HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/16/1999 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF THE MOUNTAIN VIS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM NUMBER: 33 A-C
DATE: March 16. 1999
. FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Pete Wray/
John Daggett
SUBJECT:
Items Relating to the Adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, as an Element of City Plan,
Including the Following Key Plan Components:Vision and Goals,Framework Plan,Transportation,
Principles and Policies,and Implementation Recommendations. Implementation Recommendations
Include Changes to the City of Fort Collins Structure Plan Map,and Master Street Plan Map.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolutions to adopt the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan as an
element of City Plan, making amendments to the Structure Plan Map, and the Master Street Plan.
The Planning and Zoning Board voted 6-0 on March 4, 1999 to recommend adoption of the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan and related implementation actions. In addition, the Citizen's
Advisory Committee forwarded a recommendation for adoption(See Attachment).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
1. Mountain Vista Subarea- Public Amenity Projects
The Implementation Recommendations of the Plan identify projects requiring public funding
including parks and trails, police services, and certain public amenities.
A separate Agenda Summary Item (Item No. 34 on this agenda) addresses costs of projects
associated with parks and trail development. The remaining list of identified projects within the
subarea requiring financing strategies to cover costs above what development would pay for include
future police substation ($200,000), branch library ($2,000,000), and Interstate 25 interchange
landscaping improvements for Mountain Vista Drive and East Vine Drive($800,000). All of these
projects listed are identified as long-term, between 10-20 years.
It appears that there will need to be substantial public investment in new infrastructure and municipal
services to make the Mountain Vista plan a reality. While developers will be expected to finance
the infrastructure improvements necessitated by their proj ects,and some ofthose improvements such
as roads will be very costly,it appears that traditional funding mechanisms like street oversizing fees
and impact fees will not be adequate to pay for all of the street improvements and community
amenities that the Plan envisions. This situation suggests that the City should consider the full range
of infrastructure financing mechanisms available to a home-rule city in Colorado.
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2. Mountain Vista Subarea- Transportation Related Projects
The total transportation cost for the Mountain Vista Subarea is $176 million. Private development
f should pay approximately $110 million of the total with an identified funding gap over the current
street oversizing fees of$66 million.
DATE: March 16, 1999 2 ITEM NUMBER: 33 A-C
Three grade separations at intersections with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad,the moving
of an historic structure, and a new interchange at Vine Drive comprise $37 million of the $66
million. The remaining $29 million is directly related to the build-out of the street network.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
A. Resolution 99-35 Adopting the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan. as an element of City Plan,
including the following key Plan components: Vision and Goals, Framework Plan,
Transportation, Principles and Policies, and Implementation Recommendations.
B. Resolution 99-36 Adopting an Amendment to the City of Fort Collins Structure Plan Map,
based on the future land use classifications and transportation network described on the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan—Framework Plan Map.
C. Resolution 99-17 Adopting an Amendment to the City of Fort Collins Master Street Plan
to delete all existing streets within the subarea, and add the new street network) described
in the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan—Proposed Master Street Plan Map.
BACKGROUND:
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan
City Plan establishes the foundation for this Mountain Vista Subarea Plan. Specific City Plan
Principles and Policies (LU-4 and LU-4.5) name the Mountain Vista area as a priority for subarea
planning efforts. This Plan is needed to help implement City Plan by tailoring general, citywide
policies to this distinct geographic area in northeast Fort Collins.
City Plan, with its City Structure Plan map and the related Zoning Map,provided a strong head start
for the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan process. Building on the head start, the planning process
addressed a full range of issues including land uses, housing, transportation, utilities and capital
facilities, economic development, public safety, environment, appearance and urban design, and
open space.
This Mountain Vista Subarea Plan will be adopted as a related element of City Plan. It was
developed within the context of other existing plans as well,most notably the Master Street Plan,
the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan,and the Land Use Code. These plans and documents will be
updated with any changes resulting from the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan.
Many citizens have wondered why the City of Fort Collins would do a plan for the Mountain Vista
area when little development has occurred to date.This subarea plan for the northeast area of the city
provides an important opportunity to prepare for future neighborhoods, recreation, transportation
networks, and work and shopping destinations from the ground up—ahead of growth and before the
opportunity is gone.
