HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning And Zoning Board - Minutes - 01/23/1989 (2)PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 23, 1989
Minutes
The meeting began at 6:32 p.m. in Council Chambers. Members present were
Laurie O'Dell, Sandy Kern, Dave Edwards, Frank Groznik, Jim Klataske, Jan
Shepard, Rex Burns, and Lloyd Walker. Staff was represented by Tom Peter-
son, Joe Frank, Sherry Albertson -Clark, Linda Ripley, Mike Herzig, Bob Wilkin-
son, Rick Ensdorff, Paul Eckman and Kayla Ballard.
Mr. Peterson reviewed the Consent Agenda which consisted of: Planning and
Zoning Board items which included: (2) 035-86G, Clarendon Hills, 3rd Filing -
Final; (3) 09-82W, Soulhridge Greens Master Plan, Tract E - Amended Master
Plan; (4) #9-82X, Southridge Greens, Fairway Seven PUD - Preliminary; (5)
#13-82AM, Oakridge Business Park, Lot 2, llth Filing - Final. (6) #51-88A,
West Elizabeth Properties Preliminary PUD. Recommendation Items to City
Council items which included: (7) 0101-88,A Harmony/Taft hill Annexation
and Zoning; (8) #102-88, A, Highway 14 East First Annexation and Zoning; (9)
#103-88, A, Highway 14 East Second Annexation and Zoning; (10) #104-88, A,
I-25 First Annexation and Zoning; (11) 0106-88, A, Fort Collins/Loveland Water
District Pump Station Annexation and Zoning; (11) #34-88, Interstate Lands
First Annexation; (12) #81-88, A, Lemay Avenue First Annexation and Zoning;
(13) #81-88B, Lemay Avenue Second Annexation and Zoning; (14) #22-88A
Emerson Acres Rezoning; (15) Revisions to Ordinance 113-1987, Minor Plat; and
County Referrals items which included; (16) #7-88B, Midland Greens PUD
-County Referral. Mr. Peterson then reviewed the Discussion Agenda which
included: (17) #61-88D, West Fossil Creek PUD, First Filing, PACE Warehouse
-Preliminary; (18) #69-84G, CSU Bull Farm PUD, Parcel D Preliminary; (19)
#1-88A, Gateway at Harmony Road - Preliminary PUD; (20) 34-88, Interstae
Lands First Annexation; (21) #35-88, Interstate Lands Second Annexation; (22)
#38-88, Interstate Lands Tract A Zoning; (23) #39-88, Interstate Lands Tract B
Zoning; Mr. Peterson continued Item #15, Revisions to Ordinance 113-1987
Minor Plat Ordinance and Item #19, Gateway at Harmony Road -Preliminary
PUD. They would be scheduled to be heard at the February 27, 1989 meeting.
Member Klataske pulled Item #1, the minutes, for discussion.
Lyal Nelson, asked that Items #3 and #4 be pulled for discussion.
Member Edwards noted a conflict of interest on Items #3, #4, and #5.
Member Kern moved to approve Items 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16.
Member Edwards seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
Member Groznik moved to approve Item #5. Member Shepard seconded. The
motion passed 7-0, with Alternate Burns filling in for Member Edwards.
Member Klataske noted that the minutes did not reflect his abstention from
voting on Fox Meadows Master Plan and Fox Meadows Phase One -Preliminary.
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 2
Member Shepard stated the minutes for the Timan Master Plan noted that she
asked about access off of College Ave. She requested that the minutes be
corrected to state that she asked about access to Skyway.
Member Kern asked that corrections to the November 23 be made as follows:
Page 2, ".. the owner washed to work .." should be wished; and ".. be a flatter
transaction.." should be transition.
Member Kern moved to the approve the corrected minutes. Member Klataske
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7-0.
Southridae Greens Master Plan Tract E - Amended Master Plan
Southridge Greens, Fairway Seven PUD - Preliminary
Sherry Albertson -Clark, Project Planner, gave a brief description of the
projects.
Mr. Nelson stated he had concerns regarding access to his property, which was
located to the east of the projects.
Mike Herzig, Development Coordinator, said that access to that site would be
difficult as it was in between the railroad tracks and the golf course, which
limited the access. He believed that access could be from the Oakridge project.
Member Groznik moved to approve Items #3 and #4. Member Kern seconded
the motion. The motion passed 7-0. Alternate Member Burns voted in place of
Member Edwards.
