HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - 16 91 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSITEM NO. _ 12
MEETING DATE 5/20/91
STAFF TPc3 ShPnarc3
City of Fort Collins PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
STAFF REPORT
PROJECT: 1992 Southwest Elementary School - Site Development
Plan Advisory Review, #16-91
APPLICANT: Poudre R-1 School District
c/o Dulaney Architecture
5261 South Quebec Street
Denver, CO. 80111
OWNER: Poudre R-1 School District
2407 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO. 80521
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This is a proposal for a public elementary school, grades K - 6th,
containing 55,000 square feet, on 7.77 acres, located on Hinsdale
Drive extended, approximately 700 feet south of Harmony Road. The
site is located just north of Clarendon Hills subdivision and the
zoning is R-L-P, Low Density Planned Residential.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Board should advise the Poudre R-1 School
Board that the location and design of the 1992 Southwest Elementary
School is appropriate. There are three transportation
recommendations that should accompany this advisement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Planning and Zoning Board review of an elementary school is
advisory based on current state statutes. The location and design
of the school meet the criteria of the City and an elementary
school is an appropriate use in the R-L-P, Low Density Planned
Residential zone district. The recently selected neighborhood park
adjacent to the school will enhance the residential neighborhood
character of the area. The architecture will be similar to the
last four elementary schools constructed (Werner, Johnson, Linton,
Olander).
A neighborhood meeting revealed concerns with traffic and
buffering. The Transportation Department has made three
recommendations to the Poudre R-1 School Board relating to the
extension of Hinsdale Drive (local street) and the impact on
Clarendon Hills and Harmony Road. These recommendations have been
forwarded to the Poudre R-1 School Board for consideration at their
May 13, 1991 regular meeting.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 300 LaPorte Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins. CO 80522-0580 (303) 221-6750
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
a
Develop. nt Services
Planning Department
City of Fort Collins
MEETING MINUTES
PROJECT: 1992 Southwest Elementary School
LOCATION: South of Harmony Road, West of Crest Road, and North of
Clarendon Hills, Third Filing
DATE: March 20, 1991
PR-1 REPRESENTATIVES: George Galida, Michael Spearnak, Patrick Dulaney
CITY PLANNER: Ted Shepard
CITY TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR: Rick Ensdorff
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, COMMENTS
1. What are the boundaries of the school?
RESPONSE: The school will serve an area bounded by Harmony Road on the north, Trilby
Road on the south, the railroad tracks on the east and Horsetooth Reservoir on the west.
2. Will there be buses going through Clarendon Hills?
RESPONSE: Students within one mile are considered close enough to walk while students
beyond this distance are eligible to be bussed. It is likely that there will be students who live
in Applewood Estates and Scenic Knolls, who live beyond one mile, that will take buses that
travel through Clarendon Hills. It is anticipated that this will not be a major bus route but a
route that serves the immediate neighborhood.
3. Who owns the farm to the north of the school?
RESPONSE: Poudre R-1 recently purchased the farm from Front Range Community College,
Larimer County Center.
4. Will there be any access from Crest Road?
RESPONSE: There will be no vehicular access from Crest Road. Crest Road is private and
would have to be upgraded. There is a possibility that an asphalt or concrete path could
connect to Crest Road since PR-1 owns property up to Crest. Such a path could serve any
elementary students who live on Crest. At this time, there are no elementary students who live
on Crest.
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281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6750
5. The site plan indicates that Hinsdale Drive will be extended north to Harmony Road.
This extension has serious implications for current and future residents of Clarendon Hills.
There is a threat to our quality of life with the increased traffic. There is a danger that
drivers will take a short-cut through our neighborhood to avoid the signal at Harmony and
Shields. This will increase the noise in front of our homes. If drivers speed through our
neighborhood, this will create a hazardous situation for children.
6. Hinsdale Drive should be constructed from Harmony Road south to the school but
should not connect into Clarendon Hills. If fire access is needed, break -away bollards can be
installed at the entry to Clarendon Hills. These bollards are used at the Epic parking lot
entrance on East Stuart Street.
7. We live on the existing cul-de-sac where Hinsdale terminates at the Clarendon Hills
north property line. We are opposed to the extension. We purchased our home with the
understanding that the connection would not be made. We are concerned that an extended
Hinsdale will become the major entrance to Clarendon Hills. This will have a negative impact
on our neighborhood.
RESPONSE: The new school is designed to serve the children of Clarendon Hills. Vehicular
access to an elementary school is important for the younger children who typically do not walk
long distances to school. Vehicular access is important for parents who drop off the walk-in
students during bad weather. Vehicular access is important during special events and
programs. It would be cumbersome and time consuming for parents to drive over to Shields,
then north to Harmony, then east, and then south to gain access to the school. The extension
to Harmony and the connection into Clarendon Hills creates a logical circulation system for
both the school and the neighborhood that will be a benefit over the long term.
8. If Hinsdale is not connected to the north, then there is a potential that parents will use
the cul-de-sac as a drop-off point or unofficial parking .lot to gain access. This behavior
pattern may develop to save time from going out to the two arterials.
9. If Hinsdale is extended from Clarendon to Harmony, then it should be designed to
discourage speeding and cut -through traffic. It should be made curvelinear, not straight. It
should have narrow width, not a wide width. Everything possible should be done to create a
sense of safety for the children. Speed bumps should be installed to reduce speeding. The
actual site lay out of the school should allow for the street to be designed in a sensitive fashion.
'RESPONSE: It is possible to design the street in this fashion. Hinsdale will be -classified as a
local street, not a collector, so the width will be 36 feet wide, similar to the streets in
Clarendon. Speed bumps, however, are not allowed on public streets. As with other schools,
there will be yellow caution signs, yellow caution lights, and crosswalks where appropriate.
10. There should be stop signs at the entrance to Clarendon Hills, or at the intersection of
Hinsdale and Langdale. This will discourage high speed traffic.
RESPONSE FROM CITY TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR: The extension of Hinsdale Drive
is a very important consideration for the City. Hinsdale will become a publicly dedicated
street. Its design, location, and characteristics must be approved by the City. It is the City's
position that a Traffic Impact Analysis be conducted to evaluate the impacts of an extended
Hinsdale. This study will help determine some of the design features. Without the study, it
would be difficult to predict how best to design the street. It is the City's desire to use the
study as a basis to design a street that serves the needs of neighborhood and the PR-1.
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The location of stop signs will not be decided by PR -I. Stop signs and other features will be
evaluated and reviewed by the City Transportation Department, based on the Traffic Impact
Analysis and sound traffic engineering principles. It is hoped that the alignment and design
features of Hinsdale Drive, at this point in the process, is flexible enough to respond the results
of the Traffic Impact Analysis.
11. The students at F.R.C.C. all drive cars and are somewhat reckless. These drivers should
be discouraged from impacting Clarendon Hills and the new school.. Sidewalks should be
constructed on Harmony Road to protect pedestrians from these drivers.
RESPONSE: The school site was selected to achieve separation from F.R.C.C. and proximity
to Clarendon Hills. Sidewalks on Harmony Road will probably not be constructed by PR -1
since most students who walk will come from the south. Neighborhoods north of Harmony will
continue to be served by Lopez.
12. Why was the selected site not closer to Taft Canyon Estates? I voted for the bond issue
thinking that the school would be located between Shields and Taft, south of Harmony Road.
I thought the new school would be less than one mile so my children could walk. It is
frustrating to discover it is now almost two miles away and my children will now have to take
a bus.
RESPONSE: The site was selected so it could be as near as possible to the largest amount -of
students. Clarendon Hills will have about 300 homes at full build -out. Also, the cost of
constructing public improvements and utilities is more economical at this site than in the area
you suggest.
13. How much land does PR-1 own?
RESPONSE: We own the easterly 53 acres of the F.R.C.C. site.
