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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/22/2004 - NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS PLAN - UPDATE AND GENERAL DATE: June 22, 2004 STUDY SESSION ITEM STAFF: Pete Wray FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Northside Neighborhoods Plan -Update and General Direction. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Has staff identified all relevant issues? 2. Is additional information needed? 3. Is Council comfortable with the outlined planning process and public outreach program? BACKGROUND The Northside Neighborhoods Plan process, initiated in the fall 2003, is at the halfway mark and still on track to be completed in late fall, 2004. Primary tasks completed to date include assessment of existing conditions, opportunities and constraints analysis, issues identification and draft vision and goals (see attached project schedule). The technical team of staff and consultants developed a summary of important local infrastructure needs and analysis of physical influences, based on the assessment of existing conditions. This summary and associated maps are attached. As a result of numerous interviews, public open house, informal survey and input from the Citizens Advisory Committee, a list of issues was generated. These issues help identify area needs and direction for the Plan (see attached Plan Issues Summary). Key issues identified in this planning process include: Stormwater Management and Floodplain Improvements: • Lack of adequate stormwater drainage structures for the area inhibit future development • Uncertainty of to what extent the planned Dry Creek channel improvements will relieve flooding particularly north of Vine Drive • Lack of adequate funding for needed improvements in area Transportation and Infrastructure Improvements: • Growing traffic congestion along Vine/L.emay streets and existing intersection • Difficulty accessing existing neighborhoods during peak traffic times of day • Lack of basic infrastructure of existing streets including curbs, gutters, bike lanes, sidewalks, landscaping and lighting June 22, 2004 Page 2 • Lack of sidewalk access to transit stops and Wal-Mart • Inadequate transit stop facilities • Concern for safety of pedestrians, especially children crossing existing arterial streets • Cost/benefit and timing of Vine/Lemay re-alignment — If this project never receives funding support from the community, should alternatives be explored for improvements to the existing intersection? • Timing of future Redwood Street connection • Challenge of planning for street improvements without storm drainage and floodplain issues resolved in area Land Use Planning: • Compatibility of existing residential and industrial uses • Impacts from insufficient streets and infrastructure on land uses • Appropriate mix and transition between existing neighborhoods and business uses • Need for neighborhood oriented shopping close by existing residential • Density and mix of new residential areas • Preservation of existing historic neighborhoods Open Lands and Trails: • Protection of important streams, ditches and other habitat areas • Need for neighborhood/mini park in area • Extension and connections of regional multi-use trails in area Urban Design: • Streetscape design for future street improvements • Design and character of new commercial and industrial development and or need for new design standards • Continuations of existing pattern of warehouse/flex space vs. extension of Downtown, incorporating mixed use employment/residential? Services: • Role and locations for affordable housing in the area • Perception of inadequate police protection, code enforcement Other Issues: • Building partnerships between the City, residents, businesses and others • Identifying funding sources for local improvements • Need for recognizable solutions (small projects) support from City in making improvements in area A draft vision and goals were identified for the area, building upon the community-wide vision in City Plan. The Northside Neighborhoods Plan's vision and goals reinforce and demonstrate June 22, 2004 Page 3 the intent of City Plan while addressing more area-specific issues associated with this smaller P area (see attached vision and goals). Next Steps: Phase H of the planning process is beginning with the creation of a Framework Plan for the area incorporating existing and future land use, transportation and open lands into a composite map. The staff and consultant technical team will be working closely with the Citizens Advisory Committee, Boards and Commissions and public to develop the Framework Plan (see attached Framework Plan — Key Choices and Directions). A public meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 24. Finally, in late summer/early fall policy direction and plan implementation strategies will be identified. Public Participation Process: Since the Northside Neighborhoods Plan planning process was initiated last fall, the staff and consultant technical team has emphasized providing multiple opportunities for public participation in helping develop the Plan. A Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) has gathered once a month to work with the technical Team (see attached CAG Roster). Newsletters, flyers and direct mailings have been included, along with individual and group meetings. A project web page has been active since the beginning of the process providing up-to-date information on the progress of the Plan. In addition, regular updates have been provided to the Growth Management Lead Team and Planning and Zoning Board (see attached Plan Process Overview). Background and Purpose of the Plan: In 1997, City Plan identified the Buckingham, Alta Vista, Andersonville and San Cristo neighborhoods area's need for detailed planning as a priority. Also, during the 1999 Northern Colorado Truck Mobility/SH 14 Relocation Study, residents raised issues, and in response, City Council identified this area for a future study. As a result, the Northside Neighborhoods Plan is part of the City Managers 2003-2005 Work Plan. The primary plan objective is to implement City Plan's perspective to the specific circumstances within this area. The Northside Neighborhoods Plan will provide a more specific vision and policy framework for the neighborhoods, including surrounding commercial, industrial and undeveloped open lands. This plan will also become an element of City Plan, the City's comprehensive plan, and will help stabilize and preserve the character of the neighborhoods. In doing so, an opportunity exists to more directly address a number of critical issues facing this area. For several years, the Buckingham, Alta Vista, Andersonville and San Cristo neighborhoods have been of special interest to the City. These neighborhoods supply affordable housing opportunities for lower income families, and are identified as Neighborhood Strategy Areas for the City's CDBG Program as far back as 1975. The City has allocated financial resources into infrastructure improvements, provision of public facilities, housing rehabilitation, and construction, helping stabilize and improve the quality of life of these neighborhoods' residents. This plan will help protect those improvements from incompatible development. June 22, 2004 Page 4 This project does not need to "start from scratch" or "reinvent the wheel;" City Plan already contains a foundation of an existing community vision, goals, structure plan and policies to guide implementation. Since the 1997 adoption of City Plan, however, a number of questions and issues have emerged, which now need more specific attention. ATTACHMENTS 1. 12 —Month Project Schedule 2. Local Infrastructure and Physical Influences Summary and Maps 3. Plan Issues Summary 4. Draft Vision and Goals 5. Framework Plan—Key Choices and Directions 6. Plan Process Overview 7. Citizens Advisory Group Roster milli MINORCO 11111milill 01111111111111111 INNER ONE 11 WE I 11111111111 NICE lI111111111 ini� i - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII INNER Di oft—January 28,2004 Attachment 2 • Northside Nei hborhoods Plan This paper provides additional description for the M 9 Infrastructure Needs Map and the Physical Influencesces Map.It is o work-in-progress meant for discussion. Local Inhaslructure Needs The Local Infrastructure Needs map is a synthesis of the transportation and utility improvements that are immediate concerns for the area. This map reflects the desired and necessary locations for these local infrastructure improvements as gleaned through interviews and discussions from information provided in special area plans. The map shows locations for: • Stormwater improvements, including Poudre River flooding prevention, and curb and gutter, and localized culvert and channel improvements; • Traffic calming; • Sidewalks; • Bike lanes, paths, and routes; and • Street lights. I%y*al Influences The Northside Neighborhoods Plan area is the only area in north Fort Collins that has not been planned in detail. The area is smaller than most subareas in the city and almost half of the lands are developed, making it a challenging area to plan. The Physical Influences map shows an initial synthesis of the various physical constraints and potential areas of change for the area. • • Vacant lands. Almost half of the lands in the plan area (209 acres) are vacant or agricultural. The vacant lands are checker-boarded throughout the plan area. • The tapestry of historic neighborhoods have a rich history of cultural diversity. A number of homes in the neighborhood have historical significance. ■ The area has access to the Poudre River corridor and potential connections to open space corridors shown on area plans and on the City's Structure Plan. • The area is in close proximity to downtown Fort Collins and other retail shopping, including North College Avenue and the Walmart and Alberstons shopping centers to the south. • The realignment of Vine Drive and Lemay Avenue offer the potential for better connections between the existing neighborhoods (i.e., Alta Vista and Andersonville). The now busy arterial streets would have less traffic. • The area has views of the mountains, river