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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBELLA VISTA - PDP - 45-01A - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSNEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION MEETING for Pr Meeting Lo Attendees: Please sign this sheet. The information will be used to update the project mailing list and confirm attendance at neighborhood meetings. Contact the Planning Department (221-6750) if you wish to receive minutes of this meeting. Did You Receive Written Notification of this meeting? Correct Address. Name Address Zip Yes No Yes No -Do V,6C f LPp♦ JrJr� irdri} C#. R6)5-�5 l/ v ' .L7nE v C �IisIQ s s P "L-i=WJ � c IL,2z12 x Aj✓ v / D �cr��, �y/3 . 535 s ; �, f Cam,+ S�S25 �c 53. This is not in context. [We realize that we're not going to arrive at a mutual agreement on this tonight.] 54. We don't put oversized books next to regular sized books in the library, they are separated even if they have the same ISBN number. [We look at the massing and we feel the buildings aren't large. We believe in the project.] 41. I ask, what are the benefits to me? What I expect to hear, improvements in Horsetooth, they will be contributing to our HOA, there will be noise abatement for Spindrift for noise off the buildings from Horsetooth. I have heard nothing. A 63 foot building is a dramatic difference. The Marriott Hotel is comparable? It sits many yards behind Horsetooth Road. You are picking on a commercial building down the road? I don't welcome it. [Denying this project isn't going to change the population in Fort Collins. They will go somewhere else. We have a disagreement with this. City Staff has letters for you to look at with residents that are in support of this project.] 42. I know someone living on the lake that is getting kind of old and who'd like to live here for less maintenance reasons. 43. I know this is designed for someone to make money off of it. How much less money is made if everything is dropped by one story? [I don't know if we know enough to answer this. Dropping it one story will not make it a project and will get rid of the structured parking most likely. This is the lowest intensity that the applicant can develop, otherwise it doesn't make sense financially.] 44. Why isn't the project proposed in downtown? [We're aren't looking to develop downtown.] 45. Is this the first use of the contextual height section in the Land Use Code? [City: It's the first that I'm aware of.] 46. What is the height of the Marriott Hotel? [Our surveyors calculated it at 65 feet.] 47. I calculated it with a tape measure as 60'. 48. Is the Marriott Hotel adjacent to this? [City: Yes, by the language in the Contextual Height section. It is a part of Lot 3 of the Strachan Subdivision.] 49. So, from a legal standpoint, the Marriott Hotel is adjacent to this site. [City: Yes, City staff has made this detemination. The Land Use Code section stipulates this as correct.] 50. If the height is above 40' than there is a special review? [City: Yes, and this is being done.] 51. I have an issue with the height of the Marriott Hotel and the difference of 65 feet. 52. Don't get me wrong I would welcome a nice development, but I don't see a nice development at 65' in height. Horsetooth Road becomes a canyon. [We see it is nice. A canyon is both side of street, I drive around the Marriott everyday and I don't have a canyon feel.] 31. It doesn't fit. It's too tall, it doesn't look right with the rest of the neighborhood. It's too tall, the images are misleading. You can see the Marriot Hotel across the lake. It's about the view of the lake that you're trying to achieve. [You can't do 3 stories here with a parking garage and get it to work. The site could be developed as the same old "stuff' that is in the neighborhood. However, we think it's a missed opportunity not to do something different. Our applicant wants to do something that is better.] 32. Quoting City Plan Policy EXN-1-4(?) These are obtrusive to the street. There is no articulation [The Code wants the buildings close to the street. We don't feel there is a lack of articulation.] 33. What changes have you made to the site and building since the last meeting? [The site has gotten into much intricate design for public spaces, terracing, water quality pond. Mostly it's the level of detail with hardscape and landscaping.] 34. My preference has always been a church but that's not going to happen, or office buildings so at nights and weekends little traffic and this isn't that way. The Developer can propose whatever he wants? [City: As long as it is permitted in the code, yes. The land uses are not subjective and the City cannot deny strictly based on use if it is allowed in the Zoning District.] 35. What role do the local homeowners play into it? Ultimately a decision is made? [City: We're here, at this second neighborhood meeting, for your input. The project will go to a public hearing, where your input is also allowed and encouraged. Any decision made is appealable to City Council. City Council can overturn the decision, uphold the decision, or remand the decision back to the decision maker.] 36. There a re a whole hell of a lot of worse things that could go in here. One time there was a hotel proposed. I'd like to see something else. This has the potential to raise property values and it could be worse. 37. The success of the project is the selling of units. What are the phasing plans? [Buildings A & B will be first, containing 36 units. If it doesn't turn out, we'll try to amend the plan.] 38. Why not build the commercial first? [Any commercial requires a certain number of residents there first. These will be smaller non - national commercial that needs residents.] 39. When will they start digging up, doing the roads, etc? [If we can get to a public hearing in December or the first of the year (2003), March or April is the earliest. May is likely. Dirt work will be first and utilities that are on Horsetooth Road will soon follow.] 40. Does your developer know that there is no lake to look at anymore? 8. Are people already signed up to live here? [The owners don't know if they have a project as it has not been approved by the City. Half a dozen people, I think, are interested.] Dwelling units of 3/4 to a million dollars is considered a transition? [The transition is in terms of land use, not housing price.] 10. Has the land been purchased yet? [Yes, it has.] 11. I don't mind this project and I'd rather see something high end in my neighborhood. [We'd rather that, as well.] 12. Is this a neighborhood center'? [We aren't calling this a neighborhood center as defined in the City Plan's LMN District. A specific goal of City Plan is to have an identifiable neighborhood center and we want to provide a mix of uses in the project as a neighborhood center to provide a destination.] 13. Are there no Type II uses proposed in this development? [City: The applicant chooses not to do so.] 14. What is allowed by Type I? [City: Other than residential uses, permitted Commercial/Retail uses are bed and breakfast establishments with no more than 6 beds, convenience stores with no fuel sales, artisan galleries, and child care centers.] 15. So you can have a 7-Eleven? [Yes, a convenience store without fuel sales is permitted.] 16. What about Type II? [City: Commercial/Retail uses permitted are personal and business service shops, offices, financial services, clinics and small veterinary clinics.] 