HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning And Zoning Board - Minutes - 06/27/1984PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MINUTES
June 27, 1984
The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Fort
Collins was called to order by Chairman David Gilfillan at 6:34 p.m., June 27,
1984, in the Council Chambers of the New Municipal Building, 300 LaPorte
Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Board members present included: Tim Dow, David Gilfillan, Sharon Brown, Don
Crews, Ingrid Simpson, and Alternate Randy Larsen. Member Gary Ross arrived
late at 6:37 p.m. Member Dennis Georg was absent.
Staff members present included: Ken Waido, Joe Frank, Cathy Chianese, Curt
Smith, Gail Ault, Mauri Rupel, Bonnie Tripoli, and Jan Shepard.
Legal representative was Ken Frazier.
Curt Smith gave the Agenda Review noting First Christian Church (#193-79D) had
been reviewed on Monday, June 25, 1984. Also the architect requested Courtney
Park (#31-84) be tabled until August to give staff and the Board the
opportunity to review the revised plans.
GRAESE ACRES ANNEXATION (#25-84)
Ken Waido gave staff report on this voluntary annexation recommending approv-
al. He indicated the Planning Office received one letter of support for the
project.
Member Ross moved to recommend approval of the annexation to City Council.
Member Crews seconded, the motion carried 7-0.
GRAESE ACRES ZONING (#25-84A)
Ken Waido gave staff report recommending approval of R-L-P zoning with a PUD
condition.
Member Brown moved to recommend approval, Member Ross seconded. The motion to
recommend approval with the PUD condition carried 7-0.
U-HAUL PUD - Preliminary (#32-84)
Joe Frank gave staff report with slides of the neighboring areas. Staff is
recommending approval with seven conditions being placed on the PUD regarding
landscaping, signage, trailer and parking placement, etc.
John Dengler, project planner, explained the U-Haul concept which includes
truck/trailer rental, rental equipment, RV service and sale of RV accessories,
and household storage. He stated South College is the gateway to the City and
must have quality development. This all metal building will have decorative
concrete block, stained tan, and bronze facia. There will be a berm to screen
the truck parking.
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June 27 P&Z
Member Ross questioned if RV parking would be extensive since parts for ser-
vicing are not readily available. He questionsed the parking situation,
number of units, and whether a security fence was necessary.
John Dengler responded the trailer parking would be predominately on the
northwest and southwest area. Customer short-term parking would be next to
College. No security fence would be necessary, and there would be larger
(40'X10') stalls in the northwest area which could accommodate a vehicle the
size of a Fort Collins firetruck.
Chairman Gilfillan asked if staff conditions were acceptable and Dengler
replied they were. Member Crews questioned the color (rust vs. orange) of the
building stripe and Dengler replied they would accommodate the City's request.
Member Larsen asked about the metal garage doors and building height and
Dengler indicated the building would be 28' high and the doors were the same
color (tan) as the decorative block. No mechanical equipment is included in
the building height, however it would not extend above the roof line.
Member Dow questioned the type of berming and John explained it blocks car and
trailer parking as well as the garage door area. Chairman Gilfillan asked if
it would be a 24-hour operation and Dengler stated it could work into one.
The Chairman questioned the street improvements with this project. John
believed it was a condition of Mini-U-Storage to build to Mason, this project
would be responsible for the remainder. Joe Frank indicated that the College
Avenue entrance for U-Haul was acceptable to the City. Member Brown
questioned the 8 garage doors and 14 bays and John explained the bays are for
parking U-Haul rental vehicles and the garage doors will be for servicing RVs.
Member Brown felt security would be a problem and a fence would be necessary.
Member Dow asked the parking capacity for U-Haul vehicles and John indicated
approximately 25 larger trucks and 8-10 trailers. Ross questioned the outside
storage for rentals and John stated it should be no problem. Gilfillan asked
about the lighting and John indicated some sort of lower pole lighting which
was on 24 hours would be used.
