HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/12/2007 - UPDATE ON UNIVERCITY CONNECTIONS DATE: June 12, 2007 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: Joe Frank FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
Ray Caraway
Chip Steiner
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Update on UniverCity Connections.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does the Council have any questions about the process or recommendations of the
UniverCity Connections effort and the next step (Phase 2)?
2. Is Council comfortable with the recommendations contained in the Report from the
Stakeholders?
BACKGROUND
It all started with a leisurely bicycle ride by CSU President Larry Penley and City Manager Dann
Atteberry,talking about creating better connections between the City and the University. The City
Council liked the idea so much that it committed $50,000 for the project in the 2006-07 Budget
(BFO). The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado liked the idea so much they agreed to
serve as convener for the public process and matched the City's funding commitment. Colorado
State University and the Downtown Development Authority liked the idea so much it committed
significant resources insuring a successful outcome. Finally, over 100 Fort Collins citizen
stakeholders (including many past and present City Councilmembers) liked the idea so much that
since last August,they devoted thousands of hours of their own time attending meetings,researching
ideas, talking to experts, writing reports, and giving presentations.
To focus the work,the stakeholders created eight task groups,each with a specific topic to work on.
The topics selected were:
• Arts and Culture
CSU/City Joint Facilities and Programs
• Economic Development
• Mixed-Use Development
• Economic Development
• River Protection, Development and Enhancement
• Housing
• Sustainable Energy Technology
• Transit & Mobility
June 12, 2007 Page 2
Now the planning work of the task groups is finished and the stakeholders have brought this phaseto
an end. The attached Report from the Stakeholders tells the story of how it began and made it
happen,and what it will produce for Fort Collins. The Report summarizes the recommendations of
these stakeholder task groups. Full reports of the task groups can be found on the UniverCity
Connections website at www.UniverCityConnections.org.
By all accounts the process was a successful one, resulting in new pathways of collaboration and
momentum towards a shared vision.
Implementation will be shared by all; and much work is left to be done. For some of the initiatives,
City implementation is already underway including Mason Corridor, the City's affordable housing
programs,economic development efforts,river related projects,and a downtown"wayfinding"sign
system; the ideas, efforts, and support from the citizen stakeholders will just make it that much
easier for these projects to move from vision to reality.
The work of the UniverCity Connections Task Groups continues in Phase 2 with the implementation
of specific initiatives. The details of Phase 2 are beginning to jell; staff knows the Task Groups will
continue to meet to implement the initiatives,with the Coordinating Committee and the Community
Foundation continuing to serve as conveners of the process. The DDA, City and CSU have also
signed on for phase 2.
Specifically, the Community Foundation has pledged 550,000 to support Phase 2. The City has
agreed to seek a match of equal amount in the 2008-09 BFO process. The funds would be used for
a variety of tasks and products, including consultant support, meeting and task group support,
marketing and outreach materials, feasibility studies, etc. In addition, the City will continue to
provide staff support on specific initiatives and maintain the project website.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report from the Stakeholders, May 31, 2007.
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Univer0ty Connections
Report from the Stakeholders
May 31 , 2007
z
a' "What we need . . . is something
new — networks of responsibility
drawn from all segments coming
together to create a wholeness that
incorporates diversity. The partici-
pants must come to be at home
with change and exhibit a measure
of shared values, a sense of mutual
obligation and trust. Above all, they
must develop a sense of responsibil-
w ty for the future of the whole
community"
John W. Gardner,
3oundary Crossers, 1997
The Process
The Co -Chairs and Coordinating
Committee of UniverCity Connections led
introduction
. • this effort beginning in August of 2006.
They identified stakeholders, refined the
process and schedule, identified the study
area, chose the name and logo, and
planned the Kickoff party. The process
startedIt all - CSU Presidentfollowed by the stakeholders was a step by
step effort beginning with the
Dr. Larry Penley and Fort Collins ' • er development of a vision of the desired
Darin _ _ rr • _ rough
future. The stakeholders, working together
identified the elements of their vision and
downtown , talking a • " • assigned a committee to write the vision
statement. Stakeholders assessed the
connections between
current reality in the area, including
months ,Within • • sparkedidentifying the strengths to build on,
weaknesses to overcome, opportunities to
the creation ofUniverCityConnections , capture, and threats to avoid. This
collaboration convened • mmunity preparatory work enabled the
stakeholders to identify a manageable
Foundation of • rthern Colorado, and driven by number of specific topics to focus on, and
the City of Fort Collins , Colorado State to form task groups for each topic. The
remainder of the process was carried out
University, the Downtown - - • by these task groups, mostly working
alone, but occasionally coming together to
Authority, • Fort Collinsshare progress and address overlapping
UniverCity Connections challengedissues. Now the planning work of the task
groups is finished, and the stakeholders
community • come together, • : _ • have brought this phase of their effort to
future and make that future a reality. This report an end. The next phase, implementation of
these initiatives, is now ready to begin.
tells the story of how it began , who made it The stakeholders may not all agree with or
happen , produce for • • plan to help implement every initiative, but
each of them should find an idea that
ignites their passion and engages them in
creating a better future for Fort Collins.
3
Fort Collins — 2025 AD
It is an exciting and living
vine Drive revolution . Fort Collins has
0� become a home unlike any
other- on earth , a magnet for
t Laporte Avenue creative minds, learners, play-
ful minds, entrepreneurs in
Downtown �~ commerce , industry, educa-
tion and the arts. Where the
ulberry Street L P~5.�� sense of place , is the place ,
0 v`P ��— and the people who live and
L °tea visit there .
Colorado
State o The community's embrace of
C a a wide diversity of life is in full
d
University
bloom . Where wisdom and
v the quest for it, where play
ProspsctRoad _ and the renewal born of it,
where tolerance and the
II personal experience of it,
where creativity and the
acceptance of it, where the
urban world and the world of
nature find common ground .
Our Where the moment is lived
and the future is always being
designed, respectfully but
without boundaries.
Vision : The trees are bigger. The
landscape matured and native
plants grow vigorously in the
parks, planters, and yards of
gaining the historic residential
At _ beginning _ process , stakeholders neighborhoods. Once-new
buildings now have a soft
identified - • patina and have aged into a
the study • - • became theVision comfortable friendship with
Statementtheir historic neighbors.
work that followed was guided by this vision of the Multi - use , newer buildings,
desired future and the products of this work are many with garden roofs and
vine-covered trellises for
intended ' bring that vision closer to reality. walls, startle long-absent
children returning to their
roots.
4
All of downtown has blossomed into a cultural
district with large performing arts venues, intimate
theaters, galleries, a modern art museum, a history
museum, a children's museum integrated into the
children's discovery Science Center, the Beet Street
amphitheater, a state-of-the art music hall on the
Oxbow, and churches and spiritual centers
representing beliefs from around the world.
