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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/31/2021 - NORTHEAST FORT COLLINS PLANNING AND PROJECTS OVERVDATE: STAFF: August 31, 2021 Rebecca Everette, Development Review Manager Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director WORK SESSION ITEM City Council SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Northeast Fort Collins Planning and Projects Overview. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to provide an overview of planning considerations, policy guidance, and future projects in northeast Fort Collins (north of Vine Drive, east of Lemay Avenue and generally encompassed in the Mountain Vista Subarea). As the largest area of mostly vacant, agricultural land in the Growth Management Area, significant development is anticipated over the coming decades. Council may be involved in various decisions related to planning and development in this area of the community, including plan amendments, development plans, annexation and zoning decisions, utility service agreements, metropolitan districts, and funding for capital projects. New and proposed development in the area has necessitated a holistic analysis of utility provision, the transportation network and community amenities in northeast Fort Collins, which pose both opportunities and constraints for the City. Staff will share background information and context for Council to set the stage for future action items. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. What questions or guidance does Council have related to planning and projects in northeast Fo rt Collins? 2. Would Council like additional information related to specific projects, issues or opportunities in this area? BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION 1. Long-Range Planning And Vision There are several plans and policies that describe the long -term vision for land use, development, infrastructure improvements, and community services in northeast Fort Collins. As that area continues to grow and evolve, these plans provide guidance and predictability for future development projects and public/private investment. Mountain Vista Subarea Plan The Mountain Vista Subarea Plan was adopted in 2009 and provides land use and policy guidance for the northeast quadrant of the city. The plan describes the vision for this subarea as: “…an area of Fort Collins known for its impressive views of the mountains and recognized for its successful and innovative community design. This subarea will be distinct and attractive with a comfortable, town-like atmosphere that residents and businesses identify with and take pride in. Ne ighborhoods, parks, schools, shopping district and business centers within this subarea will be connected and served by a variety of travel choices including vehicle, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes…” August 31, 2021 Page 2 Other key elements of the subarea plan’s vision and policies include: • Mixed-use neighborhoods composed of a variety of housing types and prices ranges; • Commercial centers and amenities near neighborhoods; • A new community commercial district with a small town-like pattern of streets and blocks and an emphasis on pedestrian use; • A network of streets and trails that are attractive, safe and pedestrian -oriented; • A range of job opportunities for the community and region on industrial and employment lands • Access, mobility and connectivity for all travel modes, with strategically located transit hubs; • Preservation and enhancement of existing natural features, historic resources, and scenic views; • Schools, parks and recreation opportunities linked by a greenway network; and • Well designed and attractive landscaping, signage and lighting with high -quality and innovative building design. In 2016, Council revisited the vision and framework plan for the Mountain Vista subarea. In work session discussions, Council reinforced their support for a land use framework that integrates open lands (including agricultural production, parks, natural habitat, and stormwater areas) with new residential neighborhoods, public facilities and employment areas. Council priorities for the area included “agri-urban” development, affordable housing, and implementation of Nature in the City goals. Transportation Planning In 2019, Council adopted an updated Transportation Master Plan and Transit Master Plan in conjunction with City Plan. These plans establish a vision for mobility in Fort Collins, achieved through a safe and reliable multimodal transportation network for all residents, visitors and employees. The Master Street Plan is an element of the Transportation Master Plan and establishes the overall street network for the community, including the layout and classification of roads, intersections, and other infrastructure. The Master Street Plan was also recently updated, in conjunction with both the City Plan Update and approval of the Montava PUD. The recent Master Street Plan amendments included a combination of reclassifications and modifications to existing and future roadways that will provide connectivity and access to the Mountain