HomeMy WebLinkAboutUNCOMMON (310 S. COLLEGE) - PDP - PDP150013 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTS (13)From: Carole"s Gmail
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: 6-story apartment building
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 11:00:24 AM
Dear Mr. Lorson,
I am shocked that the city planners are thinking of allowing a 6-story apartment building to be built in
the former Perkins spot.
Please, please prevent 5-6 story buildings from being built along College Ave. in or near downtown Fort
Collins. Traffic is becoming like Boulder's. I moved here because I found Boulder's traffic and the big
city feel objectionable. Now, Fort Collins is approaching that picture.
Large apartments filled with students will do nothing to enhance the quality of life in the downtown
area. All I can imagine is more bars, more drunk students, and less business diversity in the area. No
matter what the builders say, parking will be a bigger nightmare than it already is. You know this. In
addition, the streets will be blocked from our greatly touted sunshine. Where is the positive?
I realize one cannot forbid this type of construction; however, it certainly can be limited in height.
Please do so. Bigger is not always better.
Sincerely,
Carole Gano
Sent from my iPad
1
2
From: Don Genson
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: Comments 310 S. College Avenue
Date: Monday, June 22, 2015 1:56:33 PM
June 22, 2015
Seth Lorson, AICP
City Planner
City of Fort Collins
RE: 310 S. College Ave Development Proposal
Please consider these to be the formal comments of First Presbyterian Church regarding the above
proposal. Our primary concern centers on the limited amount of parking spaces required for this
proposal. It seems to me that the same accommodations on required parking spots made for Max
Flats (and opposed in FPC comments) have been awarded to this project. With 270 bedrooms, and
first floor retail space, the 236 parking spaces will not be adequate for the regular operation of this
development.
The result of the city failing to require an appropriate number of parking spaces has been obvious
and news worthy this past year. Specific to our concerns, Max Flats has generated both retail
customers and tenants parking in our lot even though it fully posted. This is in spite of Brinkman
efforts on our behalf. 310 S. College will make this problem even worse for First Presbyterian
Church and we can only hope the City of Fort Collins has required the full complement of parking
spaces not some reduced number.
The parking issues are already difficult by any measure in this part of the City and yet another
development project that adds to that difficulty calls into the question the role of Planning in this
process.
Thank you for the opportunity to make these comments and I look forward to the City’s reply.
Respectfully,
Donald W. Genson
Business Administrator
FPC, Fort Collins
3
1
Seth Lorson
To: Sarah Burnett; 'Thomas H. Smith'
Subject: RE: Proposed student housing project on College Avenue in Old Town
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Thomas H. Smith [mailto:farqsmith@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2015 12:14 PM
To: Sarah Burnett
Subject: Proposed student housing project on College Avenue in Old Town
Ms. Burnett,
I react with disbelief at the proposal to build another student housing project on College Avenue. The eyesore that is
already constructed near Prospect and College and the problems inherent in that enterprise should give us all pause to
consider what another project of this sort would mean for downtown Fort Collins. I live in the vicinity of the the
Midtown construction and witness almost daily the parking issues surrounding that enterprise. The neighbors have had
to resort to permitted parking, an inconvenience to them and any guests they may have.
Even with the parking issues, the College and Prospect project makes some sense in regard to location since it is
adjacent to the university. The new proposed project location makes no such sense. The additional parking issues,
traffic and general congestion in an already heavily populated and heavily frequented area would do nothing to add to
the downtown experience. The issues of town and gown would be exasperated and nothing positive would be realized
by the general population.
A six story student housing project should not be allowed at the proposed location. We need to say no to projects that
detract from rather than enhance downtown Fort Collins.
Sincerely,
Toni Farquhar
2904 Tulane Dr.
Fort Collins
4
From: Meaghan Overton
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: FW: What is Your Vision for Downtown? Take the New Online Survey!
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015 5:30:21 PM
For your file on 310 S. College – a copy is already saved with the Downtown Plan comments.