#61-88D WEST FOSSIL CREEK PUD, FIRST FILING, PACE WAREHOUSE
- Preliminary
Paul Eckman, Assistant City Attorney, read into the record letters received
regarding this project.
Linda Ripley, project planner, gave a brief description of the project.
Frank Vaught, Vaught -Frye Architects, began his presentation by stating that
warehouse shopping was the fifth largest form of mass merchandising and was
not a passing trend. He stated a PACE store in Fort Collins was projected to
do approximately $30 million per year in volume and generated about $825,000
in sales tax to the city. He also noted the indirect benefits such as building
fees and employment. He stated that staff and the applicants found this site to
be acceptable. tic said the south curb cut was to service the trucks and
loading trade, located on the southwest portion of the site. The central curb
cut was the primary customer access and the last curb cut to the north was
also customer access.
He stated that they have cut the floor elevation into the hillside about 6 - 12
feet to minimize the impact on College Ave. He said the building would
project from 2 - 4 feet above the railroad tracks. He stated that the existing
stand of trees will provide a natural screen of the larger parking area and the
occupants of the Cameron Office Park. The smaller parking area was along
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
• Page 3
the east side of the building and incorporates four layers of screening, with a
fifth and sixth layer planned in the future along Fossil Creek Parkway and
College Ave. He said the concrete building w s set back 400' from College
Ave. and has pole lighting no greater than 32'.
The signage was located on the east facade and on a free-standing sign at the
southwest intersection of Fossil Creek Pkwy. and College Avenue. It complied
with the sign code. He said that they have assembled a team to address the
environmentally sensitive areas as well as the storm drainage, traffic and water
quality, but pointed out that it was a preliminary plan. They did not have all
the answers but what they have submitted, was acceptable by city requirements.
Stan Myers, RBD Engineers, gave a background of the area. He pointed out it
was included in the Fossil Creek Basin, which was bounded by the foothills,
north of Harmony Road and south of Trilby Road. It comprised 20.9 square
miles. He stated that the Fossil Creek Master Drainage Plan, completed in
1982, was reviewed by the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County and Colorado
Water Conservation Board. This report included a hydro -analysis with both
fully developed conditions and existing conditions, using a storm water
management (swm) model. The report also includes a hydraulic analysis to
determine the water surface elevations during various storm periods.
He stated that the recommendation which came out of these studies indicated
detention at the PACE site was not needed. He stated the storm water peak
just below South College Avenue was 2,200 c.s.f. less than the peak found on
Lemay Avenue. The flows off the PACE site, in the 100 years storm were
about 92 c.s.f.. He said the peak would hit below S. College Ave. about 15
minutes after the storm and this was a situation which was not detained. If
they were forced to detain on -site, there would a very good chance the peak
would be increased. He stated they have addressed the concerns regarding
erosion control during construction, by the use of silk fences and hay bales to
limit sedimentation. To address water quality, they would like to utilize the
mitigation area by providing areas for the nuisance/low intensity flows to slow
down and where solids can settle out. He said they have applied to the Corps
of Engineers for any required permits for construction along Fossil Creek.
Ed Hyatt, Cityscape, stated the applicants were aware of the intense interest of
the citizens and Board of the removal of the cottonwoods along the drainage
ditch flowing into Fossil Creek. He stated Terry McKee from the Corps of
Engineers was at the site that day and Mr. McKee wanted to see a more defi-
nite description of the wetlands. The applicant will engage an environmental
consultant to do this survey to determine the wetlands which will be impacted
by the development. He explained that they wished to enhance the environ-
mentally sensitive area to become a wildlife habitat. The area was currently
covered with grasses and sedges, with no brush cover and they would like to
introduce more comprehensive plantings to provide cover and food for wildlife.
He stated they would attempt to channel the seepage and ground water and
detain it momentarily to create an area of enhanced plant growth. tic said the
trail would hold flows to increase available water for plants which wold
provide wildlife cover and food. This area would also capture sediment and
any pollutants. He noted the inclusion of a letter in the Board's packet from
• Empire Labs in regards to the fossil deposits on site.
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 4
Bob Leigh, of Leigh, Scott and Cleary, wished to address the relationship of
this project and the South College Access Plan and master plan of Fossil Creek.