Vista subarea. The most significant changes were the realignment of Timber line and Mountain Vista and the addition of Turnberry and Giddings connections (south of Mountain Vista). The realignment of Timberline and Mountain Vista keep the existing road alignments and remove a future curve of Timberline through private property. The Turnberry and Giddings connections provide an additional four lanes of north/south capacity feeding to Suniga, providing a parallel connection to Country Club Road. The remainder of changes were minor realignments or additions that primarily impact the Montava development and were tied to the approval of the Montava PUD application. The Transit Master Plan defines a vision for expanded coverage of the transit network, August 31, 2021 Page 3 improved connections to transit, bus rapid transit along key corridors, and modernized operations. In the Mountain Vista Subarea, the Transit Master Plan identifies a future transit route with frequent peak service (15 min peak/30 min off-peak) along Suniga Road, Timberline Road, and Giddings Road. A transit center/mobility hub is planned n ear the intersection of Mountain Vista Road and Giddings Road. A mobility hub seeks to integrate transit with other modes of transportation and could include bus shelters, bike parking, scooter/bike share, car share, electric vehicle charging, and drop-off/pickup for ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber/Lyft). Parks, Recreation and Trails Based on the recently adopted 2021 Parks and Recreation Plan, there are approximately three new neighborhood parks and one new community park planned for northeast Fort Collins. Multiple regional trail connections are planned as development occurs over time. A new recreation center is also planned for northeast Fort Collins as the population continues to grow. Schools and Libraries Poudre School District (PSD) has long had plans for developing additional schools to serve northeast Fort Collins, including elementary, middle, and high school sites. Schools will be sited and built as needed and as funding allows in response to population growth and development activity. PSD continues to partner with developers in northeast Fort Collins to secure potential school sites and ensure that the District’s long -term needs can be met. The Montava PUD identifies sites for future elementary, middle, and high schools within the master plan. PSD has not indicated a timeline for the development of new schools in this area. The 2019 Poudre River Public Library District Master Plan identifies the need for an additional library facility that is “accessible for the populations of and beyond nort h Fort Collins.” The new library would offer “diverse spaces for people and programming” and would serve as a key community amenity for residents in northeast Fort Collins. 2. Active Projects And Investment Development Projects Multiple development projects are planned, under review or have been approved in recent years in northeast Fort Collins. Council’s role in relation to development projects varies based on the nature of the project. For projects that involve plan amendments, annexation, zoning or rezoning, metro districts, or Planned Unit Developments larger than 640 acres, Council is the decision-maker. For development projects that do not involve these actions, the Planning and Zoning Commission or an administrative hearing officer are the decision-makers, though Council may be involved in appeal proceedings as needed. Development projects are required to comply with all applicable Land Use Code requirements and must conform to the policy guidance in City Plan, the Master Street Plan, and other ad opted policies and plans. Montava Planned Unit Development August 31, 2021 Page 4 Montava is a multi-phase, long-term development proposal located in the northeast portion of Fort Collins. Council approved the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Master Plan in February 2020. The development is estimated to take about 20-25 years to build-out, will include about 4,000 housing units, a commercial town center, employment and industrial uses, a community park, schools, natural area, and other community amenities across approximately 1,000 acres. At full build-out, the master plan is estimated to accommodate about 11,000 residents. Council has also approved a Metro District Service Plan and Public Benefits Agreement for Montava. The public benefit commitments include: • Affordable Housing: The Montava Metro Districts are obligated to deliver 300 affordable and 300 attainable housing units, with a 20-year deed restriction on the affordable units. • Climate Action: All single-family units will be constructed to meet or exceed the Department of Energy Zero Energy ready standard. • Agri-urban Component: Development of a working 47-acre farm within a 5-year period to become operational. If the farm does not come to fruition in this period, the City has an option to purchase the land. • Non-potable Irrigation System: The irrigation needs of the development and its residents will be provided by the existing groundwater wells that have historically irrigated the property, rather