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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-07-18 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION July 18, 1978 Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission met at 5:00 P.M. for a dinner meeting with Mr. Lowell Palmquist and Mr. John Oswald of Swedish Medical Center. Members present: Smith, Draper, Parker, Lathrop, Owens, McClintock, Tanguma Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Pierson, Williams Also present: Assistant Director D. A. Romans Mr. Owens welcomed Mr. Palmquist and Mr. Oswald to the meeting, and noted that the Commission has been anxious for a second meeting with the representatives of Swedish Medical Center to pursue discussion of plans for the medical campus and to in- vestigate ways in which the Commission might aid the Medical Center. Mr. Palmquist stated that the officials of the Medical Center realize that the erosion of the single-family dwelling units is of major concern to the City administration and Commission members. Mr. Palmquist discussed the efforts that the Medical Center bas made to provide sufficient parking for the employees and visitors to the .hospital. Mr. Palmquist noted that the relocation of the bus route to East Hampden Avenue would not be of aid in solving the parking shortage; the hours the buses run do not coincide with the hours the employees of the Medical Center work. Mr. Palmquist noted that the parking problem around the Medical Center is compounded by the fact that there is an overlapping of the shifts --one shift must come on duty before another shift is relieved. Parking must be provided for visitors, out-patient and emergency services, in addition to the parking for the 1300 employees of the Medical Center, and the 400 persons on the medical staff. Mr. Palmquist pointed out that attempts have been made to landscape the parking lots to soften effects on residential uses within the same block. Mr. Palmquist discussed possible ways to expand parking faciliti'es and the financing of this expansion. Mr.· Owens stated that bis personal concern was not so much with the number of single-family residences that have been removed, but rather that the land that is used for parking lots could be developed for a higher and better use. Mr. Owens suggested that possibly the Commission and City could help in the construction of a parking structure and effect a trade of the parking structure for some of the surface parking. -2- Mr. Draper asked if Craig Rehabilitation Hospital had plans for expansion? Mr. Palmquist stated that they do have plans for expansion, but it would not impact the area to any great extent. They are not talking about more bed space, but more inter-campus expansion. Mr. Palmquist pointed out that the out-patient phase of the Craig operation increases every year. They are proposing a connection between the Craig facility and the Mayflower facility in the Swedish complex. Pointing out another parking related problem, Mr. Palmquist. stated that there must be a parking area reserved for those individuals on the three P.M. shift and on the 11 P.M. shift because they do not want the female employees on these shifts to have to walk a long distance at night. For this reason, they try to reserve some of the close-in parking lots for these employees. Mr. Draper asked why the southeast corner of the Swedish/Craig complex was to be undeveloped? Mr. Palmquist stated that this is an effort to preserve open space. He pointed out that the Craig Rehabilitation Hospital officials were attracted to the site because of its "openness", and their patients and families do make use of this open area, as do the employees of both hospitals. Mr. Smith stated that he felt greenery is needed to aid in cleaning the air. Mr. Smith noted that the ramping of curbs along Hampden to Cinderella City in an effort to facilitate travel by wheelchair patients was discussed at the City Council meeting. Mr. Smith stated that he is concerned about putting the bus route on East Hampden Avenue; be noted that parking cannot be eliminated on the south side of the street because of the businesses there. Mr. Smith stated that be felt the bus route should remain on East Girard Avenue. Mr. Palmquist and Mr. Oswald discussed the proposed retirement center which would be constructed east of South Emerson Street. Mr. Oswald stated that discussions have been held with the Corona Association, which is made up of retired professors from D.U. who are interested in the retirement center. The concept under consideration is a total, creative living life- style, designed to keep the retirees actively involved in some- thing that they have done during their lifetime, such as teaching or some similar activity. Mr. Oswald stated that 120 or 130 units would be designated to accommodate the middle to upper income retirees, and emphasized that this proposal is in the planning stages. Mr. Oswald stated that one of the matters that must be resolved is the most cost-effective way to develop this retirement center. Mr. Oswald pointed out that the matter of parking must be considered in conjunction with this proposal, also. He stated that the underground and parking structure cost elements must be considered vs. that of surface parking. -3- Mr. Owens asked that Mrs. Romans review the projected land use map as proposed by the Comprehensive Plan Review Committees. Mrs. Romans reviewed a proposed zoning and land