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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFOSSIL CREEK ESTATES PUD PRELIMINARY - 50 92D - CORRESPONDENCE - CITY COUNCIL (2)February 14, 1994 Robert Musselman 717 Scenic Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526 Dear Mr. Musselman: Thank you for your recent letter concerning the Fossil Creek Estates PUD. As you may know, City Council upheld the Planning and Zoning Board's preliminary approval of this development on February 1, 1994. As the preliminary PUD was submitted prior to adoption of the new neighborhood compatibility criteria, the proposal was reviewed against the "All Development" criteria of the Land Development Guidance System (LDGS), which were in effect at that time.. The preliminary PUD was approved with conditions related to many' of the same concerns listed in your letter. When the applicant submits final PUD plans, those plans will be reviewed against the new "All Development" criteria which are in effect now. In addition, all conditions of preliminary approval must be satisfied prior to final approval. If you have additional questions regarding this development, or would like to receive a copy of the final plans when they are submitted, please contact the City's Project Planner, Kirsten Whetstone, at 221-6750. Again, thank you for your input. Sincerel Q� u Ann Azari Mayor cc: City Council Planning Department 300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6505 cc: Council Greg Byrne ,.,. Ron Phillips --response pending TO: Members of the City Council, City of Fort Collins r_,T4 !P `� ll ' AN :31�3SIr_ CITY CLERK FROM: Fromme Prairie Neighborhood Association Robert Musselman, 717 Scenic Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (223-5281) RE: The appeal by James and Sandra Robbins of the decision of the Planning and Zoning Board on December 16, 1993, regarding preliminary approval of Fossil Creek Estates, Case #50-92D. The Fromme Prairie Neighborhood Association represents several residential associations and other individuals who are neighbors to the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area. Our purpose is to ensure that proposed developments in the area protect the integrity of the Cathy Fromme Prairie, and are compatible with current area development. We support the appeal of James and Sandra Robbins regarding preliminary approval of this project. The proposed development does not adhere to the findings and recommendations of the Neighborhood Compatibility Study recently adopted by the City. The Study lists several development Criteria, and states that "Preliminary and final plans shall comply with these criteria." The Preliminary PUD does not comply with the Criteria in the following areas. A-1.3 Wildlife Habitat. "If the site contains an area which serves at habitat, natural food source, nesting place, wintering place, or source of water for wildlife identified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as significant and in particular need of attention, have special precautions been implemented in the plan to prevent the creation of environmental influences adverse to the preservation of these areas?" The proposed development is critical habitat, natural food source, wintering place, and source of water for the bald eagle, a federally listed endangered species; and is critical habitat, natural food source, nesting place, wintering place, and source of wildlife for other raptors. The development proposes to protect a limited number of cottonwood trees along the irrigation ditch. This is not adequate to protect these raptors. The City.Natural Resources Staff has concluded that the development will impact the Fromme Prairie Natural Area (Staff Report dated 12/16/93). A-2.3 Natural Features. "Do the physical elements of the site plan adapt well to the physical characteristics of the site and minimize the disturbance of topography, water bodies, streams, wetlands, wildlife habitat, vegetation and other natural features?" The development plan does not provide adequate protection of the wetland or wildlife habitat of this site. The site is on a hillside, and only one small wetland on the property is proposed to be protected from runoff into the Cathy Fromme Prairie located downhill. Runoff from the entire site drains into the Cathy Fromme Prairie. The plan encourages resident use of the Cathy Fromme Prairie by providing pedestrian access. A-2.13 Landscape. "Does the landscape plan contribute in a positive way to the project and to the neighborhood environment (1) by supporting functional needs .....etc, (2) by enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the site and neighborhood, and (3) by integrating with, and buffering the impact of the development upon, existing natural areas?" There is no buffer provided adjacent to the existing Cathy Fromme Prairie natural area located on the north boundary of this parcel. Housing units are proposed directly adjacent to the Cathy Fromme Prairie: 'City staff has recommended that a portion of Fossil Creek Road extend into the Cathy Fromme Prairie to access this development (Staff Report dated 12/16/93). A,2.7 Architecture. "Is the architecture proposed for the project appropriate for the uses and activities that are planned, and does it contribute to the neighborhood's appearance in a positive way?" Text for this criteria states that "The City encourages a gradual transition between land uses..." The Fossil Creeks Estates development provides no transition between housing and the Cathy Fromme Prairie. The 3 units/acre proposed is, not compatible with other developments in the area. No transition to this density is proposed. A-33 Water Hazards. "If the project includes an irrigation canal, water body, or other water channel, have necessary precautions been taken to minimize any hazard to life or property?" . The proposed development does not restrict access to the irrigation ditch. In fact, the developer proposes an equestrian/pedestrian trail in the ditch right of way for residents, and proposes providing pedestrian access to the ditch.