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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/15/1999 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR AREA AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 21 A-B DATE: 1 June 15, 1999 � FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL Jackson/Edminster STAFF: Wray SUBJECT: Items Relating to the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan and the Master Street Plan. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the adoption of the Resolutions. t x FINANCIAL IMPACT: Adoption of these resolutions does not initially create the need for capital investment. Roadway construction and improvements will occur as property is developed. At that time, developers and the City,through the Street Oversizing Program, will share the capital investment. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: A. Resolution 99-73 Adopting Revisions to the Master Street Plan. B. Resolution 99-74 Amending the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan. Master Street Plan Revisions The Master Street Plan is a map-based plan identifying the major transportation network within the Urban Growth Area. The Plan was developed using the City Structure Plan as the basic urban form projected to the year 2015. The Structure Plan projects density,transit service,activity centers,and mixed-use corridors. This information is used to predict travel behavior and the demand for transportation infrastructure. The Master Street Plan is the map of that infrastructure. A recent staff assessment determined that certain changes should be made to the street network within the southeast area of the City. In reviewing several new development projects and corresponding traffic impacts,and responding to more specific conditions,the proposed changes will improve circulation,safety,and avoid impacts on existing natural resources. The revisions include changes to the street classification between collector and connector streets, and alignment. No changes are recommended to arterial streets. DATE: June 15, 1999 2 ITEM NUMBER: 21 A-B Note: These proposed amendments were presented to the Transportation Board on April 21, 1999. The Board recommended approval of all amendments with the exception of 42. Amendment #2 (specifically its connection with CR 36 and Cambridge Rd.) has been addressed to answer the Boards concerns. The amendments were reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Board on May 6, 1999 and on June 3, 1999. Resolution 99-73 encompasses several amendments to the Master Street Plan: • Realignment and reclassification of two-lane street section between the intersection of Trilby and Timberline Road, and County Road 36 (reference #2 "existing and proposed" map). The original east-west connection will be changed from a connector to a collector street with new alignment. Note: Per Planning and Zoning Board and Transportation Board wishes,the alignment of Cambridge Avenue(reference#10)has been adjusted slightly west to match with the Trilby/CR 36 connection. • A new east-west connection will be planned north of the new connection described in the above bullet, and south of East County Road 36 (reference #4 on "existing and proposed" map). This connection is in consideration of a new school planned in the area,improving intersection safety at Timberline Road, and avoiding an existing historic tree grove. The collector street shown on the Master Street Plan below this area will be deleted as a result of this new assessment. (reference#3). • Deletion of a north-south two-lane collector between Timberline Road and County Road 9 (reference#5 on the "existing and proposed" map). This amendment is proposed because of the proximity of existing development and is also due to the fact that the roadway shown in the current Master Street Plan would never carry the traffic volumes representative of a collector. • Addition of an east-west connection between Rock Creek Drive(from Stetson Drive)and County Road 7 between Harmony Road and East County Road 36 (reference #6 on "existing and proposed" map). This amendment is the logical east-west connection of a collector roadway through the mile section. • Connection of Corbett Drive(two-lane collector) south to East County Road 36 (reference#7 on "existing and proposed" map). This is the logical extension of a north-south collector. • Addition of Technology Parkway(two-lane collector)connecting Harmony Road and the east- west collector added in#6 (reference#8 on "existing and proposed" map). • Realignment and addition of Cambridge Avenue (a two-lane collector) connecting Harmony Road with East County Road 36 (reference#9 and # 10 on "existing and proposed" map). The realignment/extension of Cambridge as shown in 410 is proposed for safety reasons.Note: Per Planning and Zoning Board and Transportation Board wishes,the alignment of Cambridge Avenue (reference #10) has been adjusted slightly west to match with the Trilby/CR 36 connection. DATE: June 15, 1999 3 ITEM NUMBER: 21 A-B Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan Revisions The Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan was adopted by City Council and the Larimer County Planning Commission in March of 1998. In the year since its adoption, staff has taken a more detailed look at the planned road network in this area. This second look has allowed staff to t incorporate better knowledge of the existing conditions in the southeast portion of the city. As a result,staff has recommended a series of amendments that will allow the southeast area road network to operate better as a whole. These changes are relatively minor in scope, consisting of reclassification and realignment of selected roadways below arterial level,including local connector streets. With an amendment to the Master Street