City Council Minutes 2000 03 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff has questioned the appropriateness of a self-storage facility in proximity to a residential neighborhood and in a relatively high visibility commercial area. Wood stated that Phase 1I is very unclear on the intent to incorporate the balance of the development with regard to perimeter utility and landscaping improvements required of a PUD plan. With regard to the site plan, Wood stated that Staff is concerned that the plan does not meet the intent of the City's Commercial Development Design Standards and Guidelines. He noted that it does not orient itself to buildings, pedestrian circulation and the amenities required in a commercial office and retail development. Wood stated that there is a dedicated alley that separates Coal Creek Station from the residential and commercial, however it does not provide an adequate buffer from commercial traffic, lighting and parking. Wood stated that Staff has identified a number of concerns with the proposal. He noted that the applicant is requesting some exceptions to the CDDSG, and if the application is forwarded to the Planning Commission, he anticipated significant modifications to the proposal. Davidson called for Applicant presentation. Gary Brothers, BVZ Architects, 3445 Penrose Place, Boulder, stated that he represents Eastpark Associates and that Bill Arnold is the property owner. Mr. Brothers briefly reviewed the project background. He noted that Mr. Arnold has owned this property for 22 years and has previously worked with the City in developing this parcel. He stated that Mr. Arnold's goal is to complete the development of this project. Mr. Brothers stated that they have worked with the Planning Staff for the past ten years and solicited staff's input on a continual basis to determine the appropriate uses for this site. He noted that there are specific concerns about blending a commercial area with a residential character. He reviewed the subsidence report, which indicated the use of smaller buildings and low-rise structures on this site. He reviewed Staff concerns with residential housing on the site, their concern with traffic mitigation, and the amount of traffic generated from this proposal. Another issue raised by Staff is respect of the existing residential housing and blending with the existing streetscape to maximize the landscaping on site. He introduced his associate, Mr. Jim VanderVorste, who presented the proposed site plan. Jim VanderVorste, of BVZ Architects, stated that they are aware of the many concerns noted by Planning Director Wood. He stated that of particularly concern is the buffering of the neighborhood whereby they propose to provide an infield site that would blend with texture of South Boulder Road and the existing residential housing. He stated that the whole site is viewed as a buffered area. He noted that on South Boulder Road, to the west, there is residential and open space. On the north side of South Boulder Road there are commercial developments. He stated they feel it's appropriate that the site does not 6