HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/18/2000 - RESOLUTION 2000-94 AUTHORIZING THE SUBORDINATION T AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 31
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL DATE: July 18, 2000STAFF•
Timothy Wilder
SUBJECT:
Resolution 2000-95 Accepting and Approving the Downtown River Corridor Implementation
Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program is a plan of action for the area along the
Cache la Poudre River near Downtown Fort Collins. The Program is intended to coordinate the
implementation of existing and new projects involving natural features, recreation, public
infrastructure, historic resources, flood mitigation and development. The Program consists of two
distinct phases. The first phase, which concludes with the attached report, has been the process of
identifying priorities,recommending next steps,and providing public outreach.The next phase will
consist of formation of an interdepartmental "River Team" to guide project implementation.
BACKGROUND:
The objectives of the Program were to coordinate existing projects and develop a prioritized list of
new projects in the Downtown River Corridor. The Program relies on existing plans for its vision,
policies,regulations and potential action items. Cfty Plan was a primary source, providing for the
area's vision, and principles and policies. In addition, the Program retains the land uses and
development standards contained in the Land Use Code.
Process
The Program was initiated in January 1998 by staff through the 1997- 1999 Council Policy Agenda.
Over 100 meetings were held with City Council,City boards and commissions,community groups
and individuals to gain input on new projects in the Corridor. In addition, staff held numerous
meetings with a newly formed property owners association. Four large public events were held: (1)
a community symposium was coordinated with the Poudre River Trust on May 30, 1998;(2)an open
house on May 26, 1999; (3) a community meeting on October 6, 1999; and (4) a joint stormwater
open house on April 3, 2000.
The Parks and Recreation,Planning and Zoning,Natural Resources and Transportation Boards,the
Landmark Preservation Commission and the Downtown Development Authority reviewed the list
J
DATE: July 18, 2000 2 ITEM NUMBER: 31
of new projects in priority order. Many of the comments made by the boards and commissions were
incorporated into the final project priorities and summary report. Some of the comments are
summarized below:
• The Parks and Recreation Board recommended adoption of the recommended prioritized projects
on April 3.
■ The Planning and Zoning Board supported the list of projects with some changes to the
priorities, particularly for flood protection projects, and to funding sources.
■ The Natural Resources Board recommended that the Oxbow site be purchased for a natural area.
The Board also recommended that the use of natural resource monies be limited to priority areas
along the river.
■ The Transportation Board was concerned about funding transportation improvements given other
city-wide transportation needs and suggested that the priorities should reflect emphasis on non-
vehicular modes of travel.
• The Landmark Preservation Commission in general was supportive of projects. Commission
members supported inclusion of a survey of historical resources into the project list.
■ The Downtown Development Authority provided a list of their project priorities.
City Council reviewed background information and the list of projects at a Study Session on April
11, 2000. Since the Study Session, the information developed over the last two years has been
assembled into a report, which also contains Program recommendations.
I
The Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program contains three recommendations:
1. Form an interdepartmental staff"River Team" to coordinate the implementation of projects
between departments and between the City and non-governmental entities.
2. Through the River Team,investigate and pursue existing and new funding sources and provide
coordination for public outreach through all phases of implementation.
3. Implement the following projects:
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DATE: July 18, 2000 3 ITEM NUMBER: 31
1st Priority
Cache la Poudre River Habitat Restoration
Linden, Willow and Lincoln Streetscape Improvements
Jefferson/Linden Intersection Improvements
Jefferson/Riverside Streetscape Improvements
Off-Street Public Parking
Contaminated Site Assessments
Recreational River Channel Enhancements Feasibility Study
Oxbow- Acquisition for Public Use
Flood Protection Improvements for the Buckingham Neighborhood
N. CollegeNine - Flood Protection
Triangle (Lincoln Avenue) - Flood Protection
Lemay Avenue Levee
Bank Stabilization
2nd Priority
Environmental and Cultural Interpretive Program
Cache la Poudre River Trail Amenities
Linden/Willow Urban Design Features
Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside
3rd Priority
Gateway Features
Downtown Shuttle Service
! Also, the report describes existing projects, new projects and possible funding sources. This
information is provided as guidance for the next phase of the Program,which is the analysis,design
and construction or implementation of new projects in the Corridor.
Attachments:
• Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program Summary Report
• Memorandum from the Natural Resources Advisory Board
RESOLUTION 2000-95
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE DOWNTOWN RIVER CORRIDOR
IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, pursuant to the 1997 - 1999 City Council Policy Agenda, a program was
initiated in January, 1998, to develop the Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program(the
"Program"); and
WHEREAS,over one hundred meetings have been held with City Council,City boards and
commissions,community groups,property owners associations and individuals to gain input on new
projects in the Downtown River Corridor(the "Corridor"); and
WHEREAS,various public events and symposiums have been held to aid in the adoption of
the Program; and
WHEREAS, as a result of said meetings, symposiums and public events, the staff has
developed and presented to the City Council a Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program
Report which is intended to coordinate the implementation of existing and new projects involving
natural features, recreation, public infrastructure, historic resources, flood mitigation and
development in the Corridor; and
WHEREAS,the Program uses as its foundation the elements of City Plan together with the
standards contained in the Land Use Code, as well as adopted area plans; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Board, Natural Resources Advisory Board and the
Downtown Development Authority have recommended certain amendments to the Program and have
recommended to the City Council that it accept and approve the Program as proposed to be amended;
and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board has recommended to the City Council that it
accept and approve the Program; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Fort Collins has determined that it is in the best
interests of the citizens of the City that the Program be accepted and approved.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the Council hereby accepts and approves the Downtown River Corridor
Implementation Program, including: (1) the list of prioritized projects, (2) directions for the
formation of a"River Team" to guide Program implementation,(3)directions for the investigation
and pursuit of funding sources and(4)the provision of public outreach throughout implementation,
all as described in the Report attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A".
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 18th day of July,A.D.
2000.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
3
Downtown
s River Corridor
Implementation
f x
Program
Summary Report
DRAFT
July 10, 2000
ift
City of Fort Cotllns
City of Fort Collins
CommuWty'Planning and Environmental Services
Advance Planning Department
Downtown River Corridor
Implementation Program
Summary Report
City of Fort Collins
Community Planning and Environmental Services
Advance Planning Department
• DRAFT
July 10, 2000
Table of Contents
Executive Summary...............................................................................................................................1
Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
Purposeand Intent............................................................................................................................................... 3
StudyArea and Context......................................................................................................................................3
PlanningProcess.................................................................................................................................................5
Existing Framework...............................................................................................................................9
Basisof the Program...........................................................................................................................................9
LandUse Regulations.........................................................................................................................................9
HistoricResources............................................................................................................................................. 10
NaturalResources............................................................................................................................................. 10
Flood p l ai ns........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Previous Plan Actions and Strategies................................................................................................................ 15
AreaIssues........................................................................................................................................................ 15
ExistingPublic Projects.................................................................................................................................... 16
PrivateProjects.................................................................................................................................................. 19
New Projects.........................................................................................................................................21
Key Features of the Program.............................................................................................................................21
DowntownRiver Corridor Themes...................................................................................................................21
Descriptionof New Projects............................................................................................................................. 23
Project Priority Recommendations.................................................................................................................... 31
Implementation Plan............................................................................................................................33
Timing of Project Implementation....................................................................................................................33
Interdepartmental Downtown River Corridor Lead Team("River Team").......................................................33
Funding.............................................................................................................................................................33
BriefDescription of Funding Sources...............................................................................................................37
Infilland Redevelopment.................................................................................................................................. 38
Appendix A-Relevant Plans and Programs.....................................................................................39
Appendix B: Actions From Relevant Plans.......................................................................................41
Appendix C -Diary of Events.............................................................................................................43
Appendix D-Public Comments..........................................................................................................47
Appendix E: Resolution to Acquire Certain Floodplain Properties...............................................71
Figures and Tables
Figure 1: Downtown River Corridor Location.............................................................................................4
Figure2: Existing Zoning...............................................................................................................................I I
Figure 3: Historic Resources..........................................................................................................................12
Figure 4: Natural Areas and Natural Habitats and Features.....................................................................13
Figure 5: Poudre River and Old Town Floodplains...................................................................................14
Figure6: Existing Project Locations.............................................................................................................18
Figure 7: Illustrative Concept Plan................................................................................................................29
Table1 : Theme Areas....................................................................................................................................22
Table2: Project Priorities..............................................................................................................................31
Table 3: Implementation Matrix...................................................................................................................35
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program
• Executive Summary
The Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program (DRCIP) is a plan of action for the area
along the Cache la Poudre River near Downtown Fort Collins. The Program is intended to
coordinate the implementation of existing and new projects involving natural features, recreation,
public infrastructure, historic resources, flood mitigation and development.
The Program does not suggest changes in City Plan or the Land Use Code. Instead, the Program
builds on existing projects and programs, especially City Plan. As spelled out in City Plan, the vision
for the Downtown River Corridor is for enhancement and restoration of natural features of the
river, an extension of Downtown uses and character towards the river landscape, and the integration
of cultural and recreational opportunities into the area.
The Program consists of two distinct phases. The first phase,which concludes with this report, has
been the process of identifying priorities, recommending next steps, and providing public outreach.
The list of projects and descriptions, which resulted from this process, are crucial for coordinating
projects and pursuing appropriate funding sources. The second phase will consist of actual project
implementation.
The following are actions recommended to implement the Program:
i. Form an interdepartmental staff"River Team" to coordinate the implementation of projects
between departments and between the City and non-governmental entities.
2. Through the River Team,investigate and pursue existing and new funding sources and
coordinate public outreach through all phases of implementation.
3. Implement the following projects:
Vt Priority 2"d Priority
Cache la Poudre River Habitat Restoration Environmental and Cultural Interpretive Program
Linden,Willow and Lincoln Streetscape Improvements Cache la Poudre River Trail Amenities
Jefferson/Linden Intersection Improvements Linden/Willow Urban Design Features
Jefferson/Riverside Streetscape Improvements Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside
Off-Street Public Parking
Contaminated Site Assessments 31d Priority
Recreational River Channel Enhancements Feasibility Study Gateway Features
Oxbow-Acquisition for Public Use Downtown Shuttle Service
Flood Protection Improvements for the Buckingham
Neighborhood
N. College/Vine-Flood Protection
Triangle(Lincoln Avenue) -Flood Protection
Lemay Avenue Levee
Bank Stabilization
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 1
• Introduction
Purpose and Intent
Despite community aspirations over many years to restore and revitalize the environs along the
Cache la Poudre River near Downtown Fort Collins, few enhancements have come to fruition.
Only a few isolated enhancements have been completed. Recently, the 1997-99 Council Policy
Agenda identified the need for a more coordinated approach towards actions in the Downtown
River Corridor ("Corridor). The completion of City Plan in 1997 also provided further impetus for
a process and mechanism to improve the relationship of the city to the river in this area.
In January 1998, a committee made up of staff from a variety of City departments began work on
the Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program ("Program"). The Program's mission was
to coordinate City projects in the Corridor and to identify, filter and prioritize future projects
recommended in various planning documents done over the years. The intent of the Program was
to build on existing documents and studies rather than add a new vision for the Corridor. This
report contains information and recommendations from the first phase of the Program. The second
phase will consist of implementation of the new projects contained in this report.
Study Area and Context
The Downtown River Corridor is an �iu
approximately 330-acre area adjacent to
Downtown along the Cache la Poudre
River. This area is bounded by Vine
Drive on the north,Martinez Park on
the west,Jefferson Street/Riverside
Avenue and Mulberry Street on the
south, and Lemay Avenue jogging over
to 1"Street on the east (see Figure 1). In
City Plan, the Corridor is described as a
sub-district of Downtown, and as the
"Historic and Cultural Core Segment"of
the Poudre River Corridor. V
The area around today's Linden and
Willow intersection was the parade
grounds of the military fort established in 1864. After the army relinquished ownership in 1872,
various uses served the area such as flour m ling,retailing, farming and ranching,lodging, animal
feed production, housing, and the City dump.'Me portion of the Corridor between Jefferson Street
and Willow Street is part of the Old Fort Collins National Historic District. The entire Corridor is
part of a "national river corridor,which Congress designated in 1996 for the Cache la Poudre River
to recognize its critical historical value in the westward expansion of the U.S. One of the most
significant physical changes that occurred in the past century was the channelization of the river
between Linden Street and Lincoln Avenue. This resulted in the relocation of the river from the site
• now known as the "Oxbow" to the south in its present location. The river has scoured the channel
in this section down to bedrock.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 3
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Today, the Downtown River Corridor contains a diverse mix of commerce, heavy and light industry,
offices, recreation, and housing. Union Pacific has a rail line passing through the area, and there are
several working and abandoned rail spurs. There are 72 different landowners in the area, the largest
of which is the City of Fort Collins. Residences are scattered throughout the Corridor and
residential and commercial uses are not clearly
separated. The residences are found singly or in small
clusters, often immediately adjacent to business and a „,
industrial sites. The Buckingham neighborhood is
located just to the east of the Program area. A variety
of community service agencies are within the Corridor
including a United Way center, the Education and Life
Training Center,The Mission and the Open Door
Mission. The Downtown and the Old Town area are
immediately to the west of the Program area, although
separated by Jefferson Street/Riverside Avenue,which
serves as a state highway and major truck route.
Approximately 30%of the land area within Corridor is city owned. A significant portion of this
percentage is within natural areas,including Udall Natural Area and the Gustav Swanson Nature
Area. Other public lands are the former Fort Collins Light and Power Plant,Northside Azdan
Community Center and Old Fort Collins Heritage Park, Buckingham Park,Wastewater Treatment
Plant #1, and the former Dreher Pickle Plant site.
. There has been a limited amount of newer development within the Corridor. Two significant
buildings recently constructed include the United Way building in 1985 and the New Belgium
Brewery in 1997.
The proximity of the Poudre River to Downtown presents unique opportunities for increasing
public awareness of and access to this valuable resource. In addition, protecting and enhancing
wildlife habitat is eased by the lack of development in many areas immediately adjacent to the river.
However, providing the right degree of balance between conflicting uses remains a challenge in
some areas. City Plan, the Land Use Code, and this Program provide a framework for appropriate
change, protection, and development in the Corridor
Planning Process
As mentioned earlier, this Program synthesizes the work of earlier plans. Each of these was
developed through an extensive planning process that included many opportunities for public
participation. In addition, the Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program included a two-
and-a-half-year process with public participation.
The planning process was conducted in three stages: identification of relevant implementation actions,
filtering of actions into a manageable list,and prioritizing of filtered projects. Specific milestones and
outreach techniques are listed below:
Downtoa n River Corridor Implementation Program 5
January. 1998—June. 1998
Signficant Milestones: Outreach:
• Inventory of existing plans,studies and • Meetings with"Working Group" (diverse
programs community members)
• Collection of background information • Presentations to City Boards and
• Identification of potential actions Commissions
• Joint organization of Poudre River Trust
Symposium a 30
July. 1998—December. 1998
Significant Milestones: Outreach:
• Identify sub-area themes • Series of property owner design workshops
• Begin filtering potential actions Formation of web page
• Presentations to City Boards and
Commissions
Meetings with interested parties
January. 1999—June. 1999
Significant Milestones: Outreach:
• Complete project filtering and selection • Property owner design workshops
based on themes and community input • Community Open House (May 26)
• Develop initial project feasibility analysis • Presentations to City Boards and
• Begin research on implementation strategies Commissions
• Meetings with interested parties
• Council Study Session(February 23
Jam. 1999—December. 1999
SignficantMilestones. Outreach:
• Develop recommended priorities for • Community Meeting(October 6)
projects not in Poudre River floodplain Presentations to City Boards and
• Prepare initial project cost estimates Commissions
• Meetings with interested parties
J n�.2000—August. 2000
Significant Milestones.• Outreach:
Develop recommended priorities for • Community Open House(April 3)
projects within Poudre River floodplain • Meetings with community organizations
• Prepare revised project cost estimates • Presentations to City Boards and
Prepare Program report Commissions
• Council review of staffs recommendations • Planning and Zoning Board Hearing
(APB 6)
City Council Study Session(April 11)
• City Council Regular Meeting ul 18
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Prograrn 6
. The ongoing public involvement process resulted in hundreds of comments representing a broad
spectrum of views. Public participation was key in identifying the most important projects for
implementation and providing feedback on project descriptions. One of the most significant
milestones for the project was the creation of a property owner's association in the Corridor. This
has provided an efficient mechanism for effective ongoing dialogue between City staff and owners.
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Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 7
Existing Framework
• Basis of the Program
The Program is principally based on policies contained in City Plan. These policies describe a unique
river setting balancing uses with sensitivity towards the river environment. Some key excerpts are:
Downtown District-Poudre River Subdistrict Policy DD-1.6 Land Use. Principle land uses
adjacent to Downtown include a mix of public conservation and recreation areas, retail,
offices, residential and light manufacturing. Development and redevelopment
opportunities, including both public and private activities,will enhance and extend the
existing Downtown uses and character toward the river, provide an adequate buffer
between new development and the natural riparian environment, and integrate cultural
and recreational opportunities into this area.
Water Conidars-Po&g PRC-1.2 Historic and Cultural Core River Segment(College Avenue to
Lemay Avenue). This segment of the river includes many of the community's oldest and
most significant historic and cultural features, the Old Town Historic District, and the
Downtown. Land uses in the area should be more flexible than in other river segments
and emphasize connecting the river to Downtown, providing multi-purpose spaces that
celebrate the historic relevance of the river to the community, continue the important
and unique relationship between the waterway and surrounding urban environment, and
maintain those natural elements of the river as it passes through the Downtown. To the
extent feasible, the floodplain will be protected and natural habitat and floodplain values
. will be maintained. Redevelopment opportunities will be permitted.
One way of summarizing the vision more simply would be:
Create a unique Downtown River character that enhances the natural river
environment, increases pedestrian vitality and recreation,protects historic
resources, and capitalizes on opportunities forland use change.
Land Use Regulations
No changes to the Land Use Code or Zoning Map are proposed as part of the Program. Zone
districts in the Corridor include River Downtown Redevelopment (RDR), Community Commercial-
Poudre River (CCR), River Conservation (RC), Public Open Lands (POL), Employment (E),
Industrial (I), and Transition ('I). These districts allow for a wide variety of uses,including
commercial, housing,industrial,recreation and open lands (see Figure 2).
Existing uses are permitted and existing buildings can be enlarged if they meet certain conditions.
Owners are not required to pursue redevelopment or to change the use of their structures.
However, the RDR zone district "offers opportunities for more intensive redevelopment of housing,
businesses and workplaces to complement Downtown...Redevelopment will extend the positive
characteristics of Downtown such as the pattern of blocks,pedestrian-oriented streetfronts and
lively outdoor spaces." The CCR zone district "provides locations for redevelopment or
. development of moderate intensity uses that are supportive of Downtown, subject to floodplain
restrictions."
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 9
Historic Resources
The protection of historic resources is an important value for the Downtown River Corridor. Part
of the area is within the Old Town National Historic District. There are three buildings designated
as Fort Collins Landmarks within the Corridor: the Harmony Mill, Ranchway-Feeds (Lindell Mill),
and the Old Light and Power Plant. There are also several undesignated locally significant historic
buildings: the Union Pacific Freight Depot, the Union Pacific Passenger Depot, the Poudre Valley
Elevator Company Complex, the Giddings Machine Company building and a few smaller structures.
Besides the protection of significant resources through local landmark designation and demolition
review, historic resources can be preserved through Section 3.4.7 in the Land Use Code. This
section provides for the preservation and adaptive use of historic resources and requires that new
buildings are compatible with the historic character of adjacent historic buildings (see Figure 3).
Natural Resources
There are two city-owned natural areas in the Corridor: the Gustav Swanson Nature Area and the
Udall Natural Area. The Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map shows approximate locations of
natural habitats and features (see Figure 4). New development or significant redevelopment
projects near the Poudre River trigger development standards dealing with natural habitats and
features. The exact locations of the features are defined through a development proposal. Buffer
zones are established to protect the ecological character of the habitat from the impacts of activity
associated with the development. General buffer zones along the Poudre River within the Corridor
are 200 feet north of Lincoln Avenue and 300 feet south of Lincoln Avenue, except for the RDR
zone district, where a landscape buffer is required but no specific width is stated. Zone distances
may be increased or decreased by the City decision maker based on performance standards. They
may also be modified if the application of buffers imposes an undue hardship on the developer.
Floodplains
A portion of the Corridor,primarily on the northeast side of the river, is within the Poudre River
floodplain (see Figure 5). Recently adopted revisions (2000) to the floodplain standards for the
Poudre River prohibit new development in the floodway and product corridor. The product
corridor is the area where the product of the depth of flow times the velocity is equal to or greater
than 6. In addition, new residential development is not allowed in the 100-year floodplain. The City
has also adopted a program to purchase property in the floodway,product corridor, and floodplain
from willing sellers (see Appendix E). Priority properties for acquisition are those properties with
structures located in the floodway or product corridor. This provision affects about 14 structures
near the College Avenue and Vine Drive intersection. In addition, the City has designated the
construction of improvements to protect the Buckingham neighborhood as a high priority.
Several areas to the southwest of the river are within the Old Town floodplain (see Figure 5).
Floodplain standards require elevation for residential structures and elevation or floodproofing for
non-residential structures. A stormwater project in the vicinity of Linden Street is planned to
remove properties from the Old Town floodplain in the next several years. Stormwater capital
projects are more fully described in the section "Existing Public Projects."
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 10
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100 Year Floodplain 14
Previous Plan Actions and Strategies
. Besides City Plan, there have been numerous plans and studies prepared over the years for the Cache
la Poudre River as it passes through Fort Collins. These plans provided a source of potential
actions within the Downtown River Corridor. A list of plans is provided in Appendix A. Actions
and strategies from these plans are provided in Appendix B and are organized by area.
Area Issues
The Downtown River Corridor is facing a number of issues that must be dealt with if the City Plan
vision is to be achieved. The primary issues are:
• Degraded wildlife habitat decreases the presence of wildlife and hampers important wildlife
movement;
• Deteriorated appearance of river banks and bed resulting from dumping of debris;
• Potential for flooding;
• Erosion of riverbanks, such as below Ranch-Way Feeds, which may threaten the stability of
adjacent property;
• Deteriorated pavement and poorly aligned intersections hampering business access and
movement of people into and through the area;
Missing sidewalks, curbs and bike lanes resulting in unsafe conditions;
Poor existing parking and lack of parking opportunities for new development;
• Possible hazardous contamination;
■ Deteriorated appearance of some properties discourages investment in the area and reduces its
attractiveness for recreation and shopping;
• Unused railroad spurs binder transportation access and development opportunities.
In addition, the Corridor is facing coordination issues resulting from a variety of projects affecting
the area. For example, in order to avoid repeated disruptions to existing businesses and to reduce
costs, stormwater and street improvements should be constructed simultaneously.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 15
Existing Public Projects
One of the primary goals of the Program has been to coordinate the implementation of existing
projects in the Corridor (see Figure 6). Prior to the start of this planning process, several projects
were already in the planning, design or construction stage.
Flood Protection Improvements for the Buckingham Neighborhood
Resolution 2000-71 identified the construction of the improvements to protect the Buckingham
neighborhood as a high priority and directed staff to pursue the design and construction of the
necessary improvements as soon as reasonably possible.This project is identified in the Draft Poudre
Master Drainagemay Plan.
Revisions to the Old Town Floodplain Regulations
Stormwater Planning staff is conducting a public process on possible revisions to the City's
floodplain regulations. The review of the Old Town floodplain regulations will take place after
review of other basins.
Poudre River Floodplain Property Acquisition Program
Resolution 2000-81 directed the City Manager to actively pursue the acquisition of non-conforming
structures and vacant land in the floodway,product corridor, and floodplain on a "willing seller,
willing buyer' basis. Priority is given to non-conforming structures in the floodway and product
corridor. Purchase is subject to the appropriation of the necessary funds.