corridor, and some open lands. • The potential for flooding and extensive floodplains cover most of the vacant lands. FEMA restrictions apply. • A complex network of high voltage overhead power lines passing around and through the area. • Arterial streets are substandard and heavily congested and block access to neighborhoods and businesses. • The BNSF Railroad line which prevents any additional road crossings, meaning that the Lemay Avenue realignment will need to be elevated or sub-grade. Other constraints, include the city's current lack of funding to implement the large capital-intensive • improvement projects that are needed in the area. We may identify additional opportunities and constraints after discussions with the Citizen Advisory Group and Technical Advisory Committee. Page 1 Draft—January 28,2004 Sams: (Note: Sources are a work-in-progress and are not yet listed in a particular order by proper format). History of German-Russians in Fort Collins. History of Hispanics in Fort Collins. History of the Sugar Beet Industry. Plans: City of Fort Collins, Dry Creek Basin Plan, 2003. City of Fort Collins, Dry Creek Stormwater Management Plan, 2003. City of Fort Collins, North College Avenue Corridor Plan, 1995 City of Fort Collins and Lorimer County, East Mulberry Corridor Plan, 2003. City of Fort Collins, EPS, Market Analysis for Fort Collins City Plan Update, Draft Report, 2003. City of Fort Collins, Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, Amended 2000. City of Fort Collins, Ayres Associates, EDAW, Poudre River Enhancement Project, Executive Summary, 2003. City of Fort Collins, Streets Master Plan, 2003. Map Attachments: Local Infrastructure Needs Physical Influences Page 2 jOEINorthside Neighborhoods Plan I � 1 1`- - y'Jum.....m Ntl111N IIr111111Nllllllllllllml _— _ - � ond�mll aasr.5lr { _I _ n11nn11111111111i11 Ianl it � - �¢ Rsdrood Po ds rNm/allc .S `, I I I mn. O I y t -.__.. �Il iMaed6`as- _ _- Ruluro MI11MI01T I - C LOMI COW*LnNLIMt I qCq L II y._ xy^'nll i. Z 5I I '— OMW ' Cit SWA WW a..M I � I — 71, Existing Industrial Area FNenlMlall I liked Ux4 , Mk i svxait LYMu if 1' 1 � 44Mlswll111 o n -- 5 WbnlMwbldl - (n` ` MhndUxi - -.� I rom(n/m�n�J 4AwYrSfslxdt y -✓ a P.W. S ber kAmv�ma Existing dulstrial'Area ----o li SuniL*R i (Lk ukd,) Legend SHORT-TERM INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS no n's Plan Boundary OS Stormwater Improvements Intersection Improvement — City Limits Sidewalks/Curb and Gutter Improved Access Riven,Streams,and Ditches Street Lights Traffic Calming -- Bike Lane 510 255 a 510 1.020F4®1 bmary�a,2ooa CLARION Northside Neighborhoods Plan UH 1 NerS1reH I i,. I ;. �I ii RIIIpNHIIm11�i1111mr1111ppIp1111miI11mImNIH1 II Future Mixed Use - Neighborhood -� (North College Am.Non) Fulure ResidenHan Views 12 4e Corridor) I i• - ii Future Vine Drive Realignment Future Lemay Real' n ent aJ,aJ. O a ',+Ja ws C — r i R New INw�thee VI Furore Inx.mop All Use? ¶ - - Filer ' Future Idly$ / try Downtown Mixed Connections' Legend PHYSICAL INFLUENC S Imuun Plan Boundary I Fool Floodway Developed Lands 0 Potential Open/Natural Art --- City Limits 100-Year Floodplain Vacant and Agricultural Lands ® Potential Neighborhood Pa Rivers,Streams,and Ditches �/�Conflict Area Residential/Industrial Transition Potential Street Improvem nts c, •--•• Trails Railroad Historic Neighborh000d Poudre River Corridor Overhead Power Line Potential Neighborhood Commercial IIIIIIIIII Potential Open Space Neighborhood Entrance Corridor(Other) North soo sso o soo I.000 r..r I.—,ore,moor CLARION Attaclunent 3 Northside Neighborhoods Plan Plan Issues Summary Updated May 25, 2004 Introduction This list of issues is a summary of the issues that the planning team has learned during the interviews, public open house, from the informal "map-it" survey in Fall 2003, and from the Citizen Advisory Group. The issues are organized under the following general themes: 1 . Positive Aspects of the Area 2. Physical Planning Issues, including: • Stormwater Management/Flooding • Land use • Transportation • Urban Design • Housing • Economic Development • • Parks • Historic Preservation Other Issues; and 3. Social Planning Issues, including: • General Services • Police Services 4. Plan Creation Issues Positive Aspects of the Area ■ This area is unique for Fort Collins—nothing else like it. • It is the historic "roots of Fort Collins." • People know each other and neighbors are friendly. • The neighborhoods are ethnically diverse (60%+ Hispanic). ■ Proximity to downtown is a positive for the residential neighborhoods and the businesses. • Residents like the "open lands" and rural quality, views of the mountains, and proximity to the Poudre River and trails. • Romero House represents a historic milestone, especially for the Hispanic community. • People are starting to upgrade homes. • Physical Planning Issues Stormwater Management/Flooding • Most of the study area is within the Poudre River and/or the Dry Creek floodplains (as shown on the Floodplain map). Neighborhoods have been flooded in the past. o Dry Creek basin improvements are in the conceptual design stage; it is too soon to know to what extent they will resolve the flooding north of Vine Drive and in Alta Vista. o Improvements in the Poudre River ox bow area, west of Buckingham, may resolve some flood problems in the Buckingham neighborhood. These improvements are also in early design stages. • Floodplains are a major development constraint; vacant lands can not be developed until flooding issues are resolved, and property owners can not expand existing building structures that are in the floodplain. • Streets lack curb and gutter. Streets in neighborhoods flood during large rainfall events (Alta Vista, Andersonville, and Buckingham). Land Use • Almost half the land is vacant, which could develop when stormwater issues are resolved. The mix and character of development will be important. • Residents are interested in preserving existing neighborhoods. • The present mix of residential and industrial uses are not entirely compatible with one another. o Residential neighbors complain about noise, trucks, and overflow parking from the businesses. Residential neighborhoods, while they generally support current business practices, do not want the industrial uses to expand into vacant properties. o Industrial/commercial properties would like to be able to expand and continue to conduct business in the area. • Should the land uses and zoning be adjusted to allow for better transitional uses between industrial areas and residential areas? • Should industrial uses or activities be limited to those that are compatible with neighborhoods? ■ Should portions of the vacant lands be maintained as open space? Transportation • Short-Term Transportation Issues: • The area has a number of transportation issues, including: o Severe traffic congestion at intersections (at Lemay and Vine)and along N. Lemay Avenue; o Speeding along Conifer, Lemay, Vine, and through neighborhood streets (Alta Vista especially); o Poor access into/out of Andersonville (along Lemay), especially when the train stops traffic; o Lack of sidewalks along the arterials (N. Lemay Avenue and Vine Drive); - 2- • o Lack of neighborhood sidewalks (Alta Vista, Andersonville, Buckingham, and repairs needed in Meadows); o Lack of bike lanes (Vine Drive). • Increasing number of trucks on Vine Dr. and Buckingham create congestion and safety concerns for residents. Neighborhoods residents are concerned about Vine Drive being permanently designated a Truck Route, and feel that this issue has not been resolved. • Long-Term Transportation Issues: • Funding for the realignment of Vine Dr. and Lemay Ave. is distant. ■ The railroad crossing means that the future Lemay Avenue will need to be elevated or submerged. • Residents are concerned about the impacts associated with the realignments. Should Lemay go under or over the railroad? How should the current streets be altered to discourage through-traffic? Urban Design • The quality of industrial development is inconsistent. While some business are developing in a "sustainable" fashion, and using materials and styles that reflect the region and with beautiful landscaping, other industrial business are developing warehouse or flex space buildings. ■ Outdoor storage is not well screened on some properties. • • Should the industrial area develop to be an extension of the downtown area, with high quality architecture and a pedestrian scale, or should it become more of an industrial warehouse district, or something else? • Maintenance facilities in the area are not attractive and are inconsistent with residential neighborhoods. Should they be screened? • What should be the character of residential development? • Should properties near the Poudre River develop with mixed uses with links to downtown? Housing ■ Area provides some low income housing and affordable housing. The Housing Authority manages 47 units in the area (in all the neighborhoods except Meadows). • Existing housing stock needs maintenance and rehabilitation. • Should there be continued affordable housing opportunities in the area? Where are the best locations for affordable housing? • What type of mix of housing should develop? (i.e., encourage I"time homebuyers in the area, such as officers, teachers). ■ Does the area offer potential land bank sites? Economic Development Neighborhood residents would like to see more amenities and local services in the area (e.g., movie theaters and retail services). • - 3- ■ Business extension of downtown. Should this become a niche market area based on the proximity to downtown and the Poudre River? Parks ■ Via Lopez locks a park and/or playground. Kids play in the detention areas. • The neighborhood parks are too small to be functional and lack basic play equipment such as swings (Alta Vista and Andersonville). Should the Romero Park be turned over to the museum and a new park be designated? • Should the community preserve open areas, large trees around the Poudre River, Dry Creek and Lake Canal? • Should non-motorized boating access be provided to the river in this area? • Should a community park be located in the study area? Utilities • The City provides water and sewer to the