14. What are the plans for the areas west of Hinsdale Drive?
RESPONSE: The School Board has made no final decision on the ultimate development of the
balance of the parcel.
15. Clarendon Hills needs a buffer from the school. This buffer should be a greenbelt with
generous tree plantings. The school improvements should not be pushed up against the homes.
There should be separation. This area would be good location for the park. Providing ._a.quality
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separation would preserve the value of our homes.
M Elementary schools do not have very good floors in the gym or "flex room" for physical
education or athletic events. Gym floors should be wood, not the materials used now. The
floor at Timnath is a very good example of what a good gym floor should be.
17. The access to F.R.C.C. should be from Shields, not Harmony. This would alleviate some
of the traffic on Harmony Road.
18. The Harmony/Shields traffic signal should have separate left turn cycles.
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19. Harmony Road will need widening. If F.R.C.C. expands, and Hinsdale is extended, then
this will put more traffic on Harmony and it needs more lanes to carry the traffic.'
RESPONSE: PR-1 will not widen Harmony with this project. Widening roads to arterial
standards and constructing new, roads is very expensive. There is no budget to do these
improvements at this time.
20. Primary access to the school should be off Crest. Secondary access for fire protection
could be a u-shape road extended south from Harmony Road. There should be no local street
access into Clarendon Hills.
RESPONSE: Again, Crest is private and permission would have to be obtained from the
owners. Crest would also have to be reconstructed to local street standards. Access into
Clarendon Hills is important to serve the school users.
21. The residents of Taft Canyon Estates and Horsetooth Mobile Home Park did not receive
notice of this meeting. There should be. another meeting for these users. Why weren't these
neighborhoods notified?
RESPONSE: This meeting was not intended to be a boundary meeting or a users meeting but,
rather, a neighborhood meeting for those areas impacted by the development of the school.. The
meeting was called for by the City Planning Department as a courtesy to inform those citizens
who will be affected by the physical development of the school, and to seek input from these
affected property owners. Taft Canyon and Horsetooth Mobile Home Park are not affected by
this physical development. Although input from all users is welcome, the notification mailing
list did not include all potential users but a more restricted area.
22. Can the school boundaries change? I live north of Harmony and I don't want my
children to cross Harmony Road to attend this new school.
RESPONSE: Yes, boundaries can change. The School Boundary Committee annually submits
it boundary recommendations to the School Board based on changing conditions, growth, size
of schools, walk-in preference, and a strong desire not to transfer an elementary student more
than twice. Kids north of Harmony will not be attending this new school, and will remain at
Lopez which is hoped to be a walk-in school only, with no bussing.
23. Can the architect do something about the coatracks? Will the coatracks be in the
corridors or in the hallways? The existing schools have problems with coatracks. -- -- ---- - _
RESPONSE: The new school will have slightly wider corridors to handle the coatracks. At
other schools, the choice will be made by the principal and the teachers.
24. What opportunities exist for our comments to be incorporated into the site plan? What's
the next step in the approval process? Does our input have any influence?
RESPONSE: The School Board will hear an agenda item relating to this school at this coming
Monday's meeting -March 25, 1991. Your comments are welcome at this hearing. It will be up
to the School Board to consider the merits of the comments made here this evening.
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25. If we have a citizen's meeting on a Wednesday, and a School Board meeting on the
following Monday, what chance is there of design flexibility to recognize our comments? The
project seems to be on a fast track. Are the site lay out, street design, etc. all a "fait accompli"?
RESPONSE: The project schedule is designed to open the school for the Fall of 1992. Any
change in this schedule must be approved by the School Board.
26. There are 53 available acres on the PR -I property. Combined with the fact that F.R.C.C.
could expand to 3,000 students, it seems that a thorough analysis needs to be conducted in a
comprehensive manner. The fast track does not do justice to the complex issues and the
neighborhood concerns. Also, the fact that there will be a new superintendent, and six new
board members, there should be more caution in this fast track approach.
27. What is the, typical time frame for design and construction for an elementary school?
RESPONSE: This time frame is different for every school but this information is available by
referencing our records.
28. What is the City's role in the review process?
RESPONSE: The City of Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board, under State Statute, is
empowered to review, comment, and to make findings of fact as to the location, character and
extent of the proposed school relative to the Master Plan of the City. If the Planning and
Zoning Board does not vote to approve the school, then it is remanded back to the School Board
where it must pass by a two-thirds majority vote.
29. Why was this site selected?
RESPONSE: The southwest side of the City is in need of another school. Growth rates and
direction of growth are tracked by PR-1 and a need was identified in this area. The economies
associated with the purchase from F.R.C.C. made this site attractive. The proximity to a large
walk-in (Clarendon Hills) population is a big advantage to this site.
30. The developer of Clarendon Hills would like to go on record to clear up a possible
misconception. While it is true that the Clarendon Hills Third Filing plat indicates that
Hinsdale Drive would be extended to the north, it was not the developer's choice to so indicate
on the plat.. Rather, the City, through the plan approval process, made the possible connection
a requirement on the plat documents. Conversations between the developer. .of- Clarendon -Hills
and Mr. Elliott of Voc-Tech led the developer to believe that the connection would never be
needed.
31. Who will pay for the widening. of Harmony Road?
RESPONSE: Typically, arterials are widened by adjacent land owners as the property is
developed. These developers are responsible for constructing only the "local street" portion of
the arterial. The balance of the widening is paid for out of the City's Street Oversizing Fund.
If there are no adjacent developers, then the street does not get widened, or a special
improvement district is formed, or a separate project is budgeted out of the City's general fund.
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32. There are valuable open space opportunities on PR-1's 53 acres. These open spaces areas
are important for educational programs as well as a valuable amenity in a growing urban
environment. As the southwest side of the City continues to grow, these areas will take on
greater value.
RESPONSE: Again, the School Board, at this time, has taken no official action on the balance
of the site.
33. The owners within the Brookwood Subdivision would like to go on record to state that
there is an existing irrigation ditch that must be accommodated. Delivery of this water must
not be impacted by school development.
RESPONSE: We are aware of the ditch and will plan accordingly.
34. Will any students be bussed to this school?
RESPONSE: Yes. The school serves a large area. Students who live more than one mile away
will be bussed in.
35. There is a rumor circulating that the 53 acres will be the' future home of the bus barn
and a new high school. Is this true?
RESPONSE:. There is absolutely no truth to this rumor.
36. The record should state that Taft Canyon Estates and Horsetooth Mobile Home Park
were not notified of this meeting.
37. Will there be any access to the school from Shields or F.R.C.C.?
RESPONSE: No.
38. If Hinsdale is extended, will it be plowed?
RESPONSE: The City's Master Snow Plan sets three priorities. First priority are arterials
(emergency snow routes) and trouble spots. Second priority is collector streets. Third priority
is school and bus routes.
-39. As neighboring homeowners, we are very concerned about the orientation .of -the -school.
Can the building be oriented so it faces northwest, away from Clarendon Hills?
RESPONSE: Since the school will use the same lighting features as Johnson, the main entrance
must face east or west. There are substantial savings on lighting costs by using this system.
40. We are concerned about the amount of landscaping, the screening of the trash enclosure
and the service area, and outdoor lighting. Please use discretion in locating these features and
do everything' possible to minimize the impact on the adjacent residents. We have invested our
life savings in our homes, please respect this investment.
41. The record should state the notification letter did not contain a site plan, only a vicinity
map showing general location. Tonight's meeting is the first chance we have had to examine
the plan. Given the fast track nature of the project, a site plan included with the letter would
have been more appropriate. I feel we are at a disadvantage given the time frame.
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42.. As the design of the school was being conceived, what were some of the teacher's
comments?