Meaghan Overton | Planning Services
City of Fort Collins
281 N. College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80522
moverton@fcgov.com
970.416.2283
From: linda vrooman [mailto:lgv61@icloud.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 1:29 PM
To: Meaghan Overton
Subject: Re: What is Your Vision for Downtown? Take the New Online Survey!
Dear Meaghan,
I have previously done the downtown plan survey, and participated in two walking tours:
North Mason District and the Innovation District. I want the staff to know that the
Innovation District tour was so interesting because I knew nothing about the area and by the
end of the walk, I told myself “I didn’t know you could get there from here.” Thanks to all
of the staff that makes these things fun and educational.
I want to share some concerns about Old Town/Downtown. These views are shared by my
friends who are not as involved and active, but still care very much about the future of
downtown.
EVERYONE is concerned about the old Perkins property, 310 College. Not one person is in
favor of more student housing going in downtown, especially a huge (100’s) rent-by-the-bed
apartment building. Fort Collins downtown and Old Town is our neighborhood; it belongs to
the citizens and visitors, and should not be an extension of campus life. Information from a
City Works 101 alum meeting last April in the Clerk’s office revealed that in a two square
block area of downtown there are over 70 liquor licenses.
Already ‘grown ups’ are limiting their after dark trips to downtown. More students drinking
and hanging out is not going to make it better. It could possibly create the “16th Street Mall”
affect that Denver is dealing with now.
I had a conversation with a friend, long time resident, on Sunday. She mentioned that she
fears Fort Collins has reached some sort of “tipping point” because of the stadium, student
housing going in everywhere (BUT UNIVERSITY PROPERTY), growth in all directions.
The only line of defense we (citizens) have is a City government, P&Z Board, Council, who
will draw some lines and tell developers “not here,” or set some limits. I was interested in
the former mayor’s comments after a trip to Austin, TX. Austin has created a university
district to contain or guide the future. It would be helpful if something similar was done
5
here.
Thanks to all of you.
Linda Vrooman
912 Cheyenne Drive
Fort Collins. CO 80525
On Jul 21, 2015, at 2:30 PM, Meaghan Overton <moverton@fcgov.com> wrote:
downtown_plan_newsletter_header.jpg
Help shape the future of downtown Fort Collins! Share your thoughts by taking
this online survey.
What We've Heard (so far)
As the Downtown Plan moves into the visioning phase, we are excited to share a brief summary
of what we heard in Phase 1 (Issues + Priorities).
You can view the summary by clicking on the image to the left or downloading the document
from the Downtown Plan website.
New Survey: Share Your Vision!
What is your vision for the future of downtown Fort Collins? Share your ideas through the
new online survey now, and visit fcgov.com/downtown for more information on the plan.
If you complete the survey, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 Downtown
Gift Card!
Visioning Event Recap
Over 115 people attended the "New Vision for Downtown" event at the Lincoln Center last week
to share their ideas and dreams for downtown Fort Collins. Thanks to all who came to the
event!
Presentations, keypad polling results, and other materials from the event have been posted on
the Downtown Plan website and are now available for download.
Upcoming Events
6
Drop in at one or more of the following events to share your ideas and vision for downtown Fort
Collins:
Electrify Your Summer - July 25, 12:00-5:00 p.m. 301 Maple Street, Washington
Park. More info...
Larimer County Farmers' Market - August 1, 8:00am-12:00pm. 200 W. Oak
Street. More info...
NewWestFest - August 15-16, 12:00-6:00 p.m. (both days). 240 E. Mountain Ave.
Courtyard. More info...
Contact Us:
fcgov.com/downtown
Cameron Gloss
Planning Manager
970-224-6174
cgloss@fcgov.com
Seth Lorson
City Planner
970-224-6189
slorson@fcgov.com
Did you know?
The Old Town
Neighborhoods Plan
is also being updated.
For information and
upcoming events, visit
fcgov.com/otnp.