area, and there appear to be no capacity issues. • Large high voltage power lines pass through the area. • Residents would not like to see an expansion of powerlines connected to the substation that is north of Conifer Street. Other ■ Code compliance is a problem (e.g., yard clean up, abandoned vehicles, building maintenance, illegal accessory units). • Stray pets are a problem. • Weeds and trees need trimming. • Buildings in residential areas need improvements/reinvestment. • Water pressure is low. • Parking at Walmart is dysfunctional. • Streetlights are needed in neighborhoods and along E. Lincoln Avenue. ■ Better snow plowing is needed in neighborhoods. Social Planning Issues—Public Services General • Social tensions occur between old-timers versus newcomers—Hispanic versus Anglo cultural differences. • Meadows residents are concerned about the "youth at risk" Wingshadow Christian school at the corner of Conifer and Redwood Streets. Police Services • Transients camp along the river and Dry Creek and pose a threat along Redwood trail. This area is littered with feces, drug paraphernalia, and camp apparatus. • Graffiti and illegal dumping occur in vacant properties and along railroad tracks. - 4- • Residents report occurrences and perception of drug dealing in the neighborhoods (Alta Vista, Buckingham, Andersonville). • Some residents feel there is not enough police patrol and that crime is high, but the police department records show that crime rates are low to moderate compared to other areas of the city. Because this neighborhoods area is part of the District that includes Old Town, the department puts a lot of resources into the area. • Neighborhoods are active in self-patrolling the area and calling the police when crimes occur, which helps keep crime rates low—some explain that "a friend can do more than a cop." Other Services • Community/senior center needs expansion—could be located in the study area. Plan Creation—Public Process Issues ■ Lack of community involvement may be a problem with this plan. The area and number of residents and businesses affected is small. • Reaching consensus may be challenging because of the diversity of interests in the area (neighborhoods, neighborhood-business relations). • Bilingual translation appears to be necessary, but primarily written translation is helpful. • Residents may be a bit overwhelmed by all the planning efforts and events—the • historic district designation, the Romero House event, new developments taking place (i.e., Home Depot) are occurring simultaneously. • Many residents expressed distrust of the City or may not be interested in City- sponsored planning because of broken promises in the past and the perception that the City is focusing its resources elsewhere in the community. • Need for some "quick wins"—What can be implemented right away? • - 5- "Map-it" Packet and November • 2003 Public Open House Comments The planning team distributed 390 "Map-It" Packets door-to-door throughout the study area prior to the first public meeting on November 19, 2003. As of January 2004,the city has received 29 returned packets (7.4% return rate so far). The Map-It Packet asked residents to share their vision for the area by responding to the following two questions: 1. What do you like about the area and neighborhoods today? 2. What one thing would you most like to see change in the future? The packet also contained a map of the study area and stickers to depict"improvements needed" and "issues and problems" so that residents could complete a map of issues. The Issues Summary Map depicts the responses on the maps. The written "Map-It" Packet comments are the following: Map-It Packets Written Comments People# What People Like Whal 1 Proximity to town Throughout most of the day,access to Lemay from my house on 11" is virtually impossible. I have to time my trips according to traffic density. The traffic is so heavy on Lemay and the city's big solution is to take out the right turn lane onto Lincoln from Lemay so traffic can back up even further. The "Do not block intersection" signs are absolutely useless! There are times I cannot turn into my neighborhood. Between the trains and allowing left turns at Vine& Lemay with no turn lanes and the extra traffic from Wal-Mart has made living here a trapped existence. 2 Open areas with no building,especially between Wider streets with proper sidewalks and driveways 1"St. and river and between Buckingham and and bike lanes on Buckingham St. between 1"and Vine. V St. 3 Near river,downtown walking distance, older Upgrades to homes neighborhood, people know each other Wider sidewalks-children always seen walking on street; rarely see people going on walks Park parking Control of homeless at park 4 Blank Traffic bumps for safety for our children and elderly, more police patrol day and night, coverall irrigation ditches for children's safety. I would like for city to pass an ordinance for all cars in all neighborhoods in this area to be parked inside their lots at night for their safety and for all city personnel to do their work. More lights in our alleys. No vehicle parking on our sidewalks at any time. Sidewalks - 6- • 5 Buckingham is very quiet. The park is wonderful I hope the field across from 1"St. remains open and everyone has a "live and let live" attitude and space. It seems anything else would change the yet we all seem to like one another. Seems as feeling of the neighborhood. We certainly don't though we can accept homeless people without need more industry hemming us in. The noise hassle. It feels free and very diverse-which is from the feed plant and the very occasional smell unusual in Fr. Collins. I have never had a crime from New Belgium is enough. My largest selfish problem,though I am gone a lot. hope would be to be taken out of the floodplain. A dog off leash area at Buckingham is something that every neighborhood park should consider. 6 Blank Being able to get in and out of our neighborhood -traffic lights on Buckingham and Lemay 7 Character,quiet, mature trees, out of the way Clean up trash in some residents' yards 8 Nice and quiet neighborhood Traffic control 9 1 like it because we are not crowded with houses I would like you to fix Alta Vista so we won't be and it is like being in the country. Enjoy the horses flooded out here-now that is what worries me by us and can see all around us. most. 10 Close to downtown Would like speed bumps on First St, to stop speeders. 11 Blank Blank 12 1 love that it's a family neighborhood and that I'd like the brewery to clean up the dirt piles in front people are starting to upgrade and remodel of the houses on Buckingham or use landscape to cover up the ugliness! 13 Blank Traffic- more police stopping speeders on Lincoln St.from Riverside to Lemay 14 Close to old town, good business access Lemay Ave. is a mess. Widen, improve lights,and sidewalks and curbs. • 15 Blank Speed signs-children in area, streets need patched, lots of weeds in cracks 16 Proximity to downtown Create more of a neighborhood feel with parks, ools,orsomethin . 17 Friendly neighbors More lights 18 Lived here many years and have liked it Less traffic, get help with fixing home,when it snows they throw snow in our driveway. 19 Blank Expanding of Lemay/Vine intersection,expanding Lemay and Vine 20 Friendly neighbors More lighting at night. We still suffer from occasional vandalism, especially if any of our vehicles are left outside. 21 Since it's historic now and I wouldn't like to lose First, put stop to tall heavy cars and specifically big the view of Old Town building of sugar factory trucks. Stop traffic come into our street especially because a lot of memories of hardship and people Alta Vista St. Sidewalks. of the neighborhood. We can't see the time clock of Bank at comer across from Coors building. 22 We care about each other. We wish there was a Please put sidewalks on East Vine and Lemay-all way to keep the pollution down on East Vine. the way to Wal-Mart. It is dangerous for us and When the train blocks the traffic and it stops for the our children to walk and most of us frequent Wal- train the pollution that comes from the stopped Mart. We see sidewalks all over the city, even traffic is unbelievable. Please help us if you can, where there is very little traffic (i.e.,Timberline between Mulbera and Prospect). 23 It's not the Southern California side of town. Clean up Alta Vista and Andersonville areas- horrible eyesore. 24 It's cldlose to old town and to the Poudre trail. It A traffic light on Buckingham St. & Lemay Ave. and • wou be even nicer if the Poudre trail would go as to have Buckingham St. widened at the San Cristo 7- far out as the San Cristo neighborhood. entrance. 25 Blank I would like to be able to walk/dcle the bike path without seeing a hoard of drunk homeless men stoocerina around. 26 Blank Blank 27 Blank Blank 28 The park, people that live here. More patrolling,a path down Vine or more walking access. 