Udall Natural Area Restoration
Restoration of the Udall Natural Area will improve wildlife habitat through revegeration, creation of
shallow detention basins, and other elements that will be incorporated into the stormwater treatment
component of the Mountain Avenue storm sewer project. The project will include a water quality
element, access and circulation through a trail system, and interpretation.
Linden Street/Mountain Avenue/Udall Natural Area Stormwater Improvements
Stormwater improvements will address floodplain issues south of the Poudre River in the Old Town
Basin. Improvements would include storm sewers,water quality features and other systems.
Funding will come from Stormwater basin fees.
Downtown Railroad Track Consolidation Project
This project has resulted in the removal of unneeded exchange tracks along Willow Street from
Linden Street to Lincoln Avenue and other improvements. Additional work includes rebuilding of
crossings on Linden and Lincoln with signals and gates. Staff is currently identifying funding for the
crossing improvements and work is expected to be performed in 2001.
Vine Drive Paving
Pavement rehabilitation work on Vine between College and Redwood is expected in 2000.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 16
Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge over Poudre River at Mulberry
• Components include a retaining wall, limited grading and trail connections to the Poudre River Trail,
Riverside and Lemay. This would be constructed in 2000 as part of the Mulberry/Lemay
Roundabout Project.
Lemay/Lincoln Intersections Improvements/Widening of Lemay
These improvements would be completed in conjunction with the Mulberry-Lemay Crossings
development.
US 287/SH 14 Access Management Plan
A joint City-Colorado Department of Transportation Access Management Plan was recently
completed to address the need for improved traffic flow and enhanced safety on Jefferson/Riverside
and North College Avenue. Implementation will take place through both short-term and long-
range improvements.
New Northside Aztlan Communily Center
No decision has been made on a location for the new Northside Azdan Community Center. It may
be rebuilt in its present location if a better location is not found before Building Community
Choices funding becomes available in 2002. The building would be approximately 40,000 square
feet. The cost is estimated at$6,940,000.
Brownfields Assessment
The City of Fort Collins recently received a Brownfields Pilot Grant from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. The Grant will allow the City to identify contaminants,inventory affected sites,
identify responsible parties, and plan appropriate risk-based cleanups throughout the Corridor. The
City received $200,000 to apply to redevelopment areas and $50,000 towards greenspace purposes.
The assessments are scheduled to be completed by October 2002.
Inventory of Historic Properties
The City has identified a project to prepare an intensive level survey of historic properties
throughout the Corridor to determine their historic importance. This project will build on existing
surveys and inventory all historic structures and features.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 17
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AuthorityBoundary of Downtown Development
9 Existing Project
0 Other Public Facilities
The Corridor has also been suggested as an alternative site for the new public library and performing
arts center. The City is currently conducting a site selection process with the assistance of
consultants.
Private Projects
At the time of this report, a project involving redevelopment of the Sears-Trostel building has been
through a conceptual review with the City. Plans for other redevelopment projects along Linden
Street have been suggested. The resolution of issues such as adequate parking, rail crossings, and
street improvements will require ongoing private and public cooperation because of their complexity
and high cost.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 19
i�
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•. 20
New Projects
• Key Features of the Program
Based on an existing plan inventory,analysis of existing conditions, and public outreach, the
following are key features of the program:
restore the river to protect and enhance the natural environment
• address hazardous contaminants
• adapt recreational needs to the river environment
• extend the Old Town pedestrian character into the area
• provide an appropriate transition between development and the river
pursue opportunities for public spaces and facilities
• build people places into the streetscape and trail system to add vitality to the area
• address basic infrastructure needs
• protect and highlight historic features and the area's history
• address floodplain issues,whether it be protection or mitigation
Downtown River Corridor Themes
With assistance from a working group made up of City staff and community citizens, staff identified
themes for specific areas along the corridor. The themes provided a consistent approach for
evaluating and filtering down the many potential future projects contained in plans and studies. If a
project was consistent with the theme for the area in which it was to be applied, then it was retained
for further analysis. In some areas where themes were not defined,it was assumed that little change
would occur in the near future.
. The following table describes themes for Downtown River Corridor areas:
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 21
Table 1 : Theme Areas
Area Theme
Poudre River at College Avenue • Flood mitigation
Natural area buffer to river
Enhanced wildlife corridor
Gateway
Old Power Plant Site • Retain existing,public use
Recreational opportunities
Natural area buffer to river
Enhanced wildlife corridor
• Site restoration/revitalization
Potential new minor public uses behind main Power Plant
building
Conscientious stewardship
Northside Aztlan Community Center • Public,active recreation use (community center or other civic
Site use and park)
Natural area buffer to river
Enhanced wildlife corridor(discovery points,stabilization,
restoration)
Opportunities for additional public ownership
Linden/Willow Area • Redevelopment or Existing Uses
Historic resource rehabilitation and interpretation
River edge restoration
Natural area buffer to river
Oxbow Site • Public space that maximizes natural resource values and provides
public access
Determine long-term use which merges river values
Transition to Buckingham neighborhood
Floodplain mitigation
Natural area buffer to river
Enhanced wildlife corridor
Lincoln Street-Poudre River • Redevelopment opportunities
Triangle • Natural area buffer to river
Enhanced wildlife corridor
Floodplain mitigation(building protection or washable
architecture)
Possible transportation-related uses
Link-N-Greens ■ Development opportunities (towards northeast)without
preclusion of existing Golf Course use
Natural area buffer to river
Enhanced wildlife corridor
Floodplain protection/discourage development
Integrated recreational access
■ Protect view corridors
Gateway
Pickle Plant Site • Settle major access constraints before determining use as
redevelopment or open lands
Natural area buffer to river
Gateway
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 22
Description of New Projects
Area themes were used as the first cut at filtering projects down to a reasonable number for
•
implementation. Public participation also provided an important means to filter projects and to
refine and prioritize new projects. Significant public input was gained from the Poudre River Trust
Symposium in 1998, the May 1999 open house, the October 1999 community meeting and the April
2000 open house. In addition, City Board and Commissions provided valuable input, much of
which has been incorporated into this report.
The Program has been closely coordinated with the Revisions to the Poudre River Floodplain
Regulations project. Projects in the 100-year floodplain are consistent with the floodplain criteria
adopted by Council on June 20, 2000 and related Council resolutions.
The Illustrative Concept Plan (Figure 7) shows possible locations of most new projects. It does not
illustrate a proposal for any specific buildings;rather it illustrates general relationships between
possible future redevelopment areas, the river, and public spaces. Specific project locations will be
determined in the second phase of the Program.
Cache la Poudre River Habitat Restoration
Location: Degraded riverbanks and river channel from N. College to E. Mulberry
Description: The riverbed and riverbanks are in poor condition. A significant amount of concrete
debris and other trash has been dumped along the riverbanks and within the river channel. There
. are
areas of inappropriate public access to the river. In addition, weedy and non-native species exist
throughout the river corridor. These problems have degraded the habitat and aesthetic qualities of
the river. This project involves restoring and enhancing the banks of the Cache la Poudre River,
improving the wildlife movement corridor, enhancing aquatic habitat, and improving the riparian
habitat along the river corridor. Much of the restoration is anticipated to take place through the
implementation of projects on lands adjacent to the river.
Linden_ Willow and Lincoln Streetscape Improvements
Location: Area between Jefferson/Riverside and river
Description: The current right-of-way lacks sidewalks and curb and gutter. The pavement is in
poor condition. Willow Street is offset from north to south as it crosses Linden Street. Parking
along the street is random and informal. This project would provide streetscape improvements
including sidewalks, curb and gutter,realignment of intersections,paving, lighting, and street trees.
Improvements to Lincoln Avenue would entail the construction of another bridge over the Poudre
River because of the street's status as a four-lane arterial.
Jefferson/Linden Intersection Improvements
Location: Jefferson/Linden Intersection
Description: The Linden/Jefferson Street Intersection is intimidating to pedestrians. This project
. would improve the pedestrian connection from Downtown to the river corridor along Linden
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 23
Street. Elements could include street trees,widened sidewalks, safety improvements for autos,
bicyclists and pedestrians, special crosswalk treatment,and a comer feature at Jefferson Street Park.
Jefferson/Riverside Streetscape Improvements
Location: Jefferson/Riverside
Description: This project would implement some of the recommendations contained in the draft US
287/SH 14 Access Management Report for Jefferson/Riverside. Elements would include improving
Jefferson/Riverside to a modified arterial street, constructing a bike path on the east side of
Riverside, providing street trees and sidewalks in some locations,providing street access restrictions,
and providing left turn lanes at N. College, Linden and Lincoln.
Off-Street Public Parking
Location: Developed area between the Poudre River and Jefferson Street
Description: It is anticipated that future redevelopment will result in the need for more off-street
parking. On-street parking will likely be insufficient to meet the demand. This project involves
coordination between the public and private sectors to identify the amount of parking needed and
the location of future lots. As a first step, a parking study will be needed to identify the parking
needs of future public and private land uses.
Contaminated Site Assessments
Location: Properties throughout the area
Description: Several areas are suspected of having hazardous contaminants. This project would
determine which areas have actual contamination concerns and provide a course of action for
cleaning up those sites. Funding for assessments and mitigation planning has been obtained through
an EPA Brownfields Pilot grant in the amount of$250,000. The portion of the project addressed by
the grant is expected to continue until 2002.
Recreational River Channel Enhancements Feasibility Study
Location: Within the riverbed between N. College and Lincoln Avenue
Description: This project would analyze the feasibility of providing water recreational opportunities,
including boating, fishing and other uses. Channel enhancements could include river rocks and
other natural materials added to the river channel to create a series of drop structures and pools.
Several access points could be constructed for river put-ins and take-outs. The feasibility study
would address several issues associated with the concept,including cost,environmental impact,
effects on wildlife,wildlife habitats, available water flow and gradient, and others.
Oxbow-Acquisition for Public Use
Location: Oxbow (Kiefer/Chandler Property) -20 acres between Lincoln and Linden on east bank
of river
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 24
Description: Purchase from willing seller for public uses. Use possibilities include a natural area, an
amphitheater,gardens, and other uses.
• Flood Protection Improvements for the Buckingham Neighborhood
Location: Oxbow (Kiefer/Chandler Property) - between Lincoln and Linden on east bank of river
Description: Resolution 2000-71 identified the construction of the improvements to protect the
Buckingham neighborhood as a high priority and directed staff to pursue the design and
construction of the necessary improvements as soon as reasonably possible. This project is identified
in the Draft Poudre Master Drainageway Plan.
N. College Avenue/Vine Drive Area Flood Protection
Location: Properties in Poudre River floodplain near N. College/Vine
Description: Resolution 2000-81 directed the City Manager to actively pursue the acquisition of non-
conforming structures and vacant land in the floodway, product corridor, and floodplain on a
"willing seller, willing buyer" basis. Priority is given to non-conforming structures in the floodway
and product corridor. Purchase is subject to the appropriation of the necessary funds. Land
remaining in private ownership has opportunities for redevelopment subject to development
regulations.
Triangle (Lincoln Avenue) Flood Protection
. Location: Properties in Poudre River floodplain in the Triangle (Lincoln Avenue south of
Buckingham Park)
Description: Resolution 2000-81 directed the City Manager to actively pursue the acquisition of non-
conforming structures and vacant land in the floodway, product corridor, and floodplain on a
"willing seller, willing buyer" basis. Priority is given to non-conforming structures in the floodway
and product corridor. Purchase is subject to the appropriation of the necessary funds. Land
remaining in private ownership has opportunities for redevelopment subject to development
regulations.
Lemay Avenue Levee
Location: Along Lemay Avenue north of Mulberry Street
Description: This project involves construction of a levee to provide flood protection for the
Airpark area. The project is identified in the Draft Poudre Master Drainageway Plan.
Bank Stabilization
Location: Areas identified in the Draft Poudre Master Drainageway Plan,including the riverbank next
to Ranchway Feeds and several locations between Lincoln Avenue and Mulberry Street.
Description: Several river bank areas are eroding and may over time cause property damage and loss
of riparian vegetation. This project would determine the need for bank stabilization in specific
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 25
locations. If stabilization is deemed appropriate, bank protection could consist of either natural or
structural elements landscaped to provide habitat and a natural appearance. This project would be
coordinated with habitat restoration and other projects as appropriate.
Environmental and Cultural Interpretive Program
Location: In appropriate locations along the trail and in the developed area
Description: The Downtown River Corridor has a rich ecological and cultural history. Interpretive
features would raise public awareness of the history and ecology of the area. Signs, kiosks, and other
interactive displays would highlight the Old Fort Site and Parade Grounds, the influence the Cache
la Poudre River had on early settlement, and the ecological role of the river.
Cache la Poudre River Trail Amenities
Location: Along the trail between N. College and Lincoln Avenue
Description: This project includes installation of trail enhancements such as discovery points (river
access), benches, landscaping, small plazas, specialty gardens where appropriate along the trail. In
addition, the Old Power Plant Grotto would be restored. A crushed gravel walking path would be
constructed where needed.
Linden/Willow Urban Design Features
Location: Developed area between the Poudre River and Jefferson Street
Description: This project would enhance the pedestrian environment and add vitality and
uniqueness to the area. Pedestrian amenities could be constructed to complement typical streetscape
elements. The amenities could include elements such as small pedestrian plazas, a water feature
("mill race"), sculptures, and other unique features.
Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside
Location: Pickle Plant Site at Mulberry/Riverside
Description: The Ciry-owned Pickle Plant site is currently leased to a private party. It has major
access constraints due to the railroad lines paralleling Riverside and the site's close proximity to the
Mulberry/Riverside intersection. This project would determine the long-term use and provide site
enhancements to improve the area's attractiveness.
Gateway Features
Location: Three possible locations include the Lincoln Avenue,Linden Street and North College
Avenue bridges over the Poudre River.
Description: This project would implement the recommendations for gateways into Downtown by
the Downtown Plan. The project would consist of three separate improvements to improve entry
Downtown River Conidor Implementation Program 26
improvedimage into Downtown. Elements could include
e,pedestrian plazas, improved
sidewalks and an bridge.
-Downtown 5hutfle Service
Location: Where appropriate
Description: The Downtomn Plan recommends - between Downtown
activity centers. In addition to Old Town, the Civic Center, CSU and the Mason Street Corridor
have been suggested as possible destinations. The Downtown River Corridor could serve as another
shuttle destination. This project would provide a quick and convenient modc of transportation and
could possibly reduce future parking needs.
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Project Priority Recommendations
Projects were prioritized through an extensive community outreach process and City Board and
Commission input. All of the projects described above are considered important. The priorities
listed below define the order in which projects are recommended to be pursued. All of the projects
in each priority category (i.e., 1",2'and 3`d priority) are of equal importance. However, there may
be unanticipated opportunities or demands for implementing lower priority projects before higher
priority ones.
Recommendation: Implement the projects listed below.
Table 2: Project Priorities
1"Priority
Cache la Poudre River Habitat Restoration
Linden,Willow and Lincoln Streetsca a Improvements
efferson/Linden Intersection Improvements
Jefferson/Riverside Streetsca a Improvements .
Off-Street Public Parkin
Contaminated Site Assessments
Recreational River Channel Enhancements Feasibility Stud
Oxbow-Acquisition for Public Use
. Flood Protection Improvements for the Buckingham Neighborhood
N. College/Vine - Flood Protection
Triangle Pncoln Avenue - Flood Protection
Lemay Avenue Levee
Bank Stabilization
2nd priority
Environmental and Cultural Interpretive Program
Cache la Poudre River Trail Amenities
Linden/Willow Urban Design Features
Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside
3rdPriority
Gatewa Features
Downtown Shuttle Service
•
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 31
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Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 32
• Implementation Plan
Timing of Project Implementation
The project priority table lists projects that would be implemented by both the public and private
sectors. The timing of projects will depend on funding,whether through private redevelopment,
capital improvements programming or another mechanism. The second phase of this Program is
expected to begin immediately after this report's adoption and will include analysis, design and
construction of each project. The best guess of City staff is that in the short term, some projects
could be implemented in as little as two years after adoption of this report. Many more could be
implemented within about five years and others may take ten years to implement fully.
Interdepartmental Downtown River Corridor Lead Team ("River Team")
Ongoing coordination of disparate projects is critical to the success of the Program. Leadership
with a focus on the Poudre River is also paramount because it can combine efforts,provide the
willpower to implement the necessary projects, and focus the efforts of developers and non-
governmental organizations.
Recommendation: Form an interdepartmental lead team made up of staff members from
affected service areas,including Community Planning and Environmental
Services, Cultural,Library and Recreational Services,Transportation Services,
• and Utility Service. Outside experts may be requested to serve on the team
ad-hoc or on an ongoing basis.
The River Team could be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Monitor the overall progress of the Program;
2. Advise the City Council and the City Manager of its progress and any problems with
fulfilling the mission;
3. Assign projects to the appropriate departments for design and implementation;
4. Review, comment and assist on specific project designs submitted by City departments or
private entities;
5. Create a timetable for project design, review and implementation;
6. Assist departments with cost estimates including identification of potential funding sources;
7. Coordinate with entities outside the City (e.g. Poudre River Trust,National Park Service,
etc);
8. Provide rapid response on unforeseen opportunities (e.g. new projects, additional funding,
etc.) for project implementation;
9. Coordinate public outreach efforts.
Funding
Currently, there are no definite sources of funding for many of the new projects, except for the EPA
Brownfields Pilot grant and possibly several stormwater projects. However, the diversity of projects
suggests a need to investigate and pursue a variety of funding sources. One of the issues that needs
to be resolved is the appropriate level of City participation in Corridor improvements. On one
hand, City Plan policies state that: "Development will pay its 'fair share'of the cost of providing
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 33
needed public facilities and services" (principle GM-6). On the other hand, City Plan states that:
"The City will promote compatible infill development in targeted areas within the Community
Growth Management Area boundary" (principle GM-8), and will "selectively correct infrastructure
deficiencies, such as storm drainage and streets, so that infill development does not pay an
infrastructure "penalty" to remedy past problems in existing developed areas" (Policy GM-8.1).
On May 23,2000, staff presented to Council targeted areas for infill development and identified a
range of possible City roles to support infill. Council supported actions such as planning, technical
assistance to developers, development review streamlining and focused public investment. The
Downtown River Corridor was identified as one of the targeted areas.
Recommendation: Investigate a variety of funding sources suitable for specific projects through
the River Team. Create public-private partnerships where appropriate for
implementing projects.
The"Implementation Matrix" (Table 2) shows the next steps, conceptual cost estimates and possible
funding sources for each project. It is intended as a starting point in the investigation of likely
sources.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation program 34
0 •
Table 3: Implementation Matrix
III IN I
lst Priori
Cache la Poudre River Habitat Restoration Preliminary Design $350,000- $500,000 (1) C,CT,DDA,G,NA,RD
Linden,Willow and Lincoln Streetscape Improvements Design $7,650,000(2) C,DDA,MPO,P,RD
Lincoln Avenue Br a art of streetsca a improvements) $2,700,000
efferson/Riverside Streetsca a Improvements Design $1,500,000 (3) C,DDA,MPO,P,RD
Off-Street Public Pazking Parking Study $50,000(4) C,DDA,P,RD, OF
Contaminated Site Assessments Assessments $250,000 (5) DDA,G, P,RD
Recreational River Channel Enhancement Study Feasibility Study $150,000-$350,000(6) C,F,G,RD, OF
Oxbow-Acquisition for Public Use Design $1,500,000- $2,500,000(7) C,DDA,P
Flood Protection Improvements for Buckingham Design $60,000-$80,000(8) C,S
N. College/Vine-Flood Protection Restoration Design $1,650,000-$2,100,000 (9) C,S
Triangle Area-Flood Protection Restoration Design $600,000-$800,000 C,S
Lemay Avenue Levee Design $700,000- $900,000 C,S
Bank Stabilization Restoration Design $180,000-$650,000 C,P,RD,S
Znd Priority
Environmental and Cultural Interpretive Program Design $50,000-$75,000 C,F,G,P,RD,OF
Cache Is Poudre River Trail Amenities Design $100,000- $300,000 C,CT, F,G,RD,OF
Linden/Willow Urban Design Features Design $250,000-$400,000 C,F, G,P,RD
Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside Design $50,000-$320,000 C,F,RD
3rd Priority
Gateway Features Design $100,000- $380,000 C RD
Downtown Shuttle Service Feasibility Study Not Known C,DDA,FT,P,OF
Key to Funding Sources ("*"denotes new funding source):
C=New Capital Funding* MPO =Metropolitan Planning Organization
CT=Conservation Trust Funds NA =Natural Areas
DDA =Downtown Development Authority P =Private
F= Foundation* RD =River improvement district*
FT=Federal Transit S = Stormwater
G =Grants OF = User fees*
Notes on fbBonting page -i
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 35 35
Notes to Table 2:
(1) Cost refers to preliminary design only.
(2) Costs include Jefferson/Linden Intersection Improvements.
(3) Cost includes bike path, modified arterial street section, street restrictions and left turn lanes at N. College,Linden, Lincoln and
Mulberry.
(4) Cost refers to parking study only. Surface parking lots cost$3,000 per space; structure parking costs at least$10,000 per space.
(5) The cost reflects$250,000 received by the City for an EPA Brownfields Pilot Grant for assessment (not cleanup) of brownfield sites.
(6) Feasibility study cost is $8,000-$10,000.
(7) Cost includes purchase only.
(8) This project is also listed under existing projects. Other funding sources may be appropriate.
(9) This project is also listed under existing projects. Other funding sources may be appropriate. Cost includes purchase and upgrade of
Vine Drive adjacent to site.
i
I
Downs^wn River Corridor Implementation program 36
. Brief Description of Funding Sources
A variety of funding sources will be needed to implement Corridor projects. Existing sources may
be insufficient and new sources may need to be pursued in order to complete projects.
Existing Funding Sources
• Conservation Trust Funds: Lottery monies are collected by the State and distributed to each
municipality based on a formula. The act that created the lottery stated that the monies were to
be used for the acquisition,development,improvements and maintenance of conservation sites
and for capital improvements and maintenance for recreational purposes. In October 1983, the
City Council narrowed the use of these monies to the Open Space and Trails programs.
■ Downtown Development Authority: State Statutes provide for the ability of the DDA to
generate revenue from the increment in general property or sales taxes. In addition, a 5-mill tax
levy is assessed against properties in the DDA district,which funds mostly operating expenses.
The DDA typically provides funding to support development and redevelopment projects,
pedestrian amenities, and development of parking facilities, although other types of projects may
be funded as well.
Grants: A number of federal, state and non-governmental grants are available for a variety of
purposes. The City has been awarded an EPA Brownfields Pilot grant of$250,000 to assess area
hazardous contamination. GOCO grants provide a funding source for open lands related
projects. The State provides State Initiative grants for assessment and interpretation of historic
resources. The U.S. Corp of Engineers provides water restoration funding. Further
investigation may reveal other grant sources.
• Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Federal Transit: Some of the transportation
projects could be funded through these sources. For example, the Riverside Streetscape
Improvements could be a candidate for MPO funding. The Shuttle Service project would be a
candidate for Federal Transit funding.
■ Natural Areas Tax Revenues: Funding through "Building Community Choices" and the City's
share of the "Help Preserve Open Spaces" sales tax has been identified as a source for habitat
restoration or natural area purchases along the Poudre River.
■ Private: Private construction and payment of impact fees typically provide most infrastructure
improvements in developing areas. A public-private funding partnership where the City and
private developers share the cost of improvements can provide a means for addressing
infrastructure deficiencies.
■ Stormwater: Stormwater funding through basin or impact fees is identified for floodplain
protection and bank stabilization projects.
•
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 37
New Funding Sources
• New Capital Funding: Some of the Downtown River Corridor improvements could be included
in a future `Building Community Choices"-type package.
■ Foundation: Foundations have been used in some communities to raise money for public
projects. The Historic Arkansas River Project Foundation, a non-profit in Pueblo, Colorado
has raised millions of dollars through tax-deductible private donations.