City Council provided general oversight. City staff and a planning consulting team (Balloffet &
Associates, Clarion Associates, and Civitas) formed a technical team, aided by citizens' advisory
DATE: March 16. 1999 3 ITEM NUMBER: 33 A-C
committee. Together, these groups developed this Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, along with
extensive public review.
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan -Transportation
The Mountain Vista Subarea Plan proposes future land use in the subarea. This action would 1)
ensure that the subarea would eventually contain a transportation network sufficient to meet demand
at levels of service consistent with City plan for all modes of travel and 2)ensure that adequate right-
of—way is preserved through the development process.
The Mountain Vista Subarea Plan process began approximately one year ago. As a part of that
process, staff and consultants working on the Northeast Fort Collins Truck Route Project were
charged with developing a transportation plan for northeast Fort Collins (Mountain Vista).
Staff worked closely with the staff, consultants, technical advisory committee, citizens' advisory
committee, and the public. The primary goal of the project was to develop a transportation network
that both supported the proposed land uses and limited the impacts on existing developments
bordering the subarea.
This was an iterative process that included many land use alternatives. The land use plan went
through approximately 10 versions. As the land use plan was refined, a new iteration of street
network was built and modeled to ensure its adequacy and consistency with City Plan.
I. Implementation Recommendations
A key aspect of Mountain Vista Subarea Plan is how it gets implemented. The implementation
recommendations of the Plan include how best to implement the Vision & Goals, Principles &
Policies, and Framework Plan.
Several implementation strategies were considered and evaluated during the initial stages of the
planning process. These strategies ranged from those that were regulatory to those that emphasized
capital investments, incentives, and market measures. After considerable analysis and discussion,
City Council determined that in general, a regulatory strategy was more appropriate than public
outlays to stimulate the development market.
The implementation recommendations include a variety of changes in ordinances, standards and
requirements, policies, and capital improvement programs that need to be considered to make the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan a reality. These actions draw on a diagnosis of the City's recently
adopted Land Use Code,a review of City Plan,examination of City policies regarding infrastructure
improvements and financing, and consultation with City staff.
The Implementation Recommendations also include a detailed listing of projects and improvements
needed to support development of the area,including transportation improvements,parks and trails,
natural areas, stormwater drainage, police services, and public amenities.
DATE: March 16, 1999 4 ITEM NUMBER: ;; A-C
The following implementation actions are included with Plan adoption:
Changes to the City Structure Plan Map:
In adopting the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, as an official element of City Plan, specific
amendments need to be made to the City Structure Plan Map. In summary the changes are as
follows:
• Adjusting the size and locations of land use classifications for Low Density and Medium Density
Mixed-Use Neighborhoods, Employment, Industrial, Community Commercial.
• Adding a community park and new trail corridors to the Public Open Lands classification.
• Realigning the location of the enhanced travel corridor and high frequency transit route.
Changes to the Master Street Plan:
• Timberline Road (County Road 9E) will be expanded to four lanes and will travel to the north
then northeast to align with Mountain Vista Drive. An underpass will be built at Timberline
Road and the Burlington Northern- Santa Fe Railroad.
• Lemay Avenue will be expanded to a four-lane arterial. Lemay Avenue's alignment remains
consistent with the current Master Street Plan(1/99). A new arterial to arterial intersection(Vine
and Lemay)will be built at the junction of the new Lemay Avenue and the realigned Vine Drive.
An underpass will be built at Lemay Avenue and the Burlington Northern- Santa Fe Railroad.
• Mountain Vista Drive will be expanded to a four-lane arterial from the interchange at I-25 and
travel west and southwest to align with Timberline Road.An underpass will be built at Mountain
Vista Drive and the Burlington Northern- Santa Fe Railroad.
• A new interchange will be constructed at Vine Drive and I-25.
• County Road 9E(Timberline Road)from Mountain Vista Drive north will be expanded to minor
arterial status and align with the enhanced travel corridor along the extended alignment of
Conifer Street.
• Conifer Street will be constructed as an enhanced travel corridor. It will include two automobile
travel lanes, one bi-directional transit lane, attached bike lanes, and detached sidewalks. The
corridor will provide enhanced porosity into neighborhoods for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• County Road 11 is recommended to be a minor arterial street extending north from Vine Drive
to State Highway 1.
