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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLINDEN STREET PARKING LOT (FORMERLY JEFFERSON STREET PARKING LOT) - PDP - PDP150001 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - LUC REQUIREMENTSland planning  landscape architecture  urban design  entitlement Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com January 7, 2015 Linden Street Parking Lot Project Development Plan (PDP) is supported by the following Principles and Policies found in City Plan Fort Collins Adopted February 15, 2011 ECONOMIC HEALTH Principle EH 1: The City will pursue development of a vibrant and resilient economy that reflects the values of our unique community in a changing world. Policy EH 1.1 – Support Job Creation Support the enhancement of the community’s economic base and job creation by focusing on retention, expansion, incubation, and recruitment efforts that bring jobs and import income or dollars to the community, particularly businesses in the adopted Target Industry Clusters. The entire parking lot will be 47 spaces (33 were added to the existing 14 space Rodizio lot). These spaces will serve several developing businesses in the immediate area, supporting job creation. In addition, this will free up 33 additional spaces on the surrounding streets and parking areas, helping to reduce parking pressure and making it easier for employees and customers to find parking and visit the area. There will also be bike parking that encourages alternative transportation to the area. Policy EH 1.2 – Maximize Retail Sales Tax Revenue Support the retention and recruitment of retailers or development projects that have a high potential impact on sales tax generation, specifically focused on increasing retail sales inflow and reducing retail sales leakage. Support programs that encourage residents to spend dollars locally, such as Shop Fort Collins First and others. The parking lot will not only add 33 spaces for several developing businesses, it will free up 33 spaces on the surrounding streets and parking areas, helping to reduce parking pressure and making it easier for employees and customers to find parking and visit the area. This should result in more sales tax revenue. Policy EH 1.3 – Prioritize Essential Infrastructure/Capital Facilities Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 2 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com Prioritize investment in infrastructure that supports economic health activities within the constraints of City financial resources and that satisfies the triple bottom line objectives of the community. The parking lot supports economic health by providing for parking of several developing projects. Principle EH 2: The City will support the growth of the innovation economy to set the stage for business development, job creation, and a thriving entrepreneurial environment. Policy EH 2.1 – Support Targeted Industry Clusters Actively support job creation within the five adopted Targeted Industry Clusters, including Clean Energy, Water Innovation, Bioscience, Technology, and Uniquely Fort Collins. Periodically re-evaluate the adopted Targeted Industry Clusters for relevance, success, and contribution to economic health and adjust as needed. Several uniquely Fort Collins projects by Blue Ocean Enterprises are in planning stages and will utilize the parking lot. Principle EH 3: The City will support local, unique, and creative businesses. Policy EH 3.3 – Support Local and Creative Entrepreneurship Identify local entrepreneurs and creative enterprises and work to both incubate new businesses, and strengthen the existing businesses. This will result in the creation of jobs, improved cultural awareness, and growth in the creative economy. The entire parking lot will add 33 spaces for several developing businesses in the immediate area. Principle EH 4: The City will encourage the redevelopment of strategic areas within the community as defined in the Community and Neighborhood Livability and Neighborhood Principles and Policies. Policy EH 4.1 –Prioritize Targeted Redevelopment Areas Create and utilize strategies and plans, as described in the Community and Neighborhood Livability and Neighborhood chapter’s Infill and Redevelopment section, to support redevelopment areas and prevent areas from becoming blighted. The Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas (depicted on Figure LIV 1 in the Community and Neighborhood Livability chapter) shall be a priority for future development, capital investment, and public incentives. The project is located in the City’s ‘Targeted Activity Center’ as shown on the ‘Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas’ map. The parking lot will be utilized to support the growth of several unique development projects that will enhance the area. Principle ENV 8: Continually improve Fort Collins’ air quality. Policy ENV 8.3 – Employ a Citywide Approach Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 3 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com Focus on improving air pollution by reducing total citywide emissions over the long-term and assuring that localized air pollution exposures conform to adopted health standards. 16 bike parking spaces are being provided, encouraging alternative transportation and reducing air pollution. Policy ENV 8.6 – Prevent Pollution Promote prevention of air pollution at its source as the highest priority approach in reducing air pollution emissions. 