He stated that the recirculation road on the west side of College Ave. would
provide a continuous roadway from Crestline on the south to REA on the
north. It would provide access at the signal and relieve traffic on College. He
said that by using traffic counts of warehouse stores in Denver, it was
determined that this store would generate far less than a multi -tenant shopping
center. This PACE would be a one destination shopping trip. It would gener-
ate 2,500 trips in and out. He stated there would be no backup on College
Ave. due to access of the frontage road, but the volume of traffic on Fossil
Blvd. would require signalization in the future.
Frank Vaught identified the immediate and distant neighborhoods surrounding
the site. He stated the PACE finished floor elevation would be 4974, which
was similar to a nearby building. He believed that there was no impact to
Applewood due to the elevations and natural buffering the rail track provided.
He cited the criteria in the LDGS for neighborhood compatibility in Appendix
D and believed that the applicant had met those criteria. He stated they were
aware of the conditions placed on the project and that they must be addressed
prior to final. He asked that the Board review the information and based on
that information, grant approval.
Member Walker asked how the mitigation area will deal with the 100 year
flood flow without washing or eroding the creek.
Stan Myers replied that they anticipate that a berm incorporated in the trail
system would serve to screen off the area and allow for temporary detention
of the mitigation area. He said they would incorporate into the berm a low
sidewalk chase that would allow the 100 year flow to top the berm in a weir
flow condition and slow the velocity so it would not wash out the berm.
Member Walker asked how much water could be detained before there was an
overflow condition.
Mr. Myers answered that they had not done the grading in the area to deter-
mine what the flows would be. The preliminary figures depend on what pond-
ing depth was used. He stated they did not wish to create a permanent pond
but the figures showed that a 2 or 5 year storm could easily be detained, but
could not make a final determination without additional data.
Member Walker asked the effect of storm flows on sedimentation and erosion
downstream.
Mr. Myers stated it may cause increased flows but the hydrographic chart
showed it would not increase the peak flows. He stated they would examine
measures which would keep the sedimentation at a minimum.
Member Shepard asked the role of the Corps of Army Engineers and if they
have jurisdiction over wetlands larger than one acre.
Mr. Myers stated any wetlands are reviewed by the local Corps office, whose
contact person was Terry McKee, to determine whether mitigation was required.
•
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 5
Member Shepard asked if that was what was referred to as a nationwide per-
mit.
Mr. Myers stated that nationwide permit was for wetlands under one acre.
Member Shepard asked if a nationwide permit would be required.
Mr. Myers replied that the appropriate permit would be determined on the
boundaries staked out by the Corp.
Member Shepard asked if the mitigation measures would not be known until
the area was staked out.
Mr. Vaught stated that two assessments to date have been done, a visual one at
master plan stage and the general wetlands mapped out for this preliminary
plan. The most recent assessment was done by Bob Wilkinson of the City
Natural Resources Dept. and Tim Buchannan of the City Parks and Recreation
Dept., along with Edward Hyatt. He said in order to satisfy the Corps, an
approved consultant must take samples to define the boundaries. If the Corps
decided that the wetlands were less than I acres, then mitigation efforts would
be voluntary and not required.
Member Shepard asked if mitigation efforts were required, what will be pro-
posed in the southeast corner.
is Mr. Vaught believed that they would use the guidelines for mitigation. The
site may be 3/4 of an acre and they need to have an accurate assessment,
which they expect soon.
Member Groznik asked to have the 1 acre clarified on the drawing.
Mr. Hyatt stated the area of mitigation was approximately one acre and that
the area to the north was environmentally sensitive but they were included in
the mitigation area for the purpose of enhancing wildlife habitat.
Member Groznik asked if mitigation measures for the stream bed were included
in the one acres.
Mr. Hyatt stated that they would not interfere with the stream bed except for
storm drainage improvements. Those included plantings in the vicinity of
where the embankment fell away, and the east side of the stream to act as a
buffer, and food for wildlife, as well as enhancement of creek area.
Member Groznik asked if a signal was required at the intersection of College
and Fossil Creek Parkway.
Mr. Leigh stated a signal was planned if sufficient traffic warranted the need.
Member Groznik asked if the traffic warrants would be met due to this partic-
ular project.
0
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 6
Mr. Leigh stated that the warrants were not likely to be met by this develop-
ment.
Member Edwards asked what the average Saturday trips would be.
