HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-02-21 PZC MINUTES• CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
February 21 , 1979
I. CALL TO ORDER.
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The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission
was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Chairman Tanguma.
Members present: Bilo, Carson, Lathrop, Draper, Tanguma,
Smith, Becker
Wanush, Ex-officio
Members absent: Williams, Pierson
Also present: Assistant Director Dorothy Romans; Associate
Planner Alice Fessenden; Planning Assistant
Mark Barber; Assistant Director for Housing
Michael G. Reddy.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Mr.Tanguma stated that he would entertain a motion on approval
of the Minutes of February 6, 1979.
Lathrop moved:
Bilo; seconded:
I
The Minutes of February 6, 1979, be approved
as written.
AYES: Carson, Draper, Lathrop, Smith, Tanguma, Becker, Bilo
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Pierson, Williams
The motion carried .
III. SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER
Mr . Wanush stated that Mr. Lowell Palmquist and M~. Clifford
Johnson of Swedish Medical Center have been invited to att~nd
the meeting to discuss parking problems around the Medical
Center in general. He noted that the Medical Center has baen
acquiring some property in an effort to increase their parking
areas, and that the staff felt it would be useful for the
Planning Commission to find out what is proposed to solve
their immediate parking problems, and what their long-range
plans are. Mr. Wanush pointed out that this is an informative
session only, and that no action is required by the Planning
Commission at this meeting.
Mr. Palmquist introduced Mr. Clifford Johnson, and Mr. Dick
Reynolds, who is in charge of properties at Swedish Medical
Center.
Mrs. Pierson entered the meeting at 7:05 P.M. and took her
chair with the Commission.
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Mr. Palmquist referred to a land use map of the Swedish Medical
Center campus, and stated that they have designated a "west
campus" and an "east campus". Mr. Palmquist stated at the time •
of their previous meeting with the Planning Commission, a medical
office building was being considered in the vicinity o f East
Girard Avenue and South Pennsylvania Street, with a proposal
for a parking structure making use of the terrain along South
Pennsylvania Street to give the different levels o f parking .
This plan was contingent on acquiring certain proper t ies on
both sides of the 3400 block of South Pennsylvania Street, and
the purchase of some of these properties did not come to
fruition. The Swedish Medical Center Board of Direc t ors f elt
that it is important to proceed with the construction o f the
medical office building as soon as possible, and determined
that it might be desirable to locate the proposed medical
office building more to the center of the east and west campus .
It is now being proposed that the office building be located
at the northwest corner of the South Clarkson/East Hampden
Avenue intersection. Mr. Palmquist noted that medical o f fice
buildings are very "demanding in terms of parking space", re-
quiring as a minimum a ratio of five spaces per each physician .
Preliminary plans for the medical office building could
accommodate 70 to 85 doctors and although there is no way at
this time to give an estimate on the number of parking spaces
this would require, it is indicated that they could develop
300 spaces of surface parking along Hampden Avenue.
Mr . Palmquist then discussed the retirement center building
which Swedish Medical Center has proposed on the east campus
to the east of South Emerson Street. The initial proposal for
this retirement center is for 180 units ; he noted that the
parking demand would not be as great for this use as it would
be for the medical of f ice building.
Planning Assistant Barbara Young entered the meeting .
Mr . Palmquist stated that Bowers & Associat e s had been ret ai ned
to study the Center's needs and as a result of this study, one
parking lot was converted to use for compact-car parking only.
Some of the close-in parking lots are reserved for those
employees who car pool. Mr . Palmquist stated that one o f the
big problems at the hospital is the over-lapping shifts. This
requires far more parking than if one shift could leave work
as another shift arrives, but there must be enough over-lapping
of these shifts to maintain the services in the hospital at
all times. Mr. Palmquist stated that they are also concerned
about the security of their employees and have attempted to
devote some of the closer-in parking lots for their employees,
particularly those who would be arriving and leaving at night.
The three lots along South Pennsylvania are chained off during
the day and two lots are designated for volunteer employee
parking.