than treated potable water. Staff expect the first phases of the Montava development to be submitted for City review in late 2021 or early 2022. Transportation Projects Major transportation projects planned in northeast Fort Collins include: • The Vine Drive and Lemay Avenue overpass - in construction and scheduled for 2021 completion; • The completion of various portions of Suniga Road - with development activities; • A new signal at Timberline Road and Vine Drive - scheduled for 2022 completion; • A new signal at SH1 and Douglas Road - scheduled for 2021 completion; • The completion of various portions of Turnberry - with development activities; • Timberline/Mtn Vista widening and intersection improvements - with development activities. Other improvements, including roadway widening consistent with the Master Street Plan and intersection projects, will be identified through individual development applications. The City will work closely with the County to accommodate the sensitive nature of Country Club Road, which is a collector street in unincorporated Larim er County. City staff has a conceptual design for the extension of Turnberry Road that would eventually connect with the East-West Suniga Road connection, and this includes improvements at the Turnberry and Mountain Vista intersection. Progression to a final design of this section will be dependent upon development activity in the area and will require extensive coordination with the County and adjacent property owners. Additionally, operational and traffic increases, as development occurs, will further drive needs for infrastructure investment, such as August 31, 2021 Page 5 Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF) funding, for traffic system improvements. Parks, Recreation and Trail Projects The Park Planning and Development Department has been coordinating with mu ltiple developers to reserve parkland and secure easements for future paved recreational trails. As part of the Montava PUD approval, a site for future Northeast Community Park has been identified. The City recently completed construction of two new neighb orhood parks in the area, including Crescent Park in the Maple Hill neighborhood and Sugar Beet Park, located near Vine Drive and 9th Street. Construction of Traverse Park, located in the Trail Head neighborhood, is currently underway and planned to be ope n in late 2021. 3. Utility Services Potable Water and Wastewater Utilities The Mountain Vista Subarea is predominately within the East Larimer County Water District (ELCO), which provides potable water treatment and delivery services for existing and f uture customers. The only exception is that Fort Collins Utilities serves the Anheuser Busch facility near Richards Lake Road and I-25. ELCO requires new development to provide certain water rights to meet at least 70% the water demands of the new developm ent and will allow up to 30% to be satisfied by paying cash-in-lieu of dedication of water rights. City Plan observed that “much of the remaining undeveloped land in the GMA is not served by City sewer and water utilities, which could impact the availability, timing and pricing of future development in these areas.” There are eight water and sewer districts that serve city residents within the GMA. These districts were mostly created in the 1960s as compared to the City’s system that is well over 130 years old. The districts are serving small populations that are more spread out, which will drive their capital costs higher as compared to the City’s compact, populated utility service area. Some developers have expressed concern that costs related to water and wastewater services are increasing, and they are having trouble acquiring water rights as the market is increasingly competitive. The rising cost of development can affect affordability of housing as well as the ability for the development to provid e other infrastructure and amenities. These conditions are spurring developers to explore alternative approaches to providing water supplies, including groundwater. While groundwater is common in other areas of the state and country, groundwater is not currently within any GMA water provider’s existing water portfolios. Note that land use authorities in Colorado are required to evaluate the adequacy of the water supplies for a proposed development and staff are ready to start working on an update to this process to make it more robust to a variety of solutions developers may pose. Council has established a priority to advance regional collaboration, indicating that water is one area of focus for this work. Addressing the competition for water resources in Northern Colorado will take dedicated effort. Starting locally to address this challenge within the City’s GMA is a good place to begin the conversation and will also need to be part of a larger conversation. August 31, 2021 Page 6 The Mountain Vista Subarea is predominately within the Boxelder Sanitation District (BSD) service area for wastewater conveyance, treatment and disposal. Like water service, Fort Collins Utilities serves the Anheuser Busch facility, even though it is within BSD’s service area. BSD