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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/2007AGENDA CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMIS6ION November 1, 2007 Notice is hereby given of a Public Meeting to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge Planning Commission on November 1, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Ghambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. _ 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA (Items of new and old business may be recommended for placement on the agenda.) 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 16, 2007 6. PUBLIC FORUM(This is fhe time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda. Public comments may be (imited to 3 minutes.) 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. WPA-07-03: A resolution adopting Arvada's Kipling TOD Station Plan as an amendment to the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan. 8. OTHER ITEMS A Staff Update 9. ADJOURNMENT CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting August 16, 2007 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair CHILVERS at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commission Members Present: Anne Brinkman ` Jim Chilvers > Dick Matthew`s Dauis Reinhart Cassie Spaniel Kim Stewart Commission Members Absent; John McMillin Jerry Scezney' ; Staff Members Present: Sally Payne, Interim Community Development Directar Travis Crane, Planner II Tim Paranto, Public Works Director 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVE THE ORDEl2 OF THE AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner STEWART and seconded by Commissioner BRINKMAN to approve the order of the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 2, 2007 It was moved by Commissioner MATTHEWS and seconded by Commissioner STEWART to approve the minutes of August 2, 2007. The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioners McMILLIN and SCEZNEY absent. 6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.) There was no one to appear before the Commission at this time. Planning Commission Minutes - 1- August 16, 2007 PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. WPA-06-03: A resolution adopting the Wadsworth Corridor Subarea Plan. The case was presented by Sally Payne. She entered all pertinent documents into the record and advised the Commission there was jurisdiction to hear the case. She reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. Staff recommended approval for reasons outlined in the staff report. Commissioner BRINKMAN commented that the Subarea Plan is an advisory document to help guide future development in regard to such things as setbacks and design until such time as the Colorado Department of Highways (CDOT) completes their studies and determines the final width of Wadsworth. Vice Chair CHILVERS asked to hear from members of the public at this time. Patricia Fisher 7609 West 47`h Avenue Ms. Fisher stated her opposition to the entire Wadsworth Corridor Subarea Plan. She stated her belief that the City is acting like it is a"done deal." She expressed concern that many area residents are not aware that this plan could cause them to lose their homes to be replaced with mid to high rise apartments. The plan would also reduce market value of homes in the area. She also expressed concern that eminent domain Would occur to take residences. She submitted a copy of court proceedings tn 1971 arid 1972 which found that the Hillcrest Heights covenants were registered and that zoning could only be changed by a vote of the residents. She stated that the Subarera Plan should be taken to the voters rather than being decided upon by City Council. 5he further stated that there should have been more publioity about the proposed plan and suggested that all residential and business owners should receive-a copy of the plan with a map before the plan is considered again. In response to a question from Commissioner BRINKMAN, Ms. Fisher stated that she opposed the future land use plans but was not concerned with the widening of Wadsworth. Patricia Johnson 7835 West 48Ih Avenue Ms. Johnson acknowledged that Wadsworth needs to be widened and asked if CDOT needed to complete their work before Wheat Ridge could move forward with revamping properties. She also wanted to know what the timeframe would be. She expressed concern about a decrease in property values and the possibility of condemnation of properties. Planning Commission Minutes - 2- August 16, 2007 Commissioner BRINKMAN asked Ms. Johnson if she had attended any of the meetings held by Winston and Associates regarding the Subarea Plan. Ms. Johnson said she didn't attend because she didn't know about them and she has lived in her home for 25 years. Vice Chair CHILVERS asked staff to explain timeframes and possibilities of condemnation. Sally Payne stated that references in the original document regarding eminent domain and condemnation had been removed from the plan. She also stated she was not aware of any plans by the city to do any rezoning or condemnation. The Subarea Plan is to provide guidance for future land use. Patricia Johnson returned to the podium. She stated that she was not aware of the revised document. Sally Payne stated the revised document was placed on the city's website a week ago. Betty Booz 7695 West 48t" Avenue Ms. Booz agreed with the previous speakers. She stated that she spent $250,000 several years ago to renovate her home and expressed concern about the loss of property value. She stated that she has no desire to moue from her property and uo monetary value can be placed on her home. She also stated that she had not been informed about the plan except through information received from neighbors. She didn't like the idea of the Subarea Plan being thrown in with the widening of Wadsworth_. : Debbie Fidrich 7737 West 46`n Ms. Fidrich also agreed v✓ith the previous speakers. She stated that the city has not taken residents