A discussion ensued on how to ensure restriction of truck and trailer parking
to the western half of the property. If it were a part of the PUD condition it
would be a zoning violation which could require 90 days in jail and $300 for
each day in violation. Chairman Gilfillan felt an agreement should be worked
out with City staff, attorney, and the applicant to ensure parking in the
rear.
Member Ross moved to approve U-Haul PUD subject to the seven staff conditions
and an agreement between the staff, attorney, and applicant on parking in the
rear. Member Crews seconded and motion carried 6-1 with Member Dow voting no.
He felt the seven restrictions were working against the development since they
wanted College Avenue exposure, and because they desired exposure perhaps the
site was not an appropriate location for the project. Member Brown noted she
agreed and would like to change her vote; however, Chairman Gilfillan
indicated the vote had already been recorded.
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June 27 P&Z
COURTNEY PARK (#31-84)
Frank Vaught of ZVFK indicated they had presented a revised alternative site
plan on Monday to the staff. In order to provide the staff and Board time for
review, and also so another neighborhood meeting could be held, they would
like to table the item until the July meeting. Chairman Gilfillan questioned
the date for the neighborhood meeting and July 11 was suggested. Curt Smith
indicated they would attempt to get the chambers again for the meeting.
GOLDEN MEADOWS MASTER PLAN (#78-80B) and GOLDEN MEADOWS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER,
PHASE 1 - Preliminary (#78-80C)
Cathy Chianese gave staff report on both projects. There will be four phases.
Three residential projects with a total of 589 units proposed: 16 ac with 20
DU/ac, a 13 ac site and a 10 ac site both with 12 DU/ac. A 21 ac neighborhood
shopping center is the 4th phase. The plan is consistent with an earlier
master plan submitted in 1977 prior to our formal master plan process. She
gave the rationale of the master plan. The neighborhood center had been
reviewed and approved in 1980 but expired; therefore, it was being resubmitted
and remained essentially the same plan. Staff was recommending approval of
both items.
Curt Smith stated City Council had approved the project for extending Lemay.
The City may borrow the money to complete the project early (summer 1986) but
it is currently scheduled for summer 1987.
K. Bill Tiley, applicant, 3220 Michelle Lane, managing partner of Collindale
South Partnership, explained the process behind the project thus far. They
are approximately 1-2 years behind because of the recession but are basically
adherring to the original master plan. Ed Zdenek, ZVFK, reviewed the Master
Plan and showed how the plan was integrated with the entire section of land.
The initial plan indicated 1171 dwelling units and that had been reduced, the
phasing remains the same, the traffic pattern remains well within City
standards. The higher density makes it easier to provide alternative trans-
portation as well as creating effective buffering. This project will be less
dense than Scotch Pines and meets the City Land Use Policies Plan and should
be approved.
Linda Ripley, planner, ZVFK, explained the neighborhood center uses and indi-
cated there would be 677 parking spaces, 20 percent shared.
Kristin Jensen, 1119 Monticello Court, resident, was concerned the landscape
buffer did not mitigate the density change. The Master Plan indicates three
apartment projects being used as a buffer to the single-family residential.
This project would be one of the largest in the City and neighborhood compat-
ibility is a great concern since there are many unresolved issues. She has
no objection to the neighborhood center. Member Ross asked who she was
representing and she stated the Golden Meadows Homeowner's Association.
John Pharris, Whalers Cove resident, representing concerned neighbors of
Whalers Cove and the Landings, opposed the Courtney Park PUD, the Golden
Meadows Master Plan, and to a lesser extend the Neighborhood Center. Under
the LDGS the purpose is to improve and protect existing neighborhoods from
intrusive developments. These project are socially and developmentally incom-
patible with existing architectural design, scale, and bulk. Whalers Cove is
4 units/ac single-family, Golden Meadows is 3 units/ac single-family and this
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June 27 P&Z
project would be 12 to 20 units/ac. In addition it would be 2� stories, 40'
in height, while the single-family areas are 1 to 1� stories with garages and
private yards. This project would be the largest apartment complex in Fort
Collins based on number of units, and number of acres involved. It would
significantly add traffic and cars (estimated 1500 to 2000) and increase the
traffic on Wheaton, Whalers Way, and Boardwalk because that was the shortest
route north. Trip consolidation was not encouraged by the project, its too
far from College to cater to student rentals, and no building permits should
be issued until Lemay Avenue is completed.
