HomeMy WebLinkAboutLDS TEMPLE - PDP - PDP120029 - REPORTS - CORRESPONDENCE-NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGLDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
Page 15 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
A: Submittal will include full lighting plan and photometric plan that will estimate foot
candles of proposed site/building lighting. Once submitted, the lighting plan is public
information. There may not be another public neighborhood meeting, but city staff as
will be happy to provide the information. Watch for yellow sign (plan has been
submitted), contact city staff and the applicant to follow-up and ask questions. Courtney
Levingston, the assigned City Planner for this project, has cards available for neighbors.
There are also cards for applicant proving contact information. Please call at any time.
Q: Are there any recent examples of heights/lighting plans and their interaction with
adjacent neighborhoods?
A: The website www.mormontemples.org can provide pictures of other temples to get
some idea of the typical heights of temples. Understanding lighting can be difficult.
Q: If the plan goes through smoothly, do you have a target date in mind for completion?
A: The LDS church's target date to begin construction is next June. We are envisioning
an 18 month build out with completion slated for 2014.
Q: Short of improvements to the public roads, how will the proposed LDS Temple
benefit the community as a whole?
A: As a resident of Fort Collins, City is rich in religious fabric with an incredibly diverse
population of churches throughout the community; the LDS Temple makes us a richer
community. The LDS church is another thread in the fabric of Fort Collins in terms of
religious culture and foundation.
Q: How will construction traffic be routed during the 18 month build out?
A: There will be no access directly onto construction site from Timberline Road.
Envisioned from Trilby Road. We plan to redirect of traffic as improvements are made.
Vehicle tracking pads, erosion control to be utilized so not dumping debris on the road.
The final lift of asphalt goes on last. Majestic Drive will be the "staging" road. .
Page 14 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
A: West side elevation is not available at this time. The west elevation has similar corner
pieces that step in, same ridgeline exists on the east side of the building. The west side
features a similar parapet and exposure. The west elevation will highlight stained glass
windows with plaza and recognition of public face.
Q: I notice a 10' tree line and iron gates. I am concerned that when a person walks
down Timberline or Trilby Road, we will look at a fortress.
A: The fencing is not at the back of the pedestrian walk, it is set off about 75' from the
public right-of-way. We are proposing an open, wrought -iron ornamental fence. Trees
will be planted per City standard as part of an attractive streetscape. As a pedestrian,
you will be walking on the inside of the parkway strip with the street trees. The fence
will be highly landscaped with beautiful ornamental shrubs and grasses. The intention
of the landscape is to accentuate the architecture, not hide it.. The landscaping will
embellish the views and consideration given to layout of street and perimeter
landscaping.
Q: Is there a plan to put in more mature trees?
A: Many existing trees on site that will be removed will be because they are too big or
diseased. We are planning on mitigating the removal of trees, and will plant more than
are necessary by City standards. The trees in the tree lawn will be upsized from 2" to
3" caliper size; the largest tree you could benefit from. Tree removal is not 1 to 1, 1.5 to
3 trees for each tree that is lost; a significant amount of increased plant material will be
provided to make up for the removal of existing trees.
Q: How often will the Temple's 288 parking spaces be full?
A: It is difficult to predict as church members are able to go throughout the day at their
choice. The LDS Church is predicting populations here could go mid morning or
afternoon; however it is hard to predict. We plan for peak amount of people that could
visit the temple, but this rarely occurs. The projection is that once a week (Friday) the
peak may be hit. The peak won't be 300 cars entering or exit the site at the same time
on Friday. The temple is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Q: Will there be another input meeting with the detailed lighting plan?
Page 13 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
C: If there are changes that can still be made, I think the steeple is too high for the
neighborhood with the lighting; it messes with our view of the mountains.
C: In terms of the previous work happening on site; it is not part of this proposal, but
does benefit the site. The work in question is regarding abandoning a ditch as an
obligation to convey water to downstream users. The applicant put forward a large
expenditure of resources in order to meet the obligation of the delivery of irrigation
water.
Q: I am new Westchase neighborhood and I have seen growth happen along Timberline
Road. The LDS Temple really is not that bad. It could be much worse like having a
multi -family development on this corner. This proposal is a beautiful ,well -landscaped
asset to the community.
C: I have concerns about height of steeple and light pollution that may happen.