■ River Improvement District: A new special entity could be formed to finance certain
improvements. There are numerous special authorities and districts which could serve in this
capacity, including Public Building Authority (PBA), Special Improvement District (SID), and
Business Improvement District (BID), and a General Improvement District (GID). District
financing is generally done through special assessments against property in a defined area.
• Urban Renewal Authority (URA): URAs utilize property or sales tax increment funds (ITFs) for
pay-as-you-go or bond financing. The City first formed an URA in 1978 for the sole purpose of
implementing a proposed private development in Old Town. A second URA was formed in
1982 and is still in effect. City Council serves as the members of the URA. Because the URA
and DDA use the same financing strategy-TIFs -the URA may be only viable as a long-term
strategy.
• User Fees: New user fees should be investigated for several projects, namely Recreational Rivet
Channel Enhancements, Interpretive Features, and possibly other projects.
Infill and Redevelopment
The Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program does not recommend specific infill
development projects. Most development proposals for new buildings happen by initiative of
private owners. In fact, the Corridor is facing substantial interest from the private and public sector
in accommodating new structures and facilities. The Land Use Code defines the specific uses
allowed and regulates the design and context of buildings and sites.
New uses would entail substantial public infrastructure improvements. Some projects, such as street
improvements, on-site flood protection, and mitigation of hazardous contamination,are the
responsibility of the developer and are paid through direct improvement costs or impact fees.
However,experts say that the high risk and many constraints of infill development make it unlikely
that substantial private redevelopment would occur without public investment. Most new projects
Downtown have involved a significant government role, either through DDA funding or
infrastructure improvements. Other communities have used these and other techniques, such as
technical support,brownfield cleanups,and land assembly, to encourage infill development. These
communities have recognized that shifting the focus from greenfield development to appropriate
infill development can help address goals to increase mobility for transit,bicyclists and pedestrians,
promote vitality of downtowns,provide efficient utilization of existing facilities and services, and
increase community identity and pride. The Downtown River Corridor is an area that can benefit
from a larger public role,although one that is balanced against the needs of the larger community.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 38
• Appendix A - Relevant Flans and Programs
• Cache la Poudre River Landscape Opportunities Study, City of Fort Collins and CSU, October
1994.
• Cache la Poudre River National Recreational Area Feasibility Study Final Report, City of Fort
Collins and Larimer County,April 1989.
• Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan (Draft), City of Fort Collins, in progress.
City Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted March 1997.
• Downtown Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted September 1989.
■ Eastside Neighborhood Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted March 1986.
• Framework for Environmental Action, City of Fort Collins, adopted January 1992.
• Fort Collins Agricultural Resources Survey, City of Fort Collins, no date.
■ Fort Collins Land Use Code, City of Fort Collins, adopted March 1997.
• Guidelines for the Management and Administration of Floodpiains, City of Fort Collins,
adopted October, 1995
• Historic Resources Preservation Program Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted November 1993.
' Natural Areas Policy Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted October 1992.
• North College Avenue Corridor Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted March 1995.
• Northeast Area Transportation Study, City of Fort Collins, adopted September 1992
■ Northeast Fort Collins Truck Route Study, City of Fort Collins, 1999 (not adopted).
. Old Town Basin Master Drainage Plan, City of Fort Collins, 1992.
■ Parks and Recreation Policy Plan, City of Fort Collins, adopted December 1996.
• Poudre River Corridor Fishery Plan, City of Fort Collins, Rocky Mountain Flycasters, and
Poudre River Trust,phases 1 -4 (of 5) completed April 1987 and December 1988.
■ Poudre River Land Use Framework, City of Fort Collins and CSU, February 1995.
• Poudre River Master Drainageway Plan, City of Fort Collins, in progress (draft completed).
• Poudre River Trust Land Use Policy Plan, City of Fort Collins and-Poudre River Trust,adopted
February 1986.
• Seeding Initial Development Study Reconnaissance Report, City of Fort Collihs,August 1998.
• Transportation Master Plan, City of Fort Collins,adopted September 1997.
• Udall Natural Area Master Plan, City of Fort Collins,December 1995.
■ U.S. 287/S.H. 14 Corridor Improvement Plan, City of Fort Collins, 1995.
• US 287/SH 14 Access Management Plan Report, City of Fort Collins,2000.
•
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 39
Appendix B: Actions From Relevant Plans
Location: General
Improve Riverside Avenue/Jefferson Street streetscape
Improve Linden streetscape
Improve Lincoln streetscape
Extend trolley
Complete market analysis for the area
Expand the DDA Boundaries to encompass area or create a riverfront development authority
Identify and cleanup hazardous waste sites
Performing Arts Center somewhere in area
Urban fishery somewhere in area
2 Trails along River:walking and other
Aquarium somewhere in area
Re-create Auntie Stone's mill race(meandering stream landscape feature)
Location#1: Poudre River at College Avenue
Provide flood mitigation
Install gateway at N. College Avenue Bridge
Develop kayak course
Move gas pumping station(natural gas regulator)
Improve pedestrian access at N. College bridge
Amphitheater at Legacy Park
Location#2: Old Power Plant Site
Special redevelopment project(office,education,retail,entertainment,dining,etc.)
Protect structure-designated as local landmark
• Create natural corridor from Lee Martinez Park across College Avenue
Potential amphitheater site(east side)
Redevelopment opportunities south of RR bridge
Privatize building w/covenants
Continue existing use
Build on water and historic heritage(i.e.Water Heritage Museum)
Relate building to river theme
Location#3: Northside Aztlan Community Center Site
Replace existing community center
Retain as park
Develop special river area-culture,arts,recreation,entertainment,open space,etc.
Develop special riverfront area,including housing,wildlife habitat,mixed-use development,urban design solutions
Redevelopment of site-unused portion outside of floodplain
Amphitheater site
Make no decision until new community center site decision reached
Location#4: River Redevelopment Area
Develop gateway at Lincoln Street Bridge
Develop gateway at Linden Street Bridge
Develop mixed-use housing
Develop retail
Redevelopment opportunities
Embankment project at Ranchway Feeds
Boutique environment(Breckenridge example)
Reduce Riverside/Jefferson pedestrian barrier. Improve connection to downtown
Pursue hotel/convention site(if better than other proposed sites)
Local dram2geway improvements
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 41
Appendix B: Actions From Relevant Plans
Location#5: River Oxbow Site
Develop outdoor amphitheater
Restore wildlife habitat/natural area buffer
Floodplain mitigation project
Develop horticultural center
Develop public gardens
Develop`Boutiques"
Develop a habitat restoration and enhancement strategy for site
Linden Street"escape hatch"for Downtown
Transition but still urban
Modest development potential
Development closer to Linden Street to provide pedestrian connection
Match characteristics of Gustav Swanson-mirrors
Integrate both sides of River-locations#4 And#5 -for visual connection
Location#6: Lincoln Street-Poudre River Triangle
Opportunities for floodplain showcase(i.e.public private partnerships to develop flood mitigation strategies)
Special redevelopment project-office,education,retail,entertainment,dining,etc.
Amphitheater(washable architecture)
Showcase mitigation efforts. No development. Open space.
Important linkage from Link`N'Greens Site to Downtown
Parking-might relieve parking needed for Oxbow site. Mini-transit Center. Transfer to Downtown
Location#7: Link-N-Greens
Develop mixed-use project including hotel,convention center,retail,housing,9 hole golf course,"Disney"main street,
kayak course
Opportunities for floodplain showcase
Gateway at Mulberry/Lemay
Protect view corridors
Mixed density,types housing _
Protect natural areas
Embankment project
Locate Lee Martinez foot/cycle bridge [e.g.Link V Greens to Udall]
Location#8: Pickle Plant Site
Provide as interim open space
Potential in long term redevelopment for retail,convention center,mixed-use development
Gateway at Mulberry/Riverside
Potential employment area-office/showrooms,incubator offices,retail/showrooms
Berating along Riverside/Jefferson where tracks will be abandoned,would help w/offsite floodplain mitigation
Potential of trade for floodplain areas(if access solved)
Area-Wide Elements("Area Overlay")
Develop people-friendly transportation patterns
Consider pedestrian RADII(Walking Units)w/development
General river/railroad/fort site/education/heritage theme
Preservation of natural riparian zone
Overall River-floodplain management and stream stability
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 42
• Appendix C - Diary of Events
Organization Date
Working Group 01/27/1998
Council Growth Management Committee 03/16/1998
Working Group 03/17/1998
Environmental Brown Bag Group 04/03/1998
Poudre River Trust 04/15/1998
Transportation Board 04/15/1998
Chamber of Commerce River Committee 04/21/1998
Chamber of Commerce River Committee 04/30/1998
Planning and Zoning Board 05/01/1998
Natural Resources Advisory Board 05/06/1998
Downtown Development Authority 05/07/1998
Poudre River Trust Symposium 05/30/1998
Environmental Brown Bag Group 06/05/1998
Poudre River Trust 06/17/1998
Working Group 06/23/1998
Poudre River Trust 07/15/1998
Citizen Planners 07/20/1998
. Council Growth Management Committee 07/23/1998
Working Group 07/27/1998
Property Owner Meeting(sponsored by Poudre River Trust) 08/05/1998
Property Owner Meeting 08/11/1998
Poudre River Trust 08/19/1998
Phil Walker Show 10/23/1998
Property Owner Meeting 10/29/1998
Planning and Zoning Board 10/30/1998
Working Group Meeting 11/10/1998
Natural Resources Advisory Board Committee Meeting 11/16/1998
Natural Resources Advisory Board 12/02/1998
Council Growth Management Committee 01/11/1999
Natural Resources Advisory Board O1/20/1999
Property Owner Meeting 02/03/1999
Environmental Brown Bag Group 02/05/1999
Poudre River Trust 02/13/1999
Property Owner Meeting 02/17/1999
Council Study Session 02/23/1999
Property Owner Meeting 04/08/1999
Property Owner Meeting 04/15/1999
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 43
Appendix Q Diary of Events
Poudre Paddlers 04/19/1999
Chamber of Commerce River Committee 04/20/1999
Phil Walker Show 05/18/1999
Natural Resources Advisory Board 05/19/1999
Public Open House 05/26/1999
Planning and Zoning Board 05/28/1999
Sierra Club 06/28/1999
Downtown Development Authority 07/O1/1999
League of Women Voters Forum 07/07/1999
Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee 08/06/1999
Property Owners Meeting 08/12/1999
Council Growth Management Committee 08/23/1999
Parks and Recreation Board 08/25/1999
Downtown Development Authority Committee Meeting 08/27/1999
Natural Resource Advisory Board 09/01/1999
Environmental Brown Bag Group 09/03/1999
Planning and Zoning Board 09/10/1999
Poudre River Trust 09/15/1999
Transportation Board 09/15/1999
Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee 09/17/1999
Poudre Paddlers 09/30/1999
Community Meeting 10/06/1999
Wheeler Realty 10/07/1999
Council Growth Management Committee 10/11/1999
Landmark Preservation Commission 10/13/1999
Council Growth Management Committee 11/08/1999
Interested Party 11/11/1999
Interested Parry 11/12/1999
Council Growth Management Committee 12/13/1999
Property Owners 02/02/2000
Property Owners/Developers 02/08/2000
Property Owners/Developers 02/15/2000
Property Owner Meeting 03/03/2000
Poudre River Trust 03/03/2000
National Park Service 03/08/2000
Interested Parry 03/17/2000
Martinez Park Neighborhood 03/20/2000
Parks&Recreation Board 03/22/2000
Water Board 03/23/2000
Siena Club 03/27/2000
Poudre River Trust 03/29/2000
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 44
Appendix Q Diary of Events
• Friends of the Poudre 03/29/2000
Planning& Zoning Board Worksession 03/31/2000
Open House 04/03/2000
River Corridor Property Owners Association 04/04/2000
Buckingham Neighborhood 04/04/2000
Property Owner/Developer Meeting 04/04/2000
Natural Resources Advisory Board 04/05/2000
Planning& Zoning Board Hearing 04/06/2000
Meeting of Historic Preservationists 04/06/2000
pCouncilwth Management Committee 04/10/2000
dy Session 04/11/2000
Business Association04/12/2000
Commerce - Local Legislative Affairs Committee 04/14/2000
Neighborhood 04/18/2000
on Board 04/19/2000
•
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 45
. Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic(if applicable) Conssment
4/l9/OB Transportation Looks like a good focus in relation to transportation.
Board Under the[+priority list lmcoln/Willow/Linden Steeeare pe and Bridge—shouldnt those be heated
separately?
"Off-sreet Public puking'•- What exactly does that mean in here?Is them a plan for a public library in
that area' One posuSiLty is in the Cis.Center am at Maple and Howes and..,he,possibility is
across from FJ Burrito.
I to that the Oxbow Project[rude to the I-priority list-I don't agree with n.
Access—make sum we provide mobility. The naming of the projects a evenvheag. "1st priority"could
be called"access"instead.
I don't agree with the prioritization. Them are impotent things at the end and even though you say you
can skip to those,in general if you have items at the top,that's what is going to be the priority,
We are putting a lot of money into street and transportation issues and we have our natural areas and
Roodplain protection at the bottom and I duagme with that They should be towards the top. In
espect ro the funding sources,I noticed on Linden/Willow,and Lincoln,NIP0 is listed as a possible
source. I don't understand that.
\Chat about the General Improvement DiseneJ That isn't listed anywhere is a source.
The undeclong concern that 1 have u-are some of these things what the community wants to see
prioritized right now? We have the signal system,street maintenance,road needs and they are
significant. I don't think GenerW Fund monies or things like that should be allocated to these topics
right now.A later we.of this main.will show no General Funding with the vista a improvements
because we heard from Council that they probably wouldn't use that kind of funding
Has there been a study for the overall improvement as it affect,VMT in the various corridors of the city?
As we do things like this,we need to know what the impact's going to be.
Them is 530011 in transportation needs,so I can't support the t-primaries on this list. W'c most look at
integrating facilities. Them are two Parking structures downtown and there is a transit program,
although Ks not in strong as we would like it to be,but to not think about integrating the shuttle
system with present facilities and to calk about off-street public parking as a first pnonty?! We must
took at integrating them fadities first instead of asking if additional parking is needed after you make
use of that. You can also look at the Mason Street project as a way to distribute parking throughout
the whole comim. I can't support the I-priority based on that.
4/11/00 litter from mw
am writing to you in support of the Recreational and Natural Riverbed Ghancement immove that is
citizen listed as a top promy in the Downtown River Corridor Implcmentanon Plan.
At the October 1999 Downtown River Corridor Planning Open House,none>us paddlers,many
angaess,and a few environmentalists cehocd my opinion in rally—that our river needs attention now.
In yet another example of the nationwide dedication of paddlers and angler to seer activism,our
• group of supporters successfully raised the meeeatinnal and nand over enhancement initiative to a
level one Priority.
Through months ofdialogue,this Pmject now his the support of many groups,including the Friends of
the Poudm,the Poudre River Trust,Poudm Paddlers,Trout Unlimited,the Colorado Rivers Alliance,
the Colnmdo W hitewater As..cution,and out Park Department Adjacent landowner Ranchway
Feeds is extremely..Pportivc of the proposal as well.
Nan of now are the groups who do not plan to Oppose the project at this point,including the Stem Club
and the Gry's Summoner oner Departm n, Both groups have been very helpful in the process of
formulating a conceptual plan for the enhancemens,and am withholding final judh mrnt and the
proposed feuibdity study is Performed,and the final plans arc complete.
The specific stretch of riser we are pmposing for enhancement runs from the bridge at Cnll qw Avenue
to the bridge at Lincoln Avenue,with the best Possibility being the Linden to Imcoln area This pan
of rivet has unsightly conctete and.-bar lining the banks,has a south bank at Itanchway Feed in
desperate need of minfomcments and lies just north of our vibeent Old Town. This riverbed needs
repair from the dredging that Occurred decades age,which took the river down to thc shale substrate.
The section also his enough gradient(.5%)to produce some exciting whitewater for reereation,
including kayaking and canoeing.
en Our aver enhancement pmjaet calls for the following actions...
River s7emup-4ight&heavy trash,concrete,whose
Concmm/Ripmp Burial
large Ruck placements r water creation,res tnntion,ecological improvement,and recreation
Pool drop stmcares and deflectors(of reek)added to create deeper pools
Re-vegeation of mmtive Plant species(cotmnwned,see)to stabilise bank—whom needed as Amy Corps
recommend.
Preserve safe woody debris in slower Row areas(eddies,etc)for Food chain support
Create needed fish and waterfowl habitat with deeper pools and metund rock amam s
&tabluh fsheeies and warasfowl management plan with the Colorado DOW
Monitor water quality with Friends of the Poudw and mmnitur river sediment and adjust where needed
Once completed,this project would count needed fish and waterfowl habitat by creating deeper pools of
water,uRaove ware quality through meation,and create fun play for paddles of all ages. In!c this
would creaw a stretch of seer for after work paddling and angling,childteds dvelopmensl prognmv,
and river festival.,for is unable period of fur to five months. Simply put,this pmjm would finally
adders tone of the largest and futest gmwing r tion groups m the country—f,UU rs. It would
crate a complaw focal point fen the riverside community,while increasing the enjoyment for angles,
walkers,bikers,and Asmara as well. And most importantly,the enhvteement would leave a great y,
mund benefit in the river and the community—fameea.
This urban strach of our riverbed has been completely overlooked for too many years,and the fame is
right for beneficial impe onno nt Many other Colorado cities,including Steamboat,Boulder,Golden,
Denver(tea parks),Durango,and Salida have already realized the revitalization these projects provide.
• Many Others Man M anon follow suit Please support the Cache La Poudw exam timed and named
initiative as a whole,and help put the over back into Fort Collins. Thank you for your time and
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 47
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
dedication.
4/10/00 Planning and On Thursday,Apra 10.2t)00,the Planing and Zoning Board heard the Downtown River Condor
Zomng Board Implementation Pmgmm In general,the Board was suppottim of the Progm en. The Board also
made the following s marmarmations and comments:
Mae floodplun protection projects including Oxbow for flood protection only and purchase From
willing sellers(option 1)for N.College/Vine and Triangle to 1st priority.
Add Lemay Avenue/Airpark flood protection levee to the project list as a 1st priority.
Separate Oxbow"Acquisition for Public Use"and"floodplain Promoter."
Use Storr water funds to pay for floodplain acquisition in N.College/Vane and'1'riangle and DO NOT
use natural am funding to pay for acquisition.
DO NOT ure grned funds for mccescape projects or off-stint public parking.
Pmvide strong outmeh foe the off-street parking project.
Move Bank Stabilization up in In priority.
The motion was approved 6-0
4/6/00 Histurie Historic Preservation There are 1 story buildings in Downtown River Corridor. The co-housing project is out of scale. Don't
Preservation in Camelot like change of sale.
Mceeting Anticipate very little surface parking, Support cow Sears budding Efficiency of scale means taller
buildings.
Your plans fed"Dimeyfied".
Properties have to be able to"pay the freight." This proper has be be completely renovated or
redeveloped to survive.
\Cie won't sane buildings unless they are economically viable.
We need to do a survey and evaluation of the historic landscape.
The discussion has been towards a dnmet
The purpose of this maeting is to make sure we don't leave historic concerns to last minute.
%Vc am trying to have a colhrbonme design with different groups,including histode presuromm.
The window of funding(3 years-state grant)may be coo long for a historic sur.cy. Need to look for
another source.
4/6/00 Memo from The Board applauds and strongly supports the high poorly given to restoration of the musent habitat
Natural along the river through the downtown arre.
Resources Tee:NRAB has long favored purchase of the Oxbow,site a a City ward natural area. I loweveq we
Advisory Board believe the options f r the Oxbow site,s preeenmd in the DRCIP would lead People to the
condusum that the sire needs to be purchased in order in adequately protect the Buckingham
neighborhood from flooding during a tan-year flood event. This is simply not tat.. Therefore,we
bemve the Buckingham flood protection project should be presented minutely from the Oxbow sin
purehae or should not even be mentioned in the DRCIP. The Buckingham flood protection project
is kkmtifnxl in the draft Master Drainatre Plan.for the Podre and may not be appropriate to include in
the DRCIP.
'Me Board minnow.its support for purchasing the Oxbow site u a natural area. I low her,the City
should only Purchases,the propesty st a fair,appropriate,and tea onable price.
One option for the Oxbow thaz his been presented is a a site for 2,5011 swt amphimter. The NRAB u
strongly opposed to any public fadity of this magnitude in the over condor due to the negative
imports the facility would have on the surrounding neighborhoods and the riparian condor. Our
principal concerns include night lighting impacts on wildlife,amplified sound systam impacts on
ni ghbot;traffic,and the high casts of public infrastructure needed to wpport such a facility.
The DRCIP option include numcmus references to purchasing hods for natural areas. In addition to
the Oxbow,these properties include the so-called Triangle and the properties at Noah College and
Vine Drive.e. The NRAB strongly opposes the use of ward-areas monies to purchase land that have
not been identified by the Natural Resources Department IN RD)and NRAB as priority sires for
named resource conservation. The Vine Drive md'frimgle properties have not been identified ss
priority sires because they contain little or no normal resource value.
The NRAB favors the pnvaw redevelopment of the Triangle site. We elm bolicre it is appropriate for
stomswam fees ro bo used to purchase the North College and Vine Drive properties because they are
Imaud mostly in the Poudre River Hoodway. The Poudw River Muter DminaW Plan vlrntifice
stortnwater pumices,of the College and Vine Drive properties as a potentially cost-effaotive solution
to the high flood hazards that war at that location.
The Board stages Council to enure,in in adoption of the DRCIP,that the natural-ana buffer Pmcrtbed
in the Land Use Code(LUC)arc observed under my net private development plans along the river.
These buffers range from 200 to 30B feet along the river sounder. We believe these buffers are a
critical dement of the DRCIP that must be adhved to m strictly as possible.
The NRAB also strongly believes that named-sreas buffers are protected undet the LUC and should not
have to be purchased by the City.
The Board has serious crescent about the recmtionu enhancements described under the 1st priority
projects. One option is to modify the rives channel to crate a whim water kayaking Park We are
wneemd about this proposal houses it would deer the"plains river"charaeren of the Poudre by
trying to make it into a"mountain river." We am also concerned about the impacts that heavy
recmtiord use would have on the riparian corridor.
4/3/00 op.Howe Triangle(Lincoln Remove structures arourM College B Vine in floodplain. Convert south of vine to nand area
Avenue) option I-this(mangle)is not suited for nand son, Speculation inane you sometimes.vain and
sometimes bra No bailoud at saxlsyrr aprnse.
Inc�avprone,of.b td.. Downtown shuttle music.needed to make use of mv-t ru w at in rev,and old
parkyse-.'g woutwe a.
Option 1-Hold polluters responsible for dawoup.
Rdescate bus and ream to named area
No badruts of Boodplain land speculation.
No oxbow development. Separate flood issue from development support
Triangle-Buy and ream to nand start. If finerecially feasible given the envimnmend problems.
However,buy with money other than naafi areas money.
Option I-Hold people who caused concentration responsible.
Option 1: good for water quality:good for the neighborhood,good for wildlife and recreation
will landowners in Latimer County am(downtown urpark am)be involved in that changes of the
city?
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 48
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Cotnrnent
Triangle&North College/Vine Drive-Option 1 is the beat for public safety and also creates a legacy for
• quality life for our children and future resident,. Expansion-Yes!But good things don't happen with
vision and cost
Public purchase of land in 103-year floudplan is gnat-BUT-funds or purchases should be drawn from
many soune,as these lands will serve manv purpose.
Oxbow-Don't use natural area funds for this purchase. It is degraded land and.should not be bought to
bad out a developer/landowner so he can profit at miry wprme. Let him sell it to someone from
Texas!
Can is before the hone here! How can you consider any options and the floudplain has been
established? Recommend at this point No further development,don't use Natural Resources$to
buy out.