• The I-25 Frontage Road will be expanded to a two-lane collector street, with appropriate turn
lanes at development access points and at cross-streets. The frontage road is recommended to
be realigned to the west at its intersection with Vine Drive and Mountain Vista Drive. The
frontage road will be extended north from Vine Drive to Mountain Vista Drive.
DATE: March 16, 1999 5 ITEM NUMBER: 33 A-C
• A new minor arterial is recommended between Vine Drive and Mountain Vista Drive east of the
• Burlington Northern - Santa Fe Railroad.
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• Other collector streets are presumed to be two-lane streets with turn lanes as appropriate at
intersections with minor arterial and other collector streets. The street alignments shown on the
plan are to indicate the approximate location of collector and the exact locations of arterial
streets. The collector will be designed to fit the character of the neighborhood, the projected
impact of the proposed travel behavior, and any existing conditions that will affect the
construction of the roadway. More detailed evaluation will be required as specific development
areas are designed. Street cross-sections can be selected at that time based on Fort Collins
standards and decisions about inclusion of on street parking on particular streets.
Project Schedule
Phase 1: Analysis, Planning, and Design (January-September, 1998)
During this phase,information was collected and analyzed. Then,with the assistance of the advisory
committee, the technical team developed a list of issues that influenced development of the Plan.
The Plan was developed in a sequence of steps from general to specific, with a Vision and Goals
leading to Framework Plan map alternatives and written Principles and Policies.
Phase 2: Implementation Recommendations (September, 1998-February, 1999)
During this phase of the planning process, the technical team, consultants,and direction from City
Council,identified strategies for implementing the Plan. Short-term measures center on changes and
enhancements to existing Plans and Documents.
Longer-term implementation opportunities include measures to assist trail/park acquisition and
improvements, and other public amenities. As development occurs over time, City Council is
j encouraged to consider a variety of suggested funding mechanisms to ensure that adequate
infrastructure accompanies the growth of Fort Collins.
Citizen Participation
The City is committed to a participatory planning process. Citizens were invaluable in contributing
to the success of this Plan. Many people made suggestions, offered input and raised concerns that
significantly changed each initial component of this Plan.
IThe public involvement process for the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan was designed to be
comprehensive and interactive. A variety of communications techniques were used to maintain two-
way dialogue with key stakeholders.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Memorandum from the Transportation Board,Recommendation to Support Adoption of the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan and Amendment to the Master Street Plan, dated March 1,
1999.
DATE: March 16, 1999 6 ITEM NUMBER: 33 A-C
2. Memorandum from the Natural Resources Advisory Board, Recommendation to Support
Adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, dated February 10, 1999.
3. Memorandum from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board,Recommendation to Support
Adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan and Amendment to the Parks and Recreation
Policy Plan dated March 5, 1999.
4. Summary of Minutes from the Air Quality Advisory Board Meeting held on February 22,
1999, Supporting Adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan.
5. Memorandum from the Mountain Vista Citizen's Advisory Committee (MVAC),
Recommendation to Support Adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan,dated March 5,
1999.
6. Memorandum from Georgiana Deines, Administrative Support Supervisor, Planning and
Zoning Board Motion on March 4, 1999.