Mr. Palmquist stated that the administration at Swedish Medical
Center had attempted to provide a shuttle bus along Hampden
'·
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Avenue to the out-lying parking areas, but this did not prove
successful. Mr. Palmquist stated that they are concentrating
their energies on encouragement of car-pooling and use of the
RTD; however, the RTD time schedules do not coincide with the
hospital shift schedules, which makes it very inconvenient
for their employees. Mr. Palmquist stated that the Medical
Center has 1350 employees, both full time and part time. At
the present time, 27% of these employees· are participating in
car-pools, riding the bus, bicycling, or using some other means
rather than the automobile to get to and from work. He pointed
out that this is approaching 1/3 of their total work force, and
he questioned how much more effective further encouragement in
car-pooling and such means would be.
Mr. Palmquist stated that the parking survey by Bowers &
Associates estimated a need of 931 parking spaces for employees,
visitors, etc. The Medical Center presently has 601 off-street
parking spaces. Mr . Palmquist noted that there has been a
change in on-street parking provisions since the Bowers survey
was completed ; there is now a two-hour parking limit along
Hampden Avenue, and parking has been restricted along Girard
Avenue from Clarkson to Pearl b ec 1 use of the installation of
the heliport. Parking has also been restricted in the 3200
block of South Washington to two-hour parking.
Mr. Palmquist stated that the two front lots at Swedish Medical
Center have been designated as "paid" parking; however, it is
voluntary, not enforced, and many people do not pay for the
parking.
Mr. Palmquist stated that the long-range plans of the Medical
Center call for ramp parking, but this is expensive, and they
must determine a way to finance such structure. He stated
that a parking structure --or ramp parking --costs about
$3,000 to $4,000 per space to construct and maintain. He
emphasized that this is the cost estimate today. The financing
of such parking structure might be accomplished through paid
parking, but he questioned whether the "suburbs" are ready for
paid parking. Mr. Palmquist stated that under State law, they
must file a Certificate of Necessity if any funds to finance
such a parking structure come from patient revenues.
Mr. Palmquist stated that the Medical Center is negotiating
on purchase of properties along South Pennsylvania Street in
the 3300 block on both sides of the street. Mr. Palmquist
indicated a portion of the block that is under the control of
the Medical Center, and stated that this would accommodate
about 146 cars surface parking.
Mr. Johnson presented slides of some of the houses that are
being purchased by the Medical Center, or considered for pur-
chase. Some of the structures appear to be of sufficient
quality to withstand moving; others are so old that it is
doubtful they could be moved.
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Discussion on the location of the proposed medical office
building ensued. Mr. Palmquist stated that Clarkson Corners
would be left as it is, and the fire lane would also remain
in its present location.
Mr. Palmquist stated that Swedish Medical Center personnel
are sensitive to the concern expressed by City officials about
retention of the single-family homes in Eng lewood o He sug-
gested the possibility of relocating some of the homes that
are purchased by the Medical Center to vacant sites --possibly
in the Northwest Englewood area. Mr o Palmquist further discussed
expansion of the Medical Center campus, and the possibility of
a parking structure provided paid parking is approved as a means
of financing the construction o
Mrs o Becker asked if there were cost comparisons available
for above-ground parking vs o below-ground parking? Mro Palmquist
stated that he did not have the exact figures, but that any
time parking is enclosed, it becomes much more expensive by
virtue of requiring sprinklering, exhaust and air systems, etc.
Mr o Smith pointed out that there have been studies made which
indicate that people have a psychological aversion to parking
below-ground o Mr. Palmquist agreed, and stated that utilization
of underground parking is a great deal lower than that of above-
ground parking. Mr. Palmquist discussed the parking ramp at
the First National Bank in downtown Denver; he noted that one
side of the ramp is designated for compact cars, and has 24
spaces, and the other side is designated for the full-sized
automobile, and can accommodate only 16 spaces. He stated
that it is difficult to know what to plan for, not knowing
what part the automobile is going to play in the lives of the
population in the next 10 years o Further discussion ensued.