RESPONSE: The teachers wanted more room in the corridors for coatracks, and folding
partitions in larger rooms versus the small group rooms. Other changes will include rooms for
special education that are flexible to changing needs and not over specialized, a distinctive
entry unique to this school, different combinations of brick and block to create a new, color,
and a new foundation design.
43. Please use less gravel in the playground. Our children come home filled with gravel in
their clothing. Use turf instead.
44. We have given you a lot of comments tonight. Obviously there are a lot of differing
opinions. Basically, I sense that the school will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood but .
only if there are adequate design solutions to the Hinsdale extension, buffering along your
south property line, and significant landscaping, screening, and quality development that
reflects the value of the area. It is very important to us that you carry the message to the
School Board and that our concerns are indeed heard, and not lost in the process.
45. Two enclosures attached -Submitted by citizens as site plan alternatives.
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Develops it Services
Planning Department
City of Fort Collins
MEMORANDUM
TO: Ted Shepard, City Planner
FROM: Rick Ensdorff, Transportation Director
DATE: May 3, 1991
RE: City of Fort Collins Transportation Division
Recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Board Regarding
the 1992 Southwest Elementary School
There are four main points to be discussed:
I. The procedural difficulty of the School Board hearing
preceding the P&Z hearing. (process)
II. The alignment of Hinsdale Drive (curve)
III. The connection to existing Hinsdale Drive (traffic circle)
IV. Hinsdale/Harmony intersection (striping and geometrics)
Introduction•
On April 1, 1991, the PR-1 School District submitted a plan for
City review by the Planning and Zoning Board for the S.W.
Elementary School to be considered by the Board at the May 20th
public hearing. On April 24, 1991, the City received the Southwest
Elementary School Site Access Study prepared by Matthew J. Delich,
P.E.
_ The City of Fort Collins and the Planning and Zoning Board are
reviewing the proposed 1992 S.W. Elementary School and the -Site_
Access Studv under the followina State Statute:
Section 31-23-209 C.R.S.:
"When the Commission (P & Z Board) has adopted the master plan of
the municipality or of one or more major sections or districts
thereof, no street, square, park, or other public way, ground or
open space, public building or structure, or publicly or privately
owned public utility shall be constructed or authorized in the
municipality or in such planned section and district until the
location, character, and extent thereof has been submitted for
approval by the commission."
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281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6750
1991 Southwest Elementary School, Advisory Review, #16-91
May 20, 1991 P & Z Meeting
Page 2
COMMENTS
1. Background:
The surrounding zoning and land uses are as follows:
N: R-L-P; Vacant (approved by the City of Fort Collins Parks and
Recreation Board for a neighborhood park)
S: R-L-P; Single family homes (Clarendon Hills Third Filing)
E: R-L-P; Vacant (approved for neighborhood park)
W: R-L-P; Vacant (owned by the Poudre R-1 School District)
The Poudre R-1 School District purchased 55 acres from the three
school districts that owned Front Range Community College - Larimer
County Center in 1990. The property was included in a large
annexation in 1986 that took in both Voc-Tech and Clarendon Hills.
The subject property has never been included in a master plan or
overall development plan.
2. City's Right of Advisory Review:
Colorado Revised Statutes provide two specific references to the
City's right of review in the planning and location of school
sites:
A. Section 22-32-124, C.R.S., as amended, addresses the right of
the school district to construct schools within a municipality
and speaks to the extent to which the municipality may control
the location or manner of construction of such schools. The
statute specifically limits the municipalities' participation
in the process to a limited right of review and appeal to the
Board of Education.
B. Section 31-23-209, C.R.S. provides that no public building
shall be constructed or authorized in a city until the
location, character and extent thereof has been submitted for
approval by the Planning and Zoning Board. In the case of
disapproval, the Planning and Zoning Board shall communicate
its findings to the School District. The disapproval of the
Planning and Zoning Board may be overruled by the School Board
by a vote of not less than two-thirds of its membership.
Under Section 31-23-209 C.R.S., the Planning and Zoning Board
should make a finding as to the location, character, and extent of
the public buildings and structures relative to the adopted Master
Plan of the City. Such findings help to ensure that the proposed
site and structures conform to the adopted plan of the community.
I. Procedural Concern Regarding the Schedule of School Board
Hearing and the Planning and Zoning Board Hearing.
The School Board meeting is scheduled for May 13, 1991. The next
available School Board meeting is June 10, 1991. In order to save
one month in the bidding and selection process, it is imperative
that the School Board make their 11100% Approval" on May 13th.
The Planning and Zoning Board meeting is scheduled for May 20,
1991, one week later than the School Board meeting.
The Transportation Department is concerned that the City's
recommendation will occur one week after the School Board has taken
final action.
To overcome this scheduling difficulty, the Transportation
Department is sending its Planning and Zoning Board recommendation
to the Poudre R-1 School District detailing the concerns of the
proposed school and the impacts on the public street system.
II. Hinsdale Alignment
As per the requirements of the Clarendon Hills Master Plan, the
School District is extending Hinsdale Drive north from Clarendon
Hills subdivision to intersect with Harmony Road. This extension
will serve as the only public street access to the new school, and
a northerly access to Harmony Road for Clarendon Hills.
The School District has proposed that the alignment of Hinsdale
extension be fairly straight with little curvature typically found
in the Clarendon Hills subdivision.
Transportation Recommendation:
The Transportation Department recommends to the Planning and Zoning
Board that this proposed straight alignment be curved. The
intersection with Harmony Road should be shifted- -between__10.0—and____.
200 feet to the west, and then brought into the existing Hinsdale
via a reverse curve design., (See Exhibit One)
Justification:
A. The S.W. school will be, primarily, a neighborhood "walk-in"
school. The objective is to reduce the amount of bussing of
students and to serve the Clarendon Hills, Applewood Estates,
Brookwood, and Scenic Knolls subdivisions as a neighborhood school.
In order to further enhance and promote the neighborhood quality of
the school, a curved local street is vastly superior to a straight
street.
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B. A curved local street, directly off an arterial intersection,
creates an instant residential effect. A driver cannot see down a
curved street. The line of sight is broken by the curve. A
straight street, however, creates a long vista and is more
attractive to a motorist seeking a destination beyond the school
and neighborhood.
C. Speeds are reduced by the curve. Straight streets allow
drivers to feel more comfortable and may encourage speeds that
would be more appropriate for a collector street.
D. It is technically feasible to install the curve. There are no
negative traffic impacts with the addition of a curve.
E. A residential street's functions include not only its place in
the transportation system but its role. as part of a residential
community's living environment.
F. A local street is an important component of overall
residential community design. Properly scaled and designed streets
can create more attractive communities and can contribute to a
clearly defined sense of place.
G. Ideally, residential streets should present neither an endless
vista of traffic ways that encourage through traffic nor a
spaghetti -like labyrinth that is irrational, incomprehensible, and
confusing. The existing street pattern in Clarendon Hills meets
this important criterion and should be continued with the curving
of the Hinsdale extension.
III. Connecting to Existing Hinsdale Drive in Clarendon Hills
At the north property line of Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale Drive is
equipped with a standard cul-de-sac as per the requirements of the
Poudre Fire Authority. This cul-de-sac, however, is temporary. In
addressing the temporary nature of this cul-de-sac, the recorded
- - --plat states:
"Temporary turnaround and utility easements to revert to Lot
44.and Lot 45 when Hinsdale Drive is extended." (See Exhibit
Two)
Since the City approved Clarendon Hills with the expectation that
Hinsdale Drive would be extended to the north, The City expects the
developer of the adjacent property to tie into Clarendon Hills and
Hinsdale Drive in a manner that is reasonable, safe, and meets
engineering and safety standards.
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It was originally expected that the Hinsdale cul-de-sac would be
removed and a straight street be installed. In examining this
option, the Transportation has made the following findings:
A. Existing sidewalk, curb, gutter, and asphalt paving would have
to be demolished.