Curt Smith indicated South Lemay has been identified as an essential capital
improvement project and is funded from existing sources of revenue (not the
new sales tax monies).
Mr. Pharris further stated the site design with 40' building height would
hinder views of the Front Range and decrease property values. Courtney Park
had been previously denied at Horsetooth and Shields for incompatiblity with
the neighborhood and should be denied again in this location. Cathy Chianese
broke in to indicate the Heritage Park plan had never been formally submitted
therefore, it had not been denied. In addition the plan, streets, etc., were
all different and could not be equated with this project. Mr. Pharris stated
the density, unit design, and building mass remained similar and the project
was not compatible. Chairman Gilfillan reminded Mr. Pharris we were dealing
with the Master Plan and Neighborhood Center and should confine remarks to
that. Mr. Pharris stated the LDGS indicates a development should be evaluated
on its merit and maximum density is not allowed as "a matter of course". They
have a nice residential community and want to keep it that way.
Ralph Waldo, 1336 Tarryton Drive, realtor, indicated he was pro growth but
this is not a compatible project. Requested building permits not be issued
prior to Lemay completion. The speed limit and no truck traffic limitation
are currently not being enforced. There are 210 homes now in Golden Meadows
and the proposed 200+ would create a dangerous situation as every -thing is
north of the area and Lemay is the shortest and most traveled route. He felt
there was a lack of concern for the citizens south of the Collindale Golf
Course.
Eric Feder, 1312 Brittany Court, wondered what employment opportunities there
would be for people living in this area, questioned how the height and mass of
this project could be compatible next to single-family residences.
Greg Shubert, 1200 Dorchester, questioned the access from Wheaton and wondered
when the higway improvements would be made. Chairman Gilfillan indicated this
was a Master Plan and the specifics of improvements would not be dealt with
until the PUD; however, the street improvements should be with the project.
Mr. Shubert also wondered how the storm drainage worked, collecting in a
parking lot. Ed Zdenek indicated it was common practice to provide this type
of storm drainage and there would not be water standing in the parking lot
after a rainstorm. Greg also felt because some details have changed,
consistency with an earlier development concept is not necessarily an
appropriate argument now. Golden Meadows 4th changed from multi -family to
single-family and, therefore, the 5th filing should also have density reduced.
He felt it could be done without affecting the overall goals of the developer
and still meeting the needs of the neighborhood.
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June 27 P&Z
Greg Penfold, 4530 Bluefin, felt everyone was getting caught up in technical-
ities and common sense was being overlooked. Indicated he understood devel-
oper was anxious to develop their property but people moved to the location
for the life style and harmonious development and efficient, effective traffic
movement was necesary. The Master Plan didn't respond to those two criteria.
This would be the largest development of its type. The Board Members had
eluded to U-Haul becoming an eyesore on South College, the gateway to the
Choice City. Golden Meadows doesn't want this large complex on the "gateway
to the Choice City". With single family to the north and west it would make
sense to have lesser density on the outside and move to the interior for the
higher density. He felt the matter should be tabled for a number of years.
Gordon Havlow, 4106 Attleboro Court, Golden Meadows Homeowner's Association
President, represented the Board of Directors and some homeowners. They were
concerned with the Lemay Avenue situation and the density both of which had
previously been spoken to. He felt the underlying zoning was not a valid
argument. They were not against rental apartments or mixed land use but want
to ensure a quality development. Had no comments on the neighborhood
supermarket.
Vicki O'Keefe, 1604 Shenandoah, reiterated that because of the change in the
4th Filing to single family there should be a change here also to provide a
buffer with lower density. Questioned the size of the supermarket.
Linda Ripley indicated the supermarket would be approximatley 47,000 s.f., the
size of a major Safeway, and resemble the Drake Crossings store. Ms. O'Keefe
felt the car wash was unnecessary since there was a major car wash at Harmony
and College. Also felt the school issue had not been discussed and as
children in the area were currently being bussed, how would the new apartments
affect the situation. Chairman Gilfillan indicated that would be discussed at
time of PUD review. Cathy Chianese stated at time of preliminary more
specifics are available and its easier to make decisions.