Mr. Leigh stated about 30% higher than on weekdays, with weekdays averaging
2,500 trips per day.
Member Edwards stated that points are taken for not being on an arterial but
Mr. Leigh stated that 93% of trip generation would come off College Avenue.
He asked how they planned to deal with primary and secondary access.
Mr. Leigh stated that 56% of traffic was on S. College Avenue, north of the
site and 38% on S. College Ave., south of the site. He said this resulted in
traffic impact on the drive times of 4 - 5% of the projected traffic volumes
for the year 2010.
Member Edwards asked how much of the recirculation road would be built
with the PACE project.
Mr. Leigh said that looking at the master plan, only a small piece near the
nursery would prevent a full connection north. He said that development
would need to occur to fully complete the road.
Member Edwards stated that the re -circulation road did not appear to defuse
the impacts in the near future.
Ms. Ripley stated that under review of location criteria described in the Land
Use Policies Plan, the project follows these criteria and the land uses are
consistent with the approved master plan. She stated the project scored 50% on
the auto -related roadside point chart and that the applicant was able to take
additional points for non-renewable energy sources. She said a neighborhood
meeting was held on December 8, 1988 and the major concerns were the re-
alignment of Fossil Creek Parkway, storm drainage, increased traffic, natural
resources and architectural design. She stated that two additional meetings
were held on January 10 and 16, to discuss the realignment and PACE. She
stated the meeting summary was included in the packets. She pointed out that
the realignment of Fossil Creek Parkway was a separate issue from the PACE
development, although the development provides the City with an opportunity
to realign the street. Staff believed the project meets city criteria and
recommended approval with conditions.
Member Groznik asked for clarification on the Point Chart D, for this project
of 2 plus acres.
Ms. Ripley replied that the point chart scores only 0 or 6, no in between
scoring allowed.
Member Groznik noted that the applicant received points for joint parking. He
asked with whom they will be sharing the parking.
0
0
•
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 7
Ms. Ripley stated that the preliminary plan showed a future connection to the
north, so when that area was developed, parking would be shared.
Member Walker asked if there was a potential for a road cut through the
wetlands to the north for parking.
Ms. Ripley replied yes.
Member Shepard asked the location of the erosion control structures referred to
in the conditions.
Ms. Ripley stated that they were drop structures in Fossil Creek itself.
Member Shepard asked if the condition implies that the structures would be
built with this development or sometime in the future.
Ms. Ripley stated that at the present time, staff's estimate was that they be
constructed at preliminary, however condition "B" states that the developer must
update erosion studies to ascertain whether erosion control measures are
appropriate and then at that time determine what was necessary.
Member Edwards asked why, if staff determined that the facility was in a
regional community shopping district, an auto -related point chart was used.
Ms. Ripley the auto related specifically stated, "warehouse uses" in its
definition and staff believed it was the appropriate chart to use in the project
evaluation.
Member Edwards believed that although "warehouse" was in the PACE name,
the facility would not operate as a warehouse. He asked how staff arrived at
that definition.
Ms. Ripley stated that auto -related defined the uses as being free standing
department stores, as well as warehouses, and this fit the project. She said the
applicant filled out a business service point chart and scored higher on a
business service point chart than on the auto related chart. She said the
project did not take access directly from College Ave., as the curb cut will
serve more than PACE.
Member Edwards stated that if the recirculation road was not connected north
or south, then the main access was off of College Ave.
Ms. Ripley replied that it was true, but staff examined the long range develop-
ment potential and the recirculation road.
Michael L. Griffith, Attorney for Fossil Creek Meadows Homeowners' Associa-
tion, stated that the homeowners weren't opposed to development but were
concerned about the quality of development. He asked that the Board look at
the LDGS and guidelines carefully. He believed Member Edwards's questions
on the point chart were important. He stated the access was off College and
said that at the neighborhood meeting, they were told that the recirculation
road may never be developed. He noted that the PACE signage was placed on
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 8
College Ave., and indicated that he perceived the primary access to be College
Avenue. He related concerns regarding runoff from the parking areas and
roof and does not believe they have been addressed adequately. He also had a
concern on the stop sign and the collection of pollution in the basin. He
stated that if the project had impact in the County, then the City had to make
certain improvements and he knew of no such contact between the County and
City.