B. New sidewalk, curb, gutter, and two driveways would have to be
reconstructed.
C. Leaving the cul-de-sac as is with the extension would create
a large uncontrolled area of asphalt with no logical relationship
to traffic movement.
Recommendation:
The Transportation Department agrees with the recommendation of the
Site Access Study that a raised traffic circle be constructed in
the center of the existing cul-de-sac. This would allow the
existing cul-de-sac to be utilized without expensive demolition and
reconstruction, and traffic movement to be controlled in a logical
manner that meets the expectations of a typical driver.
Justification:
A. A traffic circle is economically efficient by using existing
improvements.
B. Construction of a traffic circle may be less expensive than
demolition and reconstruction.
C. A traffic circle adds to the neighborhood character by
creating an sense of entry to a residential area.
D. A traffic circle would help create a feeling that slower
speeds are expected. This is very appropriate adjacent to a
neighborhood "walk-in" elementary school.
E. With appropriate signage and striping, a traffic circle can
function according to all safety and traffic engineering
standards.
IV. Hinsdale/Harmony Intersection
The Transportation Department is concerned that the intersection of
the extended Hinsdale and Harmony Road be constructed in a manner
that allows for the necessary lanes.
Recommendation:
The Transportation Department recommends that the new intersection
be constructed according to the striping and geometrics recommended
on page four of the Site Access Study Southwest Elementary School
prepared by Matthew J.Delich, April 1991. (See Exhibit Three)
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EXHIBIT 1
May 1, 1991
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CLAREND_ 0NHILLS THIRD FILING
( SHEET 3 OF 3 )
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PROJECT NO.
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EXHIBIT 2
May 1, 1991
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intersection, the following geometry is recommended: 1) eastbound
- one through lane and one right -turn deceleration lane (370 feet
including taper for stop condition and 295 feet including taper for
a 15 mph turn); 2) westbound - one through lane and one left -turn
deceleration/storage lane (370 feet including taper plus 50 feet
of storage); 3) northbound - one left -turn lane (100 feet) and one
right -turn lane; and 4) southbound -one lane. From observation,
it appears that the westbound geometry can be accommodated on the
existing cross section with re -striping. The eastbound geometry
will likely require widening for the right -turn deceleration lane
on the south side of Harmony Road.
4
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EXHIBIT 3
May 1, 1991 7 of 7
ADDENDUM TO THE SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SITE ACCESS STUDY
APRIL 27, 1991
The City of Fort Collins requested that the traffic volumes
on Hinsdale Drive provided in the Southwest Elementary School Site
Access Study be further defined by trip producer. The breakdown
shown in this addendum refers to Figure 6, Short Range Peak Hour
Traffic, and Figure 7, Long Range Peak Hour Traffic, from the Site
Access Study. Figure A shows the short range peak hour traffic on
Hinsdale Drive for the school related traffic and the Clarendon
Hills (non -school) related traffic. Also shown is the total
traffic on the impacted segments. Figure B shows the long range
peak hour traffic on Hinsdale Drive for the school related traffic,
the Clarendon Hills (non -school) related traffic, and the assumed
residential area west of Hinsdale Drive (non -school) related
traffic. Also shown is the total traffic on the impacted segments.
HARMONY
SW ELEK
SCkIcOL
4)`
°
eq d
—
LEGEND
13CI400L RELATED TRIPS
CLAREKDONHILLS(N0U-SCHOOL) RELATEQ TRIPS
TOTAL TRIPS
AM/pm
SNORT Rwae PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC ON HIUSDALE DRIVE
FIGURE A
mo —
HARMONY
WE s-r
FZIr51 DENT IAL
AREA
W
J
Q
0
V1
T
N
LEGEND
In
CD M
� h ll1
d
SW ELEM.
sCNooL
•t O
o, o ti
SCHOOL RELATED TRIPS
CLAREAIDQN HILLS(UO►t-SCHOOL) RELATED TRIPS
W65T RESIDENTIAL AREA(mor4-SCHOOL) RELATED TRIPS
TOTAL TRIPS
LONG RANGE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC ok HIUSC)AI.-E DRIVE
FIGURE B
U ice_
APR 2 4 isa
SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SITS ACCESS STUDY
LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
APRIL 1991
Prepared for:
Poudre School District R-1
2407 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Prepared by:
MATTHEW J. DELICH, P.E.
3413 Banyan Avenue
Loveland, CO 80538
Phone: 303-669-2061
1991 Southwest Elementary School, Advisory Review, #16-91
May 20, 1991 P & Z Meeting
Page 3
In addition, Section 22-32-124 C.R.S. calls for the Planning and
Zoning Board to review and comment upon the site development plan
for the proposed school site and, if it desires, "...request a
public hearing before the Board of Education relating to the
proposed site location or site development plan" prior to any
construction of structures or buildings. In addition, the Planning
and Zoning Board may review the details of the site development
plan itself.
3. Land Use•
Public schools are considered to be an appropriate use in the R-L-
P, Low Density Planned Residential zone district. The proposed
elementary school is compatible with existing and future
residential land uses in the area.
On April 24, 1991, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to
approve the location of a new neighborhood park adjacent to the
proposed Southwest Elementary School. The new park will surround
the school on the north and east and consist of approximately eight
acres. The action of the Parks and Recreation Board will be
forwarded to City Council for final action.
The vacant parcel west of Hinsdale Drive extended and east of Front
Range Community College - Larimer County Center is owned by the
Poudre R-1 School District. While there are no immediate
development plans for this parcel, it is anticipated that it will
develop in a manner to allow Poudre R-1 to partially recover the
cost of constructing Hinsdale Drive. For purposes of analysis, the
Southwest Elementary School Site Access Study, Delich 1991, assumed
that this parcel would develop as residential at four dwelling
units per acre. The basis of this residential assumption is
derived from Poudre R-11s policy to promote neighborhood "walk-in"
schools with a student population that does not need to be bussed.
In addition, the combination of the neighborhood park and the
elementary school create an attractive setting for further
residential development.
4. Desian•
The proposed elementary school will accommodate about 550 students
in grades K through 6th. The building will be single story,
masonry, and consist of about 55,000 square feet. The school will
be very similar to the following elementary schools recently
constructed:
Year School Location
1987 Werner Fossil Creek Meadows
1988 Johnson Arapahoe Farm/Mountain Ridge
1989 Linton Sunstone Village
1990 Olander Horsetooth West
I. Introduction
Poudre School District (R-1) is proposing to build an
elementary school located east of Hinsdale Drive (extended) and
south of Harmony Road in Fort Collins, Colorado. The site location
is shown in Figure 1. This school is known as the Southwest (SW)
Elementary School. Along with the school, a city park is proposed
to border the school property on the north, east, and south. The
parcel of land purchased by the Poudre School District is
approximately 53 acres. Half of the land is on the west side of
Hinsdale Drive (extended). With agreement of the Fort Collins
Planning staff, the land to the west of Hinsdale is assumed to be
developed as a single family residential use at 4 dwelling units
per acre. The roads which will be impacted by the school and
adjacent development are Harmony Road and Hinsdale Drive. The key
intersections that will be impacted are: Harmony/Shields,
Harmony/Hinsdale, and Shields/Clarendon Hills Drive.
Harmony Road is classified as a major collector on the Fort
Collins Master Street Plan. The segment between Shields Street and
College Avenue is two lanes with a rural cross section, widening
to four lanes with an urban cross section from the railroad tracks
to College Avenue. The segment just north of the school is paved
to a three lane width, but striped as one eastbound lane and one
westbound lane. There is signal control at the Harmony/Shields,
Harmony/Mason, and Harmony/College intersections. All other
intersections are stop sign controlled with Harmony Road receiving
the right-of-way. In the future, Harmony Road is expected to have
a four lane cross section with turn lanes at appropriate locations.
