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CITY Of
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
February 15, 2024
CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair DITULLIO at 6:31 p.m. This meeting was held
in person and virtually, using Zoom video -teleconferencing technology.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Commission Members Present:
Commission Members Absent:
Staff Members Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Kristine Disney
Jerry DiTullio
Daniel Graeve
Will Kerns
Michael Moore
Patrick Quinn
Jonathan Schelke (arrived at 6:39)
Janet Leo
Jana Easley, Planning Manager
Steve Art, Renewal Wheat Ridge Executive
Director
Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary
APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by consensus to approve the order of the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — January 18, 2024
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner KERNS to
approve the minutes of January 18, 2024, as written. Motion carried 4-0-2 with
Commissioners DISNEY and MOORE abstaining.
PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing
on the agenda.)
Planning Commission Minutes
February 15, 2024
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No one wished to speak at this time.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
No cases to be heard.
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 1-2024 Carr Street Urban Renewal Plan
B. Resolution 2-2024 Lutheran Legacy Urban Renewal Plan
Mr. Art gave a presentation about the Carr Street Urban Renewal Plan and the
Lutheran Legacy Urban Renewal Plan and explained how they conform with the
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan, Envision Wheat Ridge.
Public Comment
No one wished to speak at this time.
Commissioner GRAEVE asked for more information regarding the floodplain
designation and if redevelopment would change anything.
Mr. Art mentioned that if Clear Creek were to have a 100- or 500-year flood it
would impact a lot of residences and businesses in the Carr Street area. He added
that this plan would allow the City to raise up the areas around the Creek so it will
not flood which will allow businesses and homeowners to get less expensive
insurance.
Commissioner GRAEVE also asked about the preservation of historic structures in
the Lutheran Legacy area and if there is a process to save them.
Mr. Art explained the historic structures are not a part of the Renewal Plan, but
Urban Renewal funds can be provided to fund any upgrades to the structures.
Commissioner DISNEY asked when the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will start.
Mr. Art clarified the 25-year plan starts the day after City Council approves it. He
added the Carr Street Plan will be done first then the Lutheran Campus a little later,
just before the sale of the property. Mr. Art added taxes are always be collected in
arrears.
In response to a question about the sale of the truck driving school, Mr. Art
confirmed it was sold and that a new industrial building has been proposed for that
site, which will help remediate blight.
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February 15, 2024
Commissioner SCHELKE, apologized for being late and mentioned he is
concerned about the recreation value at Lutheran and inquired about how alternate
modes of transportation will be incorporated into the site.
Mr. Art stated that what individually happens on the site is not at the purview of
the Urban Renew Authority until TIF money is requested to build something.
Commissioner DITULLIO asked Mr. Art to explain TIF.
Mr. Art gave a quick TIF 101 example of a vacant piece of land in which property
taxes are being paid and is divided up by the County and divvied out to special
districts. Once a building is built on the land there is more property tax to be paid
and that is called the increment. The increment is given to the Urban Renewal
Authority and used to improve Wheat Ridge for a period of 25 years. He added that
agreements will be made with all the special districts.
In response to a question from Commissioner GRAEVE, Mr. Art said there are
currently five existing plan areas.
It was moved by Commissioner MOORE and seconded by Commissioner
DISNEY to adopt Resolution 1-2024, finding the Carr Street Urban Renewal
Plan is in conformance with the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan, Envision
Wheat Ridge.
Motion Approved 7-0.
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner
KERNS to adopt Resolution 2-2024, finding the Lutheran Legacy Campus
Urban Renewal Plan is in conformance with the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive
Plan, Envision Wheat Ridge.
Motion Approved 7-0.
C. CU Student Research Opportunity, presentation by Jake Carias
Mr. Carias gave a brief presentation on his dissertation regarding The Politics of
Designing Healthy Neighborhoods. He asked the commissioners to participate in a
survey and optional interview regarding health, social values, and their experiences
in their respective neighborhoods. He mentioned that participation is optional.
Commissioner DISNEY asked how they can participate.
Ms. Easley said she will email a link to all the commissioners along with the power
point presentation.
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February 15, 2024
Commissioner KERNS asked how the commissioners can see the results of the
study.
Mr. Carias explained that once the study is produced, he can share a copy with the
participants.
D. Upcoming Dates
Ms. Easley mentioned the next Planning Commission meeting will be held on
March 21. She added that the new Bylaws will go into effect on March 1, and she
reminded the Commissioners about the new rules concerning unexcused absences.
E. Project and Development Updates
Ms. Easley announced the opening of Dutch Bros.; she also mentioned that on
March 11, 38th Avenue will be closed for a week and that the City is working to get
additional business accesses open so as not to interfere with patronizing those
businesses near 381h Avenue.
Commissioner DISNEY was concerned that when these types of closures happen
Balsam Street becomes the connecting street and would like the Police to do some
traffic mitigation to get people to drive slowly.
F. Commissioner Updates
Commissioner GRAEVE mentioned that the Clear Creek Makerspace is scheduled
to open this spring. He added the website is up and running at
clearcreekmakerspace.com and the membership portal is also open.
Commissioner DISNEY would like the community to follow the local speed limits.
Commissioner MOORE said he is happy to be a part of the Planning Commission.
Commissioner QUINN is eagerly awaiting the renovation of Colorado Plus and
added Appleridge Cafe is also undergoing a renovation.
10. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner SCHELKE
to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 15, 2024
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Tammy O , Recording Secretary
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