Triangle-GO A TH OPTION 11 Natural auras important to all who use them,wildlife,people,etc.
Makes for berm boating) But-let us use our natural areas,don't put them off limit,to people-like
out at Pineview!
Triangle should be pumhwc& However,due to the degraded nature of the area,it should not be
acquired with jut Named Areas tax. Fstablish floodplass legs first!
N.College-apsion 2-change area to 5a1 year product arm
Triangle-Purchase from willing seller. Take commenations into consideration when land is appraised.
Businesses along here were willing to ralocate for baseball stadium so relocation is not an issue.
Triangle-Go with option 1!
Don't Buy! If you do buy DO NOT use natural areas funds. Use OTHER can,funds. Not high priority
naiad area
Oxbow site-1st denbraare floodplams. 2nd-acquire Oxbow property. 3rd-Crean use as a nand area
a Don't encourage crowds v
to the area by creating an npritheater.
Taxpayer-funded parking damages and other infrastructure that would promote deveopmene in the
e maidor is NOT w the publics best drat rest
Triangle: Don't use current ssimd areas money or this purchase. Better vet,don't make this purchase,
pariaJ^
Triangle-Seems to ear:you wouldn't want a petroleum faNity in the 1 W-year floodplao. Sure wouldn't
want to see the hazardous cleanup that would follow.
I feel that option 1 would be the best choice in that it removes macrons that cold bd:more harm than
good and that showed in 77. Then could be repetitive damage,but U least roam waold have some
where to go and would provide safety for Fort Collins businesses and commumm,
Triangle-OPTION L Namd anal are EXTREMELY Important for habitat along the mace.
\thy is mast of PmPerty oat in flondplam owned by the City?
A special fund should be set up to purchase these site since there are floudplain issues
ss es in all three area.
Triangle Site-Option 1-my prefe
rence. If you can't afford to buy all propecimsat once,at the last
tdeav:Iopment should be resrect d and cin maintenance of infnstmeNre limited.
Trom,lu-Option 1. Good for the neighborhood. Goad for the envimnmanr I have heard some of the
businesses ARL willing. Lincoln Green would make an excellent City Park with a ftidv low
ram'emmn C
'Ciangle people
Fort o option 1. Mow tgrmrasi eon of nand area, Get help Fmm non-profit,...ter s water
and Paroplc in plan and fund the work
No amphitheater on Kcikr/Oxbow property. Ton close an mi decom Masada shortage of parking for
bill fold at Buckingham Puk Amphitheater may be more appropriate at the Center of uneoln Green
Property-room for adequate parking lot then-Lincoln Green could make a nice and way to convert
City Park I.J.to"City Park"
Triangle-Option. Make the owners who pnlluad the site dean it up-a min super fund site. lase
floudplain/stone damage fees to Purchase land,NOT mutual auras monies to dean up.
Triangle area-meow structures City buy convert to stud areas or very low intensirv,areas.
Public(ands should be used only if the areas stay nand—open space—not commercial—like the
amphitheater ideas.
No development on&U year tloo dplain Remove concentration responsible party must Pay. Do not use
open space hmdmgs. Serum avkbtional funding
Triangl: Option 1,suggest area ar SIN)year Product Area. Oxbow Si.. Separate acquisition from levee,
build on site—simple wadeable—name park like ante_ran be used for public gathering—parking is
BIGproblem Put Isom must to Buckingham—less noise—Ict river Bond.
4/3/00 Memo from 'Me Parks&Recreation Board is way supportive of the recommended projects in the plan and also
Park.,and agrees with their prmmy ranking. The Park.and Recreation Barad is Illy supportive of the
Recreation Board Downtown Rea Corridor Impkmenntion Plan. Implemrnat ins of the plan wall signiftmdy
improve and continue the revitalization of downtown Fort Collins. The Board is especially interested
in the parks and mansion projccn aaoiatcJ with the Plan
4/3/00 Workshop I highly recommend against budding an amphitheater on the north side of the PouJre River. This
historical..be.should be allowed to--in No overflow vm for the at,,,as this coca will
undoubtedly food so rmarne in the fume(Ial-dean,500 years?). The area could be maintained ae a
stud area and funding should be spend to further enhance this area for wildlife habiat(e.g.plantings
of gnus seed,shrubs,muss). Presently I feel there ate other issues of higher priority for the City of
Fort Collins than budding a new Amphitheater in a floodplain(e.g.UPDATING TRAFFIC
SIGNAISO. Furthemtore,it appusn to me that psski g fat the amphithntr wall be a problem
situation. Budding Per another parking garage for the amphithemer on either side of the river is rot a
viable option and again,I feel there are other issues of higher priority for the City of Fort Collins than
budding arwaha new parking garage.
I highly recommend that the fad[Am allow or a river buffer/intact floudplain on the south side of the
gold course,IonteJ south of Lms in and on the north side of the river. 1 am highly in hoar of
attracting the development of the golf cnune to outside the floudplain. A r mhct example of a bad
simation can be found along the promise,River when a recent and very costly 'stabilization ptoW
sou ualrd when the golf coupe built 0..5 mi.due south of\Pedmr flooded berxuxe the developer
sou allowed to build the fairway/gold gnat,down to the rivers dge!
My principal concern is the history crate Pods Riew riparian corridor. Riparian co radoa habitm art
among the most valuable to wildlife in the western United Stator Yet these halo ass have declared
• dramatically and continue to decline as a result of hydrologic modification,over channel alantion,
development,and other rum-made causes. Consequently,I sm particularly concerned over my
Downtown River Corridor Irnplementation Program 49
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Continent
actions that may further degade of fragment ripanan corridor habitats. In order that riparian zone
vegetation communities can perpetuate themselves,it is imperative that the mhe,emt migration f the
ovec remain and in ability to periodically mundane the zcsnciated floodplain in unimpeded. When mars
am constrained and confined,the associated riparian vegetation ultimately declines,is in bitable altered
n chairman,and may ever disappear.
Beam,the entire system is ismdependenq any mfife to to the riparian zone may have consequences For
waters of the United States. Alteration of or impacts to the npamn condor can substantially and
adversely affect the chemical,physical,and biological chassetenseo of water,of the United Stares in a
variety of ways. The over provides for both the establishment and Perpetuation of riparian vegetation
commsu ities. In cam,these communities substantially dictate the rulure of the chemical physical and
biological characteristics of the aquatic environment of the riverine system, Alterations of and mnpacm
in the tipmat zone can change nutrient loading,water chernistry,sedimentation,runoff retention and
ffication,water temperance,hydrology aquatic habitat,aquatic food resources,and other sysem
characteristic,and functions.The two are mutually dependent and intimidated.
&Pan=vegetation zones also serve a cratial connective corridors between habitats and wildlife
populations. When these mention are fragmented,riparian condor wildlife populations may be
eliminated u they became isolated From each other. Travel and dispersal functions among other
wddli&populations connected by these comdon can also be eliminated,isolating those populations as
well From population and genetic auppom Without safe travel corridors,individuals are exposed in
inc eased mks of mortality. Therefore,it is a priority of the Service to retain or restore the inherent
dynamic characteristics of rivers and streams such that the natural riparian vegetation communities
attendant m them,along with the vital function they perform,un be Prapereated o,re,toed.
In the Project vicinity,human activities have already adversely impacted the Poudre River and in
associated riparian communities. ndasmy and development have substantially reduced wildlife habitat
in the area These factors make the residual rip an an condor especially unr omanr to local wildlife. f
believe it is important for wildlife both locally and dowative,,that the merino system be healthy,
intact,and functioning as naturally as possible. Because of previous advern human alienations,the
river is ci nrntly out of balance. Both Physical and hydrologic charac=netica of this system have been
negatively influenced
4/3/00 Workshop General project Restrict development on Link-n-Greens to outside the 1 W-year floodplain.
comments Riparian habitat orientation should be amp priority.
Continuous riparian wildlife migration condor should be preserved from Taft I Ill Rd.to Prospect
Ponds.
Keep things natural—not so urbanized—like mall with a water feature.
No mead w/(Imitable hazadin,manuals in floodplain(anywhere that could lore even Pandang waters).
Citation driven not to dine through flooded alleys,streets,em.
The City should buy property that might flood.
The historic building,on Leak-n-Greer,should be ponemcd
"Naturalize"&stabilize Ranhway's bank Historical&c..i.J site.
Taxpayers ate paying for 2 Parking garages already—let development pay for parking.
Budd new Azdan Centre at old Site. Leave area around n open space for soccer,etc.
No rip-raps on bank naWintion
My priority is habitat res..do.and pra nervation-net any aeeenspe beautification.
No new development in the floodway and floodplain.
No redevelopment in the floodway.
Poudre River Riparian Habitat Restoration should be cop priority.
A continunu,riparian wildlife migration condor should be pmseevd Fmm Taft I fill Road to Prospect
Pmnda.
Preserve the historic buildings on Link-n-Greens.
Develop wetlands for waterfowl migntimil!!pq
It's interesting to consider the historic rmllcy downstain,but not realistic. At present there is only ONE
trolley. Even though the ttogey man on pmtexted greenways for most of in top from City Park in
Hoorn and Mountain,two careless driven an into this'living historic treasure"last summer. The
suggested extension raises the adds of the careless drivers destroying the trolley.
Option 1:Preservation of natural arm is key herell Natural area in Ft Collins are not balanced w/
development
How about a recreational trout fishing mce.6...I site near downmwn.
Improve River Comdor through wildlik habitat resmntion and=creation enhancements. Both are
important esousm to Ft Collins and should,cot be ovedooked.
The tiver is a exame,that should be used to the advantage of the community. Boulder,Golden,and
Stcannboar Sprmga have all developed that river into great=creation sites for jogging,fishing and
boating Fort Collins could benefit from sands,enhancements.
Rnmeation ofwdAi&habitat is key all along the come.
Do not put development in doodpdam. Keep our marital area natural—open areas&open apace is the
soul of it city. Pleas do not put an amphitheae in Oxbow site.
Make restonbon of the wildlife habitar/comdmt s reality.
I'm in favor of a recemon mhancement at the College Avenue Bridge aces.
We want materntion of wildlife habitat—pica.keep our minstd arm. We have enough cemert
Development on Lincoln,Linder&Wilms,streets should PRECEDE street&sidewalk cnprovemenm.
Devcle,pmeru should pay towed nat esicape unprovemrnm.
Ist Priority.$7,650,000 for linden,Willow,&Lincoln Streem is a massive subsidy to developers—
without which development wouldn't be feasible?Thu is misappropriation of the 1st order.
River Corridor—Re First Priority Projects—River resmntion,top,#I;)effennn/linden Imenection,
#2;Contaminated Site,#1;Oxbow Acquisition,#1;move parking structure to 2nd or 3rd priority
(very expensive);others might also move m#2 Re:Second Priority Projects—Triangle—purchau or
othewise get contamhranm off it,,Gateway at Riverside&Mulberry—o.k,but probably expensive to
do something that would change that whole look—not as worthwhile as other expevdimres.
Do not WI..i.fM m rise,mrcmres above the floodway. No matter how much you"scrap out'to
accommodate water displacement,infill will:a)coax=more hydraulics(eddies,drops,conem[
differentials)to confirm floodwater,causing grater hazards to safety,and b)create the need for
causevay,,which will also back up more Bond water.
First Priority for habitat restoration is excellent Street nnpmvemenn should be up to businesses which
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 50
Appendix D-Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
would profit,not at taxpayers expense. Recreational changes in river should be discouraged. Go up in
. Poudre River itself for great kayaking Second Priority Project,—No San Antonio! i
Enhancement is a must Providing recreational opportunities s a bonus for all. As long as the
development is plarmed for the long-term. Veryus stainab Benefits
le. Bents kayakers,sawets,joggers,
walkers,bird watches,vuiters,and residents.
Emphasis whoudl be on floodplam restoration and habitat eestontion. Keep people and businesses out
of haerri s way! Protect the Oxbow—an amphitheatre is a high-mpact development and doesn't
belong there! Keep revel development well away from the riparian condor. Respect large setbatbs.
Balance the uses among an. We need a rexteernnt[or more(?)I&shops along Rivice! NI towns with
mers are developing river frontage. base some for wildlife,too. Again,balance.
Second Priorities:Inteepeerive prognm a good idea Trvl amenities ONLY if,hey am absolutely our
intrusive on wildlife/plant communities. Bank snbdiaation if it is natural materials. "Gateway/'? Not
important at this point
Reamer development at Link'N'Grim s to outside lxN yr floodplun. No rip-tap on banks of rivet Put
things like library&performing am center downtown near existing parking. There arc far higher
Priority uses for our taxes than an amphitheatre,eg,street maintenance.
(Paige,age—10 years)One of out sure's nicknames is"Colotful Colorado",we might as well change that
to black and gray Colorado if we develop all open spaces. It's going to be noisy for the People who
live there because of the arephithnne. What if the floodplain has a flood? Don t make our river look
like Disneyland!
OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE MUST NOT BE\7"ASfED. Recreational enhancements am needed
to improve water quality,visual beauty,habitat for fish&wildlife,&cremation use. The potential of
the urban paddling&fishing expcou nce is untapped Please improve this area with cleanup,rock
placement.safe Passage for base,play fee..,.&deeper fish pools.
Linden,Willow,Lincoln martscaPe improvement,roo great a scale$compared to other.
4/3/00 Open House Oxbow site Oxbow: Acquire,but keep it a natural area Find another sire for the amphitheater,or have it not as all.
We don't need to become Deaver along Chary Creek Parking and amount of usa,would be
detmncnd to this area and existing ecsidenu in Buckingham.
Oxbow Site: Levee should ram be attached to"what ro do with site" If arophitheirer deaelaped a should
be OK to Bond u nomd to maintain velmbit e . DON'T PUT PARKING IN'I I[IS AREA
EITHER!
No amphitheater at Oxbow! [low many other amphitheaters do we need in For,Co lins?
Keep Oxbow as sutural area—needs resmnGan. —Lessee at outflow fringes edh of flood plain yrood for
neighborhood.
From Big Thompson to Laramk River,the Poudre u unique in lush habitat tC"c am m a semi-arid
upon,and water is scares. River habitat is 1-INGVt habint—candy intumpsd by umumd light and
sound Riverside setting would be nice for amphithrater but what about the effect of the thosme on
matod usv? Cansnophicl
Budding a levee at the Oxbow site is the#I priority m nmiove property(residential as well as
• commercial,aamphitheater
from fair goal plain.
No amphitheater not taus to Buckingham area rcswhnn.
Oxbow,buy and keep as natural area NO amphitheater.
Don't put an amphitheater in the Oxbow site.
#1 priority should be restonunn of habint No river channels enhancements. Move trod away from
river. Devdopen pay Fm infiutmcmre impmremenb No amphitheam at Oxbow!
Amphitheatre yes.
No amphitheater.
1st Priority:Oxbow—acquisition for Public Use This es(or Flood Protection. )his is misappropriation
or misdirection,mixing apples&oranges.
Best to Preserve Oxbow far low level use if City can Purchase. "No light,",no sound sysmms at.dark
No 2rapitheate,in oxbow area-unsuitable location.
Acquire Oxbow with new funding No drvrlopmamt
Oxbow is where the enter been. Flood protection is different than public use. ')hies e,a clever(not so)
to bad Out the cumeent owner.
Oxbow,frnt have Bond mitigation of Oxbow,don't put both together. Mod mitigation should be first
priority. Areephidresme should not be hen,,impacts Buckingham.
Oxbow Sim acquire for natural area
Why do we need the 7th,5th,or 6th amphitheatre? lFhy let this drive development on south side of
river,at considerable PUBLIC expense? Why let this drive need for infrastructure(parking)at
PUBLIC expense? Pass flood Plain regs first!
Interpretation should be included in the City plans for Poudre Rived You ant but interpreutionl
Amphitheater and gatdemu would be major improvemmd The natural"concrete dump"is awful.
The bike end was set back from river south of Timbedme Bridge because of habitat disturbance. Bike
tad onfe e u Paedy in reduce habitat dis-dreate. How consistent is an arnphithearve with this river
Policy?
Yes,amphitheater would be FANTASTIC Provide education for residents if wanted.
C'mon folks..... The ONLY reason we have highways irrigation ditches and pciamdines today is
because"takings"(that dirty word)were idamh mv. Unkss this option is included,this rogent effort is
guaranteed no fad. Open.#l,with maul..
Bams/levee at Oxbow site should nnnove MINIMUM amount of land from flood plain. Protect
Buckingham? Yea! Ceara dry land fat re arnplotheater? NO!
Don't use Natural areas monies to buy lands without natural values,or to bad out those who were NOT
good stewanis of thew land..
Oxbow,ugwts foe public ins and keep as natural amn—ram amphith sted
Oxbow,would be great ro keep enteral;gent area as flondway;if any infrastructure,must be washable!;
if levy,keep nand. But that will seriously restrict the rived;Could cause flood proNcend;rivetbed
enhancement,here!
Oxbow Site Cant we just have a river? Mon can=come,Parking congestion star already busy pan
of town Preserve namm and pmnwe a downroam dut people want m live in—void of urban
• congestion and nois
e.
e
Noisy amphtheater will impact Buckingham. like Fiddlers Green in Deaver.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 51
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic comment
Oxbow should remain as a mtural areal There should not be any more development in that area
Oxbow no amphitheater no parking lots.
Oxbow,restore as,natural area. Keep m wildlife consider.
\Vhem is the neerwalk option(fur much side only) Natural area in the north(Option#1
North College and Vine,option#1,we should not be manipulating rivers,such as constructing levers.
North College/Vine Drive,Option 1
Oxbow,no amphitheater. Plant it in native greases and let it go. Protect Buckingham with levee.
I(you have money w construct an amphitheater,you should use it m purchase the land Don't use
natural exam.dollars.
A$4 million Z500 rest amphitheater is not good use of taxpawes money! \4'har would O&M coat?
1.Triangle for. Option 1;2 Oxbow site—keep natural no amp rithnter,3.N College and Vine Option 1
Do NOT use open spats funds for puschue of flood Plain land purchase. Do establish new funding
.we fee purchase of flood plain land purchase. Do not use open space funds to build amphitheater
performing arse centers,convention center,or any other public infrastructure. Do sequin,Oxbow
rise for a natural area ONLY. Do-atom river corridor to natural conditions. IT TANKS! For
opportunity to give(eedbaekl
North College/Vine,MOST favor Option 1;LEAST favor Option 3. 1 think it is critical to avoid
development in flood plain.
An amphitheater can be build in other seem as well a other development—this is a chance to i merve a
very limited ecosystem along the front tang,consider. Giving up development opportunities is a
wisdom not appreciated in the present but is an appreciated diamond for the future.
While the amphitheater sounds good for people it would be in compatible with wildlife values of the
Oxbow. We have pushed the wildlife out of many amu—enough is enough. Keep it teturd/mmus,
the natural environment u much as,possible.
North College/Vine Option I that is the best for all concem—
Intetpreration on the Poudee would be FANTASTIC!
North College/Vine Drive Option I buy from WI W NG seller,restore m natural conditions.
No major construction development in the oxbow swill
4/3/00 Open House N.CnllegeVine Drive Vine Drive-as long u both options 1&2 arc high cost,go for option 1. It provides the most safety and
Option 3 natural areas.
N.College/Vine-We need a dedicated funding source for floodplain protection fmm storm drainage
furs. Don't use Natural Areas revenues to buy neglected,wished out land with od and other
hmnkn a wares.
N.College-Vine Drive-'Purchase property with general funds or new source-(flood pmaeumn
national fund?)
'No It.-Engineered ..Is tend to fad
N.College-Vine Drive-Go with option It Less destruction to environment down the mad ifwe don't
allow-Piro.2
Option 1 looks good
4/3/00 Opens House w1w.is Include Mason Court(if that is the methem-most court on the map)in the gateway plan from the west
Development end.
Allowed? East of➢uckingham has been a cement dump sic for decades. Public should know this.
Wal-Mart Aremaghhhl
2/29/00 DDA Most important
recommendations (1)Project#6-Jefferson/Riverside Streercape lmpw.tx
(2)Project#8-Linden,Willow and Lincoln So mercape Improvements
(3)Project#9-Off-street Public Parking
(4)Project#lob-Amphitheater no 0.1mev site
(5)Project 11a-Triangle area redevelopment(subject to floodplain rules)
(6)Project 12-Link-n-Greens development within floodplain rules
Very impotent
(1)Project#2-Environmental and Cultural Interpetive Program
(2)Project#3-Cache Is Poudre Trail Amenities(option 1&2)
(3)Project#5a-N College/Vine Dr.(development subject to floodplain rules)
(4)Project#7-Old For Site Ueban Design Feature
(4)Project#13-Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside
(5)Project#14-Embankment Stabilization
Impotent
(1)Project#1-Riverbank and Wildlife Habitat Condor Enhancement,
(2)Project#4-Cache la Poude,River Natural and Recreational Enhancements
(3)Project #15-Gateway Farmers
(4)Project#16-Downtown Shuttle Service
(5)Project#17-Clean Up Conuminated Sites
The committee was very mpporme,of pmjecu#5,#10,#11 and#ti However,until the outcome of
the Floodph n issues is determined these have now been placed atop priority. Re-evaluation of the
above priorities wall occur when the floodplain policy is finalized
2/2/00 Downtown River Briefing on Identifying contamination of public land leads to concem over private lands.
Corridor Property ➢rownfsekls Grant Need asmrances that property owner are stet on their own.
Owners Proposal Share responsibility? Not sue if you can spread liability.
What are relationships with EPA regulatory side? We are really not dealing with those folks.
Are the-additional runny,available for cIc..P?
Stigmatize area if you find contaminants...Value could go less than rum. As a group,rs y few
dradvantages. One Property Problems are all problem.
Write grant so that property lawns.can also have property assesud
10/14/99 Landmark Hletotic inventory ofhistorical site needed Area is industrial=recognim,this fact
Preservation
Commission
10/6/99 citizen Tryst wanted to Pus along my support fur downrown over corridor restoration Projects I have mixed
feelings about the paddleir s,park,but 1 fully support the examination component of any project that
might go forward.
10/6/99 Workshop Grand Tod. (1) Continue to Coordinate and Implement Existing Projects, 1st priority-85;2nd primary-12;3rd
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 52
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Eventor Sotirce Topic Comment
• Priority-4:Not a poison.1;No opinion-5 .(2) Lindrn/Wdlowty-6; In Stomoropinion-2lmpmvrn¢nes: 1st priority-55;2nd priority-31;3rd pnonty-
18;Not a priority-6;No opinion-2
(3)Jefferson/linden Intaeseetion Improvements: 1 st priority-57;2nd priority-28;3rd priority-18;
Not a priority.6;No opinion-I
(4)Jefferson/Rieceside Streetscape ImProvemeo¢ I st priority-53;2nd prionm-36;3rd priority-15;
Not a priority-5;No opinion-1
(5) Off-Sheet Public Parking: 1st priority-39;2nd Priority-21;3rd pnonty-33;Not a priority-16,
No opinion-0
(6) Address Contaminated Sites: 1st priority-92;2nd priority-10;3rd prionn-5;Not a poomy-1;
No opinion-2
(7) Environmend and Cultural Inesepretive Program: 1st priority-26;2nd priority-44;3rd priority-
28;Not a priority-12;No opinion-1
(8) Cache la Pondte River Trail Amenities: 1st pnonty-43;2nd priority-43;3rd priority-18;Not a
priority-3;No opinion-0
(9)linden/Willow Am Urban Design Features: 1st priority-14;2nd pm6ty-38;3rd pmo m-N);
Not a priority-18;No opinion-2
(10)Gateway at MuRnry&Riverside--Gateway&Landscaping: 1st Priority-16;2nd pnonty-41;3rd
priority-38;Not a pnonty-14;No opinion-2
(11)Embankment Stabdization: Ise Pdnry-38;2nd priority-38;3d pinonm-19;Not a priority.11.
