HomeMy WebLinkAboutBUILDERS SQUARE AT HARMONY MARKET PUD, 2ND FILING - FINAL - 54-87D - DECISION - MINUTES/NOTES (2) • •
might be a detriment to the applicant, was the loss of a few parking spaces at Toys "R" Us. She
stated that the end result derived was worth that loss to the applicant, if there was any loss at
all. She stated that she appreciated the applicant's willingness to work on it.
Member Strom commented that anyone that thought he had any interest in Toys "R" Us coming
to Fort Collins, or Western Auto, that he cared personally one way or the other, doesn't know
him or hasn't bothered to talk to him about such issues. He stated that the fact that he has two
kids with more than enough places to spend their money means that he doesn't care if there is
a Toys "R" Us in town or not. He stated that he had qualms about the project at the last meeting
which had nothing to do with the uses or with the ultimate traffic pattern of the area. The
qualms he had had to do with process in how best to deal with resolving the concerns that the
Board had in terms of setbacks, landscaping, screening, and a number of things like that. He
believed that, with no personal offense to the developer or the consultants, given the state of
this part of town in terms of property ownership patterns and access, this was an excellent
development and use of this land. He believed that most importantly of all, beyond the fact
that they have met the standards that were set in the LDGS, this was a first step towards what
ultimately would be a much improved traffic situation on the east side of College Avenue. He
stated that it has taken awhile to get here and they have resisted other proposals that didn't
meet the standards that they didn't feel were appropriate and didn't go far enough for
whatever reasons. They have now held out to the point of where they have gotten something
which would ultimately improve that area of town.
The motion to approve passed 7-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
BUILDERS SQUARE AT HARMONY MARKET PUD -#54-87D
Ted Shepard stated that this item was a referral of administrative change to the Planning and
Zoning Board. He stated that this was a request to increase the size of the Builders Square wall
sign on the north elevation from a 3 foot high letter to a 4 foot high letter for an overall
increase of 86 square feet.
Ben Drews, Builders Square store manager, stated that he was present if the Board wished to
ask him any questions.
Member Walker asked if this issue came up because of concern at the corporation headquarters
of the size of the sign.
Mr. Drews stated that this was correct.
Member Walker stated that he had concerns with what was initially proposed has been built and
there was not adequate review at the corporation level.
Mr.Drews indicated that this may be possible but the developer had the opportunity to submit
the plan with four foot high letters and somehow that was missed.
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Mr. Shepard cited a letter that was received from Scott Mason, 861 Sandy Cove, Fort Collins,
Colorado, 80525:
"I am writing as a private citizen and neighbor of the Builders Square development site.
I am requesting the P&Z Board deny the proposed sign size change.
As many of you know, I have been involved in the Harmony Market Master Plan since
the original PACE Warehouse application. As a member of Citizen Planners, I
understand the LDGS application and approval process. I agree with the Planning
Department that the original application was considered s a whole package. At that
time, the Planning staff considered the Builders Square sign in the context of
neighborhood compatibility and other important land use concerns. It was in this
context that the project was originally approved. I do not believe the increase sign size
meets those original criteria. The sign change is not compatible with the existing
development at Harmony Market and will set lower sign standards for future
development in the center.
Please consider the Planning Department's request to deny this administrative review
change and deny this sign size change.
Thank you for your consideration on this matter."
Member Walker commented that the PUD process was involved where the project was reviewed
and the 3 foot letters were what was proposed on the PUD and it can be assumed that this was
the original proposal. He added that he had concerns that this was an "after the fact" change,
particularly when he reviewed the letter from the sign company and he believed that there was
no basis for granting this request. He did not believe that there was any particular hardship.
Member Strom stated that he concurred with Member Walker.
Member Cottier stated that she couldn't support this change. She believed that the monument
sign on Harmony Road was the prime identifier which was clearly visible. She commented that
the style and colors of the lettering lends itself to be less readable than other styles.
Member Carroll commented that he viewed this as excusable neglect from corporation
headquarters and if it could be justified that it was extremely important that the letters be
there, he might consider it. He stated that he concurred with Members Cottier and Walker.
Member O'Dell stated that she wouldn't support a change. She stated that staff had put
together a packet which cites the All Development Criteria in the LDGS which basically refer
to the scale of buildings and signs and whether they were compatible with the neighborhood.
She believed that this package was appropriate and still seems this way.
Chairman Klataske commented that he would not support this change.
Member Strom moved to deny the request for the sign size change of Builders Square based on
the LDGS criteria stated in the Staff Report. Member Carroll seconded the motion. The
motion to deny carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
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