16 bike parking spaces are being provided, encouraging alternative transportation and reducing air pollution. Principle ENV 9: The City will reduce total mobile source emissions by focusing on both technology (e.g., tailpipe emissions) and behavior (e.g., driving patterns). Policy ENV 9.1 – Promote Alternative and Efficient Transportation Fuels and Vehicles Promote alternative and efficient transportation fuels and vehicles that improve air quality. Invest in infrastructure throughout the City to support alternative fuel vehicles and promote the use of such vehicles through education and incentives. (Also see the Transportation chapter’s Increase Awareness section for information about reducing mobile source emissions by focusing on behavior.) 16 bike parking spaces are being provided, encouraging alternative transportation and reducing air pollution. Principle ENV 19: The City will pursue opportunities to protect and restore the natural function of the community’s urban watersheds and streams as a key component of minimizing flood risk, reducing urban runoff pollution, and improving the ecological health of urban streams. Policy ENV 19.1 – Employ a Watershed Approach to Stormwater Management Design stormwater systems to minimize the introduction of human caused pollutants. Pursue educational programs and demonstration projects to enhance public understanding of pollution prevention efforts. Design tributary systems for water quality control with appropriate use of buffer areas, grass swales, detention ponds, etc. Include receiving water habitat restoration and protection in stormwater master plans in conjunction with habitat mapping efforts. Permeable pavers will be provided on a portion of the parking lot, helping to provide water quality for the urban watershed. Policy ENV 19.2 – Pursue Low Impact Development Pursue and implement Low Impact Development (LID) as an effective approach to address stormwater quality and impacts to streams by urbanization. Low Impact Development is a comprehensive land planning and engineering design approach with a goal of minimizing the impact of development on urban watersheds through the use of various techniques aimed at mimicking predevelopment hydrology. Permeable pavers will be provided on a portion of the parking lot, helping to provide water quality for the urban watershed. Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 4 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com Principle ENV 20: The City will develop an integrated stormwater management program that addresses the impacts of urbanization on the City’s urban watershed. As part of that program, the City will implement requirements and strategies for multi-functional stormwater facilities that support density goals for development and redevelopment at a sub-watershed level. Policy ENV 20.2 – Follow Design Criteria for Stormwater Facilities Utilize stormwater facility design criteria that follow national Best Management Practices (BMPs). This criteria is being used. COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY Principle LIV 5: The City will promote redevelopment and infill in areas identified on the Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas Map. Policy LIV 5.1 – Encourage Targeted Redevelopment and Infill Encourage redevelopment and infill in Activity Centers and Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas identified on the Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas Map The purpose of these areas is to: Promote the revitalization of existing, underutilized commercial and industrial areas. Concentrate higher density housing and mixed-use development in locations that are currently or will be served by high frequency transit in the future and that can support higher levels of activity. Channel development where it will be beneficial and can best improve access to jobs, housing, and services with fewer and shorter auto trips. Promote reinvestment in areas where infrastructure already exists. Increase economic activity in the area to benefit existing residents and businesses and, where necessary, provide the stimulus to redevelop. The project is located in the City’s ‘Targeted Activity Center’ as shown on the ‘Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas’ map. The parking lot will be utilized to support the growth of several unique development projects that will enhance and revitalize the area. Policy LIV 5.2 – Target Public Investment along the Community Spine Together, many of the Targeted Redevelopment Areas and Activity Centers form the “community spine” of the city along College Avenue and the Mason Corridor. The “community spine” shall be considered the highest priority area for public investment in streetscape and urban design improvements and other infrastructure upgrades to support infill and redevelopment and to promote the corridor’s transition to a series of transit-supportive, mixeduse activity centers over time. Established residential neighborhoods adjacent to College Avenue and the Mason Corridor will be served by improvements to the “community spine” over time, but are not intended to be targeted for infill or redevelopment. The project is located in the City’s ‘Targeted Activity Center’ as shown