Plan_the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan will also need to be amended to reflect changes to the street system within the Plan area. In addition to the changes listed above to the Master Street Plan, the following connector street changes are proposed to the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan: • Delete Connector Street (reference # 13). A street connection within this area is needed. However, because it is such a short section, a preferred classification should be a Residential Local Street. • Delete Connector Street (reference #14). As mentioned above to delete the Collector Street (Reference # 5), a new Collector Street would replace the Connector alignment that extends Corbett Drive to County Road 36. • Add Connector Street(reference# 15). A future right-of-way extending this Connector Street to County Road 7 is proposed to provide a link if development should occur. Public Notification City and County staff met with individual property owners and their representatives to discuss street system design for development projects throughout the past year. In addition, notice was sent out to surrounding landowners adjacent to the proposed changes for the Transportation Board Meeting held on April 21, 1999. The Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on April 1 and forwarded a recommendation to City Council to approve the proposed street changes near Huntington Hill Subdivision(Reference # 1). A second hearing was held on May 6 to review the remainder of listed changes and voted to i approve the amendments. The Council Growth Management Committee reviewed this item on May 10. Staff met with residents of Cambridge Avenue May 10, 1999. Detailed informative packets were mailed to residents of County Road 7. representatives of Hewlett-Packard/Celestica, and developers potentially affected by these amendments. Planning and Zoning Board hearings were held on May 6 and June 3, 1999 to review the proposed changes. Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve the amendments. The Council Growth Management Committee reviewed this item on May 10. DATE: June 15, 1999 4 ITEM NUMBER: 21 A-B ATTACHMENT'S: • Master Street Plan map reflecting amendments • Map Comparing "Existing" and "Proposed" changes to Master Street Plan and Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan I FM m low-AV i- Tlyly rT FAMI 0 A Proposed Master Street Plan/Fossil Creek Area Plan Amendments Existing Plans ••lam' IYY Ef •.• •......• �, m OY�b•wM) Proposed Amendments lMdi �M1 00 mot_ _ '•��y�p.iar as �. !. !p AMA MinirY RESOLUTION 99-73 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE MASTER STREET PLAN WHEREAS, on March 17, 1998,the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan (the "Plan") as an element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City; and WHEREAS, since the adoption of the Plan, City staff has gained a better understanding of existing traffic conditions in that area and has taken a more detailed look at the planned street network within that subarea through a recent traffic assessment which was based on submitted projects within the subarea and an analysis of specific conditions including natural features, circulation,safety,and existing and proposed development patterns,and has recommended a number of changes to street classification and alignment in the Plan; and WHEREAS,the Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City that the Plan be amended in accordance with the foregoing recommendations, and has adopted Resolution 99- to that effect; and WHEREAS,the City has developed and the Council has approved a City Master Street Plan, most recently updated in March, 1999,as a component of the City's Transportation Master Plan;and WHEREAS, City staff has prepared revisions to the Master Street Plan to reflect the travel behavior determined to result from projected development in the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area and to further reflect the changes made to the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan; and WHEREAS,the Planning and Zoning Board and the Transportation Board have considered and approved these proposed revisions to the Master Street Plan and recommend the adoption of the revised Master Street Plan. NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS,that the proposed revised Master Street Plan,dated June 15, 1999, incorporated herein by this reference and on file in the office of the City Clerk, is hereby adopted by the City Council and hereafter maintained in the Office of the City Clerk. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 15th day of June,A.D. 1999. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk . RESOLUTION 99-74 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING THE FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR AREA PLAN WHEREAS,on March 17, 1998,the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan (the"Plan") as an element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City; and WHEREAS, since the adoption of the Plan, City staff has gained a better understanding of existing conditions in the area governed by the Plan and has taken a more detailed look at the planned street network within that subarea through a recent traffic assessment,which was based on submitted projects within the subarea and an analysis of specific conditions including natural features, circulation, safety, and existing and proposed development patterns; and WHEREAS,as a result of that traffic assessment,a number of changes to street classification and alignment have been recommended to the Plan; and WHEREAS,following City and County Staff review,as well as various individual property owner meetings and meetings with development representatives,the proposed amendments to the Plan were presented to the Transportation Board of the City on April 21, 1999, which Board recommended adoption of the proposed amendments; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendments were also presented to the Planning and Zoning Board of the City on May 6, 1999,which Board recommended adoption ofthe proposed amendments except the amendment identified as#15 on the proposed Transportation Plan Map; and WHEREAS,the Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City that the Plan be amended in accordance with the foregoing recommendations. NOW. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan Map, known as the "Land Use Framework Plan", is hereby amended to provide as shown on the map attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit"A". Section 2. That the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan Map,known as the"Transportation Plan", is hereby amended to provide as shown on the map attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit`B". Section 3. That the Council hereby encourages Larimer County to also forthwith adopt the foregoing amendment to the Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan. Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 15th day of June,A.D. 1999. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Draft minutes to be approved by the Transportation Board at their May 19, 1999 meeting. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES of the TRANSPORTATION BOARD City of Fort Collins - City Hall (CIC Room) April 21, 1999 5:30 p.m. FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Tim Johnson......416-0821 Staff Liaison: Randy Hensley...416-2058 Administrative Support: Cynthia Scott......224-6058 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: ABSENT: Mark Egeland Alan Beatty Sara Frazier Ray Moe Dan Gould Chris Ricord Steve Hanna Bruce Henderson Tim Johnson Brent Thordarson Heather Trantham CITY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE: Eric Bracke Bob Felsburg Tom Cook Chris ? Gary Diede Corinne Peck Susanne Edminster Vicky McLane Randy Hensley Mary Warring Mark Jackson Cam McNair Ron Phillips DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 2 Kathleen Reavis Cynthia Scott Peter Wray Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT (on regular agenda items) None PUBLIC HEARING - MASTER STREET PLAN AMENDMENTS Chair Johnson announced the opening of the Public Hearing on the proposed Master Street Plan amendments. Mark Jackson, City Transportation Planner, spoke of the ten proposed amendments to the Master Street Plan and where applicable, revisions to the Fossil Creek Area Plan. The first proposed amendment concerns the Mail Creek/Roma Valley Drive Connection. The Master Street Plan (MSP) currently depicts a connection of Highcastle Drive due south over Mail Creek where it connects to Fossil Creek Parkway (Reference change#1 on "existing" map). Staff recommends that in lieu of this extension over Mail Creek, a connection be made between Mail Creek Drive and Roma Valley Drive (reference change#1 on 'proposed" map). Mr. Jackson stated that the rationale for this change is: • The primary purpose for this connection is to provide a street connection for the Miramont neighborhood to get to the front (west side) of Werner Elementary School. In addition, there are other multiple destinations (shopping, health club, churches, private school, two public parks, three senior housing projects) that necessitate an internal connecting street network. • It has long been a City policy to connect neighborhoods with an internal network of streets so that arterials do not have to be impacted when making internal neighborhood trips. • There already exists a bridge/culvert crossing of Mail Creek on Mail Creek Lane, thus saving an additional bridge crossing of a riparian zone and saving as much open space as possible. Mr. Jackson added that this change was presented to the Planning & Zoning Board on April 1, 1999. They recommended approval to the City Council by a vote of 5 - 0. Of the three neighborhoods involved, (Miramont, Huntington Hills, and Fossil Creek Meadows), the strongest opposition is from the Miramont area. They have safety concerns for their children going to/from school. Miramont residents also believe that a connection would create more traffic through their neighborhood because motorists would find it convenient to cut through to get to the shopping areas. DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 3 For the Public Record, Mr. Jackson presented the Secretary of the Board with a letter he received from Sandra Winters who is opposed to the amendment. Also, submitted for the record was a facsimile from a number of neighborhood residents who are proponents of connecting the Miramont neighborhood with Huntington Hills and Fossil Creek Meadows area. They feel a connection is in the best interest of that region. Chair Johnson opened the floor to public comment. PUBLIC COMMENT: Brian Schumm 813 Fossil Creek Parkway Stated that he lives south of the proposed crossing of Fossil Creek on the Lemay side. Mr. Schumm said that he supports the Huntington Hills Apartments. As part of this, these Master traffic issues have to be addressed. He said that this Board missed out on all the discussion that Planning & Zoning Board had about how this connection was proposed. The benefits in terms of saving crossing at Mail Creek, the benefit of gaining additional open space where the Natural Resources Department can tie that in with a future trail system and also the 100 acre . community park site. He added that the Huntington Hills Apartments is a wonderful project. He heard at Planning & Zoning that it's taking 14 months to get to this point, which seems to be very excessive if you look at the negotiations and discussions that are going on and the quality of this project. Mr. Schumm said that he not only supports the project, but said that this is the last