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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRAFFIC OPERATIONS FACILITY PDP - 30 91E - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESNovember 6, 2001 Ted Shepard Chief Planner City of Fort Collins 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80521-0580 RE: Planning Objectives for Traffic Operations Facility, Project Development Plan (PDP). Dear Ted Shepard, The Traffic Operations Facility site is 3.2 acres in size. The project is to be built in two phases: the first phase completing the office building, and the second phase completing the signs and paint building as well as the covered vehicle storage. The Traffic Operations Facility site will be located at: the southeast corner of East Vine Drive and Linden Street, north of the New Belgium Brewery. The Catholic Charities Northern Mission and a mini storage facility lie to the west of the Traffic Operations Facility. A C- Dot site is to the east, along an access drive which runs along the southern edge of the property. There is a security gate on the access drive as it enters the C-Dot property. Between the Traffic Operations property and Vine Drive runs the Burlington Northern Railroad. The Traffic Operations Facility site is zoned 1, Industrial. The Traffic Operations Department is proposing a 9,000 square foot office building, with a parking area for phase one. Phase 2 consists of two buildings totaling 11,000 square feet, one for signs and paint equipment and another for vehicle storage in the north part of the site. Also included within the site is an outdoor parking area for City -owned vehicles which will be secured by a fence with Opticon technology for fire access. The site entrance is off of an access drive that runs along -the -southern -edge -of -the -site.. There are two entry access points from the access drive into the parking area. A sidewalk will run along the west edge of the site parallel to Linden Street with three connections: the northernmost one connects to the west side of the office building where it meets the signs and paint building, the middle one connects directly into the middle of the office building, and the southernmost sidewalk, connects to the main entrance of the office buildings on the south and the parking area.: There are other sidewalk connections to the parking areas to the east of the buildings. A patio area and bike parking are located on the east side as well. The landscaping for the Traffic Operation Facility will serve to enhance the office area and the existing streetscape while also screening the parking areas from the streets. Deciduous trees, evergreens trees, and ornamental trees, as well as foundation plantings shall be utilized to add visual interest year. round. Species will be clustered for compact and uniform stands of plant material. Plant selection shall compliment the surrounding landscaping. City Plan Principles and Policies achieved by the proposed plan include: Principle LU-1: Growth within the city will promote a compact development pattern within a well-defined boundary. Policy LU-1.1 Compact Urban Form The project is located in close proximity downtown Fort Collins providing convenience especially to those who work there. Principle LU-2: The city will maintain and enhance its character and sense of place as defined by its neighborhoods, districts, corridors and edges. Policy LU-2.1 City -Wide Structure The site lies approximately 1000 feet from'the Cache la Poudre River and in an area among several other areas zoned Industrial., Principle T-1: The physical organization of the city will be supported by a framework of transportation alternatives that maximizes access and mobility throughout the city, while reducing dependence upon the private automobile.. Policy T-1.5 Targeted Areas The project site lies along Route 8 of the Transfort transit system on Linden Street. Principle T4: Bicycling will serve as a viable alternative to automobile use for all trip purposes. Policy T4.1 -- - - - Bike racks are included on the site and will at least be used by Eric Bracke. Principle T-5: The City will acknowledge pedestrian travel as a viable transportation mode and elevate it in importance to be in balance with all other modes. Direct pedestrian connections will be provided and encouraged from place of residence to transit, schools, activity centers, work and public facilities. Policy T-5.2 Connections The project provides a sidewalk connection along Linden Street with access to the office building on site. Principle CAD-2: Public spaces, such as plazas, civic buildings, outdoor spaces, parks, and gateway landscapes should be designed to be functional, accessible, attractive, safe and comfortable. Policy CAD-2.3 Entryways. The main entrance of the Traffic Operations office building will have enhanced landscaping, as will a patio at one of the east entrances. Principle CAD-6: Artistic enrichment and cultural opportunity are vital to community values, quality of life, and economic and social wellness. The City will promote, encourage and stimulate the growth of cultural development and participation. Policy CAD-6.3 Acquisitions The site will feature a display of public art near the main entrance of the office building off the southwest corner. Principle ECON-1: The City will pursue a balanced and sustainable economic development program. Policy ECON-1.2 Economic Development Policy In building this facility the city is planning for the provision of street traffic services for a growing Fort Collins. Principle ENV-3: Drinking water provided by the City's Water Utility will meet or exceed customer expectations for quality, quantity, and reliability. Water conservation will be strongly encouraged. . Water Demand Management Policy The landscape plan for the project will utilize the following xeriscape principles: Plant material with low to moderate water requirements Limited turf areas Effective use of soil amendments An efficient irrigation system Appropriate maintenance Principle ID-1: Industrial Districts will provide places for a wide range of industrial and commercial uses that do not need or are not suited to high public visibility. Policy ID-1.1 Land Uses The main visible use for this site will be vehicle storage, which is suited to the district in which it will be located: Industrial. Policy ID-1.4 Design Character and Image As the site lies in an industrial district and will be used as such, the buildings will have a highly practical and vehicle -oriented appearance, though .the landscaping will appropriately preserve the pedestrian value along Linden Street through screening and maintaining a streetscape pattern. Principle UGE-1: The City's development will be contained by well-defined boundaries. Policy UGE-1.1 Community Growth Management Area Boundary The site is infilling within the growth management area adjacent to other similar uses.