on the ‘Targeted Infill and Redevelopment Areas’ map, and is part of the “community spine”. The parking lot will be utilized to support the growth of several unique development projects that will enhance the area. Policy LIV 5.4 – Contribute to Public Amenities Explore options for private development to help contribute to the additional public amenities needed in areas where infill and redevelopment occurs. Public amenities will be key to transforming outdated areas Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 5 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com into distinct places with identifiable character and more marketable frontage that promotes redevelopment. Needed amenities usually include pedestrian improvements like streetscapes, plazas, special walkways, and lighting; access improvements like new secondary streets; and landscaping and signage for identity and wayfinding. Options for helping developers with these amenities include tax increment financing, improvement districts, and context-sensitive design and engineering standards for streets and development. The parking lot will provide a substantial landscape setback along Jefferson Street and Linden Street. Attractive landscape and several seat/screen walls will enhance the streetscape in what is currently a sparse lawn. Principle LIV 10: The city’s streetscapes will be designed with consideration to the visual character and the experience of users and adjacent properties. Together, the layout of the street network and the streets themselves will contribute to the character, form, and scale of the city. Policy LIV 10.1 – Design Safe, Functional, and Visually Appealing Streets Ensure all new public streets are designed in accordance with the City street standards and design all new streets to be functional, safe, and visually appealing, with flexibility to serve the context and purpose of the street corridor. Provide a layout that is simple, interconnected, and direct, avoiding circuitous routes. Include elements such as shade trees, landscaped medians and parkways, public art, lighting, and other amenities in the streetscape. Approve alternative street designs where they are needed to accommodate unique situations, such as “green” stormwater functions, important landscape features, or distinctive characteristics of a neighborhood or district, provided that they meet necessary safety, accessibility, and maintenance requirements. Attractive landscape and several seat/screen walls will enhance the streetscape in what is currently a sparse lawn. The low walls are proposed to be brick with a sandstone cap which will relate to the walls in front of the adjacent property to the North (Rodizio Grill). The seatwalls will provide several places for pedestrians to sit and rest. Policy LIV 10.2 – Incorporate Street Trees Utilize street trees to reinforce, define and connect the spaces and corridors created by buildings and other features along a street. Preserve existing trees to the maximum extent feasible. Use canopy shade trees for the majority of tree plantings, including a mixture of tree types, arranged to establish urban tree canopy cover. Existing street trees will remain, and several other mature trees on-site will remain. Additional trees within the site will also be planted. Policy LIV 10.3 – Tailor Street Lighting Tailor lighting fixture design and illumination to match the context of the street. Design lighting to achieve the desired illumination level and preserve “dark sky” views at night time, avoiding sharp contrasts between bright spots and shadows, spillover glare, and emphasis of the light source. Explore options for the types of fixtures available for use within any street condition to enhance the street environment by establishing a consistent style with height, design, color, and finishes. Design residential street light fixtures for human, pedestrian scale, while providing an adequate level of illumination for safety. Where higher pedestrian activity occurs, such as that associated with neighborhood or community centers, districts, or transit stops, consider a combination of lighting options – such as exists in the Downtown – with high mount fixtures for broad distribution of light within the street and smaller pedestrian-oriented fixtures along the sidewalk corridors. Pole lights will be added in the parking lot and direct cutoff fixtures will be used. Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 6 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com Principle LIV12: Security and crime prevention will be important factors in urban design. Policy LIV 12.2 – Utilize Security Lighting and Landscaping Provide security lighting at low, even levels to create comfortable area-wide visibility and pedestrian security, not highly contrasting bright spots and shadows. Design landscaping to avoid hidden areas, particularly where such areas may be used at night, such as near building approaches and entrances, transit stops and stations. Parking lot lighting will be designed to give a relatively uniform level of light and avoid dark spots. Principle LIV 14: Require quality and ecologically sound landscape design practices for all public and private development projects throughout the community. Policy LIV 14.1 – Encourage Unique Landscape Features In addition to protecting existing natural features, encourage