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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-10-03 PZC MINUTES\ .- • CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION October 3, 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 Vice-Chairman Draper. Members present: Parker, Pierson, Smith, Draper, Lathrop Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: Tanguma, Williams, McClintock Also present: Assistant Director Romans II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Mr. Draper stated that the Minutes of September 6, 1978, and September 19, 1978, were to be considered for approval. Parker moved: Lathrop seconded: The Minutes of September 6, 1978, be approved as written. AYES: Parker, Pierson, Smith, Lathrop NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Draper ABSENT: Tanguma, Williams, McClintock The motion carried. Lathrop moved: Pierson seconded: The Minutes of September 19, 1978, be approved as written . AYES: Pierson, Draper, Lathrop, Parker NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Smith ABSENT: Tanguma, Williams, Mcclintock The motion carried. III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Pierson moved: Lathrop seconded: The agenda be taken out of order, and the election of a Chairman be considered as Item VIII. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Smith, Draper, Lathrop, Parker, Pierson None Tanguma, Williams, McClintock The motion carried. -2- IV. STATE HIGHWAY WORK PROGRAM 1979-1980 CASE #16-78 Mrs 0 Romans reviewed the staff report on the projects suggested to be included in the request to the State Highway Commission for the fiscal year 1979-1980. She noted that there are very few matters that are "new" items; most have been requested many times previously, but have not yet been funded. Mrs. Romans stated that none of the requests submitted by the Englewood City Council last year were included in the Arapahoe County re- quest to the State Highway Commission. Mrso Romans stated that the Commission will be considering items under the following three classifications: A. Construction projects on the State Highway System. Bo Additions to the Federal Aid Urban System. C. Construction projects on the Federal Aid Urban Systemo Mrs. Romans reviewed the projects suggested to _be requested by the City Council, and discussed the ramifications of these projects. Mrso Romans pointed out that the suggested construc- tion of an overpass at U.S. 285 and South Lowell Boulevard and at U.S. 285 and South Bryant Street is a new request. She pointed out that if South Zuni Street were to be extended south to U.S. 285, the suggested overpass at Bryant would be relocated to the Zuni/U.S. 285 intersection. Mrso Romans discussed improvements to South Santa Fe Drive, U.S. 285, and Belleview Avenue o Mrs. Romans noted that the inclusion of construction of Centennial Parkway, which is underway, is included in this report for emphasis. Mrs. Romans then discussed projects to be included in the Federal Aid Urban Systemo She noted that it is suggested that South Clarkson Street from East Yale Avenue to East Dartmouth Avenue be added to the Federal Aid Urban Systemo Mrs. Romans then discussed a concern that has been voiced by the residents on South Clarkson in Denver just north of Yale about the volume of traffic that is using South Clarkson Streeto These residents had contacted the City of Denver, and expressed the sentiment that a majority of this traffic was coming from Englewood. Mrso Romans stated that 24-hour traffic counts were taken on South Clarkson Street just south of Yale Avenue, and the results of these traffic counts do not justify the volume of traffic the Denver residents have stated exists. It appears that considerable traffic on Yale Avenue is turning north on Clarkson Street to avoid intersections such as Logan, where the signalization favors the north/south street rather than the east/west street. Mrs. Romans stated that she understood that the Denver residents are considering the possibility of a cul-de-sac on South Clarkson Street on the north side of Yale to restrict the use of the street by through traffic. • • -3- Mrs. Romans then discussed Construction Projects on the Feder a l Aid Urban System, which category includes such projects as the widening of South Broadway from Yale to Floyd, and the construc- tion of South Clarkson Street to two lanes from U.S. 285 to East Orchard Avenue; the construction of South Windermere Street to two lanes from West Tufts Avenue to Gates Parkway; the con- struction of West Floyd Avenue to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street, and the construction of Quincy Avenue to four lanes from I-225 to South Simms Street. Mr. Draper asked for clarification of the Federal Aid Urban System? Mrs. Romans stated that to obtain funding for any project through the Federal Aid Urban System, that particular project must be on the System --thus, the request to add South Clarkson Street from East Yale Avenue to East Dartmouth Avenue to the system. There is no request for construction on this portion of South Clarkson Street at this time, and could not be under this program until this addition to the system is approved. Mr. Wanush emphasized that no street is eligible for federal funding until it is a part of the approved system. Mr. Draper asked if the staff is seeking approval of these projects? Mrs. Romans stated that is correct. Mrs. Pierson expressed concern on the grade separation proposed at West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive, and the extension of West Floyd Avenue to South Zuni Street. Mrs. Pierson noted that there is a request for the Hampden/Ithaca couplet, and an interchange proposed at West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. She pointed out that Dartmouth Avenue has recently been widened and carries a great deal of traffic. She asked "why set Floyd up to carry heavy traffic" also? Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt to do so would "destroy the residential neighborhood. 11 Mrs. Pierson stated that ·by having heavy tra ff ic carriers on both Floyd Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue, it would separate this particular residential area and impact it further. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt this area is more impacted by the north/south traffic than by the east/west carriers. Mrs. Pierson pointed out that there is only two blocks between West Dartmouth Avenue and West Floyd Avenue and questioned the need for both these streets to be opened to heavy traffic. Mrs. Romans stated that it is hoped that the commercial traffic would use Floyd more, and that a de-emphasis of Dartmouth Avenue would lend itself to a more cohesive neighborhood. Mrs. Pierson stated that in her opinion the traffic going to the business district would still use Dartmouth Avenue rather than Floyd. She urged that the Commission "leave Floyd alone"; she stated that she did not want to see this street extended across South Santa Fe Drive with a grade separation. She stated that she felt "we would be asking for trouble" if Floyd Avenue is ex- tended and improved. -4- Mr. Smith discussed the problems in this residential neighborhood south of West Dartmouth Avenue, particularly on South Fox Street, • which carries a heavy volume of traffic. He stated that he has received many contacts from residents along this particular street; they are very concerned about the volume of traffic on South Fox, and have pointed out that this street is also used by trucks. He stated that he has checked on this area and feels that it is an above average residential area which has been well maintained even though it is heavily impacted by the volume of traffic that South Fox is forced to handle. Residents of the area are concerned about the safety of their children and some have indicated they are seriously considering relocating. He asked if the extension of Floyd Avenue with the grade separa- tion at South Santa Fe Drive would possibly alleviate some of the Dartmouth Avenue traffic, which could also alleviate some of the heavy traffic using South Fox Street? He noted that he had requested information on property parallel to Little Dry Creek from the Public Works Department, and added that there is a road in this area now. Mr. Wanush pointed out that it is a 16 foot easement on this property. Mr. Smith stated that it has been suggested that possibly the City could purchase this land to provide another route into Cinderella City without going through the residential area. He stated that taking the traffic into the Cinderella City complex through the residential neighbor- hood is a real problem. He asked Mrs. Pierson how she felt the grade separation at Floyd and Santa Fe Drive could impact the residential neighborhood? Mrs. Pierson stated that she did not feel another east/west traffic carrier would improve the north/south traffic volume. She pointed out that traffic coming from the north would still use the Dartmouth exit and then use South Fox Street to get to the shopping area. Mrs. Pierson stated that she was most adamantly opposed to an overpass if it should be like the one at Evans and Santa Fe. Mr. Wanush pointed out that the structure at the Evans/Santa Fe Drive intersection is an "interchange", and not an "overpass". Mrs. Pierson stated that she is concerned about the visual impact caused by an overpass. Mr. Wanush questioned that this would be a problem; he noted that if there was a visual impact, it would be for those motorists on Santa Fe Drive. He stated that it is his feeling that it would re- lieve the traffic impact in this area. Mr. Wanush agreed that the residential neighborhood between West Floyd Avenue and West Dartmouth Avenue has been well maintained. Mr. Smith stated that with the train traffic that is projected, the grade separation will probably have to be an overpass. Mr. Tanguma entered the meeting and took his place with the Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that he has viewed the Dartmouth/Santa Fe Drive area and the possibility of using the land along Little Dry Creek east of the tracks as additional access to the shopping area; he stated that he felt there might be a problem with right turn movements at the tracks and Dartmouth. Discussion ensued. • -5- Mrs. Romans pointed ou t that if a hotel is constru cted to the north of Cinderella City as has been discussed, there