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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-04-13 EURA MINUTES, • • • ENGLEWOOD URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY April 13, 1988 I. CALL TO ORDER. 9 The special meeting of the Englewood Urban Renewal Authority was called to order at 5:40 P. M. by Chairman Robert J. Voth. Members present: Minnick, Totton, VanOyke, Voth Hanson, Alternate Member Hinson, Executive Director/Executive Secretary Members absent: Mcintyre, Cole, Keena Daugherty, Alternate Member Also present: Harold J. Stitt, Assistant to the EURA Director Director of Engineering Services Ragland City Manager Mccown Mary Anne Shube, Lincor Properties of Colorado, Inc. James Carey Crain, Lincor Properties of Color ado, Inc. Ken Harshman, Murata, Outland, Thomas Architects Bob Redwine, Redwine & Associates, Inc. Jim Neenan, The Neenan Company Mike Middleton, Columbine Engineering, Inc . II. LIN COR PROPERTIES OF COLORADO, INC. Preliminary Plans Mr. Hinson introduced Ms. Mary Anne Shube of Lincor Properties of Col orad o, Inc., and asked that she introduce the gentlemen in attendance. Ms. Shube introduced Messrs. Crain, Harshman, Redwine, Neenan and Middleto n. Ms. Shube stated that the presentation on the preliminary plans wi l l add ress the issues of traffic, landscaping, phasing of development, and oth er f acet s of the overall development. Mr. Hinson pointed out that the basic site design has been dictated by th e anchor tenant, and there is little possibility of change in locati on of t he structures. Ms. Shube stated that the orientation of the buildings is to the south, an d the parking is perpendicular to the front of the buildings. The anchor te na nt has increased the size of their structure to 51,000 square feet, and the structures have been moved slightly to accommodate the underground conduit for Little Ory Creek. Otherwise, the site design has not changed from what the Authority had previously viewed on Plan SA some time ago. Ms. Shube asked that Mr. Harshman discuss the access, traffic patterns, and landscaping of the site. Mr. Harshman stated that the greatest percentage of access to the site will be from the south to the north. Mr. Harshman stated that a four-way stop will be installed at the point of intersection with the access to the Library/City Hall complex. Mr. Harshman stated that this will control the flow of traffic -1 - along West Girard Avenue, and help to reduce the speed along this street. He stated that it is their hope to have the speed posted for 20 mph along West Girard Avenue from the Parkway west to South Elati Street. Mr. Harshman stated that the anchor tenant has a very heavy parking requirement, and the parking layout has been designed to meet that requirement. Mr. Harshman stated that he did not think motorists would be exiting onto Girard to access another aisle of parking, but would be crossing parking aisles instead. Mr. Harshman stated that the service areas are on the north with access from Floyd Avenue, or on the northwest, with access from South Elati Street. Mr. Harshman stated that they are proposing a heavy landscaping buffer along Floyd Avenue, with a depressed loading area, and a right-in-right-out movement for delivery trucks. Mrs. Cole entered the meeting at 5:55 P.M. Mr . Harshman discussed the landscaping as shown on the site plan. A heavy landscaping buffer is proposed on the north abutting Floyd Avenue to help shield the residential area across Floyd Avenue. The landscaping to the south side of the site is more "open" and will present a "softer" visual aspect of the development. The intent is not to hide the development as viewed from the south. The elevations of the proposed development were addressed. Mr. Harshman stated that they are trying to incorporate this development into an area of diverse architectural styles and heights. Mr. Harshman stated that the struc- • tures in the Lincor Plaza area will be of brick, and will make use of columns • to give the open "porch" effect of the residential area to the north. There will be a sign panel across the front of the structures, and the colors will be of the earth-tone palette. The fronts of the structures will be of brick, and the rear of the buildings will be of split -face concrete block stained the same shade as the brick. This will result in the structures being of one shade, but of different texture. Mr. Harshman stated that they have run into some cost factors on the site that were unexpected, one being the need for excavation, replacement, and compac- tion of soils on the northern half of the site due to a sandy type of soil. Another problem is the presence of radon gas, which will require venting the gas from underneath the floor slabs of the structures to keep it from collect- ing in the buildings. The center portion of the development to the east of the anchor tenant's building will have depths varying from 60 to 70 feet . Ms . Shube stated that the goal is to attract national and community-oriented tenants --a "wider draw" tenant than the small sandwich shop type tenant. Ms. Shube stated