Rod Van Velsen, President of the Fossil Creek Meadows H.O.A., reviewed his
concerns. They regarded storm drainage, wetlands mitigation, architectural
compatibility, and increased traffic. He stated that there some residents from
Fossil Creek who would like to speak on specific issues.
Dr. Michael Harvey, a member of various national committees, pointed out the
importance of the topography in relation to the groundwater. He believed
there might be increased sedimentation and wished there were more facts and
information available showing the effects of runoff on the stability of the
creek. He stated the drop structures built up stream from the point of
discharge would not have any effect downstream and further development may
increase damage to the creek. He also felt that pollutants from the parking lot
run off would collect in the sediment and find their way into the creek. He
hoped that the applicants find out information first and build the structures,
rather than build first and deal with problems afterward.
Dr. Del Nimmo, stated he has worked with the EPA and has been with the
National Park Service for 16 years. He stated that American wetlands were
disappearing. He believed the wetlands impacted by the development exceeded
one acre. A study supervised by Dr. Alex Cringan for the Fossil Creek Mead-
ows H.O.A. was done for the residents and it stated the creek supplied aquatic
food for 24 species of birds. A study done by National Urban Runoff Pro-
gram, listed .pollutants found in water samples. The list contained lead, zinc,
copper, chromium, and arsenic. He noted from the report entitled, Water
Quality in the Nation's River, stated there was an increase of salt in the
nation's rivers and questioned the amount of salt to be used to de-ice the
parking lot at the PACE site.
At this time, Chairwoman O'Dell told the audience that due to the length of
the meeting, the remaining items would be heard next Monday, January 30, at
6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Craig Mulford, Boulder
Associates in
Architecture, thought
that although the
project had some merit,
he would like
the applicant to work
with the neighbor-
hood in regard to scale,
mass and materials.
He stated that
all areas were not
developable and this may
be one of
them. He pointed out
that to fit this
large building into the
site, the land
must be altered. He
stated the develop-
ment was not sensitive to
the site and
did not contribute in
a positive way.
Deb Moyer, a County resident, felt the stop light at the base of the hill will
keep car pollution in the basin. She stated the residents felt the realignment
of Fossil Creek Parkway and the PACE project to be associated. She said that
at the time Werner School came in, the City determined that the area was
unacceptable for a stop light, and she wondered why that area was now
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 9
thought acceptable. She believed this project might contribute economically,
but noted there were other locations.
Wayne Anderson stated he owned property 600' west of the PACE site and
wished to see adequate screening between the properties. He asked the relation-
ship to PACE and the railroad. He voiced concerns about site lights and the
possibility of a railroad spur for PACE deliveries.
Mr. Vaught stated there would be no railroad spur.
Bill Alexander, a geologist, said he visited the site and stated there were
fossils. He stated there was once a shallow sea on the site. It contained
marine life, hence the fossils. He believed this may be the most unique
feature along College Avenue. He thought a nature trail would be appropriate
for the Fort Collins area. He believed that the construction of the frontage
road would require a bridge and that this would be expensive.
Harold Swope, President Fairway Estates H.O.A., pointed out the current and
future developments and the cumulative effects of traffic impact. He asked
the Board to halt developments along College, such as the one done at the
Wal-Mart site.
Wes Nelson, a County resident, stated the area was not suitable for develop-
ment. He said there were areas, including the PACE site, which had been
designated by the City to be open spaces.
Randy Hamill, resident, asked about the impact of property values. He
believes that discount stores would cheapen the area.
Bob Kopitzki, believed some of the revenue from PACE will be from customers
taken away from K-Mart and Target. He had concerns about traffic impacts
and creek runoff.
Bob Lorigan, resident, had a concern about the pollutants in the area caused
by the project's runoff.
Rick Ensdorff, City Traffic Engineer, stated the traffic light location was
desirable as additional development warranted. He said that during icy
periods, the College Ave. light would remain flashing yellow, while the side
street lights would be flashing red. He pointed out that the placement of
signals would raise the priority of the area with the sand and plow crews. He
stated the City Master Street Plan, adopted by Council in 1981, identified the
need for a low intensity arterial street between Harmony Road and Trilby.
Chairwoman O'Dell asked if the re -alignment of Fossil Creek Parkway was
triggered by the PACE development.