17. Would these businesses have fronts to East Horsetooth Road or the parking lot? [The businesses are on the ground floor of building C. The retail types of business are on the south part of C, with primary access from the public sidewalks along Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road.] 18. What about Buildings A & B? [They are entirely residential with a multi -purpose room in a quarter of Building B] 19. What about lighting that will emanate? [The City has pretty strict standards for light pollution. We are not allowed to exceed 1 foot-candle off the site. The short answer is precious little light is allowed to emanate.] Commuirity Planning and Environmental _ _rvices Current Planning City of Fort Collins Bella Vista Neighborhood Meeting Questions & Concerns Notes 11/13/2002 Introduction: Steve Olt, City Current Planning Department Applicant presentation: Eldon Ward, Cityscape Urban Design Questions & Concerns, with responses by both [the Developer and/or the City] What does fairly high density tell us? [One of the basic understandings of City Plan is a higher urban density, thereby reducing sprawl. We meet the minimum density and there is no maximum density for the MMN district. Upper end, high end luxury development needs a higher density product.] 2. Will you be talking about what is shown there with regards to East Horsetooth Road, dividers, traffic patterns, etc? [Frontage on this site fills in the gap between the east and the west on Horsetooth Road. There isn't a continuous left turn lane to southbound Landings Drive, and there's a right -in, right -out from the project.] 3. There are to be no raised medians on East Horsetooth Road? [The medians will be painted, not raised.] 4. Is there to be a bike lane on East Horsetooth Road? [There is a bike lane on the north side. A bike lane on the south side could not be accommodated.] 5. Are they planning on putting a right tam lane to northbound Stanford Road? [Not at this time.] 6. Will anyone here express the benefits to the community with this project? [One of the City's adopted goals is to achieve a full range of housing in the neighborhood, which this creates. The amount of water consumed by these residents is much less than those who can also buy multi -acre lots for the same price.] 7. Where would they work? [There are numerous offices and retail uses around and in the area. If you accept that people will walk a half mile, then there are places nearby, banks, stores, etc.] 281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 • FAX (970) 416-2020 V-4-tte-* NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION MEETINGWritten oNo Notification of this meeting? Adeceive ams. Name Address Zip Yes No Yes No NVm,b C l ve4� .3 565 574KftAA o 'Dr r zr ✓ M J NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION MEETING for Meeting l' • I F��i� W. W14,1 79' ! Z Attendees: Please sign this sheet. The information will be used to update the project mailing list and confirm attendance at neighborhood meetings. Contact the Planning Department (221-6750) if you wish to receive minutes of this meeting. Did You Receive Written NotificationAddress? of this meeting? Correct Address Zip Yes No Yes No L L v i4�1� �� ��� S ►u �,t ° P>vsz X x 5-55SP�.,��;ltC�. So5Z5 X X f C�lc tj Kac/% N 4 M4 ! e. SZ 7 5 i 0/U FT dt ros-zs� r, . 8os L� dx 373— Z r �j" {}�e�nels ��r23 s��l�he tJv-. So52(o ✓ f �e /vo k�� 4- �T - save — Ile a in A Y,IL LAtM7 401 w W � 90-21 40. Question: Is $400,000 the average price of the residential units? Answer: That is yet to be determined. 41. Comment: These buildings will be too tall in the neighborhood context, especially being right on the road. Response: We will be doing a massing model of this entire area, showing the relativity of these buildings to others. 42. Comment: The construction phase of this development will be overwhelming, especially since I live right across the street. 43. Question: Where do you go from here? Will you take these comments and possibly incorporate them into your final design? Is this design etched in stone? Answer: We will have to regroup and discuss this. 44. Question: The genre of the neighborhood is very contemporary, both the residential and office uses. Your proposed buildings look very traditional and massive. How can you make them more compatible with the surrounding development? Answer: We can and will look into this. 45. Question: How can you enhance these 1-story, 1,600 - 1,800 square foot residential units to command your stated prices? Answer: The nature of the target market for this development wants more than just square footage. Quality counts here. 46. Comment: Most people here think that the proposed building heights are the major concern. 7 32. Comment: The proposed 70 residential units will not support the proposed retail, personal service, and convenience store uses. Response: We have never said that the commercial uses would service only the residents of this development. 33. Comment: I am concerned about the service vehicles that will be generated here with the commercial uses. 34. Comment: I would like to see in writing just what the sizes of the commercial uses will be and what kind of convenience store could occur here. 35. Question: Will the density, open space, and amenities be similar to surrounding developments? Answer: The density will be similar to other multi -family residential developments in the area. 36. Question: What kind of lighting is proposed with this development? Answer: The lighting will be subdued, low intensive, down -directional, and shielded. 37. Comment: There are a lot of things that could be worse than these proposed uses for this site. The residential and supporting services are good. I am most concerned about the proposed heights of the buildings and the effects on my "bella vistas". 38. Question: This project could be stair -stepped back, but would you lose parking in the process? Answer: Not necessarily. The Marriott Hotel is much larger in mass and scale than these buildings will be. 39. Comment: The planners impose the infill, walkable community theory on us. Compare this proposed development to the Harmony Center, where King Soopers and Home Depot are. That is a premier vehicle -oriented development. It is not at all walkable. This proposed development is a classic downtown, new urban development. 24. Question: Would you consider a westbound, right -turn lane onto Stanford Road? Answer: Utilities in the area could make that very difficult. 25. Comment: Getting in and out of Cove Island is already very difficult and dangerous. 26. Question: Does your access point on Stanford Road line up with the access point to the office building to the west? Answer: The northbound right -in, southbound left -in access does line up with that access to the west. 27. Question: Who makes the final decision about the size and length of the proposed island (center median) in East Horsetooth Road? Answer: The City will make that decision. 28. Question: Will there be a westbound, left -turn lane into Cove Island? Answer: Yes, there will be. 29. Question: Can the access into Cove Island be improved? Answer: That has not, to date, been looked at. 30. Comment: Has there been any study done by an air quality person because of the density and intensity of this proposed project? Answer: No, a study has not been done and the City probably will not require that a study be done. 31. Comment: The potential half million dollar residential units will draw low intensive, high end retail uses. 5 9. Question: Was this property not zoned T - Transition as a buffer between residential and commercial uses? Answer: No, the T - Transition Zoning District is a "holding zone" for properties that, when annexed into the City, are put into that District until more is known about what type of development wants to occur. Development cannot occur in the T - Transition District. 