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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLARIMER COUNTY DETENTION CENTER, FACILITY EXPANSION - SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - 8-98 - DECISION - MINUTES/NOTESi Planning and Zoning Board Meeting of March 19, 1999 Page 4 Mr. Gavaldon supported the recommendation to deny the jail. He expressed concern for the citizens crossing at Midpoint Drive. He would like to see the facility look at their internal controls with better planning and internal security. Ms. Weitkunat spoke as a citizen and expressed concern for the security of the citizens of the community. She supported the idea of not having a sidewalk to deter people from getting close to the facility. She was against the motion. Mr. Eckman proposed an amendment to the motion. He suggested changing the wording from "recommendation" to approval or disapproval. He also stated that the Board of Commissioners could overrule the P & Z Board by a two-thirds vote. He also suggested that the Board find the request violates Section 24.95 of the City Code, which is the code provision that requires a sidewalk. Mr. Chapman stated that he stood corrected on his motion in using the word "recommend" and would use the word "deny." He also supported the other changes suggested by Staff. Mr. Gavaldon stated he agreed with the changes to the motion. The Chair appreciated the statements of Staff but asked if there was another solution to the fence and sidewalk problem. Staff responded that there have been several internal meetings regarding the issue. The feeling was the sidewalk was needed to provide for pedestrian traffic in the area. Mr. Colton commented as to the security issue Motion passed 7-1. Pedersen Auto Plaza Subdivision - Project Development Plan, (Replat of a Portion of Tract B Fossil Creek Commercial Plaza). #26-97: Steve Olt, City Planner, related the following information: This is a request for a project development plan regarding an auto -related use located west of Harmony Road on Mason Street. The property is approximately three and -a -half acres in size. The building is approximately 30,000 square feet. Staff has reviewed the proposal and considered the provisions under the Land Use Code. Screening and landscaping standards have been considered by Staff to be met. A 12-foot wide pedestrian access easement is on the south side. The City has initiated a multi -modal corridor system along the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks. Money as been set aside to implement a study in Planning and Zoning Board Meeting of March 19, 1999 Page 3 Mr. Terry Fareby, the Security Manager, explained the security at the facility and the reasons why a sidewalk would not be appropriate. The Chairman asked for pictures to depict the foot traffic in the business area surrounding the detention facility. Staff expressed concern about the lack of sidewalk continuity around the facility. It was stated that while a sidewalk is not in place at this time, future businesses might be required to put in a sidewalk to meet the level of service standards. Mention was made by Staff that since a sidewalk would be on a public right-of- way, under Chapter 24 of the City Code, the developer is obligated for its street portion including the sidewalk. The path site located south of the detention center is a potential future development site which would add more businesses to the area. A collector street would be extended south to Drake Road so there is a possibility of more foot, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. The crossing is a mid - block crossing which is not the safest crossing, and some foot traffic would still use that crossing. A raised crossing is not feasible due to drainage problems. Staff related a conversation with Dennis Harrison, the Police Chief, in which he felt a sidewalk should be placed at the facility. He stated it would be safer to have pedestrians on the sidewalk than in the street. Mr. Davidson stated he had a hard time justifying the sidewalk due to the reasons stated by Staff. He suggested the facility move the fence toward the facility 30 feet. Moved by Mr. Chapman, seconded by Mr. Gavaldon: To recommend to the Board of Commissioners that (1) location of the proposed additions to the jail are appropriate; (2) the character of the proposed additions to the jail is appropriate; (3) that the lack of a public sidewalk along the full length of Midpoint Drive places the expansion request in noncompliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan; therefore, the Planning and Zoning Board recommends that the jail be denied. P - - Mr. Chapman acknowledged that the expansions to the facility are needed but that the security concerns associated with a sidewalk should be handled within the confines of the facility. Mr. Davidson asked a question about the property on the south side of the detention facility. He expressed concern that the facility's fence was too close to the shared property line. v Planning and Zoning Board Meeting of March 19, 1999 Page 2 This is a unique land use request in that this facility is exempt from Chapter 29 of the Zoning Code. The request is known as a Site Plan Advisory Review. The review criteria is the City Plan. When staff evaluated the site, it was agreed that the location and character of the expansion was appropriate. There is a problem with the sidewalk which does not continue along the frontage of Midpoint Drive and does not meet the City's Comprehensive Plan. Dave Spencer, Director of Facilities for Larimer County and Larimer County representative, discussed the issue of the sidewalk. He pointed out that this is an extremely unique situation in that this facility is the only one of its kind in the County. He supported alternate modes of transportation, including the pedestrian way, but discouraged foot traffic close to the grounds of the facility due to security and safety reasons. Mr. Spencer further explained why foot traffic is not encouraged. He stated the County has offered to assist in the completion of the walkway on the other side of Midpoint Drive. He recommended a street crossing be provided by the facility on the southernmost point of the property to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians. The facility would also provide landscaping and urban -friendly signage that would discourage foot traffic. He further commented that there is no walkway at that location at the present time. The additions proposed to the facility are at the rear of the existing building and would not encourage traffic along Midpoint. He proposed that the facility would provide a sidewalk leading to the bus stop and would increase the size of the pad at the location of the bus stop. Mr. Spencer requested that a sidewalk not be constructed. Mr. Chapman asked what prevented people from walking where there was no sidewalk? Mr. Spencer responded that foot traffic will be discouraged by signage and landscaping. If citizens invaded the fenced off space, there would be manned security cameras on the inside of the facility. Mr. Gavaldon asked several questions regarding the crossing points, closed circuit cameras and fenced in areas. Mr. Davidson questioned security and fencing issues. Ms. Weitkunat asked for clarification on the proximity of the fence surrounding the facility. She also asked about inmate recreation in the area of the fencing. CITY OF FORT COLLINS PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD Meeting Minutes March 19, 1998 Gwen Bell, Chair Glen Colton. Vice Chair Staff Liaison: Georgiana Deines City Council Liaison: Mike Byrne Members present: Gwen Bell, Alex Chapman, Bob Davidson, Sally Craig, Jerry Gavaldon, and Karen Weitkunat. Glen Colton arrived later in the meeting. Agenda Review: Director of Current Planning Bob Blanchard reviewed the Consent and Discussion Agendas: 1. Minutes of the February 24, March 10, April 14 (Continued), May 12 (Continued), and May 19 (Continued), 1997 Planning and Zoning Board Hearings. 2. Modifications of Conditions of Final Approval. 3. Resolution PZ98-3 Easement Vacation. (Continued) 4. #6-98 Schaulin Annexation and Zoning. (Continued) Discussion Agenda: 5. #8-98 Larimer County Detention Facility Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review. 6. #26-97 Pedersen Auto Plaza Subdivision - Project Development Plan, (Replat of a Portion of Tract B, Fossil Creek Commercial Plaza). 7. #9-95B Harmony Ridge PUD, Phase 1 - Final (Continued) Moved by Gavaldon, Seconded by Weitkunat: To approve Item No. 1, Minutes of February 24 and March 10, and Item No. 2, Modifications. Motion approved unanimously. Larimer County Detention Facility Expansion - Site Plan Advisory Review, #8-98: Staff gave a report on Item 5. This was a request to expand the existing Larimer County Jail also known as the Detention Center. The expansion included the addition of a four-story housing intake facility, 144 new cells, new office space, support areas and parking lot. The site is 14 and a half acres in size, located at 2405 Midpoint Drive. The new construction equals approximately 70,000 square feet. Zoned E, employment.