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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/05/2010♦��I -� City of l � WheatRjdge PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting August 5, 2010 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair MATTHEWS at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29 Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commission Members Present: Alan Bucknam John Dwyer Dean Gokey Dick Matthews George Pond Commission Members Absent: Staff Members Present: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Anne Brinkman Marc Dietrick Steve Timms Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director Sarah Showalter, Planner II Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner GOKEY and seconded by Commissioner DWYER to approve the order of the agenda. The motion carried 5 -0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — July 15, 2010 It was moved by Commissioner DWYER and seconded by Commissioner BUCKNAM to approve the minutes of July 15, 2010 as presented. The motion carried 4 -0 with Commissioner GOKEY abstaining. 6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda. Public comments may be limited to 3 minutes) Planning Commission Minutes 1 August 5, 2010 There were no individuals present who wished to address the Commission at this time. 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. ZOA- 09 -07: An ordinance amending Chapter 26 concerning the creation of mixed use zone districts. The case was presented by Sarah Showalter. She entered all pertinent documents into the record and advised the Commission there was jurisdiction to hear the case. She also entered into the record a letter to the Planning Commission from Britta Fisher, Executive Director of Wheat Ridge 2020, expressing support for the proposed ordinance. Commissioner MATTHEWS expressed appreciation to staff and the Mixed Use Task Force for the thorough, energetic and knowledgeable process involved in formulating the ordinance. He asked if the new zoning would mesh with the 38` Avenue Sub -area Plan. Ms. Showalter replied that this was the intent. Chair MATTHEWS opened the public hearing. Bill Mahar Live Well Wheat Ridge Mr. Mahar spoke in favor of the ordinance and commended city staff on the process that resulted in the ordinance. He believed the ordinance meets the mission of Live Well Wheat Ridge by fostering a more walkable and more active environment. Ted Heyd Mr. Heyd, a resident of Wheat Ridge who has been practicing urban planning for the last ten years, spoke in favor of the ordinance. He stated that he enjoyed working on the process through Live Well Wheat Ridge. He believed the ordinance provides Wheat Ridge with great opportunity for vitality (both economic and health benefits), social interaction, equity through mixed housing stock, and environmental benefits from the ability to walk to places rather than always using the automobile. Bruce McLennan SEM Architects Mr. McLennan spoke in favor of the ordinance. He served on the Technical Task Force with others from the real estate and architectural and design community to provide input into drafting the ordinance. He believed the ordinance encourages mixed use without squashing creativity. It also allows for market forces and reasonably addresses existing uses. He commended city staff on the process followed in drafting the ordinance. Planning Commission Minutes 2 August 5, 2010 Commissioner DWYER asked Mr. McLennan if he believed there is a more reasonable approach to nonconforming uses. Mr. McLennan replied that the Task Force discussed various scenarios that could occur with nonconforming uses and he is satisfied with the conclusions contained in the ordinance. Chair MATTHEWS asked if there were others present who wished to address the Commission. Hearing no response, he closed the public hearing. Commissioner GOKEY commented that the ordinance contains a lot of information and regulations that could show pitfalls once it is put into practice. That said, he did not think it was a bad document. He hoped that staff will have the flexibility to interface with contractors and developers to make equitable decisions. He commented that setbacks for commercial development from residential is more restrictive than what already exists and could present a pitfall for developers. He also expressed concern about promoting pedestrian- friendly businesses next to a highway. This could cause problems for businesses in the inner part of Wheat Ridge who depend on automobile use. Commissioner DWYER commented that he was in favor of the more restrictive setbacks next to residential uses set forth in the ordinance. Auto oriented businesses could use a different zoning and not worry about the pedestrian friendly aspect of mixed use. While he would not vote against the ordinance, he reiterated his concerns about mixed use zoning that doesn't require mixed use. He expressed concern that it would basically leave us open to no zoning. Commissioner BUCKNAM stated that while he shares the concern about mixed use not being required, he was in favor of the ordinance. The outreach to neighbors adjacent to affected areas has been commendable. He liked the more restrictive setbacks for commercial from residential. The walkability aspect creates a more complete neighborhood around mixed use development and provides destinations for nearby communities. Adhering to Charter restrictions for building height in the MU -N district, intended for 38 Avenue, will retain the City's character. Commissioner POND added his appreciation for the tremendous amount of time spent by city staff and the Task Force. He believed the ordinance provides appropriate balance and with dedication from staff, residents and volunteers a balance will be maintained. Commissioner GOKEY stated that he would vote for the ordinance. He would like to see the ordinance presented in smaller portions when it goes before Council. Ms. Showalter explained that a study session was held with Council in June to go over the entire ordinance. He thanked city staff and the Task Force for the many hours spent in drafting the ordinance and using language that the average citizen can understand. Planning Commission Minutes 3 August 5, 2010 It was moved by Commissioner GOKEY and seconded by Commissioner BUCKNAM to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 26 concerning the creation of mixed use zone districts. The motion carried 5 -0. 8. STUDY SESSIONS There were no study session items. 9. OTHER ITEMS Ken Johnstone added his appreciation to the Commission, the Task Force and city staff, especially Sarah Showalter, for the time and effort spent in drafting the ordinance. 10. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner GOKEY and seconded by Commissioner DWYER to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion carried 5 -0. Ann Lazzeri, Secretary Planning Commission Minutes 4 August 5, 2010