29 Not heavily developed,open space,access to Old More sidewalks along Conifer and Blue Spruce, Town, bike trails Movie theater in north end. "Mao-it"Packet Comments Submitted on Separate Sheets: While streets,sidewalks,and the such are important, different decisions will determine the future quality of life in our neighborhood. As you know, if and when the County&City build all upstream Dry Creek storm water project,the large open areas ill our neighborhood will develop. The type of housing, mix and location of commercial development, will be key. The ways in which the area is further integrated (or not) into the trail, open space,and road networks will also have a major impact on our neighborhood. Other larger forces like the City's need for additional commercial and industrial development sites may also focus, in part, on our area. These larger questions should be openly discussed with our residents. The area around the Poudre River should be purchased and turned into a linear, low intensity-use parkland. The open areas around the Lake Canal should be maintained as public open area and wildlife habitat(as it defacto now functions) until more intensive development occurs. When developed,the interior should include a significant community park. More small-scale retail would be good along Lemay perhaps with clustered s.o.c. businesses. For example, Fort Collins does not really have a cluster of home decoration,furnishing,accessory,& renovation businesses. Home Depot is no substitute. Some cities have helped generate the impetus for such commercial clustering. The north Lemay corridor might be a good location for some such effort. Light industrial could be located along Vine Drive east of the current County facilities. Is there a way to further improve the Linden/Vine intersection to take advantage of the new City building and New Belgium? Perhaps at least screen the State and County facilities. Residential south of Meadows at Redwood should be a mix of socioeconomic scale housing to avoid the potential for Buckingham. Alta Vista, and Meadows to become filled in by strictly low-income or low-quality housing. Alternately, a creative use of that interior space would be to provide a community center accessible to the existing neighborhoods and to new residential. Such a community center could be a mix of amenity-driven activities with some local retail. A small community center, Latino history/culture museum/center.... are some possibilities. This area also might be an interesting area for some truly innovative mixed use (sort of a more mid-income Superior, near Longmont). On a more basic level, Lemay is backing up during rush hours so it now is a slower arterial than N. College Avenue. The intersection with Vine needs to be improved especially left turn lanes from Lemay onto Vine. Should Vine or Lemay be relocated,the new routes should not bisect the existing open areas. Particularly,any location of Vine Drive should stay further South versus north, preferably mostly or entirely on the south side of the Lake Canal. Information on potential transportation network changes should be provided our residents as part of this public input process. Also, an explanation of the addition to Meadows at Redwood depicted on the map needs to be explained along with the previous approval and abandonment of that proposal for housing development. Finally,the City should work with local groups to begin the river enhancement project by installing a non-motorized boating access on Linden Avenue. The urbanized reach of the Poudre should be cleaned up as - 8- • a passive use amenity. The abandoned oxbow should not be developed. All efforts need to be made to allow continued migration of the Poudre as part of ongoing efforts to conserve the ecological value of this plains waterway. November 19,2003 Public Open House General Comments: The following comments are listed as provided verbatim from the meeting. Language has been added to clarify statements in some instances. • The school next to Meadows is a "trouble school." • We feel neglected because [services and improvements] are in the south of town. • Everything [the City/developers have]done in the neighborhood has been bad [for the neighborhood]: factory,trash facility, homeless shelter. • [The City has] always treated us like second-class citizens. They haven't ever done any justice to us. • Now they want to cut down on access and butcher our neighborhood. • These are the oldest neighborhoods in the city. • I don't know why it took so long [to start this plan?]. • The last time that they brought asphalt(?) to the neighborhoods. • It's like they want to erase it. • The reason why the river is all polluted is because the city always threw their oils, black dirty snow in it. • I think [the neighborhoods) should be preserved. • The magnitude of the problems that need to be addressed in this area are enormous. • City Council just wouldn't listen to us. • Instead of solving our problems they moved them out. • I don't mind the noise of the trains as I grew up with them. • I don't want the noise of the trucks on the bypass. • Give it a new name. • The train is the big thing. It would be great to make a bridge over the train, or a tunnel. Traffic: 8:00 • in the morning,and 3:30,when people take their kids to school. We have Wal-Mart and Albertson's. • I certainly wouldn't like to see a factory going close. I would be shocked if it happened. • I go to City Park. • There's a lot of vandalism. Andersonville didn't have that problem until they built[Via Lopez/San Cristo] the back. ISSUES(from flipchart): • Traffic • Train noise • Trucks noise • Factory pollution • Crime/Security • Trash dumping • Indifference from City • No maintenance at all • No budget from the City for the area • Very small and inadequate parks • Vandalism • - 9- Httacnment 4 Dmil-May 19,2004 • Northside Neighborhoods Plan DraftVision and Goals "Never forget that, with concerted effort and sheer determination, people can make-or re-make- their communities into the places they want them to be." Kennedy Smith,Director,National Main Street Center Introduction The Northside Neighborhoods Plan vision The City has also involved local residents and describes a desired future, the area's long- businesses in fine-tuning the overall vision for term physical development pattern,urban the Northside area. The Northside design and social qualities present in the Neighborhoods Plan's vision and goals future. should reinforce and demonstrate the intent of City Plan while addressing more area- In defining a vision for the area, one specific issues associated with this smaller • appropriate first step is to review the overall area. The vision and goals work together, vision established previously in City Plan. providing the foundation and direction for City Plan defines a vision for the overall this plan. The vision is based on extensive community. This vision is based on the belief citizen involvement including input from the that properly managed growth and change Plan's citizen advisory group,public can expand the variety of opportunities for meetings and neighborhood questionnaire. current and future generations without spoiling the qualities that make Fort Collins and adjacent areas a great place to live. Partnerships POIIChS Zoning & Code Revisions Actions Programs Framework Capital Improvements Plan Funding Mechanisms PHASE 1: PHASE 2: PHASE 3: Initiation Design/Development Implementation &Adoption • 1 A��sideNeighborhoods Plan Draft—May 19,2004 The Draft Vision Statement The Northside Neighborhoods Plan area will be safe and healthy,providing opportunities for community members to continue being involved and active in the community. The community will also continue to celebrate and preserve its cultural and historical qualities that make this part of the City special.A positive identity and image of existing neighborhoods is enhanced and improved. Residential neighborhoods will become more stable and cohesive and housing in the neighborhoods will continue to be affordable. The street network provides a variety of travel options,reducing the demand for vehicular travel through the area. Transit service is easily accessible along the major travel corridors including Vine Drive, Lemay Avenue and the high frequency route along Conifer Street. Arterial and collector streets accommodate traffic efficiently,are safe for pedestrians and bikes as well as autos, and the streetscape is visually appealing. Multi-use trails connect to surrounding areas. Designated open lands and natural areas are preserved and integrated with other existing areas. Parks,trails,and recreation opportunities are accessible to residents and business employees. Neighborhood public spaces are attractive and accessible. Opportunities for business expansion and job growth are supported. New commercial and industrial areas are attractive and integrate well with adjoining neighborhoods. Neighborhoods and business continue to thrive, while maintaining a compatible blend of both existing and new development. Neighborhood services provide for the needs of residents and businesses such as recreation,social services,community meeting facilities, and daily shopping and service needs. r---- ---------------------------------- -- — --- Images to be added - -...- ----------------------------- - 2 Northside Neighborhoods Plan Draft-May 19,2004 Community Involvement• and Draft Goals Culture The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: The goals set a direction for future planning decisions about particular aspects or parts of The community will continue to celebrate and the vision. Similar to the format of City Plan, preserve its cultural and historical qualities. these lead to the nest step in realizing the ------ ------ - - -- ----- plan-developing more specific policies, which CAG Comments:- The group supported this statement will become the foundation for action and with eight green stickers. Three asked for clarification. implementation. Welcome new neighborhood additions too. ----'--------- Goals: Goals are broad-brush statements about ideals to Goal C-1. Promote and celebrate the cultural be sought in the area. They will provide the basic and historical value of the area,including the direction for what the area would like to strive for agricultural heritage and ethnic diversity. in the next 20 years. Goals generally seek to: preserve what is positive;add what is missing; remove what is negative;and,keep out what Goal C-2. Support"historic district" could become negative. designation of the Alta Vista, Buckingham, Policies and Actions,to be developed later in the and Andersonville neighborhoods. planning process,are more definitive course of • action to be taken by the City and others in Goal C-3. Support cultural facilities, such as achieving the goals. Actions are specific measures the Romero House, and cultural events. to be taken to carry out the plan which may be carried out by the City of Fort Collins or other l partners or neighborhood coalitions. i The draft goals are grouped under the following themes: • Community Involvement and Culture; • Land Use Mix; • Transportation, • Neighborhoods and Housing (Where �r people Live); • Business Development(Where people Work and Play); • Design and Character; • Open Space and Natural Areas Conservation; and Sugar Beet Factory and harvest workers(Source: City • Facilities and Neighborhood Services. of Fort Collins) • 3 A"odhside Neighborhoods Plan Dmft—May 19,2004 r I Romero House—Historic