Marquees and billboards tell an astonishing tale of
the variety and diversity of performances and events
on any given day. Local and CSU productions • ;.r
frequently top the bill but there also are productions
and speakers from New York, San Francisco,
London, and Tokyo and hundreds of other far away
places. And where once there was not a movie reflected locally in energy—efficient historic
house to be found, there are several film festivals buildings, a solar powered transit system connecting
along with the 24 themed programs produced by the campus
to downtown
cctownionda herPouding system
Beet Street.
that has fumed Fort Collins into azero-waste city, a
But there is more than art and entertainment now. public utility that relies almost exclusively on wind,
The naturally reclaimed Poudre River is clean, solar, and other non-polluting, sustainable energy
fresh, and safe. systems. The University and the City have built
A • few narrow life-long learning and community cycling center
p e d e s t r i a n downtown that serves CSU athletic programs,
trails wander downtown employees and residents from
down the banks throughout Fort Collins. Five other specialty
of the river and education institutions offer art, cultural, science, and
b a c k u p technology classes to all ages. A year-round
through thriv- community market and CSU-affiliated culinary
i n g native school gives locally-owned restaurants access to the
vegetation, and best produce and the best cooking minds in the
bike trails are country. Most importantly, because of the expanded
set further employment opportunities generated by the projects
away. Where and programs borne out of UniverCity
these trails lead Connections, the local housing market has actively
beneath a responded to the needs of people in the form of
bridge, soft unique mixed-income residential developments.
solar lamps
light the way The intellectual bent of the cultural and
for nighttime technological worlds is balanced by a variety of
joggers or na- recreational uses. In addition to the paddle park,
ture lovers or locals and visitors alike can play golf, tennis,
just plain lovers. Occasional interpretative signage basketball in state-of-the art facilities. The
tells the story of the river, how it got its name, what University cycling team has expanded its program
grows naturally, and what lives naturally in the wa- to include track racing in a velodrome that also
ter and on its banks. On the south bank, an award- serves as the home of the United States Cycling
winning green residential complex, a few small team. Joggers clip along the cool River paths
commercial enterprises, and a boutique hotel/loft breathing some of the cleanest air in any urban
complex serve as a transition zone between the environment in the world. Sustained stream flows
serene river corridor and the urban richness of the have allowed for the successful re-introduction of
downtown neighborhood. The drop in point for the naturally spawned wild trout and other native fish
paddle park nestles unobtrusively below what was species. Beet Street offers recreational programming
once CSU's Engine Lab (but what has become the to compliment its cultural programming in the form
National Renewable Energy Center and the Univer- of field trips to Soapstone and other natural areas,
sity's Technology Transfer Center) and the single and with package deals with regional skiing, rafting,
take out point leaves the river beneath the railroad hiking, opportunities.
trestle which serves commuter trains running along
the entire Front Range and to Denver International
t
Airport.
The cultural transformation and the Renewable
Energy and Technology Transfer Centers are the
sources of yet another revolution launched by
UniverCity Connections a quarter century ago. r
They spun off local start-up businesses, some small,
some growing into international corporations, in
renewable energy, bioscience, nanotechnology and
agriscience and these attract gifted students,
innovators, professionals, and entrepreneurs from
around the world. Their intellectual production is
5
a . + '
Because of the compactness of this development _
between the University and the River, pedestrians,
bicyclists and public transportation systems
dominate the streets. Downtown hotels, short-stay
residential complexes, the City, County, many local
businesses, and the University pooled resources to
buy 1500 bicycles that are used by locals, students
and visitors alike to meander along the river, to
shop, and to attend classes. Their use is so
ubiquitous that the rest of the City is considering
buying into the program. Remington Street, with its
collection of grand homes has been dedicated to
bikes and pedestrians while Mason Street is now a
fully functional multi-modal corridor connecting
Colorado State to the downtown and the River. An
alley network converted to pedestrian walkways
almost doubles the available storefronts without any
new construction. J
Secluded nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, and fy L
boutique shops hidden away in these pedestrian
alleyways await discovery by locals (over and over
C;
again) and visitors alike. In the central business
district and on campus automobiles move very
slowly and because most are now parked in high-
density garages, the old surface parking lots have
morphed into an eclectic mixture of student, family,
and senior housing of all income levels. It is
common to find work-live space and many of the
businesses in the clusters started in these places.
The revolution begun by UniverCity Connections is
still alive in Fort Collins. The ribbon of the Poudre
River weaves together the natural world, the
cultural world, and the world of learning into a rich,
rewarding home without boundaries.
UniverCity Connections L.,
CSU, rOI n & Ihr YotAre t
I�
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y
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as <
ro S
introduction
To further focus the work, the stakeholders dR
created eight task groups , each with a specific
topic to work on . The topics selected were :
• Arts & Culture
CSU / City Joint Facilities & Programs r ��
f
• Economic Development
• Mixed - Use Development _
• River Protection , Development &
Enhancement
• Housing --
w ,
• Sustainable Energy Technology -�
• Transit & Mobility
The summary reports of the task groups
follow.
Full reports of the task groups can be found on
the UniverCity Connections website .
www, UniverCityConnections . org
7
The arts , the participative
• sciences , the preservation /
communication of Fort
— Collins ' history, together
have the potential to make
Fort Collins a world - class
V� cultural destination .
r / i
arts and culture
Arts & Culture Task
- arts , - participative - - Force Mission : Develop
preservation / communication of Fort a plan to advance and
strengthen the delivery
history, of cultural arts , sciences
represent a cu - of cleanand history as a
enriches the lives of significant differentiating
visitors and - economic feature for the Fort
Collins River District,
engine that has the potential to make Fort Downtown and CSU
Collinsdestination . campus .
To achieve this mission ,
we recommend the
following:
8
t j council, to provide on-going conversation about
i1 arts and culture and its' ties to educating the
i populace while impacting the economy.
2) Develop a directory of artists, events, calendars and
academic programs that increases accessibility and
opportunity, while serving as a clearing house for
cultural educational opportunities.
3) Revisit education initiatives that have had success
through the years to identify new best practices and
Goal #1 : Grow audiences, increase education initiatives, while evaluating current
participation and encourage an economically viability and determining funding needs and
flourishing UniverCity cultural community through opportunities.
centralized communication and collaboration.
Timeline: In progress and ongoing �� (c� FORT COLLINS
Resources: Arts Alive, CSU, CVB, CRB, etc. l SYMPHONY
Action Steps: ORCHESTRA
1 ) Support and promote CVB's centralized calendar !
2) Merge Arts Alive, the Lincoln Center and CSU NN����
ticketing
3) Market the arts through collaborative efforts
4) Establish a funded arts council to provide oversight Goal #3: Heighten and broaden the experience of the
to achieve the UniverCity cultural goals artist, visitor, participant and audience by presenting
world-class facilities and programming. (Webb
Goal #2 : Connect the arts and cultural community, Management Services Cultural Facilities Plan for the
Fort Collins student community and the Fort Collins City of Fort Collins, "The lack of local cultural
community at-large to nurture creative energy and facilities is stifling programming and organization
understanding. growth and creativity.")
Timeline: In progress, Ongoing, New Timeline: Ongoing (2-10 years)
Resources: Fort Collins intellectual capital Resources : loos of millions of dollars
Action Steps: Action Steps:
1 ) Form an Arts & Culture think tank made up of a 1 ) Plan, fund and build a range of cultural facilities
broad range of stakeholders, convened by the arts that serve different constituents including residents,
youth, students and potential visitors.
2) Develop the appropriate infrastructure to support
facilities and programming. Examples are:
o Way finding stations and River interpretation
incorporating historic preservation and
interpretation elements, etc.
o Integrate the historic trolley into the overall
transportation plan
VAR
� I o Create a cultural line with a rubber wheeled
'�� trolley
- o Hotel rooms downtown
t 3) To create a space or adaptive reuse of an existing
space for the creative community to gather and
collaborate, work, rehearse, eat, exhibit, present
and compose.
Goal #4: Develop a dedicated funding stream and
the support mechanisms to sustain and advance the
arts and culture of Fort Collins.
i Timeline: In progress, Pending, 2008 for SCFD
Resources : To be determined.
Action Steps:
y I A 17 70 Pr^ IConcrn lt,wn In ha4m qY (iiiiicA r.Oc'.Wni
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e01� a� Kenney Edn
+ . kray G.d7., Cn Hail . ,00 Per.-rein and to elevate both the profile and contribution of
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; ,� the cultural arts in the local economy.
" 'CM `°'" o Identify sources of administrative support/
070) 221 67X
C*Ibbei ,ii,a guidance for arts organizations.
o Articulate a defined menu/roadmap of
resources to engage and guide the creative
community in establishing/growing their
business.
o Cultivate champions for the arts (Municipal,
County, State, Chamber of Commerce, major
foundations and corporations) who publicly
accentuate the creative community as a vital
ingredient to our continued quality of life.