Mr. Tanguma asked the Commission if they had any questions of
Mr. Palmquist? Mr. Draper asked the height of the proposed
medical office building? Mr. Palmquist stated that at the
location that is now under consideration, they feel they could
get seven stories and still stay under the over-all height
limitation; this would be taking advantage of the topography
of the area o He noted that this is a preliminary plan, and
that they have made no determination at this point on whether
or not the building would have a basement o
Mr. Palmquist was asked if any consideration had been given
to a verti-park structure; this could accommodate 25 vehicles,
is electrically operated, and would be more inexpensive than
a parking structure o Mr o Palmquist stated that he questioned
how successful such an · installation would be, and that he
personally found them to be aesthetically unappealing o
Mr. Bilo asked how many surface parking spaces they hoped to
gain if they can develop the properties they are purchasing
and negotiating for? Mr o Palmquist stated that it would
approach the 300 mark o
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Mro Tanguma thanked Messrs. Palmquist, Johnson and Richards
for their presentation. He then called a five-minute recess
of the Commission at 7:40 P.M. The meeting reconvened at
7:50 PoMo
Members present: Bilo, Carson, Draper, Lathrop, Pierson, Smith,
Tanguma, Becker
Members absent: Williams
IV. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW
Mr. Wanush introduced the members of the Planning Staff, Miss
Fessenden, Mrso Young and Mro Barber, and also introduced Mr.
Michael Reddy, Assistant Director of Community Development for
Housing and also the Executive Director of the Housing Authority.
Mr. Wanush stated that the purpose of the meeting is to review
the summaries of the sections of the Comprehensive Plan which
have been prepared by the staff o It is the intent that the
summaries will reflect the basic premise and goals of the in-
dividual review committee reports. The summaries will be pub-
lished in the Englewood Citizen, and the full documents will
be available for re f erence by the public at the time of the
public hearingo Discussion ensued.
Mrs. Pierson asked when the Commission would get the "detailed
report?" Mrso Romans stated that the detailed reports are the
basic documents that were prepared by the individual committeeso
The goals and issues cited in the summaries are the basic
points set forth in the detailed reportso
The summary for ·the DOWNTOWN section was reviewedo Mr. Wanush
stated that he had met with the Downtown Development Authority
and made a presentation relating to the Downtown Plan. He
stated that he felt there were a couple of basic things to
keep in mind on the downtown plan: (1) This is the area
where we want the most "intense" activity to occur; and (2)
restrictions of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance should be
revised to permit residential development in the Downtown
area. Mr. Wanush pointed out that it must also be kept in
mind that Cinderella City is vital to the success of downtown,
but it must also be recognized that Cinderella City is not THE
downtown. The traditional downtown area along South Broadway
should be redeveloped and strengthened, and Girard Avenue should
be developed as a link between Broadway and Cinderella City.
Mr. Wanush stated that multi-level development should be pro-
moted; the first level would be pedestrian oriented --retail
in nature, and upper levels could be office development or
high density residential developmento Mr. Wanush stated that
the Plan does recognize that development should be concentrated
in areas where there is vacant land, such as the City-owned
lot in the 3300 block of South Acoma /South Bannock and the
vacant parcel owned by the First National Bank in the 3400
block South Cherokee. The report also recognizes problem areas
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the Downtown District, such as parking and accessibility to
the parking o
Mr o Tanguma asked if RTD had made any pro g ress on the matter
of the Transit Center which had been proposed to be located
in the 3300 block on South Bannock Street? Mr . Wanush stated
that he believed this project was in "limbo" at this time; he
stated that he was not aware that RTD has t aken any further
steps to locate an alternative site . Mr. Smith pointed out
that Englewood was not included in the funding grant that RTD
applied for. Mr. Wanush stated that he did not feel the "need"
of a transit center was questioned by members o f the Downtown
Development Au t hority, just that an alternate site should be
located .