No opinion-3
(12)Natural&Recreational Channel Enhance mN: 1st priority-69;2nd pnonry-12;3rd priories-22
;Not a priority-11;No opinion-1
(13)Gauway Fo m n at One m More Sires: 1st pnonty-3;2nd pnonty-22;3rd priority-55;Not a
pnonty-20;No opinion-5
(14)Downtown Shuttle Service. I.st pnonty-24;2nd priority-27;3rd pnonty-31;Not a priority-21;
No opinion-5
10/6/99 Workshop- Start with providing a natud riverwipe. No"ants in public places!"
eitiz,,M" This plan should wait for the floodplain regs so prionty can be appropriate sec(Ditto)
aonunents The river is what will draw people to this area so it should be restored to natural state font.
There are no parks in Fort Collins for the boating community. This is the only one feasible(College.
Mulberry).
Enhance the over cmtironment to draw People of Fort Collins to it and to increase their ever awareness
ad appreciation.
\C'hitewater park enhances this appreciation.
Focus on the RIVER-not the roads!
I agree-many of the issues discussed had nothing to Jo with the river coredod
Make the roads pedesman<rnme;leave can elsewhere.
W'himse2ter park and riverbed enhancements are compatible with a namnl environment.
Plan seemed come concerned with gotten,not the over.
. Use"Old Town"as a model. Don't have can parked near the river.
Kayak racks on shuttle! (or nadm)
Paddlers are an important Population-PI xw:consider over enhancement with boulders as create
feamMa.
'rhmugh the use of natural materials,the river should be¢stored/cloned to roomele influence the
recreational(Mating)potential of the river.
As a Poudrc School Distinct teacher 1 know there is a need for a whimovater park for the youth of this
co.ity.
No buildings in the flodplarri
I second that! Respect propemy rights but protect human life-Figure$1,250,Ias i as the value of a human
life and balance that against property value!
Ecologal/biolova science must have Phoney over recreational amenities when considering ANY
riverbed enhancumemts. This includes impact of increased human Presence in the heart of the river
corridor.
Gmrdinatc DROP plan with floodplain revisions. 'these two plans cannot work apart. There most be
coordination between the two.
Riverbed enhancement/streambank snbdintinn must be done,use ecological principle,as the guide nor
wereatiord need.
10/1/99 Poudre Paddlers Channel The main issue we support is the PrruJre River Natural and Reemational Channel Enhancemrnr Program.
Soapbox article Enhancements Thu program calls for the remm of the Poudrc to in more natural state through the use of riverbed
landscaping Named river rock would be placed in the numbed to add more namd eddies,currenq
waves and pouroven. The benefits are numerous. The project will:
1.Beautify the riverbank and riverbed,returning it ro a more natural ante
2 Provide a recreation situ in the city for paddlers,anglers and others.
3.Ine.aeration of the warn,thus improving water quality.
4.Improve fish and wildlife habitat,
5.Cute a friendly,controlled environment for instruction of youth paddlers and anglers.
G Seek to maintain or possibly increase the amount of now in the river.
7.Improve the scenic bmefita of the ion for bicyclists,walkers,runners,and biedwarehe e.
8.Increase the ecological awaamen and personal responsibility of the river.
Plesse realize the city is not allowing not are we seeking any artificial channeling through concrete
riverbank levies. The design will only contributes to and strongly enhance the oposse,sections of the
ever encoder. It should allow for"heavy-trash"riverbank deanup activities,including rvetoval of
dangerous concrete¢ban. It should use is few compact and low-impact met acens pon es from
College through Mulberry. It should allow for a yeady selective cleaning of only charand-wide
obstructions that are dangerous in foods and throughout Peak flow. And,we scans that any design
must adhere to the proposed Revised Floodplain Regulations. As this project will only enhance
habitat,we are presently working had-to-hand with all environmental interests on the Poudm,
including the Natural Resource Advisory Board,Friends of the Poudrc,and the Sierra Club.
• Many communities have already realized the benefits of aver pmjecn. Communities such as Steamboat,
Durango,Boulder,Golden,Vail,Aspen,and Salida have led the way. Now considered are projects in
Pueblo,Colorado Springs,Breckenridge,Gunnison,Palisade,and Loveland. Even fie downtrodden
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 53
Appendix D-Public Comments
Date Event or source Topic Cottttnent
South Plains River in industrial Denver boasts a over enhancement project
Who's in favor of this locally? Many other organizations as well u long-time residents who have seen the
river diverted,dammed,deci and mind to in current i nre support his project.
Where can we End the money for this project? The project should actually be quire affordable. The main
cost will be in the rock used for riverbed landscaping,and the labor to place that rock. Design fees
should be fatly minimal,and river access construction should require f dollars. Beautification and
cleanup could be done as a community project with city warrants. Overall,the benefits far outweigh
the corn. With Great Outdoors Colorado(GOCO)funding and some heavy-Jury Inca]grant write.
available,we believe this project or be totally outside financed
9/29/99 Friends of the Cache la Poudre River We support the following being included in Priority I of the Poudre River Corridor flan:
Poudre Position Rcsrontion and 1. River cleanup and riverbanks natural stabilization(tome,grass,and other suitable vegetation's)
Paper Enhancements consistent with Roodplans regtdations.
Between College and 2 Riverbed landscaping through rivet rock placement in the stream bed with rock placed manually in
Mulberry neat,a riser section with aesdheticz,interest,and diversity of elements,and environmentally sensitive
boating and fishing modifications at the Coy Diversion Dam as proposed by the City of Pon Collins
Parks as a Priority 1 project.
3. Increase water zention in improve water quality. In conformance with City Co&
4. Rock placement and habitat design n enhance fish environment With a minimum of channclaation
or stabilization.
S. Low crvimnmennl impact housing(canoe,kayak,other)on surface of river easonally from
established public put-ins and take-outs.
6. Substantial private funds could be available to this project and should be sought
7. The project:should commence as,soon as;possible in the low water season.
8. Our supper,is subject to our review of final plans.
9/77/99 Poudre River The f Mowing recommrndatiom reflect a consensus of our Board on each of the proposed projects,
Trust without consideration to rope,specific design criteria and funding sources.
1. Existing projects-lac priority.
2 Project 8:Linden,Willow,Lincoln Strec.eape-1st priority
3. Project 6:Jefferson/Riverside Streetaci pe-Ist priority
4. Project?Off-Street Public Parking-lst priority
5. Project 2.Environmental&Cultural Program-1 st priority;Note that it is the opinion of this board
that private funding sources am both readily available and most appropriate for this project
6. Project 3:Trag amenities-1st priority;Note above comments for the majonm of possible
enhancements.
7. Project 7:Old Fort Sim Design-2nd priority
8. Project 13:Gateway at Mulberry and Riverside-2nd priority
9. Project 14,Bank Snbdication-2nd priority
10.Project 4:Natural and Recreatimed Enhancements-2nd priority;New that private funding is also
most appropriate for possible projects in this category.
11:Project 15:Gateway Features at Other Sites-3ed priority
12 Project 16:Downtown Shuttle Service-3td priority;Nore that this project should be pursued in
conjunction with the Downtown Business Association
13:Project 17.Address Contaminated sires-2nd priority
R'e are in agee.oent with your tension to suspend further discussion of those possible projects which
maybe affetcd by the outcome of the Floodplain Regulations process currently underway. Upon
completion of that Process,we anticipate a similar outreach effort for the affected proposed Printers.
Nonetheless,we strongly encourage you to,move ahead with the projects idennfied above so as not m
lose any momentum which you have worked so hard to create.
It is the upinien of this Bond that our community is eager to embrace substantive progress in redef ing
the Downtown River Corridor as rum most significant resource. Through the process of inf tncture
improvements,Property rehabilitation,natural and recremonal enhancements and community
awareness,we believe the Cache Is Poudre River will once again be the reason we all choose to live
hee,l
9/16/99 Chamber of Concern=more basic services need on be addressed
Convnercc,Local
Legjs.Affairs
Committee.
9/15/99 Transportation Discuss pedestrian orientation in slide show. Separate ttad=for resolv'vhg conflicts. Transit should be
Board higher Priority.
9/3/99 Environmental Prefer to see floodplain projects discussed new. Need room Boodplain Process in schedule. See
Brown Bag problems with Old Town floodplism. Let community primmuse-do relative ranking. Can see
Lunch Group mmmmt on Northside A.A.and other areas not addressed in prog en? People concerned about
the rats.
9/1/99 Meeting Bring trail away from river. Have people places=like these things too. Ovedav of natural
n
w/Nan ral i eaneemena Cleanup-not cleanup but"address"contaminated site woven inn projects. Project
Resources #4,Pond.Rive Corridor channel enhancements-low Priority for me.
Advisory Board
8/27/99 Downtown Financial component=concerned about properties taken out of era base. Desire compromise between
Development merwalk and tututal. like some idess of both Natural neat rivet Developmmht can occur outside
Authority of buffet access to river but not too much man-made development close by with access. The river's
contras.is in greatest asset "Appropriate"development is OK
8/25/99 Meeting with Access to river is important as keep this,in mind. Bank stabilization=careful about which ones we
Parks& choom Look at moving trail Manictumg u an improvement North of Lincoln. Look at some way of
Recreation Board wing ester=St ornbest. Unmvhicured pan is more important dun manicuring it. Access puma
But vat wr.y shops akmg Levee n impottant(Buckingham protection). Concerned about am wit
of North College is test just parking but all along-clean up and beautify.
Suggestion that we begin to look for places to move the bike trail new either than try to armor against
flooding
8/23/99 Growth Staff presented draft recommendations on the Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program to
Management the Committee. Count members discussed locations along the Condor that were within the 100.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 54
rats___._rats.
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or source Topic Comment
Committee year Poudre River floodplain and areas affected by natural feature buffers. In limes,the comm ,
agreed with the wromnteruied project priorities. The r was some disagreement with the initial
reenmmeredations on projects affected by the Poudre River floodplain revisions,and it war suggested
that funding sources be identified for options not listed in the recommendation list The committee
felt that staff should not make recommendations on projects affected by the floodplain revisions wait
until after Co..vil his decided on the revisions(cady in 2000),but that other projects should be
reviewed as scheduled(November 2). Finally,the committee agreed that a staff interdepartmental
team is the best method for initiating project implemrnmtion,
8/17/99 letter from We believe that the preservation and protection of the river—amf the life it Nppom--is more important
Friends of the than modifying,containing or profiting by its beauty or utility. This is not to say that we are opposed
Poudre m my changes m the downtown river corridor,only those that would have a ne'guive impact em the
river and the surrounding area Friends of the Poudre wanrs to ensure that riverside clean-up,npmm
nsmeation,urban development and redevelopment,and other effortsthat would change the rime
over corridor and in Tipstian arts,are accomplished in a way that protects and preserver the natural
new corridor throughout this area. The river is allowed in define its,own course within the 100 yr
floodplain mapped by FEMA and the City of Fun Collins. We should always renumber that this too
yr floodplain is often a flash floodplain,.earring that floods in our region can and do occur very
rapidly and without much warning; The flood danger cone should be defined as those areas where the
SIN)year floodway overlaps the 100-year floodplain. To mi riamise future human tragedy and property
loss,new construction or redevelopment should occur beyond this zone;The toil number of acres in
riparian wildlife habitat is increased or remains the same;A continuous riparian wildlife migration
corridor is preserved and enhanced from Martinez Puk to Prospect Ponds allowing mimals of all
kinds necessary movement and habitat;Native vegetation(for example Plains Cottonwood,Choke
Cherry,Coyote Willow)are given a chance to establish and reestablish themselves and aggressive
exotics such as(but not limited m)Russian Olive,Cans 1.Thud.,and Icafy SpwW arc discouraged
and/cr removed;Existing man-crude structures and.=d&aNres(both up and downs".of the
dosenmwn river corridor)eemain unaffected by new development of=development This will lesson
the need for new clunnelization or bank stabilization efforts; Armoring or stabilization of stream
banks or adjacent ponds should be allowed city where necessary to protect significant existing public
or private infeastnneture. Bank stabilization Prolven often result in channelimnon of the twee.
Channclization can lead in erosion and bank dansag during flood events. All such projects should be
carefully analyzed on a cue-by-case basis;Ripi urn habitats with.the Idol yr floodplain are allowed to
renew as is nomIt of flood wens,;Water quality should be improved beyond its current level and not
degraded by any chmges made in the river ccnidor.
8/12/99 Property owners Prefer mice ALL projects make the list,not just those NOT AFFECTED by floodplain task force.
astin-Board of
Directors
e/6/99 Chamber of Keep moving for ewd despite flondplain task force schedule. Look at another TIP funding source.
Commerme, Floodpla.issue-we are an urban area. Charmdize,fatal flow if you introduce wildlife into urban
legislative area.
Committee
7/I/99 Downtown What is the o'ry's eommiumtnt in this program? \6'hnt is the floodplain rcgulanons schedule? The more
Development land taken out of private development means less on w... Don't purchase private lands. Have you
Authority used projects From other commuruties u examples? Wha is status of Link N Greens proposal? Can
Ranchway be reused for different use? I low is the DDA involved in this process?
6/1/99 Mena candurn Proposed paddling Based on mitial feedback from the paddling community and in combination with some businesses.
sent to Timothy Park("kayak course") town that have long supported a paddling park along the Downtown section of the Poudm,we would
Wilder,sally like ro openly offer strong support to the Planning Department,Parks Dept,and the Planning and
Craig,and Greg Zoning Booed Our preliminary research indicates dbt..deed,it is feasible to construct such a park
Byrne We have a variety of canners that ran help the city flesh out my feasibility assyssment and inn¢that
the design would make this park an extraordinary addition in the.creational amenities readable to
comm.
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 5c This is the option l most strongly support. E pecially if they can convert the diversion structure inn the
N.Colleg/Vine Dr. kayak course. This is a place that will ajum and drown tuber,often,swimmers and kayaks.
Floodplam Mitigation Unsafe structure The City modified it and they need m dtigate,it
and Am
Enhancement-Public
purchase ofland for
name and recitation
urn
5/29/99 E-mail DROP,Project 16: Where would you aMmiue traffic congestion. Would that be an the traffic you want in move down m
Downmwa Shuttle those choice chunks of uphadt You want in putdown in the floodplain, Trens(ort is pretty much a
Service dismal fadua, I'm not sure I want m pay my nx do0m to w wh a bunch of tmpty busses drive
mound
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project IT What...? Ate you kidding? Why as this the last item on the list If this list represents your plmrwsg
Clean Up pnomma you need To step back and reassess them.Of course it hu m be cleaned up and it's the first
Contaminated Sites thing that you have to do.
5/29/99 E-mail Genet comments You seem to be headed toward some serious impact on the riparian area ofthe Poudm River. The
systom that you have in place nor can't horde 20 year evens And you want an attempt in engineer
a solution for the 100 yr events, One dung that you have faded to take..consideration on the
impact of the 50 yr,If10 yr,200 yr,etc evens is going m be gmWy magnified by the fact that the
amoent of bare Ind available as absorb the moisture has been reduced by at beast 71n/same the last
event by streen,puking lob,homes,sidewalks etc If you take a look nationally at the effects of leviu
you find that they don't work IF you start messing with the hood plain of a river you assigning to
effects up stream and down stream that you have not anticipated. Mask Twain his a quote to come
than. "If you live in a floodpla rr,you better count on getting your feet wet" So in conclusion the best
thing aromundu ram do fat the 1 W btk>od plan u atmnpt m reNm u ro s,ripatiarh aria and attempt m get
yeas flow,in the nee bed
You am also proposing very many high ma.teressom items Who's going to do it and who is going to Pay
. for it If you nuke remote targets that s¢hurt to moNmr they will be vandalized, So I suggest that
you go with the K.I.S.S.principle(Keep it simple Stupid)The more you engineer it,the mere connate
Downtomrt River Corridor Implementation Program 55
Appendix D- Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
and asphalt you pow the more its going to cost to maintain and repair when you build in a river's
historic Rood plain.
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 2 Nice idea Who will maintain? will become targets for vandals. Am you going to explain what role the
Environmental and old city dump had on the ecology of the dveO
Culmrdl Interpretive
Program
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 7: Support mnovations to existing buildings to bring th en back into their original character. Not support
Old Fort Site Urban additional development along this condor so some dadoper could make big subsidies dollars
Design Features providing loft space and retail space,which would increase the traffic,and pollution from vehicles and
channel it to the river. (dripping od,transmission fluid,fire rubber,cigamm,bum,etc)
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 51e Support the City purchasing the property in the 100 yr Roodplain and then maturing it to a natural
N.College/Vine Dr. tipatian habitat
Floodplain Mitigistion
and Area
Enhancement-
Privam uses-subject
to existing regulations
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 6: Not and you get the through traffic off 287. All the improvement and traffic calm sniff wdl do is
Jefferson/Riverside impede traffic Row increase the none pollution from cars and trucks in traffic admiring your
Stmencape marvelous trees and mffic calm devices.
Improvements
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 10 I don't like any of the options. How about the City buy and let it be a natural Rondpi in.
Ox
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 15: Not a bad idm w'ho's going to maintain it? I low wdl it be affected by 2R7 traffic? And who besides the
Gatewnv Futures at "daim beamaged"would want to hang out and sit on a bench between two lanes of traffic and suck
one or more sites exhawt produrm?
Linden,Lincoln,N.
College,
Riverside/Mulberry.
5/29/99 I?-mail DRCIP,Project 5s Prefer option 5b. Against the City mandating that the property owners in this section incur cost to meet
N.College/Vine Dr. the standards that you will undoubtedly develop.
Floodplaw Mitigation
and Area
Enhanccment-
Ptivare uses,subject
to existing regulations
5/29/99 E-mail DROP,Project 3b: I would advocate benches and landscaping with native species to try and remain the over corridor to
Cache la Poudm River riparian habitat Introducing urban plants would emsed out native species and add annual
Trad Amenities- maintenance cost Suggest graded running path covered in wood chips.
Substantial Yuk! No urban design fanatics(or at least minimal ones). They have a tendency to become ugly and
outdated,like 1960's concrete designs.
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 13b: This site would be better developed ar seen fit by the property owners
Gateway at Mulberry
and Riverside-
Develop Pickle Plant
as named area
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 3. How about getting rid of the noxious weeds along this section. Again,any structure you put up m a
Cache la Pnudm River nomm location will be vandalized
Thad Ameninicw-
MRnimal
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 9: Against it for the pollution reasons above,(pm vet 7). This town is getting too"mud"funky mar;s ,ok.
Off-Street Public
Parking
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 4: Encourage the City to develop this area as a white water recreation Facility. Big problem would be getting
Cache Is P.W.River enough water to make this functional.
Natural and
Recreational
Enhancements
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP.Project 11 1 support option c. Raum this area to.nwwal area Why do you want to keep sticking to parking
a,b,c: closer to the siva to increase the opportunity for car juices m get into the water way'
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 12 This is a Property rights issue. Fort CoRlm is the land of NIMBY. Pro not pleased to see a large
Link N Greens sprawling hotel go inm the am as current owners Planned However,I do not believe the City has
Flondpliln mitigation the right,the powa or the balls in restrict his development options. Especially if you want to keep
and named are paving over all these nice flmdplsires and making them into parking lots and concrete structure.
cohancetrmt-
development only
outside of 1M.year
Roodplein
5/19/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project& This doesn't sound me bad,but I wouldn't bother maligning the intersections. 'lley grew that way
Linden,Wabw and historically and shodd be kept that way.
Lincoln Smeeocape
Impeavennenn
5/29/99 E-mail DRCIP,Project 13e 1 didn't know dent they had illegal access. This site would be better developed as seen fit by the property
Gateway at Mulberry, owners.
and Riverside-All.
Pickle Plant to
redevelop
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project 10. Stop the dumping of conacR,as of 99-05-24!
Oxbow Sim No(2)
Improvements- See option IOC
Private use,subject to 9 dots
existingregulations No!Nol Not
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 56
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comtnent
But 42"owneta" all of whom want to get cash from the cash-cow.
• Not pre8:ned. Concede landowner should be required to clean up the spoils area regardless of farose use.
I prefer option 3. Why isn't a]nee mquimiJ m this option as well? Is it mquired only when the aty
cis the property?
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project elk: Ycsl Protecting for natural areas shows so much fomsighr. It will be greatly appreciated now and have
Oxbow Sim benefits for wildlife and environmental quality now. These benefits will increase many fold as our
Improvements-Coy region becomes increasingly developed.
Purchase for Natural Preferred-but no levee. Do not atmmpt to dnmmor! It won't work Buckingham is one of the oldest
Area communities. Recognize that it is in the Rondplam and subject to periodic flooding,but address all
future developments to keep them out of the goodplain.
Goal ideal
Bert ilea
Good
Do not include natural area protection w/Buckingham improvements.
If really this is a serious Flood-prone area
Ifneeded
This would make mom parkland-and is currcndy undeveloped so would be less expensive now,than
later. Also would make good location for good central measures-I'd agree to buying the land.
("other near over or"marked out with comment]Let the high water wash over the area if its going to-
don't try to confine it to a narrow path-give it room. I have to ask this-if IX'al-0lan is built on a
filed alma does the displaced water make Buckingham more susceptible to grid damage-is the city
having in spend S$to protect amass which would have escaped good had R'al-Alart not berm built?
47 dots
Don't tic natural area protection to levee for Buckingham (4 agree)
GO FOR ITI
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,PoMea tls I could live with it
Floodplaw No(2)
mitigation/natural See llb.
u y restoration- 13 dots
Prove uses subject to See Ile
existing regulations [underline"cumnt"I not mttenc Comamiwnd land must be at Schrader od by the Imdnwner.
Development within the floodplain should be forbidden, No to this option!
5/26/99 Open 1-louse DRCIP,Project 6: This should be the landowner/developer mil-n ibilin•. Taspaycts should one pay Gin b6. This means
Jefferson/Riverside nothing until the RR situation is addressed. This should be attached to the OIJ'I'own plans,our the
Strecacape over corridor.
Imp recmano Wart till truck by pass is in
A nice continuation of the theme in Old Town Square(formerly part of Linden). Rut&has a price rig!
This area needs improving
Combine this with encouraging preservation of historically significant structures.
Amen-this alma needs to have some SS/improvements-I worry about the trucks-leis get the bypass
off the back burner.
27 dt
ots;
O.K.;
Yes.;
Good!;
Sounds reasonable
Yes-definitely need improved pedestrian crossings. Landscaping would be tywd,too. I would like to
mare?
5/26/99 Open I louse DRCIP,Project I Its: \Could possibly be complementary to tllb. Seems appropriam use oraverbank area
Flondplam You(we)are going to have to buy out(buy riff)owners of floodplain land&buildings
mitigatum/datum I could live with it.except will people walk from this site
was rawni on- 8don
Public Purchase for 'I.far from Old Town&downtown unless a shuttle service is provided Natural anus should be
packing developed on the Over side of these properties. Sec option 3.
Don't need More,sum parking
No
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project 3b: No[ Would be OK only if moved away from riparian habim
Cache la Poudre River Do 3.-a.36 for possible future
Trd Ammities- Keep the bikes,skates,&skateboa rk off,please
Substantial Goodl "Additional career buffers could be created to lessen impact on the natural envtironmnnt"circled
Nice,but pricey.
Unnecessary-the hand of tom cannot improve what should be a mom natural space. \3'ay too busy and
capita intensive-I.M.maintenance burdens,bad fee space-bad for taspayen.
14 data
Don't think this is..say
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project Ilb: No-we have enough parking!
Floodplain Do 1lc fine This can be done-or not-a later decade depending on how things develop
mitigation/namd
ors restoration-
Public Purchase for
5/26/99 Open House DMA IP,PmPer Se, Dn't need to anquim land if they can't dvelop in the gasdplains. Outlaw id No levee should be
N.College/Vine Dr. pemritred-attempts to charnel the river should be avoided. See Mississippi problems. It doesn't
Floodplain Mitigation work
and Area Yes except for the kayak facaities.