Landmark and future museum Aztlan Center Staff Community members will continue to be Health and safety is a high priority. involved and active. --------------------------------------- --------------------- CAG Comments: The group supported this statement with nine green stickers. Three suggested that we ------------------------------------------------------------- - CAG Comments: The group supported this statement rephrase: to make"Health and Safety in with eight green stickers. Neighborhoods the Highest Priority." We should also -- --g------- clarify and define health and safety? One suggestion was to modify the 2" goal below—provide health and Goals: safety programs(and/or infrastructure)address Goal C-4. The City will continue to provide potential___" ----- - opportunities for a high level of community involvement in civic and cultural affairs by Goals: residents and businesses, regardless of age, Goal C-9. Maintain and improve safety in the language, and income levels. area through high quality police protection service. Goal C-5. Community members will take pride in the neighborhood and invest in Goal C-10. Improve stormwater drainage property improvements. systems to prevent standing water that may contribute to health related problems such as Goal C-6. The City and neighborhoods will West Nile virus. share responsibility in maintaining and improving the area. Goal C-7. Businesses and neighborhoods will work together in improving all aspects of the Northside neighborhoods area. Goal C-8. Improve coordination of planning and development activities. -------------- --- -------- ---------- Add Images: CAG pictures, community event pictures ---------------------------------- ---- - a .0110'Northside Neighborhoods Plan Droll—MaY 19,2004 • into the area and how it will impact traffic and how t tUse Mix they will relate to the neighborhoods." '- --------------------------------------- The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: Goals: Neighborhoods and business will be a Goal LU-3. Develop and enhance a unified compatible blend of both existing and new image for the neighborhoods(e.g., encourage development design styles for new developments that are southwestern adobe or that are appropriate ---------------------------------------------- ----- for the region and climate. New CAG Comments: The group supported this statement with six green stickers. Three asked for clarification with should include streetscape regarding: "who decides what is compatible?" (Note: elements such as trees, landscaping in rights- The planning team will work with the CAG to define of-way, street lights, signage, and other j "compatible development"during the design and features). Architectural elements should development phase of the planning project.) --------------------- blend well. Goals: Goal LU-4. Conserve residential Goal LU-1. Continue to support a mix of neighborhoods—reinforce historic and land uses in the area. cultural spirit(i.e., Provide street improvements, recreation improvements, Goal LU-2. Require new businesses and social programs). residential areas to blend harmoniously with • older development areas and neighborhoods. Goal LU-5. Promote maintenance and,where appropriate,rehabilitation of existing housing (Promote infill housing). Goal LU-6. New housing developments should be in scale and compatible with the existing fine-grained fabric of the neighborhood and streets (e.g.,narrow grid streets,large street trees, intimate small one to two story homes). Mixed Use Commercial/Live work—Lowry Town Goal LU-7. Increase housing, studio, and Center Example live-work spaces to allow people to live, work, and thrive in the neighborhoods. A positive image and identity of the neighborhoods is enhanced and improved. --------------------- ------------------------------------ CAG Comments: The group had mixed opinions on this statement. Three supported with green stickers. Four had concerns or asked for clarification: "Is identity ` associate with crime,culture,residents. What or r,[• • whom?" Don't know what is meant by"identity." Finally, "I have concerns about new businesses coming , 5 Northside Neighborhoods Plan Draft—May 19,2004 Residential Neighborhood(Existing) Transportation Neighborhood services will provide for the The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: needs of residents.. The transportation system provides a variety Goal LU-8. Provide small neighborhood of mobility options. center that includes recreation areas, social ;---------------------------------------------------- CAG Comments: The group supported this statement services, and Community meeting facilities. with eight green stickers. Two commented: We must -recognize the trains as a key element of the area. ---- - ---------- — ------ --- ------------ ---- CAG Comments:The group supported this statement with nine green stickers. One comment stated: "Add GOR1S: meeting facilities,community wireless network infrastructure." __________ _ i Goal T-1. Provide a range of transportation •----- ------------- ----------------------- alternatives, including cars, transit,bicycles, and walking. Y w� Goal T-2. Improve safety and mobility for autos on arterial and collector streets. Resolve traffic congestion problems. - ■ Identify Vine Drive/Lemay Avenue interim solutions that are fundable in Southwest Architectural Example-Santa Fe Habitat the near-term(i.e.,tram lanes?) for Humanity(Architect:Teilmann-Way Design) . Improve train-related traffic IMF congestion. Enforce speed limits. Goal T-3. Reduce neighborhood-through traffic and increase traffic calming. Provide enhanced pedestrian sidewalks and paths to provide safe connections along streets and between neighborhoods and a shopping centers. Mixed Use/Live Work(Arvada,CO Example) Goal T-4. Provide safer bicycle lanes and Add Images: broader network of bicycle paths. Blend of old and new (Good infill pictures) Old Town Residential Goal T-5. Provide safe,convenient bus Buffers transit with good connections to other Diagrams: Grid Street System destinations. Small Homes a Support provision of bus stops that 11 Mix of density are attractive and sheltered; ■ Pedestrian and bike paths link to transit stops. 6 AiAbrihside Neighborhoods Plan Draft-May 19 2004 • Residential neighborhoods will continue to Goal T-6. Organize on-street parking so that have a strong have of neighborhood" and it is safe and does not obstruct traffic flow. will become more stable and cohesive. Goal T-7. Develop an internal truck route plan to minimize truck traffic impacts on CAG Comments: The group supported this statement neighborhoods. with 6 green stickers. Five had concerns or asked for clarification,stating: (1)"Not possible. There is too much industrial,etc.that affects this goal." (2)"Are Trails connect to surrounding areas. they now?(3)Prefer infilling(single family homes)to new condo complexes. Condos are not cohesive." (4) ------------------------------------------------------- How are they cohesive now? (5)Is NOW the model for j CAG Comments: The group supported this statement j stability&cohesiveness? with 7 green stickers. --------------------- '-------------------------------------------------------- Goals: Goals: Goal T-8. Provide trail connections to Poudre Goal H-1. Encourage reinvestment in older River Trail. residential neighborhoods, but promote reinvestment that does not displace existing Goal T-9. Provide better links to Old Town residents. and other surrounding neighborhoods Goal H-2. Continue to improve property Other CAG Comments: The group included other values. • comments about transportation,including: -Identify a Vine/Lemay solution that is fundable. The Goal H-3. Promote revitalization of older Lemay[Vine bypass will not be feasible in our lifetime. neighborhood areas: Look at a plan with traffic on the current route. • Remove litter from side and front -Riverside seems to be a barrier to the neighborhoods yards, inclusion in Old Town. Is there a viable option to crossing as a ped? Improve appearance of fences, I -Provide the truth about transportation. landscaping, and built structures that need repair, ---- ------ -._.-..__.... -- Add Images (LSA) Prevent illegal accessory units. Sidewalks, people walking 2 lane arterials Transit stops with bus shelters ;. Bike lanes Truck routes... --------------------------- --------------------------------- Neighborhood Development and Housing Well maintained home and yard The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: • Housing will continue to be livable and affordable. 7 .4011"Northside Neighborhoods Plan Draft—May 19,2004 ------------------------------------------------- Development CAG Comments: The group did not support this statement. Four had concerns or asked for clarification The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: on"affordable.""'Quality'needs to be balanced with 'affordable."' Three stated objections with blue stickers: "We want these neighborhoods to become more Economic development is compatible with the desirable,thus an increase in value." The group area,and improves economic opportunities recommended focusing on the concepts of"affordable and livable,"not quality. i for residents.. '------------------------- -------------- GOals: I CAG Comments: The group had mixed opinions on this statement. Two supported with green stickers. Six Goal H-4. Promote a mix of housing styles asked for clarification on"character." One comment and sizes to meet the needs of a diverse mix stated,"I would like to see businesses coming into... of residents—of all ages, families, and singles, neighborhoods to do more outreach on job socio-economic levels and ethnicities. opportunities and being good neighbors_" - j ------------------------- ' - Goal H-5. Ensure that new housing is Goals: handicap accessible. Goal B-1. Continue to support a diverse range of business development and Goal H-6. Encourage historic preservation employment opportunities while balancing that protects low and moderate income the needs of businesses with neighborhoods. against displacement. Goal B-2. Explore opportunities to develop Goal H-7. Promote mixed-use housing along creative and unique economic development major corridors and as a transition between niches that capitalize on existing businesses, industrial areas and neighborhoods. and proximity to the River and Old Town. L Add Images: Affordable, Livable, Housing Goal B-3. Encourage partnerships between businesses and local residents to foster opportunities for local outreach and jobs. Goal BA Ensure that businesses provide adequate parking, and screen service areas from residential areas. Goal B-5. Business and industrial areas should develop in a manner that allows customers and employees to safely walk and bicycle in business areas. 