integration of unique landscape features into the design and architecture of development and capital projects. These unique features may range from informal and naturalized to highly structured and maintained features. Some examples include tree groves within a project, stormwater facilities that become naturalized over time, walls with vines, drainageway enhancements, and other small, uniquely landscaped spaces. A landscape buffer from the parking lot is being proposed and will feature attractive plants and low seatwalls. Policy LIV 14.2 – Promote Functional Landscape Incorporate practical solutions to ensure a landscape design is functional in providing such elements as natural setting, visual appeal, shade, foundation edge to buildings, screening, edible landscapes, buffers, safety, and enhancement of built environment. Consider and address practical details such as sight distance requirements and long-term maintenance in landscape design. A landscape buffer from the parking lot is being proposed and will feature attractive plants and low seatwalls. Policy LIV 14.3 – Design Low Maintenance Landscapes Design new landscaping projects based on maintainability over the life cycle of the project using proper soil amendment and ground preparation practices, as well as the appropriate use of hardscape elements, trees, mulches, turf grass, other plant materials, and irrigation systems. Low maintenance practices can be achieved in both turf and non-turf planting areas, provided these areas are designed and installed to minimize weeds, erosion and repairs. Landscape will consist of many low-water plants over weed barrier that will be drip irrigated. Principle LIV 30: Commercial Districts will be designed to accommodate all modes of travel – pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and motor vehicle – in a compact setting. Policy LIV 30.1 – Provide a Balanced Circulation System Seek to create a balanced circulation system in Commercial Districts that supports pedestrian, bicycle, and transit, as well as motor vehicle use. (Also see the Transportation chapter.) Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 7 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com 16 bike parking spaces are being provided along with 47 vehicular parking spaces. Policy LIV 30.4 – Reduce Visual Impacts of Parking Reduce the visual impacts of parking lots from primary pedestrian streets, plazas, and public spaces and promote a more pedestrian-friendly environment by: Locating lots behind buildings, in side yards, or in the interior of blocks. Softening and screening their visual impacts with a perimeter landscape buffer. Breaking large lots into smaller blocks of parking separated by landscaped islands. Allowing appropriate small businesses (e.g., carts, kiosks) to foster human activity. All parking must provide for visibility, personal safety, and security. A landscape buffer from the parking lot is being proposed and will feature attractive plants and low seatwalls. Policy LIV 31.4 – Design for Pedestrian Activity Design streets, buildings, and public spaces within Commercial Districts to be functional, and attractive, and enhance pedestrian activity: Establish an attractive, safe, and pedestrian-oriented street network that includes street trees incorporated into the sidewalk design, street furniture, pedestrian scale lighting, and mid-block planting areas for enhanced pedestrian crossings. Include generous shade tree planting and walkways that directly connect origins and destinations in parking lots. Incorporate a hierarchy of signage to reinforce the unique identity and character of each district. The streetscape along Jefferson Street is being enhanced with attractive landscaping and brick seatwalls for sitting and relaxing. Existing street trees and several on-site trees are being preserved, while several new trees will be added. Principle LIV 32: The Downtown will serve as a focal point and primary destination and activity center for the community, with the design of buildings, streets, parking areas, and public spaces reinforcing the area’s unique and distinctive character. Policy LIV 32.5– Maintain Visual Character Maintain and reinforce the visual distinctiveness of Downtown and its component sub-districts. With new buildings and public spaces, respect and be sensitive to the design integrity by enhancing visual continuity and sense of place through the use of building materials and design features sensitive to the character of Downtown and by reflecting excellence and high quality in their design. Attractive landscape and several brick seat/screen walls will enhance the streetscape. The low walls are proposed to be brick with a sandstone cap which will relate to the walls in front of the adjacent property to the North (Rodizio Grill). Policy LIV 32.8 – Design for Safety Provide a sense of security and safety for users through the design of buildings, parking areas, and streets. Add to a secure 24-hour Downtown environment for employees, students, and visitors by collectively addressing adequate lighting, visibility, and location of public facilities. In addition to an existing street light, several parking lot lights will be provided to encourage a safe environment at night. Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 8 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com Policy LIV 32.9– Design to Enhance Activity Design streets and public spaces Downtown to be attractive, accessible, functional, and designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle activity: a. Use public art, landscaping, wayfinding signage, and other street features to create a comfortable and pleasant environment for the pedestrian while also providing continuous and clearly-expressed pedestrian circulation linkages to interconnect the Downtown District with surrounding neighborhoods and districts. b. Ensure that city streets and gathering spaces will link and provide connections between Old Town, the Civic Center, surrounding neighborhoods, and the Poudre River. The streetscape along Jefferson Street is being enhanced with attractive landscaping and brick seatwalls for sitting and relaxing. Existing street trees and several on-site trees are being preserved, while several new trees will be added. Principle LIV 43: Enhanced Travel Corridors will be strategic and specialized Transportation Corridors that contain amenities and designs that specifically promote walking, the use of mass transit, and bicycling. Enhanced Travel Corridors will provide high frequency/ high efficiency travel opportunities for all modes linking major activity centers and districts in the city. Policy LIV 43.3 – Support Transit-Supportive Development Patterns Support the incorporation of higher intensity, transit supportive development along Enhanced Travel Corridors through infill and redevelopment. Encourage the densities and broader mix of uses necessary to support walking, bicycling, and transit use while accommodating efficient automobile use. The lot will provide parking for 47 vehicles (33 were added to the existing 14) and 16 bikes. SAFETY AND WELLNESS Principle SW 1: The City will foster a safe community. Policy SW 1.5 - Maintain Public Safety through Design Provide a sense of security and safety within buildings,parking areas, walkways, alleys, bike lanes, public spaces, and streets through environmental design considerations, such as adequate lighting, visibility, maintained landscaping, and location of facilities. (Also see the Community and Neighborhood Livability chapter’s Community Appearance and Design section). Parking lot lighting will be designed to give a relatively uniform level of light and avoid dark spots. TRANSPORTATION Principle T 2: Investments in Enhanced Travel Corridors and within Activity Centers will encourage infill and redevelopment. Policy T 2.2 – Districts and Activity Centers Provide a wide array of transportation facilities and services to support development and functioning of Linden Street Parking Lot City Plan – Principles and Policies Page 9 of 9 Thinking outside of the box for over two decades. 401 W. Mountain Ave., Suite 100  Fort Collins, CO 80521  tel. 970.224.5828  fax 970.224.1662  www.ripleydesigninc.com activity centers and districts. The entire parking lot will be 47 spaces (33 were added to the existing 14 space Rodizio lot). These spaces will serve several developing businesses in the immediate area, supporting job creation. In addition, this will free up 33 additional spaces on the surrounding streets and parking areas, helping to reduce parking pressure and making it easier for employees and customers to find parking and visit the area. There will also be bike parking that encourages alternative transportation to the area. Principle T 3: Land use planning decisions, management strategies, and incentives will support and be coordinated with the City's transportation vision. Policy T 3.2 – Bicycle Facilities Encourage bicycling for transportation through an urban development pattern that places major activity centers and neighborhood destinations within a comfortable bicycling distance. 16 bike parking spaces are provided. Principle T 8: Transportation that provides opportunities for residents to lead healthy and active lifestyles will be promoted. Policy T 8.1 – Support Active Transportation Support physically active transportation (e.g., bicycling, walking, wheelchairs, etc.) by continuing bike and pedestrian safety education and encouragement programs, providing law enforcement, and maintaining bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, lighting, and facilities for easy and safe use. 16 bike parking spaces are provided. Principle T11: Bicycling will be a safe, easy, and convenient mobility option for all ages and abilities. 16 bike parking spaces are provided in a safe and easy location within the site. Principle T 12: The pedestrian network will provide a safe, easy, and convenient mobility option for all ages and abilities. Policy T 12.1 – Connections Direct pedestrian connections will be provided from places of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work, and public facilities. The walk along Jefferson Street will be enhanced with attractive landscape and seatwalls, encouraging pedestrian traffic through the site and to the adjacent uses. Policy T 12.5 – Safe and Secure Develop safe and secure pedestrian settings by developing and maintaining a well-lit, inhabited pedestrian network and by mitigating the impacts of vehicles. Connections will be clearly visible and accessible, incorporating markings, signage, lighting, and paving materials. In addition to an existing streetlight, several pole lights will be incorporated into the parking lot.