Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOUDRE RIVER WHITEWATER PARK - - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESStatement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 1 Project Overview This proposed Poudre River Whitewater Park project embodies the character and vision of City Plan, the Downtown River Master Plan, as well as the P-O-L Zone district. This project also adds to the vibrancy and character envisioned in the C-C-R Zone district. The proposed Poudre River Whitewater Park is located east of College Avenue and north of Downtown Fort Collins, and is surrounded by considerable urban development. Consequently, the river and its floodplain are highly altered and influenced by structures including bridges, two railroads, concrete flood walls, a diversion structure and adjacent private development. Channelization of the river is extreme between College and the BNSF Railroad Bridge. Likewise, limited riparian forest habitat and a minimal corridor for wildlife movement reflect the most acute confinement on the river’s 12-mile journey through Fort Collins. The Poudre River Downtown Master Plan (October 2014) envisions a major remodel of this river reach, creating an active and vibrant setting where people are encouraged to engage with and play in the river in an urban setting. The transformation will begin by removing the existing Coy Ditch diversion structure and boulder-lined “boat chute”. After removing these structures, the river channel will be narrowed to a more natural, sustainable width and deepened by implementing a variety of terraces to improve natural river function, increase flood capacity, to provide additional space for bank improvements and riparian habitat. The improved channel will be stabilized by constructing four in-stream sloping rock features, two of which incorporate whitewater wave features and “holes”. An added benefit is that the new sloping rock Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 2 features will be designed to allow fish passage creating aquatic connectivity that hasn’t existed in this reach of the river since the Coy Diversion was constructed. Additional space on the river banks, created by narrowing the river channel, will incorporate: a river overlook; terraced seating areas on the south river bank; ADA river access; put-in/take-out areas, habitat enhancements; and a pedestrian bridge over the river. Flood Mitigation and Bank Stabilization Specific issues and potential opportunities associated with flood mitigation and bank stabilization include the following:  Currently, 100-year flows overtop College Avenue. Removal of the Coy Ditch Diversion structure and the boat chute, while lowering the channel bed through this reach, would eliminate overtopping of College Avenue during the 100-year flood (provided adequate real-time maintenance is provided at the UPRR Bridge upstream of College Avenue).  Currently, 100-year flows spill east along Vine Drive, requiring the definition of a regulatory split flow path from Linden Street to Dry Creek, near Lemay Avenue. It appears that by removing the Coy Diversion and the boat chute, as well as implementing a combination of additional improvements (which include opening up the north overbank under the BNSFRR Bridge and reducing the floodplain constriction at Linden) it would be possible to eliminate the 100-year flow split along Vine Drive or reduce the split to nuisance/non-regulatory flood levels.  Bank stabilization and improvements include revegetation portions of both banks along with either rock riprap toe protection or, where banks are near vertical, stacked boulder toe protection. Habitat/Ecological Restoration and Protection Specific issues and potential opportunities associated with habitat/ecological restoration and protection include the following:  The Coy Diversion structure and boat chute significantly impact fish passage and create a large upstream pool within the river. In addition, these structures are unattractive and visually dominant features in the landscape. Fish passage and aquatic habitat improvements will be integrated into the recreational improvements when both the Coy Diversion and boat chute are removed. Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 3  Existing river banks near the Coy Diversion are dominated by vertical concrete walls and steep slopes. The existing concrete walls located on the north bank will remain because they provide flood protection for adjacent properties and they are physically and functionally connected to the historic Coy Headgate. The existing concrete walls on the south bank will be removed and replaced. The new wall creates a raised terrace that provides a panoramic vista of the Poudre River and the new whitewater park.  This stretch of the river is envisioned as an area that will accommodate visitor use that is higher than adjoining reaches. Wildlife connectivity improvements will be provided along the river banks to the greatest extent possible, although fragmentation will likely remain.  