RESOLUTION 99-35
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING THE MOUNTAIN VISTA SUBAREA PLAN
AS AN ELEMENT OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS,on February 18, 1997,the Council of the City of Fort Collins,by Resolution 97-
25, adopted the Community Vision and Goals 2015, City Structure Plan, and City Plan Principles
and Policies as elements of the Comprehensive Plan of the City,to be known as the"City Plan";and
WHEREAS,the City Plan in its principles and policies identified the Mountain Vista Area
as a priority subarea for planning efforts; and
WHEREAS,to help develop the Mountain Area Subarea Plan,the City engaged a planning
consulting team and established a citizen's advisory committee to work with the staff in developing
the plan; and
WHEREAS, the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan has been developed to assist in the
implementation of City Plan by tailoring city-wide policies to the Mountain Vista Area of Fort
Collins by addressing issues concerning land use, housing, transportation, utilities and capital
facilities,economic development,public safety,environment,appearance in urban design and open
space; and
WHEREAS,the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan has been recommended to the Council by the
Planning and Zoning Board, Transportation Board,Natural Resources Advisory Board, Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board and Air Quality Advisory Board,as well as the Mountain Vista Citizens
Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea
Plan is in the best interest of the citizens of the City.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit"A" and incorporated
herein by this reference be, and hereby is adopted as a element of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 16th day of March,
A.D. 1999.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
• RESOLUTION 99-16
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING THE CITY'S STRUCTURE PLAN MAP
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION AND
TRANSPORTATION NETWORK DESCRIBED IN THE
MOUNTAIN VISTA SUBAREA PLAN - FRAMEWORK PLAN MAP
WHEREAS, by Resolution 99 35, the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan as an element of the City's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, by reason of the adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, certain
amendments need to be made to the City Structure Plan vlap, including certain adjustments to the
size and locations of land use classifications, the addition of a community park and new trail
corridors to the Public Open Lands classification and the realignment of the enhanced travel corridor
and high frequency transit route; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments to the City Structure Plan Map have been
recommended to the Council by the Planning and Zoning Board. the Transportation Board, the
Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Parks and Recreation Board and the Air Quality Advisory
Board, as well as the Mountain Vista Citizens Advisory Committee: and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the said amendments to the City's Structure
Plan Map are in the best interests of the citizens of the City.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the City Structure Plan Map as it applies to the Mountain Vista Subarea be, and
hereby is,amended so as to appear as shown on Exhibit"A",attached hereto and incorporated herein
by this reference.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 16th day of March,
A.D. 1999.
Mavor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
E`CHIBIT A
Mountain Vista Subarea
Proposed Structure Plan
Mountain Vista
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• RESOLUTION 99-37
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING THE CITY'S MASTER STREET PLAN
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DELETING ALL EXISTING STREETS
WITHIN THE MOUNTAIN VISTA SUBAREA AND REPLACING SAID STREETS WITH
THE NEW STREET NETWORK DESCRIBED IN THE MOUNTAIN
VISTA SUBAREA PLAN - PROPOSED MASTER STREET PLAN NL-�P
WHEREAS, by Resolution 99-35, the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan as an element of the City's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS,by reason of the adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan,certain revisions
need to be made to the Master Street Plan in order to conform said \faster Street Plan to the
Transportation objectives of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan by deleting of all existing streets
within the Mountain Vista Subarea and replacing them with the new street network described in the
Mountain Vista Subarea Plan- Proposed Master Street Plan Map; and
WHEREAS,the proposed amendments to the Master Street Plan have been recommended
to the Council by the Planning and Zoning Board,the Transportation Board,the Natural Resources
Board,the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Air Quality Advisory Board as well as the
Mountain Vista Citizens Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS,the City Council has determined that the adoption of the proposed amendments
to the Master Street Plan is in the best interests of the citizens of the Cite.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the City's Master Street Plan as it applies to the Mountain Vista Subarea be, and
hereby is, amended as to appear a shown on Exhibit"A". attached hereto and incorporated herein
by this reference.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 16th day of March,
A.D. 1999.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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Administration
Citv of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Azad and City Council Members
From: Randy Hensley, Policy and Budget Manager, Transportation bo
Thru: John Fischbach, City Manager 910-4.41;.0"
Ron Phillips, Executive Director, Transportatio
Date: March 1, 1999
Subj: Transportation Board endorsement of the Mountain Vista Sub-Area Plan
At the regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board on February 17,
Pete Wray and John Daggett made a presentation to update the board about the
transportation aspects of the Mountain Vista Sub-Area Plan, proposed
modifications to the Master Street Plan, and the relationship of the proposals to
the Northeast Truck Route project.
. After a question and answer period, the board unanimously passed a motion to
endorse the sub-area plan and approve the amendments to the Master Street
Plan as proposed.
cc: Pete Wray, Planning
John Daggett, Transportation
Tim Johnson, Chair, Transportation Board
210 E. Olive • P.O. Box 380 • Fort Collins,CO 805E-0580 • (970)221-6608 • Fax (970)2-11-6239
Transportation Board Excerpt from full minutes
Regular Meeting Minutes Note: these minutes are in draft
February 17, 1999 and are not yet approved by the board Page 4
ACTION ITEMS:
III. Mountain Vista Sub-Area Plan Update— Wray/Daggett
Mr. Wrav said that the Plan is entering its final phase and will be presented to the City
Council for approval on March 16. He stated that he would like the Board to review the
proposed transportation network, reach an agreement with the amendments to the Master
Street Plan and submit a written recommendation addressed to Council for their
consideration.