10. Comment: This project feels like a high intensive, downtown urban project that is out of place in this location. It is way too massive and dense. 11. Comment: The mixed -use proposed here will generate more traffic than 72 multi -family dwelling units that might go here. 12. Comment: We live at the east end of Cove Island and this project will have a dramatic impact, visually, from our home. We will be looking at traffic going in and out of the development. Response: There could be advantages to a well -designed project here versus a large parking lot for multi -family residences. 13. Question: Ballpark wise, what will be the cost of these units? Answer: At a minimum, probably about $250,000. 14. Question: Do you have people already interested in these units? Answer: Yes, we do. These units could be $400,000 and up. Some of the people interested now live in single family homes in the Landings. 15. Question: Are you taking into consideration the large amount of traffic in the area and the associated noise as they impact the residences? Answer: Yes, and to some degree that is part of the chosen lifestyle living here. 16. Comment: An alternative would be to put in 3-story buildings with only office space as the commercial use. No retail would be allowed. 3 3. Question: Could you be more specific about what the small general store will look like? Answer: It will be a small store, maybe with a liquor license, but will not have or sell gas for automobiles. 4. Question: Then it may be like a convenience store? Answer: Yes, something like that. 5. Question: How many vehicles will this development generate on a daily basis? Answer: The peak hours are what matters. In the short term there would be about 1 - 1.5% of what traffic is on East Horsetooth Road now, and about 8 - 10% of what traffic is on Stanford Road now. This mixed -use project will encourage live & work situations here, on the site. 6. Question: What consideration have you given to the Cove Island residents, from a traffic standpoint, on East Horsetooth Road? Answer: There is not much that this development, or any development on this property, can do to make a left turn out of Cove Island any better. 7. Question: Will people be able to make a left turn (eastbound) out of this development onto East Horsetooth Road? Answer: No, that access will be right-in/right-out only. A center median in East Horsetooth Road will assure this. 8. Question: This property is currently zoned T- Transition. Are you asking for LMN - Low Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood?. Answer: No, we are asking for MMN - Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood. 2 Community Planning and Environmental ..-rvices Current Planning City of Fort Collins PROJECT: DATE: APPLICANT: CONSULTANT: NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION MEETING Bella Vista November 14, 2001 Chuck McNeal 8r, Javier Martinez Cityscape Urban Design c/o Eldon Ward CITY PLANNER: Steve Olt_,, The developers are proposing a new mixed -use residential, office, and retail project (Bella Vista) on a property at the northeast corner of East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road. The project could consist of 4 buildings (potentially 5 or 6 stories high) and associated parking. The site is presently a vacant piece of land approximately 3 acres in size. The Aspen Leaf Apartments are adjacent to the north and east of this site. A "vicinity map" identifying and locating the proposed project site is attached. The property is in the T - Transition Zoning District. Development on this site will require a rezoning of the property. ................. QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS, RESPONSES ................. 1. Question: What is the total square footage of commercial uses in the development? Answer: There will be about 22,000 square feet of non-residential uses, about 7,500 square feet of this being retail. 2. Question: What percentage of the overall square footage of the project would the commercial uses represent? Answer: About 16%. 1 281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 • FAX (970) 416-2020 No Text supported by City Plan or the Land Use Code. 10) Project Name. a) The applicants for Bella Vista are not aware of any previous names assigned or any previous development applications made to the City of Fort Collins for this property. An early concept for Bella Vista was presented at a Conceptual Review Meeting on April 3, 2000. 11) Anticipated Development Schedule. a) Construction at Bella Vista is expected to begin in June of 2002. Construction of Buildings A and B should be completed by early or mid-2003; with total site build -out by sometime in 2005. C:\Documents and Settings\solt\Local Settings\Temp\9601obJCdoc b) This site represents an opportunity to create a more complete neighborhood by adding an element of higher -end multi -family residential uses, bolstering the adjacent "Community Commercial" area, and demonstrating the "urban ambience" sought by City Plan. c) Parking should be largely hidden from public view; and resident parking should be covered, safe, and clearly distinguished from guest/patron parking. d) While the development is primarily residential, non-residential uses that may help reduce the number (and/or length) of automobile trips by residents of the site and surrounding area - and uses that foster social gathering - should be included. 7) Applicable LUC Criteria. a) Article 3 criteria — as applicable — are met to the best of the applicant's knowledge. b) MMN District criteria are addressed as follows: i) Purpose. Bella Vista provides concentrated housing within easy walking distance of transit, and a commercial district; proposes supporting land uses that serve the neighborhood; and is configured to create an inviting and convenient living environment. ii) Uses. "Type 1" uses as per the L.U.C. are proposed. iii) Land Use Standards. (1) The density proposed exceeds the minimum code requirement of 12 d.u./ac. (2) The site is less than 16 acres, so there is no requirement for a mix of housing types. (3) Over 90% of the dwellings are within '/4 mile of an existing Community Facility (the Youth Activities Center at Stanford and Monroe). (4) The plan comprises less than 10 acres, but contributes to the overall mix of land use within the surrounding area as described above. iv) Development Standards (1) The block configuration, size, and structure have been pre -determined by existing streets and adjacent development. (2) Over 50% of the block faces consist of building frontage, plazas, and other functional open space. (3) Building Height is governed by L.U.C. Section 3.8.17 (A) (3). (4) No minimum setback from street rights -of -way is required. 8) Conflict Mitigation. a) Proposed buildings are oriented so that windows look away from the adjacent apartment units, and toward mountain and lake views. Adjacent Cove Island Townhome buildings are oriented toward Warren Lake, and away from the Bella Vista site. b) Ground floor non-residential uses are placed in the locations most impacted by traffic. c) Terraced landscape treatment along perimeter streets creates a pedestrian scale environment while providing enhanced privacy for residents. 