has a treatment plant across the Poudre River from the Fort Collins Drake Water Reclamation Facility that serves a large geographic area, including NE Fort Collins, Larimer County, and Timnath. BSD’s Plant Investment Fee for single-family homes is much higher than Fort Collins Utilities, which reflects the need to provide service in a large geographic area. BSD has developed a multi-family rate and a program for affordable housing to help address these concerns. Stormwater Utility The Mountain Vista Subarea is in the Cooper Slough Drainage Basin, which drains to Boxelder Creek watershed and eventually the Poudre River. Fort Collins Utilities Stormwater Division has completed a Master Stormwater Plan, including a Selected Plan for improvements in the Cooper Slough Basin to address a lack of adequate stormwater infrastructure within the basin to meet the level of service as established by policy. Working with developers within the Cooper Slough Basin is an opportunity to partner to meet the requirements of the dev eloper and make improvements identified to serve existing residents. The Stormwater Department generally works through Development Agreements to partner on these projects. Utility Infrastructure to Serve Development The Mountain Vista Subarea Plan calls for a compact, mixed-use land use pattern in Northeast Fort Collins, which supports healthy and connected neighborhoods. Providing utility services in neighborhoods with narrower streets, buildings that front on greenways, and denser development can require creative problem solving and flexibility in adopted standards. As new development is proposed in this area of the community, the City will continue to partner with various utility providers to balance the vision for walkable, vibrant neighborhoods with the need for safe and reliable utility services. 4. Future Council Involvement Council may be directly involved in several future projects and planning efforts. The following projects are on the horizon and may require Council input or decisions: • Appropriation of funding for future capital projects (e.g., Suniga Road connections, Turnberry Road extension, parks and trails); • Future amendments to the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, Master Street Plan or other long - range plans in conjunction with development proposals, as needed; • Future amendments to the Montava PUD Master Plan or Metro District Service Plan, as needed; • Adoption of a new Water Adequacy Determination process for “non -standard” utility service plans; • Requests to collaborate with developers, other water providers, and/or communities to support local and regional water needs. For example, purchase or lease of water for August 31, 2021 Page 7 augmentation, water service agreements, or treatment capacity sharing. ATTACHMENTS 1. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF) Presented by: Northeast Fort Collins Planning Discussion 08-31-21 Rebecca Everette Development Review Manager Theresa Connor Interim Utilities Executive Director ATTACHMENT 1 2Purpose of this Item •Provide context and background on long-range planning, infrastructure projects, and development in northeast Fort Collins •Outline opportunities and constraints related to planning, transportation, parks and recreation, and utility services •Prepare Council for future discussions related to capital projects, plan amendments, and development projects 1.What questions or guidance does Council have related to planning and projects in northeast Fort Collins? 2.Would Council like additional information related to specific projects,issues or opportunities in this area? Area of Consideration •North of Vine Drive, East of Lemay Av enue •Mountain Vista Subarea •Council District 1 •Majority of vacant land in Growth Management Area •Separate water and wastewater districts 3 VINELEMAY 4CityCouncil’s Role •Council may be involved in various decisions that affect northeast Fort Collins, including: •Plan amendments •New codes, policies and processes •Annexation, zoning and rezoning •Capital project funding •Metro district requests •Utility service agreements •Major amendments to Montava PUD •Development projects on appeal POLICY & PLANS CAPITAL PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Long-Range Planning & Vision 6Historyof Planning in Northeast Fort Collins 1999 Mountain Vista Framework Plan Adopted 2008-2009 Mountain Vista Plan Update Update 2015 Rural Scenario Assessment 2019 Updates to: •Master Street Plan •City Plan •Tr ansportation Master Plan •Tr ansit Master Plan 2020 Montava PUD Approved 2021 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update 7Mountain Vista Subarea Plan Vision Vision for the Mountain Vista Area: •Mixed-use neighborhoods with a variety of housing types and prices ranges •Preservation of existing natural features, historic resources, and scenic views •Schools, parks and recreation opportunities linked by a greenway network •Commercial centers and amenities in close proximity to neighborhoods •Access, mobility and connectivity for all travel modes, with strategically located transit hubs •Attractive and innovative architecture and urban design 8Direction