piece of Huntington Hills that kind of takes care of those issues that have not been resolved. He asked that at the bridge across Fossil Creek, there be a "sharing" of the traffic if you will. He feels that that can only be done if there is a connection made with Miramont. The major objection from Miramont is safety. All neighborhoods should be concerned about the safety of children, but as it was pointed out by staff, there are benefits that will be added by implementing the proposed amendment. Enforcement should be a focus at the school drop-off site. In conclusion, he stated that this is a very good project and there really isn't much need for debate on this. It eliminates the bridge, preserves natural areas, and makes a more logical connection from Fossil Creek Parkway to Miramont. Sandy Winters Stated she is opposed to the connection from Roma Valley Drive to Mail Creek Lane. She lives in the Miramont subdivision and has two children that attend Werner Elementary. This school is DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 4 overpopulated by 200 children and parking is a major safety issue. She said that sidewalks are non-existent on Mail Creek Lane and in this proposal, no one is taking the responsibility for building sidewalks. Also, parents are the ones that have to volunteer to assist with school crossings. She added that dropping kids off at the back of the school is safer than at the front because of all the buses lined up and traffic. Trish Allot Miramont resident Stated she has three children and walks them to school along Highcastle down the hill around the blind curve and it is not a good situation for cars going up and down the road. What's happening on Mail Creek is that it is not designed to handle all of those cars and there is no exit to the north of the school. Stated she feels trampled by the process and hopes that citizen input does some good. Asked that the Board consider it carefully. There are a lot of people who think there is a better way to do it. David Osborne Huntington Hills Homeowner's Association Stated he is a representative of the Huntington Hills Homeowner's Association. For the record, the P & Z held a four-hour meeting at which they debated and then approved the amendment, and stated that no appeals have been filed against their decision so that matter is nearly complete. Secondly, as part of the overall process of the park development site, the developer made two previous provisions with the City, one of which was to give the City 20 acres to enhance the natural areas. The developer also agreed to extend the sidewalk clear up to Werner Elementary School. There is strong support of the Planning &Zoning Board, strong support of the City Staff, and the Huntington Hills Association. Looking at this overall, it achieves neighborhood connectivity, and an easttwest corridor, which is much needed. There being no other comments from the public, Chair Johnson asked for Board Member's comments/questions. BOARD QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: Hanna: What's wrong with the current Master Street Plan? Doesn't it provide connectivity to the school? DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 5 Bracke: In staffs opinion, the amendment provides better connectivity and saves the natural area. Reavis: I would like to clarify a couple of things. Regarding the sidewalk that was mentioned along Mail Creek, the developer has agreed that there will be a 10' sidewalk, not just regular sized. There will also be a raised crosswalk on Fossil Creek Parkway. 25 mph school zone will be put on Fossil Creek Pkwy at the intersection of Mail Creek. There are many improvements associated with these connections that are related to the school. At the back of the school, the City will be providing crosswalks across Highcastle to Milan Terrace going to South Ridge Greens Blvd. and a ramp on the bike lane where the students arrive into the back of the school. From the City's perspective, we do want to maintain the opening in the back of the school. We just want to make sure it's operated in a safe manner. The comment made earlier about enforcement is important. There is a driver behavior issue along there. Thordarson: Would the completion of these improvements reduce the requirement for the amount of buses needed for the school? Reavis: Yes Thordarson: Any idea of the number of children that are impacted by that? There are about seven buses now. Johnson: If you built the connection, people would use it, which would decrease traffic in some ways and increase it in others. Perhaps this would cancel each other out? Bracke: With the connection, traffic is going to increase. However, there are some benefits, for example, if you live in Oakridge and your kids go to this school, and for whatever reason, you need to drop them off at the front of the school, you would be forced to go to College and Harmony to get there. They used to cut through Fairway Estates, but that has been barricaded off. The connection does give more people options to balance the traffic flows. Egeland: From a safety perspective, what is the difference between the current and the new? Reavis: The traffic along the back of the school along Highcastle will remain the same, regardless if the connection is made via Roma Valley or if it is a more direct shot to Highcastle down to Fossil Creek Parkway. That's why, from the City's Safe Route To School Program, we are looking at improvements to the back of the school. Those improvements will go in with either one and the impact traffic wise will be about the same, but the proposed alignment is less direct, therefore it will discourage non-neighborhood cut-through traffic. DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 6 Thordarson: Is there any possibility of using traffic calming measures? Reavis: The elements that were mentioned are