Mr. Wray then reviewed the proposal with the Board, using colored displays for
reference. Mr. Daggett added information on how the Mountain Vista Sub-Area Plan
relates to the Northeast Truck Route project.
Upon conclusion of the review, there was a question/answer period. Chair Johnson asked
for board member's comments on the proposal:
Ricord: It's a good plan. The land use/transportation integration is
especially good.
Trantham: The plan is good.
Frazier: It's good to do planning before they get there. I like the multi-
modal approach.
Thordarson: Good planning.
Hanna: I see a problem in getting to College. Why not make Conifer a 4-
lane arterial? Daggett: We wanted to use it for a multi-modal
corridor instead.
Henderson: I think it's exciting and looks great. If this is approved, does it
impact the truck route alternatives? Daggett: No.
There was a motion and a second to approve the amendments as proposed The motion
carried by a unanimpus vote.
Hensley said that staff will provide Wray with a letter of recommendation on behalf
of the Board and will include a copy of the minutes.
ATTACEMENT# 2
Community Planning and Environmental Services
Natural Resources Department
City of Fort Collins
MEMO
DATE: February 10, 1999
TO: Mayor and Council Members
John Fischbach, City Manager
FROM: Phil Murphy, Natural Resources Advisory Board Chair `
RE: Recommendation to Support Adoption of Mountain Vista Subarea Plan
At its February 3 meeting, the Natural Resources Advisory Board(NRAB) had the
opportunity to look at the Mountain Vista Subarea plan again(a first presentation was
made October 7). Our discussion focused on concerns for protecting wildlife habitat
associated with two natural areas located in the subarea: Cooper Slough and the wetland
in the center of the Waterfield project. Cooper Slough in particular is an extremely critical
and rare part of Fort Collins' natural ecosystem; as a warm stream, it often stays free of
ice in the winter and provides forage and refuge for migrating waterfowl.
The NRAB agreed that when the Bikeway Plan is amended to reflect future development
of the Mountain Vista community, we would urge the Council to carefully consider the
location and structure of all new trails. By paying very close attention to trail placement,
the City can work towards goals for both alternative transportation and for minimizing
human impacts on wildlife.
We appreciated the early and comprehensive information that we received throughout the
project. On a unanimous vote, NRAB approved a motion to recommend to Council
adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan. Please let me know if you would like
further information about our recommendation.
281 N. College Ave. • PO. Box 580 • Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 • (970)2?1-6600 • FAX(970)224-6177
Cultural, Library, and Recreational Services ATTACHMENT#3
Citv of Fort Collins
DATE: March 5, 1999
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
THRU: John Fischbach, City Manager
FROM: Lance Freeman, President, Parks and Recreation Board
RE: Recommendation to Support Mountain Vista Subarea Plan
At its meeting of February, 24, the Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the proposed Mountain
Vista Subarea Plan and how it relates to parks and trails. Staff pointed out a 100 acre proposed
community park and four neighborhood parks of six to ten acres, along with three areas that will
connect the Poudre trail system.
The Parks and Recreation Board unanimously supports the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan as
presented by staff.
281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80524 • (970) 221-6640 • FAX (970) 2-11-6586
ATTACHMENT #4
The following excerpt from the minutes of February 23, 1999, has not yet been
approved:
NIINUTFS
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
281 N. COLLEGE AVE.
FEBRUARY 23, 1999
Board Members Present
Harry Edwards, Tim Dennison, Mandar Sunthankar, Raymond Sons, David Gallup, and
Steve Perich (arrived at 7:20 p.m.)
Staff Present
Natural Resources Department: Brian Woodruff, Sally Maggart, Sarah Fox, Lucinda
Smith, and Aaron Fodge
Mountain Vista Sub-Area Plan—Pete Wrav
Brian Woodruff, Senior Environmental Planner, said that Pete Wray, City Planner, would
explain changes that have occurred in the Mountain Vista Sub-Area Plan since his last
presentation. Woodruff explained that staff is struggling with the Board's request for an
air quality analysis that would speak to the benefits of the plan and is exploring how to do
it properly. He suggested that boardmembers form a subcommittee to work on the issue
• of future preparation of air quality information.