9) Primary Neighborhood Meeting Issues included: a) Building Height. i) The buildings are decreased in height as the distance from the commercial area increases, and to complement the "stair step" design of the Marriott. ii) Architectural articulation (breaking up facades, roof forms, balconies, first floor patios and plazas) has been increased to provide additional visual relief. b) Land Use Mix. i) The proposed non-residential uses are limited, and are of low intensity. The provision of these uses is clearly consistent with the intent of City Plan. c) Horsetooth Road Access. i) The proposed right-in/right-out access is located to allow the Stanford intersection to function as needed, and to allow continued full movement into the Cove Island townhomes. d) Pedestrian vs. Automobile Orientation. i) The argument that, "All of the surrounding area is totally automobile oriented, and therefore a pedestrian friendly urban environment is therefore inappropriate." Simply cannot be C\Documents and Settings\salt\Local Settings\Temp\9601objt.doc architectural standards...... d) Districts Principles and Policies i) Policy RD-1.4 Landmarks and Views. View corridors to the mountains or other landmarks should be a basic consideration in the arrangement of streets, Neighborhood Commercial Centers and other shared spaces within a Residential District. ii) Principle CCD-1: Community Commercial Districts will be community -wide destinations... offering retail, offices, services, and higher density housing. The physical environment will promote walking, bicycling, transit and ridesharing, as well as provide a high quality urban life for residents. Vertical mixed -use will be encouraged. (1) Bella Vista represents an opportunity to make up for many of the shortcomings of the adjacent Community Commercial area. iii) Policy CCD-1.1 Primary Activity Centers. Community Commercial Districts will be uniquely distinct and identifiable places. These Districts are primary activity centers within the community and should act as important destinations for living, working, and shopping... e) Corridors Principles and Policies i) Policy TC-1.1 Locating Transportation Corridors. Transportation Corridors will include... Horsetooth Road... ii) Policy TC-4.4 Density of Development. A compact land use pattern will guide development of Transportation Corridors by providing densities necessary to support alternative modes of travel, such as walking and bicycling... iii) Policy TC-4.5 Infill and Redevelopment. The City will encourage infill and redevelopment in corridors that complement and support the efficiency of the Transportation Corridor. 3) Site Design Elements. a) Open areas at Bella Vista comprise an intricate system of terraced walkways, urban character plazas, courtyards, formal streetscape treatment, perimeter landscape buffering, and a more passive open area in the easterly portion of the site. b) Access, circulation, and parking are designed according to Code requirements, balanced with direction from City Staff. Full movement access is located at the northerly end of the site frontage on Stanford Road; a right-in/right-out access is provided on Horsetooth Road at a location that allows the needed left turn lanes at Stanford/Landings while allowing the existing full -movement access into the Cove Island Townhomes to remain; An "in only, access to the underground residential parking is provided on Stanford Road across from the existing driveway access serving the Stanford Plaza office building. c) Buildings are designed with respect to the NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER elements listed above. The proposed buildings will provide a visual focus and an improved mix of housing and other uses to help create a more complete neighborhood. 4) Ownership and Maintenance. a) All common areas at Bella Vista are anticipated to be owned and maintained by a property owner" association. b) Dwelling units and non-residential building spaces are anticipated to be held in condominium ownership. 5) Estimated Employment. a) Employment for 40 to 60 persons —a number of who maybe residents of the site —is expected at Bella Vista. 6) Planning Rationale and Assumptions that have shaped the plan for Bella Vista include: a) The basic premise of City Plan —the promotion of quality, urban, infill at higher intensity— is appropriate at this site located at the juncture of one of Fort Collins' key activity centers, with existing surrounding employment and residential uses. C:\Documents and Settings\soft\Local Settings\Temp\9601objt.doc if they are designed to enhance the use of alternatives to single -occupant motor vehicle transportation.... viii) Policy NOL-3.2 Urban Public Space. Small pocket parks, public plazas, and sidewalk gathering places should include "street furniture" such as benches, and be incorporated into urban designs for... Community Commercial Districts, and Residential Districts throughout the City. ix) Policy GM-5.1 Phasing of Development...... Preferential consideration will be given to the extension and augmentation of public services and facilities to accommodate infill and redevelopment... x) Principle GM-8: The City will promote compatible infill development in targeted areas within the Community Growth Management Area Boundary. c) Neighborhoods Principles and Policies achieved by the Bella Vista Plan include: i) Policy MMN-1.3 Non -Residential Uses. Secondary uses can fit this transitional higher - activity location including the following: (1) Offices and clinics (2) Small businesses with low traffic and visibility needs such as service shops, studios, workshops, bed -and -breakfasts, and uses of similar intensity (3) Neighborhood serving retail uses. ii) Principle MMN-2: The layout and design of a medium density Mixed -Use Neighborhood will form a transition and a link between surrounding neighborhoods and the... Community Commercial District. iii) Policy MMN-2.2 Relationships and Transitions at Edges. Non-residential uses and larger buildings of multi -family housing should be encouraged to be near the commercial core... iv) Policy MMN-2.3 Building Orientation. Buildings will face public sidewalks or other public outdoor spaces that connect to streets... Parking lots must not be the primary focus of buildings. Examples of public outdoor spaces include... squares, gardens with walkways, and courtyards. v) Principle MMN-3: A Neighborhood Commercial Center will provide uses to meet consumer demands from surrounding Residential Districts for everyday goods and services, and will be a pedestrian oriented place that serves as a focal point for the surrounding neighborhoods. vi) Policy MMN-3.2 Surrounding Neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Commercial Center should be integrated into the surrounding Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood, contributing to the neighborhoods positive identity and image... vii) Policy MMN-3.3 Urban Design Character. Buildings will be placed to form active commercial street fronts and other connecting pedestrian spaces. The visual dominance of parking should be reduced by ... forming interior -block locations for parking... viii) Policy MMN-3.6 Central Feature or Gathering Place. A Neighborhood Commercial Center will include a comfortable, prominently located plaza or other public gathering place with amenities such as benches, kiosks,..... Other recreation uses could be combined with the public gathering space. ix) Policy EXN-1.4 Infill Development and Redevelopment. Infill/redevelopment policies... will apply to proposals for such activity in designated areas.... For parcels under 20 acres, infill activity will be