Dilip Muranjan, 1656 Shenandoah, indicated he felt the neighborhood center was
not harmonious with the Golden Meadows development and opposed it. Chairman
Gilfillan indicated the Board appreciated the neighborhood involvement and
explained the Master Plan rationale.
Member Dow wondered if the Lemay timing was affected by this project; or if
this project was affected by the Lemay timing. Curt Smith responded no to the
Lemay timing being affected but possibly the project would be affected by the
Lemay timing. This and other area projects must be closely looked at as we
get into specifics, but we're not able to do so at this point. Chairman
Gilfillan said the Board would like to see the Lemay improvement completed
also.
Member Ross indicated he was on Board at time of the Golden Meadows 4th sub-
mittal and there is a consistency to this plan. We still need to recheck to
ensure plan is appropriate but believes the LOGS works. Member Brown asked if
the neighbors had alternatives to the master plan.
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June 27 P&Z
Kristin Jensen indicated alternatives were discussed on June 6, and will be
discussed at the next neighborhood meeting on July 11. There hope was the
applicant would table the Master Plan and, if not, they favor denying the
plan. Member Ross indicated it would be necessary for applicant to prove at
preliminary their reasoning on the plan. Kristin stated the Land Use Policies
Plan indicated desire to develop the northeast portion of the City and perhaps
the project should move there and receive more points; or phase the densities
for buffering.
Member Crews pointed out the master plan with 20 units may not be approved as
preliminary. Ms. Jensen concurred; however, it's a circular argument to work
first on zoning that regulates this density, then the project.
Bob Gaines, 1412 Ticonderoga, questioned if the master plan was approving the
general layout, why are such specifics included. The neighborhood is being
put on the spot when asked for recommendations tonight. The applicant pulled
Courtney Park without any notification, can the neighborhood pull Golden
Meadows? Member Ross drew parallels with Scotch Pines. Member Brown shared
concern to protect the neighborhood but the developer also has needs. Bob
felt an approval of this project was a precedent for approval of the
preliminary.
K. Bill Tiley, stated according to the plan, the 4th Filing was to be single-
family and Medema desired to change it to apartments. Eric Feder questioned
Board on numbers in the master plan not being important in the vote. Member
Ross again explained the preliminary plan would be reviewed by the Board.
Appropriateness of design determines density and developer may be asked to
reduce density at time of preliminary.
Greg Penfold reiterated neighbors concern that their "quality" place to live
is going to change; the developer convinced the Board before and could do it
again. Stated at this time they are not prepared with an alternative and
while Lemay is a concern the greatest concern is the density. Agree the
ground will be developed and perhaps a 6-8 unit/ac density around the
perimeter would be appropriate.
Sam McClain, Golden Meadows resident, favors long range plans; however, they
are not necessarily unchangeable. If the old plan was in error it should be
corrected.
Ron Miller, 4312 New Bedford Drive, felt if the plan was approved with the
numbers an expectation is set for the developer. Requested plan not.be appro-
ved with the numbers.
Vicki O'Keefe wanted a lower density, perhaps 5-8 units/acre. Needed assuran-
ce and protection that the proposal was liveable. Chairman Gilfillan indicat-
ed approval was no guarantee of future approval and explained the Master Plan
process again.
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June 27 P&Z
Bob Gaines, came to meeting on the defense. Stated he was nervous that
project had been discussed without first hearing neighborhood input. Member
Dow indicated the worksession was public and that two representatives were
present, a neighborhood meeting was held, and most Board members had received
phone calls on the project. Ross expressed his confidence in the LDGS, the
Board, the citizens, and the developer. He had not yet made up his mind on
the neighborhood center but felt the Master Plan was acceptable. He had seen
nice 16-18 du/ac projects and not approved some 6-8 du/ac projects that
weren't well done. It's more difficult to do a good job with high numbers
when adjacent to such a nice area, but it can be done.