Lighting, can it be on 24/7? Will I be able to sit outside and see the stars?
A: Do not know what is proposed in terms of lighting or what their operational plans are.
Code talks about dimming and lighting (Section 3.2.4) ordinances. Site lighting will meet
City's requirements regarding lighting spill -over on adjacent properties and brightness.
In Section 3.5.1(J) of the Land Use Code are provisions that allow the City to place
conditions, such as light intensity and hours of full illumination, on approval on projects
to ensure that new development is compatible with existing neighborhoods.
Q: Please provide clarification on the height to top of the total structure?
A: The primary building mass ranges from 28' — 37' to ridgeline of the roof. The Urban
Estate Zone District allows for 3 stories of height. Steeples and spires are specifically
exempted from the height limitations of the Land Use Code. That being said, to the base
of angel Moroni is10'4" and then an additional 8' for the figure. From the base to the top
of Angel Moroni is 112 feet.
Q: What does the west side of the Temple look like? What will be the view from
Timberline Road?
Page 12 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
A: No, it is not going to be a signal -controlled intersection. There will be a stop sign.
Q: Will the two entrances to the parking lot gated?
A: No. 6' ornamental fence around perimeter of the temple with occasional columns and
pedestrian gates. The gates will be locked when the temple is closed and open when
the temple is open.
Q: Is the footprint of the Temple higher (elevation) than the current ground or is it similar
in grade to the current church elevation?
A: Actually, the site is in a hole, which drops off from intersection. The site has to be
high enough to drain water to northeast corner of site. The current elevation of the
building is 23.5 — about 5' higher than the ground today. If you looked at the top of the
ditch today, that is about the height of the Temple. About several feet below the
roadways to drain water and not create looming effect.
Q: In terms of the elevation, will it be lower (in terms of grade) than the church across
the street?
A: Yes, several feet lower.
Q: Is Majestic Drive gated in this proposal?
A: No, Majestic will be a public right-of-way with no gates.
C: I think the spire is too high. Is there a comparison to another building or spire that is
10 stories high?
A: The steeple is 400' from the public right-of-way (road). A shade and shadow analysis
will be completed, and it will illustrate that there is no shadow impact on neighboring
properties. A 100' steeple is similar to a 9-story building not including mechanical. One
point of reference would be Tuscana or 8-10 stories of First National Bank building. The
"footprint" of the steeple is of a 25'x25' square (500 sq. ft.). The steeple footprint is 2%
of the total square footage of building. The steeple is on the east side of the Temple
where it has no impact on Westchase neighborhood.
Page 11 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
A: Three lanes, one lane each direction and changeable turn lane. The timeline is not
formalized yet. We have done a lot of upfront work, which may shorten timeline. Also a
southbound right hand turn lane into Majestic. The road improvements come first before
the Temple is built.
C: The Temple does not function similar to LDS church to the north. The temple is not
open on Sunday or Monday. Users come in throughout the entire day Tuesday -
Saturday. The peak period for Temple is not the peak period on local roadways.
Additionally, there is no Sunday peak period. In terms of traffic, the Temple functions
more like an office building, with people coming/going throughout the day.
Q: The Code has restriction on height of structures, what are these?
A: (City Planner) Steeples are exempt from the height restrictions of the Land Use
Code.
Q: What about the figures that go next to the steeple, are they exempt?
A: As currently proposed, there are no additional statues on the building.
C: I am impressed with applicant and their improvements. They are making the
community better with more landscaping and roadway improvements.
Q: Will there be any sidewalk improvements on west side of Timberline Road?
A: The proposal is to add curb and gutter, but no added pedestrian facilities. 6'
detached sidewalk with tree lawn on east side of Timberline Road is proposed.
Q: One way to calm traffic is to promote bicycling, agreed?
A: Majestic Drive will have bike lanes. Majestic will be a local connector, so the bike
lanes will not striped out, pedestrian sidewalks both sides. This will lead to bike parking
at south and north side of Temple.
Q: Will the improved intersection of Majestic and Timberline Road signalized?
Page 10 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
Q: I live in Linden Park. With over 200 homes and only 1 exit onto Timberline Road, it is
nearly impossible to turn left on to Timberline Road. With additional traffic from the LDS
Temple and almost 300 parking spaces — is the City planning to do anything with a
light?