supported if designed to complement and extend the positive qualities of surrounding development and adjacent buildings... Compatibility with existing elements does not mean uniformity. x) Policy EXN-1.5 Introduction of Neighborhood -Related, Non -Residential Development. New services, conveniences, and/or gathering places will be supported in an existing neighborhood that lacks such facilities, provided they meet performance and C:\Documents and Settings\soft\Local Settings\Temp\9601objt.d0c 2) City Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the plan are outlined and paraphrased below: a) The City Plan Community Vision document emphasizes the need for a compact land use pattern (more intense infill is preferable to low density sprawl), variety in housing, pedestrian friendly plans, "...and the creation of a distinct urban ambience." i) Infill and redevelopment will build on the unique and positive qualities of the neighborhood in dynamic and creative ways. ii) Housing distribution throughout the community should serve every income. i) Community Commercial areas (i.e. the area designated adjacent to Bella Vista) combine moderate density residential, employment, service, retail, and other uses. The environment will be conducive to walking bicycling and other modes; Vertical mixed -use is to be encouraged. Bella Vista represents an opportunity to remedy some of the shortcomings of the designated Community Commercial area adjacent to the site. ii) Community growth will be structured in a compact pattern that facilitates pedestrian, bicycle, and transit travel. iii) The City is to encourage the private sector to help reduce the number (and length) of daily trips made by single -occupant vehicles. Vertical mixed -use and higher density near jobs and services facilitates that goal. iv) Walking is to be a practical and enjoyable means of travel. v) The viability of cycling as a transportation choice is to be enhanced. vi) Housing in many different forms is to be provided in attractive, safe neighborhoods that encourage walking and social interaction. vii) Fort Collins will promote the development of high quality multi -family throughout the community. viii) The community system of open spaces will include urban streetscapes. ix) Preferential consideration is to be given to infill and redevelopment with adequate public utilities and services. b) Community -wide Principles and Policies achieved by the Bella Vista plan include: i) Policy LU-1.1 Compact Urban Form. The desired urban form will be achieved by directing future development to mixed -use neighborhoods... ii) Policy T-5.1 Land Use. The City will promote a mix of land use and activities that will maximize the potential for pedestrian mobility throughout the community. iii) Policy T-7.1 Pedestrian Facilities. The City will encourage the provision of pedestrian scale improvements that fit the context of the area. This is to include attractive improvements which enhance the character and pedestrian scale of the urban environment, and encouraging outdoor cafes and activity areas that contribute to the character and human scale of the sidewalk environment. iv) Policy CAD-1.4 Street Tree Design. Street trees should be used in a formal architectural fashion to reinforce, define and connect the spaces and corridors created by buildings and other features along a street.... v) Policy CAD-2.2 Public Space Design. Mixed -use commercial proposals should incorporate pedestrian circulation, plazas, sitting areas, and the like. vi) Policy HSG-1.1 Land Use Patterns. The City will encourage a variety of housing types and densities, including mixed -use developments, that are well -served by public transportation and close to employment centers, services, and amenities. In particular, the City will promote the siting of higher density housing near public transportation, shopping, and in designated neighborhoods and districts. vii) Policy ENV-1.21 Land Use. The City will support proposals for higher density residential development and mixed land use development in appropriate neighborhoods and districts, C:\Documents and Settings\soft\Local settings\Temp\9601ob)t.doc BELLA VISTA Statement of Plannin_g Objectives November 28, 2001 — Updated April 3, 2003 Bella Vista embodies the basic philosophy of City Plan — that higher quality, pedestrian oriented, higher intensity mixed -use infill development is to be encouraged as a positive alternative to low density, automobile oriented sprawl. 1) Site Description. a) Bella Vista is located on a ±3 acre site at the northeast corner of East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road in Fort Collins. b) The City of Fort Collins Structure Plan indicates this property is a part of a Medium Density Mixed Use Neighborhood Area; and this specific site is located at the confluence of Employment, Community Commercial, and Residential districts. c) The Structure Plan also indicates that Medium Density Mixed Use Neighborhoods should be located next to Community Commercial Districts and along existing or future transit routes, and should have higher densities. The plan further assumes that about 10% of the new housing built in the early 21 st Century will be in the form of infill development, indicating that infill sites will necessarily be developed at a higher level of intensity. d) An important goal of the Structure Plan is, ,...to work towards more complete neighborhoods... so more of our daily needs are met closer to home. This will reduce dependence on driving..... [These] changes [will be] occurring in existing neighborhoods over time, as opportunity allows.,, e) Key NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER elements of the existing area surrounding Bella Vista include: i) A definable pattern of increase in building height, mix of uses, and development intensity centered on the lot including the Marriott Hotel and the Marriott expansion site adjacent to Bella Vista. ii) A mix of sloped and flat roof forms; with generally more flat roofs to the north and west of the site, and more sloped roofs to the south and east. iii) A wide variety of building finish materials including stucco, wood, brick and other masonry. iv) A "stair step" architectural approach to the highest buildings. v) A "saw -tooth" building pattern along the Horsetooth Road frontage adjacent to the corner of Horsetooth and Stanford. vi) A mix of contemporary and more traditional architectural forms. vii)The lack of an identifiable neighborhood center. viii) A generally good variety of housing types, but a lack of "higher -end" multi- family units. ix) The confluence of land uses at the intersection of Horsetooth and Stanford is also located at one of only two signalized four-way intersections between College Avenue and Lemay Avenue. x) While Horsetooth Road features a formal vista of Horsetooth Mountain, no other strong visual landmarks exist as termini for street vistas. The alignment of Stanford Road and Landings Drive create the opportunity for a strong visual landmark at the northeast corner of Horsetooth and Stanford. C:\Documents and Settings\soft\local Settings\Temp\9601objt.doc Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 10 Copies of the questions, concerns, and responses recorded at both neighborhood meetings are attached to this staff report. FINDINGS OF FACT/CONCLUSIONS After reviewing the Bella Vista, PDP, staff makes the following findings of fact and conclusions: 1. The proposed land uses are permitted in the MMN — Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood Zone District of the LUC. 2. The PDP complies with all applicable General Development Standards contained in Article 3 of the LUC. 3. The PDP complies with all applicable Land Use and Development Standards contained in Article 4, Division 4.5 of the LUC. 4. The PDP addresses the allowed "contextual" building height located in Section 3.8.17(A)(3) - Contextual Height of the LUC, which states: "Regardless of the maximum building height limit imposed by the zone district standards of this Land Use Code, applicants shall be allowed to use a "contextual" height limit. The allowed "contextual' height may fall at any point between the zone district maximum height limit and the height of a building that exists on a lot that is adjacent to the subject lot. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring greater minimum heights or lower maximum heights than imposed by the underlying zone district." RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the Bella Vista, Project Development Plan - #45- 01 A. Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 9 4. Article 4 of the Land Use Code - Districts The Bella Vista PDP complies with the applicable Land Use and Development Standards of Division 4.5 - Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood Zoning District. 5. Neighborhood Information Meeting The Bella Vista, PDP contains proposed land uses that are permitted in the MMN — Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood Zoning District subject to an administrative (Type 1) review. The proposed land uses include a total of 81 residential dwelling units in the proposed three buildings on the site and 16,000 square feet of limited non-residential uses on the lower two floors of the building at the intersection of East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road. The non-residential uses may include artisan/photography studios and/or galleries, short-term lodging (such as bed & breakfasts), convenience retail without fuel sales, home occupations, and small food service spaces. The LUC does not require that a neighborhood meeting be held for a Type I development proposal; however, because of the potential neighborhood and community concerns regarding this proposed development, two (2) separate City -facilitated neighborhood meetings were held to discuss this proposal. The meeting dates were November 14, 2001 and November 13, 2002. The primary concerns expressed at both neighborhood meetings were the height and mass of the proposed buildings and the increased traffic, primarily on East Horsetooth Road, associated with this development. Based on the City Traffic Operations Department's evaluation of the Transportation Impact Study it was determined that the amount of increased traffic generated by this proposed development would be insignificant over the traffic currently on the streets in the surrounding area. The surrounding streets and intersections will continue to operate at an acceptable level of service. Also, the applicants have decreased the height of the buildings through 4 rounds of development review. The first round included buildings 4, 5, and 7 stories high (ranging from 56' to 80' in height), with taller sloped roofs. An intermediate round included buildings 5 and 6 stories high (ranging from 65' to 67' in height), with taller sloped roofs. The most recent round of review includes buildings that are 4, 5, and 6 stories high (ranging from 48.5' to 61.6' in height), based on the criteria used to measure building height in feet, as set forth in Section 3.8.17(A)(1) of the LUC). Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 8 at least 10' and no more than 25' behind the street right-of-way of the adjoining street; and, the collector street (Stanford Road), being no more than 15' from the right-of-way of the adjoining street. D. Division 3.8, Supplementary Regulations 1. Section 3.8.17, Building Height The Bella Vista PDP is proposing three buildings that will contain 4, 5, and 6 stories and will range from 48'-6" to 61'-8" in height. Section 4.5(E)(1)(d) of the LUC states that buildings shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) stories. However, Section 3.8.17(A)(3) - Contextual Height states: Regardless of the maximum building height limit imposed by the zone district standards of this Land Use Code, applicants shall be allowed to use a "contextual" height limit. The allowed "contextual" height may fall at any point between the zone district maximum height limit and the height of a building that exists on a lot that is adjacent to the subject lot. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring greater minimum heights or lower maximum heights than imposed by the underlying zone district. The Current Planning Director has issued Administrative Interpretations #2-02 (dated April 12, 2002) and #4-02 (dated June 14, 2002) regarding the application of Section 3.8.17(A)(3) to the Bella Vista project. Copies of the interpretations are attached to this staff report. City staff has determined that the proposal addresses and satisfies the requirements located in this section of the LUC. There are 2-story, 3-story, and 6-story buildings in the surrounding area, ranging from approximately 30'-0" to 60'-6" (the Marriott Hotel) in height. One office building just west of Stanford Road is 3 stories and about 40' in height. The Bella Vista buildings will fall into the established range of height of existing taller buildings in the area, being 40"-0" to 60'-6". The building footprints and masses will not create a dramatic change from that of the existing buildings on surrounding properties. Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 7 3. Privacy. The buildings in the Bella Vista project are located where they will not have an adverse impact to privacy on the existing residential or business and office buildings in the surrounding. The buildings are separated from surrounding land uses by arterial and collector streets to the west and south, and by distances of 160' to 250', with parking lots in these areas, to the Aspen Leaf apartments to the north and east. 4. Neighborhood Scale. A building greater than 40' in height should be located in either of two areas: in the downtown area or in an established or developing activity center. An activity center is defined as a neighborhood, community, or regional shopping center, or an employment center with over 300 employees. These building will be located on a site that is on the east edge of the South College Avenue business and commercial corridor and will provide transition to the existing multi -family and single family neighborhoods to the south and east. Staff has determined that the additional 8' to 22' of building height over 40' will not create adverse impacts on the surrounding area and is in character with the overall intent of the LUC regarding infill development in transition areas, such as a mixed -use project at the intersection of arterial and collector streets. 