UniverCity Connections
csc. 1`1M Ilto \n & the powire
�l
I ) Pursue a
Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (based on � .
the Denver model) for the 11 /2008 general election
that will have the potential to _ A
generate almost $2M in annual maintenance/
operations funding. '
2) Actively promote the expansion of philanthropic
support for the arts in Fort Collins.
o Host sessions to teach the community about
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opportunities/benefits to becoming an arts -
donor/volunteer.
o Create a designated cultural arts donor-advised
fund managed by the Community Foundation.
o Promote donor tax credit opportunities.
o Pursue the support of national funding with
collaborative proposals. W lKS
3) Command the business and human resource A
support necessary to sustain the cultural community MOCA
10
Sharing will lead to in -
' " creased partnering on
P
other issues such as eco -
:( ��
y * nomic development, im -
� � proved communications
and partnering to solve
OpM community concerns .
Goals
c / city joint facilities 1 . Identify areas of common
su interest
programs
2 . Bridge bureaucracies
3 . Leverage and enhance
existing programs
4 , Create new facility offering
unique programming
opportunities
Bringing together Colorado Objectives
communityUniversity and the Fort Collins Draw Colorado State University
and into the community and the
through
community into Colorado State ,
Initiatives
1 . Life-Long Learning Center
A $ 15 million facility housing a
life-long learning center. The
center will be located
downtown and close to the
Mason Corridor to ensure easy
transit connections with
Colorado State . Programming
in the center will be jointly
developed and administered by
qualified members of the
community and University
faculty/staff.
Z Shared Facilities.
Mini-Vision: The University and the City would
LINIVERCITY'S LIFECYCLE CAMPUS develop plans to share Facilities/Space in and near
the target area. This sharing would lead to
increased partnering on other issues such as
economic development, improved communications
and partnering to solve other community concerns.
In order to be successful, both parties would need to
Centerfor. ..Mind. . .Body think strategically about barriers that have
& Spirit prohibited this from occurring to date: politics and
territorial attitudes; cost center management
budgeting, liability and insurance issues and
assessment of current demand and access.
Goals and Objectives:
The center is intended to offer demand-driven 1 . Develop an inventory of existing and potential
classes and activities similar to the University's space that could be shared.
Continuing Education program but much broader in 2. Do an assessment of the demand drivers that
scope so that it includes the whole spectrum of support the notion of shared facilities and
structured educational experiences for all ages and space.
abilities. The facility will include at least ten 3. Once facilities have been identified, there
classrooms, conference and meeting . space, a needs to be a coordinated effort to manage and
teaching kitchen, administrative offices, and reserve space.
privately operated coffee and retail shop. It is to be
built around a 350 x 200 foot velodrome (a 250
meter world-class track) that will serve as the focus Action Initiatives :
of health and programming. The velodrome itself
will be multi-purpose, allowing for a variety of
other physical activities (football training field,
tennis, volleyball, etc.), music events, conferences,
trade shows, arts and crafts shows, etc.
Funding.
Land: gifted _
Parking: Existing or future city-developed facilities
Operations and Maintenance: self-sustaining after s .
three years _
Hypothetical Design and Construction:
Philanthropic $290009000 �5r
Public funds $710009000
New Markets Tax Credits $ 1 ,0009000
EDA grant $ 11000,000
CDBG grant $ 500,000
Other grants $ 500,000 1 . Develop the inventory of space. This will take
Naming rights $29000,000 a commitment of resources from both the City
Sponsorships $ 1 000.000 and University.
2. The demand drivers are emerging from
Total $1590009000 discussions in other UniverCity groups,
particularly those focused on housing,
Timeline: 30 months to completion economic development, mixed-use and the
Ongoing responsibility: Rick Simpson/CSU, Tim arts.
Anderson, Bob Komives, Chip Steiner/Downtown 3. There appears to be little interest in ;
Development Authority (DDA) formalizing this effort because goals 1 and 2 !
must be realized before this can be seriously
considered.
Successful facilities have been developed as a
k partnership usually with the participation of a third
party private developer. A good resource:
"Building for Campus and Community" (2/2007)
by Melissa Ezarik. She illustrates how higher
education institutions open facilities to the i
community and are partnering with local public
entities to fund, design and operate buildings 9
L jointly.
Timeline: Now.
Ongoing Responsibility: Grant Sherwood
jF
7
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12
• Encourage the Career Center to Enhance their
Mentorship Program Website to allow for
participants beyond alumni or "friends of the
v university."
Timeline: Now.
Ongoing Responsibility: Melissa Emerson
R.
3. Joint Internship/Mentorship Program.
Specific vision is to encourage internship and
UniverCity Connections
mentorship programs with mutual benefit for CSU, ( SU. Dam.n.n.n & the Pmdre
its students and the local community.
The objective is to collaboratively enhance existing
internship/mentorship programs by
• Increasing awareness about existing programs
• Educating business owners/employers on ways I .
to market their internships
• Providing students opportunities to enhance
their resume through hands on experience
• Offering students venue to obtain practical
work experience relevant to their major
• Potentially providing non-student residents
with access to a community mentoring
program
Actions needed are:
• Encourage CSU's Career Center (CC) to
implement an assessment/feedback system;
• Improve employer & community awareness of
the Career Center and its structure through the
implementation of a marketing program;
' 1
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• Provide information and instruction to
employers on how to attract student-interns to
available positions;
WIN
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13
The community can take
specific steps to accelerate
the development of the
clean energy sector of the
Fort Collins economy.
Initiative One :
Incubate Clean Energy
economic development %� Businesses
The community can take
specific steps to accelerate
We
the development of the
' ' ' " " " • ' ' • • clean energy sector of the
study area that would addresssuch thingsFort Collins economy.
as incentives , a streamlined
Those steps fall into two
approval" broad categories : physical
process , etc , to spur availabilityof all typesfacilities and business
of facilities that are needed by climate . Regarding physical
target facilities , close physical
companies . proximity of energy
researchers , private energy
companies and support
services can foster the
process of discovery and
translation to market .
Regarding business climate ,
the City of Fort Collins has
identified clean energy as a
business cluster it wants to
encourage . As such , it must
devote resources and align
its policies and procedures
to facilitate development of
the clean energy cluster.
14
Colorado Clean Energy Cluster should work
with the City to identify financing tools
available for public infrastructure and private
.o VinC Drive sector investments including federal loans
o (tools such as the Section 108 Loan Program),
G t federal grants, DDA tax increment financing,
North College Urban Renewal Authority, etc.
Laporte Avenue r•�`
Downtown Initiative Two:
Retain the Downtown Development Authority as
eS
"'° tr••` a �•9 a viable economic development tool for the study
area
Colorado u The greater Downtown area has seen a resurgence
State o a over the past two decades in large part because of
University x 4 the public sector investments made possible by the
N d Downtown Development Authority. With tax
Prospect Road increment financing due to sunset in the next few
years, the downtown area will be left without a
critical tool at the same time that other business
districts in the region are emerging.
Recommendations
• Recommendation One: Create the physical Recommendation One: Extend the life of the
facilities to incubate clean energy companies. DDA. This will require action by the State
Eim, over the short-term, the City could make Legislature. Opposition by Latimer County
excess building space available to the and other public entities must be overcome by
Colorado State University (CSU) Engines and finding a win-win compromise that extends the
Energy Conversion Lab (the Lab) for their life of the DDA while allowing these entities
administrative functions as a way for freeing to capture some new revenues from the higher
up space in the Lab for research and property values made possible in part by the
incubation. Second, a delegation should visit DDA investments. A `rolling' sunset might be
existing clean energy incubators around the the answer whereby use of tax increment
country to learn how communities are financing is extended for a specific period of
incubating clean energy companies. Third, time but would start from a new tax base. For
construct a second building of ~25,000 sq. ft. example, add ten years to the life of the DDA
on the site near the existing Lab to serve as an but use the property valuation base ten years
incubator. The building would need to be after the DDA was founded,
architecturally compatible with the existing
historic structure, and construction would need Recommendation Two : Expand the
to meet city and FEMA requirements. A boundaries of the DDA to match those of the
creative financing package could include UniverCity Connections study area. This will
private donations raised by CSU, federal aid the redevelopment of the Mason and
grants and loans and city participation as the Howes Street corridors in the area of the
land owner. Eow:th, assemble other available university.
land in the immediate area of the Lab for
future expansion. Consider retaining the land
that will become available when the current Northern
Vine Drive is abandoned during realignment, Colorad -
and consider working with the new land owner
of the Waste Management site that will change
ownership in June.
