industrial development, and that the restrictions for screening and landscaping are not as stringent as they are for the I-1 Light Industrial property that abuts a residential district. Mrs. Romans pointed out that Mr. Penner did submit a drainage plan; however, this is in the City Engineer's office, and no written comments have been received pertaining to the drainage. t9 Mr. Diede has verbally indicated that he does not see any problems with the drainage as proposed. He has suggested that there be some measure of erosion control at the inlet and outlet areas of the 4 11 drain line from the proposed detention area. Mrs. Romans stated that at this point, the staff does not feel that the information on the request is in the proper detail for the Commission to make a decision. Mrs. Romans stated that there has been some discussion on the fact that the roadway of the cul-de-sac is proposed as 40 foot, and the Subdivision Regulations call for an 80 foot right-of-way in the industrial districts. She cited Article III of the Sub- division Regulations, §12-3-31, Planning Principles, which states: §12-3-31 (b): The provisions contained in this article are general guides and standards for preparation of preliminary designs and final plats shall be utilized as such by each applicant. When- ever the tract to be subdivided is of such unusual size or shape, or is surrounded by such development or conditions that the strict application of the provisions of these sections may result in substantial hardships, the Com- mission may vary or modify such standard to the end that the subdivision may be developed consistent with public welfare and safety. Mrs. Romans related these provisions to the case at hand, citing the fact that the property has a 216 foot depth; if -5- a right-of-way of 80 feet is subtracted from this depth, which right-of-way would serve only these properties in this "sub- division", it could create a hardship on the property owner and developer. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the roadway and rights-of-way cited are "standards" and not "absolutes"; they may, therefore, be varied at the discretion of the Commission. Mr. Draper asked if there would be a limitation on the size of trucks that would be using the cul-de-sac? Mrs. Romans stated that there would not be. The street would have to be constructed to the standards set forth by the City, and there will be a 60 foot setback from the street to the building locations on the properties as proposed by Mr. Penner, to give ample maneuvering space for trucks that would ~ making deliveries and pick-ups from the industrial buildings. Mr. Parker asked if he understood correctly that the City Engineer felt there was no problem with the proposed drainage system? Mrs. Romans stated that he has indicated there are no problems that cannot be handled. She emphasized to the Commission that the location of buildings is not being approved by virtue of the subdivision waiver. She noted that as Mr. Penner gets into the development of this property, he may have buildings of different sizes in different locations than what is shown in the illustration. Mr. Parker asked if the 60 foot setback from the street would be definite? Mrs. Romans stated that this is what is proposed now. ·At such time as Building Permits are issued, the construction would have to comply with the Building Code, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and all other applicable codes and ordinances. Mr. Owens asked Mr. Penner if he wished to speak to the Com- mission? Mr. Penner commended Mrs. Romans for her presentation. He stated that this property is to be divided for purchase by individual developers; he will not be developing more than the parcels he intends to retain. Mr. Penner stated that they will have the continuous valley curb along the north side of the cul-de-sac and will provide the .60 foot setback from the property line for the loading docks, etc. in an ef- fort to accommodate the large trucks that are expected to frequent this industrial area. The drainage of the site will be designed to flow to the north. The water would be carried to the east along the 15 foot ease- ment that will also be designated as a fire lane, to a detention pond from which it will drain at a slower rate. Mr. Owens asked if the Commission had any questions or comments? Mr. Draper asked if the land was flat? Mr. Penner stated that it is not; the slope is to the south and east. There is approxi- mately a 4-1/2 foot slope from the rear of the proposed buildings to the front of the lot ; and there is approximately a one foot -6- drop on each lot beginning with Lot "C". Mr. Penner emphasized that the contractors and developers he has talked to want the cul-de-sac dedicated to the City. 49 Mr. Owens asked what procedure would be followed if the cul-de- sac is dedicated to the City? He noted that this would require City Council action, whereas approval of a Subdivision Waiver does not. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the Commission could approve the Waiver to the Subdivision Regulations if they were so inclined, and make recommendations on accepting the dedica- tion for the cul-de-sac to the City Council. Discussion en- sued. Mr. Owens stated that he felt it would be to the best interest of the property owner and to the Commission and City if the matter were continued to the next regular meeting. He stated that he personally sees no great problem, but felt that the Commission should have 1he additional information on the drain- age plan that City Engineer Diede has indicated will be available at a later date. Mr. Penner stated that he does definitely want to dedicate the cul-de-sac right-of-way. He asked that if the Commission feels there will be a problem with such a dedication, to please let him know now. Pierson moved: Draper seconded: The matter of the Subdivision Waiver on Lot 7, Block 2, Tejon Industrial Park, be postponed until July 5, 1978. AYES: Draper, Lathrop, Owens, Parker, Pierson, Tanguma NAYS: None ABSENT: McClintock, Smith, Williams The motion carried. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Owens asked that Mr. Wanush discuss his forthcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Mr. Wanush stated that he is to attend a conference sponsored by the Urban Mass Transit Agency, which conference is to bring together 40+ municipalities that have developable or redevelop- able land, and 40-50 developers that are interested in develop- ment in municipalities. The conference is related to develop- ment of transit centers and other subjects which have been dis- cussed in relation to the site in Englewood. The conference is Sunday, June 25th thru Tuesday, June 27th. VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Owens noted that Mr. Nowacki of Concensus was present to address the Commission. -7- Mr. Nowacki stated that his business address is 701 West Hampden Avenue, Englewood, Colorado. He stated that he was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss with the Commission some of the recommendations made by the Transportation Review Committeeo He wants to address some of these recommendations specifically as they relate to matters of the Hampden/Ithaca Avenue couplet, improvements on South Santa Fe Drive, and the matter of moving through traffic on local streets. Mr. Nowacki stated that there were things discussed in the Transportation Review Committee report that have not been acted on by the Planning Commission or the City Councilo One of these is the matter of the east/west couplet and how to proceed on the western extension of Ithaca Avenueo Mr. Nowacki stated that at the time Mr. Jones made the Downtown Committee report, concern was expressed over one of the maps, and there is concern that the staff is making a recommendation to merge the Ithaca Avenue/U.S. 285 couplet east of the railroad tracks and attempt to use the present underpass under the tracks. He stated that in his opinion, "this may be encouraging the High- way Department to look less than favorably on the couplet if an attempt is made to keep this bottleneck" by using the present underpass. Mr. Nowacki pointed out that there are only four lanes for through traffic accommodated by that underpass. Mr. Nowacki emphasized that he feels "we are early enough in the design program of Santa Fe Drive improvements to make a recom- mendation on the Ithaca Avenue extension, and to have a new underpass built at the same time the Santa Fe improvements are made ." Mr. Nowacki stated that another item recommended by the Trans- portation Review Committee was the one-way couplet on South Santa Fe Drive as an alternative to the widening program. He stated that he "thinks there are some real advantages to be realized if Santa Fe was expanded." He questioned that there would be sufficient funds to "do Santa Fe the way it should be built;" he noted that one problem with the proposed widening program is that there will be 1200 people and 170 businesses displaced; most of these individuals and businesses will be eligible for relocation allowances up to $15,000 each. Mr. Nowacki stated that there are consultants studying the proposal of expanding Santa Fe Drive, but the report will not be ready until early next year. The proposed one-way couplet on South Santa Fe Drive would require an Environmental Impact Statement. Mr. Nowacki stated that he has talked to people in the State Highway Department, and it is his feeling that they want to "be responsive to the local communities"; he stated that State Highway Department officials attended a meeting in Sheridan and discussed the widening of South