the types that made sense: crosswalks, school zones, improved signage and striping in the area are planned. Egeland: What about a school crossing in the back of the school? Reavis: As far as a flashing zone is concerned, that hasn't been considered at this time, but staff will continue to monitor that. There is a flashing school zone on Boardwalk. The current speed limit behind the school is 25 mph (all the time). Chair Johnson asked Board Members for their final comments/questions. Egeland: Didn't really have time to read Ms. Winters' letter, but it seems to me that this is primarily a safety issue and the two choices are a wash from a safety standpoint. I don't have an objection to the proposed change. Thordarson: I think the proposed amendment is preferred especially in terms of keeping traffic speeds down. It would be good to monitor closely what kind of safety features are incorporated into that and make sure that it becomes an acceptable situation. Trentham: I think that the current Master Street Plan looks like a more direct route and forcing a connection with Roma Valley, seems like you're forcing all these jogs and turns into what's supposed to be a collector. It doesn't make sense to me. I think the Master Street Plan should remain the way it is now. Gould: I think it's really a wash in terms of dealing with problems at the school. The other benefits that have to do with this site development probably add, for me, that extra value and I support the change. Henderson: I agree that from a safety perspective the two alternatives seem to be a wash. In either event, we should try to work with the school to build a better access on the eastside. I support the change primarily because I like the idea of not having this major connector that close to Fossil Creek Park area. Hanna: I think this area is way too mature to be changing the Master Street Plan now. People go and check the Master Street Plan and make decisions about buying houses, etc. and I think it's really unfair. I think for that reason we should stick with the current plan. That way when people look at it, they know what's going to happen when they make decisions for their future. I don't see the proposed connection as doing any good. • DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 7 Frazier: I agree that either alternative has its problems with safety. It seems the school could come up with better plans for picking up/dropping off the children. I would concur to leave the plan the way it is. Johnson: I am in favor of making the change. Chair Johnson called for a motion. Egeland moved to accept the proposed changes to the Master Street Plan. There was a second by Gould. Vote: The motion carried 5 - 2. 1 abstaining Mr. Jackson resumed the floor and said that the next nine revisions were all related to the Fossil Creek Area Road Network. He provided the following background information: The Fossil Creek Area Plan was adopted by the City Council and the Larimer County Planning Commission in March of 1998. In the year since its adoption, staff has taken a more detailed look at the planned road network in this area. This second look has allowed staff to incorporate better knowledge of the existing conditions in the southeast portion of the city. As a result, staff has recommended a series of amendments That will allow the southeast area road network to operate better as a whole. These changes Are relatively minor in scope, consisting of reclassification and realignment of selected roadways below arterial level. Mr. Jackson then went over revisions 2-10. A brief question/answer period ensued in order to understand specks of the revisions. Chair Johnson then asked if there was any public comment on the proposed revisions. PUBLIC COMMENT: Erin Richmond Stated that she has a question regarding Trilby/CR 9. Ms. Richmond asked if staff took into consideration the proposed elementary school, assuming there will be reduced speed limits along Timberline in that area, which would create more traffic going on other streets because people aren't going to want to drive through the 20 mph school zone on their way to work. She asked if those considerations were taken into account when calculating the traffic volumes on that intersection. DRAFT Meeting Minutes Transportation Board April 21, 1999 Page 8 Bracke: The school will be taking the access off the main collector road. I haven't seen the site plan yet, but it is certainly something to consider. Reavis: As developers come in, they are required to meet alternative mode improvements. Chair Johnson called for final Board Member comments/questions. Frazier: I like quite a few of the changes, but I have a concern with the growth of the city. Hanna: I am in favor of the amendments (2-10). Henderson: I am in favor of amendments 2-10. Gould: All these make sense. I think we should prepare for the worst— Level of Service to decrease. Be more conservative. Trantham: I think the proposed Master Street Plan changes look good. I hope the model has correct numbers. Thordarson: I agree with a lot of the member's comments. I like most of the changes I see here. It provides some very good alternatives for people to choose to use another mode of transportation. I am concerned about the Trilby extension. It looks inviting in the future for people coming out of HP. I would also like to voice some objection to the off-set on #10. Perhaps something to the north of CR 36? Johnson: I too favor the changes except for that off-set. Chair Johnson asked for a motion that would support all the changes except for the off-set in #10 and to have staff come back to the Board with a plan that may deal with that. Henderson made a motion to approve the changes with the exception of the off-set between Trilby and the extension, #10, and have staff come back with some alternatives. Vote: B-0 motion carried unanimously