Shields Street is classified as an arterial on the Fort
Collins Master Street Plan. It is a street of varying width south
of Drake Road. It is proposed to have a four lane urban cross
section with turn lanes at appropriate locations in the future.
It is posted at 35 mph in this area.
Hinsdale Drive is. not classified and is considered to be a
local street. It is built in the northern section of Clarendon
Hills development. It temporarily ends in a cul-de-sac at the
north boundary of Clarendon Hills. It is proposed to continue to
the north from this cul-de-sac to Harmony Road.
Land uses in this area are residential, school, and open
space. Residential uses are east and south of the proposed SW
Elementary School. The Front Range Community College is west of
the site. There are residential uses north of Harmony Road. There
is a farm site located just north of the school site.
1
0.
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'�
�— 96/185
cocm
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(1989)
�— 90/259
104 104
�830
63
�� 63/
3137 (1989) 20/ 15
288/151 —►
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62/45
6/7
5577 (1989)
HARMONY
5373 (19 9
CLARENDON HILLS DRIVE
AM/PM
RECENT TRAFFIC COUNTS Figure 2
Table 1
1991 Peak Hour Operation
Level of Service (Delay)
Intersection AM PM
Harmony/Shields (signal) B (10.5 s/v) B (10.4 s/v)
Shields/Clarendon Hills (stop sign)
WB LT B B
WB RT A A
SB LT A A
Land Use
Elementary School
Park
' 106 SF DU
West of school
TOTAL
t
1
Table
2
Trip Generation
Daily
A.M.
Peak
P.M.
Peak
Trips
Trips
Trips
Trips
Trips
in
out
in
out
560
75
50
53
74
50
2
2
4
4
1060 22 58 45 38
1670 99 110 97 116
HARMONY
W
Future
Single Family
Residential
W
./
oQ
z
Farm
Elementary School
ROAD
Q
N
SCHEMATIC SITE PLAN Figure 3
II. Existing Conditions
The most recent daily traffic counts were obtained in 1989.
These counts are one way volumes on Shields Street and Harmony
Road, and are shown in Figure 2. Peak hour intersection counts
were obtained in April 1991. These counts are also shown in Figure
2. Raw data is shown in Appendix A. New peak hour turning
movement counts were obtained since the peak hour of the school is
not the peak hour of the street. The new counts are from 8:00-9:00
AM and 3:00-4:00 PM. These are the times of highest activity for
an elementary school.
With the existing control at the two intersections counted,
the peak hour operation is shown in Table 1. This operation is
deemed acceptable. Acceptable operation is defined as level of
service D or better. Descriptions :of level of service from the
1985 Highway Capacity. Manual for signalized and unsignalized
intersections are provided in Appendix B. Calculation forms for
the operation shown in Table 1 are provided in Appendix C. During
traffic counting, it was observed that a significant number of
vehicles entering Clarendon Hills Drive were construction related
traffic. There are many homes under construction within Clarendon
Hills at the present time..
III. Proposed Development
Poudre School District is proposing to build an elementary
school on a parcel of land south of Harmony Road and east of
Hinsdale Drive (extended). A schematic site plan is shown in
Figure 3. In addition, the City of Fort Collins may build a park
bordering the school on three sides. It is expected that these
uses will be complementary, sharing parking facilities on the
school site and the park providing recreational uses for school
functions. Typically, during the school hours, the activity at the
park will be minimal. Two future years were selected for analysis.
The short range future was 1995 and the long range future was 2010.
The assumed single family residential use, west of Hinsdale Drive, -
is expected to be developed after 1995. The farm use, north of the
proposed school, was assumed to remain as is throughout the
analysis time frame (20 years).
aA. Trip Generation
Trip generation estimates for the school and adjacent expected
uses were obtained from Trip Generation, 4th Edition, ITE. Table
2 shows trip generation on a daily and peak hour basis. In
addition, trip generation was developed for the continued
development of Clarendon Hills. It was assumed that the number of
occupied dwelling units in Clarendon Hills would double by 1995 and
be completely built out by the year 2010.
2
IN
50 55�-- 9f' —%►
5% / 10%
*
N O
N
HARMONY
LEGEND:
#% / #% —SCHOOL
#% / #% — NON —SCHOOL
SHORT RANGE / LONG RANGE
N
NOM./NOM.
4545%�►
TRIP DISTRIBUTION
Figure 5
B. Background Traffic
Background traffic is defined as the traffic that is and/or
will be on the area streets that is not related to the proposed
development. The intersections considered for the operations
analysis are Harmony/Shields, Shields/Clarendon Hills, and Harmony/
Hinsdale.
Background traffic for impacted streets was projected for each
of the future years analyzed (1995 and 2010). Background traffic
was projected to increase at 2 percent per year for all future
years. This rate of increase is normal for streets and roads in
the City of Fort Collins. It accounts for general traffic growth
and some level of continued development in the vicinity that would
also contribute to traffic growth. Traffic from two developments
were specifically added to the background traffic. These were
Clarendon Hills, as mentioned above, and Arapahoe Farm, which is
currently going through the planning approval process in Fort
Collins. The Arapahoe Farm Site Access Study was submitted to the
City on April 1, 1991. There are no other major developments
proposed which would cause a dramatic increase in traffic in this
area in the short range future. Should a major development occur
which nullifies this methodology, then the traffic study for that
development should reflect both the proposed development and the
projections as reflected in this site access study. In the case
of traffic studies for future developments, the traffic projections
in this site access study become part of the background traffic
for that development.
C. Trip Distribution
Trip distribution was determined based upon an evaluation of
attractions for home -based productions and the most likely routes
available to travel to those attractions. The directional
distribution of the approaching and departing traffic generated at
the proposed uses is a function of:
- Geographic location within the City of Fort Collins -- -----
- Location of employment and business centers which are likely
to attract trips from this area
- Access to the site.
The service area of the SW Elementary School was used to determine
the school related trips. Figure 4 shows the service area for the
SW Elementary School. Figure 5 illustrates the trip distribution
percentages used in the subsequent traffic assignments.
D. Traffic Assignment and Intersection Operation
Using the vehicular trip generation estimates presented in
Table 2, the site generated traffic was assigned to the area street
network. The initial network consisted of Harmony Road, Shields
3
Street, and Clarendon Hills Drive as they are today. Hinsdale
Drive was added to the network from the existing cul-de-sac in
Clarendon Hills to Harmony Road. The analyzed intersections were
Harmony/Shields with the existing signalization, Shields/Clarendon
Hills with stop sign control, and Harmony/Hinsdale with stop sign
control. The Harmony/Hinsdale intersection location is shown in
Figure 3. The horizontal alignment and location of the Harmony/
Hinsdale intersection will be discussed later in this report. The
traffic assignment shows some vehicle trips from Clarendon Hills
to eastbound Harmony Road, utilizing Hinsdale Drive and passing the
SW Elementary School. This route will offer a time and distance
savings for some present and future residents of Clarendon Hills.
However, some future Clarendon Hills residents will find it shorter
and more convenient to utilize Shields Street as their primary
access route. These judgments are reflected in the traffic
assignments.
Figure 6 shows the short range (1995) peak hour traffic .
assignment. This assignment also includes a 2 percent per year
increase in background traffic as described earlier in this report.
Table 3 shows the peak hour operation at the key intersections,.
