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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-04-17 PZC MINUTES• CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION April 17, 1979 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 Tanguma. Members present: Williams, Becker, Bilo, Carson, Draper, Lathrop, Pierson, Smith, Tanguma Wanush, Ex-officio Members absent: None Also present: Assistant Director D. A. Romans; Associate Planner Alice Fessenden; Planning Assistant Barbara Young; Planning Assistant Mark Barber. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Chairman Tanguma stated that Minutes of April 3, 1979, were to be considered for approval. Lathrop moved: Carson seconded: The Minutes of April 3, 1979, be approved as written. AYES: Tanguma, Williams, Bilo, Carson, Draper, Lathrop, Smith NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Becker, Pierson The motion carried. Mr. Tanguma asked that members of the Commission and the audience refrain from smoking for the duration of the meeting. III. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1979 Revision CASE #9-79 Mr. Tanguma asked for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Pierson moved: Bilo seconded : The Public Hearing on Case #9-79 be opened. AYES: Smith, Tanguma, Williams, Becker, Bilo, Carson, Draper, Lathrop, Pierson NAYS: None The motion carried . -2- Mr. Tanguma established the ground rules for the Public Hearing; he stated that after each presentation, questions may be asked of the person making that presentation, with overall comments to be made at the close of the presentations. Mr. Tanguma stated that he wished to welcome members of the audience, noting that many of these people were citizens who had worked on the review committees in the revision of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Tanguma acknowledged the presence of Mrs. Eisenberg, Messrs. Jones, Martin, Becker, Perrin, Scott, Wittus, Gunnesch, and Mrs. Howard. He also welcomed Mr. James Keller, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, to the meeting. Mr. Tanguma then asked for the staff presentation. Mrs. Dorothy Romans was sworn in, and testified that she is the Assistant Director of Community Development, Planning Division. She testified that the notice of the Public Hearing appeared in the Englewood Herald Sentinel, and in addition, a summary of the Plan was included in the last issue of the Englewood Citizen, the City Council newsletter which is sent to all dwelling units in the City using the Utility Department's mailing list. This summary presented the goals and courses of action which are proposed to be adopted in the revised Compre- hensive Plan, which goals and courses of action were the result of the work of the individual review committees. Mrs. Romans reviewed the procedure required to be followed in amending the Comprehensive Plan. The State Statutes require that every jurisdiction must have a "Plan" to be used as a guide for the growth and development of that community. The City Charter also states that the Planning Commission shall adopt a Comprehensive Plan (Master Plan or General Plan), and shall periodically prepare amendments to that Plan. The Planning Commission must hold a Public Hearing on the adoption of the Plan and on any amendments to that Plan. The approval of the Plan and any amendments thereto, must be by Resolution of the Planning Commission, and must be referred to the City Council. The City Council is not required to hold a Public Hearing on the Plan or any amendments to the Plan, although they may do so. The City Council must also approve the Plan or any amendments by Resolution, and the approved and adopted Plan must then be recorded in the office of the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder. Mrs. Romans pointed out that approval of the Plan or any amendments thereto, must be by a 2/3 vote of the entire membership of the Planning Commission. Mrs. Romans then reviewed the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan, and stated that the City Charter sets forth that City Council cannot con- sider any change in the general plan of the City without first receiving the recommendation of the Planning Commission. The Comprehensive Plan does give a general direction for the growth and development of the community; it is used as a reference by the City Council, the Planning Commission, the staff, and the citizens. -3- Mrs. Romans stated that the Comprehensive Plan addresses several matters; it must include such things as the location and character of streets, parks and open space, land use, and public facilities. It may also include other topics as well and the community can be as flexible as it wants to be. The Comprehensive Plan is "general" in nature; Mrs. Romans cited concept maps which may be included in a Comprehensive Plan and contrasted them to the detailed maps which would be con- tained in a Zoning Ordinance. She pointed out that the Com- prehensive Zoning Ordinance is one of the tools used to implement the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Romans stated that the Comprehen- sive Plan can be considered for one particular area of a com- munity or it can apply to the entire city ; the