8 Northside Neighborhoods Plan Draft-May 19,2004 iDesign and Character The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: New commercial and industrial areas are attractive and integrate well with neighborhoods. -- --- ----- ---- Existing Niche business CAG Comments: The group supported this statement with nine green stickers. One comment stated: "emphasis on'integrate well with'." Businesses that serve the local community - - ---------------------------- are supported. Goals: ----------------------------------- Goal D-1. Provide welcoming, safe, and CAG Comments: The group supported this statement attractive employment and retail areas. with eight green stickers. Goal D-2. Continue to ensure that Goals: commercial and residential areas are in Goal B-6. Promote growth and stability of balance, and that one type of use does not small-scale local businesses that serve nearby dominate another. • neighborhoods. Goal D-3. Ensure that residential and non- Goal B-7. Support provision of service-based residential areas that are adjacent provide for retail and offices to serve the residential gradual transitions and provide visual and neighborhoods including but not limited to physical buffers between existing and new convenience stores,day care, medical offices. developments. " 1 Add Diagrams: Site plan sketches and section view showing how to integrate business and residential areas. Neighborhood public spaces are attractive and accessible. Local Business: Lambspun - ------------------- _...__.._____-__________-,_.__-___ CAG Comments: The group supported this statement j Add Image: with 9 green stickers. ------------------------------------------------------- Old Town-co-op, local businesses El Burrito Goals: SF jobs-business parks j Goal D-4. Provide high quality public spaces Lowry-neighborhood center - ------------------------ .. that are: • Human-scaled and pedestrian- friendly; 9 A���sideNeighborhoods Plan Drop-May 19,2004 • beautifully paved and landscaped; Open Space, NaturalAreas, • Safely separated from vehicular traffic'. • Linked to other neighborhoods and Conservation downtown; and The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: • Accessible to disabled people. Open spans and natural areas are preserved Public spaces and visible yards and grounds and integrated where they provide wildlife in the area will be clean,attractive, and well habitat or have other community benefits. maintained. CAG Comments: The group supported this statement ------------------------------- with 11 green stickers. One concerned comment stated: CAG Comments: The group generally supported this 11 Excessive open space in areas designated as infill statement with five green stickers. One stated redevelopment. Since the GMA is frozen,every logical concerns: "Not possible. This is perception from opportunity for infill and redevelopment must be made j whom?" By whose standards?" Other comments: Focus on grounds upkeep,appearance,well- available." maintained. `--------- ----------------------------------------------- Goals: Goals: Goal 0-1. Preserve open landscaped areas as Goal D-5. Residents and business will keep part of new developments to the extent front and side yards litter-free and screen possible. outdoor storage. Maintain fences and landscaped areas. Goal 0-2. Provide new parks of different sizes and character. Goal D-6. Public areas will be clean and graffiti-free. Goal 0-3. Replenish ditches and streams— eliminate problems of standing water. Goal D-7. The City will enforce codes and land use regulations to help advance a Goal 0-4. Maintain street trees in a healthy positive neighborhood image. state. Goal D-8. Provide neighborhood gateway Goal 0-5. Conserve healthy mature trees in signs. natural areas. Goal D-9. Seek ways to stimulate Goal 0-6. Preserve mountain views from the reinvestment. public realm when possible. Ad_-_d--I-ma e- -ges:------------ -__-_-; The City will promote conservation of water Plazas and parks-public spaces and energy resources in new developments. Architecture-sw ------------------------------ ___-.--- - --.....—------------' I CAG Comments: The group had mixed opinions on this statement. Two supported it. Four had concerns and asked for clarification: "Statement not clear." One did not support it: "How can this be possible?" During 10 Northside Neighborhoods Plan Draft-May 19.2004 • the discussion we heard that we should target this Neighborhood statement toward new construction and development r r (but not duplicate what is already required through : Services building codes). We should also encourage or promote water conservation. "Promote' is a good term that The Northside Neighborhoods Area will be one where: does not make it a requirement. '- ------------------------------------------------------------ Capital facilities improvements serve existing Goals: needs and demands created by new Goal 0-7. Promote energy-efficient design in new homes and businesses. development. ---------------------- -------------------------------------- Goal 0-8. Promote installation of water CAG Comments: The group supported this statement conserving landscapes in new and retrofitted with nine green stickers. Two had concerns: developments (i.e., xeriscape design). •.Support has been nil for this area. [It is]hard to play catch up." "Broadband internet service is too expensive for most residents. City should apply pressure to Goal 0-9. Promote development of jobs and monopoly. Comcast to provide economical housing that are in close proximity to one alternatives." i ---------- --------------- another to minimize dependency on energy resources for transportation. Goals: ------------------------------------------------------------ Goal F-1. Improve storm sewers to eliminate Other comments: Would like an area for dogs off leash Street flooding. on this end of town. • -------------------------------------------'-------------= ------------------------ - --- --- - Goal F-2. Build and repair sidewalks, Add Images: Open space pictures including ramps for handicap access. Xeriscape Solar design Goal F-3. Provide street lighting where it is Jobs-housing mix(live work)-Bradburn project, lacking. Arvada Goal F-4. The city and new development Mixed use land use diagram — — _ _ share responsibilities in providing adequate infrastructure(including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutter) Goal F-5. Encourage private utilities to provide affordable services (e.g., internet companies). Parks,trails, and recreation opportunities are aaessible to residents and business employees. ------------------ ------ CAG Comments: The group supported this statement • j with nine green stickers---------------------------------- 11 Northside Neighborhoods Pion Draft-May 19,2004 Goals: Goal F-6. Provide recreational opportunities for youth, such as play areas or playgrounds. Goal F-7. Consider provision of additional off-leash dog areas in north Fort Collins that would serve this area. Goal F-B. Provide access to parks, open space, and recreation opportunities. Neighborhood Parks Add Images: _------------__ _ 1 Street lights Sidewalks Parks,youth Schools Recreation centers, etc 12 .40111"Norihside Neighborhoods Plan Attachment 5 Drah -May 19,2004 Northside Neighborhoods Plan Framework Plan—Key Choices and Directions Planning Process Overview The City is wrapping up Phase 1 of the Northside Neighborhoods Plan project—Project Initiation,including refining the draft Vision and Goals. Phase 2—Design and Development, is just beginning. The Framework Plan is part of this phase. The planning team is proposing to develop a series of"choices"to build the Framework Plan(described below). Developing the policy directions to support the Vision and Goals will also be part of Phase 2. Beginning in late Summer 2004, the City will begin Phase 3—Plan Implementation and Adoption. Partnerships • t Zoning R Code Revisions �tt0fl 600{t —> /Adions Programs Framework Capital Improvoments • Funding Mechanisrns PHASE 1: PHASE 2: PHASE 3: Initiation Design/Development Implementation&Adoption • 1 Northshle Neighborhoods Plan Draft—May 19,2004 The Framework Plan Physical Plan to Guide Development The Framework Plan is the physical plan that will guide future land use and development in the Northside Neighborhoods Area. It will integrate multiple components such as land use, transportation systems, and open lands in a composite map. The map will depict the future land use mix,interim and long-range transportation improvements, and connections for open lands,parks, and trails. Presenting Choices Instead of Alternatives In an area where little planning or development has taken place previously the City will typically develop plan"alternatives" to facilitate discussions about appropriate types of land uses and transportation. For example,one alternative might present a "status quo" approach to development whereas another might show"clustered development pattern alternative." Transportation plan variations and open space and trails would be bundled into each alternative. The Northside Neighborhoods Area is not a"blank slate." It contains a majority of developed land,well-established neighborhoods,and other developed infrastructure,or in some cases substandard infrastructure. Moreover,the City has previously adopted plans that address the area, including City Plan and the Master Streets Plan. Zoning is in place. To acknowledge and respond to the complexity of the Northside Neighborhoods Area in the Framework Plan,the planning team is proposing to develop a series of"choices" instead of"bundled" alternatives. The choices will be organized by themes and will allow discussion about the tradeoffs of individual plan