Mr. Draper pointed out that the map attached to the Downtown
summary includes some areas that are presently zoned for in-
dustrial development . He asked i f this was intended? Mr .
Wanush stated that if the U. S . 285/Ithica Avenue couplet is
constructed, this area will have the potential of becoming
part of the downtown area .
Mr o Smith excused himself from the meeting at 8:00 P.M .
Mr o Lathrop stated that RTD is looking for a location for a
transit center site in Littleton rather than in Englewood.
Mr. Wanush stated that the Littleton site would be in addition
to the site in Englewood, not instead of. Mr o Lathrop dis-
agreed, and stated that Ralph Jackson told him personally that
RTD was going to "let Englewood want".
Mr. Draper stated that he felt the map is rather mis-leading;
Area #8 is designated as "greenhouse" area, and he questioned
whether this reflected cur.n:::Ht development or projected de-
velopment . If it was projecting current development, it did
not fit in with designations of other areas which seemed to
reflect projected development. Mr. Wanush stated that this
would be corrected.
Mr o Lathrop stated that he understood that the discussion on
the pedestrian link along Girard Avenue between Cinderella
City and Broadway was centered on a 60 ft . wide mall. Mr.
Wanush stated that he was not aware of any figure given on a
mall at any time in the discussions . Mr. Lathrop questioned
if this mall were actually built, what effect it would have
on possible development on the City-owned lot? Mr . Wanush
stated that the idea of a mall development goes back to the
1960's, and with the discussion of the transit center on the
3300 block South Bannock Street site, the idea was to make
Girard Avenue more pedestrian oriented. This would be accom-
plished by improving the paving and sidewalks, placement of
benches along the Avenue, landscaping, etc. However, there
is nothing in the plans at any point that indicates cars will
be taken off of Girard Avenue . Mr. Wanush emphasized that
there is nothing in this report to dictate that a mall must
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go in; however, West Girard Avenue must remain the link be-
tween the Downtown area and Cinderella City.
Mr. Draper stated that he understood the strong point of the
report and summary is to define what we agree the area should
be and to permit flexibility to encourage the development of
the area to its maximum potential. He stated that he felt if
proposed ideas for developments were kept within this frame-
work, and with the intent of the goals set forth, we could
progress from there.
Mr. Bilo noted that one of the items included in the Course
of Action is "Cooperate with the Downtown Development Authority";
he asked what and how this would come about?
Mr. Wanush stated that the State Statute creating Downtown
Development Authorities requires a plan of action to be re-
viewed by the Planning Commission, which then makes recommenda-
tion to City Council. He stated that he would hope, in fact,
that the Commission would be involved in the actual development
of the plan of action, and not just be responsible for review
of this document. He stated there is also a necessity to en-
courage development and to search out new development for the
downtown area; he stated that he felt the City could have a
definite part in this by working with the Downtown Development
Authority.
Mr. Bilo asked how the schedule of the Development Authority
fits in with the schedule of the Planning Commission? Mr.
Wanush pointed out that the Authority is basically just getting
started; they have had three meetings . He pointed out that it
is the responsibility of the Planning Commission and City Council
to develop a general plan for the City; the Downtown Develop-
ment Authority would have to work within the framework of this
"general plan". Mr. Bilo again asked "how do we cooperate with
something that doesn't exist, basically?" Mr. Wanush stated
by working with them in developing a plan of action for the
revitalization of the downtown area, and by coordination of
the activities of the Commission and the Development Authority.
Mr. Tanguma asked if thought had been given to use of the
Englewood Housing Authority in development of the downtown
area --further housing, etc. Mr. Wanush referred to Area #5
indicated on the map; this area contains the Simon Center,
the Malley Center, and a vacant site that might be feasible
as an additional low-income development for the elderly. He
pointed out that the Housing Authority works with the develop-
ment of housing for the low-income. Mr. Tanguma asked if the
Housing Authority could be used in locating developers for high-
rise residential units in downtown to be developed by the private
sector? Mr. Wanush stated that no thought has been given to
this, and again emphasized that the Housing Authority deals
mainly with the low-income housing projects.