A: There are no plans for a traffic light. When traffic levels get to a threshold, the City
then looks at putting in a signal. Zephyr/Trilby may get a signal in the future. Traffic can
be worsened with improperly spaced (too many) signals.
Q: What are other options to improve traffic flow?
A: The city could look at changing signal timings to create gaps to get out of
neighborhoods on to Timberline Road.
Q: Is there anything to control speed on Majestic?
A: The. curve of road is intentional to help control traffic. The curve will be a traffic
control device. Sometimes streets like this are used as cut-throughs.
Q: Please clarify the distance of the Temple from nearby homes.
A: The nearest homes are over 300' away - which is comparable to the distance of a
football field. This new location is intentional — we moved temple footprint based on
feedback.
Q: Live in neighborhood south, use Rock Castle to access Timberline. Will there be a
left turn lane from Timberline to Rock Castle? People barrel down and it is difficult and
dangerous to make the turn.
A: Intended to add turn lane from Timberline to Rock Castle. Saw an opportunity to
improve the safety conditions by making left turns out of thru lane. City tentative
approval of variances.
Q: What is the long term plan for Timberline Road at Rock Castle? There is a fair
amount of traffic on road, with an expectation to get worse. What is the timeline for the
road change?
Page 9 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
Required to provide northbound left hand turn lane at intersection of Majestic. Will not
be turning from thru lane.
Future requirement for right hand turn lane from Trilby onto Timberline. Thru lane not
interrupted with turning movements. Intersection to be re -signalized. Will improve west
side of Timberline which is not responsible to do, bike lane, newly widened thru lanes.
Pedestrian walkway not being built as part of this project. 400' south of Majestic Drive,
Rock Castle Lane. Need to provide left hand turn lane; extending work south of
boundary for southbound/northbound left hand turn lane for turning into Rock Castle.
Larimer Country Street Standards Variances:
Offset intersection for local connector road. Separated right hand turns variance granted
Variance in distance of back to back left hand turn lanes (back to back left turn lanes).
At design speed of 55mph, could not meet entire stacking and deceleration and has
been shortened. Variance approved.
Additional variance accepted on back to back left turn lanes further south. At 45mph,
meet or exceed requirements of standards. Basing design moving forward on approved
variances. The city would not approve variances putting public safety at risk.
The LDS Temple project will be doing a great deal to improve conditions and will be
doubling the amount of work on Timberline Road over and beyond required by the
project.T rilby four lane arterial, Timberline north also four lane arterial. South of Trilby,
will never grow larger than a three-way section. Transition will probably happen north of
Trilby intersection.
Q: Does the City have a budget for the project?
A: The road improvements are paid for by the developer.
Q: I live in the Westchase neighborhood, and I see lots of landscape improvements,
green areas, walkways. How much has been put into that?
A: A significant amount of landscaping with the Temple project, which exceeds City's
landscape requirements. The existing trees on site will be relocated. The ,building only
represents 10% of the entire site area. 50% of the site we consider "open space".
Page 8 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
What the road is intended to do not a concern of this project. Will be adding traffic to it.
Has adequate capacity for this development and Kechter development.
Q: Above ground level to top of steeple, 104'?
A: Yes. 55-60' range for height of LDS church to north. Architecture different and sits
forward of nose of the existing church. The mass of the temple will step up from the
outside and grow from within. The steeple is imbedded within the temple. About twice
as tall, five times further from the right-of-way. 250' from right-of-way from Trilby. 400-
600' from right-of-way of Timberline road.
Q: Can the steeple be seen from 1-25?
A: The steeple is not designed or intended to be seen from 1-25; however we don't know
if it will be able to be seen from 1-25. The steeple is not designed to be a landmark of
Fort Collins. We are working with the City per lighting standards. The intent is for the
Temple to be lit but details not yet worked out. Church grounds lit for security reasons
to a lower level.
Q: Traffic is a big concern in Westchase and this Temple will add traffic to the area.
Neighborhood not designed for Westchase/Fossil Creek as collectors. We need traffic
issues taken care of now! What will be done with Timberline?
A: The LDS Temple project will improve efficiencies of Timberline Road as they,exist
today. The intersection of Timberline/Trilby is on edge of town and has deficiencies that
exist today.