Initiative Three:
• Recommendation Two: Create a climate Create Development-Ready Sites
conducive to incubating clean energy research, It is recommended that the City identify
technologies and businesses. Eirsl, City development/redevelopment sites in the downtown/
planning staff should review the suitability of CSU/River District areas to be proactive about
zoning in the study area for clean energy further developing the downtown area and further
development. As appropriate and needed, the improving the community's competitive position
Council should modify the land use map to for mixed-use projects, transit oriented
allow this type of use. v` cxt, the City should development, unique retail , restaurants,
adopt a policy of expedited development employment, and arts/entertainment/cultural
review for clean energy projects, as defined by business or venues.
the Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster,
and establish supporting internal procedures. Recommendation One: There are steps
Additionally. city government should develop underway to evaluate differing aspects of the
an incentive package for clean energy business downtown/CSU/River District areas for
development. Elements could include use tax potential development; however, there is not a
rebates, waiver of the business personal consistent goal of identifying "development-
property tax, renewable energy tax credits, ready" sites. Coordinate the work among
favorable utility rates and expedited these varying efforts to identify high priority
development review. Finally, the Northern sites for development/redevelopment.
15
Bioscience, Clean Energy, Computer and
Recommendation Two: Following the Electronics Manufacturing, Information
inventory of potential development ready sites, Technology / Software and Uniquely Fort
evaluate each to ensure that proper zoning, Collins), existing businesses and the
utilities, infrastructure, and other development attraction of new primary employers to
issues have been evaluated and addressed prior the region.
to receiving development proposals.
Other Initiatives Supported by the Task Group:
Recommendation Three: Market the Designate all or part of study area as net-zero
availability of the development ready sites energy zone as long as it is incentive-oriented rather
through a City website, marketing materials, than mandate-oriented and doesn 't violate private
and other channels. property rights; implement Beet Street concept;
It is recommended that this initiative be completed create a development plan for the river corridor.
by the Fall of 2007.
About the Economic Development Task Group
Economic Development Task Group participants
changed throughout the process. Bob McCluskey
served as the Task Groups convener. At various
times participants in the Economic Development
MASON " Task Group included Adam Bowen, Martin
Carcasson, Jacob Castillo, Christine Chin, Janey
Kramer, Dave Derbes, Maury Dobbie, Mary
Fischer, Mike Freeman, Sarah Hach, David
Herrera, Tomas Herrera, Blue Houatter, Doug
Johnson, Kevin Jones, Ron Lautzenheiser, Ray
Martinez, David May, Deanna McCrery, Rick
Price, Matt Robenalt, Donna Smith, Ralph Waldo,
Mickey Willis, Katherine Woods, and Katie Zwetzig.
Initiative Four:
Identify and Provide a Site for the Expanding � �
Fort Collins Technology Incubator within the
UniverCity Study Area and Develop an
Entrepreneurship Council UniverCity Connections
Recommendation One : The City of Fort
CSC. IMm N,mn & the YouJre
Collins provide a physical location within the
UniverCity study area for the Fort Collins
Technology Incubator and explore the benefits
of co - locating CSU ' s Center for
Entrepreneurship within the new building.
Recommendation Two : Partner with the City
of Fort Collins, Colorado State University, the — Economy — Environment — Society
Fort Collins Technology Incubator, the SBDC,
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, the
Fort Collins Microloan Program, the
Downtown Development Authority, the
Downtown Business Association and the
Northern Colorado Economic Development
Corporation to develop an "Entrepreneurship
Council" that will focus on, but is not limited
to, the following initiatives : --
o Identify gaps and overlap in services and
opportunities for collaboration and
develop a multi-year strategy to address
identified gaps.
o Create a common web portal that would 2007 2010 2015 2020 2025
link resources for entrepreneurs and small
business owners in a "one stop shop."
o Hold a Northern Colorado Summit for
Entrepreneurs in partnership with the Fort
Collins Technology Incubator and CSU 's
Office of Economic Development in the
fall of 2007.
o Through the "Entrepreneurship Council"
work in cooperation to contribute to the
fostering of a business-friendly and
entrepreneurial environment that supports
emerging industry clusters (including:
16
foil
loan• •isf
Communities prosper
when all segments of
society are afforded the
right to live , work, shop,
�► VW
and recreate within their
boundaries.
law
The Housing Task Force
contends that the location of
housing residential uses in proximity to
all other initiatives of this
UniverCity Connections will be
integral to our overall success.
Housingoptions that ar - affordable and . . • Moreover, the initiative must
priat - according to • means _ the lynchpinconsider the entirety of the
to healthy, communities . _ n develo housing continuum ; beginning
greater social with homelessness and
health they
_ _perform better scholastically transitional housing, through
' maintain better ' ' ' publicly subsidized and market-
grow in a safe , comfortable environment. Adults rate rental , student rental,
• - more productive at work , • - engaged in modified ownership and
their neighborhood . . enjoy - traditional single family
stability with adequate housing options within neighborhoods, and culminating
community.their Business and industrysucceeds with lifestyle housing options.
housingwhere the _ - of _ local workforce Each stage of the continuum
are met and adaptive to evolving conditions . requires different levels of
planning, programmatic and
Communitiesprosper when all s " : of • financial support. Furthermore ,
ciety are • - to live , work, • • each stage is often in
and recreate bounclaries . As . competition with commercial
mary element of human survival , shelter - , - development and , indeed , each
cornerstone of • other, for a finite supply of land
tions initiative , inventory. The free market
rewards initial economic
strength, whereas a deliberate
and thoughtful process will seek
to reward a more sustainable
economic strategy, as presented
within this report.
17
providing insight to future trends of housing needs
within the study area. With information in hand,
developers will be better able to design and deliver
matching inventory within a shorter pre-
development window. Land use policies would also
benefit from more scientific public input that is
E' weighted against market dynamics. [Survey
findings released by December 2007]
Inclusionary Requirement - Based upon the
outcome of the Market Survey and interviews with
other task groups under the UniverCity Connections
initiative, a zoning ordinance would be enacted to
compel affordable residential development within
Housing Task Group Goals the Mason Street Corridor. Within the projected
Elements of the study area housing will: build-out of the Corridor, an ordinance would
• Encourage development of mixed-use, establish a minimum percentage of residential units
mixed-income projects to gain priced as affordable to households at, or below the
economic scale. Area Median Income. Market Survey data will
• Identify steps to address current provide a better understanding of the requisite mix
housing needs, while anticipating of unit size, amenities and configurations, while
future demand. non-residential development will indicate the type
• Establish guidelines for delivering and size of the supporting workforce in need of
units at all stages along the housing proximate housing. [Adoption of zoning
continuum. requirement by January 2009]
• Incorporate both student and non-
student housing projects where Student-Oriented Development - In recognition
appropriate. that CSU has a limited direct-role in the provision
• Develop a model program for of housing for students, supporting staff and faculty,
promoting economic and private-sector development will be encouraged to
environmental sustainability within a fill the void. Engaging the expertise of faculty and
comprehensive housing strategy. students under a service-learning model can
leverage the use of appropriate and developable
land under university control to significantly lower
the associated costs of housing production. Survey
• Promote strong connectivity between information will greatly enhance the appeal of units
transit and the transportation grid; K- created under this model program. Projects will be
post graduate education; undertaken in such a way as to promote sustainable
• medical, health and social services; design, low operating overhead and connectivity
recreation and enrichment through alternate transportation options. [Program
opportunities; employment centers; adopted by CSU Administration by July 2009]
and, commercial districts.