that when the lease is signed, and they have closed on the purchase of the site, they will have a 24 month construction loan. The anchor tenant wants to open by January 1, 1989, with other tenants coming on board after that date. Ms. Shube stated that she hoped to be in receipt of the final lease by Monday, April 18, and to have it approved for signature on April 22. Mrs. Cole asked if a large restaurant might be a logical tenant for the second anchor. Ms. Shube stated that she felt a large restaurant at that location might be a problem because of the parking , and she would like to locate a • second strong retail use for the second anchor location. - 2 - • • • Ms. VanDyke discussed her concerns about ing lot. She asked if a one way pattern most and western-most points of access. feel the anchor tenant would accept this exits onto the street from the park- had been considered on the eastern- Ms. Shube stated that she did not proposal. Ms. Daugherty entered the meeting at 6:15 P.M. The possibility of angle parking vs. the goo parking was discussed. Mr. Harshman stated that while the width of the traffic aisles could be decreased from 22 foot to 18 foot minimum if angle parking were used this could result in 10% loss of parking spaces. Mr. Minnick pointed out that during peak traffic hours, left-turn movements into the western-most point of entry could not be made because of the stacking of vehicles at the signalized intersection of West Girard Avenue and South Elati Street. Ms. Daugherty stated that she felt West Girard Avenue will receive considerable traffic from the Broadway area by using the Englewood Parkway connection. Further discussion on the points of ingress/egress from the parking area at West Girard Avenue ensued. Mr. Mccown asked about the cross-pans which had been mentioned at all points of access. Ms. Ragland stated that these were discussed. Ms. Shube stated that there will be stop signs at the end of every parking aisle. Ms. VanDyke asked, in the event a problem does develop with traffic movements into and out of the parking lot, will the City be able to effect a correction, and if so, what could be done. Mr. Mccown stated that West Girard Avenue would be a public street, and the City would have control over the street. Signing could be increased or changed, or a mid-block signal might be in- stalled. Mr. Mccown pointed out, however, that the City would have no control over the interior traffic pattern of the parking lot inasmuch as this would be private property. Mr. Mccown stated that he felt a mutual problem would be negotiated by the City and the developer/tenants of the site. Mr. Harshman stated that if problems do arise, the tenants would be just as concerned as the City, and the problems would be addressed by the tenants and developer. Mrs. Hanson suggested the possibility of closing off a few of the points of ingress/egress. She stated that there appear to be an excessive amount of entrance/exit points onto a public street. Ms. Shube stated that if the points of ingress/egress were closed, this would result in vehicles dead- ending at the end of a parking aisle, or the elimination of some parking spaces to provide a driving lane on the south end. This parking plan rep- resents the minimum amount of parking the anchor tenant requires, and the an- chor will not accept the elimination of any spaces. Mr. Tatton stated It was made clear will not accept. he suggested that should move on to that the traffic pattern was discussed several months ago. to the Authority at that time what the anchor tenant will or He stated the tenant is adamant about its requirements, and further discussion is nonproductive and that the Authority other matters. Mr. Minnick and Mrs. Daugherty both inquired about snow removal. Where will the snow be piled when it is plowed from the lot during the winter months . Ms. Shube stated that the snow would be plowed to and piled on the perimeter - 3 - islands and the landscaped areas. It would not be piled in the center of the parking area. Mrs. Hanson asked about the designation of some of the spaces for compact vehicles. Ms. Shube stated that this has been suggested to the anchor tenant and was unacceptable to them. Discussion ensued. Ms. VanDyke stated that she felt the Authority should support and approve the plans as presented at this meeting. The street will remain a public street, and the City can address any traffic problems that do occur. Mr. Mccown asked the size of the landscaping along Floyd Avenue. He noted that even though the residences to the north of Floyd Avenue are oriented to the east/west, there is a need for a strong buffer between the residential and commercial areas. Mr. Harshman stated that the size of the trees are 2" to 2.5" caliper trees. Mr. Crain also pointed out that the area along Floyd Avenue will be bermed, with the landscaping atop and along the berm. Mrs. Hanson questioned the possibility of increasing the landscaping density along Floyd Avenue, and widening and heightening the berms. Ms. Shube stated that the one berm probably could not be increased in height or width