Plan may be addressed to one specific topic, or have several topics grouped in the Plan. Mrs. Romans reviewed the 1969 Plan and contrasted it to the proposed 1979 Plan. She noted that when the 1969 Plan was written and adopted, Cinderella City had been open for only one year and the full impact of the shopping complex had not been realized. Mrs. Romans noted that the 1969 Plan had advocated that busi- nessmen of the Central Business District and Cinderella City work together to make the expanded CBD work. Much of the burden was placed on the Broadway area businessmen to look beyond cosmetic improvements and suggested that they consider the quality of the ~·r merchandising, etc. The Plan also pointed out that while a 1 t of small businesses would develop on the periphery of the s opping complex, they did not necessarily have to be within he shopping complex to operate. These peripheral businesses should be accommodated and encouraged. It was also pointed out that the downtown area was not used from 5:00 P. M. to 9:00 A. M., and that to encourage a well- rounded CBD, residential use should be allowed in the area. The 1969 Plan also suggested that Little Dry Creek should be made a focal point of the downtown area, and that ways be ex- plored to route through-traffic around the CBD area. Mrs. Romans stated that the 1979 revised Plan goes into more detail, but states essentially the same thing. It does suggest looking at the development of West Girard Avenue as the link between Cinderella City and the Broadway downtown area ; with the possible development of more pedestrian-oriented businesses along this street. The Plan also points out the need for closer scrutiny and action regarding the matters of parking, alternate modes of transportation, and Little Dry Creek. The 1969 Plan did not address the strip commercial areas as a separate entity ; they were shown on the Generalized Land Use Plan along Broadway, Hampden, Evans, and Federal. The 1979 Plan does identify these corridors. Mrs. Romans noted that development in these corridors does seem to be following a trend, noting that south of Quincy Avenue, for instance, the development seems to be more auto-oriented. The review com- mittee that considered the commercial corridors recommended -4- consideration of a Mixed Use District in several locations, the intent being to provide more flexibility to encourage re- development of some of the rather blighted strip commercial areas. The Mixed Use Districts would allow residential de- velopment as well as the commercial uses permitted in the dis- trict. Another concept that was explored by the Review Com- mittee was the possibility of "nodes" of commercial develop- ment --this would be an expansion of the strip commercial district beyond the Broadway alley if a developer had a specific plan that required more depth. Large developments should also be accomplished under the Planned Development District. The possibility of a Design Review Committee was discussed, as was a Search Committee. The Review Committee also addressed the matters of parking, drainage problems, and problems with code enforcement throughout the strip commercial areas. Mrs. Romans stated that the Industrial areas were not addressed in detail in the 1969 Plan. The 1979 Plan does not propose any extension of the industrial area, and one or two areas are proposed to be decreased in size. Any new development or redevelopment is proposed to be accomplished under the Planned Development District. The matter of off-street parking, drainage, and landscaping was discussed in connection with the industrial districts. The 1969 Plan had a section entitled "A Place to Live", which is titled "Housing" in the 1979 Plan. The City was split into six neighborhoods using South Broadway, South Santa Fe Drive and U. s. 285 as the dividing factors. The 1969 Plan supported the neighborhood school concept in Englewood, and advocated that no child have to walk further than 1/2 mile to school. The matter of aging housing stock was a~so discussed in the 1969 Plan; it was suggested then that a~ such time as it was no longer financially practical to replace aging housing stock with a new single-family house, that an increase in density might have to be considered. For this ~eason, the Generalized Land Use Plan Maps in the 1969 Plan showed areas zoned R-1-C and R-2 as gradually evolving to a slightly higher density. The 1969 Plan also set forth areas where there was a concentra- tion of deteriorating structures; these areas were noted as "Areas of Concern". These Areas of Concern became the "Target Areas" for the rehabilitation loan program . Mrs. Romans stated that the 1979 Plan identifies two new areas of concern, or "Target Areas", as the result of a visual survey done by the Building Department. Two of the former Areas of Concern have been eliminated due to redevelopment with three-story walk-up apartment structures. This in turn led to the revision of the Zoning Ordinance to require that multi-family develop- ments can no longer be constructed on a 75 foot frontage, but must have a minimum of 42,000 square foot lot area. The 1979 Plan still supports the "neighborhood concept", and supports the neighborhood school as the center of the "neighborhood". Mrs. Romans stated that concern was expressed about the in- creased density to encourage development or redevelopment; the staff has now broadened the concept to say that there are -5- problems, and that there will have to be incentives to encourage redevelopment. This Plan does not state what those incentives will be; they will, in fact have to be identified later. Home ownership should be encouraged, and means to attract families to Englewood must be devised. The Parks and Recreation section has shown great progress since the 1969 Plan. At that time, it was noted that the drainageways through the City were being wasted, and could be developed for dual purposes to provide open space in addition to serving as a drainageway. The Northwest Englewood greenbelt has since been developed, as has the greenbelt in southwest Englewood. The Bates/Emerson drainageway has also been developed. The possibility of vacating some streets that might not be needed to be used for small neighborhood park areas was also considered in the 1969 Plan. To this time, this has not been accomplished. A need for a municipal golf course was pointed out in the 1969 Plan, and the first nine holes of a projected 18-hole golf course are now developed . The 1979 Parks & Recreation Plan states that the primary need is the acquisition of additional land for the expansion of existing parks; the development of drainageways along the South Platte River, Big Dry Creek and Little Dry Creek, and the de- velopment of a park area in the southeast sector of the City. Mrs. Romans then discussed the 1969 Transportation Plan, which was entitled the "Master Street Plan"; this Plan set forth the designations of the streets, such as arterials, collectors, etc. In 1969, the Plan was still oriented toward automobile travel, while the 1979 Plan advocates exploration of alternate modes of transportation, such as mass transit, bicycle trails, etc. The Public Facilities section in the 1969 Plan suggested the need for a new police/fire station, which has since been con- structed, as were two new fire stations in the outlying areas of the City. This section also identified public facilities such as the Swedish Medical Center and Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. This section has been deleted from consideration at this time, and will be further considered when the Capital Improvement Program identif i es these needs. The 1969 Plan contained a History and Character section, which will be up-dated and included in the Final Plan for 1979. A section of the 1969 Plan entitled "Population and Land Use" was not revised; it is suggested that the Generalized Land Use Maps that are a part of that section be repealed and that the text be brought up to date. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the projected population figures in the 1969 Plan were given at 90,000, while current projections are for 45,000 to 45,900 maximum population. Mrs. Romans indicated that this concluded her remarks on the background of the Plan, and asked if there were any questions of her? No questions were asked of Mrs. Romans. -6- Mr. Richard Wanush was sworn in, and testified that he is the Director of Community Development. Mr. Wanush stated that he would make the presentation on the "Downtown" section of the proposed 1979 Plan, and noted that while there are no great changes from the 1969 Plan, there are "refinements" of concepts that were advanced in the 1969 Plan. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt the essence of the 1969 Plan and the 1979 Plan is the con- cern of the maintenance of the "character of the City", to maintain the single-family residential development, and to maintain the full-service characteristics of the City. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt it was very clear that all of the Review Committees opted to protect the residential areas of the City rather than to expand the commercial or industrial areas. Mr. Wanush stated that one of the first things considered by the Downtown Review Committee was the boundaries of the Down- town area, and the determination that in no way should the com- mercial area encroach further on the residential districts. Mr. Wanush indicated the district boundaries of the Downtown Area on maps available to the Commission and audience, and noted that they are the same boundaries that exist today. The area south of U. S. 285 was discussed in both the Downtown Re- view Committee and by the Commercial Review Committee. Mr. Wanush noted that two major highways, South Broadway and u. s. 285, cut through the downtown district. Considerable considera- tion was given to moving the through traffic through the down- town area and to avoiding conflicts with the local shopper. Mr. Wanush pointed out that the proposed 1979 Plan supports the expansion and improvement of South Santa Fe Drive; supports the interchange improvements at U. s. 285 and South Santa Fe Drive, and at Broadway and U. S. 285. The Plan also supports the U. S. 285/West Ithaca Avenue one-way couplet. Mr. Wanush stated that the general goals of the 1979 Plan for the Downtown Area are: 1. To support the Downtown as a Regional Activity Center by focusing high density, high activity