• Preserve traditional neighborhoods as Preservation of Neighborhoods and Affordability
predominantly owner-occupied — Design and implement a financial program that
housing. lowers the monthly debt service necessary to
• Identify of public-private partnerships purchase owner-occupied housing within target
that leverage resources without neighborhoods. This same program will also
impeding market dynamics. provide a practical method for achieving
• Celebrate the communities ' historic affordability targets without limiting the financial
character by encouraging adaptive benefits of ownership. The program will utilize
reuse of existing structures and `patient' capital to bridge the gap between an
materials.
Action Plan
The task force has identified several action items to
facilitate the goals, while providing greater clarity
of measurable objectives in order to actualize the
vision. Action items include:
Market Survey — In cooperation with various
departments at CSU, focus groups and an electronic
survey were conducted to assess the type, location
and cost of housing options students prefer. This
information provided valuable insight into the
apparent disconnect between published inventory
and vacancy reports that show readily available
housing stock and the oft-voiced concern among
students that few affordable options exist. To
further understand the market at the community
level, a much broader survey will be performed. optimum level of mortgage debt carried by the
Results will indicate current market demands while home owner and the market value of the subject
18
property. This program would supplement modified Sustainable Energy Technology — In addition
ownership structures such as deed restrictions and to housing the resulting workforce, the
technologies envisioned under this group will
greatly enhance the comfort, cost, liveability and
adaptation of residential units that serve all
segments of the community.
• Arts, Culture & History — Adaptive reuse of
historic structures as residential and mixed-use
properties has a long and successful track record.
Witness the Northern Hotel. Moreover, arts and
cultural districts across the nation are most
community land trust models. [Program launch by successful where live-work studios and below-
January 2008] market rental housing is readily available.
Homeless & Transitional Housing — Through a River Protection , Development &
partnership that includes the Community Enhancement — Unfortunately, too many
Foundation of Northern Colorado, the City of Fort members of our community have taken up
Collins, Larimer County, United Way of Larimer residence within the Poudre River corridor and
County, and select not-for-profit agencies, a will be displaced as projects are undertaken. The
comprehensive program will deliver adequate homeless and transitional housing program will
shelter and housing inventory for homeless and seek to address this issue.
transitioning populations. Coupled with existing
facilities and supportive service providers, the Mixed-Use Development — A central
UniverCity Study Area represents a central and component of a successful housing plan
convenient location to re-establish the social and incorporates commercial and residential uses
economic value of displaced citizens. Existing that provide vitality and economic scale. More
programs will help identify and refer individuals importantly, projects envisioned under this group
with severe and chronic conditions to appropriate should consider a mix of housing options that
agencies that may reside outside the Study Area. appeal to all levels of the economic hierarchy.
[Identification of initial project site July 2008]
Transit & Mobility — Housing and
Residential Liaison — A clearinghouse will be transportation are intertwined to the point one
established outside the public structure to serve as cannot be addressed without addressing the
liaison between all potential stakeholders and other. A successful housing plan must understand
service providers to facilitate implementation of the the costs, constraints and efficient design
housing plan. Responsibilities of this position will elements, and then plan accordingly. Both task
include dissemination of the plan and supporting groups must commit to sharing information and
materials, recruitment of qualified developers, developing plans that compliment desired
connecting requisite expertise to individual outcomes.
projects, and marketing financial programs
available through public, private and non-profit
channels. [Introduction of service by July 2008] �
Task Group Overlap UniverCity Connections
The Housing Task Group believes its charge has CSU. Dcr"t ohthe Pmdre
significant overlap with all other groups under the
UniverCity Connections initiative, citing the
following examples:
• Economic Development — As new jobs are
created, existing companies expanded and
evolving industries incubated within study area,
proximate and appropriate housing options are
critical to long-term success.
C` � r
19
d Modern thinking has come
full -circle to the realization
that a compact urban form
embracing a balanced variety
of land uses within close
I ' proximity is the most
resource efficient , most
economically productive ,
healthiest , and culturally
enriching way to live .
The UniverCity area of Fort
mixed - use development
Collins is extremely well
positioned to take advantage of
these trends, mainly because
we've already been a mixed-use
MixMixed-Use Development concepts trendsetter for years! Still , there
are serious hurdles to cross and
New Urbanism have been all the r . • - in urbanimportant opportunities to be
design for more than a decade . This is truly a seized as the future of
UniverCity comes to life .
" back • the future " movement seeking to
reestablish the bustling vitality of American cities Key elements of the built
environment envisioned for
from ago, pri • • the adventof UniverCity include:
automobilemcentric development . Modern New and renovated
buildings in the core of Old
thinking has cometo the realizationTown with mass and scale
that a compact urban form embracing a balanced that respect the established
variety close proximity is the historic fabric.
New districts with taller
Imost - • efficient, • economically buildings creating the
healthiest, density needed to support
mass transit on the Mason
way to live . Corridor.
Multiple focal points which
may include a festival
marketplace , sports venues,
entertainment complexes,
and civic plazas dispersed
throughout the area.
I
20
Key elements (continued)
• Lively, upscale streetscapes to connect these
focal points and also provide informal spaces
for conversation and contemplation.
• A diversity of housing opportunities for all u
ages and incomes.
• A balanced and vibrant mix of land uses "
providing all of the goods, services,
employment opportunities, and amenities
needed to make the area self-sustaining for
residents as well as a pleasant and exciting ' —
attraction for visitors.
• Minimal amounts of land consumed by low
value uses such as surface parking.
Developers, land owners,
Full attainment of this vision will require something and allied businesses require a forum in which to
more than private developers pursuing individual exchange ideas, discuss strategies, and explore
projects guided solely by market forces. Infill project coordination opportunities. This group
development is inherently complex and has would be modeled after the recently established
uncertainties that lead to increased financial risk North Fort Collins Business Association, whose
and costs. Relief will come through greater executive membership includes representatives
community engagement in the development process from businesses as well as public officials.
and by forging new partnerships designed to
synchronize public and private goals.
These are some of the actions needed to stimulate
high quality mixed-use infill development:
• Make development standards that respond
specifically to infrll projects.
• Analyze infrastructure deficiencies and fund
improvements. .:
• Build and maintain a comprehensive spatial
database used for planning, promotion, and
communication.
• Promote better communications between •' _ u
project stakeholders and neighbors, which will
smooth out the planning process and improve n ;
the prospects for approval. !~
• Require enhanced streetscapes and other
public amenities and establish mechanisms to
share installation and maintenance costs.
• Provide shared services such as market
analysis, promotion, entrepreneurial advice,
and intern placement resources available to all
in the business community. Comprehensive Urban/Economic/Environmental
• Establish a mechanism for resolving land use Database
and regulatory conflicts.
This is a detailed, multi-purpose database used to
We have identified the need for two empanelled catalog and analyze existing conditions as well as
groups and two process initiatives to accomplish future plans and projects affecting either the built or
these tasks: natural environment. It will be built and
maintained using existing data sources
supplemented with finer grained information
Ambassadors Group collected for specific purposes. The database will
This is a diverse volunteer panel consisting of
retailers, land owners, dvelopers, public servants,
and other downtown stakeholders serving as
leader/advocates to shepherd the mixed-use vision -
for UniverCity. Their range of activities will
include promotion, business recruitment, fostering
ideas for new development projects, subject matter
expertise, helping to develop and coordinate
public/private partnerships, and assisting with
conflict resolution. 1 ' t
Developer Coordination Committee
21
- - r
objectives,be used as a tool to promote better planning and
communication of UniverCity
produce .
online maps and virtual video tours.
UniverCity
I ��-,dllllll _
' � f
'.
• � I r'
Round - a
This is a physical space for the exchange of
�,v l
ideas related to new business
RI
knowledge • 4
startups . • development
mentorswill allow students, interns, and established or
prospective business owners to interact with
• other experts who can help them
successfully negotiate a path toward prosperity. L
0 �I -
UniverCity
rr
Connections
r
22
LN Abf PYI
Srv•n N• w•of
Beginning many years ago ,
uw
caiah
�v our city leaders and
citizens began to protect
S.
a A and enhance the river
P ` a. corridor with collections
4•"" M � Z � R•mM
of natural areas along its
channel , while improving
Am
trail access and adding
lib•ry P•H ( :: public parksP�Now Tow
river protection , The Cache La Poudre River is
perhaps the greatest natural
development resource in the City of Fort
Collins . Over the years, it has
been dredged , diverted ,
enhancement " controlled ; ' disturbed , and
even polluted to some extent
by various users and neighbors.
