HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS LOVELAND WATER DISTRICT - Filed GC-GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE - 2003-11-03April 21, 1998iK*3i*
Planning and Zoning Board Members
VF RIPLEY
ASSOCIAIE5 INC.
Ted Shepard
LmLcape Architecture
Fort Collins Planning Department
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281 North College Avenue
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Fort Collins, CO 80521
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RE: Planning Objectives for
Fort Collins/Loveland Water District Project Development Plan
Dear Planning and Zoning Board Members:
The Fort Collins/Loveland Water District is proposing to build an 8,000 square foot
office building on property located south of Fairway Lane and east of Snead Drive,
directly east of the Fossil Creek Design Center. The building will be owned and
occupied by the Fort Collins/Loveland Water District. The facility will include office
space, meeting rooms, and an outdoor storage yard for vehicle maintenance and
equipment storage. The storage yard is screened with a solid fence.
Primary access to the site is from Snead Drive with a secondary point of access from
Fossil Ridge Drive. Twenty-four parking spaces are provided for employees, customers,
and visitors. Pedestrians can access the site from an existing sidewalk along Snead Drive
or from a sidewalk that is located south of the Fossil Creek Design Center.
The one-story building is oriented so that the main entrance faces southwest. The
predominant architectural materials are masonry block and an exterior finish insulation
system (E.F.I.S.) in earth tone colors. An entry plaza featuring special paving and
bicycle parking is provided for use by employees and visitors. The site is landscaped
utilizing xeriscape principles and drought tolerant plant material. The District's goal is
to provide an example for its customers of how to conserve water in the landscape. Plant
material is used to screen parking from public streets, provide shade, spring color and
winter interest, to enhance the architecture and to soften the appearance of the screen
wall surrounding the storage yard.
City Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the proposed plan include:
PRINCIPLE LU-1: Growth within the city will promote a compact
development pattern within a well-defined boundary.
The project site is located between existing residential areas and directly
behind a commercial development (Fossil Creek Design Center). The
proposed project promotes a compact development pattern by utilizing a
property that is located in between incompatible land uses. A public agency
office building is compatible with both commercial and residential
development. Effective use of an "infill" site promotes a compact
development pattern for the City.
PRINCIPLE T-1: The physical organization of the city will be supported
by a framework of transportation alternatives that maximizes access and
mobility throughout the city, while reducing dependence upon the private
automobile.
Policy T-1.1 Land Use Patterns. The City will implement land use patterns,
parking policies, and demand management plans that support effective transit,
an efficient roadway system, and alternative transportation modes.
Appropriate residential densities and non-residential land uses should be within
walking distance of transit stops, permitting public transit to become a viable
PRINCIPLE T-2: Mass transit will be an integral part of the city's overall
transportation system.
PRINCIPLE T-4: Bicycling will serve as a viable alternative to automobile use for
all trip purposes.
PRINCIPLE T-5: The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a viable
transportation mode and elevate it in importance to be in balance with all other
modes. Direct pedestrian connections will be provided and encouraged from place
of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work and public facilities.
The above transportation Principles and Policies are achieved by the proposed
development in the following ways:
1.) The site is located in an area served by a well -connected pedestrian system.
Pedestrians can access he proposed facility from a City sidewalk located on the
west side of Snead Drive. The proposed project provides a sidewalk connection
to the west side of Snead and will also provide a painted crosswalk at this
location. Alternatively pedestrians can access this crosswalk through the Fossil
Creek Design Center from College Avenue.
2.) Bikes can access the project as described above or along the existing street
system. Access ramps and bicycle parking are provided at convenient locations.
3.) Currently the City's Transfort bus system does not extend south past Harmony
Road. However, a regional system known as the Fox Trot, does have a transit
stop at Fairway Lane.7 Transit riders could access the project easily from this
location.
PRINCIPLE CAD-2: Public spaces, such as plazas, civic buildings, outdoor spaces,
parks, and gateway landscapes should be designed to be functional, accessible,
attractive, safe and comfortable.
The proposed project provides a entry plaza featuring special paving, ramped access
points, and bicycle parking. This visually attractive entry plaza provides an opportunity
for visitors and/or employees to take a break in a pleasing outdoor environment. In
addition, the applicant is proposing another outdoor area for employees to utilize for
breaks or at lunch. This area will feature a seatwall and special paving. Both areas are
enhanced with attractive planting that exemplifies xeriscape principles.
Policy ENV-3.3 Water Demand Management Policy. The City should initiate and
intensify activities that demonstrate a commitment to the efficient and wise use of
water,
The landscape plan proposed for the project utilizes the following xeriscape principles:
Plant material with low to moderate water requirements
Limited turf areas
Effective use of soil amendments and mulches
An efficient irrigation system
Appropriate maintenance
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with you during the
development review process.
Sincerely,
VF Ripley Associates
Linda Ripley
Principal 7