Calculation forms are provided in Appendix D. All of the key
intersections will operate acceptably with the existing geometrics,
except for left turns from Hinsdale Drive to westbound Harmony
Road. These turns will operate at level of service E. Based upon
recent research, the delay per approach vehicle will be 14-24
seconds during the morning peak hour and 19-29 seconds during the
afternoon peak hour. Using delay criteria from the 1965 Highway
Capacity Manual, the operation of these left turns would be in the
level of service C/D category even though the operations technique
shows the level of service in category E. It is recommended that
this operation be accepted. At the new Harmony/Hinsdale
intersection, the following geometry is recommended: 1) eastbound
- one through lane and one right -turn deceleration lane (370 feet
including taper for stop condition and 295 feet including taper for
a 15 mph turn); 2) westbound - one through lane and one left -turn
deceleration/storage lane (370 feet including taper plus 50 feet
of storage); 3) northbound - one left -turn lane (100 feet) -and --one -- -
right -turn lane; and 4) southbound -one lane. From observation,
it appears that the westbound geometry can be accommodated on the
existing cross section with re -striping. The eastbound geometry
will likely require widening for the right -turn deceleration lane
on the south side of Harmony Road.
Figure 7 shows the long range (2010) peak hour traffic
assignment which includes the background traffic on the area
streets. Table 4 shows the peak hour operation at the key
intersections. •Calculation forms are provided in Appendix E. By
this future time, it is expected that Harmony Road and Shields
Street will have four lane cross sections as per Fort Collins
arterial street standards. The intersection approach geometry on
both Clarendon Hills Drive and Hinsdale Drive should be one left-
4
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116/208
N
9
63/903/90
51/35
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394/216
41/32—�
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HARMONY -17140
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73/49
1
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4 A CLARENDON HILLS DRIVE
r p..
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to
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AM/PM
Q
N
SHORT RANGE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC Figure 6
b
Table 3
1995 Peak Hour Operation
Level of Service (Delay)
Intersection AM PM
Harmony/Shields (signal) B (10.9 s/v) B (10.7 s/v)
Shields/Clarendon Hills (stop sign)
WB LT
C C
WB RT
A A
SB LT
A A
Harmony/Hinsdale (stop sign)
NB LT
E E
NB RT
B A
WB LT
A A
Table 4
2010 Peak Hour Operation
Level of Service (Delay)
Intersection AM PM
Harmony/Shields (signal) C (17.0 s/v) C (18.2 s/v) --
Shields/Clarendon Hills (stop sign)
WB LT D
WB RT A
SB LT A
Harmony/Hinsdale (stop sign)
NB LT F
NB RT A
WB LT C
D
A
F
A
B
1991 Southwest Elementary School, Advisory Review, #16-91
May 20, 1991 P & Z Meeting
Page 4
These schools all feature similar design and are characterized by
distinctive entries and a roof -mounted skylighting system. As
evidenced by the four previous schools, the 1991 school will be
residential in character and an attractive addition to the
neighborhood.
5. Neighborhood Compatibility:
A neighborhood meeting was held on March 20, 1991. Basically, the
new school is perceived as a benefit to the neighborhood but only
if there are adequate design solutions to Hinsdale, buffering along
the southerly property line, and significant landscaping that
reflects the value of the area.
6. Transportation:
The Transportation Department of the City of Fort Collins has three
important concerns relating to the development of the Southwest
Elementary School. These concerns have been summarized in a
memorandum and forwarded to the Poudre R-1 School Board for
consideration at their May 13 meeting. A copy of this memo is
attached. The concerns are summarized as follows:
A. Poudre R-1 has proposed that the extension of Hinsdale Drive
(local street) be constructed in a straight alignment from
Clarendon Hills subdivision on the south to Harmony Road on
the north.
The Transportation Department recommends that this proposed
alignment be curved. The intersection with Harmony Road should be
shifted between 100 and 200 feet to the west, and brought into the
existing Hinsdale via a reverse curve design.
An illustration of the curvilinear alignment is attached to the
Transportation Department memorandum. The purpose of the
recommendation is to further enhance the neighborhood character of
the school site, the vacant property west of Hinsdale, and
Clarendon Hills. It is important to note that this recommendation
is not merely an aesthetic improvement. The curvilinear alignment
of a local street contributes to the slower speeds, increased
safety, and reduced traffic volumes.
B. The connection of Hinsdale Drive into the Clarendon Hills
subdivision should be made with a traffic circle (enlarged
median). Since Hinsdale Drive in Clarendon Hills presently
terminates with a typical cul-de-sac, the large asphalt bulb
must either be eliminated or treated with a traffic circle.
It would be dangerous to leave a large, uncontrolled asphalt
area in the middle of a local street that provides access to
O
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103/71
567/321
69/51
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HARMONY
sso-
81/75-
101/87
15/18
CLARENDON HILLS DRIVE
— 505/942
�— 29/63
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AM/PM
Q
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LONG RANGE PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC Figure 7
turn lane and one right -turn lane. The Harmony/Shields signalized
intersection will operate at level of service C. With the 2010
volumes and the wider cross section, an eight phase signal will be
required at this location. The Shields/Clarendon Hills
intersection will operate acceptably with stop sign control. The
Harmony/Hinsdale stop sign controlled intersection will operate
acceptably, except for left -turn exits from Hinsdale. The 1985
Highway Capacity Manual analysis technique shows this operation to
be at level of service E. However, the range of delay per approach
vehicle will be 30-40 seconds in the morning peak hour and 32-42
seconds in the afternoon peak hour. These delays are considered
to be at level of service D/E. There is little that can be done
to improve this operation. With good signal progression on Harmony
Road, this operation could be improved by one level of service
category. This level of service occurs at many arterial/local
street intersections throughout Fort Collins. This type of
operation is generally accepted. With the four lane cross section
on Harmony Road, a right -turn deceleration lane, and a left -turn.
deceleration and storage lane are required on Harmony Road at
Hinsdale. The right -turn deceleration lane should have the same
length shown under the short range analysis. The westbound left• -
turn lane should be 370 .feet including taper plus 75 feet of
storage.
E. Neighborhood Concerns
A number of meetings were held in March and April, 1991,
involving the neighborhood to the south (Clarendon Hills), City
staff, and School District staff. This section of the report
addresses issues raised at these meetings. The neighborhood's
concerns are two -fold. There is a fear that Hinsdale Drive will
become a short-cut for non -neighborhood trips to by pass the
Harmony/Shields signal. The other concern is related to speed on
Hinsdale Drive by all vehicles.
It has been suggested that Hinsdale Drive terminate in the
existing cul-de-sac at the north end of Clarendon Hills. -Access-
to the school, the park, and the eventual residential area west of
the school would only have access from Harmony Road. This solution
to the through traffic/speed concern is not in the best interest
of all parties concerned. Hinsdale Drive has, since its inception,
been intended as an access street to the Clarendon Hills
development. This is an important link to Clarendon Hills from a
convenience, environmental, and public safety point of view.
Research has shown that a street with the circuitous nature of
Hinsdale Drive will not attract the trips that the neighborhood
fears that it will. The SW Elementary School will serve students
living in Clarendon Hills. Parents of some of those students may
choose to drive their children to school. They should be allowed
to do this via a convenient route (Hinsdale Drive). With the
school close to the existing cul-de-sac on Hinsdale Drive, it has
5
been suggested that Clarendon Hills parents can drop off/pick up
children at this location. This would turn this cul-de-sac into
a parking lot and uncontrolled drop-off area. This is not in the
best interest of the people living in the homes near this cul-de-
sac. Termination of Hinsdale Drive at the cul-de-sac is not
recommended.
It has also been suggested that the school be accessible from
the south via Hinsdale Drive and from the north from Harmony Road,
but not to connect these streets through the school parking lot.
Emergency access would be allowed. This is not recommended because
Hinsdale Drive should be a through street. It is logical that it
go through this area as a public street.
There have been a number of suggestions regarding ways to
reduce the potential through traffic on Hinsdale Drive. The
Harmony/Hinsdale intersection will not be signalized, therefore it
will not "attract" trips. The operation of the northbound left
turns at this •intersection suggests that this will not be an
attractive route for these trips. It has been suggested that a "no
outlet" sign be placed at the Harmony/Hinsdale intersection. This
sign would make a false statement and should not be used. Changing
the name of the street has also been suggested. However, for the
sake of consistency, this street should be called Hinsdale Drive.