will have to be som e provision made for access in this a re a, and felt that the grade separation at Floyd Avenue and Sant a Fe is necessary. Mrso Romans reiterated that if Dartmouth Av enue could be de-emphasized as the only access from the north t o the Cinderella City shopping area, it would tend to tie the residential neighborhoods to the north and south of West Dartmouth Avenue together. Mr. Smith stated that if Floyd is improved and extended across South Santa Fe Drive, it would put heavy traffic carr iers on both sides of the residential development along Huron, Gal apago, Fox and Elati streetso He stated that this could possibly make the impact on the neighborhoods worse than it is now. Mro Wanush stated that he felt it is important to keep our "options open", and that even if the grade separation at West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive, and the construction and improvement of Floyd Avenue from Huron to Zuni were to be included in the Englewood requests, the State would more than likely consider it as a last priority in funding. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the only way to stop impacting the neighborhood by the traffic would be to prevent thru traffic to and from Dartmouth Avenue. Mr. Draper questioned whether one-way streets would be of any help in this area? Mr. Smith stated that the movement of traffic in this area is a real problem; he feels there is an answer to get circulation around this area, but that it may be very expensive. He stated that he has mixed emotions about including this project in the re- quests to the County Commissioners, but he has a real concern about the integrity of the residential area. Mr. Wanush stated that Floyd Avenue would have impact, and suggested that possibly some alternatives could be presented at the next meeting. Mrs. Pierson noted that she objected to the word "overpass" in relation to the U.S. 285/South Lowell Boulevard/South Bryant Street improvements; she would rather see wording such as "grade separation". Mrso Pierson stated that she did no t want to commit to an "overpass" at any location. Mr o Wanush pointed out that either term means there shall be no connecting traffic between the two. Mrs. Pierson reiterated that she does object to any kind of overpass on West Floyd Avenue, and does not want to see Floyd extended across Santa Fe Drive. She added that she could see nothing but trouble if Floyd is extended across Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Wanush stated that there had been many complaints voiced by residents of Northeast Englewood on the matter of traffic and speeding; upon scrutiny of this problem, the Police Depart- ment found that many of those cited for speeding and other violations were residents of that particular area. -6- Mr. Smith stated that the City will have to have a different traffic pattern to accommodate any additional development at Cinderella Cityo He does agree, however, that the extension of West Floyd Avenue could be a problem; but if Floyd Avenue were extended across Santa Fe Drive directly into Cinderella City, he felt this could alleviate some of the heavy traffic usage of Dartmouth Avenue. He noted that Dartmouth Avenue and U.S. 285 alone cannot handle the traffic volumes. Further dis- cussion ensued 0 Mrso Pierson stated that she would hate to leave any mention of the extension of West Floyd Avenue in the recommendation because someone might think it's a good idea, and she did not want this particular option left openo She emphasized that the City "is getting the two-way couplet on Hampden." Mro Smith stated that the two-way couplet will help, but will not handle all of the traffico -· Mr. Parker inquired about the design of the couplet/Santa Fe Drive intersection; he asked if the interchange would be east or west of the tracks? Mrso Romans stated that this had been left to the Highway Department. Mro Wanush stated that he has been to meetings where this matter was discussed, and the policy of the City has been to indicate that whatever the State Highway Department comes up with to move the traffic will be acceptable. Mro Parker stated that he felt if Ithaca Avenue were to extend straight through to the west of the tracks rather than tying into the couplet east of the tracks, it might handle more traffic, and could possibly take some of the traffic that has caused so much concern ~way from the residential areao He stated that he felt the more traffic that could be carried by the Ithaca/U.S o 285 couplet, the less traffic would have to be carried by West Floyd Avenue and West Dartmouth Avenueo Mr. Lathrop stated that the design he has seen has an underpass at Ithaca Avenue and the tracks, and the interchange is west of the trackso Mr. Wanush agreed that this is a possible design. He stated that any design must be considered by two criteria: will it carry the traffic that is projected, and what is the cost? Mro Lathrop stated that he would agree with Mrs. Pierson in regard to the extension of West Floyd Avenue; it would impact the two blocks of residential development between Floyd and Dartmouth. Mro Tanguma pointed out that something has to be done to eliminate the congestion at Dartmouth