Beginning many years ago,
however, our city leaders and
The RiverTask Group, by providingcitizens began to protect and
enhance the river corridor with
conciseof objectives and solutions , collections of natural areas
aims to create unique downtown along its channel , while
improving trail access and
setting that enhances the natural river adding public parks. Our group
hopes to build on some of the
environment, ' • pedestrian great work already in place ,
and recreation , protects historic while identifying areas for
improvement to better connect
resources , • - the CSU / Downtown our city, university, and rives:
capitalizes Following is a priority set of
• • nd • objectives and solutions created
opportunities • developmentat by a balanced citizen and
government-based group over
sensitive to the river environment . the past several months.
r
23
1 . Environmental Improvement and
Stewardship
Create unique projects that will maintain and
enhance the character of the river for the long term. i • ;s • r
Maintain or enhance in-stream flows
• Explore channel improvements to create
continuous habitat for sustainable fish
populations, including a self-sustaining trout
population, while providing recreational
opportunities for people of all ages
• Encourage regular river cleanup events to
remove unwanted debris and to improve
habitat
• Encourage and support stream bank restoration
projects that improve native vegetation in
cooperation with landowners, stakeholders, interpretive groups to donate expertise to the
and city parks and natural areas signage effort
Continue noxious weed control efforts through
dialogue with the weed control district
Encourage the city to continue acquiring select Identify points of interest (with historical
parcels of land along the Poudre river corridor significance and as places for sculpture) to
to further build the system of conserved lands. serve as gathering spots or pullouts for Poudre
• Potential partners include: Downtown River Trail and Downtown River District users
Development Authority, United * States Fish Coordinate with the Downtown wayfinding
and Wildlife Service, Colorado Division of project to better identify river areas for
Wildlife, City of Fort Collins (Utilities, residents and visitors . Work with
Natural Resources, and Parks Department), transportation on wayfinding system
Colorado State University, Northern Colorado coordination.
Water Conservancy District, Army Corps of
Engineers, National Park Service, National
Association of Interpretation (NAI). 3. Transportation and Access Infrastructure
• Identify new activities and projects that will
make the river more accessible and usable.
• Endorse the construction of a pedestrian bridge
G1JSTAV Sti %\s"\ " across the river to connect the Mason Corridor
N ATL'RF A{tEa with North College.
• Improve trail access for people with
disabilities.
• Improve trail access for a variety of users
through better connections, parking in key
_ locations , and other improvements.
Specifically provide a connector trail from
CSU via Washington - Wood streets directly
north to the Poudre Trail and provide better
parking along Shields Street for trail users.
• Enhance the Linden (the axis for renewal) and
Lincoln Bridges with architectural features
such as artistic guardrails, pedestrian lighting,
2. Coordinated Plan for Interpretation and and other amenities to provide for a more
Education comfortable and attractive walking
environment.
• Identify activities and opportunities that will Improve gateway vistas at key locations along
facilitate experiences to connect people to the the river corridor (e.g., College, Linden,
cultural, historical and ecological character of Lincoln).
the River. Identify appropriate locations for the creation
• Inventory existing interpretation and education of "people" places along the river.
resources (e.g., signs, displays) along the river
corridor
• Develop interpretive themes and educational
messages based on an inventory of current
resources and input of stakeholders
• Assess feasibility of wayfinding/directional
signage on trails to facilitate pedestrian
visitation of the River corridor (including
mileage signs, e.g., "Y mile to Old Town a .
Square" along trail)
• In addition to stakeholders already involved in a
wayfinding, enlist CSU students, the National �\
Association for Interpretation, and other local T
24
• Support the funding, design and construction Connect with a UniverCity Connections Arts
of the river enhancement project between and Culture representative to bring art to the
College Avenue and Lincoln Avenue river.
(including paddle park and Linden to Lincoln Publicity campaign with local media on our
improvements) progress.
• Encourage redevelopment of the "River
District" area (Willow, Linden, and Jefferson) Submitted by the entire River Task Group. . ,
to better connect Old Town with the river Matt Evans, Peggy Reeves, John Stokes, Timothy
• Locate the Discovery Center within the River Wilder, John Murray, Don Beard, Donna Beard,
Corridor to enhance the community's contact Karen Weitkunat, Mark Easter, Ben Manvel, Rheba
with the river Massey, George Betz, Linda Knowlton, Nick
• Offer improved access to and public Rancis, Trudy Haines, Kathleen Benedict, Ben
interaction with the CSU Engines and Energy Loeffler, Elisa Guzman
mall
UniverCity Connections
CM:. IN nt.mn & OWPOW"
r
Conservation Lab (e.g. , descriptive signs of
operations)
For the long-term continuance ...
• Enlist a high ranking official in the city and at
CSU to champion our group.
• Apply for grants and assistance from the
Poudre River Trust, the Poudre Heritage
Alliance, Friends of the Poudre, the City of
Fort Collins, the County Parks Program, CSU,
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the DDA,
and other entities to fund projects
• Continue to work with the UniverCity
Connections Transportation Group on the
pedestrian and street bridge projects, Legacy
Parkway, and transit connections to the river
areas.
T
11
yyyyyy
J yy.
25
The UniverCity District is
the ideal location for a
project of this scope and
_ scale because we have
come so far- already.
ort-
7FRO FINFROV I]ISTRIel
TRANSFORMING FORT
COLLINS ' UNIVERCITY
sustainable DISTRICT INTO A NET ZERO
energy ENERGY USER
techno
logy LEADERS WANTED
Our city and state have
identified clean energy as top
economic development and
ort
quality of life initiatives. The
positioned • demonstrate
_ • _ visionarysignificant expertise that resides
leadership • be at the forefront of at CSU, including the Energy
social • _ through a bold • - Conversion Lab and the CSU
Clean Energy Supercluster,
to " Net Zero - rgy. " FortZED looksto coupled with local practice
transform this area into the largest Net knowledge and enthusiasm
among residents and
Zer • Energy District in the world . businesses, creates the right
critical mass to be at the
forefront of our nation 's new
energy economy. We will be
known as leaders — with many
of the nation 's experts on
renewable energy theory and
practice living and working in
the UniverCity District. We're
calling this FortZED for Zero
Energy District.
26
WHAT IS "NET ZERO ENERGY"?
Transforming the UniverCity District into a net zero
energy user would mean that the district creates as
much thermal and electrical energy "locally" as it
uses within its built environment. We have defined
"locally" to be within a 50-mile radius of the
District. We have also further clarified our . . . . . . .��� �� �-
,.:: .. -
definition to stipulate that energy generated is non- If
. a . . . . z,1
polluting, and that energy generation will be ` " " y `I
balanced with reduced energy consumption through
efficiency and conservation. technologies and become the "go-to" region for
WHY CREATE A NET ZERO ENERGY clean energy.
DISTRICT? The environment is vital to our quality of life:
There is no doubt that there is significant Fort Collins is such an amazing place because of
momentum building to develop new sources of our quality of life — and we intend to keep it that
clean energy, both to secure our nation's energy way. Imagine buildings that will produce more
future through reduced use of imported fossil fuels energy than they use. The built environment will
such as oil and to reduce the amount of CO2 have a distinct feel that says something different is
released into our atmosphere to minimize global going on here. New buildings will be built with
climate change. While these are extremely innovative, pioneering energy-harvesting
important and compelling reasons in and of technology including solar PV, geo-thermal and
themselves to look to creative ideas such as creating micro-wind turbines. Existing buildings will be
and demonstrating a local Net Zero Energy District, retrofitted to increase their energy efficiency.
there are several additional reasons that apply Visually intriguing displays that celebrate and
specifically to Fort Collins: educate will be abundant throughout the district.
