HomeMy WebLinkAboutDOWNTOWN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER - MODIFICATION OF STANDARD - 06-08 - CORRESPONDENCE - CORRESPONDENCE-HEARINGTown. However, I am concerned that approval of this request for modification will set a dangerous
precedent that disregards a well conceived development plan for the whole of downtown. Here are some
alternatives I think would help keep this project moving forward:
Move the project to an alternative city owned site already approved for 9 story buildings. Two
such sites exist. One is bordered by Howes, Mountain, and Mason. The other is on Howes just
east of City Hall. Both sites are underdeveloped, of similar size and location and already zoned
for 9 story structures. I personally think the Mountain Avenue site is an even better location than
the current proposed location for this project.
Reduce the total square footage of the project by eliminating the office and residential component
of the proposal. The hotel/conference center is the critical portion of this project. Given the
dozens of other residential projects either built, under construction, or in current planning as well
as quite a bit of vacant downtown office space, I don't think the office and residential space
proposed is critically needed. This would free up the entire site for the hotel and conference
center and allow the applicant to build something of a more appropriate size and mass for the
location.
You'd be hard pressed to justify a hardship given these two reasonable alternatives. Furthermore,
I would think it inconceivable to judge this modification as bettering the existing standard. I'm sure the
city has deemed construction of a downtown hotel/conference center to be an important reason to modify
this standard. However, I question whether or not that can be extended to include private residences as
well as commercial office space. This is for you to judge but you must consider it.
I encourage you to deny the request. Our city planning staff has worked hard to create a vision
for development in downtown. Their plan is well conceived and addresses tall structures like the one
proposed. What good are these plans if you don't follow them? I fear granting this request will open the
door for other tall buildings in the Old City Center. On what basis will you be able to deny these requests
once you've granted this one?
Sincerely,
Steve Levinger
Resident 511 Mathews Street, Owner/Manager The Armstrong Hotel 259 South College Avenue
JMLf7
March
Planning and Zoning Board
City of Fort Collins
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Re: Downtown Hotel and Conference Center Modification of Standards, #6-08
Dear Planning and Zoning Board Members,
It was my hope to address you in person at your March 20`h meeting. However, our families
Spring Break vacation has me out of town on that date. Thus, I am writing this letter to make you aware
of my opinion and concerns regarding the request for a modification of the standards on your agenda.
It is my understanding, based on information presented at a community meeting last month that
the applicant is proposing a 9 story hotel, conference center, and residences as well as a 4 story office
structure on a site located in the Old City Center sub -district. The proposal requires a modification of the
sub -districts standard limiting a buildings height to four stories and a fourth floor setback of 35 degrees.
I've been pondering this request ever since last month's meeting. My business near the site
stands to benefit substantially from the new facility. However, as a neighborhood resident for the past 22
years I'm struggling with the mass and scale of the facility. I've reviewed division 4.16 of the current
land use code. Clearly much thought and effort was put into this document. I appreciate how the
planners analyzed each block to determine appropriate building heights. I'm guessing the planners gave
the Old City Center sub -district special consideration because of the abundant historic structures located
in the area. I think it is critical you speak with the planners who conceived this plan to better understand
their vision for downtown.
In my opinion, the proposal is more a request to disregard the standards then to modify them.
The applicant is seeking to more than double the buildings allowed height as well as eliminate a setback
designed to reduce the mass of tall buildings located in the sub -district. The tower portion of this building
will loom over historic downtown. Its height and mass will overpower the diminutive city center
buildings surrounding it. The applicant has worked to reduce the mass on the projects east side.
However, little has been done on the west side. This is the side that faces College Avenue. This is the
side most people will see.
Please don't misunderstand me, I am very excited about this project and support the construction
of a downtown hotel and conference center. I understand it is a critical part of our city's plan for Old
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