and Santa Fe Drive; he felt that if West Floyd Avenue were to be extended west across South Santa Fe Drive, people would use that route. Mrs. Pierson suggested that the grade separation at West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive would eliminate the congestion at Dartmouth and Santa Fe Drive instantly. Mro Tanguma stated that in his opinion, it would not, and probably would not be of immediate help to the South Fox Street residentso Mr. Tanguma questioned how the interchange at West Dartmouth Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive will help the flow of traffic? Mr. Wanush stated that the aid would be in speeding the movement of traffic through this inter- sect ion. • -7- Pierson moved: Smith seconded: The Planning Commission accept the staff report on the proposed State Highway Work Program projects, with the deletion of item I.A.l.a.(2), the construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Floyd Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive; the deletion of item II.B.4., West Floyd Avenue to be constructed to two lanes from South Huron Street to South Zuni Street; and that the wording in item I.A. 2.d. be modified by striking the word "overpass" and inserting the word "grade separation". The following items would be recommended to City Council for inclusion in the State Highway Department Work Program for F.Y. 1979-1980: I. Requests to the State Highway Commission for inclusion in the F.Y. 1979-80 Work Program. A. Construction Projects on the State Highway System: 1. South Santa Fe Drive: a. Widen and improve to a major Arterial between I-25 and County Line Road, a distance of ap- proximately ten (10) miles. To be considered 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 upgrading of the interchange at South Santa Fe Drive and U.S. 285 to accommodate the maximum anticipated volume of traffic and to include the design for the merger of the U.S. 285 couplet into the inter- change. (3) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West OXford Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive. (4) The construction of an interchange at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Quincy Avenue. (5) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Tufts/West Union Avenue. (6) The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of West Belleview Avenue with the railways. (7) The construction of an interchange at the intersection of South Santa Fe Drive and West Belleview Avenue. -8- 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 U.S. 285/South Broadway interchange as a part thereof.* bo The construction of an interchange at the inter- section of U.S. 285 and South University Boulevardo Co The correction of the drainage problem of Little Dry Creek backing up from UoS. 285 at South Clarkson Street. d. The construction of a grade separation at the intersection of UoS. 285 and South Lowell Boulevard and at South Bryant Street. ** 30 Belleview Avenue: ao 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 Dr y Creek. 4. Centennial Parkway. *** a. Construction. * This project has been submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments as one of the substitute projects to be constructed with the I-470 transfer funds. The funding was not approved on the first go-round, but we want to con- tinue to press for it . ** A free flow of traffic through Sheridan will benefit Englewood, hence this request. If South Zuni Street were to be extended to U.S. 285, the suggested overpass at Bryant would be moved to Zuni. ***This is left in simply for emphasis. 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. -9- 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 Belle- view 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 Tufts Avenue to Gates Parkway. 4. Quincy Avenue: To be constructed to four lanes from I-225 to South Simms Street. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt as long as the extenion of West Floyd Avenue was included in the recom- mentation, it was suggested as a viable solution and she does not feel that it is. Mr. Tanguma pointed out that while this may not be the best solution, any plan or solution has to start some place, and is improved as you go along. He stated that right now, he felt the proposed Floyd Avenue extension was better than nothing. Mrs. Pierson disagreed, and stated that she did not think the West Floyd Avenue extension would solve any problems; it would, in fact, create them. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the extension of West Floyd Avenue could help if the traffic could get into Cinderella City; he questioned that the extension of Floyd would be of any help getting shoppers out of the Cinderella City complex, however. Mr. Smith acknowledged that something must be done about the traffic situation around the Cinderella City site; he questioned that the extension of this one street would do enough good to recommend it now. Mr. T8nguma pointed out that by including it in the recommenda- tion, it would keep it before the Commission. Mrs. Romans also pointed out that the extension of Floyd Avenue is proposed in the Master Street Plan. The vote was called: AYES: Draper, Lathrop, Parker, Pierson, Smith NAYS: Tanguma ABSENT: Williams, McClintock The motion carried. -10- IV. PUBLIC FORUM. There was no one present to address the Commission. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE. Mr. Wanush submitted a letter from Parks and Recreation Com- mission Chairman Jack Poole, inviting members of the Planning and Zoning Commission to a joint meeting on October 10, 1978, at 7:30 P.M. in the In-service Training Room. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt this invitation for a joint meeting was a good idea. Discussion ensued. Pierson moved: Tanguma seconded: The Planning Commission accept the in- vitation to meet with the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 10, 1978, at 7:30 P.M. in the In-service Training Room. AYES: Draper, Lathrop, Parker, Pierson, Smith, Tanguma NAYS: None ABSENT: Williams, McClintock The motion carried. Mrs. Pierson questioned whether a meeting with the Arapahoe County Planning Commission would be of benefit, and possibly have a member of the Englewood Planning Commission designated to attend the Arapahoe County Planning Commission meetings to act as a liaison between these two bodies. Discussion ensued. It was pointed out that the Highway Work Program requests are handled through the Engineers Office and the County Commissioners --not through the Planning Commission. Mr. Wanush stated that the staff did meet with key people from Kent Village, Cherry Hills Village and the architect re- tained by the new owner of the Larwin site to review the latest proposed plan for the undeveloped phases of the site. He stated that he felt the response was quite favorable, but there are some problems that will have to be worked out. If this pro- posal is pursued, it would apply to Phases V and VI, and would be an amendment to the existing Subdivision Waiver. The re- maining Phases, II, III, VII, VIII, and IX, would remain the same. VII. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. Mr. Smith continued the discussion about the traffic problem that exists along South Fox Street between West Floyd Avenue and West Dartmouth Avenue. He stated that he would like to see the Commission look into possible alternatives to the present traffic pattern through the residential area. Mr. Smith stated that he felt there must be some answer to this problem, and felt that the Planning Commission was the place to start. -11- Mro Wanush stated that if a study on the traffic patterns were to be done, it would encompass the area between Dartmouth and Floyd an d between Huron and Broadway. Mr. Smith suggested that possibly the Engineering Department could be asked to come up with two or three alternate plans, and possibly invite the residents of this area to a meeting to discuss the problem while these alterna tes are being pre- pared. Mr. Wanush noted that to get into this full-scale at this time could delay the preparation on the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Smith pointed out that he is not considering a Public Hearing at th is point in time, and felt that the preparation of the alternative traffic plans could be begun in October for possible presentation in November . Discussion ensued. Mr. Draper stated that he would like to suggest the book en- titled PROPERT Y DEVELOPMENT by John McLaw, be purchased for reading by members of the Plann ing Commission. He stated that he had found this book to be most informative and interesting. VIII. ELECTI ON OF CHAIRMAN Parker moved: Tanguma seconded: That nominations for Chairman be opened. Mr. Smith pointed out that two members are absent, and suggested that possibly this should be delayed until a full Commission is present. He suggested that a letter be sent to members of the Commission before the next meeting urging their attendance so that the Chairman can be elec tedo Mr. Parker agreed to withdraw his motion; Mr. Tanguma withdrew his second. Mrso Pierson asked if it would be in order to make a formal recommendat ion on the matter of meeting and attendance. Mr. Smith stated that several options are open to the Commission. Mrs. Pierson stated that she felt there should be an established procedure to be followed. She suggested that a letter of ad- monition could precede the recommended removal of a member for non-attendance. Mr. Smith stated that he would suggest that if some letter is sent, that it be clear it is the action of the Commission, and not an action of the Chairman. He further sug- gested that copies of such correspondence and procedures be submitted to the City Council . Mrs. Pierson suggested that a warning lett er might be suffic ient. Mr. Lathrop stated that whatever procedu re is establ ished, he felt that there should be an "exception" clause buil t in; he also suggested that per- haps the procedures could set forth a percentage of meetings that must be attended to retain membership on the Commission. Further discussion ensued. The possibility of payment of Com- mission member s based on the meetings attended per month was discussed. -12- It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting o carried; meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M. rtrude Go Welty / ecording Secreta r y .. The motion