There is no reason to change the name of the street. Hinsdale
Drive will be posted at 25 mph as a local street. After the school
is built and traffic patterns become established, school zone
flashing lights could be evaluated. It is premature to recommend
school zone flashing lights at this level of analysis. It has been
suggested that speed dips be used to slow traffic on Hinsdale
Drive. While both speed dips and speed bumps are effective in
reducing speeds, there are concerns about the potential damage and
injury that they can cause to a vehicle that hits them at a higher
speed. They often present street maintenance and snow/ice removal
concerns to the City, also.
Adjusting the horizontal alignment of Hinsdale Drive from the
- school to Harmony Road has been suggested as a method -._-of--_
discouraging through traffic. By introducing sweeping horizontal
curves, Hinsdale Drive will appear to not be a through street.
This might be the case to a stranger. However, the people who will
use Hinsdale Drive are going to be the residents of Clarendon Hills
and those that have reason to be on that street. There are no
operational reasons not to keep the alignment which has been
proposed by the Poudre School District. The only factor governing
the location of the Harmony/Hinsdale intersection is that the
geometry of the auxiliary lanes at this and the adjacent
intersections fit on Harmony Road. From available information, it
appears as though the proposed location accomplishes this.
0
It has been suggested that stop signs be placed at one or more
locations along Hinsdale Drive. This could only occur at
intersections. It is doubtful that stop sign warrants would be met
at any location along Hinsdale Drive except at Harmony Road and at
Clarendon Hills Drive. Most professional traffic engineers object
to the use of stop signs for speed control. However, studies have
shown that they can be effective'. However, it has been shown that
the effective area of influence is rather small and generally, in
less than 100 feet, the vehicle reaches the original approach
speed. Traffic circles have also been shown to reduce the speed
on neighborhood streets. The area of influence related to traffic
circles is longer, causing a slower speed for a longer distance.
A potential location for a traffic circle is the existing cul-de-
sac atthe current terminus of Hinsdale Drive. There will be a
vertical curve north of the cul-de-sac. The design of the traffic
circle solution, if pursued, will need to consider this vertical
curve.
Street narrowing has also been suggested. Street narrowing
has been shown to be almost totally ineffective in reducing speed
in residential neighborhoods.
It is recommended that Hinsdale Drive connect from the
existing cul-de-sac to Harmony Road and that a traffic circle be
considered as an effective means of achieving a desired speed and
marking the transition to Clarendon Hills. It is concluded that
Hinsdale Drive will have little or no cut through traffic trying
to avoid the Harmony/Shields signal.
III. Conclusions
' The following summarizes the significant findings as a result
of this study:
- Traffic from the SW Elementary School, the city park, and
_the adjacent residential development can be handled on the area _
streets with various improvements.
Traffic operation at the area intersections is acceptable.
- The SW Elementary School will gain access via Hinsdale
Drive, which will intersect with Harmony Road at a T intersection.
At the short range future (1995), the key intersections
operate acceptably. At the Harmony/Hinsdale intersection, the
northbound left turns will experience delays which are common at
arterial/local street intersections with stop sign control. The
'Marconi, William, "Speed Control Measures in Residential
Areas," Traffic Engineering, March 1977.
' 7
following auxiliary lanes should be built at the Harmony/Hinsdale
intersection: 1) eastbound right -turn lane, 2) westbound left -turn
lane, 3) northbound right -turn lane, and 4) northbound left -turn
lane.
- At the long range future (2010), the key intersections will
operate acceptably, except for the same northbound left turns at
the Harmony/Hinsdale intersection, which will experience some
delays. It is expected that both Harmony Road and Shields Street
will be built to four lane cross sections. The same auxiliary
lanes shown in the short range recommendation should be provided
in the long range future.
- Hinsdale Drive should be extended from the existing cul-
de-sac to Harmony Road. The horizontal alignment of Hinsdale Drive
will have little/no operational effect on the traffic using it.
Consideration should be given to introducing a traffic
circle on Hinsdale Drive as a means of achieving the desired speed
and marking the transition to Clarendon Hills.
8
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1991 Southwest Elementary School, Advisory Review, #16-91
May 20, 1991 P & Z Meeting
Page 5
an elementary school, neighborhood park, and an arterial
street. Such a traffic circle is recommended in the Site
Access Study.
The Transportation Department recommends that a raised traffic
circle be constructed in the center of the existing Hinsdale cul-
de-sac.
C. The Transportation Department is concerned that the new
intersection of Harmony Road and Hinsdale Drive be constructed
in a manner that allows for the necessary turn lanes. A
summary of these improvements is attached to the memorandum
sent to Poudre R-1.
The Transportation Department recommends that the new intersection
be constructed according to the striping and geometrics recommended
on page four of the Site Access Study Southwest Elementary School
prepared by Matthew J. Delich, April 1991.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning and Zoning Board advise the
Poudre R-1 School Board that the design and location of the 1992
Southwest Elementary School is appropriate and compatible with the
residential character of the area. In order to enhance the
compatibility with the existing neighborhood, and to tie into the
existing public streets, the Planning and Zoning Board should
advise the Poudre R-1 School Board of the following:
1. The alignment of Hinsdale Drive extended should be
curvilinear. The intersection with Harmony Road should be
shifted 100 to 200 feet to the west, and then brought into the
existing Hinsdale Drive via a reverse curve design.
2. In accordance with the findings of the Site Access Study, the
connection of Hinsdale Drive into the Clarendon Hills
subdivision should be made with a raised traffic circle in the
location of the present cul-de-sac to accommodate excess
asphalt and to control speeds.
3. Also in accordance with the Site Access Study, the new
intersection of Harmony Road and Hinsdale Drive should be
constructed with the striping and geometrics as specified in
order to accommodate the necessary turn lanes.
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-63 V`LiS F'. P� SDI
or other building beyond the territorial limits of the district except in
ance with the provisions of section 22-32-109 (1) (v).
Source: (2) amended, L. 75, p. 786, § 5; (1) amended, L. 77, p. 1050, §
(2) amended, L. 79, p. 783, § 3.
22-32-124. Building codes - zoning - planning. (1) Prior to th—e—MMisi.
tion of land or any contracting for the purchase thereof, the board of educa-
tion shall consult with and advise in writing the planning commission, or
governing body if no planning commission exists, which has jurisdiction over
the territory in which the site is proposed to be located in order that the
proposed site shall conform to the adopted plan of the community insofar
as is feasible. In addition, the board of education shall submit a site develop-
ment plan for review and comment thereon to such planning commission
or governing body prior tP construction of any structure or building. The
planning commission or governing body may request a public hearing before
the board of education relating to the proposed site location or site develop-
ment plan. The board of education shall thereafter promptly schedule the
hearing, publish at least one notice in advance of the hearing, and provide
written notice of the hearing to the requesting planning commission or gov-
erning body. Prior to the acquisition of land for school building sites or con-
struction of any buildings thereon, the board of education also shall consult
with the Colorado geological survey regarding potential swelling soil, mine
subsidence, and other geologic hazards and to determine the geologic suit-
ability of the site for its proposed use. All buildings and structures shall he
erected in conformity with the standards of the division of labor. Nothing
in this subsection (1) shall be construed to limit the authority of a board
of education to finally determine the location of public schools within the
district and erect necessary buildings and structures.