Member Dow questioned the density expectations. Cathy Chianese explained
there have been examples of projects exceeding Master Plan numbers (as well as
projects submitted with lower numbers) and the master plan doesn't guarantee
anything; however, any change to exceed the master plan densities would
require an amendment to the master plan. Member Crews stated it was pointed
out earlier the LDGS says a development should be evaluated on its own merit,
maximum density should not be allowed as a matter of course. Member Simpson
indicated the audience was well armed and she hopes they continue to work with
staff on the master plan. She would also prefer the item tabled as the north
property line does not have adequate buffering.
Member Ross moved to approve the Master Plan proposal and Member Larsen
seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-2 with Members Simpson and Brown
voting no. Member Dow indicated while there may be some things about the
Master Plan that were not liked_, each submittal needs to be based on specific
site. Member Larsen agreed. Member Ross indicated Phase III had some
difficulties because of buffering so the developer should be on notice. feels
the developer has a big job ahead of him. Member Brown felt the expectation
for density approval was inappropriate. Member Brown voted no for three
reasons; because of expectations being set, and because Phase 1 and 2 are
inappropriate, and because the master plan does not include all the items it
should according to the LDGS (floor area and business type, height, type of
buildings, etc.). Chairman Gilfillan indicated he supported the master plan
concept.
Curt Smith noted the July 11 Neighborhood Meeting would be in council chambers
at 7 p.m.
GOLDEN MEADOWS, NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER - Preliminary (#78-80C)
Linda Ripley indicated she was available to answer questions. Member Dow
questioned the alternative uses for the northeast retail sector and Linda
indicated that would definitely be seen at final but was hard to answer now.
Member Dow wondered about the buffering to the north. Cathy indicated it was
shown on the Master Plan and Linda stated there was adequate green space
provided. The supermarket also has a retaining wall, berming, and more than
the required landscaping.
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June 27 P&Z
Member Crews asked about the phasing. Linda replied more than likely it would
be phased with the supermarket being built first. Ross questioned the
appearance of the back end of the supermarket and where the fast food
restaurant would be located. Linda noted it would be screened similar to
Drake Crossing. The restaurant to the northwest merely had an alternative of
a fast food source but they were anticipating a full service restaurant.
Member Brown wondered when we would see final. Linda stated this was a reaf-
firmation of a lapsed plan and that the supermarket would come first. Member
Larsen questioned buffering for the car wash garage doors. Bill Tiley indica-
ted the auto center needed to be close to Harmony. It would include a service
station, car wash, and jiffy lube of high quality.
Paul Johnson, 1113 Monticello, questioned how 20 points were earned for the
neighborhood shopping center. Mr. Smith explained it was based on the master
plan being on the agenda and approved first; it had no bearing on not tabling
the master plan.
Ken McNaught, 1606 Burlington Court, felt fast food is an inappropriate use.
Greg Penfold, didn't understand the 20 points and wondered about the proposed
construction date. Member Ross indicated the Golden Meadows 4th Subdivision
was approved also predicated on the proposed neighborhood shopping center.
Bill Tiley stated City requirements showed it would be nice to have a
neighborhood center every lJ miles. He felt construction might start as early
as 1986.
David Peugh, 1668 Shenandoah Circle, was for the shopping center but felt the
opening date of the center should coincide with the Lemay improvement
completion.
Member Brown questioned potential traffic problems with the bank facility
entrance opposite where the neighbors enter; however, Linda didn't forsee any
problems. Brown questioned building setbacks. Linda gave the -required
setback information. Brown wondered about the number of employes. Ed Zdenek
stated roughly one employee for 400 s.f, varies with the type of use. Member
Ross pointed out he liked the back drive in.
Member Dow moved to approve the project, Member Crews seconded, motion carri-
7-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Board was informed Brittany Ridge worksession would be July 13, CIC room, at
noon. Open House for Linden Farm project (South of Conifer on Redwood) at
5:30, Thursday, June 28.
Member Crews moved to adjourn, Member Brown seconded, meeting was adjourned at
10:40 p.m.