The Temple will be making road improvements over the baseline of what is required by
the City. These include road widening, newly built northbound left turn lane on Trilby,
southbound turn lane onto Majestic. No longer will you have to suffer making a turn in
the thru lane. Will have a center turn lane, bike lanes on the east side, curb & gutter,
pedestrian walk and tree lawn. Currently no southbound turn lane onto Timberline,
project does not contribute to that turning movement but will build southbound right
hand turn lane allowing a designated lane —This will be a great improvement of the
operational efficiency of intersection and will make it safer.
Page 7 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
A: The current property owner (LDS) will maintain the property until it is sold. Then the
new owner will maintain.
Q: Is there any reason not to annex to the City?
A: The parcel has already been annexed.
Q: What is the height of the steeple comparable to?
A: A little under a 10-story building.
Q: The encircling streets, approximately where does it come to Timberline? Is the street
property of the church; where do the other houses enter Timberline?
A: Mirror -imaged Majestic Drive. A 40' wide median (mirroring to the east) and the
egress from Majestic will line up with the westbound lane. Eastbound lines up with
existing Majestic. Classified as a local collector road. Curb & gutter, tree lawn,
pedestrian walk. Exceed City minimums. 10' tree lawn on both sides. 5' pedestrian
walk. Public roadway with public utilities.
A: No further connections to the east. No access from Rock Castle. Will come off local
connector street.
Q: Is Trilby a connector street east of Timberline Road?
A: Trilby, is classified as a major collector, as it extends through Westchase
neighborhood.
Q: Why are there houses with driveways off the street if it is a collector? Designed to
give access to Timberline. Exit development at Trilby, not to go up Fossil Creek or
Westchase Road.
A: Road on City's transportation master plan, identified as a collector road. Two levels
of collector road (major or minor). Major collector allows for parking, minor does not.
Project will not be touching the road, but intersecting it and building curb and gutter.
Page 6 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
A: (Applicant's Representative) About 16 acres of property was annexed in 2011. The
property in question is now owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
LDS Church is on the northeast corner. The site is located in the Fossil Creek Area
Plan. Property located in the plan must be developed in the county and then annexed in
the City (except residential).
A: Annex property intended for non-residential property. An annexation condition exists
that if it develops as residential, de -annexes and processes to the county. Annexed
approximately 15.7 acres of property intended to be developed in a use other than
residential. Zoned U-E (Urban Estate) with several permitted uses that include
residential with administrative approval, and uses subject to Planning & Zoning Board
approval.
A: The proposed use subject to P&Z Board review, a more rigorous review of
development standards. P&Z Board will be looking if it meets compliance, mitigated
development to be compatible. Is it compatible with the surrounding land uses? A very
deliberate review and a determination. Discretionary to some limits.
Q: Will the residual parcel be sold to a third party?
A: Yes, it will be sold to a private developer.
Q: How do the taxes compare with the LDS Church developing the land as opposed to
a single-family residential project?
A: The LDS Church is a non-taxable entity.
Q: What is the timeline for selling the residual parcel?
A: There is no specified time line for selling the residual parcel. The applicant's goal is
to develop 11 acres of property.
Q: What will be the maintenance of residual property?
Page 5 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
Q: Once the applicant complies with the land use codes, is the project approved? How
much weight is input given in the decision?
A: (City Planner) The project planner provides a professional recommendation to the
Planning and Zoning Board. The Board looks at compliance with Land Use Code and
makes a decision. If the project meets everything in the code, it may be difficult to
legally find a reason to deny a property owner the right to develop their property in the
manner they wish.
Q: How does public input function?
A: (City Planner) Be able to talk with applicant about the project. Provide written
comments to be included as part of the record. Attend the public hearing and testify.
Stay in touch with project planner.
Q: Is it recommended we give something in writing?
A: (City Planner) All forms of input are accepted, but it is difficult to put into record a
telephone call, but written comments are probably best and will be placed into the
record. Attending the Planning and Zoning Board meeting and providing your input
during the public comment (testimony) portion is also recommended.
Q: With the development on Center Street (the Grove) were there any positive
comments about the project?
A: (City Planner) Although I was not the assigned project planner, I believe there was
positive comments. Public record can be given. The university did not. provide public
testimony and had nothing to do with the project. More people spoke about opposition
but also positive comments.
All responses to questions and comments below are from Ken Merritt, Landmark
Engineerinq (applicant's representative)
Q: What was annexed in 2011? Who is the applicant and owner?