2. Section 3.5.3, Mixed Use, Institutional and Commercial Buildings The Bella Vista PDP is a mixed -use, residential and non-residential (in the form of limited, low intensive, commercial and personal service uses) project that is subject to the requirements set forth in Sections 3.5.3(B)(1) Orientation to a Connecting Walkway and 3.5.3(B)(2) Orientation to Build -to Lines for Streetfront Buildings. The proposal satisfies the relationship of buildings to streets, walkways and parking standards as set forth in this section. The buildings all have one or more entrances facing and opening onto public sidewalks or connecting walkways without having to cross driveways or drive aisles. The buildings meet the "build -to" line standards on both the arterial street (East Horsetooth Road), being Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 6 This requires a Building Height Review, as set forth in Section 3.5.1(G), which states that: All buildings or structures in excess of 40' in height shall be subject to special review pursuant to this subsection (G). The applicant has submitted a Shadow Analysis Plan based on Section 3.5.1(G) Building Height Review in the LUC. A copy of the shadow analysis is attached to this staff memo. Staff has evaluated the criteria for a special review of buildings in excess of 40' in height: 1. Views. The taller buildings should not substantially alter the opportunity and quality of desirable views within the area. The desirable views in this area are of the foothills to the west, with Horsetooth Rock and Long's Peak being the most recognizable features. Because of the significant earthen berm and dense mature landscaping in front of the Cove Island homes on the south side of East Horsetooth Road, views for only 2 or 3 homes will be adversely affected by the new 4 to 6 story high buildings in the Bella Vista project. Views from several dwelling units in two of the buildings in the Aspen Leaf Apartments will be affected. However, because the new buildings in the Bella Vista project will be on ground at a lower elevation than those in the apartment complex, and because of the separation distance between buildings in the two projects (160' to 250'), and because of the existing large mature trees in the area, interruption of the views will be minimal. 2. Light and Shadow. The taller buildings will cast shadows on small portions of adjacent properties but the shadows will not preclude the functional use of solar energy and will not shade buildings, windows, or gardens on the adjacent properties. The impact of contributing to the accumulation of snow and ice on adjacent properties during the winter months is minimal. Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 5 d. The proposal does not provide landscaping coverage in the upper parking garage deck over the underground parking garage, as required in Section 3.2.2(M)(1). However, the Current Planning Director issued Administrative Interpretation #3-02 (dated June 12, 2002) regarding this section, with the conclusion that parking spaces on top of the upper parking garage deck of the Bella Vista PDP would be considered part of a "parking garage", in that they are located on top of a "building" as defined under the LUC. Therefore, the Landscaping Coverage standards of Section 3.2.2(M)(1) do not apply. This interpretation is consistent with the City's actions on other recently approved public and private parking garages where interior landscaping was not required. B. Division 3.3, Engineering Standards 1. Section 3.3.1, Plat Standards The proposal complies with the general plat requirements as set forth in this section. 2. Section 3.3.5, Engineering Design Standards The proposal complies with the design standards, requirements, and specifications for the services as set forth in this section. C. Division 3.5, Building Standards 1. Section 3.5.1, Building and Project Compatibility The proposal satisfies the architectural, building scale and mass, building materials, and building colors standards as set forth in this section. The building footprints will be comparable to those of the existing buildings in the Aspen leaf Apartments. All three buildings will contain a mix of sandstone veneer, stucco, and concrete tile roofs. All of these materials are similar to and compatible with materials used on existing buildings in the surrounding area. The proposed colors will be consistent with the colors present in the surrounding residential and business & commercial neighborhoods. Buildings A, B, and C will range in heights from 48'-6" to 61'-8" at the top of the parapet walls at the top of the roofs of the buildings. Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 4 1. Section 3.2.1, Landscaping and Tree Protection a. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(2)(a) in that canopy shade (street) trees are provided at a 25' to 40' spacing in the parkway along East Horsetooth Road and at a 40' spacing in the parkway along Stanford Road. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(D)(3) in that no one species of the proposed 95 new trees on the development plan exceeds 15% of the total trees on -site. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.1(E)(4)(b) in that the on - site parking areas (both the underground parking garage and the parking area above the garage) will be screened from East Horsetooth Road to the south and Stanford Road to the west by the buildings. The parking area above the underground parking garage will be screened from the Aspen Leaf apartments to the north with walls and deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. 2. Section 3.2.2, Access, Circulation and Parking a. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(4)(a) in that it provides secure and conveniently located bicycle parking in the amount of 8% of the total number of automobile parking spaces on -site, satisfying the minimum requirement of 5%. b. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(C)(5) in that it provides direct, safe, and continuous walkways and bicycle connections to major pedestrian and bicycle destinations in the surrounding area. There will be direct sidewalk connections from all three buildings to East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road. c. The proposal complies with Section 3.2.2(D) in that it provides for safe, convenient, and efficient bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular movement to and through the site. Vehicular access will occur via new curb cuts from East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road to the underground parking garage and the parking area above the garage. Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 3 The property has not been platted (or planned) to date. 2. Division 4.5 of the Land Use Code, Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood Zone District Multi -family dwellings, mixed -use dwellings, bed and breakfast establishments, convenience retail stores without fuel sales, artisan and photography studios and galleries, and small food service uses contained within convenience retail are permitted in the MMN — Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood Zoning District, subject to administrative review. The purpose of the MMN District is: Intended to be a setting for concentrated housing within easy walking distance of transit and a commercial district. Secondarily, a neighborhood may also contain other moderate -intensity complementary and supporting land uses that serve the neighborhood. These neighborhoods will form a transition and a link between surrounding neighborhoods and the commercial core with a unifying pattern of streets and blocks. Buildings, streets, bike and walking paths, open space and parks will be configured to create an inviting and convenient living environment. This proposal complies with the purpose of the MMN District as it is a mixed -use development, containing 81 residential dwelling units and 16,000 square feet of limited, low intensive, non-residential uses on a 3 acre site. It would provide transition from single family, medium density single family and multi -family, and high density multi -family residential to