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The COMMERCIAL summary was then reviewed. Mrs. Romans pointed
out that Mrso Pierson had chaired this Review Committee, and
that Planning Assistant Barbara Young has been assigned the
task of summarizing the report o
Mrs. Young stated that this summary recognizes the corridor
commercial areas, and the fact that some of them seem to have
a great deal of vitality and are improving, while other areas
are in need of help to revitalize. Mrs o Young stated that
some of the goals set forth in the detailed document which
are included in the summary are: the need to develop a
balanced commercial district which will attract new businesses
to Englewood; to encourage visual improvement of both existing
and new development in the commercial district; to permit
additional uses in specific commercial areas which will comple-
ment the character of the area; to permit combinations of uses
in commercial areas which would encourage and facilitate major
redevelopment, and to improve access for all transportation
systems, with particular emphasis on alternative modes to the
private automobile.
Mrs. Pierson stated that this committee had also discussed
the need to amend the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to permit
a variety of uses in the commercial areas, and also that a re-
view of the entire business zoned areas be undertaken in an
effort to promote compatibility of developmento She felt this
is not reflected in the summary, and should be.
Mr. Draper stated that he recalled that one of the points of
the discussions was the need to extend the commercial zoning
to Lincoln and Acoma Streets o Mrs. Romans stated that this
is covered in the statement on permitting "nodes" of commercial
development to occur along certain commercial corridors to
concentrate uses o It was not the intent of this committee
that the commercial zoning be extended to Lincoln and South
Acoma all along the length of the B-2 District, but only in
specific areas where the development shows a specific need
for it.
Mrs. Becker asked how to "encourage" developers to do a good
job? Mrs. Pierson stated that one of the specific recommenda-
tions of her committee was that a Design Review Committee be
established; she emphasized that there is a great need for
this form of control. Mr. Wanush pointed out that a Design
Review Committee doesn't "encourage" and doesn't guarantee
there will be a development; however, the developer will know
what is expected of him if he decides to pursue a development
in a specific locationo Mrso Pierson stated that such a
committee would establish an "atmosphere" which could be con-
ducive to nicer developments. She stated that she felt the
City of Englewood has much to offer and should be in the
position to "call some of the shots." Mrs. Pierson pointed
out that another recommendation of her committee was the de-
velopment of a "search committee", which committee would take
an active part in locating new businesses which would move to
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Englewood. She stated that this could be expected to be a part
of the Chamber of Commerce activities, but does not seem to be
at this point in time. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Wanush pointed out an area designated as "4B" on the map
which is on the east side of Federal Boulevard north of Union
Avenue. He asked if the Commission really wants this area to
develop for commercial purposes, pointing out that this is
primarily a residential area, even though this particular strip
of land is zoned for industrial development at the present time.
Mr. Tanguma stated he felt it might be more appropriate in com-
mercial development than in industrial . The possibility of high-
density residence development was also considered because of
the proximity to the R-3 area adjoining to the east. Discussion
ensued. It was suggested that this area could be considered
further if the matter is raised at the Public Hearing.
Mr. Draper excused himself from the meeting at 8:50 P.M .
Mrs . Pierson stated that she felt the point the committee
made on landscaping around parking lots should be emphasized
in the summary. She also felt something should be indicated
in the summary about the need for the "search committee."
Mr. Wanush made reference to the map arid the area marked 11 3",
which is along South Santa Fe Drive. This area is presently
zoned industrial, and the development along this area is a
mixture of commercial and industrial. The possibility of a
Mixed Use District in this area was pointed out.
The HOUSING summary was then discussed. Mrs. Romans stated
that Mr. Tanguma had chaired this Review Committee, and that
Associate Planner Alice Fessenden will present the summarization
of the report.