use map, and noted that the area from U.S. 285 to Hampden has been proposal for a mixed-use medically-oriented development. Mrs. Romans stated that medical-support uses could be developed in this area that might include such things as restaurants, motels to accommodate families of out-of-town patients, and more medically oriented support systems such as Wheelchairs, Inc., and the van conversion business further east. Mrs. Romans emphasized that this does not mean the residential uses that are in this area now cannot stay, but uses compatible with the medical complex would be encouraged. The area to the north of Swedish Medical Center has been designated by the Review Committee as R-1 Redevelopable; this would mean that this area is in need of redevelopment, but it should be redeveloped to maintain the single-family character of this neighborhood. Mr. Palmquist asked what this would do to the multi-family units that are north along Girard Avenue? Mrs. Romans stated that the com- mittee that made this recommendation did not forsee further extension of the multi-family use in this area, and would not encourage further multi-family development. The existing multi- family uses would remain. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Re- view committees came up with three mixed-use districts: Medical, Limited, and Unlimited. Mr. Palmquist asked if a use was not medically-oriented whether it would be allowed in the Mixed-Use-Medical District? Mrs. Romans stated that the District will not be an "exclusive" district, but emphasis would be placed on medical type facilities. Mrs. Romans noted that the Commercial Review Committee urged that the City become involved in a "search" committee, and go out and look for uses that would be compatible to existing facilities such as Swedish Medical Center. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Romans stated that one of the very strong recommendations that came out of this Review Committee was that there should be ramps on every intersection around the medical campus. Mr. Lathrop stated that his personal opinion is that the lack of ramps at intersections is one of the most "asinine" things he knows of, adding that the ramping of the intersections should have been done a long time ago. Mr. Lathrop suggested that uses such as Dennys, Sambos, and Skaggs Drug Store should be considered for the Mixed Use-Medical District. He stated that he knew for a fact that Skaggs would be willing to locate in Englewood, because he has talked to the officials in Salt Lake City. Discussion ensued. Mr. Palmquist noted that a use such as a drug store would be very good; he stated that under the new FDA regulations, the hospital cannot fill prescriptions for the general public; they can give a person who is discharged from the hospital enough medication to last until the pre- scription can be filled at a drug store, but no more. -4- Further discussion ensued on the matter of parking and the proposed retirement center. Mr. Palmquist stated that the person over 65 must have something to do, and he felt there were areas along Hampden Avenue in the commercial area that could be developed and operated by those members of the re- tirement center. Mr. Draper stated that he felt the City should go on record as recognizing the many advantages and benefits Swedish Medical Center offers the City of Englewood. He felt there should .be some guideline for cooperative planning between the City and the Medical Center; he noted that there were many mutual problems, and it would be good to have the City Council aware of these problems and the attempts to reach a solution to those problems. Mr. Owens agreed that the Medical Center is not recognized as the great asset that it is. He stated that the Planning Com- mission is here to help the Medical Center in any way that is possible. Mr. Smith pointed out that matters need to be brought to the attention of the City Council to be accomplished. He pointed out the fact that the ramping of curbs at intersections was just brought to the City Council's attention at the meeting of July 17th. Mr. Owens stated that he felt it was time the Planning Com- mission had a joint meeting with the City Council. Mr. Lathrop agreed, and stated that the Commission "should present Council with a hands-off the bus route on Hampden; it should be left as it is on Girard." Mr. Wanush pointed out that the change in the bus route was a result of the Transportation Committee recommendations; he pointed out that this Committee was chaired by Mr. Lathrop. He stated that he does not disagree with the feeling that the bus route should remain on Girard, but emphasized that this proposed route change was a result of the Transportation Com- mittee recommendations. He stated that he understood the Transportation Committee had contacted RTD for a special meeting, and that the recommended routing change was a result of that meeting. Discussion ensued. Mr. Palmquist suggested that this matter be checked into. He further suggested that perhaps in the early Fall, another meeting could be held with the Commission, Council and members of the Board of Directors of the Medical Center. Mr. Owens stated that these meetings are of assistance to the Commission and that they would like to be of help wherever possible. Financing of parking structures was discussed. Mr. Palmquist stated that he has met with Finance Director Bill James on this matter. He further stated that several