Wray said that since his last presentation, the final framework plan and the transportation
network for the northeast part of the City has been developed. He explained that the
City's Structure Plan is the basis for the effort. Wray identified the major activity centers
and said that the existing Transportation Plan identified a need to look at existing street
patterns and determine how to integrate it into future planning for a more connected
system that incorporates all modes of travel and links destinations. He noted that this is
the first time that transportation and land use have been considered from the ground up.
Wray said that this is a 20-year plan that, at full buildout, will have a higher density than
the rest of the city.
Wray said that one change incorporates a more centrally located primary activity center
surrounded by residential. He identified trail connections, future industrial use areas,
future employment areas, high school and elementary school sites. Wray noted that there
will be a community park and three or four neighborhood parks.
Wray explained the future transportation network and the proposal for amending the
Master Street Plan. He said that the intent is to better connect existing development.
Wray said that no other part of the City compares to this area. He noted that the proposal
achieves the policies of City Plan established for a more compact urban pattern and
•
provision for a better connected transportation network incorporated into 3,100 acres and
with a projected population of 12-15,000.
David Gallup asked why there is no high density designation. Wray explained that City
Plan allows some flexibility by not placing a cap on medium density.
Harry Edwards asked if City Plan is providing for an increased acquisition of buses to
serve the area. Wray responded that additional transportation funding will be requested
in the proposed April tax ballot, but this area is not included because there is no
development yet, per se.
Edwards said that, with regard to an air quality analysis, a simple box model could be
constructed that addresses the question of whether or not expansion would have an
impact on air quality. Woodruff asked what is the question to be answered by such a
model. Edwards responded that it would measure whether expansion makes air quality
better or worse and does it satisfy the mission of striving for continual improvement of
air quality in the community. Woodruff said that there will be more pollution at
Mountain Vista than there is now. Edwards said that with the bigger box the real issue is
not the absolute amount,but the density of pollution going into the air.
Wray said that with the increase in traffic over the next 20 years, emissions will increase.
He said that if City Plan's goals of better links, enhanced transit and alternative modes
are met, the goal to reduce single-occupant-vehicle trips by 10 percent in the next 20
years will take a big financial commitment.
David Gallup asked why an elementary school is planned along the proposed truck
bypass. Wray explained that two development projects, Waterglen and Waterfield, were
approved before there was a discussion of a truck route. He noted that the location could
be changed.
Edwards asked when the Vine Drive and I-25 interchange will be developed. Wray said
that it will probably be 10-15 years from now.
Gallup asked if there is any chance of integrating a pedestrian only mall or is everything
designed around cars. Wray said that there has been some discussion that supports a
pedestrian system with public plazas and mini park areas.
Raymond Sons made the motion to recommend to Council adoption of the Mountain
Vista Sub-Area Plan. Mandar Sunthankar seconded the motion. After the following
discussion, the motion passed unanimously (6-0).
Mandar Sunthankar said that if the area is going to be developed, this seems to be one of
the better plans. Raymond Sons said that this plan is basic to City Plan, and the Board
approved City Plan. He added that this is the first large scale implementation of City
Plan in a large area. Steve Perich suggested that the whole board be involved in future
discussions concerning appropriate air quality analysis.
ATTACHMENT # 5
Community Planning and Environmental Services
4a Advance Planning Department
Citv of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 5, 1999
TO: Mayor and Council Members
THRU: John Fischbach, City Manager
Greg Byrne, Director of CPES
Joe Frank, Director of Advance Plannin i
FROM: Pete Wray, City Planner
1 l
RE: Mountain Vista Citizen's Advisory Committee(MVAC)
Recommendation to Support Adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan
The Mountain Vista Citizen's Advisory Committee assembled on February 25, 1999 for the last time to
review the final draft of the Plan Document. This final meeting completed a twelve month commitment of
the committee to provide feedback to staff and consultants throughout the planning process.
The committee members expresse4 support for the final Plan Document, and importance of implementation
as an integrated effort. A primary concern was raised for the need for a unique approach for"making the
Plan happen," that may include proactive long-term funding strategies with a mix of options. If piecemeal
development without sufficient infrastructure support is allowed, it could create serious negative impacts
on existing neighborhoods.