Wildlife connectivity is currently provided beneath College Avenue by the bridge’s northernmost span and will be enhanced by improving vegetation along the north bank.  Improving the backwater and poor fish habitat condition upstream of Coy Diversion Structure by reconfiguring/modifying/lowering the in-stream structures.  The river channel is designed to create riffles and pools similar to those present in the river upstream and downstream of this reach.  This area contains a significant amount of non-native vegetation. Over time, non-native vegetation will be replaced with native species.  Historically, the John G. Coy Ditch flowed through two small ponds in the Gustav Swanson Natural Area. However, water is no longer being diverted at the Coy Diversion, and as a result the amount of water passing through the ditch and the ponds has been greatly reduced. The west pond/wetland will be disturbed as little as possible, and the Coy Ditch and the east pond will be filled and these areas will be restored to blend with the surroundings. Recreation and Access Specific issues and potential opportunities associated with recreation and access include the following:  Approximately 9 feet of fall exists within the channel between College Avenue and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Bridge making it a very suitable location for a whitewater play park. The master plan includes two whitewater wave features, each having 1.5 to 2 feet of fall.  Potential interpretive/educational topics for this section of the river include: historic power generation techniques, geothermal, coal, demonstration water wheel, in-stream flow measurements, Coy ditch, irrigation, the grotto, old water works facility (Gustav Swanson), etc. The City and the design team are currently working with the Poudre Heritage Alliance to develop ideas for the interpretive features.  The proposed site plan accommodates a future trail connection to Gustav Swanson Natural Area under the north side of BNSF Railroad Bridge. However, this trail will not be constructed as part of this project. Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 4  The proposed pedestrian bridge will greatly improve the north/south connection across the river and provide a great place to watch people using the whitewater features.  This project includes a portion of the planned “History Walk”. The design team is working with Park Planning and the Poudre Heritage Alliance to identify opportunities for historic interpretation. Interpretive features will be incorporated into the final design.  Bike parking spaces are provided in close proximity to the parking lot and the overlook, outside of the floodway.  Lighting is required for safe access. Where practical, low level, down directional, accent type lighting is used. Ornamental pedestrian pole lights are used along primary trails and near steps. Lighting will terminate at 11 p.m..  The plan includes the City’s first ADA river access and accessible fishing. (i) Statement of appropriate City Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the proposed plan. Many principles and policies outlined in City Plan are achieved with this project. The most significant are listed here: Economic Health Principles and Policies Policy EH 2.2 – Support and Innovative Economy Policy EH 2.3 – Develop Economic Partnerships Policy EH 4.1 – Prioritize Targeted Redevelopment Policy EH 4.2 – Reduce Barriers to Infill Development and Redevelopment Environmental Health Policy ENV 1.1 – Protect and Enhance Natural Features Policy ENV 1.2 – Regulate Development along Waterways Policy ENV 2.1 – Maintain System of Open Lands Policy ENV 2.2 – Outreach to Public Policy ENV 2.3 – Partner, Collaborate, and Coordinate Open Lands Policy ENV 2.6 – Manage Conflicts Policy ENV 2.8 – Seek Supplemental Funding Sources Policy ENV 2.9 – Provide Access Policy ENV 2.10 – Maintain Access Policy ENV 4.1 – Improve Connectivity Policy ENV 4.2 – Enhance and Restore Streams Policy ENV 4.4 – Provide Neighborhood Natural Areas Policy ENV 4.6 – Utilize Corridors Stormwater and Flood Management Policy ENV 18.1 – Balance Environmental, Human and Economic Concerns Policy ENV 18.2 – Manage Risks Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 5 Policy ENV 18.3 – Minimize Flood Damage Policy ENV 18.6 – Modify Detention Requirements for Redevelopment Policy ENV 19.2 – Pursue Low Impact Development Policy ENV 20.2 – Follow Design Criteria for Stormwater Facilities Policy ENV 20.3 – Utilize Public Lands Policy ENV 20.4 – Develop Public/Private Partnerships Policy ENV 24.1 – Support Ecological Resilience Policy ENV 24.2 – Conserve Natural Resources Policy ENV 24.3 – Provide Natural Areas Protection Buffers Policy ENV 24.4 – Protect and Enhance Policy ENV 24.5 - Coordinate to Provide Adequate Instream Flows Policy ENV 