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You are receiving this email because you registered for this list or your name was provided as someone
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8
From: Laura
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: Perkins
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 6:02:06 AM
Dear Mr. Larson,
I strongly object to a huge apartment complex in the old Perkins site.....totally wrong for
the character of Fort Collins Old town area,,,,was too high...
Thank you,
Laura Butler
9
From: Janet Strote
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: Re: Neighborhood Meeting Notes: 310 S. College
Date: Monday, June 29, 2015 11:28:44 PM
Good Morning Seth,
It was a pleasure putting a face with a voice at the Neighborhood Meeting, 6/22, regarding the CA
“Multi-Family” Development proposed for the “Perkins” site.
Any concerns I had, unfortunately, were not alleviated, but heightened by the presentation by CA’s
representatives. Recognizing that there is a great deal of emotion regarding this development (mine
included), I truly came away feeling this this is a done deal and for that, I am sorry.
Ca’s presentation came off, to me, as being slick and business-like, but lacked a true understanding of
the sophistication of the Fort Collins’ community and it’s passion for a downtown; appealing, safe and
welcoming to all, unencumbered by throngs of students, cars and the potential noise pollution created
by such a population. CA Ventures, while professing the opposite, displayed no vested interest, in my
opinion, in Fort Collins and the idea that they would have a “manager on site” to legitimize this position
of caring for the community was laughable, although not as much as the security system that would
monitor the occupants for any beverage cans/bottles that might potentially be thrown out the windows.
I surely don’t want to be hit, nor do I want any other citizens, visitor, animals, hit by flying cans. How
does that scenario fit into the City Planners vision of a family-centric downtown?
I found it telling that the “multi-family” label quickly disintegrated into “students” and the
acknowledgement that CA is truly marketing to them. The question asked, and rightly so given the
“multi-family” designation, “Where will the children play?’ was tersely answered in such a manner that
revealed that “children” were not going to be accommodated in CA’s scheme and that the term, “multi-
family” is just a euphemism for what CA’s intentions really are. Given CA’s knowledge of the city's legal
obligation not to deny students from living downtown, it would have been more honest to call the
development by what it really is, “Student Housing.”
CA’s planning four-bedroom units raises questions about the “U + 2” policy currently in place. I asked if
those units were to accommodate related family members and the answer was basically, “not
necessarily.” Are they receiving an exemption from this policy and if so, does that have a domino effect
on other current or future existing residential buildings? And..CA noted that their leases will be signed
for a year, but does that exclude, sub-letting?
Another huge concern for me…and others…is the traffic and number of cars. I believe, while thinking
they have a handle on the parking, the actual number of vehicles owned by the residents and their
visitors ( Parents’ Weekend, Homecoming, Football Weekends, etc.) will be huge and unwieldily. The
Montezuma Fuller alley, as the only axis to the parking garage as I understand it, is going to be, in my
mind, a nightmare, causing potential back-ups on both Olive and Magnolia, which then could spill over
onto their respective intersections. As for additional parking for guests, will that take from the other
citizens that want to come downtown to shop, browse, dine, enjoy the concerts etc? Will those people
still venture downtown knowing that parking is scarcer than it already is?
As for the massive building itself, I perceive it to be a visual barrier to the downtown. I kept thinking it
looked familiar. Then I “googled” the “Hanging Gardens of Babylon” and wondered if that is what
inspired the architect. There is a similarity to that or other ancient Egyptian buildings with its sheer
mass and pockets of walled courtyards. Those ancient structures are all beautiful, but were built in a
setting that was far more open and expansive than our downtown. And…who is going to maintain the
plantings that CA envisions cascading down the walls?
All in all, I feel this proposed building and CA’s interest in coming to Fort Collins is more destructive to
the nature of the downtown then constructive and adds nothing of value, other than dollars in CA’s
pockets.