into consideration in formulating the Subarea Plan. She also stated that she had riever received results froin the neighborhood impact study that was supposed to have been done. Kent Davis 8080 Melrose Drive Mr. Davis represented the commercial property on Wadsworth between 38t" and 44`h Avenues which has been in his family for one hundred years. He expressed concern about the proposed width of Wadsworth. He stated that property owners would fight CDOT but would rather not fight the City of Wheat Ridge. He wanted to know what the final width of Wadsworth is proposed to be. He believed that 120 feet would be a desirable width when the highway is widened. He also expressed opposition to service roads along this area of Wadsworth. He did not believe they would add to pedestrian safety. Planning Commission Minutes - 3- August 16, 2007 Karen Tannaccio 7815 W. 47"' Avenue Ms. Tennaccio expressed concern about property values because of the uncertainty involved with the plan and Wadsworth widening. She doesn't know if she should upgrade her property. If she decided to sell her home, she was concerned about the market value being affected by the Subarea Plan area. Thomas Slattery 6869 W. 32"" Avenue Mr. Slattery agreed that changes have necessitated the widening of Wadsworth. He believed a maximum of 150 feet right of way might be necessary in some places but CDOT requirement for six lanes is 130 feet. He would like to see base right of way of 130 feet or less specified in the plan: He was pleased to see that all references to changing the city charter had been deleted from the plan. He sympathized with the property owners' concerns. He stated there should be no provision for spot zoning to allow higher density. He would also like to see broader landscaping requirements along the sides of Wadsworth which would provide excellence of design and a softening along lughly developed areas. He stated that citizens are not powerless against CDOT because of a Federal act which can restrain adverse impacts on communities,if federal funds are involved.. Vice Chair CHILVERS asked what the typical widths are along Wadsworth. Mr. Paranto explained that current widths vary from cominunity to community. Widths are typically 130 feet wide. Intersections with double turn lanes require greater widths. The city,plan provides for a range of alternatives including six lanes and a sea of asphalf,,or a frontage road scenario that would minimize the width of asphalt in frout ' Louise Turner 11256 W. 38"' Avenue Ms. Turner stated that she believed the plan should be tabled indefinitely. In initial meetings, it was repeated that there was no urgency to iinplement the Plan. However, in a few weeks the Wadsworth widening project was before the DIRT Committee to prioritize. She didn't think there bas been enough publicity about the plan. She didn't believe the city should be going after other street projects when there is so much street improvement going on in connection with the Cabela's project. The plan changes the entire concept of commercial and residential development for the inid-section of the city. Wheat Ridge 2020 wants to develop an identity for the city when citizens have fought far years to preserve the existing identity of Wheat Ridge. The inclusion of high density is offensive. She stated there has been disregard far residential and commercial property owners in formulating the plan. This type of plan should only be considered if it is something the public wants. The citizens have not been adequately informed. Commissioner REINHART asked staff to review the requirements for public notification in cases such as this. Sally Payne stated that the law requires Planning Commission Minutes - 4- August 16, 2007 notification in the newspaper of record (The Transcript) regarding public ~ hearings. There is a mailing list of over a thousand property owners who were notified of ineetings. There were articles in The Connection, Channel 8 and on the city website. There were also two articles about the plan in The Transcript. The rules for public outreach have been followed. Nancy Snow 11155 West 40tn Ms. Snow stated that she has attended other meetings about the plan, but was not notified of this meeting. She was pleased that references to changing the city charter had been deleted from the plan. She asked the Planning Commission to consider how this plan would divide the city. Also, development with commercial at street level and residential on top does not attract families with children. It leads to crowding and increased crime: Much of the development will end up as rentals. She also believed that, during the meetings, the consultant "led" citizens into saying what the consultant wanted to hear. She was opposed to placing high density development on the middle school parking lot. Roger Loecher 4599 Carr Mr. Loecher did not believe ten-foot sidewalks are necessary. Two mare lanes on Wadsworth at 44`h would increase it to 114 feet. He would like to see the plan say "150 feet or less" rather than saying "not to exceed 150 feet." Widening Wadsworth will take a lot of commercial and residential property. He was opposed to taking prpperty that won't be properly used. Betty Booz retumed to the podium to ask what the plans are for Wadsworth south to the city limits. Tim Paranto:stated that CDOT will eventually widen Wadsworth to cany the amount of traffic that travels along the corridor. The minimum project would probably be eight lanes requiring 96 feet, a 20-foot median and 10-foot sidewalks. The reason for 10-foot sidewalks is to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic.,The city also has a requirement for 5-foot tree lawns between sidewalks and properties. Therefore, a 150-foot width is realistic. Further, RTD has also designated a transit corridar along Wadsworth. The environmental process may show a different scenario. Commissioner REINHART expressed concern that the 150 foot width would allow pavement from curb to curb with no safety zone or median. Karen