uses within that area. Such uses would include retail, office, residential, hotel/ convention center, and other similar uses. 2. To revitalize the Broadway/Acoma retail area. 3. To promote the regional nature of Cinderella City. 4. To link Cinderella City and the Broadway/Acoma area so that they complement one another. Mr. Wanush pointed out that to realize these goals, there would have to be changes in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, for instance, to allow residential use in the downtown area. The revitalization of the Broadway/Acoma retail area is pro- gressing, with the formation of the Downtown Development Authority. ~ Mr. Wanush emphasized that the Plan is a general idea of how the review committees visualized the linking of the Downtown -7- and Cinderella City areas. Mr. Wanush stated that he felt both the Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority will refer to this Plan as a guide in their efforts to redevelop and revitalize the Broadway/Acoma retail area. Mr. Wanush stated that access to the Downtown area and to Cinderella City must be improved, and as much of the congestion on U. S. 285 must be relieved as is possible. Improvement of West Girard Avenue as a link between Cinderella City and the Downtown area also received a great deal of consideration; he noted that this is not a new idea, and that he has seen mention of this concept as far back as in the mid '60's. The 1979 Plan does advocate making Girard more pedestrian-oriented. Mr. Wanush discussed development of areas indicated on the map. He noted that some areas seem to be developing toward office functions, while another area may develop with retail uses, and in still another area development trends seem more toward "public" uses, such as senior housing, and the Recrea- tion Center. Mr. Wanush stated that the Housing Division has just received word of funding for another 100-units of elderly housing awarded by HUD, and that one of the areas for the con- struction that is being considered is across the street from the Malley Center. Mr. Jack Martin asked, in relation to what Mr. Wanush has presented of the Downtown Plan, what could be expected to come from the Downtown Development Authority? Mr. Wanush stated that he would anticipate the Downtown Section of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan would be used as a guide by the Downtown Development Authority in development of their strategy. Mrs. Barbara Young was sworn in, and testified that she is Planning Assistant in the Department of Community Development. Mrs. Young discussed the section of the 1979 Plan which is designated as "Commercial Corridors". Mrs. Young stated that the Commercial Review Committee considered the several strip commercial corridors within the City of Englewood, and studied the character of the development within these areas. This Review Committee considered the imposition of a "Mixed Use District" in several of the strip c9mmercial areas to give flexibility in development and redevelopment of these areas. The Mixed Use Districts, as proposed, would allow residential uses in some areas, others would be a mixed commercial and in- dustrial area. It was suggested that along East Hampden Avenue, for instance, that this area be designated a mixed use/medical support/commercial/high density residential district. Along the Evans Avenue corridor between South Tejon Street and South Raritan Street, it is proposed t~at a commercial/light industrial mixed use district be utilized. The Review Committee considered the possibility of forming a Search Committee in an effort to locate new businesses that might be interested in relocating to Englewood. The Committee also considered the formation of a Design Review Committee to review new developments, and to encourage upgrading of the esthetic aspects of the strip com- -8- mercial areas through sign control, and through the landscaping of parking lots and public areas . The Special Permit System was also considered in conjunction with the Mixed Use District to allow more flexibility in both new development and redevelop- ment . Mrs . Young pointed out that there are also areas in the strip commercial areas which are "activity centers ", such as the Brookridge shopping area, and the Centennial Shopping Center area. Alternate modes of transportation were also considered by this Review Committee, and it was determined that the strip com- mercial districts should be made more attractive to the pedestrian shopper. "Nodes" of commercial development were also explored by the Committee as a means of providing flexibility for larger com- mercial developments. Mr. Jack Martin stated that he did not see any mention of the expansion from the Broadway alley to either Acoma or Lincoln which was discussed, to accommodate such businesses as the car dealerships . Mrs. Young stated that the "node" concept could occur anywhere up and down Broadway where there was a definite development plan, but that the blanket expansion of commercial. to Acoma and Lincoln was not a goal of this Committee. Mrs. Pierson emphasized that the "node" concept was recommended which can be used if the need is demonstrated, and if the sur- rounding residential area would not be detrimentally effected by such commercial expansion. In relation to the Design Review Board, Mr. Lee Jones asked whether this would be a branch of the Planning Commission, or would it be a quasi-judicial board? Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Plan is stating that the Design Review Committee is a tool w~ich might be used to promote better quality of new development and/or redevelopment; the specific formation of such a committee is not addressed in the Plan. Mr. Tanguma called for a recess of the Commission at 8:20 P. M. The meeting reconvened at 8:35 P. M. Present: Lathrop, Pierson, Smith, Tanguma, Williams, Becker, Bilo, Carson, Draper Absent : None Mrs. Young then discussed the Industrial section of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan. She noted that many of the problems ex- perienced in the strip commercial areas are also applicable to the industrial areas, and the suggestion of a Design Review Committee would be applicable for the industrial areas, also. Mrs. Young stated that the different industrial areas have developed with a specific "character" in each area; for in- -9- stance, on South Santa Fe there is both a commercial and an industrial type development which was considered by the Review Committees. With the proposed improvements on South Santa Fe Drive, it was felt that perhaps additional commercial develop- ment should not be encouraged, and that the industrial develop- ment should be promoted. Improved access to some industrial areas is a goal of the Plan, particularly those areas along West Union Avenue; however, the Committee urged that the parcels not be chopped up too small in order to encourage larger de- velopments. Since 1969, when the Comprehensive Plan was adopted, a great deal of development has occurred in the industrial areas; this has resulted in a great deal of paved parking area which has increased the water runoff and the storm drainage problems. The 1979 Industrial Plan addresses these problems, and one of the goals is to encourage landscaping and greenery in an effort to absorb some of the runoff as well as in an attempt to esthetically improve the industrial area. The Committee also encouraged the incorporation of all water and sewer districts into the City program. The Review Committee urged annexation of areas where appropriate. Mr. Smith stated that while the General Iron Works is mentioned, there is nothing said in the Plan about requiring this operation to provide landscaping around its perimeter. Mrs. Young pointed out that the Plan does state that landscaping should be "en- couraged", and even suggests a tree-planting program whereby the City would furnish the trees to be planted if the properfy owner would assume responsibility of maintaining the plantings. Mrs .. Romans stated that it is difficult to require existing businesses or industries to provide landscaping; this is one of the reasons that the Plan advocates 11 encouraging 11 landscaping. Mr. Smith stated that he feels it should be mentioned that General Iron Works should provide some landscaping; he pointed out that the City recently vacated some land which split the General Iron Works ownership, and he feels that this business should make some effort to improve the adverse impact of their development on the neighborhood. Mr. Lee Jones stated that he has had some discussion with the neighbors on South Elati Street, and that discontent has been expressed on the visual impact of General Iron Works. Mr. Wanush stated that the Plan could be amended to state that existing businesses should be encouraged to provide landscaping or opaque screening. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the staff shou~d add such a statement to the final plan. Mr. Larry Becker asked about mobile home parks, and whether they were allowed anywhere in the City of Englewood at the present time? Mrs. Young stated that they are not permitted at this time. Mrs. Romans stated that an ordinance has been drafted which would apply to mobile home parks and travel trailer parks; the proposed ordinance would require a minimum area of eight acres, with a maximum of eight units per acre. No specific area is proposed for mobile home parks or travel -10- trailer parks in the Comprehensive Plano It is the feeling of the staff that a mobile home park should not be located in an industrial area; it is a form of residential use, and should be located in a residential area. Mr. Becker pointed out that there are not too many jurisdictions that allow mobile homes and he felt this will have to change because it is a relatively inexpensive form of housing. He questioned where there would be any area in Englewood that would have a minimum acreage of eight acres for mobile homes? Mrs. Romans pointed out that these standards were developed after contact with the owners of existing Mobile Home Parks in the area and with the Mobile Home Park Association; the staff was told that the eight acre minimum lot area with the maximum of eight units per acre would be economically feasible for developers of mobile home parks. Mr. Bilo noted that the Plan mentions areas that are in "transi- tion from residential to industrial", apd asked if it would be feasible to have a mobile home