Page 4 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
People may call and check in with me to see the current status on the project (which
round of review).
Q: Will there be mail notifications for the next round of review? What is the notification
area?
A: (City Planner) The Land Use Code only requires mailed notification for neighborhood
meetings and hearings. The notification radius was over 1000 feet in all directions from
the property boundary.
Q: When it goes through rounds of review, is it a review of meeting the applicable
codes? What results in approval versus disapproval?
A: (City Planner) City Staff reviews the project and comments on if the proposal meets
the applicable sections of the Land Use Code. If the project meets the Land Use Code
then the Planner recommends approval to the decision maker.
Q: What is the basis of the decision?
A: (City Planner) The decision maker (in this case, Planning and Zoning Board) bases
their decision on compliance with the Land Use Code. The Land Use Code does have
a section (3.5.1) regarding project compatibility.
Q: What is done with the letters we write to you?
A: (City Planner) I include those letters to the decision maker in the packet with my staff
report.
Q: Is there a presumption with the annexation that the project is going forward?
A: (City Planner) The City processed a voluntary annexation request by the land owner.
The City reviewed the request for annexation. The annexation requirements were met
and the property was annexed into the City in 2011.
Page 3 of 15
LDS Temple Project Development Plan Neighborhood Meeting
October 15, 2012
Q: If the proposal was a sketch on a napkin, why so detailed?
A: (City Planner) Conceptual Review has a range of details from "napkin sketches" to
more developed plans.
Q: If the proposal isn't approved, we'll still have an odd -shaped parcel annexed into the
city?
A: (City Planner) Yes.
Q: What are some of the uses in Urban Estate (U-E) district?
A: (City Planner) Section 4.2 of the Land Use Code lists the permitted uses in the Urban
Estate Zone. Some examples of these uses are: Single Family homes, duplexes,
cemeteries, golf courses, places of worship or assembly (such as the LDS Temple),
child care centers, greenhouses, small scale reception centers, composting facilities,
wireless telecommunication equipment, schools and cluster development plans. Cluster
development plans allow density on one side and keep one side open. The zone allows
for density up to 5 units a net acre.
Q: When this was annexed into the City, there was a change in tax assessment, what
did it cost the City in terms of more taxes? The revenue from the property taxes.
Religious institutions tax exempt? Does the City lose or gain in taxes? Will it now
receive nothing, how are taxpayers affected?
A: (City Planner). Agriculture use and taxes are very low. We are unsure how taxes will
be affected. Property taxes will be minimal going from an existing agriculture use.
Q: Is the land already sold to the religious organization or in the owner who proposed
the annexation?
A: (City Planner). That would be a question to ask the applicant since it is a private
sector matter.
Q: What is the average time until P&Z Board review for a project this size?
A: (City Planner) Every project is unique. After a project is formally submitted to the
city, it takes three weeks until the first round of review and two weeks for additional
rounds of review. Staff reports must be in to the P&Z Board assistant near the
beginning of the month and unsure how many rounds of review this project may take.
Page 2 of 15
I
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING SUMMARY
PROJECT: LDS Temple Project Development Plan
MEETING DATE: October 15, 2012
APPLICANT REP: Ken Merritt, Landmark Engineering, Loveland, CO
CITY PLANNER: Courtney Levingston, City Planner, City of Fort Collins
The meeting commenced at approximately 6:00 p.m. with an introduction, agenda
review and neighborhood meeting communication guidelines overview by Ginny
Sawyer, Neighborhood Services. Next, Courtney Levingston, City Planner, explained
the City's review process as it relates to this development proposal and explained
opportunities for citizens to engage in the process. At 6:30 p.m. the Applicant gave a
project description and then took questions, comments and input from citizens as well
as responding to questions and comments. The meeting adjourned around 8:00 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, all responses to questions and comments are from Mr. Ken
Merritt, CEO, Landmark Engineering, Ltd. Please note that this document is intended to
simply be meeting notes, not minutes or a transcript of the meeting.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS
Q: Why did the annexation occur if this was farmland? Was this property annexed in
anticipation the project would be completed?.
A: (City Planner) The Leistikow Annexation met state statue requirements for
annexation (contiguity with city boundaries). Property owner submitted application for
annexation and City annexed the property. The city was aware that the LDS temple
intended to purchase the property and submit an application for development at the time
of annexation.