from Council (2015) •Specific topics to address with future development: •Nature in the City •Urban Agriculture •Housing Affordability •Investigate partnership opportunities for infrastructure improvements •Promote innovative design •Enhance livability and integrate agricultural and natural systems 9Master Street Plan 10Transit Master Plan 11Public Space Network 12Proposed Parks and Trails 13Montava Planned Unit Development (PUD) •999-acre master plan •Complete, connected community •Neighborhoods •Parks •Schools •Working farm •To wn center •Office/industrial •Community facilities Active Projects & Investment 15Recent Development Activity Lak e C anal No. 8 OutletLarimer and Weld Canal R i c h a r d's L a k e L o n g P o n d Linden m eierLake Jacks o nDitchLak e C anal No. 8 OutletLarimer and Weld Canal R i c h a r d's L a k e L o n g P o n d Linden m eierLake Jacks o nDitchTurnberry RdMtn Vista Drive TimberlineVine Dr GiddingsSuniga Country Club Dr Lemay11 11 Montava* 22 Country Club Reserve 33 Wa ter ’s Edge / Sonders* 44 Wa terfield*Richards Lake Rd Douglas Rd22 33 44 Recently Approved = Metro District* N 55 55 Northfield* Initial Phases of Montava Development Coming Up 16Planned Transportation Improvements 11 Vine & Lemay Overpass (2021) Suniga (various sections) Timberline/Vine Signal (2022) Current Projects (Funded, underway, or complete) Future Projects (with Development) 77 Turnberry (various sections) Turnberry & Country Club Signal (complete) Timberline / Mtn Vista widening & intersection improvements Mtn. Vista / I-25 Signal Vine Dr Bridge over I-25 (complete) 66 22 33 44 55 SH 1 / Douglas Rd Signal (2021) 88 99 17Parks, Recreation and Trail Projects Tr averse Park Under Construction Opens Fall 2021 Crescent Park Opened 2019 Sugar Beet Park Opened 2019 Vine & Lemay Trail Underpass Under Construction NE Community Park Park Site Identified Iron Horse Park Property Purchased Richards Lake Park Property Purchased Paved Trails Multiple Easements Secured East Ridge Park Park Site Identified Poudre River Whitewater Park Opened 2019 18Policy& Program Initiatives •Multiple initiatives currently in progress that help advance the vision for Northeast Fort Collins: •Housing Land Use Code Updates •Nature in the City Land Use Code Updates •Housing Strategic Plan Implementation •Tr ansportation Capital Project Prioritization Study •Neighborhood Action Planning Utility Services 20Water Utilities •Potable Water service provider: East Larimer County Water District (ELCO) •Requires water rights be provided which is more expensive than the current Utilities Cash In Lieu fee. •Groundwater system is being explored as water supply in this area by Montava. •Fort Collins Utilities has been requested to partner in a lease of water to augment the groundwater proposal by Montava. •As the cost of water rises, the number of other amenities that a developer can provide to the development and still remain competitive in housing prices may decrease. ELCO SERVICE AREA 21Wastewater Utilities •Wastewater Service provider: Boxelder Sanitation District (BSD) •Large Service Area with population that is spread out drives higher capital costs. •BSD has developed a multi-family rate to reflect changing nature of development in their service area. •BSD did establish an affordable housing policy. BOXELDER SERVICE AREA 22Stormwater Utility •Fort Collins Utilities is the stormwater provider in this area •Mountain Vista Subarea is in the Cooper Slough Drainage Basin •Any partnering on stormwater improvements would be incorporated into development agreements NE Fort Collins: Opportunities & Challenges 23 Opportunities •Largest undeveloped area of city •Potential for full range of housing options and mixed neighborhoods •Impact fees for infrastructure and amenities •Potential for new parks, schools, open space, and community facilities Challenges •High cost of development •Utility service constraints •Water supply and costs •High infrastructure needs to serve growing population 24Mountain Vista Subarea Plan Vision “…an area known for its impressive views of the mountains and recognized for its successful and innovative community design. This subarea will be distinct and attractive with a comfortable, town-like atmosphere that residents and businesses identify with and take pride in. Neighborhoods, parks, schools, shopping district and business centers within this subarea will be connected and served by a variety of travel choices including vehicle, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes…” 25Council Discussion 1.What questions or guidance does Council have related to planning and projects in northeast Fort Collins? 2.Would Council like additional information related to specific projects,issues or opportunities in this area? Vi sion for Northeast Fort Collins Zoning Ac reage Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood (LMN) 1,298 acres Medium Density Mixed Use Neighborhood (MMN) 144 acres Employment 660 acres Industrial 450 acres Open land, community park and school site 400 acres Community Commercial 30 acres To tal 2,989 acres 27 Growth Management Area (GMA) Boundary Mountain Vista Subarea City Limits (Yellow)