Miss Fessenden stated that the summary points out that while
Englewood is a residential community, and should remain so, it
should also be a full-service city . Miss Fessenden reviewed
the goals that were set forth in the detailed report, including
the need to strengthen the existing residential areas, to en-
courage home ownership, to improve visual quality of neighbor-
hoods, to attract young families, to provide additional housing
for elderly, and to concentrate public aid in areas with con-
centrations for deteriorating housing. Miss Fessenden then
reviewed steps that could be taken to implement these goals,
which steps could include amendment of the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance to create a Mixed Use District which would allow a
combination of high density residential and business in the
commercial areas; support for nei g hborhood schools, and the
creation of a bonus district to encourage redevelopment of
property on which there are dilapidated houses by permitting
slightly increased density or lot coverage in return for the
redevelopment of the substandard property. Other steps that
could be taken would be to encourage the removal of substandard
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units, to e n coura ge private rather than public residential de-
velopment and redevelopment ; to encourage originality of design ~
such as cluster-type units in new multi-fami l y areas, and to ~
require developers of all new multi-family housing to provide
adequate off-street parking and recreational space for their
tenants. Other steps which could be taken would be to build
flexibility into codes governing lot coverage and setbacks to
encourage redevelopment; to develop buffer zones between resi-
dential districts and districts which permit a more intensive
use; to increase control on the quality of housing, and to
institute stricter code enforcement on all types of property
uses 0 Paving of gravel alleys and higher maintenance of alleys
is to be encouraged to improve the visual quality of neighbor-
hoods; economic incentives should be provided for home owner-
ship, and the establishment of day care centers for working
parents should be encouraged o Programs which would enable
elderly citizens who can do so and want to remain in their
homes should be supported, in addition to development of addi-
tional housing units for the low income elderly o Financial
assistance for rehabilitation of existing housing stock should
be expanded, and the currently identified "target areas" should
possibly be expanded to incorporate areas most in need of resi-
dential developmento The City should also work toward achieving
the Housing Assistance Plan goals to provide more housing op-
portunities for low and moderate income citizenso
Mr. Lathrop asked if the expansion of the target areas would
help people obtain rehab loans? Miss Fessenden stated that
it would make more people eligible for loans and that a survey
is being done at the present time to determine whether these
target areas should be expanded, and what areas they should
encompasso
Mr. Lathrop asked about f ·u.1,u ~ for the rehab loan program? Mr.
Reddy stated that it is estimated there will be $71,000 avail-
able by the latter part of April or the first part of May 0
The staff has gone to the banks to discuss extension of an
additional line of credit, and an application has been sub-
mitted to HUD to be used for subsidy money. There has been
no response from HUD on the application to this point in time o
The banks have given tentative approval to an additional
$300,000 line of credit. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Lathrop asked about contact with property owners on the
south side of Girard Avenue across from the Malley Recreation
Centero Mr. Reddy stated that the property owners are "aware
of our interest." He stated that at this point, the Housin g
Authority cannot make any commitments because of the lack of
money, and we have no ~ommitment from HUD on subsidization of
additional elderly units o Mr. Reddy stated there were only
two or three owners on that one-half block, and there does
not appear to be any problems at the present time o Discussion
ensued.
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Mr. Bilo took exception to the proposed "bonus district" as
suggested. He noted that this proposed Bonus District covers
an extremely large portion of Englewood. He asked how this
Bonus District would intermix with a single-family development
and still maintain the low-density character.
Miss Fessenden stated that this district would be designed to
allow a property owner to remove a small . dilapidated unit and
replace that unit with a duplex. Miss Fessenden stated that
the units that would be eligible for replacement with a higher-
density are those that would not be a good candidate for re-
habilitation. Mr. Tanguma stated that the Special Permit
System might be developed and used in situations such as
this.
Mr. Bilo stated that he is concerned about the removal of
single-family housing stock and replacing these units with
duplexes. Mr. Wanush stated that one of the problems the
Housing Review Committee found was the sporadic deteriorated
unit; could a property owner afford to remove this unit and
replace it with another single-family unit? If the property
owner were allowed to construct a du plex, for example, this
would offer an incentive to improve the property; the duplex
could be designed to be similar to the remainder of the block
and would not necessarily be obtrusive. The zoning would re-
main single-family, but with specific conditions, the Planning
Commission could permit a two-family unit to be interspersed
throughout the single-family district. Mr. Wanush stated that
he did not foresee the implications predicted by Mr. Bilo, but
that perhaps there could be restrictions written to limit such
bonus uses to one per block or something similar.