park in these locations? Mrs. Romans reiterated the staff position that a mobile home park should not be located in an industrial area. Mr. Jerry Ray addressed the Commission and stated that as he understood, this is just a "Plan", and will require amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and other ordinances to bring it into effect. Mr. Wanush stated that once City Council adopts the Comprehensive Plan, the next step is to review the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for any amendment that may be needed. He emphasized that review of the Zoning Ordinance text is different than amendment of the Zoning Map; he stated that some changes in the Zoning Map may be initiated by the Commission, or the changes may be allowed to occur in the due course of time. The Housing Section of the 1979 Plan was then considered. Miss Alice Fessenden was sworn in, and testified that she is the Associate Planner in the Department of Community Developmento She stated that the major goal of this Review Committee is the maintenance and strengthening of the low-density residential character of the City; to retain a balance of uses; to maintain the status of a full-service City; to attract young families to Englewood; to provide additional housing for the elderly, and to provide public aid where there are areas of deterioration. Strategies that could be used include the concept of the "Mixed Use District" which has been discussed previously; better code enforcement and the paving of alleys was also suggested as a means of improving the residential areas. The provision of "incentives" to encourage private redevelopment of substandard units was also a topic of discussion by this Review Committeeo These incerltives should be such that will encourage the redevelop- ment of the substandard housing, and yet retain the residential character of the City. Miss Fessenden stated that a visual survey of housing stock was done by the Building Division in March of 1979; as a result of this visual survey, three new target areas were determined where there is a concentration of ~ deteriorating housing stock. Miss Fessenden outlined these Target Areas on the maps available to the Commission and the audience, emphasizing that the maps available and in the Plan -11- are "concept maps", and are not to the detail that they will be for determination of the actual Target Area boundaries. The Committee also considered the quality of housing and the matter of improved code enforcement. Day care centers for working parents were also determined to be a need, and originality of design for housing was discussed. Miss Fessenden cited the goals of the Housing Review Committee which are: 1. To protect all existing residential areas, preserving and maintaining those which are sound and improving those areas where there is deteriorating or dilapidated housing stock. 2. To retain the neighborhood school concept. 3. To provide more public housing for the elderly. 4. To improve the visual quality of the city. 5. To maintain Englewood as a full-service city. Mr. Draper stated that he felt there is a conflict between the concept that housing which is deteriorating should be im- proved, and the concept that commercial uses should improve, but how can the commercial use improve if it cannot expand across the alley? Mr. Wanush pointed out that there has been a lot of renewal in the commercial developments south of U. S. 285 on South Broadway; he stated that he felt the conflict would occur if the commercial zoning were to be extended across the alley. Mr. Draper stated that in his opinion, if the Broadway area can't grow, it cannot improve, and the City could be expending funds to improve housing which will restrict the growth of the commercial district. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the major point of conflict was with a specific business, such as an automobile dealership wanting to expand across the alley. Mr. Draper pointed out that retail businesses need parking; the cost of the Broadway frontage is so high the businessman cannot use it for parking and must of necessity find cheaper land. Lee Jones pointed out that some of the newer developments along the 2700, 2800 and 2900 blocks on South Broadway have set the buildings back and put parking on the Broadway frontage; these businesses seem to be surviving with this design. Mr. Jones stated that he did not feel that Broadway can be economically developed if the businessmen rely on curb-side parking. He feels there is a possible way to encourage further development or redevelop- ment without encroaching into the residential area. Mr. Draper stated that he felt any growth of the Broadway business area will have to be ea~t /west oriented, and that he takes exception to Mr. Jones' assertion that businesses lo- cating parking to the front of the business establishment are a way to provide both the parking and encourage new develop- -12- ment. He reiterated that in his opinion, the Broadway frontage is too expensive to use for parkingo He pointed out that a lot of the Broadway businesses were built on the front of old homes along Broadwayo Mr. Smith stated that he questioned the statement within the Plan that the neighborhood school