because of the need for maneuverability of delivery vehicles. Ms. Shube also pointed out that the landscaping proposed for the Floyd Avenue area will be a heavier quality --evergreens vs. flowering deciduous trees which will be used on the south side of the development. Mrs. Hanson asked the height of the buildings. Mr. Harshman stated that 22 feet is the height of the structures. The relocation of some of the plantings in the parking area were discussed as a possible means of improving the interior circulation pattern. Mr. Mccown cautioned that the sight line at points of ingress/egress must be maintained. Ms. Shube stated that a site sign will be located at the southwest and southeast corners of the development. She stated that she does have to nego- tiate with First Interstate Bank on the sign proposed for the southeast corner of the development. Mrs. Hanson asked about the design of the West Girard Avenue/South Cherokee Street/Englewood Parkway intersection . Mrs. Ragland drew the design of the intersection on the Board, and indicated traffic flow patterns on this drawing. Mr. Hinson stated that the submittal of the Preliminary Plans by Lincor meets the requirements of the Redevelopment Agreement, with the exception of a boundary survey which was to be furnished to Lincor by the Authority. Inas- much as this boundary survey does exist, and was done at the direction of the Authority, it was felt that it would be duplicative for Lincor to submit this. Mr. Minnick urged that during the period of construction, traffic by the con - struction trucks across the conduit be strictly limited and monitored for weight limits. Mr. Harshman suggested that the alignment of the conduit should be marked on the site much as was done during the demolition of the old King Sooper's building. - 4 - • • • • • • Mr. Hinson set forth the procedure to be followed in consideration of the plans for development: 1) The Preliminary Plans are submitted to the EURA. 2) The EURA has one week to consider the plans and get back to the re- developer with changes. 3) The redeveloper submits the final plans to the EURA which incorporate changes made to the preliminary plans. Mr . Hinson stated that the financing contingency was extended to April 22, and the date of closing was extended to April 29. Mr. Opperman is still talking to the Highway Department personnel regarding the installation of an informa- tional sign in the median of Englewood Parkway. Ms. Shube stated that the closing could not be accomplished until they have the approval of the final plans. Discussion ensued. Mr. Hinson stated that he had noted three items that were to be explored fur- ther before submission of the Final Plans: 1) 2) 3) Relocation of some of the landscaping to the islands on the southern boundary of the parking lot. The size of the berms and increased shrubbery/landscaping on the north of the site abutting Floyd Avenue. Directional signage at the points of access on the east and west ends of the parking lot . Ms. Ragland excused herself from the meeting at 7:10 P.M. Mr . Hinson asked the pleasure of the Authority. It was the consensus of the Authority that another meeting was not necessary and that the Final Plans should be submitted to staff, and reviewed to determine any changes. A tele- phone poll should be conducted for approval, with ratification to follow at the regular meeting in May. Ms. Shube and the members of the development team were thanked for their pre- sentation, and Mr. Hinson assured her the staff would contact her. Mr. Voth asked the pleasure of the Authority. Minnick moved: Cole seconded: The Urban Renewal Authority go into Executive Session. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Minnick, Tatton, VanDyke, Voth, Cole None Keena, Mcintyre None The motion carried. * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Tatton stated he had a previous engagement, and excused himself from the meeting at 7:20 P. M. * * * * * * * * * * - 5 - It was moved, seconded, and approved to come out of Executive Session. Cole moved: • Minnick seconded: The Urban Renewal Authority approve the Preliminary Plans, AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: and Final Plans shall be submitted for consideration within one week. VanDyke, Voth, Cole, Minnick None Keena, Mcintyre, Totton None The motion carried. III. WAGNER'S DINETTES Settlement Offer Mr. Hinson stated that Mr. Schell of Mr. Opperman's Office has received an offer to settle the lawsuit filed by Wagner's Dinettes against the Authority. Discussion ensued. It was the consensus of the Authority that a counter offer to settle be made in the amount of $5,000. IV. INVESTMENT BANKING AGREEMENT Prudential-Bache Mr. Hinson submitted copies of the proposed Investment Banking Agreement with Prudential-Bache to members of the Authority. He suggested that members might • want to review this and have it placed on the agenda of the next meeting for May 4, 1988. There was nothing further to be brought before the Authority, and the meeting was declared adjourned at 7:30 P. M. Gertrude G. Welty Recording Secretary -1 v' - 6 - •