Tannaccio returned to the podium and asked how traffic could be judged at this time if CDOT won't start the project far several years. Tim Paranto stated that traffic projections are available. In fact, present traffic ( volume warrants the widening of Wadsworth now but funds are not available. Planning Commission Minutes - 5- August 16, 2007 Service levels are rated on a scale from A to F and the evening rush on Wadsworth is rated at F. The Subarea Plan would serve as a guide to owners along Wadsworth who want to do something with their property. Patricia Fisher She stated that even though language about eminent domain had been removed from the Subarea Plan, the revitalization plan says that the city should be willing to use eininent domain. She believed the Wadsworth corridor plan should be separated from the Subarea Plan and homes should be removed from the Subarea Plan. Larry Meade 7835 W. 48`h Avenue Mr. Meade expressed concem that high density housing will only add to the heavy traffic volume that already exists on Wadsworth. There were no other individuals to speak; Vice Chair CHILVERS closed the public hearing at 8:22 p.m. Commissioner BRINKMAN commented that Wadsworth does not reflect the character of Wheat Ridge any more than other majorstreets reflect the character of the cities where they are located: Neighborhoods and;the way businesses are laid out reflect the character of a community. She stated her belief that redevelopment along Wadsworth isbeing stalled because developers do not know the parameters. The Subarea Plan will provide guidelines for development. Without the Subarea Plan; businesses don't know what types of families would be sunnortine their husinesses. Commissioner REINHART agreed that Wadsworth does not define the character of Wheat Ridge. Tying Wadsworth improvements to future land use presents a unified approach to inoving traffic in and out of Wheat Ridge in an effective way. Mixed use development would allow for a more active use in a more controlled space as opposed to`blank parking lots in the frontage. He did not believe the plan would lead to condemnation. Commissioner STEWART stated that she attended a number of the meetings. She expressed concern that there is no provision in the plan for low density development. While there needs to be a plan for future development, she did not believe that residential over commercial was necessarily the way to ga Multi- use would not attract young vibrant families. Wheat Ridge has second and third generation families and medium to high density development would change that. She agreed with the change in the width of Wadsworth but would like to see it smaller. There are many empty places along Wadsworth and something needs to be done to make it more appealing for businesses to locate. This plan would give guidance to future business development. She expressed concern about the effect on family homes. The future is for families who have invested in their homes. Planning Commission Minutes - 6- August 16, 2007 Commissioner SPANIEL agreed that Wadsworth must be widened. However, she was concerned about the medium to high density part of the plan. Commissioner REINHART commented that there are a lot of single fainily homes in Wheat Ridge. Higher density along Wadsworth would serve as a buffer between the corridor and single family homes. Commissioner MATTHEWS commented that the character of the neighborhood will definitely change in the next ten to twenty years, either for better or worse. Action can be taken now that will make that change for the better. It was moved by Commissioner MATTHEWS and seconded by Commissioner REINHART to adopt Resolution 01-2007, a resolution recommending adoption of the Wadsworth Corridor Subarea Plan and forwarding this recommendation along with'the Resolution to the City Council for their consideration, with the following amendments: Delete the last sentence of paragraph 3:7 on page 14 of the Wadsworth Subarea Plan which reads, "If densities over 21 units per acre were to be considered, a City Charter amerzdmer2t would be, required and that the reference to the 150 foot width of Wadsworth be'changed to read "I50 feet or less" rather than "not to exceed I50 feet " Commissioner STEWART offered a friendly amendment to change the yellow areas o£ the map on page 10 of the Wadsworth Subarea Plan from medium densiZy to low to medium density and change paragraph 3 on page 9 to read low to medium density rather than medium density. The friendly amendment was accepted by Commissioners MATTHEWS and REINHART. The motion passed 5-1 with Commissioner SPANIEL voting no and Commissioners McMILLIN and SCEZNEY absent. 8. OTHER TTEMS ` There were no other items to come before the Commission. 9. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner REINHART and seconded by Commissioner BRINKMAN to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. James Chilvers, Vice Chair Ann Lazzeri, Secretary Planning Commission Minutes - 7- August 16, 2007 oF wHEqr PLANNING COMMISSION m LEGISLATIVE ITEM STAFF REPORT ~OLORA~~ MEETINGDATE: November1,2007 TITLE: Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan CASE NO. wPa-07-03 ~ PUBLIC HEARING ~ RESOLUTION Case Manager: Date of Preparation: ❑ CODE CHANGE ORDINANCE ❑ STUDY SESSION ITEM Sally Payne October 23, 2007 For the past two years, the City of Arvada has been working on transit station planning far the RTD FasTracks Gold Line stations that are proposed within the Arvada city limits. One of the proposed transit stations in Arvada is the Kipling Station located at the Arvada Ridge Marketplace. The station would be located in close proximity to the Super Target at Kipling St. and 51tl' St. Transit-oriented development (TOD) consisting of mixed uses and higher densities is being proposed for the Kipling Station. Densities would be the highest immediately adjacent to the transit station transitioning out to lower densities to be consistent with the surrounding single family developments to the