financing methods have been explored, among them the possible formation of a parking district. Mr. Palmquist noted that the certification is very important in obtaining the financing and discussed the procedure to obtain the certification. -5- Further discussion ensued. Mr. Owens expressed the appreciation of the Commission for this meeting with Mr. Palmquist and Mr. Oswald, and promised to pursue a further meeting with the Board of Directors. * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was formally called to order by Chairman Owens at 7:35 P.M. Members present: Owens, Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, McClintock Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Pierson, Williams Also present: Assistant Director Romans II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Owens stated that the Minutes of July 5, 1978, were to be considered for approval. Tanguma moved: Lathrop seconded: The Minutes of July 5, 1978, be approved as written. AYES: Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, Mcclintock, Owens NAYS: None ABSENT: Pierson, Williams The motion carr i ed. III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER The .informal discussion with Mr. Palmquist and Mr. Oswald from Swedish Medical Center was discussed. Mr. Owens sug- gested that perhaps it is time to try to arrange a meeting with City Council to review concerns that members of the Commission may have and to give the Council members an idea of the things the Commission is working on. Mr. McClintock asked about the procedure to bring things be- fore City Council for their consideration. He pointed to the issue of curb ramps and asked what was the most effective way to get it before the Council and to get the project done. Mr. Smith stated that if projects are not included in the Public Improvement Fund and budgeted for, they must be brought to the -6- attention of the City Council. He suggested that supportive information on cost, need, etco should be presented to Council at the same time the request is madeo Discussion ensued. McClintock moved: Draper seconded: The Planning Commission prepare a study on the cost, number of handicapped who could be expected to use the ramps, and other pertinent information for presentation to City Council on the matter of curb ramps along Hampden Avenue to the downtown areao Mro Smith suggested that it might be presented to City Council by a member of the Commission, and not just forwarded in a written communication. Mro Owens stated that he would be glad to make the presentation to City Council. He asked if curbs could be ramped as part of the sidewalk district when the initial installation is made? Mr. Smith stated that he thought a few have been put in in this manner. Further discussion en- sued. The vote on Mr. McClintock's motion was called. AYES: Smith, Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, McC1intock, Owens, Parker NAYS: None ABSENT: Pierson, Williams The motion carried. Mro Owens again brought up the possible meeting of Council and the Planning Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt a meeting with City Council on the Comprehensive Plan would be in order; he hesitated to suggest a general or "catch all" meeting and questioned the effectiveness of a meeting that would cover a number of items. Mr. Lathrop stated that he would recommend to City Council that they recommend to RTD to give further consideration to leaving the bus route on Girard and not moving it to East Hampden Avenueo Mr. Owens stated that the staff is to check into this, and he felt such a recommendation is premature. Further discussion on the matter of parking around Swedish Medical Center ensued. Mr. Smith stated that a Public Improve- ment Bond would have no financial liability on the City, but would enable Swedish Medical Center to take advantage of a lower interest rate if they pursue this course of financing. A parking district could also be formed that would encompass only those lands owned by Swedish Medical Center. Discussion ensued. -7- IV. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush stated that the City Council passed an Ordinance on first reading to form a Downtown Development Authority. A special election will be held on September 19, 1978, and property owners or lessees will be eligible to vote. Mr. Wanush stated . ' in response to a question, that the south boundary is designated as West Ithaca Avenue. Mr. Wanush reminded Commission members of a meeting with RTD scheduled for July 22nd, at 8:30 A.M. in the City Hall; the meeting will focus on the proposed transit center, the general location and design. Mr. Smith stated that he would prefer to see the Transit Center situated on the north one-half of the parking lot in an effort to avoid interference with pedestrian traffic that might use the south end of the block. Mr. Draper asked how many buses would be at the Transit Center at one time? Mr. Wanush stated that he felt this might be one item under discussion Saturday morning, but he would estimate that there could be six or eight at one time. Further discussion ensued. V. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Owens stated that there are two Public Hearings scheduled for July 25, 1978, at 7:00 P.M., on 1470 West Tufts Avenue. Mr. Owens stated that these Hearings are based on the suggestion made by the Commission that the property be considered for R-1-C, Single-family on the north one-half, and as I-1, Light Industrial, on the south one-half. Mr. Owens stated that there are at least four other properties that have petitioned for annexation, or are expected to petition for annexation ; he felt that it would be well for the Commission to discuss this so as to be consistent in their consideration of the zoning that will be asked for these properties. He reminded the Commission that the Garrett property was rezoned to I-1, Light Industrial, with conditions, because of Mr. Garrett's testimony that he could not get financing for single-family construction. Mr. Owens pointed out that there has been no single-family development in this immediate area within the last 16 years. In discussing the four sites that may be the subject of annexa- tion petitions, Mrs. Romans pointed out that there have been two · inquiries from property owners on the west side of South Mariposa Drive and both have expressed an interest in residential zoning and construction. The property owner at the southwest corner of West Tufts Avenue and South Windermere Street has indicated that he will ask for industrial zoning; he must come into the City to get water service. The Thurman property at 1485 West Tufts Avenue has been petitioned for annexation; and the petitioners have requested I-1, Light Industrial zoning. -8- Mr. McClintock stated that he is concerned that the Commission may have made an impromptu decision on the zoning at 1470 West Tufts Avenue following the public hearing on July 5th. He questioned whether or not the Commission had been "swayed" by opponents at the meeting. He pointed out that the majority of persons who spoke against the industrial zoning were resi- dents of the County, and questioned whether the interests of the City of Englewood should not supercede those of the people in the County, who have in the past determined not to become part of the City. He pointed out that a "pocket" of residential use will be created and that in his opinion, only one of those homes on West Tufts Avenue would be "adequate" --possibly two. Mr. Smith pointed out that the requested industrial zone dis- trict would have been between two residential uses, and he could not approve of this. Mr. McClintock pointed out that Mr. Garrett has testified that he could not obtain financing for residential construction; he questioned that financing could be obtained for residential purposes on the Tufts frontage. He pointed out that additional industrial zoning has been requested for property that has petitioned for annexation, and he is concerned about the "pocket" of residential use along Tufts Avenue. Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt the Commission must consider the "human factor". The continuity of the residential develop- ment along West Tufts Avenue would be broken if the industrial zoning on 1470 West Tufts were to be approved. Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt those lots on West Tufts Avenue in this "pocket" will eventually evolve into industrial zoning and redevelopment. Mr. Owens asked how this would happen if the industrial zoning is denied? Mr. Owens pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan projects industrial development in this general area. The staff makes reference to the Comprehensive Plan when inquiries are made on possible zoning and development of property. He pointed out that this area is in transition, and that the industrial zoning must begin somewhere, but the Commission is not allowing any change, and in fact recommended that a residential classification be considered on this property. Mr. Smith pointed out the difference in size between Mr. Garrett's property and Mr. Bovenzi's property; he reiterated that to impose industrial property between two residential uses was not proper. Mr. Wanush stated that the imposition of industrial zoning on Mr. Bovenzi's property would have been an extension of industrial zoning that is in existence in the City of Englewood. Mr. Tanguma stated that he would look favorably on zoning the property for industrial development if the entire area were to annex to the City at one time; he stated that he felt some of the residents are looking toward industrial zoning in the future. r -9- Mr. Owens pointed out that the staff recommends that the Bovenzi property would be the east line of the industrial zoning at this location. Mr. Owens stated that the owners of the Thurman property which abuts the Garrett property to the west, have petitioned for annexation and have asked for in- dustrial zoning. He asked of Mr. Smith if he, for instance, would consider moving into this particular area if he were to sell his home? Mr. Smith stated that he would not. He added that if he thought the residential properties would remain residential, he would consider relocating there because he doesn't feel the area is all ba~ but ordinarily, he would not pick that area to relocate to. Mr. Owens pointed out that the area is impacted now with the industrial development on three sides, and cited train traffic that is in existence now, plus what is expected with the in- crease in the number of coal trains. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the City had a great deal of un- used industrial area that should be developed before more land is zoned for industrial development. He stated that he did not feel the industrial zoning would hurt property values, but it might hurt "living values". Mr. Smith stated that he felt the criteria for zoning is clear, and that the site at 1470 West Tufts Avenue did not meet that criteria. Mr. Smith stated that the industrial classification would force residents to relocate. Mr. OWens stated that this is not true. The residential use could continue indefinitely if the industrial zoning were to be approved. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the impact was at the maximum; that additional industrial zoning would not have that much effect on the residential uses. Mr. Smith stated that if an industrial property were imposed between two residential uses, it would impact those residential uses. Mr. McClintock stated that he questioned if a nice industrial facility might not be more attractive than what is on the site now. Mr. Smith stated that he felt this attitude would encourage property owners to let the property run down and use that as a reason for rezoning. Mr. McClintock pointed out that this is not an argument for rezoning, but also pointed out that this area is in transition. Mr. Owens stated that he felt the Commission should be consis- tent in their determinations for this area. He pointed out that there are public hearings scheduled for July 25th, and suggested that possibly a member of the Commission would want to bring this matter back for further consideration; the Com- mission could just move to have the matter brought before it for further consideration, and could move to postpone that further consideration until the date of the scheduled public hearings. Mr. Wanush pointed out that this procedure would keep the option of recommending I-1 for the entire parcel before the Commission. -10- Mr. Owens agreed that this would keep the option open until such time as the Commission can make a determinationo He emphasized that the Commission must make a recommendation on zoning the land 0 He stated that he felt the Commission must take into consideration the other property owners that are submitting petitions for annexation in order to be consistent. Does the Commission want this area to remain R-1? He pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee that studied this area did recommend an industrial zoning and development for that entire area. Mr. Smith pointed out that the Commission considered the possibility of mixed use zoning, and the special permit system in consideration of seeking better land use, and to protect adjacent and adjoining properties. He felt this was using the reverse of this principle: to zone this property to I-1 would be to the detriment of the adjoining and adjacent properties; he stated that the City does have a responsibility to those people who live in that area. He stated that he did not feel it was a mistake to deny the extension of the I-1 zoning between two residential uses. Mr. Tanguma stated that he would not change his mind, but would not be opposed to discussing the I-1 Zone District again. Mr. Owens pointed out that there was a meeting of the City Department Heads and these property owners; these people are against the idea of annexation to the City of Englewood. They state that they are getting police and fire protection from the City now, and why should they annex to the City? Mr. Lathrop stated that he would hate to see an extension of the I-1 zoning between two residences, but would not object to industrial zoning across the street at this point. Discussion ensued. The matter of placing restrictions on a zoning were discussed, and Mr. Draper commented that he felt there could be problems by trying to place restrictions on every zoning. Mr. Owens pointed out that he does not feel that the Commission should turn a property owner "loose and let him do whatever he wants"; he noted that in this instance, it was recommended that a Planned Development be filed which would still give control over the development. Mr. Owens stated that it is his feeling that if the I-1 zoning is not approved, there will be no positive change in the character of the area, and that in many regards this is bad. Mr. McClintock stated that a well-thought out Planned Develop- ment could benefit the longevity of the residential properties to the west of Mr. Bovenzi's property. If the subject property remains in the same condition it is now, he feared that the entire area would deteriorate. Mr. McClintock stated that he could foresee many such problems in the Mixed Use District, wherein a restaurant or some similar use may be imposed between -11- two residential uses. Discussion ensu ed . Mr. McClintock stated that he may or may not change his mind on this matter, but he does feel that the I-1 Zone designation for the entire site should be fur t her discussed. Parker moved: Tanguma seconded: That Case #8-78 be reopened for reconsidera- tion by the Planning Commission. AYES: Smith, Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, Mcclintock, Owens, Parker NAYS: None ABSENT: Williams, Pierson The motion carried. Tanguma moved: Mcclintock seconded: That reconsideration of Case #8-78 be postponed until the Public Hearings are held which are scheduled for July 25, 1978. AYES: Tanguma, Draper, Lathrop, McClintock, Owens, Parker, Smith NAYS: None ABSENT: Williams, Pierson The motion carried. Discussion ensued. ·Mr. Owens stated that he felt it is essential that the Commission make a stand to encourage new and better quality development; the Commission must plan and then abide by that plan. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 P. M. rtrude ecording Secre