components, such as open space,potentially avoiding a more complex process of separating each component from a bundled alternative. In addition, the planning team and others will be able to evaluate each choice according to how well it helps to achieve the Vision and Goals. Ultimately, the Framework Plan will be a combination of the best set of choices, or directions, selected by the community. Other Key Directions Not all issues in the Northside Neighborhoods Area will be addressed through the physical Framework Plan. Therefore, this effort will also provide discussion on choices or trade-offs for other key non-physical issues, such as design and character of the area. 2 .0111"Northside Neighborhoods Plan Draft-May 19,2004 • How the Choices Feed Into and Inform the Framework Plan: We will present the series of choices on theme-based display boards. Each board will contain maps, diagrams, and discussion related to the choices,as in the diagram below. & Mobility Choices Nd•Ib•,iwd, A Other Choices .d M«.M. Mb,Swvla Puh1k Ane, } . � �r - ♦a� pdSNbrho•li•rrlas _ I.i•,1ry ipo•.ena ,, M•1.ni Iu.e, Framework Plan—Base Map The planning team will use a skeletal base map to begin to build the Framework Plan. The base map will contain the following components. • Developed areas and neighborhoods; • High voltage power lines and other elements that will remain in the area; • Railroad and streets; • Streams and ditches, wetlands,other natural features;and • Planned land uses in adjacent areas(e.g., North College Avenue Plan). Themes and Choices—Proposed Structure The planning team will organize the"Choices"under at least four broad themes that should relate to the Vision and Goals, illustrated in the diagram. For example, one board will present Neighborhood and Housing Land Use choices. Another will present Transportation choices. For each theme we will present a set of choices (e.g., "a"or "b") and discuss trade-offs of each. The planning team will prepare a comment form to allow the community to respond to choices and give direction. More discussions with the TAC and CAG will be necessary to explore the specific range of choices presented in the following outline. • 3 Norihside Neighborhoods Pian Drah—May 19,2004 Land Use Residential Housing and Neighborhoods - What types of housing should develop on the vacant lands North of Vine Drive? (e.g., choices might include: (a)status quo based on existing zoning including a mix of low-medium density single family, (b)to more traditional/clustered residential development patterns with some mix of uses and buffers between new and old neighborhoods, (c) an alternative with more open space and slightly higher residential densities away from or along corridors.) - What types of infill housing should develop? How should it be contextually appropriate? Should the plan promote infill? - Where should and what types of"affordable"or"workforce'housing develop? Business Development - Should the plan designate neighborhood commercial center locations and where? (e.g., choices might include: (a)designate criteria for neighborhood centers, or(b) designate specific locations for future neighborhood center at future Vine/Lemay intersection,west of Buckingham,others?) - What types of industrial uses and densities are appropriate South of Vine Drive? (e.g., choices might include(a)status-quo industrial development patterns based on current zoning, (b) mix of lower intensity industrial uses with specific criteria about what types of uses and activities are appropriate, (c) propose mix of live-work units as "transitions"between existing neighborhoods and future and existing industrial lands. - Consider whether current zoning districts and standards are appropriate for the area or should they be fine-tuned, recognizing that the city's policy is to maintain its industrial land base? - Are there places that are appropriate for mixed use development? Transportation Interim improvements and Local Streets - How should the plan address immediate street and sidewalk needs for Lemay/Vine? - How does the transportation plan respond to future land use choices? - Where should future transit links be shown? Long-range Improvements - What recommendations should the plan make regarding the Vine Drive and Lemay realignment?Should it be underground or above? Should the current arterials be re-designed to function as local streets? Show Redwood connection? 4 Ab� Northside Neighborhoods Plan Drah- May 19,2004 • Open Lands - What natural areas should be conserved? - Where should the plan designate open lands buffers (e.g.,along Dry Creek? Floodplains?) Parks/Trails/Connections - Should the plan recommend"pocket parks"to serve neighborhoods and where? - Where should the plan show trail connections to Canal,Dry Creek Poudre River? Community Design and Character - Should the plan identify locations for gateways and include policies to enhance their development appearance? - Should the plan preserve views to the west? - Should the plan policies recommend more stringent design elements? (e.g.,choices might include(a)status quo—city standards apply, (b)develop specific residential and industrial design standards to improve the image and quality of new development in the area—coupled with programs to improve code enforcement,or (c)recommend only commercial/industrial standards or only residential standards). - Should new development reflect historic development patterns and styles? - Should plan recommend establishment of neighborhood historic districts? • Other - What is appropriate phasing of infrastructure improvements and development(e.g., stormwater, transportation). - Should plan recommend establishing new funding sources for focused neighborhood projects? • 5 .0111"Norlhside Neighborhoods Plan Draft—June 3,2004 Plan Process Overview • Northside Neighborhoods Plan Comment: This planning process overview is a work-in-progress. Additional revisions will be necessary as The plan progresses to ensure that all information is up-to-date. Plan Process Overview Northside Neighborhoods Plan Area tZ r- -- location The Northside Neighborhoods Plan Area (Plan d. Area) is located at the north end of the City of Ford Collins. It encompasses 444 acres almost one square mile. The plan area is bounded by Conifer Street to the north, Lemay Avenue (9'" Street) to the ".5 _ j east, E. Lincoln Avenue to the south, and Redwood • and Linden Streets to the west, as shown on the '*ti Vicinity Map (Figure 1). o..- r, a 1 1 a a Context The plan area is immediately adjacent to the FortCAliet Cache la Poudre River (Poudre River) and is just north of downtown Fort Collins. It is completely _ - surrounded by other city planning areas including The Mountain Vista Subarea Plan (adopted 1998), Figure 1: Vicinity Map the East Mulberry Corridor plan area (adopted 2002), The Downtown Strategic Plan area (currently underway), and the North College Avenue plan area (adopted 1995), as shown on the vicinity map. The Greenbriar neighborhood is immediately north of the plan area, as well as a number of Lorimer County subdivisions around the Fort Collins Country Club and Lindenmeier Lake. The plan area contains three unique, historic residential neighborhoods—Alta Vista, Andersonville, and Buckingham, as well as three newer neighborhoods—Via Lopez/son Cristo, the Meadows, and Evergreen Park (see Figure 2). • 1 NordtsWe Neighborhoods Plan Plan Process Overview Draft—June 3,2004 A number of industries and businesses are also located in the Northside Neighborhoods Plan area, including New Belgium Brewing, Odell Brewing Company, Elite Group Vanworks Automotive, q Pointe Five Windows, Federal Express warehouse, many of which have been built in the past 10-15 years. The area also has a host of smaller retail and service businesses such as A-1 U-Store It storage, Paws-n-Claws vet, Roth Medical, Montage Graphics, and a Shell gas station (Sandy's Convenience Store). In addition, about 60 acres are publicly owned and used for street operations by the Lorimer County Fleet Services Department along East Vine Drive tk' and the City Streets Facility and Traffic Operations along Vine „{fir Drive and Lemay Avenue. • Brief History STUDY ARW2002 AERIAL PHOTO The blend of residential neighborhoods, industry, and agriculture have defined the character of the Northside Figure 2. Study Area Neighborhoods in the past and today, and the area now characterizes some of the most historic and culturally diverse parts of Fort Collins. In the late 1800's and earlier the area was agricultural or undeveloped. For decades farmers grew sugar beets because the plains possessed the ideal climate and conditions for their cultivation. In 1904, the Sugar Manufacturing Company completed a factory along the railroad and near the sugar beet farms, to process sugar beets into granulated sugar. The sugar factory lent on element of heavy industry to the area, but it also became a magnet for workers and residents in the area. Even though the sugar beet factory closed over forty years ago, the area still retains its partly industrial feel and has seen newer industrial development in recent years with the two breweries and other businesses. What was once the factory is now part of the City's Streets facility. In the early 1900's the sugar beet factory began recruiting Russian-German and some Japanese workers because of their cultural ties to beet forming and work ethic. To keep workers in town, the company organized "colonies," with small affordable lots and modest housing. Charles • Buckingham, a local banker, organized 80 properties in Buckingham Place in 1902. A year later 2 *�-N—w—hOde-Neighborhoods Plan Draft-June 3,2004 Plan Process Overview . • Andersonville, slightly smaller with 36 properties, was developed nearby. Despite the proximity to downtown Fort Collins,these colonies and their residents were faidy isolated physically and culturally from the rest of the city. In 1904 a flood on the Poudre River devastated these two neighborhoods. The residents rebuilt, but remained separated from the rest of the community. During the 1910's Great Western, who purchased the sugar factory in 1906, shifted to recruiting a Hispanic labor pool from Southern Colorado, northern New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. In 