north and west. When developing TOD plans, planning is generally done for an area of approximately one-quarter to one-half of a mile around the transit station. At the Kipling Station, portions of Wheat Ridge are within the one-quarter to one-half mile planning radius. The City of Arvada has included proposed future land uses for land located within the Wheat Ridge ciTy limits. A map is attached from the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan showing proposed land uses for the Kipling station. The area circled in red is the area within the City of Wheat Ridge. The Wheat Ridge Regional Center is currently located on the majority of the land within Wheat Ridge included in the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan for the Kipling Station. The Wheat Ridge Regional Center is a state owned and operated facility. The State has indicated they plan to retain this facility for the long term. The Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan proposes land uses for this area in the event the State ever chose to sell or redevelop the property. Low to medium density residential is being proposed for this land. This proposed use would be consistent with the residential uses immediately to the west and north in Wheat Ridge and Arvada. The Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan was adopted by the Arvada Planning Commission and City Council last summer. The City of Arvada has requested the City of Wheat Ridge adopt their plan as it relates to the lands within the City of Wheat Ridge. Kevin Nichols with the Arvada Community Development Department will be attending the Planning Commission public hearing to present the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan and answer any Guestions. The Plan is proposed to supercede the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan for the area in the Plan within the Wheat Ridge city limits. The existing Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map indicates this land as PB - Public/Semi Public and AER - Agricultural/Estate Residential. Since the preparation of the existing Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan, Skyline Estates development has been built. This development consists of single fainily homes in Arvada and Wheat Ridge adjacent to the land in question. Wheat Ridge Community Development staff participated in the public meetings for development of the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan. Inter jurisdictional cooperation is important as communities develop station area plans for the proposed FasTracks transit stations. By adopting the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan, the City of Wheat Ridge is supporting cooperative land use planning ensuring that compatible land uses are being proposed in areas adjacent to surrounding jurisdictions. Staff recommends adoption of the Plan. A motion to adopt the resolution recommending adoption of the plan by Planning Commission is needed. This item has been scheduled for a Planning Commission public hearing on November 1, 2007. Notice as required by state stahze far the hearing has been provided. (Notice in the Wheat Ridge Transcript newspaper.) If you have any questions, please contact Sally Payne at 303-235-2852 ar spavue(cr~,ci.wheah-idge. co. us. "I move to adopt Resolution 04-2007, a resolution recommending adoption of the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan as it applies to land within the City of Wheat Ridge and forwarding this recoirunendation along with the Resolution to City Council for their consideration." Exhibits• Arvada Kipling Transit Station TOD Plan Map ~ M Q a TQ . ~ ~ a 0 8~ 'd` t' \ q.~ $ 'O Y` ~ .21i o S. ~ sW a "®ri Y "~8 } 13. c '11 ~ a ~a z 5 ~ ~u~ m ~~v D ~ - w 5..~ ~F ~ p ~ f. Y~ i M ~ i s k sn ^SXx~ I 9`F~ as6°~'~ ~ ay *ye Y5 1 \ 9 ~ .s} ~ ~ 5 ~ G ~ 4 ; . S.. ~ : 4. 'U Y.l 'G t~i LL ~ k; b i~ i~ m }~i~ 6J CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 04 Series of 2007 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO, RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE ARVADA TRANSIT STATION FRAMEWORK PLAN AND BY SUCH ADOPTION, AMENDING THE WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan on October 25, 1999 and amendments were considered and adopted in January 24, 2000; and WHEREAS, C.R.S. 31-23-206 (2) provides that the Comprehensive Plan may be amended by the City from time to time; and WHEREAS, the City seeks to undertake cooperative planning with sunounding jurisdictions for lands along the City borders to ensure compatibility of uses; and WHEREAS, the City of Arvada has prepared the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan as a land use plan for proposed RTD FasTracks transit stations within their boundaries; and WHEREAS, a portion of land planned for the Kipling Station is within the City of Wheat Ridge city limits generally located west of Miller St. and north of Ridge Rd.; and WHEREAS, Planning Commission has held a public hearing as provided by C.R.S. 31- 23-208 and Section 2-60 (b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof duly published in the Wheat Ridge Transcript on October 25, 2007, with a written recommendation forwarded to the City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as follows: 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Wheat Ridge hereby recommends adoption of the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan, as it applies to land within the City of Wheat Ridge, as Exhibit A. 2. The Planning Commission recommends that the Arvada Transit Station Framework Plan supercede the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan for the portion of the Framework Plan within the Wheat Ridge city limits. 3. A copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the City Council. 1:\ComdevWvada Kipling TOD\pc resolution.doc. DONE AND RESOLVED THIS day of , 2007. CHAIR, PLANNING COMMISSION ATTEST: Secretary to the Planning Commission 1:\ComdevWrvada Kipling TOD\pc resolu[ion.doc 2