The practice of energy conservation will be as
Clean energy will contribute to our economic natural as breathing to residents of FortZED, and
development: There will be significant economic their involvement in and understanding of the
benefit to creating the largest Net Zero Energy complexities of renewable energy will be a part of
District in the world. FortZED would be an their daily living. Pride of place will be palpable.
example that will gain regional, national and By remaining on the leading edge in sustainable
international recognition, creating a reputation for energy and design, we can keep Fort Collins vital
sustainability and cutting edge energy practice economically, environmentally and in the way
known worldwide and attracting visitors who want people live in the emerging new energy economy.
to explore our community's extraordinary
demonstration district. Leading scholars and HOW WILL WE CREATE A NET ZERO
teachers will want to relocate to our community and ENERGY DISTRICT?
businesses will be attracted to open operations in Creating a Net Zero Energy District requires
our region. It would become a testing ground for concerted effort in four key areas, in order of
new technologies and a fertile garden for the greatest to least impact: improving energy
development of new businesses in the clean energy efficiency in generation, conservation, and
sector. Compatible and collaborative enterprises flexibility; developing and implementing small-
will see the benefit of close proximity to one scale on-site renewables such as cost-effective solar
another and to being in a community that is PV panels and micro-wind turbines; creating more
committed and supportive. High paying primary utility-scale green power such as wind and solar
jobs will be created, including biochemists, farms; and, to close the gap as needed, purchasing
biophysicists, electrical engineers, environmental
engineers and others to develop technologies that
will be sold worldwide.
Fort Collins is already positioned to lead: The
UniverCity District is the ideal location for a
project of this scope and scale because we have
come so far already. Fort Collins has the Northern
Colorado Clean Energy Cluster (a business-led, sustainability Remove barriers
project-oriented group of regional partners and high performance and create incentives
including CSU, the City of Fort Collins, the Fort
Collins Chamber of Commerce and the Northern
:are
Colorado Economic Development Corporation), an demo
abundance of wind, solar and geothermal resources,
existing wind farms in close proximity to our
community, CSU's planned proprietary wind farm
at Maxwell Ranch, CSU's extensive research and
development in this area, and many local businesses
already operating in the clean energy field in Fort
Collins. Our community is perfectly positioned to ftl°car;on and VOMO I
be both an incubator and a testing ground for new
27
market-based renewable energy credits to offset the Strategy Four: Local power generation and
usage of non-renewable energy sources. demand management.
Net zero energy development depends on a mix of
Implementation in 5 overarching strategies: larger scale, local, renewable energy projects like
1 . Create a 5 Megawatt "jump start" demonstra- CSU's Maxwell Ranch, on-site energy production
tion. including Photo Voltaic solar panel installations and
2. Encourage and incent high performance in the micro-turbines and demand management which
built environment. includes conservation and peak energy management
3. Remove barriers to develop needed infra- by the city's utilities. The Maxwell Ranch wind
structure and create unique financial incentives farm is expected create more energy than CSU uses
in this district. and FortZED will work to position ourselves so that
4. Local power generation and demand man- the district is able to purchase this local renewable
agement. energy.
5. Education and promotion.
Strategy Five: Education and Promotion.
Strategy One: Jump start a 5Mw demonstration A PR push will help to jump-start the 5 Megawatt
project by 2010. demonstration project and inform the community of
A pilot program which will produce 5 Megawatts of its progress while simultaneously educating the
energy, or approximately 10% of the district's public about the need for renewable energy and
energy demand, will help to raise awareness of about existing and new incentives to implement
FortZED and will begin to build momentum for our renewable energy. Centralized information and
larger goal of district-wide implementation. A mix communications materials will need to be
of conservation, local power generation, peak load developed to educate and excite FortZED
management and clean energy from utilities will stakeholders.
help us to achieve this initial goal. A representative
cross section of the district will be solicited to Schools in the UniverCity
volunteer to participate in conservation strategies district could sell CFL bulbs
and on-site energy production. as fund-raisers; they'd be
working on service learning
Strategy Two: Encourage and intent high in alignment with their
performance in the built environment. community!
As new projects are built in the UniverCity District,
we can leverage our net zero opportunity and Sustainable energy
showcase projects as world-class examples of represents a unique
energy production, energy management and characteristic synergy
resource conservation. between Fort Collins, CSU
The City, the DDA, CSU and other stakeholders and the environment.
need to be aligned to encourage and guide new and FortZED will accelerate
retro-fit programs toward sustainability. FortZED economic development, aim
should identify technical resources and financial drive sustainable design in
opportunities and incentives to encourage new our built environment and lead our community, our
development and existing businesses and residences nation and our world into the new energy future.
to significantly increase their conservation
capabilities.
Strategy Three: Remove barriers to develop � �
needed infrastructure.
FortZED leaders will need to work within the
political framework to influence legislation and UniverCity Connections
regulation. FortZED is aligned with our governor's CSU. Dcmntn..n & the Poiwlre
goal of developing the "new energy economy" as a
significant economic engine for our state. In
addition, the growing momentum for clean energy
in the local and national media and shifting public
opinion in favor of a more sustainable lifestyle
create an opportunity for a public petition, citizen
referendum or other show of support to further
influence lawmakers. The timing is terrific for
legislative and regulatory change.
IT ' S MPORTANT for aircres.,stainabeworld.
IT' S ACHIEVABLE if wewxk *r.�,et^er.
IT' S BENEFICIAL too.,r local eccnonyamq,ali:yc' life-
ZERO ENERGY DlwrRICT WE HAVE A PLAN . Help us ead :he w•ay
2s
Pr1
-
y n
We have an opportunity
for an exciting mobility
�- - system that can add
significantly to the
unfolding cultural milieu of
the city.
Fort Collins is fortunate .
transit mobility Downtown and Colorado State
University are within a short
distance of one another and
the Cache la Poudre River is
within a 5 minute walk of Old
Town . Together these three
being destinations offer an
Getting there is as much fun as opportunity for an exciting
Consider - great placesof mobility system that can add
world : you will usually find there _ great significantly to the unfolding
cultural milieu of the city. As
modesof • • adding to the part of an integrated plan for
charm and spirit of - place . Whether it is connecting downtown , the
- rickshaws of - ferry boats
school, and the river, multi-
modal people movement
• ' • • represents the silver thread
Cisco, getting around can and should be half which weaves culture , housing,
economy, and urban design into
the fun . a functional , entertaining, and
educational whole .
The mission of the UniverCity
Transit Group has been to
develop a plan for an integrated
transportation system offering
inviting and accessible choices
for moving people among CSU,
Downtown, and the River
District.
i
29
South Transit Center, and an extension to the
Mason Corridor is suggested at the north end to
provide a pedestrian bridge across the Poudre River
connecting the north area of town with the corridor.
Through these MAX extensions, local and regional
4• access to and from Downtown CSU and the River
�3 District will be greatly enhanced.
• Downtown Transit Loop — An attractive
s� downtown circulator such as a small bus or jitney
and ultimately a streetcar should be added to
facilitate east/west mobility throughout downtown.
The circulator should eventually extend south to the
University Center for the Arts. The circulator
` should operate frequently and for free to encourage
The sytem should: high usage.
• Downtown Bike Plan — The downtown bike
• include multi-modal opportunities (transit, plan should be completed and implemented. A key
automobile, pedestrian, and bicycle); component of the plan is the development of a
• offer cultural and historical attractions and "Bike Lending Library" to provide "yellow bikes"
transportation opportunities that attract both tourists
and residents; that would be available for use for free and
• be highly accessible to all ages and abilities
• include an inviting educational outreach
component.
• be safe at all times of day;
• encourage CSU to be more welcoming and r •
accessible for the community;
• be an environmentally sensitive transportation
system
+ r
The transportation goals are highly focused on _
reducing our community's environmental impact.