Enhancement-Public Levee is Out a good idea Coy diversion also provides grade control-removal would dertabdize the over
purchase of land for channel.
natural and recreation How would this affect the flow?
uses 18 dots
No parking! (Ice's not entourage driving and parking lots where the oil and gas and liter will tun off
• close to the user-sounds like a bad ideal)
1 would like city to own this land-keep as natural as possible-would accept a name.]park area for public
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 57
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
-remeVe the diversion dam.
No kayaks
Would be in favor if I was convinced that kayaking would not baem river ecology
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,project 1: We have a great opportunity to allow the over ro function in in remand state by allowing the mct to
Riverbank and evolve within the over comics. Rfiere the comdor is wile(i.e.structures not bunt up to the banks)
Wildlif,Habitat bank stabilization should focus on revegeration efforts and other"soft"means of protection.
Corridor However-where infmsmreture is close ro the banks-"hard"engineered bank protection will be
Enhancement required. This can sail be done in an aesth nic way. That is protect the me of the slopes with"hard"
means sing soft bin[?] nhniquex on the upper banks.
My concept of aesthetics is in cmphaaim natural-1 expect that wood&concrete rock bamen will need
to be used m minimize erosion-ideally,I would like to be able to canoe/kayak that am-experience a
"natud"over.
"Enhance"? Should be dropped-restore banks m natural state. Wildlife habitat enhancement may also
mqum,rounding human activities in sensitive areas. Mosquito conaol is delewrious to many
songbirds. Fogging 0 etc.should not be peortitted. live with the mosquire!
Be careful here! Enhanced means dinned up not"improved"
We have only one opportunity no maintain a wildlife corridor through town,and that wun BEFORE
any(under NEW development
If the nyw is going to be a focal point-you're going to have to improve years of disturbance and restore it
lob have a great opportunity to allow the over to function in in natural site by allowing the river in
cache within the river .conldor. Where the corridor is wide(I.e.structures not built up to rise banks)
bank anbnization should focus on mergetation efforts and other"soft'means of protection.
limsere,where infrastructure is close to the banks,"hard"engineered bank protection will be
required This can sail be done in an aesthetic way. That is protect the me of the slopes with"hard"
means,using .it In.)?)techniques on the upper banks
Only restoration should be done where further erosion will damage essential items such as sumn. The
over itself is the best"onoww"of a riverbank
Trill section between Shields and College is falling apart Suggest soft path for running along the whole
«ad,repass riparian habios.
Grit idea! The mtud characteristics of the river arc everyone's to enloy-as sell as pmsiding sisal
ecosystem services. W,also need ro provide it refuge for wildlife es habitat duties increasingly being
squeezed out
Gond-natural resource area enhancement should be the primary god of all the projects
Good-natural remu ce area enhancement should be the primary god of all the projects
Good-natural resouroe am enhancement should be the primary goal of all the projects
Be careful here! Enhanced means cleaned up not"improved"
We have only one opportunity to maintain a wildlife corridor through town and that occurs BEFORE
any further NEW development
37 dots. Sounds good(2)
Ict it be a"free-Flowing"river
If the met is going to be a focal point-you're going to have m improve ycan of disturbance and maroce
it
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project She Buy properties only when offered by waling sellen-maybe seek Rights of First Refusal or purchase
N.College/Vine De options on affected pmpertis.
Hoodplain Mitigation
and Am
Enhancement-
pmate uses-subject
to existing regulations
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project 4: Fish structures are OK and needed-remove diversion structures. Whitwaer slalom no! It will be a
Cadre It Poudre River huge disturbance to sensitive wildlife at the critical spring period
Natural and 27 do%
Rsmtional Fish-put. Whitcestenldom-NO. Incompatible with fishing&peace&quiet
Enhancements It is net up in govemmen[in provide expensive recruntional equipment to special interest groups. If
whitewater organizations wish to work on this on a vmlunreer basis-removing dangen such in fallen
trees etc.ok Also they should have the right to goat from here to I-25 rest amp(w.Erocara u over
private land where required to prong,dams) Don't spend gove.t money on over channel-the
new does that
IAOka good as is-enhance natural environment
Fish habitat imprommem,-YES! (Get more water) Slalom course means emwde-which the natural
habitat can't accommodarc.
Is a wh waseter dalom course compatible with over ecology&fish habitat?
Nothing"mtud"about raf en&kayak&canoes
Fishing&kayaking do not mix. A saw course will be expensive for the few weeks it'd be viable(&I'm a
kayaks)downtown with a flat grade is not the place for a tow course.
The effecn of in-channel habitat improvement on the good carrying capacity of the channel will have to
be balanced against the environmental gains.
My personal preference is not to have this but I would wan for it over a San Antonio use for the river.
My preference would be to have kayaken use upper river where this type of river is more natural. My
impression of this proposed ata is.. gradient
I like the natural focus of this,but care most be taken with the'Wont course not m disturb natural
habitat and the tranquility of those who want en enjoy it
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,project 10b: Afraid this will lad re,degradation of habitat
Oxbow Site Do option Inc and then in future this is still an option
Improvements-City 29 don
pureha a for Open Don't need it
Air Amphithater This is a nice"concept'for the foothills-not the river
Why is the airy promoting development in the 100-year floodplzin?
Just don't make it too civil¢ed.
An appropriate use for this floodplain area land use not an environment.]threat to the riser.
Thu is the best of the idea considered
I"washable"arced with commend Very good-let it flood if its going to! -
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 58
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
NO-An amphitheater is a dreadful idea! I am very much in favor of attracting People m• ex ce the beauty of the river. BUT attracting people m that area for activities that could just as well be I cated
may From the mess a negative and enunmr-productive move. Why locate this by the river at all,
when people going to events at the amphitheater are not going to visit the over and will increase
disturbance to habitat and people trying to enjoy the river? Also the effects of constmecon and
sociated traffic increase in Worst of pollution will be big negative.
5/26/99 Often 1-louse DRCIP,Project 12 Ye ass-reamer development on 100-year floodplain.
link N Greens Don't get too generous with low-value land being bought by rocs
n..dpWn mitigation SAD-we don't need the development We do need the open space
and natural area The wnent use is a really good example of a riparian compatible private vemon:
enhancement- Is this where the conference center and hotel are proposed? If you have mom information on this,how
development only can I get hold of it?
outside of 100-year Discourage development and especially interne development.
floodplaw This makes sense,it permits development outside of the floodplain. I Ile this idea.
No development in the too-year floodphein
Do NOT allow development in 1 W-year.flendplain-see comment on llk.
Its private land-see option I under,item 11.
Sounds reasonable
16 does
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project Sir You wdI(have)to"buy our"some owners
N.College/Vine Dr. 16 doer;
Iloodplajn Mitigation Yes(2)
and Area Further development or redevelopment within floodphoss should be eliminated. I do support acquisition
Enhanc men[- of land to expand and enhance namnl ama buffers. Currently,the condor is ton constricted in manv
private uses-sobject places to provide adequate wildlife buffer.
to eslsdng regulations Yes,5b u gent (No to the idea ofparking in Sc-we have lots of parking in old town and let's not get
more mn-off pollution into the river. U-t s wncourxge people to walk(as per the pedestrianization of
#6 and#7)or use public transport)
Again-no reason for City to bad out pnvate land owner. Wait until over takes them. "I he owners will
get flood insurance. City can then but cheaper. 'llm curmm private owners know and assume the
risks of owning property there.
A compromise between 5a&Sc
5/26/99 Open I louse DRCIP,Project 7: Mill Race arty west fl. If Old Town"ekes hold"this may be an option for future decades. Nnw is ton
Old Pon Site Csbao much gnsYyntmat-have private.
Design Features 30 dots
Great idea in improae Pedesmanization. Lets not disturb the peace of such areas by putting a parking lot
close by the ever(i.e.as in 5c). Them arc plenty of old pulung spaces and nor lots being developed.
I'm mom inclined to#6 than this-I'd vote to delav this project for a f peen.
OK as long as it is out of the natural area and buffers. What is a"mil race"? Khnt is its upkeep?
Just don't make ton many such inife.rnn
• Historic signs
Yes!
Good idea-but difficult to integrate with existing ma lines.
Mal sure,seems superflmus
Nice-with a price tag.
Please s c do not need to"shop"m the over.
5/26/99 Op Coat idea!
en House DRCIP,Project 16: This is outside over planning. Busses should Is,where people are or wam A,the nature of our.
Downtown Shuttle me of that area changes-the busses will adapt.
Service \Pay premature. Shuttles should be rismidemd after d..l.pment plans are finalized.
15 dots
Great id.!
At last,an..case for the Macon Co smi e.
Yes. Too bad the voters tamed down the Transportation Tax;Yes'(2)
I'm aftaid vast have higher hopes for this than I do-maybe you9 keep a few cars off the mail-sure hope
you're right and I'm wrong.
Good idea-tic in in Mason St Condor for auto bee tune-use natural gas busses or.trolleys
5/26/99 Opm I louse DRCIP,Project IS: A WASTE-ten busy-not practical-ton expensive-slows traffic. An open park would be nicer-more
Gateway pension at friendly-less expensive.
one or more sites: 22 dour
linden,Lincoln,N. Y.but nor a top priority
College, Youll have in acquire the land on which to do this-nice but not necessary.
Ri euid./Mulbecry. OK
Except for an outdoor amphitheater theme the arc no"outstanding features"that People need to be enticed
en i
to"r
enter". This would be just a ..y garmay to cross the over.
Gattway m what?To the historic Old Town,or to some,consumer miles
Yes&slow traffic to posted speed limits
Maybe we could delay this for a few years-think I'd like m see$$used on this and other projects am
finished
If we are looking for a"gateway"it should be as one wits 1-25 at Prospect,Mulberry&Hamrmny.
Lincoln&Linden are not"ganways".
1 person specifically indicated a preference for Linden St gateway
Y.
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project He. Purchase Western half and a strip along the met-but purchase of entire sire also acceptable. Gasoline
Fl.ndribin smog next in over seems unsound when next flood him.
mitigation/named 28 dots
area statement..- Yes-a great id.for same rearms as low
Public purchase for Yes(4)
natural aria and Only if price is adjusted for the inevitable clean-up expeme,
floodplaw mitigation Would prefer this but I Is is OK
. Preferred.although some parking in option 3 muld be permitted.
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project 5. adou
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 59
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
N.College/Vine Dr. Prefer Sb
Floodplain Mitigation No
and Ara Def a"enhancement". Banks should be left natural-but stabilized where necessao,to keep sivet within
Enhancement- its historical flows Including floodplum). Any reveguation should be natural.
Prate me.,subject Don't really have to do anything here. Some day the river will take these properties. And then the City
to existing regulations can buy as park land at reduced cost
5/26/99 Open Howe DROP,Project 13b: 14 don
Gateway at Mulberry Maybe a mix between this and 13b. While access is still a problem you're likely to have less visitation to a
and Riverside-Allow natural area than a park
Pickle Plant to Yes
redevelop Can be developed as a park ever a long time if the need is he.-mart with natural area and let it be
deeeloped if demand develops.
Net much habitat on die Point itself. Dater habitat below the old plant site Karp he lower elevation
for natural area.
If the trucks are ever.-muted
Preferred in.&c
Yes-for a.Mason.as lice.
Z3 dots
5/26/99 Open Hoarse DRCIP,Project 3. 15 dots;Still all good;Prefer,3.
Cache la Poudre River This is my preference. Sae 36 for Future and if needed Don't do 31,now.
Trail Amustar;- 3a is much more preferable to 3b. Construction of plaza and other urban design&uums counter in the
Minimal aim of"enhancing wildlife habitat"and"enjoying natural characteristics"and improving aesthetics,
soared in#1.
Move trails away from sensitive wildlife arse Trails too close to the over have caused too much four
traffic and bark destabilization. No plugs. Bench use is minimal at present and may not need to be
increased.
No problem with this;
Also good idea;
Keep simple and economical;
Soundsgood;
Access needs to be provided for-but we don't need"aviai'amenities;
Yes
5/26/99 Open House DROP,Project 9: Why do we want ro increase parking? I thought we wanted to decrease aumuobde dependency. People
Off-Street Public should be able in drive but they should have to pay for it Bike parking should be five but not auto
Parking parking-except of coupe for the elderly and disabled.
Another area with a need for Parking The Ion can be strectuaped.
Good point(arrow,pointing to not adjacent in the over,area')
17 doa
Parking is a problem-I'd strongly von in favor of this in order to help sustain dues mown-business
People always seem in complain about parking problems. Good ideal
No-we have enough downtown parking planned No mo¢asphalt
Parking must be provided if eedevrlopmrnt of the area produces increase number of destinations
Let prate interest provide for parking-El Burom built a parking lot behind their restaurust Mawacns
provides their own padmig.
Location of parking lots away from the met should not be an aside(Le."whenever possible'). Please
make it a priority in your planning decisions. It bnpacts not only the wildlif habitat,and water
quality,but the enjoyment of thou who wish to experience the natural river qualities.
Appears to be reasonable. Isn't it located a little too Far away from Old Town for most Folks to work?
Again,problem with RR tracks bisecting the area
Inconspicuous parking-shuttle notice
Th se arc other much more suitable locations for a parking structure
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Project g: This neighborhood should get in fair share of sidewalk and street improverrient. Like with option 7. A
Lind..Willow and by government rehab is out of place If pram commercial innmt wish to buv and change aspects of
Lincoln Streecre pe neighborhood-let them pay for this.and not required
Iroprovemeno Yes(2);
6 dote,
Lighting is very important A major concern of businesses in this area is parking 'Ilse NE&NW
come.of the Linden-Willow intersection his limited parking
Minimize the improvemrnn.
Same as#7(I'd vote ro delay this for.few yarn)
Nice-with a price tag
Minimize the unprovemmts. Make a kind of urban natural area.
Yes help needed.
5/26/99 Open House DROP,Project 13. Traffic and trains is too dangerons For a park Kids will be From surrounding neighborhood and probably
Gateway at Mulberry unsupervised Library park is only several blurb away.
and Riverside- Ok,u fort&history
Develop Pickle Plant It will give the kids and parmts a nice view the wale ware[«atment land If the winds just right they
a park can get a nose full of this wonderful aroma
The Pickle Plant would be a nice a.for a park But keep it simple.
Maybe a mid between this and 13b. BUT,access is sill a problem
9 dots
5/26/99 Open Howe DROP,Project 2 Simple displays locating old fort site OK The influence on settlement and ecological role unnecessary
Emorommar il and and wasteful.
Cultural Interpretive We should do this regardless of the rest of the River Condor Plus
Program Good-maybe explaining ecology,of rive will increase hkelihood that people will say on the wads&
follow roles in general
History is good
I'm all for historic interpretation
13 don;Good ideal;"..and the ecological role of the mer"M Yes
This would be good-an sees.for amount music for Okroberfest activities-for Cans de Mayo?for arh
oFJuly?
(Anew pointing to another location) Put it here-there's more room. -
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 60
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
Yes,education is a great idea Please make sure the location of signs and gathering parts u far enough
• fmm key habitats,not to disturb wildlife.
Good idea.
5/26/99 Letter-3 citizens Native vegetation(for example Plains Cottonwood,Choke Chevy,Coyote R'dlow)are given a chance to
from Friends of establish and reestablish themselves and aggressive exotics such as Russian Oliva Canada Thisde,and
the Poudre Leafy Spurge are discouraged and/or removed where appmpriate;
We envision the Poudre River corridor as a biologically functioning,vital crony that changes from season
to season and fmm era to era The riser is a life-line for a wide variety of life,many of which are
almost complemly dependent upon a healthy,unimpeded over. Turnery the presenatmn and
pmnction of the met,and the life it supports is more important than the all-tots-human desire to
modify,contain or profit by its beauty or utility. This is not m say that we arc opposed to any changes
to die river condor,only those that would have a negative impact We want in insure that riverside
clean-up,riparian restoration,urban development and redevelopment,and other efforts that would
change the natural river corridor and its op itian area is accomplished in away that pictures and
preserves the natural river corridor.
Aremring or stabilization of stream banks or adjacent ponds should be allowed only where needed m
protect significant public or porter infrumerrox. Bank stabdizatimm projects often nmis in the
unintended consequence of channeling the river This charmelization can lead to damage during
flood events that otherwise would not happen. All such Projects should br•wit camfinly analyzed on
a case-by-cam basis
The flood danger zone should be defined as those area where the 500 year floodway overlaps the 1 W-
yesr floodphim, To minimize future human tragedy and property loss,new construction or
redevelopment should occur beyond this zone
A continuous riparian wildlife migration condor is preserved and enhanced from Martinez Park to
Prospect Ponds allowing animals(birds,mammals,tepee,fish,and invenebmeu)necessary
movement and habitat,
The total number of acres in oParian wildlife habitat is increased or,at the very Last,remains the gamy;
G acting man-made structures and natural features(both up and downstream of the downtown river
condor)remain=affected by new development or redevelopment, This will lessen the need for new
channelization or bank subdication efforts
The river is allowed to define its own course within the 1011-year floodplain mapped by I'FNIA and the
City. We should always remtodan that this BMI-year floodplain is often a flash floodpialn,meaning
that floods in our region can and do Occur very rapidly and without much warning
Ground5/26/99 Open 1 louse Groundcomments I believe that whov ner owns the land should have the first choice as to the future of the land I don't
bibew the City shOuld'onprim the owners)
I.nd and business owners have a responsibility to the community that transcend,their rights of private
ownmdup. (1 agrees)
We need din tray system along the river,but away from its banks to prevent erosion,but still allow
runners the opoon Of din
Please no"washable"architttturc,amphitheater in the Oxbow. This would by a Poor misuse of an
existing riparian s
very
This is a well doneone set of displays!
Kayaking and fishing don't mix. A white water coupe would be better situated where there is a steeper
grade. Downtown the course will be viable for about one month during the year.
Move the truck mute way north out ofcity limits
\tie don't need[New Performing Arts Center[.Lincoln Center works Fine!
We don't need this project[New Perfuming Arts Center]near the river-keep it away.
The Lincoln C Wn,is not currently adequate and as the city grows will not be able to serve the
community
These involve two unrelated issues(New Perf�rming Arts Centerl. We need a center but not then.
Regional commuter rail sounds great! Flow about tmllevs?
Why do we need another perf rming ads center? 1 like the Lincoln Center and I don't want mom
buildings near the med
Keep the performing am center as dose in the new parking garage as Possible so it can be used at night
Do not Put it in the floodplainl
4 dots: tiara Antonin Ri covalk-it won't happen in Fort Collins
Find a site for the am center and amphitheater well may from the river and out of the flonlplain
W'oujdn't it be nice in have a few easy rapids for boaters,fisherman,walker,bikers,painter,and writers
to sit by or use and enjoy?!
Highway 14 Relocation should be sited way north of Port Collins: County Rd 58 or further north.
Would have land tamer into on how habitat would be Protected with increasing influx of people and
traffic.
Buy up u much land in Possible to pmtM it
Please keep hack taaffic in mind when designing streets in am between Willow,Lincoln&finder.
Allow as much u possible the rivet m restore and renew itself during Bond events. Let it crcarc taw
fsstures--even change come creating new oxbmrs.(1 agrees)
No ksyaking at,.
The display is great Amphitheater a negative Would attract People to area fir other maxims than
enjoying over-thus congest am reducing enjoyabdity,of river expenience.
Passive area and moarel area prefeeed:As little commerciil as possible.
Something hismric in interpret site of old Camp Collins.
No public$$a that encourage development of the river corridor
Tuming the golfs m item a hod s honble. Thu is not a public use and would n:ult in land taken
may from narod areas,trails.etc. (1 Vises)
We spend lots of f on soccer fields,softball diamonds,"zoo"fain,basketball coum,and other
amenities. Why not eashance out over with natural looking pourover,rocks and eddies? These
would benefit aft of ur with increased aeration of om water. We reel eo show<nstioml roe of our
water or we%lose it to the Denver suburbs! We paddle there already,and the water needs aeration to
decrease stied
We need over,bed enhancement
• It is not advisable in allow the river in move when there are structure boat right up to the banks.
Buckingham must be pmrected-levies seem a good idea
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 61
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
River banks move. Don't wum money on stabdirarion. let the river mmv its runs,.
We need to investigate the possibility of putting river back in its original count,to restore meander and
stop erosion(1 agrees)
"Foci theme needs to be re-crubli hed.
Yes,the City does cam about you Thais one reason for this open house. (3 agree)
We need a new perforating am center-I don't know whe -Me need the amphitheater at the Cox how.
We need to beautify river bank behind Ranch Way.
For area developed in the 100-yew floodplain-relocation should always be an option. Recall events
along the Mississippi after the Rood of 1993, Whole vdlega were mlocand.
The City should allow on new development in the 110year floodplain. This is for 2 reasons:(1)safety in
a larger than 100-year Rood(2)natural areas value-in a continuous corridor and
What about a defned'soft din"trig in area/sections Cie.Shields-Ice Mamnez)and eliminate all the
spirit,web r ads that impact riparian am-mots Ina vigor.
I'd like to see the'Fon'reconstructed on some river site.
This is an extremely good explanation and display that helps one understand the whole potential. Thank
ynul
\Ce don't need to spend govemment money on a white water course that is a private expense just give
river runner right to boat
This is really nice for everybody except we the people that live and have businesses here. You don't give
I
it..about m.
5/26/99 Open House CROP,Project 13c Allow pickle Plant to redevelop Could Pickle Plant site be traded for lands with hi natural area value
Gateway at Isfulberry in the floodplain-say across the river?
and Riverside-Allow Redevelopment should be permitted only on the upper elevation adjacent to the RR tracks. Keep the
Pickle Plant to lower elevation for natural area-its also probably in the floodplain. If rtdevclopment is allowed-the
redevelop developers should bear the cost of dean up-not the city.
No!
Seems a good location for riparian compatible private use. Possible complication is visa over a sewage
treatment plant(but a good sewage treatment plant)
Keep it public-in ownership and in use
Don't need this a this location.
Yes instead of the development of the golf course. Offer incentives.
5/26/99 Opcn House DRCIP,Project 14: Got to say Its to this-don't like the dumped cnncene&old cars a rip top-this would be a big
Embankment improvement
Stabilization Sounds good;Yes(3)
36 dots
It would be nice,albeit expensive,to get not of the rye sores.
Again-only where critical fwdities arc at risk Riven"enhance"ther own banks quire nicely.
Too vague! \Chat are the several locations? it hat am critical facilities? Not enough,information.
Thu should be done to replace the dumped concrete. It should work toward se-establishing natural bend
geonieny.
As 1 am sure you know contact between np=m banks and water is vital for Rood mitigation,water
filtration and cleansing,and providing the interfaces from microscopic toxic-anoxic to macroscopic
levels. Please choose the stabilization method that best maintains habitat and ccosystum senior.
5/26/99 Open House DRCIP,Peject 17: In no way should the tepaycrs bear the cost Cleanup should go riot to the landowners,then any
Clem Up developers. Don't assign the at in the city.
Contaminated Sites This is a mmt-do that should precede most other pmjeets.
Good idea;24 don
No cleanup with public money unless the land price is offset equally or mom(2 agree),Owners should
pay for cleanup-not public,Assessed value of land should account for cleanup costs,Any
contaminant cleanup should be home by PRIVATE monry NOT public,Cleanup is the owners'
tsponsbdity,Good investment-it will save a life A liability now.
This sterns like a no-brainer good idea BUT-what would be done with the land once it is cleaned up?
Would it be developed or restored for natural areas? I would have appreciat xl more information on
this.
I can certainly support the need to identify there area BUT I'm not sure I'm happy about the cm paying
for the dean-up. Whose land is it-who caused the contamination?Sure hope city$$arc only used in
identify the ueas and identify those who should pay for the rehab.
Yes-I'm sure many people would volume,[m help with a project like thb.
The city should not have m beat the majority of this expense. Either the owner cleans up the property
print to sale,or the price is adjusted down to reflect the expense the city will incur.