Mr. Ensdorff stated the realignment was brought about due to the lack of
signalization on that portion of S. College and was in conjunction with the
South College Access Plan. He stated that he and the applicant have worked
together and have established a need for the arterial but he noted there were
0
options in the design
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 10
Member Groznik asked if the street will resemble the Lemay extension from
Horsetooth to Harmony.
Mr. Ensdorff believed that to be a close comparison, although the raised
median was not the standard design.
Member Shepard asked if the re -alignment had an impact to the bridge to the
east.
Glenn Schleuter, Storm Water Utilities, replied that the preliminary data
indicated there would be no effect.
Mike Herzig, Development Coordinator, stated the street design would not
affect the bridge at this time.
Mr. Peterson stated that the City met with the County Engineers on the whole
development, specifically, the re -alignment of Fossil Creek Parkway and the
effect on drop structures. The County indicated that they had no immediate
plans for action.
Member Edwards asked if Mr. Ensdorff felt comfortable with the scope of
study done in traffic analysis, as it did not take into account the interplay of
Target and other regional community shopping centers, which he believed this
project to be. He asked about the possibilities of frequent stops during
shopping trips along College Avenue.
Mr. Ensdorff stated the study did not include the numbers of trips generated
by a vehicle which stopped at all community regional shopping centers along
College Ave. He was confident that the traffic study examined the project in
a community wide nature with the appropriate traffic projections. He stated
the project adhered to the traffic study done in with the West Fossil Creek
Master Plan.
Member Edwards asked if any studies had been done both for short and long
term.
Mr. Ensdorff said that all traffic studies include both. He said that while it
looked at the current level of service, the study also examined future develop-
ment. He believed the recirculation road would eventually provide an impor-
tant access point for that part of the City.
Member Groznik asked if there were any current mitigation areas, such as the
one at PACE, which has received urban runoff and what the quality of wild-
life and condition of the area was.
Bob Wilkinson, City Natural Resources, stated there was nothing in the immedi-
ate area. He said that this type of process was being done in Denver.
Chairwoman O'Dell recalled Dr. Harvey's remark regarding sediment compaction
and asked for input.
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page I
Mr. Wilkinson stated that the water table east of the railroad tracks was very
low, which would increase the rate of permeability. He said they did not
know the consequences and agreed with Dr. Harvey that more information was
required.
Member
Groznik asked staff's
position
in regard to the erosion of
Fossil Creek
due to
more water and what
in the
study done by Simons and
Leigh would
mitigate
this.
Mr. Schleutcr stated that the drop structures were initiated by the Simons and
Lee Report. He noted that a further report was required as a condition of
approval.
Chairwoman O'Dell asked Mr. Vaught what will be visible on the roof of the
PACE structure.
Mr. Vaught stated 10 rooftop units which, although there was a parapet, could
be visible. He said that the two closest to the east wall would be set back 60'
and painted to match the roof.
Chairwoman O'Dell asked how many delivery trucks per day were anticipated.
Mr. Vaught said the PACE people estimated 15 to 20 trucks per day, spaced
over a 24 hour period.
Member Edwards asked if the size of the proposed building was comparable to
The Square.
Mr. Vaught replied yes. He said they were trying to achieve 4.5 - 5 cars per
thousand square feet, which was the number used at the Foothills Mall. He
stated that the applicants believed that there were no neighborhood compatibil-
ity issues as they were not adjacent to residential areas.
Member Groznik asked for more information in regards to the size, scale and
color. He also asked about the use of salt on the parking lots and why the
entrance was not on the east or south side of the building.
Mr. Vaught replied that during the design stage, the applicant wanted the bulk
of the parking on the north side to take advantage of the natural screening
with the design of the sloping roof from the north to the south for runoff
purposes. He stated that the design and impact was a fairly fixed footprint.
The loading was located on the west side to utilize screen. He felt this site
plan offered more positive potential, with the most negative being the north
side entrance. He stated he did not have information from PACE as to snow
removal and was sure there was other methods besides salting.
Member Groznik stated he saw a PACE in California with different lines and
felt more could be done with this plan. He asked why the floor elevation could
not have been lowered.
0
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 12
Mr. Vaught stated that the lower they made the floor elevation, the higher the
western retaining wall became. After looking at two building elevations, this
one was thought to have the least impact. The design will work well with the
pad to the south, recirculation of the road and the mitigation and drainage
area currently was on the north side.
Member Groznik asked if the drainage channel will be piped.