2.51 – Minimize Impacts Policy ENV 25.2 – Integrate Parks and Recreation Sites Policy ENV 25.4 – Develop Trail/Path Linkages Policy ENV 27.1 – Protect Historic Landmarks and Cultural Landscapes Policy ENV 27.2 – Maintain and Enhance Visual Resources Policy ENV 27.4 – Restore and Enhance Policy ENV 28.1 – Support Educational and Environmental Learning Opportunities Community and Neighborhood Livability Policy LIV 5.1 – Encourage Targeted Redevelopment and Infill Policy LIV 5.2 – Target Public Investment along the Community Spine Policy LIV 5.4 – Contribute to Public Amenities Policy LIV 6.2 – Seek Compatibility with Neighborhoods Policy LIV 6.3 – Encourage Introduction of Neighborhood-Related, Non-Residential Development Streetscapes Policy LIV 10.1 – Design Safe, Functional, and Visually Appealing Streets Policy LIV 10.2 – Incorporate Street Trees Public Spaces Policy LIV 11.2 – Incorporate Public Spaces Policy LIV 12.1 – Design for Crime Prevention and Security Landscape Design Policy LIV 14.1 – Encourage Unique Landscape Features Policy LIV 14.2 – Promote Functional Landscape Policy LIV 14.3 – Design Low Maintenance Landscapes Commercial Development Policy LIV 15.2 – Seek Compatibility with Surrounding Development Neighborhoods Policy LIV 21.2 – Establish an Interconnected Street and Pedestrian Network Policy LIV 21.2 – Design Walkable Blocks Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 6 Policy LIV 22.5 – Create Visually Interesting Streetscapes Policy LIV 22.6 – Enhance Street Design and Image Policy LIV 22.7 – Consider Landmarks and Views Policy LIV 23.1 – Provide Neighborhood Parks and Outdoor Spaces Policy LIV 23.2 – Integrate Natural Features Open Lands, Parks and Water Corridors Policy LIV 44.4 – Utilize Buffers Policy LIV 44.5 – Interconnect Trails/Paths (ii) Description of proposed open space, wetlands, natural habitats and features, landscaping, circulation, transition areas, and associated buffering on site and in the general vicinity of the project. An Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) is included with the PDP submittal. The following is an excerpt from the ECS. The Poudre River Whitewater Park project is designed to preserve and enhance the ecological character and function and wildlife use of its natural habitat and features, and to minimize and mitigate for development impacts by addressing the features below. Fish passage. Removal of the Coy Ditch diversion and existing concrete flume will improve fish habitat connectivity. While one objective of the project is to provide whitewater kayaking opportunities, an equivalent focus of the kayak course design is fish passage and how aquatic species may benefit from channel modification. Currently fish migration is restricted through this reach; channel modifications will allow fish to resume active migration. Aquatic habitat. Enhancement of aquatic habitat will be achieved by a system of pools, riffles, and runs within the Poudre River channel, and enhanced fish passage in the “north bay” (between the northernmost piers on the north bank) beneath College Avenue. Streambank protection. Increased native woody plantings along the river and retention of some large non-native crack willow will provide streambank protection and improve aquatic habitat (e.g., via moderation of ambient and water temperatures, and leaf litter input). In addition, designated visitor access points will minimize trampling and divert pedestrians from forested areas that may be used by wildlife. Riparian and upland habitat. The riparian zone within the currently overwide channel will be enhanced by terracing the riverbank and reducing the artificially wide channel to allow for more natural riparian habitat. Additionally, numerous non-native species will be removed from the riparian zone and replaced with native riparian trees. This focus on woody species will create an abundance of habitat opportunities for birds, insects, and small mammals in the form of forage, pollination, nesting, protection, and migration opportunities. Note that willow stakes and riparian seeding and plugs will complement the canopy plantings. Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 7 Currently the upland areas north of the Poudre River are in a degraded condition, dominated by non- native species and featuring little structural or compositional diversity. A diverse assemblage of native trees, fruit-bearing shrubs and herbaceous species including graminoids and showy forbs (e.g., milkweeds) will bring enhanced grassland and pollinator habitat opportunities to the site. Significant trees and existing wetlands. Existing significant native trees, wetlands, and other native vegetation will be preserved to the extent possible in order to protect old growth, character, and habitat. Design was influenced by currently significant trees; one example is the staircase on the south bank, which was diverted around a grove of