(2) (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8-1-107 (2) (d), C.R.S.,
upon request of the division of labor after consulting with the affected board
of education, the appropriate building department of a county, town, city,
or city and county wherein a building or structure has been erected pursuant
to subsection (1) of this section may make the necessary inspections to deler-
mine that such building or structure has been erected in conformity with
the standards of the division of labor and, if such building or structure is
in conformity, shall issue the necessary certificate of occupancy prior to use
of the building or, structure by the school district. A fee may be charged
for such inspections upon approval of the board of education, if the amount
of the fee is determined on the basis of the direct cost of providing such
service. If the division of labor after consulting with the affected board of
education requests inspections by the building department, such inspections
shall be in lieu of any inspections made by the division of labor; except
that this subsection (2) shall not be construed to relieve the division of labor
of the responsibility to conduct such inspections if the appropriate county,
town, city, or city and county agency does not conduct the inspections. Any
county, town, city, or city and county conducting such inspections shall also
be authorized to annually reinspect the building or structure to assure that
it is maintained and operated in accordance with the fire code adopted qjj
the director of the division of labor. The inspecting entity shall cooperate
with the affected school district in carrying out the duties of this section.
(b) If the division of labor conducts the necessary inspection to determine
that a building or structure erected pursuant to subsection (1) of this section
has been erected in conformity with the standards of the division of labor,
it shall charge a fee of two hundred dollars for such inspection. Any fees
collected by the division of labor pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall be
transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the public
safety inspection fund created pursuant to section 8-1-151, C.R.S.
(3) The county, town, city, city and county, or fire protection district
providing fire protection service for the buildings and structures of a school
district may annually inspect such buildings and structures to assure that
they are maintained in accordance with the fire code adopted by the director
of the division of labor unless the board of education of the district has
contracted for such inspections to be conducted by a person qualified to
conduct such inspections by reason of experience, training, or certification.
Source: Amended, L. $1, p. 1064, § I; (1) R & RE and (2) amended, L.
84, pp. 599, 600, § § I, 2; (2) amended, L. 85, p. 338, § 6; amended, L.
86, p. 499, § 118.
22-32-125. Applicability of article.
Repealed, L. 75, p. 788, § 13, effective July I, 1975.
22-32-126. Principals - employment and authority.
Principal has the authority to adopt policies, 653 P.2d 743 (Colo. App. 1982), rev'd on
les, and regullitions to implement school other grounds, 688 P.2d 219 (Colo. 1984),
licy. DeKoevend v. Board of Educ., 653 Principal has authority to supervise leachers.
2d 743 (Colo. App. 1982). rev'd on other Taking the steps necessary to supervise and
uunds, 688 P.2d 219(Colo. 1984). insure the elfectiveness of teachers is within
The administrative responsibilities set forth the authority delegated to the principal by the
this section could not be carried out if the school board and thus constitutes a legitimate
incipal was unable to promulgate rules and exercise of his power. l hompson v. Board of
force them. DcKoevend v. Board of Educ., Educ., 668 P.2d 954 (Colo. App. 1983).
22-32-127. Leases or installment purchases for periods exceeding one year.
I) (a) Whenever the term of an installment purchase agreement or a lease
greement with an option to purchase under which a school district becomes
Milled to the use of undeveloped or improved real property or equipment
or a school site, building, or structure is greater than one year, the obligation
o make payments under the agreement shall constitute an indebtedness of
the district. .
(b) Under any installment purchase agreement or under any lease or
rental agreement, with or without the option to purchase, or similar agree-
ment pursuant to which the subject real or personal property is used by the
School district for school district purposes, title shall be considered to have
assed to the school district at the time of execution of the agreement for
utposes of determining liability for or exemption from property lax:.tion.
(2) No board of education shall enter into an installment purchase agree-
ment of the type which constitutes an indebtedness unless such agreement
31-23-209 Government - Municipal 268
the territory affected and, after the approval by each body, shall be filed
with the county clerk and recorder of each county wherein the territory is
located.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1148, § I.
31-23-209. Legal status of official plan. When the commission has
adopted the master plan of the municipality or of one or more major sections
or districts thereof, no street, square, park or other public way, ground or
open space, public building or structure, or publicly or privately owned
Public utility shall be constructed or authorized in the municipality or in
such planned section and district until the location, character, and extent
thereof has been submitted for approval by the commission. In case of disap-
proval, the commission shall communicate its reasons to the municipality's
governing body, which has the power to overrule such disapproval. by a
recorded vote of not less than two-thirds of its entire membership. If the
public way, ground space, building, structure, or utility is one the authoriza-
tion or financing of which does not, under the law or charter provisions
governing the same, fall within the province of the municipal governing body,
the submission to the commission shall be by the governmental body having
jurisdiction, and the planning commission's disapproval may be overruled
by said governmental body by a vote of not less than two-thirds of its
membership. The failure of the commission to act within sixty days from
and after the date of official submission to it shall be deemed approval.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1148, § 1.
City in advisory role. There is nothing in
§ 31-23-206 and this section which indicates a
legislative intent to broaden a city's authority.
They place ultimate governmental authority
in mallers pertaining to land use in unincor-
porated areas in the county In effect, a city is
given only an advisory role. Robinson v. City
of Boulder, 190 Colo. 357, 547 P.2d 228
(1976y
Amendment to plan not subject to refer-
endum powers. Being advisory only, an
amendment to a municipal master plan is not
legislation which is subject to the referendum
powers reserved to the people. Margolis v.
District Court, 638 P.2d 297 (Colo. 1981).
31-23-210. Publicity -,travel - information - entr). The commission has
power to promote public interest in and understanding of the plan and to
that end may publish and distribute copies of the plan or any report and
may employ such other means of publicity and education as it may deter-
mine. Members of the commission may attend city planning conferences,
meetings of city planning institutes, or hearings upon pending municipal
planning legislation, and the commission may pay, by resolution, the reason-
able traveling expenses incident to such attendance. The commission shall
recommend, from time to time, to the appropriate public officials programs
for public structures and improvements and for the financing thereof. It shall
be part of its duties to consult and advise with public officials and agencies,
public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organiza-
tions, and with citizens in relation to protecting and carrying out the plan.
l he commission has the right to accept and use gilts for the exercise of its
269 Planning and Zoning
within a reasonable length of time, such available information a
sion may require for its work. The commission and its mem.
and employees, in the performance of their functions, may et
land and make examinations and surveys and place and mains
marks and monuments thereon. In general, the commission ha
as are necessary to enable it to fulfill its functions, to prom,
planning, or to carry out the purposes of this part 2.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1148, § 1.
31-23-211. Zoning. Where a commission is establish( ac
the provisions of this part 2, it has and shall exercise a f tt
rights granted to the zoning commission by part 3 of this a
is a zoning commission in existence at the time that a coma.."
the zoning commission shall deliver to the commission ai i
shall thereafter cease to exercise the powers and prerogatives pi
cised by it; except that, if the existing zoning commission is ne
lion of a zoning plan, the governing body of the municipality r
by resolution, the transfer of the zoning commission's powers
tion of the zoning plan; but in no event shall the period of such i
exceed six months from the date of the creation of the commis
in this section shall invalidate or otherwise affect any zoning
lion or any action of the zoning commission adopted or take
creation of a commission.
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1149, § I.
C.J.S. See 62 C.J.S., Municipal Corpora-
tions, § 672.
.J
31-23-212. Jurisdiction. The territorial jurisdiction of
over the subdivision of land includes all land located within the
tries of the municipality and, limited only to control wit; :ere
street plan and not otherwise, also includes all land lying with
of the boundaries of the municipality not located in any other
except that in the case of any such land lying within ftve*t
than one municipality, the jurisdiction of each commission s
at a boundary line equidistant from the respective municipal
municipalities. The jurisdiction over the subdivision of rant
boundary of a municipality shall apply equally to any municipa
Source: R & RE, L. 75, p. 1149, § 1.
31-23-213. Scope of control. When a commission has ad(
street plan for the territory within its subdivision control, or an
as provided in section 31-23-208, and has filed a certified cop
in the olfice of the county clerk and recorder of the county
�r such part is located, no plat of a subdivision of lag