Santa Fe Drive vs. the one-way couplet proposal. These Highway Department officials did indicate they wanted local input. He stated that he felt the sooner Englewood got their input to them, the better. Mr. Nowacki stated that while there are some problems with a one- way couplet on South Santa Fe Drive, he felt there would be more advantages, such as extending the one-way couplet further -8- into Denver or south into Littleton. He felt that the one-way couplet on South Santa Fe Drive would make it a "transit cor-~ ridor", and would entice traffic from other streets such as ~ Broadway, LOgan, etc. The one-way couplet would also help provide access to and open up land west of Santa Fe and would lead to further development of the area west of Santa Fe Drive to the South Platte River. Mr. Nowacki stated that since the Santa Fe Drive improvement project and the Hampden/Ithaca couplet project are related, the time to talk to Highway officials is now, and make sure that the designed improvements will tie in with the proposed one-way couplet on U.S. 285 and West Ithaca Avenue. Mr. Nowacki stated that he would like to see a recommendation for that type of extension on West Ithaca Avenue considered by the Planning Commission. Mr. Gunesch, owner of Park Floral Greenhouses, has said he would be receptive to an extension of Ithaca as a one-way couplet under the tracks, but would oppose a diagonal route through his property. Mr. Nowacki stated that he realized that the staff and commission had planned to consider all recommendations from the Comprehen- sive Plan Review Committees at one time, but he asks that the matter of the one-way couplet and interchange design be con- sidered first, and that there should be some recommendation to DRCOG, RTD, and the State Highway Department as soon as possible. Mr. Draper asked if the one-way couplet on South Santa Fe would go through the golf course, or on the east side ~f it? Mr. Nowacki stated that the western alignment isn't worked out at this time. Mr. Nowacki stated that if the alignment is on the east side of the golf course, there will be fewer property owners to deal with, but th~~~ may be problems with the land fill area --methane ga s , etc. He stated that it might be preferable to have it follow this route than go through con- demnation proceedings. He pointed out that something could be said on the impact that could result from the route along the golf course; motorists would have a very attractive view, and Mr. Nowacki then cited a portion of Interstate #70 that :is along a golf course. Discussion ensued. Mr. OWens asked if the Commission wished to take any action on this matter this evening? Mrs. Pierson stated that she would prefer to consider this matter in relation to the en- tire Comprehensive Plan review. Mr. OWens stated that the Commission would consider Mr. Nowacki's request at a work session on July 5th. Mr. Owens cited previous recommendations from the City regarding the one-way couplet and intersection improvement, most recently in the 1978-1979 State Highway Work Program. Mr. Owens also cited a letter from Mayor James L. Taylor, dated March 22, 1978, e formally requesting the amendment of the Highway Plan to designate U.S. 285 as a principal arterial rather than a freeway. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Tanguma suggested that perhaps there • should be another meeting with officials of Sheridan and Englewood to discuss the Santa Fe couplet and intersection at U.S. 285; he noted that any design on this will impact Sheridan. Further discussion followed. -9- Mr. Owens noted that sample letters to Swedish Medical Center were prepared by the staff. The Commission members considered the letters, and upon revision directed that a letter be sent over the Chairman's signature to Swedish Medical Center thanking them for the breakfast meeting on May 20th, and extending an invitation for another meeting. Mr. Owens stated that the Colorado Municipal League Conference will be held in Colorado Springs June 20th thru the 23rd; he is planning to attend the meetings on Thursday, and both Council- representatives on the Commission are attending the Conference. Mr. Owens stated that the study session originally proposed for June 28th has been set for July 5th; the meeting room at the Chamber of Commerce was not available on June 28th. The work session will begin at 2:00 P.M. and run to 5:00 P.M.; there will be a dinner break, and the regular meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M. Mrs. Romans stated that a terrarium and card was sent to Mrs. Mae Wade from the Commission and staff as an expression of sympathy in the death of her husband. Mrs. Wade is a former Commission member and has been active on the Parks and Recreation Review Committee. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.