10
As I noted in the beginning, I feel that this project will come to fruition. My only hope is that CA heard
the frustration and dissatisfaction of the residents this project will directly/indirectly effect. Perhaps as
Chris Johnson stated in his introduction….”we have since diversified.”…and with that being said, CA will
find a more appropriate use for this most valuable site, one that will be in keeping with the spirit of Old
Town and the Downtown Development’s vision and still make a profit for CA…as truly, that is their
motive. Worse case scenario, CA substantially scales back the project, creating a more visually
appealing building and accommodating fewer students.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, Seth. I’d be happy to talk to you, if you have any questions
regarding my raw, emotional comments.
Sincerely,
Janet Strote
210 W. Magnolia
Unit 270
Fort Collins, 80521
(248) 894.0648
> On Jun 25, 2015, at 9:12 AM, Seth Lorson <slorson@fcgov.com> wrote:
>
> <2015-0622_310 S College Neighborhood Meeting Notes.pdf>
11
From: Alexander M Lemberg
To: Sarah Burnett
Cc: Seth Lorson; Clark Mapes
Subject: Re: Perkins
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015 11:38:06 AM
Thank you. I will follow up on these.
You indicated that you would be able to find some information on the
rents. I still would appreciate any information you can provide.
I have some comments at this time:
1. I live less than a block from the site. I did not receive any notice
of development review or anything related to the proposal. I am a renter
and I suspect that this may be the reason. It appears that even absentee
property owners receive information that many or most residents do not
because they are renters. Is that the case? EVERY resident should receive
notices.
2. The sign at the site announces a review but does not give the time or
place. I have seen this in connection with other development reviews and
I suspect that it may be actual policy. EVERY development review must
have sign which gives the date, time, and location of the meetings.
3. You have indicated that rent is not a factor to be considered. That
does not allow for a realistic assessment of the impact of the proposal
on the surrounding neighborhood. If anything, the proposed rent is the
single most important factor in assessing the impact of a residential
project like this. Much of the criticism of the Redtail Ponds project had
to do with rent, as opposed to footprint, height, floor plans etc. I
don't know whether such input was allowable, but it is certainly an
example of the perception on the part of nearby residents of legitimacy
of the rent issue and something to be considered in evaluating a project.
For these reasons, I will categorically and vigorously oppose any
residential apartment project in which rent is not included in the review
process. Any policy requiring exclusion of rent as a factor for
evaluation of projects needs to change.
Thanks, Sandy Lemberg
On Thu, 18 Jun 2015 16:36:51 +0000 Sarah Burnett <SBurnett@fcgov.com>
writes:
> Mr. Lemberg,
>
>
>
> You may provide comments by sending an email to Seth Lorson at
> slorson@fcgov.com<mailto:slorson@fcgov.com>, or to me - either way,
> your comments would be included in the package of information that
> would eventually go to the Planning and Zoning Board, if the project
> proceeds to a hearing. You can find additional information on how to
> participate in the review process at
> http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/citizenreview.php .
>
>
>
> The developer for 310 S. College has submitted information for the
12
> "Preliminary Development Review" process. This is a preliminary
> review so that City staff can help identify major issues that a
> developer will need to address in the formal application. The
> developer in this case has gone through two Preliminary Development
> Reviews (PDRs). The first took place on February 11, 2015; the
> second took place yesterday (June 17, 2015).
>
>
>
> Both sets of plans may be viewed on this page:
> http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/conceptualreview.php . The
> direct link to the plans submitted for the February 11 review is
> http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/pdf/310_s_college_pdr.pdf .
> The direct link to the documents/plans submitted for the June 17
> review is
> http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/pdf/310_s_college_pdr.pdf .
> On pages 27-47, you can see the comments provided by the City in
> response from the February 11 review (in black) and the developer's
> responses to those comments (in red). Another comment letter from
> City staff for the June 17 review will be completed tomorrow, and I
> can forward that to you when it is available.
>
>
>
> At this point, the applicant has not submitted a formal application.
> The formal application can only be submitted after the neighborhood
> meeting. Because the formal application - yet to come - may differ
> from the plans submitted to the City up to this point, you may want
> to review the actual plans once they are submitted, and then provide
> any additional comments you might have for the consideration of the
> Planning and Zoning Board.