willows. Similarly, pedestrian trails were designed to go around trees instead of removing the trees to accommodate trails. Last, the layout and size of the parking lot and the trail around it were designed to avoid removal of existing spruce, silver maple, chokecherry, and Rocky Mountain juniper, as well as the nearby existing wetlands. Mitigation for the necessary removal of certain individual trees will exceed city requirements. Coy Ditch BMP. The eastern portion of the former Coy Ditch will be modified to create a Low-Impact Development BMP. Re-grading will reduce the side slopes of the ditch, thus encouraging a wider variety of native vegetation and improving the passive treatment of waters that drain from Vine Drive and the parking lot. Use and density. Of the eleven (12.8) total acres across the project area, 1.5 acres will support higher than current activity levels. These higher activity levels will be at the parking lot and at the river between whitewater features. Recreational users including kayakers will be restricted to relatively small areas on- site. Kayakers and others accessing the river will have well-defined access areas that will protect riparian areas not intended for access. Trails are designed to protect existing trees, to minimize the potential for creation of social trails, and also to allow for a substantial riparian margin, i.e., they are not directly adjacent to the river. An exception to this is an ADA path on the north bank that allows direct access to the water. The trail near the Xcel regulator station will be very close to the station’s fencing to restrict fragmentation and the overall area of disturbance, and all uses around the pond in the northern part of the project area will be passive. While the south bank of the Poudre does draw high concentrations of users, this is one of the few places along the river corridor where this opportunity exists. The park was designed with the intention of accommodating recreational opportunities along this south bank, consistent with the Poudre River Downtown Master Plan, with plantings of shrubs and trees intended to soften the effect and user impacts. Indeed, the current reach is characterized by a vertical wall, so a combination of hardscaping (trail, overlook, staircase) and strategic plantings will improve both the ecological function and aesthetic of this area. From the standpoint of river management between Shields and Mulberry, providing a concentrated area such as this as a community gathering place should reduce similar demands in other reaches throughout the downtown corridor. Quality of runoff water. The primary sources of stormwater through the site will be from Vine Drive and properties north of Vine Drive. All runoff will be treated with the following features.  A BMP feature called a SNOUT (http://www.bmpinc.com), a hooded outlet cover, will pre-treat storm runoff from Vine Drive and the parking lot in the northeast corner of the property by removing floating debris and pollutant-carrying sediment. Two will be installed on Vine Drive and Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 8 one in the parking lot. Note that the parking lot will occupy a very small proportional area of the park and be a minimal contributor of storm runoff relative to off-site sources.  The existing stormwater retention pond in the northeast corner of the site (adjacent to Vine Drive) will be modified to act as a standard water quality pond. As such, it will treat local storm runoff from Vine Drive and several properties north of Vine between Jerome and Redwood Streets.  A grass-lined swale between Vine Drive and the western wetland (adjacent to the Quonset hut on the east side) will treat local storm runoff from Vine Drive and properties north of Vine Drive between College Avenue and Jerome Street.  The existing wetland along Coy Ditch south of the parking lot ill be used as secondary bioswale treatment for water quality before release to the Poudre.  The existing wetland south of the Quonset hut will continue to receive on-site runoff, formalizing its current water treatment function. Noise. All sources of noise will be attenuated by the planting of over 200 trees throughout the project. Existing sources of noise are College Avenue, the Xcel regulation station, the railroads, and the Power House Energy Institute to the south of the project (iii) Statement of proposed ownership and maintenance of public and private open space areas; applicant's intentions with regard to future ownership of all or portions of the project development plan. The developed property and outdoor use spaces will be maintained by the City of Fort Collins. (iv) Estimate of number of employees for business, commercial, and industrial uses. Not applicable. (v) Description of rationale behind the assumptions and choices made by the applicant. Located within the Public Open Lands (P-O-L) and Community Commercial – Poudre River District (C-C- R) zone districts, this project exemplifies the purpose and standards envisioned for this district in the Land Use Code. The purpose of the P-O-L zone district is stated as follows: P-O-L Zone District Purpose. The Public Open Lands District is for large publicly owned parks and open lands which have a community-wide emphasis or other characteristics which warrant Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 9 inclusion under this separate designation rather than inclusion in an adjoining neighborhood or other District designation. The Poudre River Whitewater Park meets this purpose by creating a publicly owned park that is: well connected to the community; provides access to nature; unique opportunities for recreation; and improved flood protection. The proposed use is compatible with surrounding uses, and incorporates a series of trails linking areas north of the river to Downtown. The purpose of the C-C-R zone district is stated as follows: C-C-R Zone District Purpose . The Community Commercial - Poudre River District (C-C-R) is for downtown fringe areas in the Cache la Poudre River corridor with both public street frontage and River frontage. This District provides locations for redevelopment or development of moderate intensity uses that are supportive of Downtown, subject to floodplain restrictions. Such redevelopment or development shall be compatible with the scenic, cultural, natural and historical context of the River and Downtown. A main purpose of the District is to foster a healthy and compatible relationship between the River, the Downtown and surrounding urban uses. Any significant redevelopment shall be designed as part of a master plan for the applicable group of contiguous properties. The Poudre River Whitewater Park meets this purpose by preserving and enhancing portions of the floodplain as open space. (vi) The applicant shall submit as evidence of successful completion of the applicable criteria, the completed documents pursuant to these regulations for each proposed use. The Planning Director may require, or the applicant may choose to submit, evidence that is beyond what is required in that section. Any variance from the criteria shall be described. The submittal includes items required for Project Development Plan submittal as well as other items requested from the Planning staff. (vii) Narrative description of how conflicts between land uses or disturbances to wetlands, natural habitats and features and or wildlife are being avoided to the maximum extent feasible or are mitigated. There are no significant conflicts between land uses. However, fence improvements are planned to screen views of the Xcel Regulation Station, the Kundla property and the Upham property. See description to item ii above. (viii) Written narrative addressing each concern/issue raised at the neighborhood meeting(s), if a Statement of Planning Objectives Poudre River Whitewater Park June 7, 2017 10 meeting has been held. A neighborhood meeting was held on October 17, 2016, and the following concerns were raised by community members:  Bike and pedestrian safety and crossings along Vine Drive – additional sidewalks are planned on the south side of Vine creating improved connections to surrounding neighborhoods. The existing bike lanes on Vine Drive will remain.  Interest in a restaurant/patio overlooking the project – This is a nice idea, but public parks do not include commercial facilities. However, it is possible that future private development in surrounding areas could incorporate these types of uses.  Adequate Parking –people expressed concerns about the limited quantity of parking available in this area and worried that visitors may have to park on streets and in adjacent developments. The site plan incorporates adequate parking for whitewater park’s anticipated use, and a potential future parking lot is allowed for in the event that additional parking is necessitated in the future.  Flooding –the proposed development will not create a rise in the Base Flood Elevation. In fact, flood elevations will be improved in many areas within the project area and in surrounding areas.  Impacts on Wildlife – concerns were raised about impacts to wildlife along the Poudre River. The proposed development meets the intent Division 3.4 Environmental, Natural Area, Recreational and Cultural Resource Protection Standards. An Ecological Characterization Study was prepared for the site. The site and landscape plan details are based on the results and recommendations of this study including implementation of a landscape buffer along the creek, habitat enhancements, and native plant species. (ix) Name of the project as well as any previous name the project may have had during Conceptual Review. Project name used at Neighborhood Meeting and on current PDP application – Poudre River Whitewater Park Project name used during the Concept Review – Poudre River Downtown Park