Very expensive-is this a realistic($$$wise)god
5/25/99 Letter from writer foe Hu a problem with expanding Old Town into undeveloped areas near the river. Opposed to any plans
citizen environment that will develop customary undeveloped area along the Poudre River in the downtown area AD areas
along the river should remain mental and protected. Absolutely no residential,eommeeeid,or
business development should occur on the floodplain. Every time a field is developed,thousands of
plant we destroyed,and probably m equal number of creatures are killed or evicted in the process.
The undeveloped areas along the river should remain undeveloped,pievreneng any flood damage
problems in the furore. Humm convenience and economic gain should NOT take precedence over
survival right of the mvimnmm[and its non-humm inhabitmsl
5/19/99 Nimixed on you have a feel for how much term,memory and effort the NRD has spent on the Poudre River
Resources Condor? They've spent millions of dollars for the purchase of open apace land. It seems that would
Advisory Board outweigh my comments from the special intent groups. I hope you keep that in mind when you
hew ail the comment. Insists of cootentious issues,how dos the idea of no d,volopment lo tlu
lWyew Roodplain impact this?
Who are the main play..?
We should refer in the Oxbow remtd arcs,instead of the Oxbow amphitheater.
When you're making presentations to the Chamber and other businesses,what is their vision?
They're still considering sites new the river for a majot am complex,they'd like to get as close to the river
as possible. Don't want the City to,be an enables of river development Shouldn't invest a lot of
ininstrumere in the area The City shouldn't talk out of both sides of its mouth;no development-but _
let's Wild a horticulture cent[or amphitheater. Them are those who think cleaning up the over
reams picking up litter,removing rtpp.p and making it look like a park Thai a not what we want to
Downtown River Condor Implementation Program 62
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Eventor Source Topic Comment
do. I appreciate the work you've doing What's the Cone-table on this?
• Whne'a the t200.000 boat churn that art being funded out of enom mon cast monies?
Thais pan of a settlement for a water rights case. The Gty won a mmmom water sight
We should have been in die loop.
Need to reiterate the issue of stabdizaton,whatever we do in sabdim the over has impacts up-st[eam
and down-stream,potentially causing the need for additional stabilization- Stabilization should be
minimized,used only in protect critical facilities. The City ought to deal with the north side of the
rive[in terms of acquisitions. The much side is trashed and developed. The north side is partially
trashed,but is pretty natural. If kayaking facilities are going to be developed and provided on the civet,
the access points need to be placed in areas where they,will do die least impace They must be
carefislly planned Patsing by his much ksa impact than landing on the bank and going chore.
lea not just about qualification,but Mae making sure we do access points well in minimize damage.
It's interesting they want to propose a Slalom course in town and at Gateway Park
5/14/99 c-mail from 1 am awam that Centel Pre-Mix is not light industry,I do know what it is,and feel it should be limited,I
citizen look to the day when Centel Pre-Mix and Rmchway Inve,at that time I would hope din rezoning of
the entice am would come up for review. 1 feel chat am i best asrited for oFF es,small read stores,
cafes and expensive condos, Himry will one day prove me eoram, The flood plain isn't so complex
that we can fad to see what is important and what is less m. Nothing is of mom value than human life,
that is followed by real estate value,we simply have to look at it from that -rnt of view.
5/12/99 e-.1 from I oppose any light manufacturing in that am...perimd! I would love to see 6o h Rxnchway,Klef.and
citizen others relocated! I suppmrt strongly any and all efforts to"elimmate the possibility of my flooding in
the downtown area.,we must value human life and property value,more than anything else." Maybe
in the put a has flooded,dui should only strengthen coo,resolve m prevent inn the future,reguilless
of the cost The river .at be"channeled safely through dow sown"once it passes through the W.
then we can conmucate on other ideas,less custy to human life and propeen damages. I would like
to see an end in talk about 100-year floodplams,by relocating diem to mmeplace more downstream.
5/3/99 Floodplain No new development If the am is already developed,then it should be allowed to redevelop as long u opium area am not
Regulations Task in the imputed
Force floodplain...Should Are.should be allowed.rebuild if they are clented above the 100.year flondplain An example would
are.like this already have structu[n on silts to an.the water in flow under the structure.
developed be allowed The area should be alowd in redevelop as long.the new structure meets cotena,resulting in a better
to redwelop? stravere.
Redevelopment should not be allowed in the floodplain.
Areas that are disturbed in the floodplain should be reclaimed as open lands.much as possible.
If mdevelopmest is to take place it should be away from the bank ofthe over and on the outer edge of
the floodplam.Or was noted the current Gry Plus buffer limits would require his.)
Stactums should be allowed to expand if it can be shown them is less impact in he floodpla s
There should be a long range plan or vision for the over corridor and this would direct which areas would
be allowed to expand or redevelop and other where the lands should be reclessed for open space.
Define"no development"so developed open space can't be boned into structures.
Financial gain for property ownert should be defined as keeping property ownc[s whole.
Development credits should be allowed for reducing the risk along the river conidnr by transferring horse
rights to lands where that risk doesn't apply.
5/3/99 Floadplain Should additions be You most either allow the expansion that would meet adopted criteria of purchase he property. Treat
Regulations Task allowed for existing the already developed arcs,chffetenty than those areas that are open. Allow eli it nns ore ar ions
Force structures? If m, as long as the floodplain and riparian aces art not imputed.
what would the For residential developed aura,expansion should be allowed as long as them is no input to the
elevation, floodplain and riparian am..
floodproofmg
regw[emrnu 6e?
5/3/99 letter from citizen Recently visited a over project in Calgary,Alberta,Canada. They had a problem that we should address:
geese. Pond,amphitheater,plea,bile/pdmnian path attracted geese and ducks. Simple things him
an rig"met flown bode,f e around the am can decoct the geese from gathering.
5/3/99 Floodplain Do you feel Fill should be allowed in arm the are already established,but not off by themselves. The Ciry of Fort
Rehvlatiens Task exception could be Collins is currently rrwre eescctive than the FEMA nummum.
Force allowed in certain Fill should be allowed m protect exiting properties.
arcumzances-for The topography shouldn't change to change the flomlrbin.Leas compensatory storab c.
instance in protect The cument FEMA regulations On.properties to fill with in the floodplain and change the FEhIA maps.
established Then anything would be allowed at that location because the floodplain restrictions am removed with
neighborhoods-in a the map amendment It was felt the once in die floodplain,always in the floodplain and floodplain
"no fill"policy? regulations should always apply in the property on testae what the property owner don with it
The degree of mnput will need in be defused That impact may be defused as not creating any more than
a"zero"rise. It can't be arbitrary. The definition should sate"no-rise"and"no-moutng"of the
channel
The fill that is allowed should be such the pmpertes are connected in dry land and not done in a way in
crate ilands.
Fill without rise is OK as long.it his no habitat impacn.
A completely"no-flf"policy is OK and dim shouldn't be any eueptions.
The river will do what it wanb to do. Current design criteria for the city and FEMA requires the taking
into account the stability of the river.
AIImw rtdeveloprnrnt grid tee the same time reclaim the over m everyorhe benefits.
Allow expansion of the Old Town area on the north side of the over,but keep it outside of he
floodpbin.
5/3/99 Floodplain What items would you Washable architecture would be allowed as long.opadm aseas are not imputed.
Regulations Task conside,caustonil Cost of these facilities imt an issue.
Force sxlend stacarts of Washable architecture should net be allowed in the floodplain.
nominal adperin? Trans am being moved and locaud away from the riverbank as much as possible.
Pavement increases the volume of tunnff and impacts water quality. There arc measures that can be done
in mitigate tine cffeca
5/3/99 Hoodplain Do you feel that If a property is destroyed by any means and is in the floodplain,it should not be Ahmed to rebuild. The
Regulations Task established a uidermd property should be made whole by a combination of the collection of insurance and purchase of the
neighborhoods like [emairring property.
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 63
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
Force this one should be Caution that degraded or blighted same;are not crated.
protected from Ifwe don't protect these area,and then we're allowing them to be denmyed,so evc em purchase them at
flooding if technically a lower price after the flooding
feasible and cost Areas should not be protected from flooding. Floodpeoofing doesn't solve the problem.
effective? The course of action to either protect or allow stoome,or to keep areas moctum free should be ore
specific and based on a vision for that area
Protecting property should be m option if it is feasible,doesn t crate a rise in the floodplain,and is cost
effective.
The commit criteria allow destroyed properties to rebuild if they meet current criteria This is too loose;if
destroyed they shouldn't be allowed back
If a master plan is developed and shows purehssing as the best option,then those ptperdes should be
purchased.
Usen should not be allowed if they impact habitat
If levee are built and fad,then they should not be repaired and property owners an on their own.
5/3/99 Floodplain Would this be Current criteria allow remodels to take place up in 5CP 6 of the value of the structure before that structure
Regulations Task allowed? Could this most comply with the code. That number is too high,it should be around 25"1..
Force be an exception in the The footprint shouldn't be Glowed to increase
no-fill policy? Should be allowed as long in them is not a rise in the floodplain.
(Remodels of existing
attractions list exceed
5 WY.of the .It.of
the structure
4/27/99 letter sent to Bill We have reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of both the Lee Martinez Park site and the CSI:site.
Bertschy We don't sce,any overwhelmingly compelling arguments for or against either of them. It appears
either would function adequately as a Horticolture Center. Locating the Horticulture Center in Ise
Martinez Park would have an important and positive impact on downtown Fort Collins. The serve of
community felt by the people of Fort Collins manifests itself in a notable manner. they consider the
downtown am to be the hen of the City. It seems eminently sensible(and perhaps a reaponsbdity)
to nurure and encourage this sense of community. We like the idea of a paoarship with CSU and
believe such a partnership could still function with the Horticulture Center in a downtown location
4/26/99 letter sent to)ack objection in Notification of objection in application filed by the City of Fort Collins and the Union Pacific Railroad in
Baier,Public application filed ducker Is 99A-131R regarding the grade crossing at linden Street in Fort Collins.
Utilities
Commission
4/26/99 letter sent to John As a result of these workshops regarding the appearance and Fraction of linden Sscvt,it would seem
Fischbach from premature to construct the grade crossing until we know what the street is going to look like. As per
the Property the enclosed letter I have advised the Public Ualities Commission that 1 intvd to protest the
Owners Assn. construction of this grade craning. It would certainly be sensible for the Cit to withdraw its
application with the PUC at the,time and submit it later.
4/2-1/99 letter sent to Bill Thank you for recent kmer. Look forward to continued cooperation between the City and the River
Scars from Jaynes Contain,Property Owner Association both in die design and comtrumnn of storm drainage
Rose,Utilities improvemrnu in the am
Project Manager
4/20/99 River Corridor Fill and (Oxbow and Link'.Greens sites)This is one of the moat contentious sites along this piece of the rises.
Task Force redevelopment in the If this situ were m be considered for some type of re-0esdopment,what ideas art there for this spot?
Minutes downtown area If it were tamed into something with a low intensity usage would it still need to be an untouchable
area? omit kind of redevelopment would be appropriate between Linden and I m oln Street?
4/10/99 River Corridor Once you put structum in the floodplain,you have problems up and down storm \die don't want to
Task Force generate the need to senior the river up and down stream Lees not exacerbate the situation by
Minutes budding in the floodpinn. Thu u a logical am m use m m amsion of the k sew w n. Its dose,it
has maritin that the downtown is missing;a park There is a lot ofgood potential there.
\Lie need ro remember thin it's the old rivet channel. If you van talking about this type of development.
you need to talk about how In protect this part of the river. I have many concerns about developing in
the Oxbow. 14 aram ams arc pretty mdient They tend in mtme themselves rather quickly.
When you star talking about adding development,you incrust the level of protection required for
that arse The west side of the rive has low vegeton. T here would be an.pportunity to eesro¢
this. It would make the sight much more a tin tive. You would need some level of setback
Some ran of public use such as an old-time park a performing are center or hbmry small enough in keep
the tiparian areas alone. Then is about 18 inches of rise that would protect it from the Modplain.
Maybe some softer stuff such as an old-time park The truck route could prove to be a large battier. The
radroad tracks will eventually go may near Ranchway,Fads.
On the outside,nothing has been done to protect the residential areas
Map shows that it is a riparian am and u in the floodplain and the flood way. There is a section doses:
to the river thin has been a dump for cement produces. Is then some son of development along
Buckingham thin would be consistent with maintaining a ripanan habitat Clean up the eo ateete site
but don't build there
4/17/99 letter sent to Jay Thank you for apprising at 4/8 workshop. Appreciated assurances that the norm drain proposed to
Rose cross the M..and Kiefer properties will be rerouted ono outing City sight.6way and would
not bisect those two properties.
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#5:Purchase Q:Should established neighborhoods be protected from flooding if technically feasible and cost
comments to ams where floods effective? A. We encourage purchasing floodplain peop m....not budding levees. \Lie believe then -
Floodp1mrs Task could cause loss of life is Ceded funding to,help move people out of flo.dplains,and the costs of doing so now are probably
Force and pennnal danger, much less expensive dun the costs of protecting floodplasn residents from intuitable g.oding...and
and convert to,parks the crisis of dealing with the constituencies;of such flooding
or open spars
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#4:Regulate the We arc asemely concerned about this. The Chamber of Commerce appears to want an,redevel.p this
comments to Old Town section of area We believe they would[die to redevelop retail and mse urant space right up to the river bank
Floodplain Task the goodplain We want to oppose this. The City needs to mandate that setbacks and prat ction for the river be
Force differently than other honed to protect the rives. Riparian vegetation should be moved whatever possible out to the
reaches(this section is minunum setbacks required by Gy Plim
fully developed with
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 64
Appendix D - Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
Ion of public
4/15/99 land owner Neighborhood Why are bikms more important here than in 21g1 block of Loden? City response:Bikes important here as
desil s charette Comments Part of coherent street links. Maybe this can be a dumaunt area,1.bike circulation on Trail and
Lincoln Avenue. This pan of Linden is not the same character as other cob.ton(Swallow and
Boardwalk Drive) City response:May have a different clearacrer than other collector steers. Possibly
lower level of service for can,higher for pedestrians. Tramponarlon response:Modeling most be
it...to determine volumes. When will Linden extend to Redwood? 'Ibis ext ,ion wal greatly affect
this area Semi trucks/access at be maintamedl Fancy curbs might get tom up. Not just a token
access lane. Option D pre not work because tucks can't rum left Option C is a great idea,or
demount cone. Focal point north of river is a great idea Call Tom Chandler(RE:Kie&t/
Amphitheater Property) Theis:is a need NOW for more parking especially net FJ Bosnia. Don't
forget potential for horticultural center in this area along with other potential project. Keep comant
access to busmevo. Railroad crossing arms could be designed as unique,wars ic.
4/15/99 Siena Club Item#1:No new Q: Should areas already developed be allowed to redevelop(tear down buildings and mbuild)?A: No.
continents to development on the We believe that policies should encourage relocation out of the 100-year Floodplain.
Floodplain Task I Wycar floodplain
Forcc
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#2 No new Q: it hat items would you consider"recreation-related of nominal expense? Should these items be
comments to development on the "washable architecture"?(can be washed over during a Flood without any damage). A hat about
❑p-year Flood b1n stmcwres or landscape features designed to survive a 100-ear event that arc expensive ro build. A:
Forc,, lain Task P pe y a
Force except o,n natural area Parks of natural area amenities s t at describing wildlife} We do not consider such imms ro be
and recreau rem large,human-focussed stmetores that would change the Floodplain.
relared structures of
nominal expense
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#8:Amend Subdivision/zoning code as floodplain/city regulations are amended so that all City regulations am
comments to zoning code consistent
Iloodplain Task
Force
4/15/99 Siena Club Item#6:Implement a [Exceptions should not be allowed in certain circumstances to build levees to protect a neighborhood
comments to "no fill"policy for the
Fltandplain Task Poudre River
Force Floodplta
4/15/99 Sierra Club Ito#4 No mobde Do NOT build mobde home parks tan floodplam
cornmersts to home Parks on
I ltsodplain Task Roodplain -
Forcc
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#IQ Use Use variances to address special circumstances
• eo variances
Floodplaialplain T Task
Forcc
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#7:Rcdwfine the The definition should be expanded ax Presently NO critical facilities can be built on the 5ltf4year
continents to term"critical" Floodplam. Currently,the requirement defuse"critical facilities"as:"structures or facaitin that
Floodplain Task facleB9 produce,use or sin¢highly nalade,flammable,explosive,toxic and/or water reactive materials;
Force hospitals,nursing homes and housing likely to contain occupants who may not he sufficiently mobile
to avoid death or injury during a flood;police stations,fire stations,vehicle and equipment storage
facilities,and emergency operations ce umm" Some members of the Task Force would like the
defoution to include large retail stores that store and sell toxic products(aummotive oil,cleaning
product,poisons,em.),as well as daycare facilities(since young children may not be mobile enough to
avoid injury during a Flood).
4/15/99 Sierra Club 1.#6:lmpl momt a Q:If remodeling exceeds SWW of square footage of the original dwelling,the re odulcd dwelling most
comments to "ne fill"policy for the melt flood elevation requieatnent(18"above base flood elevation),and this could involve fill. Could
Flrxsdplain Task Poudre River this be an exception to the"no fill"policy? A: We strongly believe there should be a tan exceptions
Force floodplvn' policy for die floodphar. We....crowd that any further modifications in the floodpbin/floodway
will have deleterious consequences downstearn upstream
4/15/99 Sierra Club loom#1&2 reactions Sense Sierra Club members Preferred#I;others Preferred#2 However,there was a common concern
commays to that 42 would allow the City to build an amphitheater and possibly an am center in the oxbow section
Floodplain Tack of the down.tea The Si.Out,does not agree with such tau of that ata of the tloahplun_
Force
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#1 limit Development should be limited on the 500.year floodplain with mom mannerism requirement.
comments to development on 500-
Floodplain Task n floodplam
Force
4/15/99 Transportation Considenjimey,utvice for area
Board
4/15/99 Sic.Club Item#1:No new Q: Should additions be allowed for existing stmctum? If so,additions would have to meet elevation and
comments to de mloptment on the floodproofing requiremerm(may invoke fill to meet elevation requirement—this is an issue for idea
Floociplajn Task I00-year FloodO— #6).
Force
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#12 Riparian Riparian Isrua Restrict eomnarecial development and prohibit fill. Also,look u development impact
co.ummrats to issue issues beyond just wiser outface elerman,rise(for example,consider increases in steam velocity,
Floodplain Task reossort issues,habitat issues,etc.)
Foxe
4/15/99 Sierra Club Item#11:Notify Notify property owners of floodplain sum through lenders,teilrors,develelopen,community leaden,and
. wows m to property owners of public servant,utilities(phone,gas,water/sewer,and electric),and possibly through property tax
Floodplain Task flo°dPlau^nuns maremmn
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Prograrn 65
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment -
Force
4/8/99 Land income Jefferson Street Make crossing Jefferson a pedestrim-Eendly experience. Slow traffic to 25 MPH. Make the signal light
design charette at Linden more pedestrian-sensitive. At present it takes a pedestrian Eme cr to list a walk signal.
Install walk lights at Pine with instant response w pedestrians like those at Oak and College. Install
visibly marked brick paved crosswalks(not raised like those on Cherry Scret)to visually invite
pedestrians cross Jefferson. Paint stop lines peepmdiculu to traffic for vehicles to stop behind like
we used m have,not the present guesswork crosswalk lines painted parallel to traffic. Peesoml
observation in other cities(and some places in Ft Collins)suggests to me that traffic stops much less
often inside the crosswalk when perpendicular lines are used. Lines painted perpendicular in traffic
create a visual barter for can to stop behind. Pedestrian.;soon Inn they cannot safely fruit the
cement parallel-lined sees,walks. Consider some kind of stone or brick entry posts,perhaps similar to
thorn ar the north mvance to the CSU oval.
4/8/99 Land net Secret Lights Install a double see high ones for lighting,low ones for visual effect They should be inscribing like old-
design charette time gas lights or like the street lights from Ft Collins in the 1940s. The lower lights on Mason Street
and in Old Town would be too modem and out of character historically.
4/8/99 Land owner New aroem sewer across propemes,35'wide,no buildings in easemenr,parking o.k. Utility euemcnts
design charem- need as be obtained from property owners,they need m know dI issues about allowed uses within
Linden Street cammeent,BE HONEST Property owners would prefer sewer be located in street or public R.O.W.
Group Linden Street Diagonal parking preferred by landowners over parallel parking.;S.Edministee Look
instead at off-street parking.;May need to look at Interacting with city.;Employees will dominate on-
street parking. Need access for everything from bicycles m semis. Curb cut widths need an
accommodate large vehicles. Agricultural/Industrial theme rather than?Cutesy ReradooUrban?cafe
siting in 18'walks does not fit,maybe 6'-Iff wide. Of.may look a wider,urban wall,if existing
uses are not affected Sidewalks should not preclude parking. Redevelopment?options must not
preclude raising uses. Need object to draw pedestrians to over from Linden. River should be the
..cry. Enhance Gustav Swanson Natural Area,make safe. Need to remove barmen blocking
pedestrian from getting in the over. Radmad tracks with additional barricades will be worse for
pedestrians. Need lighting for safety. Lighting should reflect industrial character. Amphitheater at
Ki leis propeny would make a strong community draw,but Kcifer needs a home for his existing
business. Artist's studios,pottery studios would be appropriate mixed with induanal uses. Use
ndmad in a theme. Opportunity for interpretation in park adjacent to Radmad.Jeff meson station as
Hub/Depot The Emre Light Rail. Amphitheater should be a?natural?rather than urban setting.
Railroad arms,if necessary,should be historic in character. Willow Street seems too small for mill care
-look at river instead,possibly a water wheel. Use of water fnww or founain as a pedestrian draw
towad river,or aeries of features along Linden Steet.
4/8/99 Land owner Coordinate storm drainage wink with street improvements. Concern for future traffic volumes
design charette- (amomobde)on Linden and Willow and speed of taffm. Intersection of Lincoln and Wdlow--raffrc
Willow Street speeds are a mncem. Shortage of perking Lack of police patrol of area. Additional secret lighting,
Group street nears(no shmbs). Get Ending support for street improvements. Reduce amount of time
businesses are"cut off'during comtructinn. User-Eendly(pedestrian-fiiendly)
environ.t...sidewalks and more packing needed. Embrace the mer. Bike police Eclectic style
cncouaged. -
4/8/99 Land owner Parking Undoubtedly we can we several strategically located public puking Ion. I altcadv get can from Old
design chucam Town parking in front of and beside my building. Public parking would surely be utilized by parsons
and employee fort Old Term as well as from out arcs. Select the curb-side parking style that is the
most visually appealing and functionally best for pedestrians and bike riders,probably parallel parking.
4/8/99 Land owner Bike Lanes In addition to bike lanes on Linden,locate bike lanes.long the 200-and Mla Wlocks of Pine Street and
design charette connect them through the were end of the Jefferson Park,utilizing walk lights at Pine. The bike path
along the river already connects with in at Willow Street as well as at the Northside Community
Center. For bayelen the walk light at Pine ardfeffcnon would Facilitate crossingfeffenon.
4/8/99 Land owner Diminishing the Do not instill signals of crossing gates. These add,not eliminate,a barter. Fill in tacks so they are flush
design charette railroad tacks u a with the ground and are pedestrian-friendly from Linden as at lent Jefferson Station. Male them
barter visually invisible. Skaftn,baby stroller,crc.should be able to safely cross them.
4/8/99 Land owner Draw profit.are roas Have a majot feature at the Ponder River plainly visible down Linden Street from Jefferson Street so it
design charette Jefferson draws people urou Jefferson. Possibilities: a mnnumenta gateway to the river,high each over the
bridge,some entry posts to Use bridge,flags,a some,spot lights at night,light the bridge,paint the
bridge using hismtical colon.