>
>
>
> In addition, there is a weekly webpage that highlights various
> projects as they move through the review process. It is available
> online at http://www.fcgov.com/developmentreview/weekreview.php . If
> you would like to receive the content of this page in a weekly
> email, please let me know and I can add your email to the
> subscription list.
>
>
>
> Finally, I did a quick web search for rental rates at similar
> complexes (The Summit, Aspen Heights, The Grove, and The District).
> For the two that listed rates on their websites (The Summit and
> Aspen Heights), monthly rental rates per room ranted from $560-$669
> per month. As I noted earlier, the development review process
> evaluates compliance with the Land Use Code (setbacks, parking,
> mass/scale of buildings, landscaping, etc.); rental rates are not
> addressed in the Land Use Code.
>
>
>
> Again, please feel free to give me a call if you have additional
> questions.
>
>
> Sarah Burnett
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Sarah Burnett
> City of Fort Collins
> Neighborhood Development Review Liaison
> 970-224-6076
> sburnett@fcgov.com<mailto:sburnett@fcgov.com>
>
> Your neighbors are connecting online. Have you joined
> NextDoor<https://nextdoor.com/> yet?
> [cid:image002.jpg@01CF7358.87CE6340]<http://nextdoor.com/>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alexander M Lemberg [mailto:sandylemberg@juno.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 7:37 PM
> To: Sarah Burnett
> Cc: Seth Lorson; Clark Mapes
> Subject: Re: Perkins
>
>
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> Can you please just email me the instructions?
>
>
>
> Also, the pdf says that more info is available on the website, but
> all that is on the website is the pdf. Considering that the meeting
> is in less than 5 days, it seems that the information should be
> available. I don't see how anyone can comment without access to the
> information.
>
>
>
> Regarding rent, that information is absolutely essential, so any
> information on rent that you can find and provide will be greatly
> appreciated.
>
>
>
> Thanks again, Sandy Lemberg
>
>
>
> On Wed, 17 Jun 2015 22:46:35 +0000 Sarah Burnett
> <SBurnett@fcgov.com<mailto:SBurnett@fcgov.com>>
>
> writes:
>
> > Mr. Lemberg,
>
> >
>
> > I'm at an outside meeting this afternoon, and could visit with you
> in
>
> > more detail about how to provide comments tomorrow. Please give
> me a
>
> > call at your convenience tomorrow at 970-224-6076.
>
> >
>
> > In the meantime, though, I wanted to let you know that proposed
> rents
>
> > are not something that the developer is required to provide (or
> that
>
> > can be considered) during the development review process.
>
> >
>
> > I could ask some colleagues that might be able to provide ballpark
>
> > rents for similar types of proposals if you are curious about that
>
> > information. The rates at other similar recently completed
> complexes
>
> > might give you some idea of rates in the community.
>
> >
>
> > Best regards,
>
> > Sarah Burnett
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > > On Jun 17, 2015, at 4:03 PM, Alexander M Lemberg
>
> > <sandylemberg@juno.com<mailto:sandylemberg@juno.com>> wrote:
>
> > >
>
> > > I sent this inquiry to Seth Lorson. I now realize that it should
>
> > go to
>
> > > you.
>
> > >
>
> > > Do you have information on the proposed rents for the units in
> the
>
> > > proposed project?
>
> > >
>
> > > I need this information as soon as possible. I don't expect to
> be
>
> > able to
>
> > > attend the meeting on Monday. I would therefore appreciate all
>
> > available
>
> > > information on the proposal.
>
> > >
>
> > > Can you please also instruct me on how to submit comments?
>
> > >
>
> > > Thanks, Sandy Lemberg
>
> > >
>
> > > ____________________________________________________________
>
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>
16
From: Mick and Karen
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: redevelopment of 310 S. College
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2015 4:43:05 PM
Hi Seth,
My wife Karen and I live at 137 Mathews Street in downtown Fort Collins. We recently read the
article about CA Venture’s proposal to redevelop the old Perkins Restaurant site into hi-rise,
college student housing.