boundaries had not changed, particularly in sight of the fact that Scenic View, Duncan and Washington Elementary Schools have closedo He pointed out that children in the northwest Englewood area have to be bused to school --they are not within walking distance, and the boundaries have changed dramatically in this instanceo Mrs. Romans pointed out that the school can re-open, and it is the intent of the Plan to encourage redevelopment to the point where there will be enough families with school-age children in this area to warrant the re-opening of the schoolo Mr. Smith questioned the goal of paving alleys. He stated that the majority of people do not want their alley paved and that paved alleys in a residential area tend to become speed- ways o Miss Fessenden stated that she felt a great deal of support for this goal was a matter of aesthetics --a great many of the alleys are very "trashy", and that paving of the alleys might be a way to encourage better maintenance and up- keep, and thereby improve the appearance of the neighborhood. Mr. Tanguma agreed that aesthetics were a strong point in the considerations of this committee. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the paving of alleys could increase the amount of storm water runoff and could result in drainage problems; he suggested that landscaping in the alleys be encouraged, and suggested that this point be considered further by the Commissiono Mr. George Perrin suggested the first step would be to solve the problem of trash in the alleys before considering the matter of paving of the alleys. Mr. Bilo stated that he felt the matter of the neighborhoods must be considered further; he pointed out that with the closing of the three elementary schools, the City does not have actual "neighborhood schools", and the boundaries have been changed. He noted that when people contemplate moving to an area, they look at whether there ~re schools available for their children, or whether they will have to be bused. Miss Fessenden pointed out that this is a "Plan", and that the intent is to look at "what you want it to be, not necessarily what the conditions are now." The Plan sets forth strategies to reach the goals which are set forth in the Plan. Mrs. Eisenberg discussed the matter of paved alleys vso unpaved alleys, vs. blocks with no alleys. She noted that one cannot drive down a majority of the alleys, and asserted that ordinances pertaining to weeds and other maintenance measures are not being properly enforced. Further discussion ensuedo -13- The Parks and Recreation section of the 1979 Plan was presented by Planning Assistant Young, Mrs. Young stated that the prime goal of this Review Committee is the acquisition of land for the expansion of existing parks and the provision of more open space and park land in Englewood. Parks that are mentioned specifically for expansion are Centennial Park and Cushing Park. The development of waterways throughout the City would be one way of realizing additional open space, and hiking and biking trails could be developed along these waterways. Mrs, Young pointed out that the southeast portion of Englewood has no public park area at all; the Parks Department is leasing the Duncan School Site in an effort to provide some programs for this area, but this is on a temporary basis, A swimming pool is needed in the northeast Englewood area. Mrs. Young cited deficiencies in recreational facilities and park land which were set forth in the "National Standards and a Comparison of Open Space and Recreation Facilities for the City of Englewood." These deficiencies include such facilities as baseball diamonds, basketball courts, skating rinks, shooting ranges, golf course, etc. The Committee strongly urged that further encroachment along waterways be discouraged. Mr. Smith strongly questioned the standards citing deficiencies in park land and facilities ; he noted that there is no mention in the Plan of the additional acreage that will be realized with the development of the second nine holes, nor of the ball fields that will be available in conjunction with the completion of the river redevelopment project. Mr. Smith pointed out that there is quite a bit of land that has been acquired for develop- ment, such as the golf course, or there is money budgeted for it, and this has not been considered in this Plan. Mrs. Pierson pointed out that the recreational facilities should also be readily accessible to the citizens, and she did not re- gard the golf course that accessible to the average resident. Mr. Larry Becker questioned the deficit of 44 basketball courts and questioned if this was correct; he noted in driving around town, tennis courts are in steady demand, but basketball courts will be vacant. Mr. Martin questioned the validity of the "standards" that were used. Mr. Bilo stated that he felt these were points that should be considered further. Mr. Wanush stated that the staff would verify the figures and have them available for the Commission. The Transportation Plan was discussed by Mr. Wanush. In the 1969 Plan, the focus was on an automobile-oriented society ; the 1979 Plan reflects the fact that there must be alternate means of transportation --increased reliance on public