1923 Great Western announced plans to build an affordable "Spanish Colony" northeast of the sugar factory that would provide an incentive for Hispanic laborers to settle near the factory and farms. The area that is now Alta Vista became known as "la Colonia Espanola" and took on a Hispanic flavor with adobe houses on small lots. Hispanic laborers began to settle in the other two colonies as well, as the Russian-Germans tended to move out and into other parts of the community. As with previous immigrants, and maybe more so, the Hispanics were ostracized in Fort Collins and had little opportunity to receive education and branch into other forms of employment. The original neighborhoods that were developed to provide affordable factory housing did not meet urban standards, and it took years to raise the standards. The city completed a sewer line to Alta Vista in the early 1970's and paved roads starting in 1980. Because of a history of physical isolation, and feelings on the part of residents that the city has focused its attention to the growth areas, the neighborhoods have a tradition of taking matters into their own hands. As a result of local activism to promote local projects, as well as increased awareness about the problems in the area and federal and local funding (Community Development Block Grants) for neighborhood • projects starting in the late 1970's, conditions have improved overtime. Some projects include: • Rehabilitation projects in Buckingham and Alta Vista (1976-87); • Infill projects (1985); • Acquisition of housing -- 2' and 3rd Street (1990-95); • Down payment assistance in San Cristo/Via Lopez (1992, 1995, 1996-97); and • Recent street paving in Alta Vista,Andersonville, Evergreen Park, and paving on Lincoln and Vine Drive (2000-03). The Meadows subdivision was begun around 1990. Via Lopez/Son Cristo is the newest residential area, built in 1998 through 2000, that provides 40 single-family manufactured affordable housing units. Purpose of the Northside Neighborhoods Plan Once adopted, the Northside Neighborhoods plan will be an element of City Plan, the city's comprehensive plan. It will provide a more specific vision, policies, and land use and transportation plans that are tailored for the area with local input. In addition, the plan seeks to resolve concerns and problems in the area by establishing priorities for utility and transportation improvements. Finally, the planning process collectively involves neighborhood residents, businesses, and property owners. Such a planning process should foster a sense of ownership in the plan and create the foundation for lasting partnerships to accomplish goals established by the plan. • 3 A"drside Neighborhoods Plan Plan Process Overview Draft-June 3,2004 • The Need for the Northside Neighborhoods Plan In 1997, City Plan identified the area as a priority for detailed planning at the neighborhood level. While the city has completed or is developing plans for adjacent areas, the city has not yet included the Northside Neighborhoods in a detailed subarea plan process, and the area has been on the city's planning agenda for some time. In the face of growth and development nearby and substandard services and utilities in the area, concerned citizens have shared their views about the impacts of continued growth or change and immediate needs. This plan identifies a number of issues, such as improving stormwater drainage for Dry Creek basin and the Poudre River basin to remove lands from the floodplain; improving traffic conditions on Vine Drive and Lemay Avenue and improving the transportation system overall; determining appropriate future land uses for vacant lands; continuing to provide affordable housing; providing higher quality, accessible public services; protecting neighborhood character and historic resources; and protecting natural areas and contributing to a citywide linked system of trails and open spaces. The companion Issues and Analysis papers identify the full spectrum of issues that the plan will address. Planning Process Project Schedule The planning process began in October 2003 and will take about one year to complete. It consists of three parts: . Project Initiation (October 2003 through February 2004); • Design and Plan Development (March-August 2004); and • Plan Implementation and Adoption (August-October 2004). Public Outreach and Input The planning process has involved and will rely on a number of public outreach components over the course of the year that provide multiple avenues for residents, businesses, and property owners to get involved and share ideas. A citizen advisory group, brochures, surveys, public workshops, open houses, interviews and discussions with stakeholders are all aspects of a public participation plan designed to be as open and inclusive as possible. These are described briefly below. The chart following this description illustrates the array of events and activities to foster meaningful participation. Interviews To start the planning process the team held interviews with neighborhood and business stakeholders. Information recorded during the interviews helped to frome the issues and analysis papers. Citizen Advisory Group(CAG) The Northside Neighborhoods Plan Citizen Advisory Group serves to provide a broad spectrum of interests and citizen perspectives and advice to the City of Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board and Council on the policy direction and priorities for implementation for the Northside • Neighborhoods Plan. The CAG includes residents from each of the neighborhoods, business Northside 4 Neighborhoods Plan Draft—June 3,2004 Plan Process Overview • owners, and other individuals with particular knowledge about the area and interest in the area's future. The city notified all residents and business owners of the opportunity to be a part of the CAG. Website Information about the planning effort is available on the city's website: www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning. The website makes available all the work products during the planning effort and announced meetings and events in English and Spanish. Fliers,Brochures,and Newsletters The planning team has produced brochures and newsletters to N`Ng[ inform the public about the project, and will continue to provide " "^� _ ^""" information at project milestones. "Map-It"Packet Survey In October 2003, the planning team distributed 390 informal a ; survey packets to homes and businesses in the plan area prior to the first public meeting. The packet asked residents to share , their vision for the area by responding to two questions: (1) what do you like about the area? (2) What one thing would you most like to see change in the future? The packet also Lam„ contained amap of the plan area and stickers to depict • "improvements needed" and "issues and problems." The city received 29 returned packets (7.4%). Returned packets provided valuable information about the issues and concerns in the area described in the Issues and Analysis paper. Direct Mailings The city sent postcards and letters to residents and businesses in the area periodically to inform interested parties about meetings and events during the project and also to invite stakeholders to participate in the planning effort. Technical Advisory Committee(TAC) The Technical Advisory Committee includes representatives from all the city service areas, including Advance Planning, Current Planning, Transportation Planning, Neighborhood Resources, GIS, Streets and Engineering Departments, Housing Authority, and Police Department. The TAC serves to guide and advise the planning team on various technical issues about the plan throughout the process. Public Meetings The city has held one kick of meeting and will hold additional public meetings at key milestones during the project. Planning and Zoning Board/City Council Updates The planning team updated the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council about plan progress periodically. • 5 �Northside Neighborhoods Plan Plan Process Overview Draft—June 3,2004 Northside Neighborhoods Plan (Draft) Public Process: Information and Involvement Loops How we'll learn concerns How we'll share information Decision Process and ideas Create Interest O Map It Packets distributed An O Interviews door-to-door d Awareness O First public open house: o O Information Flyer#1 Issues and Concerns •�„ O Press releases/interview O Map It Packet o O Postcard mailing O Comment Sheets 2 O Project Website O Listening Log Project Initiation: ' O Information bulletin #2 O CAG#1: Introduction, C* (report on comments in (SSUeSr Vision and Goals Issues and Vision rproject initiation,announce O P&Z Update 0 0e CAC,describe additional O CAG#2: Vision/Goals 0 opportunities to comment) L CInput • op Alternativesand Evaluation Framework $ O Press releases/interviews O P&Z and CC Updates cr O Postcard mailing/emailing O CAG#3: Plan Alternatives • a O Project Website Design Development O Neighborhood Association t O Information bulletin #3 Briefings/Drop-in Forum (introduce plan alternatives) O Comment Sheets X O CAG#4: Preferred Discussion of how plans Alternative and Policies compare • • O Listening Log Rationale O Information Bulletin #4 Plan a • •• O P&Z Update (preferred plan and policies) O CAG#5:Action Plan O Press releases/interviews O Neighborhood Association O Postcard mailing/emailing Briefings t O Project Website Plan Implementation and O Public Workshop or small Adoption focus groups: Implementation ImplementationO Comment Sheets aPriorities O CAG#6: Draft Plan Refinement(Optional)' O Listening Log O P&Z and CC Hearings Key to Abbreviations and Terms: CAG = Citizen Advisory Group; P&Z = Planning and Zoning Board; CC = City Council; Listening Log = record of all comments received. • 6 Norlhside neighborhoods Man U ° ,� . bbbbb 0 14 r O '�L A O O o O o � b 'd 'd e U 'O 'O o ° x x O o o 0 0 0 o o v : 0u ti N N 0 0 0 N 0 o ° o 0 0 0 0 0 00 y K p p A p L a] 0 0 0 0 0 o O N d zzZZZ ^ '4J � 'N d a 3 � � . ;, •�, zzzzz CCQ QN pN fn W r ro Z 3CL > > �-1 b o ° Y avq '-` Z O w > P. a. w PG CO al aloa dd ¢ » > i=• m ' m �o N N �o �o N 00 v1 m V1 h w t o\ r m �c o� [. 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