business uses and the commercial corridor along South College Avenue. The site is at the northeast corner of East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road, which are existing arterial and collector streets. The buildings are placed to provide convenient pedestrian access and connectivity to the adjacent public sidewalk system and surrounding land uses. 3. Article 3 of the Land Use Code — General Development Standards The Project Development Plan complies with all applicable General Development Standards as follows: A. Division 3.2, Site Planning and Design Standards Bella Vista - Project Development Plan, #45-01A April 10, 2003 Administrative Hearing Page 2 standards located in Division 3.2 - Site Planning and Design Standards, Division 3.3 — Engineering Standards, and Division 3.5 - Building Standards of ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; and " the allowed "contextual" building height located in Section 3.8.17(A)(3) - Contextual Height of the LUC, which states: "Regardless of the maximum building height limit imposed by the zone district standards of this Land Use Code, applicants shall be allowed to use a "contextual" height limit. The allowed "contextual" height may fall at any point between the zone district maximum height limit and the height of a building that exists on a lot that is adjacent to the subject lot. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring greater minimum heights or lower maximum heights than imposed by the underlying zone district." the proposed uses of multi -family dwellings, mixed -use dwellings, bed and breakfast establishments, convenience retail stores without fuel sales, artisan and photography studios and galleries, and small food service uses contained within convenience retail are permitted in Division 4.5 Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood District (MMN) of ARTICLE 4 — DISTRICTS, subject to an administrative review. COMMENTS: Background The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows: N: MMN; Existing multi -family residential (Aspen Leaf Apartments) S. MMN; Existing residential (Cove Island) E: MMN; Existing multi -family residential (Aspen Leaf Apartments) W: C; Existing business, commercial, office uses (South College Avenue Corridor) The property was annexed as part of the Brune Annexation in March, 1977. It was zoned T — Transition. The property was rezoned from T - Transition to MMN - Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood in March, 2002. ITEM NO. MEETING DATE 4 i 0 6-3 _r 6iA rSTAFF Gf�f E+Et� C`iLT Citv of Fort Collins HEARING OFFICER STAFF REPORT PROJECT: Bella Vista, Project Development Plan (PDP) - #45-01 A APPLICANT: Stanford Development, LLC c/o Cityscape Urban Design, Inc. 3555 Stanford Road, Suite 105 Fort Collins, CO. 80525 OWNER: Stanford Development, LLC 419 Canyon Avenue Fort Collins, CO. 80521 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for a mixed -use (residential and commercial) project on 3.0 acres located at the northeast corner of East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road. There would be a total of 81 residential dwelling units in the proposed three buildings on the site and 16,000 square feet of limited non-residential uses on the lower two floors of the building at the intersection of East Horsetooth Road and Stanford Road. The non-residential uses may include artisan/photography studios and/or galleries, short-term lodging (such as bed & breakfasts), convenience retail without fuel sales, home occupations, and small food service spaces. The property is in the MMN — Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood Zoning District. RECOMMENDATION: Approval EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This PDP complies with the following applicable requirements of the Land Use Code L( UC), more specifically: the process located in Division 2.2 - Common Development Review Procedures for Development Applications of ARTICLE 2 - ADMINISTRATION; COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. PO. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 (970) 221-6750 PLANNING DEPARTMENT 20. What are the homeowners responsibilities? Are there covenants? [I don't know about a condo HOA.] 21. We'd like to see a restriction of lighting off the balconies. [The City does not allow anyone to exceed 10 foot-candles. The City can enforce lighting levels.] 22. It seems it would be appropriate to put this in covenants. [We will, and we also want you to know that the City will aid in this.] 23. What is the access to the businesses? [There is pedestrian access, as well as car entrances, off of Stanford Road and East Horsetooth Road.] 24. We live on Spindrift Court and making lefts out of our development is dangerous. Are they going to do something to make it easier for us to get out? This development is only going to compound problems on Horsetooth Road. [160 cars from this development is less than 1 % of the current peak hour traffic on East Horsetooth Road. The impact will be minimal.] 25. What is the City's argument on not putting a raised median in Horsetooth Road? [City: The City's Traffic Engineer has concerns about the creation of raised medians for short distances, such as "token medians".] 26. Why not a barrier for the median that can also serve as a protective pocket for turns onto westbound Horsetooth? [City: We will check with Traffic Engineering.] 27. What is the setback of the building from the street? [There are comers of Buildings A & B that are as close as 12 feet from street right-of-way, and as far away as 46 to 57 feet. The buildings are at oblique angles, not parallel, to the streets.] 28. What is the value of these units to pay close to a million? [Typical is 1600 to 2000 sq ft. Don't have final sales costs.] 29. These kinds of buildings are proposed for downtown. Where is it? (City: The Steele's Market downtown site is 166 dwelling units, 8 to 10 stories in height. It is delayed at the applicant's requests.] 30. What is the maximum stories in height allowed? [City: The maximum stories in the MMN District is 3. However, there are ways to determine the height proposed per Code and it is still being evaluated.] 17. Comment: The properties surrounding the mall were not designed to b pedestrian -oriented uses. This proposed project is a bad fit here. It fits in downtown Fort Collins. 18. Question: Can the buildings be stair -stepped back or moved back from the street? Answer: Stair -stepping is a possibility; however, the City Code regulates how far from the street a building can be placed. 19. Question: Could the proposed food service use include something like a Taco Bell Express? Answer: No, that would not be permitted and we will certainly exclude this type of use. 20. Question: As an interested party I think this concept is good. Why could you not have 1,100 - 1,200 square foot residential units? Answer: The larger, more expensive units will help pay for the site amenities, such as the underground parking. 21. Question: Have you looked at reducing the number of residential units and eliminating the underground parking garage? Answer: No, not really. That is not the product type that the developers want to do. 22. Question: Have you looked at reducing the heights of the buildings? Answer: We think that the varied heights and stair -stepped design of the buildings provides a better project, visually. 23. Question: Will the proposed widening of East Horsetooth Road be to the north, thereby not affecting our properties on the south side? Answer: Yes, that is the case. 4