Mr. Vaught replied no, they want to keep it as surface waterway as it does
carry water. They had originally shown grays as the building colors and the
neighborhood had suggested natural browns, which they did not object to.
Member Groznik asked staff if the lettering on the building was being
reviewed as signage.
Ms. Ripley replied yes, it was a sign which would adhere to the sign code.
Staff asked for more information which will be reviewed with the final plan.
Mr. Vaught stated the signage at the entryway on College Avenue and Fossil
Creek Parkway was not just PACE signage. This sign would list six or seven
tenant names.
Member Kern asked what the noise levels are of the roof units.
Mr. Vaught replied that he had no information available but could get that
information. He believed the noise would be lowered during the night.
Chairwoman O'Dell asked how the applicants arrived at this site with all the
design and mitigation problems.
Mr. Vaught responded that PACE surveyed the area and felt this site met their
needs of being near a major intersection and the property price.
Chairwoman O'Dell asked if the applicant wanted the site near the Harmony
intersection even though PACE was a trip -specific business.
Mr. Vaught stated that yes, this was what the applicant wanted.
Member Walker stated that after visiting the site, he agreed that this was a
special site. He stated that by putting such a large building on this site, it was
determined how the rest of the land would be developed. The Cameron Park
area has smaller buildings, which make it easier to work with topography. He
stated that he could not answer favorably to all the criteria.
Member Walker moved to deny the project based on three criteria items that he
could not answer yes to in regards to this site. Those criteria were: 1) Item 12,
which asked that if the project contained known areas of natural or geological
hazard, will special engineering cautions be taken to overcome these limitations.
Member Walker felt that they were basically striking out into unknown realms
of this technology; 2) Item 28 asked If the design arrangements of elements on
the site were to favorable relationship with the existing natural topography. He
P & Z Meeting - January 27, 1989
Page 13
felt that this diverse site had been leveled; and 3) Item 33 asked if the site
design and arrangement of buildings and open space contributed to the overall
aesthetic quality of a site configuration. Again, he felt that this site had been
leveled.
Member Groznik seconded the motion by stating he felt the development was
insensitive to the site and violated valuable principles to the site design. He
felt the site was developable but smaller scale should be used and the mitiga-
tion measures were questionable.
Member Kern commented that he felt there were too many conditions placed
on this preliminary plan. He felt there was an inappropriate evaluation of
Fossil Creek Boulevard and College Avenue with this plan. He felt a regional
community shopping center would be more appropriate for this site.
Member Edwards commented that he would be afraid that if the project was
denied, the Board would have sent a signal that this property was undevelop-
able. He commented that by approving this with a long list of conditions
would also send the wrong message. He believed that by approving this as a
preliminary plan, it would create a level of expectations. He had serious
concerns that any conditions placed on the preliminary plan could be resolved
at the time of final. He stated he would like to defer voting on this project,
so he would vote against this project.
Member Klataske believed the site could be developed but was not sure it
should be developed with a project of this scope. He stated he would like to
have seen the project tabled for further study. He stated he would support the
motion to deny.
Member Shepard would not support the motion to deny. She believed the con-
ditions could be resolved at final and that the applicant should have the
opportunity to address the conditions. She was comfortable with the Corps of
Engineers determination and action regarding wetlands. She pointed out that
there are other developments, such as the Mall, whose primary access traffic
was from College Avenue but have alternate access points. She said that the
short and long term planning of the collector street had been seen before. She
stated she would like to see the city work with the wetlands mitigation
program.
Chairwoman O'Dell stated that when the site was approved as a master plan, it
was seen as a developable site. She did not believe this project to be
compatible with the existing topography, so would vote in support of the
motion.
Member Groznik stated that the applicant could come back with a revised site
plan for review. He believed if they are to set a precedent on the wetlands
mitigation, he would rather see a 2-1 or 3-1 wetlands replacement rather than
1-1.
Member Walker wished to clarify his motion and stated that he was not saying
no to PACE itself, but he believed the location was not suitable due to the
40 special care needed at this site.
P & Z Mecting - January 27, 1989
Page 14
Member Burns stated he had concerns regarding storm drainage, as presented
but believed it could be worked out. He thought that dealing with storm
drainage waste using aquatic habitat was new and might better be used in a
different location. He also believed the site plan did not fit the topography.
The motion to deny the project passed 5-2, with Members Shepard and Edwards
voting against.
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.