trans- portation, bicycle trails, etc. Some of the elements addressed in the 1979 Plan are the development of a transit center in Downtown Englewood, support of the construction and improvement program on South Santa Fe Drive, improvement of the interchange at U. S. 285 and South Santa Fe Drive, improvement of the inter- -.14- change at U. S. 285 and South Broadway, and support of the proposed U. S. 285/West Ithaca Avenue one-way couplet. Mr. Wanush pointed out changes in street designations, notably the deletion of Floyd Avenue as a collector from Broadway to South University Boulevard; Zuni Street has been downgraded to a collector as has South Navajo Street. Mr. Wanush stated that the following memorandum had been received from Public Works Director Waggoner. TO: Rich Wanush, Director of Conununity Development FROM: Kells Waggoner, Director of Public Works DATE: April 13, 1979 SUBJECT: Master Street Plan After having reviewed the proposed Master Street Plan to be included in the Comprehensive Plan I would make the following reconunendations: 1. That Floyd Avenue east of Broadway remain as a collector street. 2. That Delaware Street be listed as a collector from Belleview to Kenyon. 3. That Elati be listed as a collector from Kenyon to Yale. 4. That Cherokee remain a local street from Quincy to Yale. 5. That Zuni be listed as an arterial from Evans to US 285. 6. That both Bannock Street and Sherman Street be classed the same with the same termini. 7. That US 285 from Santa Fe to Broadway be shown as a couplet utilizing the Ithaca alignment as the eastbound leg. , -'{;_a, lc..=:t'.)':\,____ ~ells Waggoner, P.E. Director · of Public Works KW:bjs • • -15- Mr. Wanush noted that the staff has been working with developers in northwest Englewood to try to get additional street dedications in areas where there are lots of unusual depth. These would be local streets, but should be shown on the Master Street Plan as a support for additional right-of-way dedications throughout this area. He asked specifically that West Adriatic Avenue between South Zuni Street and South Vallejo Street, and West Baltic Avenue, West Caspian Avenue, and West Hillside Avenue between South Zuni Street and South Tejon Street, be shown as local streets in the Master Street Plan. Mrs. Becker asked that sidewalks be set back from the curbs on new street installations; she noted that it is impossible to walk along the streets, particularly in wet weather, without being splashed by traffic on the streets. Mr. Jones questioned the Cherokee/Bannock one-way couplet; he noted that people in the 2700, 2800 and 2900 blocks on South Bannock Street want steps taken to reduce the volume of traffic using South Bannock Street. Mr. Jones noted that he felt the proposed couplet is a means to reduce the congestion on South Broadway, which is overloaded because South Santa Fe Drive cannot carry the traffic it should. He questioned that the residential . neighborhood should be impacted by this traffic that should be relieved in some other way. Mr. Tanguma asked for further comments? Mrs. Romans stated that she was asked by Mrs. Mae Tillman, 3630 South Cherokee, to speak in opposition to the extension of a Mixed Use District or commercial use south of West Ithaca Avenue on South Cherokee Street; Mrs. Tillman feels that the Fire/Police Center and the Miller Field are natural barriers to this extension. Also, Mrs. Julia Fitzpatrick of 3155 South Acoma Street, would object to any blanket extension of commercial zoning to the centerline of South Acoma Street or to the center- line of South Lincoln Street. It is Mrs. Fitzpatrick's opinion that if specific plans are presented calling for a greater depth of the commercial zoning, that the "node" concept would be proper. Mr. Tom DuPont, 3917 South Fox Street, stated that he was a recent resident of the area; he asked if the Commission would be accepting comments on this Plan at a later date, or if the comments had to be presented this evening. Mr. Wanush stated that this was the scheduled Public Hearing where comments from the public would be entered on the record. Mr. Tanguma stated that if there were comments that Mr. DuPont wished to make after reviewing the proposed Plan, he suggested that they be submitted to the staff. He pointed out that the Plan is subject to change and revision • Pierson moved: Smith seconded: The Public Hearing be closed. -16- AYES: Pierson, Smith, Williams, Becker, Bilo, Carson, Draper, Lathrop, Tanguma NAYS: None The motion carried. Mr. Smith stated that he felt there were several points that the Commission should discuss further before making a recom- mendation to City Council on the Plan. Discussion ensued. Smith moved: Pierson seconded: That further discussion by the Commission on the Comprehensive Plan be scheduled for April 24, 1979 at 5:30 P. M. AYES: Draper, Lathrop, Pierson, Smith, Tanguma, Williams, Becker, Bilo, Carson NAYS: None The motion carried. V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE Mr. Wanush stated that he had nothing to bring before the Com- mission. VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE. There was nothing discussed under Commission's choice. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M. •