4/8/99 Land owner Landscaping Need lots of is as he.feasble. (Willow,Linden,Lincoln)and as large as practicable. Install is
design charette generous number of benches. Each bench might be under a srm light and a tree with pimmt
landscaping close by creating an inviting mating place Install snaregically placed bike racks. Use old-
style conventional bike racks,not the modem,ineffective,eatery pipe-things the rity his gone to.
Croce an inviting,sides,pedestrian-friendly corridor to the Liver.
4/8/99 Land owner Street signs Should follow historical theme,including lenering,design,and posts.
design charette
4/8/99 Land owner Sidewalks on Linden Same width in 200 block of linden Street Both sides. Same Flower boxes ar Nit block-
design charette Street
4/8/99 Land owner Jefferson Park Recognize char it is also a barrier at present(space people most walk put) Eliminate parking in park
design charette Needs Landscaping,including flower,beds. At percent it his only gws and tress. Relocate sidewalk
back from cutb on Jefferson an pedestrians won't feel threatened by passing traffic. Consider a
feature,such u a lighted,=five fountain. Should be historically appropriate. Should be well lighted
for safety and be inviting at night The park should not be a hangout or loitering place for anyone.
FJ4ninw transima.dtunks,pan handle[;criminals,and drag dedem. Be sensidve m the needs of the
homeless. Need benches,picnic cables and lighted toilets. Consider an old-fuhioned,his aricaBy
aplempriue contusion stand A visible police presence might be advantagrous,
3/22/99 Letter from Simapmific ideas for Fspanced appreciation for work on the DRCIP;invitation to the Chamber River Task Force meting on
citizen downmwn corridor 4/W/99;Personal thoughts: Legary Park mintdaed w/incmwcd pairing aria Walking path amand
Program petimeter-aksng river,possible dog park Rehabilitate fimeas trail at Ice Martinez Park Bridal path
along side bike read between Lee Martinez Park and Taft Hill Road Outdoor amphitheater a
"Martinez Island"(open area bounded by N.College,the river,the bike path,and the Hickory Street
access path). Commncial/light Industrial toning along Vine Drive. Extension of Gw ave Swanson -
nature am under RR bridge.along river to College Avenue. Sift m include kayaktub put-in. Times
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 66
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic comment
planted between bike path and Power Plant. Refurbish storage buildings at Power Plant Suspended
pedestrian bridge Southeast side of RR bridge from Azdan to Guarav Swanson. Evergreens along
fence between Gustave Swanson and self-storage units. Tiered river embankment at Aid=to Linden
Street Purchase private property between Azdan and United Way budding for additional parking.
Picnk ubles in area between United Way.d Und.Strret. Raise Linden Smet much of rsver to
accommodate pedeamac/bike tunnel under roadway. Pedestrian/bike bridge on east side of Linden
bridge. Strecucape Linden to Vine Drive. Commercial zoning on south bank from Linden to Lincoln
Street with rttinimal buffer(30 Fret?)-Cafe,rental shop,coffee bar,en. Tiered embankment on both
sides from Lind.Suet in Udall natural area with now access points. Le<ee amund perimeter of
oxbow site(old river bed). Performing Ans Center at oxbow site with parking,sculpture garden,
bandreand,and pimic area Upgrade Lincoln Street to contrast madway standards. Encourage
commercial redevelopment along Lincoln Street from Riverside on aignrk Levee between river and
Miller Bms.Terminal. (noise abatement and Bind contro9. Increase current setback on medicut
back by 50 feet to accommodate levee and widened real Parking/tr ecait center at miller Bros./Tron
Petroleum sites. Bike/pedestrian bridge southeast of Lincoln Street bridge to Dorothy Udall area.
Walking path along bank of nver,bike pith along RR hacks in Dorothy Udall area Udall area
designed as retention during 500 year event.(will this alleviate threat to"tan ngle"and Buckingham
neighborhoods Encourage current use of link'n Greens site. Bike read access along Mulberry
directly to Pickle Plant sit. Upgrade Riverside Avenue to torrent roadway standaada. Redevelop
Pickle Plant site as"River Heritage Park". Pedesman/bike access only from tail,Riverside Avenue,
and Mulberry Street City authorized vehicle access through wirer treatment plant. Two-deep new line
between RR and pack along Riverside. Park opens to Mulberry Street. Information bench and
intrpremre suoom amund oval"square"with sculpture fountain at the center Picnic area between
"square"and Udall w. Named in honor of Howard Alden. Possible funding through"Poudre Rivet
Coandm Commi son" Non sire-specific idea: "Gas lamp"lights along bike Path through
downtown condor Walking path should consist of natural material and fallow existing social trails
where possible Asphalt path replaced with concrete and widened to 6 font mandard. Where bikes
and p data .converge,increase pith width to 10 feet Frequent trash receptacles(oil barrels
provided by Teen Petroleum);painted by school kids depicting over aspens and maintained wmldv by
the City through sponsorship programs(businesses/orgaravations/individuals"buy"a torah can to
mvermainanancecosn). Funding sources include"River Redevelopment Aurhosiry"(DDA It),with
expanded boundaries to include all adiacenr commercial zones.
3/10/99 letter sent to Future ndroad (1)Safety: This es not a dangerous crossing. Vehicle traffic is not fast due to the character of the
Mark Sears crossing guard on intersection. Verr few trains was Lind.. Therefore we cannot see the menu of irstalling a crossing
Lind.Street device for safety reasons.
(2)Engines with swings of rail can often park on both sides of Lind.,lust dear of the street. lithe
trains did not move far enough along the tracks to clear the sensors that activate the signal,then the
signal might be actuated for lengthy and unreasonable periods of time.
(3)We are trying to improve the appearances of this area and think that the addition of ugly signals with
cross area would be adverse to this effort.
(4)Creasing guards would create an additional barrier to tsavel down Linden Street from Old Town. A e
already have the barriers off effe ion Street with its traffic speed,volume and character,the sluggish
tuff'light for Lmdm Street ctoas-ruffac;the radmad tracks;the psychological barrier of the open
space of the park;and the parks thressering Population of transients and drug dealers. W'e believe we
should be decreasing barriers,not increasing them.
(5)Them is very fnaaited mom on Linden for traffic to stop on the)effrson side of the tuck. Even now
when traffic most imp,for a min,it can enat a bottleneck at the Jeffeemn/Linden inrersecuon. A
crossing guard could substantially increase the time and amount of traffic that were backed up,
especially if the vim moved slowly,which it always does. Thu could increase the accident potential of
this initiated..
(6)The future character of this area is Par barely beginning to develop. Until that character develops and
the usage oFLnden Snmt u established it reams premanae to suppose what this cmcsing needs in ohe
way of traffic conuol(f my). We believe that common sense dictates that crossing guards ate awn
needed on linden
12/5/98 Comments from Fiat phase response I2/4/98 a meeting of the unpacred property ownen rook place The recognition that growth will come
impacted to conceptual to this area was accepted. The willingness to be involved in a pro-active way to help influence this
Property ounces drawings growth was couphd with clew statements that there is most"lack reforest"and a fear that this group's
meeting concerns and needs wall not be honored by the planning proms(City). Individual property owner
nghu must be p.kmd and defended if necessary. \Vhy a-asn't the.nsuimt chat did the drawings
preceptive enough m talk to some of the folk that would be impacted the amst--the property owam.
Planning for the area that doesn't take into account some need for semi traffic to support several of
the large businesses was again seen that"industry,was planned out of existence" Mixed use in that
area was not area,as bad by our garhenng,and hopes were expressed that it should be continued
Although some industry my find doing business at other locations worth malung the move because of
the increased value of this land,other businesses are wort historic and can't be moved(Ranch Way)
and their operation should be respected The undeveloped comer of Wallow and Linden may have
some"oPPomuutiu"foe enhancements but should be contmfled by the owners. This realignment of
Willow is very unporunt to from development of this area An obvious observation that seems at
issue is the City creating plans dust take historic Properties out of the picture(Life Training Cantu,Ed
Burrito). Mead uses will likely be played out in the farm¢ Aowrhes mmman expensed was the is.
of rising re dcsut rues this might not keep up with expected increases in human income. Another
concern-can nsm and hew same of the improvements will be paid for. Priorities: need m mlign
Willow Street(and Lbaden)allowing for semi traffic, The upcctatbn that wsste wane,(ucditier issues)
would need compkaon before Wallow Streer realignment could be acmmpl"abed Requesting that
each owner be acer a map of the aen in questkn send a copy of mating information.
11/10/98 Working group Implemenutlon Don't have DDA led this effoq Don't consider CDBG;GOCO groan=can acquire land;Need public
meeting Discussion coalition of support-to mchde different interests;Cm have an executive dincmt for furdussing
Projem;Public relations;Modify DDA to accommodate other points of view;This are needs
something bristles Nan the DDA;Any agreement with Wal-Mart on Tax Increment Financing?
(needs in have Card approval);Differ.[strategies for different a.Green ants=natural erns
+amnmwatr,Conuttunity center/recreation=parks;Pnvat development fund other types of
improvements;Like concept of Urbac Removal Authority-a new organization. Can this overlap with
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 67
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic comment
existing organizations?
11/10/98 Working group Reactions to Like pedestrian use. Will have conflicts between peds&bikes on path;Shift in rail along Riverside would
meeting Conceptual"Bubble allow alternative triodes to ure Jeffetson condor;Does Bill Neil have any interest in redevelopment
Diagram" area?;How often ate tails used;Site of Triangle-difficult to deal with because of flondplain;Keeping
development out of floodplain is encouraging;Have separate paths between Linden and Lincoln
Seven&in high me atev;Like softening of banks;Make Jefferson more in um ,Big issue:
availability of panting Discuss shuttle.;Investigate Gry and County land near Oxbow site for parking
&shuttle system;Investigate triangle redevelopment area for parking.;Pursue porosity acmes
Riverside from adjacent neighborhoods for Pedestrians
11/10/98 Working group Public process Consider broader community input-i.e.more open houses;Important w get high level of property
meeting owner support;
8/5/98 Poudre River As a group,the board felt that the discussion of flood Plain management needed balance whereby
Trust Board of Property,owners accepted responsbdiry for the risks associated with Flood plain development;
Trustees Meeting Property owners arc convened that policy restrictions will greatly compromise the value of their had.
8/5/98 Poudre River Bike Ime needed,if ody on one side,since people do want to ride to the River from downtown
Trust Board of
Trustees Meeting
8/5/98 Poudre River Expressed support for public/private development projects on,or near his property that would enhance
Trust Board of the area,but was very concerned about owning property that would be devalued by Cim policy
Trustees Meeting decisions. In particular,he did not want the City to decide that his limperty could our he redeveloped
rice,according to aerial surveys,it was in the good plain. His particular business would be better
suited for a different area,but not all his neighbors feel the same way.; Questioned how many acres
were included in the corridor being discussed and how much of that is owned by the City.
Additionally,what was the definition of Flood Plain,vesus Flood Way.
8/5/98 Poudre River Questioned whether there is sufficient room for sidewalks,now and bike Ines on both sides of Gnden
Trust Board of Street Bike lane needed,if ody on one side.
Trustees Meeting
8/5/98 Poudre River Support for public/povam development projects on,or near his property that would enhance the area,
Trust Board of but very concerned about owning property that would be devalued by City policy decision. Nm want
Trustees Meeting Cary to decide that his property could not be redeveloped.
8/5/98 Poudre River If traffic speeds could be controlled,the need for separate bike lanes could be eliminated.
Trust Board of
Trustees Meeting
5/7/98 Downtown Concern over the"Oxbow Sire"indicated se a narud area on map;Ensure that the boundaries of naturd
Development arts inventory are fimily grounded in science;See this area ar an extension of downtown;don't
Authority Preclude river related dealopmen4
5/6/98 Natural Don't do anything to encourage more use of the river,Provide a separate comment list for the
Resources Downtown River Corridor Working Group-don't trust this group. Don't think they are officially
Advisory Board recognized.;No development in floodplain;Retain cement businesses that are in the redevelopment
are;City should not give incentives to encourage growth in the river area;Do not extend the DDA;
Respect the value of the river,Don't put an outdoor amphitheater along river
5/1/98 Planning and Ensure that City plays a proper role-encourage private investment in the area.
Zoning Board
4/15/98 Transportation Improve Pedestrian connections throughout area;Include Buckingham&tun Vista Neighborhoods in
Board planning
4/3/98 Environmental Scale of Bill Nees Project too large for area; Environmental community,says dodo put Permanent
Brown Bag structures in floodplain;Ermute purpose of protecting floodplain is retained;Ensure that the over is
Lunch Group enhanced as a wildllk condor,Kayak course is OK as long as people arc not encouraged to use the
nee mesa
3/17/98 Working group #4 River ADDITIONS: Boutique environment(Breckenridge example);Theme-don't forget(fors);District-
eonments Rodesclopment Area theme important river,rulmad;Deal with Riverside/Jeffeson street,now a banes. 'rum mro an
opportunity connections to old town,pod-friendly,sm.; If better for hod/comention site,might
pursue Austria atone'.rrdl race(..so
3/17/98 Working group General to the project ADDITIONS: People-Formly Transportation Parteens;Consider Pedestrian TEACH(Walking Units)
eorntnents area w/Develnp sent,Budd on Overall Theme of Education,Heritage General River Theme(Lontion);
Can We Locate Lee Martinez Foot/Cycle Bridge leg.L ralen'Greens to Udalll;Performing Am Center,
DISAGREEMENTS: Urban Fishery,2 Trails walking and Other Along River,Aquarium Preservation
of Natud Riparian Zone;Extend Westem Boundary 1/4 Mile to Inmgare Lee Martinez;Overall
River-Floodplain management and Stream Stability
3/17/98 Working group #8 Pickle Plant Site ADDITIONS: Idea Bemsing along Riverside/Jefferson where tracks will be abandoned,would help
eonun m re/offsite floodplain mitigation;Potential of rude for floodplain area(f access solved);Come to
Agreement on Gateway Concept;CONSTRAINT: Access to Site-Landlocked.-Access across
tacks-Illegal; DISAGREEMENTS: Expansion of Wastawan t Treatment(Augment Capacity)
Disagree,Odor,Residential,Too Close
3/17/98 Working group #7 Unit N Greens CONSTRAINT: Y Sir in Flood Plain;Stability/Erosion Problems Neu Mulberry Badger,(Bikepath,
comments sm.);
3/17/98 Working group #1 Poudre River sa ADDITIONS: Moving Gas Pumping Station(Gas Regulator),Improve Pedestrian Access at N.College
comments College Avenue Am Bridge,(Moe Gateway),Amphitheater at legacy Park
3/17/98 Working group #5 River Oxbow Site ADDITIONS: linden Street"Escape Hatch"For Downtown-Modest Development Potential;
com atom Transition But Sill Urban;Development Closer to Linden Street to Provide pet Connection;Match
Chancevistics of Gustav Swanson-Mi.;Integrate Both Side of River#4 And#5 Vietesheds,
Visual Connection;DISAGREEMENTS: Nand Vs.Developed Character,I low Par to Stretch Out
"Downtown"vs Keeping Compact
3/17/98 Working group #3 Nottlside Arabia ADDITIONS: Pin Park(Unused)out of Floodplainl Redevelopment of Site,Amphitheater Site(Out
comments Community Center of Flood Plain),Comment:Make No Decision until Arthur New Site Decision Reached
Site
3/17/98 Working group #2 Old Power Plant ADDITIONS: Back Side Potential Amphitheater Site,Redevelopment Opportunities South of Bodge,
comments Sim Poivatizing W/wvenents,Continuing Existing Use at Site(Periodic Loud Node); Build on Water and
Downtown Rivet Corridor Implementation Program 68
Appendix D -Public Comments
Date Event or Source Topic Comment
Historic Heritage(Water Heritage Museum);Relate Budding to River Theme
3/17/98 Working group #6 Lincoln Street- ADDITIONS: Consonant Dealing with Petrolvm contamination Site;Amphith ner(Washablc
comments Poudre River Triangle Architecture);Showcsse Mitigation Efforts. No Development Open Space Important Linkage From
Link'N'Greens Site to Downtown;Parking Might Relieve Parking on Oxbow Site) M1hm-tnnsn
Center. Tnnafer to Downtnwn;DISAGRGEMENTS: Special Redevelopment Project-Office
Education,Renal,Enteminment,Dining,Etc.
•
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Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 69
Appendix E: Resolution to Acquire Certain Floodplain
Properties
RESOLUTION 2000-81
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURSUE THE ACQUISITION
OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES WITHIN THE POUDRE RIVER FLOODWAY,
PRODUCT CORRIDOR AND FLOODPLAIN
WHEREAS, the City Council has approved on First Reading Ordinance No. 71, 2000,
making certain amendments to the City Code which will impose additional regulations (the
"Regulations") on real properties in the City that are situated within the Poudre River floodway,
product corridor and floodplain,as those terms are defined in the Regulations;and
WHEREAS,the purpose ofthe Regulations is to protect such properties from damage during
flooding and to protect the safety of persons occupying such properties;and
WHEREAS,the Regulations will generally prohibit all new structures within the floodway
and the product corridor;and
WHEREAS, the Regulations will permit commercial and industrial development in that
portion of the floodplain that is outside of the floodway and the product corridor,but will prohibit
the construction of new residential structures in such area unless property is removed from the
floodplain;and
WHEREAS,there are currently a number of structures within the floodway,product corridor
and floodplain that would be prohibited under the new Regulations referenced above (the
"Nonconforming Structures");and
WHEREAS,in order to more fully protect the property and lives of the residents of the City,
the Council believes that it would be desirable and in the best interests of the City if the City were
able to: (1)acquire such Nonconforming Structures and remove them and(2)acquire real property
in the floodplain so as to minimize the number of new structures constructed in the floodplain.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Manager is hereby directed to pursue the acquisition of the
Nonconforming Structures referenced above on a"willing seller,willing buyer"basis,subject to the
appropriation of the necessary funds for such acquisition,giving priority to those Nonconfomung
Structures in the floodway and product corridor.
Section 2. That,if appropriate funding is available,the City Manager is further directed
to pursue the acquisition of any real property that is situated in the floodplain and outside the
floodway and product corridor.
Section 3. That nothing herein shall be construed to preclude the City from exercising
its power of eminent domain at such time, if at all, that the City Council determines that the
acquisition of any of the Nonconforming Structures is necessary in the public interest.
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Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 71
Appendix D -Floodplain Acquisition Resolution
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 6th day of June,A.D.
2000.
Mayor r
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program 72
. MEMORANDUM
FROM THE
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
DATE: July 11, 2000
TO: Mayor and Council Members
John Fischbach, City Manager
FROM: Randy Fischer on Behalf of the Natural Resources Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Downtown River Corridor Implementation Plan
At its July 5, 2000, meeting the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB)
agreed to transmit to Council the following comments and recommendations on
the June 19 Draft of the Downtown River Corridor Implementation Plan (DRCIP):
General Comments and Recommendations
• The Board applauds and strongly supports the high priority given to
• restoration and protection of the riparian habitat along the river through the
downtown area. The NRAB favors stringent adherence to buffer zones and
natural features protection provisions of the land use code (LUC) in the
downtown area. We believe the natural features in the downtown area are
more threatened by development than other segments and believe strong
language for protecting their natural values should be included in the DRCIP.
• The NRAB objects to the DRCIP's disproportional emphasis on unfunded
transportation infrastructure projects. The plan, as currently written, commits
the City to providing millions of dollars of street and parking improvements.
The possible funding sources listed for these projects almost all involve some
form of public financing or funding. These projects amount to little more than
taxpayer subsidies for private development that will have potentially negative
impacts on the natural features in the river corridor.
Specific Comments and Recommendations
• The NRAB has long favored purchase of the Oxbow site as a City-owned
natural area. We strenuously object to any linkage between purchase of
Oxbow site and the Buckingham Flood Protection Project. Further, we
strongly recommend that the Buckingham flood protection project be
constructed on the western boundary of the Buckingham neighborhood and
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July 11, 2000 - NRAB Recommendations
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oppose any plans to take the Oxbow out of the floodplain by placing fill along
the northeast bank of the river. We recommend, instead, that the riparian
corridor be restored through the Oxbow site.
• The Board reiterates its strong support for purchasing the Oxbow site as a
natural area. However, the City should only purchase the property at a fair,
appropriate, and reasonable price.
• One option for the Oxbow that has been presented is as a site for a 2,500-
seat amphitheater. The NRAB is strongly opposed to any public facility of this
magnitude in the river corridor due to the negative impacts the facility would
have on the surrounding neighborhoods and the riparian corridor. Our
principal concerns include night lighting impacts on wildlife, amplified sound
impacts on neighbors, traffic congestion and lack of parking, and the high cost
of public infrastructure needed to support such a facility.
• The NRAB greatly appreciates the removal of previous references to
purchasing the Triangle and North College and Vine Drive properties with
natural areas monies. The NRAB supports the use of natural-areas monies
only to purchase lands identified by the Natural Resources Department (NRD)
and NRAB as high priority sites for natural resource conservation, as
stipulated in the Ordinance 29 ballot language approved by the voters.
However, we think it is appropriate to purchase the Vine Drive properties with
storm water fees at fair, appropriate, and reasonable prices, as these
properties are located in a high flood hazard zone. According to the Draft
Poudre River Master Drainage Plan, purchase of these particular properties
may be the most cost-effective flood mitigation alternative.
• The NRAB favors the private redevelopment of the Triangle site. We believe
it is unnecessary and bad public policy for the City to subsidize the
redevelopment of these properties by purchasing the areas where
incorporation of natural feature buffer zones and floodplain regulations is
already required.
• The Board strenuously objects to the language on Page 10, second full
paragraph, regarding the potential modification of natural areas buffer zones
to enable development. The NRAB urges Council in the strongest possible
terms to ensure that the natural-area buffers prescribed in the LUC are
observed under any new private development plans along the river. We
believe these buffers are a critical element of the DRCIP that must be
adhered to as strictly as possible.
• The NRAB also strongly believes that natural-areas buffers are protected
under the LUC and should not be purchased by the City unless the buffer
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July 11,2000 - NRAB Recommendations
Downtown River Corridor Implementation Plan
. zones are a part of a larger key parcel identified as a priority for natural areas
purchase.
• The Board is opposed to public funding of a parking structure in the river
corridor. We recommend deleting the reference to off-street public parking as
a high priority. This planning document should make it clear that private
development within the DRCIP area will be required to provide adequate
parking, as is required of new private development in other areas of the City.
We object to the use of more taxpayer funded parking facilities subsidizing
new private development in this sensitive area of the City.
• The NRAB supports locating the new Northside Aztlan Center at the same
location as the existing center. We believe the rebuilt center would be
consistent with our vision of the river corridor, i.e. a moderately sized, low
impact facility that fits with the existing infrastructure and is set back an
appropriate distance from the riparian corridor.
• The NRAB recommends deleting language suggesting the river corridor is still
being considered as a possible location for the new public library and
performing arts center (Page 19, under Other Public Facilities). The NRAB
supports siting these large public facilities within the Civic Center Master Plan
area. The City has invested millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements
to support the planned Civic Center facilities, as well as already owning much
of the land. Moving the library and arts center into the river corridor would
require massive investments of additional taxpayer dollars to purchase the
land and provide the infrastructure needed to support these facilities on the
river.
• The Board has serious concerns about the recreational enhancements
described under the 1 s` priority projects. One option depicted at an open
house involved modifying the river channel to create a white water kayaking
park. We are concerned about this proposal because it would alter the
"plains river" character of the Poudre by trying to make it into a "mountain"
river. We are also concerned about the negative impacts that heavy
recreational use would surely have on wildlife and its habitat within the
riparian corridor. Furthermore, a whitewater park would only have adequate
water levels for kayaking for a few short weeks out of the year. We urge that
the proposed feasibility study of recreational enhancements carefully weigh
the potential negative impacts of recreational development on wildlife and its
habitat against the few weeks of whitewater paddling afforded by the short
spring runoff.
Thank you for your consideration of the board comments and recommendations.
As always, please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions about
this memorandum.
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