Mr. Bilo stated ·that the area encompassed is too broad and will
result in the removal of too many single-family homes . He
stated that Englewood would lose the single-family character
that it has and wants to maintain.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that there are identified problems in
the area indicated for the bonus districts, and that is why
these proposed districts are shown encompassing those areas.
Mrs. Romans stated that it is the economy that dictates what
sort of development will take place, and not the Comprehensive
Zoning Ordinance. The staff and committee were looking for
ways to encourage private enterprise to improve and redevelop
the residential areas of the city. Mrs. Romans referred to
the Housing survey that is being done in regard to the target
areas, and noted that one of the inspectors has estimated 30%
of the housing stock in the City is substandard.
Mr. Bilo stated that he would not want a duplex built next
door to his property, and he doubted that most other single-
family homeowners would either . Mr. Wanush emphasized that
to redevelop the residential areas, there must be some "give
and take". He pointed out that this would be a "bonus" unit
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which could only be constructed under specific conditions and
would have to meet specific restrictions that would be written ~
into the ordinance , ~
Mrs. Becker stated that she would not want to live in a duplex,
but she stated that she didn't know of many young families who
could afford a home with one or two bedrooms or even find such
a structure for under $50,000. She stated that she felt du-
plexes mi g ht offer an acceptab le alternate to housing for
young families. ~I r , Wanush pointed out that this is intended
to be the "exception" and not the rule ,
Mr, Bilo stated that he is concerned that if this provision
is approved, it will set a precedence, and "will go beyond
our control."
Mr. Lathrop asked if a duplex can be constructed on a 50 ft.
lot? Mrs. Romans stated that it can be. Mr. Lathrop stated
that he felt most of the duplexes would become rental properties
and would not be kept up to code, and this would be like an
"octupus" and spread throughout the City .
Mr. Wanush disagreed, and stated that while no . guarantee can
be made on what will happen ten years from now, the intent of
the bonus district is that it will be the "exception" and not
the normal development . He pointed out the fact of the declining
school population and the fact that the maintenance of the
traditional zoning concept is not encouraging young families
to move to Englewood . The committee and staff felt that this
was a reasonable solution.
Mr. Bilo stated that duplexes would entice transients into
the neighborhood, and these people don't take care of property.
Mrs. Becker stated that she lives in a single-family residential
neighborhood, and there are transients in the single-family
neighborhoods.
Mr. Lathrop asked about the individual who purchased property
with the intent of putting in a duplex? Mr . Wanush stated
that the structure on the property would have to be beyond
repair.
Mr. Lathrop predicted that the proposed Bonus District would
lead to an "infestation'' of high-density use throughout the
single-family residential areas, and that he did not want to
encourage that.
Mr . Bilo stated that he realized there would be no easy solution
to the problem, but that he felt that to preserve the single-
family residential districts in Englewood is of primary importance,
even if it does cause school population to decline, and young
people starting out to have to look elsewhere for housing.
Discussion ensued.
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• V. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE,
Mr. Wanush reminded members of the 5:30 P.M. dinner meeting
with the Board of Adjustment and Appeals in the Library Con-
. ference Room on February 27, 1979. Mr. Wanush stated that
the Commission would review the remainder of the Comprehensive
Plan summaries following the meeting with the Board of Adjust-
ment.
Mr. Wanush stated that the staff has received an application
from Mr. Thomas Regan for an amendment to the Subdivision
Waiver granted on the Larwin propertyo The meeting will be
scheduled for March 20, 1979.
VI. COMMISSION'S CHOICE.
Mro Bilo asked the staff to check on the "oil well" rig that
is in the industrial area south of U oS. 285 0
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
trude G. Wel
ecording Secre