Another element considered vital to the Plan was the inclusion of the two-story building height requirement
for the Community Commercial District. The Plan should be rewritten to include this if they are deleted
from the Block Standards.
Finally, every effort should be made to develop the new"Conifer" to incorporate multi-modal design.
There is some concern raised that it could be pressured to become the"car route" used as an alternative to
East Vine Drive if designated as a State Highway and truck route.
Based on the discussions and request by Mr. Wray, the members agreed to forward a recommendation to
City Council to support adoption of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan and Implementation
40 Recommendations.
281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) '?1-6376
FAX (970)224-6111 • TDD(970) 224-6002 • E-mail: aplanningCaci.fort-collins.co.us
ATTACIEW(ENT# 6
MEMO
To: Mayor and City Council Members
From: Georgiana Deines, Administrative Support Supervisor
Subject: Mountain Vista Sub Area Plan
Date: March 10, 1999
The Planning and Zoning Board on Thursday, March 4, 1999 heard the Mountain Vista Subarea
Plan and made the following recommendation and final comments:
Member Gavaldon moved that the Planning and Zoning Board forward a recommendation
to City Council to adopt the Mountain <rsta Sub Area Plan, and implementation action
items to amend existing Plans including City Structure Plan, Zoning Map, Master Street
Plan, and Parks and Recreation Policy Plan with noted comments and observations made
by the Board.
Member Craig seconded the motion.
Member Weitkunat had concerns that the commercial has only been considered in terms of
economics of the area and workability. She felt it was highly restrictive and doubts that it can
succeed. The economic policy addresses employment only, it does not look at sustainability for
this area, much less being part of the community. She does not know how commercial can
succeed as restrictive as this is with access and limits on where it can be located.
Member Davidson agreed with the plan for restricting direct access, so not to have another South
and North College. He felt that direct access causes grid lock, not to mention the visual
aesthetics of the whole thing. 'He felt that this makes more sense. He felt that Vine Drive could
serve as another gateway into the community in the future when it develops out. He felt it was
logical and that mixed use makes sense.
Member Craig commented that this was a good plan. She felt that we all realize that it was going
to be a long time before it is implemented. There is a lot of constraints with the railroad and
finding the capital money to make the improvements that need to be made. She thought that this
was going to be a challenge for Council to try and decide how and what we are going to do for
this. She thinks that this is an area, because of all of the constraints, that we might have to look at
differently than we have in some other areas. She hopes that creativity is used so the plan does
not sit on the shelf because we cannot afford to implement it. She felt that the Main Street is
important and she would like to stay restrictive on the block standards. She felt the two-story
look that is starting to be taken out of other pieces of the block standards should be looked at
again for this sub area plan, specifically the Main Street part of this, to keep the community look
that is trvins to be created in this area. Member Craig highly recommended that Council adopt
the plan!
. Member Weitkunat commented that she believes in sub area plans, and she felt it was essential for
development in this area. She believes in the transportation corridor views and she felt that the
road alignment was a wonderful idea. However, when she read through this she did not have
good feelings about it. She sees a plan that is clinical, sterile and that came out of a computer.
She had such a sense of disengagement and isolation from the community of Fort Collins, she
never once sensed that she was in Fort Collins. She sees this as an experiment. She knows that
this takes all the things we learned in City Plan, and all the planning concepts of neo-traditional
neighborhoods and all the things that we say. She had no sense of Fort Collins community in this.
She senses it in the transportation corridor and in the commercial district. She does not feel good
about it, she felt very negative overtones, she saw pessimism and was disappointed in the way
things were worded. She does not feel a connection to Fort Collins, she felt totally isolated.
Member Gavaldon commented that there are some good points in this plan, some good
opportunities. He felt that the transportation should be worked on more. He felt that all this
comes down to is where are we going to get the money for this. He would like to know how this
is going to be paid for. He agreed that it is very sterile, but hopefully when the details are filled
in, we could bring some harmony to it.
Chairperson Colton felt there was a lot of good effort that went into this plan. He agreed that the
plan would look sterile until the details are filled in. He felt it would work fine and appreciated all
the work.
• The motion was approved 6-0.