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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFRONT RANGE BAPTIST CHURCH & ACADEMY - PDP - 2-05A - REPORTS - PLANNING OBJECTIVESVII. Conflict Mitigation The only potential conflict with the site could be the site lighting and the parking lot screening. The site lighting was noted as an issue by a neighbor. The PDP removed the existing substandard light fixtures (flood type fixtures) and reestablishes lower height and less intense down directional cut-off fixtures. The parking lot at the southern end of the property utilizes the existing 4-5' high berm and landscaping for screening. A hedge is proposed along the only section of the western property line that does not currently have heavy screen plantings and privacy fencing. Vill. Development Phasing Development of the site is scheduled begin in Spring 2006. Thank you for the opportunity to provide a narrative for this project. II. Open Space & Circulation Systems The existing detention pond is the only retained outdoor open space area for both active and passive recreation. The existing playground has been retained for Academy use. Outdoor entry plazas have been enhanced and connected via sidewalk to both the proposed parking on site and Harmony Road. III. Ownership & Maintenance All areas within the Limits of Development at Front Range Baptist Church & Academy will be owned and maintained by the church. IV. Estimated Employment It is estimated that the church will employ no more than 15 people. Currently there are 7 employees on staff. V. Planning Rationale & Assumptions Front Range Baptist Church & Academy is planned as an expansion of both a church and school to better serve the Fort Collins community. Parking areas were established along the west and southern areas of the site to maximize buildable area while allowing for screening. Where parking lots are adjacent to residential and office uses, berming and landscapingis used as screening. Pedestrian and vehicular circulation was accommodated by sensible vehicular routes and defined sidewalks. The design attempts to create a campus around the existing buildings. Vehicular circulation separates itself from parking areas to provide a safer environment for pedestrians. The access along Harmony Road will be retained as a full movement intersection in the short term and a right-in/right-out movement intersection in the long term. VI. Applicable Criteria The uses proposed at Front Range Baptist Church & Academy include: - A single 20,484 sf expansion (one building) with a gym / sanctuary space - Parking to accommodate 700 members The plan will require a modification of standard to allow the building to be setback slightly beyond the build -to -line along Harmony Road. The right-of-way along Harmony Road has been established along the front of walk. A 15' utility easement and grade issues have required the building to be pushed further back on the site. The modification will request that the building be 30 to 35 feet from the proposed right-of-way. The Harmony Oaks palette was used when designing the street tree plantings long Harmony Road. The site plan, parking lot design, and landscape plan attempt to be sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood and adjacent office uses. Phone: (970) 2z6-4074 Fax: (970) 226-4196 www.cityscapeud.com e@cityscapeud.com Front Range Baptist Church & Academy Project Development Plan Statement of Planning Objectives August 16, 2005 The Front Range Baptist Church & Academy is located on ± 9.10 acres at 625 E. Harmony Road. This site is on the south side of East Harmony Road and west of Boardwalk Drive. The site is zoned Harmony Corridor and a church is a secondary use in this district. A modification allowing the expansion of this secondary use was granted in 2005. This use will require a'Type II" hearing as defined in the Land Use Code. I. City Plan Principles and Policies Front Range Baptist Church & Academy is proposing the expansion of their facilities with the Phase 1 construction of a 20,484 square foot gym and sanctuary space. A Phase 2 expansion is planned in the future to add a permanent sanctuary. The project is consistent with the applicable Land -Use Principles and Policies adopted by the City of Fort Collins. The site is designed to promote construction that will contribute positively to the City. The development will also encourage a compact development pattern by encouraging bicycle, pedestrian, and transit use. The project is proposed on an existing developed parcel within the City Limits. No known natural features will be impacted by the proposed church expansion. Buffering is proposed along the east and west sides.of the development where parking lots are proposed adjacent to office and residential. development. The existing detention pond will be retained as usable open space and active recreation area in Phase 1. The site is generally flat and drains from the northwest corner to the southeast comer of the site. Minimal grading will be done to create positive drainage to the existing detention pond. Transportation principles and policies promote development designs that are pedestrian and transit friendly, provide easy access to "multi -modal" streets, and allow easy connections to the planned, community wide, pedestrian network; while recognizing that private automobiles will continue to be an important means of transportation. Emphasis was placed on providing pedestrian connectivity from the entry doors on the existing and proposed building to the sidewalk along Harmony Road and to on -site parking areas. Front Range Baptist Church & Academy is designed accordingly. A detached sidewalk along East Harmony Road will remain in its current location. Community Appearance and Design elements have been incorporated into the site by attention to site lighting needs, pedestrian plazas, and a focus on internal outdoor spaces within the development.