We wish to add our two voices to those who oppose bringing more student housing into the
heart of the downtown district. This proposed use is simply not compatible with the existing
neighborhood, which is comprised largely of families, working adults and senior citizens. We all
know from experience and from local news stories that immature and irresponsible college
students who live off campus often cause tension and conflict with adjacent homeowners and
neighbors because of their disparate priorities, lifestyles and values. While Fort Collins certainly
needs more multi-unit student housing construction, such dwellings should be sited on/very
close to the CSU campus.
Two years ago, my wife and I purchased an upscale townhome/duplex unit downtown. This
duplex is the restored and historic McIntyre House, built in 1879. To our great dismay, out-of-
town parents paid cash for the adjacent unit so their college son plus two more male roommates
could live in it [it’s a two bedroom house…..]. The night following their formal closing on the
property, their son threw a late-night party attended by 30+ students. They partied to loud rap
music which thumped through our common wall, they spilled out onto our front porch, threw
their cigarettes onto our lawn. I gave the son two chances to shut the party down, but
he literally passed out first. I finally got one of his friends to shut the party down before I called
the police.
We have been awakened numerous times in the wee morning hours when they all came
drunkenly, loudly home, often with more partiers in tow. I have confronted the son in the
middle of the night, only to be cursed at and goaded into a fight. My complaints to the parents
have met with little results. These young male students - and especially the son - simply don’t
care about being a responsible neighbor, not making late night noise, etc. They don’t shovel
their sidewalk, they don’t take care of the yard, they don’t pick up litter. They are self-centered
and simply don’t care…
This is why we don’t support more student housing in our downtown neighborhood, and why
we hope the developer and City planners push for some other higher and greater use of this
prime site. As the gateway to the downtown district, surely something more exciting, creative
and profitable than hi-rise student housing could be planned and constructed here.
Thanks for listening, Seth.
Mick and Karen Mercer
137 Mathews Street
Fort Collins, CO 80524
mmercer.kmercer@gmail.com.
17
From: Barbara Rutstein [mailto:barbararutstein@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 11:44 AM
To: Sarah Burnett
Subject: Neighborhood meeting for 310 S College Ave.
Hi Sarah,
I received a letter about the neighborhood meeting on June 22 about the project on 301
So. College Ave.
I am leaving town today and will not be back for the meeting but wanted to express my
concern for the possible development of this property.
According to the Coloradan newspaper, the developer is proposing over 200 student
rooms for this location with retail on the street level. I have no objections to apartments
but I believe a student dorm on the main street of the downtown at this location could be
a strong disincentive to keeping the current neighborhood and atmosphere intact.
I was on the City Council when we worked tirelessly to get the downtown
redeveloped. It was not an easy project with many false starts and delays. It has been
successful but the area still has problems especially on weekend nights when the bars
let out. I have been made aware of the fights, drunkenness and general poor condition
of Old Town on Sunday morning. In fact, I moderated a CrossCurrents on the problems
of downtown rowdiness a few years ago and was shocked by the reports of several
businesses.
To allow student housing downtown on the main street, will only exacerbate what is
already a serious problem. Just imagine the students and the bar patrons when the
bars let out on College Avenue, a state highway, on a Saturday night. If we want to
keep our downtown a safe and viable place for our community, we do not want to have
concentrated student housing on the main street.
I hope there will be others who express these views at the meeting as I think it is critical
to maintaining a viable space for the whole community.
Thank you for considering my views.
Barbara Rutstein, former Mayor and Council Member
18
March 17, 2015
Dear Mr. Lorson,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at length several weeks ago
regarding the development slated for the Perkins Property on College Avenue. It is
my understanding that CA Ventures plans on building a 107 unit, 256 bedroom,
student housing project on this most prominent and valuable site. I would like to
note that the height of this building does not offend me.
As we discussed, I have several concerns regarding the compatibility of this project
with Old Town and the neighborhood to the east and west of College Avenue. The
character of the residential areas adjacent to College Avenue and the Old Town
business corridor serves and attracts a variety of people, both young and old. It is
both an historic area and a family-centric one.
Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live, work and play. The City consistently receives
top rankings among communities nationwide as a place to live for all ages and
income levels. The intersection of College and Magnolia, where the holiday lights
begin, is the gateway to Old Town. I strongly believe that the construction of a
student dormitory, for that is what this proposed project really is, will significantly
detract from the continual development and enhancement of Old Town. The
proposed development will cause a tremendous amount of pedestrian, bicycle and
traffic congestion in this area, not to mention the transient nature of student
housing itself. Can you imagine the moving and out of the dormitory at every
semester change, vacation break or the congregation of students on a daily basis?
I live on Magnolia between Howes and Mason. I love the neighborhood and walk,
shop and dine in Old Town on a daily basis. My husband and I chose to live in the
downtown area because of the vibrancy and pulse of the “urban experience” that is
afforded us by this particular area of Fort Collins. We chose to live downtown, as
opposed to the out-lying areas, patio homes or a senior center because of the
physical, mental and visual stimulation that living in this area provides us daily. We
love the proximity to the cultural offerings, recreational facilities, parks, public
transportation, restaurants, shops and even the University, should we desire to take
a class or attend a university-sponsored event. However, at this stage of my life, I
never envisioned myself living back on a college campus and I fear that is the feeling
that this student housing will create.
I have read multiple publications that list the city of Fort Collins as one of the top
places to retire. I am a Baby Boomer and many of my generation are looking to
settle/relocate in areas where we can leave behind the suburban/new
neighborhood experience in favor of an urban lifestyle. I am wondering if the city
planners are forgetting us, or young professionals, business people and empty-
nesters who would like the opportunity to rent or own lovely homes in a vibrant,
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urban environment? If so, I believe a great opportunity for the financial growth of
the downtown is being missed. We can add to the viability of the downtown by
shopping the myriad of stores and galleries and dining at the array of restaurants
that are continually being added to the downtown scene. We can attend the
numerous festivals and markets and add to the spirit of inclusion. We can bring our
elders, peers, children and grandchildren into the area knowing full well, and
accepting the fact, that there is a symbiotic relationship between the university and
the city, but that the downtown is NOT a continuation of the CSU campus.
If the consideration of the usage of the property is purely financial, I suggest that
another type of housing, targeting the demographics noted above, might make more
financial sense and bring an aura of pride and stability to the Historic Old Town
area.
I recently read an article in The Coloradoan by DDA Executive Director, Matt
Robenalt. In it he noted the Old Town Square…”can be likened to the community’s
living room…” I liked that analogy and suggest, that should that be the case, then
the “gateway” or “front door” to the community’s living room should not require
passage through students’ bedrooms.
Once again, thank you for your time. I look forward to being notified of the
neighborhood meeting in regards to the proposed development of the Perkins
property.
Respectfully,
Janet Shaffer Strote
248.894.0648
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From: Sullivan Becky
To: Seth Lorson
Subject: Uncommon (310 S College) Project #: PDP150013
Date: Sunday, August 09, 2015 4:54:03 PM
Mr Lorson,
I am writing about the proposed building at 310 S College Ave. If this building is to
have 250 bedrooms 128 parking spaces is NOT ENOUGH!!! There needs to be at
least 250. If there is not, you are going to make the life of the current residents
miserable, as you have done to the folks living near the housing unit on College and
Stuart. I had hoped you would learn from your mistakes. The city of Fort Collins
needs to be realistic and plan for the way people do live not for how you think
they should live. Believing for one minute that anyone moving into those
apartment does not want to have a car is naive. Everyone over the age of 16 wants
a car!! Even if they intend to ride a bike most of the time, they will still have a car if
at all possible. They will not ask your permission and will flood the neighborhood
streets with parked cars - a minimum of 122. Fort Collins has done a good job of
making a desirable place to live, but it can easily be ruined by thinking high density
without equal parking is the way to go.
Sincerely,
Becky Sullivan
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