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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/04/2010.� City of i��W heat Widge PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting November 4, 2010 1. 2. is 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: Anne Brinkman Alan Bucknam Marc Dietrick Dick Matthews George Pond Commission Members Absent: Staff Members Present: John Dwyer Steve Timms Sarah Showalter, Planner II Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director (arrived at 8:00 p.m.) Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary (Dean Gokey resigned from Planning Commission on September 8, 2010.) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by Commissioner POND to approve the order of the agenda with the addition of an item under "Other Items" to discuss a vacancy on the Commission. The motion carried 5 -0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — September 2, 2010 It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by Commissioner POND to approve the minutes of September 2, 2010 as presented. The motion carried 5 -0. Planning Commission Minutes 1 November 4, 2010 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) There were no individuals present who wished to address the Commission at this time. 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. WZ- 10 -07 A proposed City - initiated rezoning to the Mixed Use - Commercial (MU -C) zone district for properties located at 4350 Wadsworth Boulevard, 7540 West 44 Avenue and 7430 West 44 Avenue. Sarah Showalter presented this item. 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. In response to a question from Commissioner BRINKMAN, Ms. Showalter stated that the only statutory requirements for a city initiated rezoning involve noticing and conducting neighborhood meetings. Commissioner BRINKMAN asked if the land owner to the southwest chose not be a part of the rezoning. Ms. Showalter explained that City Council decided to include all parcels that are in some way impacted by the proposed Renewal Wheat Ridge Development and this particular property would not be impacted. However, this parcel will be included when a more comprehensive rezoning is considered. In response to a question from Commissioner MATTHEWS, Ms. Showalter stated that the next step is a hearing before City Council to finalize the zoning. Any proposed development will go through the site plan review process, building permit review, and subdivision and replat processes. Chair MATTHEWS opened the public hearing. The following individuals addressed the Planning Commission: Joseph Sadar He stated that he did not believe economic benefits for the City are necessarily economic benefits to citizens in the area. He expressed concern that property values could be lowered by the proposed development. He also expressed concern about effects on public safety along Upham Street if there is parking off Upham for housing units. He believed there would be safety issues with emergency vehicles often using this route. Ms. Showalter commented that the area has been vacant for many years even though it is in a major commercial area. It is hoped that the new zoning would Planning Commission Minutes 2 November 4, 2010 enable development to occur that would increase tax revenue and improve the image of Wheat Ridge which should improve property values in the area. In regard to the parking, Ms. Showalter explained that the graphic he referred to was not actually proposed for the site, but was only an example of how screening would look. Mike Markham Mr. Markham asked for clarification on notification requirements. Ms. Showalter explained that notifications by certified mail go only to the property owners who own property that is being rezoned. Chair MATTHEWS asked if there were others who wished to address the Commission. Hearing no response, he closed the public hearing. Commissioner BRINKMAN stated that she would vote in favor of the rezone and commented that this area has been a highly underdeveloped area for many years that could be put to good use. If well - planned and well - designed with input from all parties, it could showcase Wheat Ridge and provide economic benefit to the city. Commissioner BUCKNAM echoed Commissioner BRINKMAN's comments and stated that he would also vote in favor of the rezone. He commented that this is a first step in the realization of development on the property and is a great place for application of mixed use zoning. He further commented that, in order to be successful, it will be necessary to ensure community engagement and involvement. Commissioner DIETRICK commented that this is a good opportunity to provide quality development for an under - utilized area that should improve neighboring property values over the present condition. He stated he would vote in favor of the rezone. Commissioner MATTHEWS commented that these types of developments generally improve property values of the surrounding neighborhoods. It was moved by Commissioner BUCKNAM and seconded by Commissioner POND to recommend APPROVAL of Case No. WZ- 10 -07, a request for a City - initiated zone change from Restricted - Commercial, Commercial -One and Planned Commercial Development to Mixed Use - Commercial for property located at 4350 Wadsworth Boulevard, 7540 West 44 Avenue and 7340 West 44` Avenue for the following reasons: 1. The proposed zone change is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and the Wadsworth Corridor Subarea Plan. 2. The proposed zone change is compatible with the surrounding area. Planning Commission Minutes 3 November 4, 2010 3. Any applicant for development under the proposed zoning will provide adequate utility upgrades where needed. 4. The proposed zone change will not adversely impact the public health, safety or welfare. 8. 9. 10. The motion carried 5 -0. OTHERITEMS • Commissioner BRINKMAN asked when City Council would be addressing the vacancy on the Planning Commission. Ms. Showalter replied that a decision should be made within the month. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner BRINKMAN and seconded by Commissioner BUCKNAM to adjourn the meeting and enter into study session. The motion carried 5 -0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. STUDY SESSION A. Streetscape Design Manual A draft of the revised Streetscape Design Manual was discussed at the September 2, 2010 study session. At that time, Planning Commission expressed concern that the draft lacked objective standards regarding minimum dimensions and spacing standards, especially for priority corridors that are likely to see redevelopment in the future. Since that time, staff has developed an updated draft that sets specific design goals, standards and guidelines. Following review of the revised draft, there was consensus that the draft adequately addressed concerns previously expressed by the Planning Commission. A� &Jt Richard Matthews, Chair 6 Ann Lazzeri, Secre g ry Planning Commission Minutes 4 November 4, 2010