HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/21/2007
ORIGINAL
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
June 21, 2007
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission was called to order by
Chair SCEZNEY at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers ofthe Municipal
Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Commission Members Present:
Jim Chilvers
Dick Matthews
John McMillin
Davis Reinhart
Jerry Scezney
Cassie Spaniel
Commission Members Absent:
Anne Brinkman
Kim Stewart
Staff Members Present:
Alan White, Community Development
Director
Travis Crane, Plauner
Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner MATTHEWS and seconded by Commissioner
SPANIEL to approve the order of the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
s. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 7, 2007
It was moved by Commissioner REINHART and seconded by Commissioner
SPANIEL to approve the minutes of June 7, 2007 as presented. The motion
passed 6-0 with Commissioners BRINKMAN and STEWART 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 present to address the Commission at this time.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 21, 2007
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7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. WZ-07-02: An application filed by H+L Architecture for Exempla
Lutheran for approval of a final development plan amendment for property
zoned Plauned Hospital Development (PHD) and located at 8300 West 38th
Avenue.
This case was presented by Travis Crane. He entered all pertinent documents into the
record and advised there was jurisdiction for the Commission to hear the case. He
reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. Staff concluded that the Final
Development Plan meets standards established for the Plauned Hospital District.
Relocation of the traffic signal is potentially the largest impact to the surrounding
neighborhood and the applicant has installed measures to ensure that impact is
mitigated. All landscaping and parking standards are being met.
Everett Alan Davis
Sr. Director of Facilities Management
Exempla Lutheran Hospital
Mr. Davis reviewed plans to expand the existing hospital to meet the needs of the
community. The expansion will provide accommodations for private patient rooms
as well as better facilities for hospital equipment.
Commissioner McMILLIN complimented the applicant for preserving the existing
chapel.
Commissioner CHIL VERS inquired about concerns expressed at neighborhood
meeting.
Mr. Davis stated that traffic was the main concern expressed at the meeting. He
explained that the bed size of the facility would not be increased and therefore should
not increase the amount of traffic. Ambulance traffic and sirens should not increase.
Concerns were expressed about construction safety. He stated that every measure
will be taken to make sure the general contractor abides by all construction safety
issues. There was concern that the R-l and R-2 zone district on Dudley would
change. He stated that the zoning will remain unchanged. There was concern about
landscaping and the mature trees south of Balsam. He stated that every attempt
would be made to make sure that noise and automobile lights do not impact properties
to the north. Plans also include ample parking and the parking policy will be
enforced to ensure that hospital visitors and employees do not park off campus.
Concern was also expressed that hospital traffic might jog through the neighborhood
on Carr Street. He explained that traffic counts revealed that 16 vehicles used this
route on a daily basis.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 21,2007
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In response to a question from Commissioner McMILLIN, Mr. Davis stated that
construction would begin in August of 2007 with completion scheduled for January
2010. Demolition of buildings would take place at one time. Final details for
construction traffic have not been finalized at this time.
In response to questions from Commissioner SCEZNEY, Mr. Davis stated that the
existing power plant will handle the buildout. The existing loading dock will
continue to be used for receipt of materials and there is no intention to build a helipad
or install additional antennas in the area.
Todd Kreinbrink
H+L Architects
Mr. Kreinbrink reviewed the drainage plan and stated that some modification to the
existing detention pond on the eastern edge of the property would be necessary.
Andy Fedorowicz
3803 Balsam Street
Mr. Fedorowicz stated that he was not opposed to the expansion. However, he
expressed opposition to moving Lutheran Parkway to align with Balsam Street which
would increase traffic going south on Balsam into the residential area and Lutheran
Parkway would still serpentine through the campus. He was also opposed to the
removal of mature trees. He suggested that the expansion be approved. He did not
think it was necessary to build additional parking space when no additional beds are
being added to the hospital. Also, there seems to be plenty of room in the eastern
parking lot.
Gus Allen
3837 Balsam
Mr. Allen expressed concern that the addition of more blacktop would create climate
change in the area. He stated that the eastern parking lot changed the environment
enough to eliminate afternoon breezes in the adjacent neighborhood. He also
expressed concern about increased traffic as a result of the project. He was opposed
to the removal of mature trees. He believed more thought should be given to parking
and suggested that additional parking be placed on the south side of the hospital. He
did not state opposition to the expansion itself.
There were no other individuals to address this matter. Chair SCEZNEY closed the
public hearing on this case.
In response to a question from Commissioner REINHART, Travis Crane explained
that the proposed parking would result in less parking space than exists now. The
additional hard surfaces would be attributed to drive areas rather than parking areas.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 21, 2007
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Commissioner McMILLIN commented that he believed the plan adequately
addresses traffic issues. He supported the plan on the basis of significance of the
only full service hospital facility in Jefferson County. He did express concern about
construction traffic on 38th Avenue and stated he would like to see strict regulations
in place for construction traffic. He suggested that construction traffic could use 6th
Avenue, Wadsworth and 1-70.
Commissioner REINHART commented that he believed the plan is a reasonable
approach to the issues involved and would support it.
Commissioner CHIL VERS commented that changes are necessary for Lutheran to
stay competitive in the hospital business.
Commissioner SCEZNEY commented that the plan was good and strong and he
would support it.
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner
SPANIEL to recommend approval of Case No. WZ-07-02, a request for
approval of a Final Development Plan for property located at 8300 West 38th
Avenue for the following reasons:
1. The Final Development Plan meets the requirements listed in Section 26-306
of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
2. The Final Development Plan meets the standards established in Chapter 26,
Article III ofthe Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioners BRINKMAN and STEWART
absent.
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner
REINHART to make a resolution of the Planning Commission to provide that
during construction, the city should regulate traffic, especially aggregate,
concrete and rubble, away from 38th and 32nd Avenues and concentrate on 1-70,
Wadsworth and 6th Aveuue.
The motion passed 6-0 with Commissioners BRINKMAN and STEWART
absent.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
. Alan White aunounced his resignation effective July 20, 2007. He has accepted a
position with the City of Englewood.
Plauning Commission Minutes
June 21, 2007
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9. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner
REINHART to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed
unanimously.
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Jerry ezney, Chair DO
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Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes
June 21,2007
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