The main thrust of the transit mission is to promote
active living, healthy lifestyle choices, use of
alternative fuel vehicles, and rapid transit for
mobility. Thus encouraging people to walk, bike,
and take transit so they can more fully enjoy the
Downtown, CSU, and the Poudre Rivere areas, and encourage people to move throughout downtown
at the same time make positive choices that benefit and the university area on bicycles.
the environment. To accomplish the mission, a
variety of projects should be undertaken. Many of Downtown Alleyways — The Downtown
these are currently underway and funded. After Development Authority has initiated and
reviewing numerous proposals and activities the significantly funded a plan to create interesting and
committee has identified a number of priority vibrant alleys downtown. These alley efforts should
projects. be expanded, specifically with the intent of
connecting the Downtown River District to Old
Recommended Priority Projects Town; connecting the university with downtown;
• Mason Corridor — The centerpiece of and connecting all to the Mason Corridor.
transportation should be the Mason Corridor
(MAX). The Downtown to CSU segment of the Waylinding and Interpretation — The
Mason Corridor project is already funded and will downtown area should have an interpretive and
be implemented beginning in 2008 with the wayfinding system integrated throughout the area.
completion scheduled for 2010. The Mason The plan should inform visitors and residents on
Corridor will be continued southward to the new both the physical and cultural history of Fort
Collins and include easily understood information
on transit vehicles and bike and pedestrian ways.
The system would include electronic kiosks with
information on transit vehicles and on pedestrian
ways. Included as part of the electronic kiosks
would be historical information, current events, and
GIS location information. A National Association of
Interpretation charette is recommended as a kickoff
to this project. Other activities such as
Volksmarches and a Wiki site would add to the
interpretive fun of being downtown.
• River District Projects — The River District is a
planned redevelopment area. Planning is underway
to develop streetscape images and parking solutions
30
Z
I
for this area to facilitate future redevelopment. The
planning for this area should incorporate pedestrian, y
bicycle routes, and urban design strategies to -
further integrate this area into the Old Town area
and into Mason Corridor. The east/west circulator
should come through this area. -
• Ram Town — The University is pursuing a plan --
to attract game day visitors and residents to the Old
Town area. The concept is to have visitors attend
athletic events at the University and then have easy
access to entertainment, hotel, and dining options
available downtown. This plan benefits downtown
and the university and should be pursued, possibly
utilizing the West Elizabeth Street corridor.
• Connectivity Plan — A comprehensive plan
should be developed depicting all the various
transportation corridors and modalities downtown
and to the university. The plan should be produced
in an attractive format and be available to visitors
and residents. In addition to the priority projects
listed above, longer term projects also are suggested
including a fixed rail streetcar, relocation of the
tracks on Mason Street, regional transportation
linkages, and other transit related improvements.
The report also recommends associated projects not
directly related to transit, but affecting the overall
success of downtown. Examples include the
Downtown River District, a Portal of Peace
Museum, and others.
�im
law
UniverCity Connections
CSU. Do nlm n & thr PoWm
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31
spelledWhat you have read are summaries of the dreams for Fort
out by the citizens of the City listed
below. They may be dreams but they can all be achieved . Once
the people of Fort Collins hear these ideas, many of them will
embrace some or all of these visions and that will ensure that
these dreams will become reality.
stakeholders
Co-Chairs Kristy Clark Seth Jansen Mark Radtke
Berry Jim Clark Doug Johnson Nick Rancis
Mark Driscoll Lisa Clay Diane Jones Mike Reeves
David Edwards Erin Collins Cathy Jones Rick Rcider
Peggy Reeves Glen Colton Greg Jones C J Riley
Paige Colton Kevin Jones Linda Riley
COOP[/lltlltlJl Sadie Conrad Kim Jordan Matthew Robcnalt
�' Kris Cord Jan Jorgensen Edmund Robert
Conilllittee Morgan DeFoort Les Kaplan John Roberts
Wcg B% me Dave Dcrbcs David Karan Ruth Rollins
Ray Caraway Christine Dianni Ryan Kciffcr Joe Rowan
Mike Dellenbach Maury Dobbie Gailmaric Kimmel Earen Russell
Joe Frank Douglas Dohn Linda Knowlton Steve Schrader
Bruce Hendee Constance Dohn Paul Kowalczyk Kathy Schuster
Victor Holtorf James Dolak Rosemary Kreston Kim Sharpe
Blanche Hughes Nathan Donovan Nathanael Ksiazkiewicz Grant Sherwood
Mike Jensen Judy Dorsey Kim Langtcau Marc Shkolnick
Larry Kendall Douglas Durnlcr Eric Larsen David Short
lancy Krasner Janic Dunckley Ron Lautzenhciser Richard Simpson
Lucia Lilcy Kathy Dwyer Tom LcSavagc Clint Skutchan
Wynne Odell Paula Edwards Steve Levinger Ty Smith
Chip Stcincr Cam Elvhcim David Lingle Beth Sowder
Steve Taylor Melissa Emerson Ben Loeffler Michael Speamak
Cheryl Zimlich Alicia Ernest Marty Malenshek Johnny Square
Matt Evans Paola Malpezzi Price Matt Strauch
Stakeholders Marta Farrell Ben Mattvel Jill Stilwell
Scan Abbey Mary Alice Fischer Ray Martinez John Stokes
Rod Adams Beth Flowers Chadrick Martinez Cordclia Stone
Anne Alexander Craig Foreman Scott Mason Mari Strombom
D. Alldredge Sara Frazier Rheba Massey Wayne Sundberg
John Alvarez Mike Freeman David May Mark Talbot
Tim Anderson Bruce Freestone Candace Mayo Robert Tate
Keith Anderson Denise Freestone Bob McCluskey Gordan Thibcdcau
Paul Anderson Philip Friedman Deanna McCrory Gary Thomas
Betty .Aragon-Mitotcs Annette Gcisclman Peter McGoldrick %Vade Troxcll
Stacey Baumgam Ann Gill Peggy McGough Carol Tunner
Don Beard John Gloss Beryl 'Brownie" McGraw Steve VanderMcer
Donna Beard Ed Goodman Marcy McNeal Greg Vogel
Kathleen Benedict Forbes Guthrie Karen McWilliams Mark Wangcr
Marcn Bennett Elisa Guzman Anne Marie Merline Karen Wcitkunat
Carol Bennis Sara Hach Jeff Metzger Kevin Westhuis
George Betz Tntdy Haines Kristen Meyer Kristin Weyer
Jake Blumberg J .J . Hannah Dwain Miller Timothy Wilder
Thomas Boardman Kathleen Henry Dave Mitotcs Bryan Willson
Adam Bowen Tomas Herrera Thomas Moore Jerry Wilson
Kathleen Brackc David Herrera Robert Moore Erin Wilson
Ben Bradley Carey Hewitt Sadic Moore Jack Wolfe
Diggs Brown Carol Ann Hixon Tom Moore Katherine Woods
Brett Bruvcrc Blue Hovatter Mary Alice Murphy Joseph Zimlich
Barbara Bullock Doug Hutchinson John Murray Katie Zwetzig
James Butzek Chris Hutchinson Roger Nasci
Joe Byron Evan Hyatt Jean Ortega Staff Support
Ray Caraway Wendy Ishii Bob Overbeck RLZUH1 : i r.
Martin Carcasson Sam lack Gary Ozzello Susan Lehman
Jacob Castillo Nancy Jackson Eric Peterson Katherine Martinez
Brian Chase Mark Jackson Rick Price Sandy Roerig
Sunil Cherian Evelyn Jacobi Maria Elena Price
Christine Chin Gina Janett Kevin Queen
sponsors
w
City of Fort Collins
Colorado State University
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Downtown Development = =
Authority
dda,
•�
DOWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT A .
•� ..- ` �.
_ fir - • � - �►/
convenerbV
-�
Community Foundation of
Northern Colorado ,
rf
process design & rr
facilitation LLL - .
Peter Kenney, Civic Results
UniverCity Connections
c/o Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
4745 Wheaton Drive, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone (970) 224 = 3462 Fax (970) 488- 1990
http://www, UniverCityConnections .org