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HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.apz.20080805AGENDA ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, August 5, 2008 4:30 p.m. -Public Hearing SISTER CITIES, CITY HALL I. ROLL CALL II. COMMENTS A. Commissioners B. Planning Staff C. Public III. MINUTES IV. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST V. PUBLIC HEARINGS: VI. OTHER BUSINESS A. 332 Main Street, Subdivision Review, Resolution #28 B. Aspen Valley Hospital Facilities Master Plan, Conceptual PUD, Resolution #23 VII. BOARD REPORTS VIII. ADJOURN MEMORANDUM TO: Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission THRU: Jennifer Phelan, Community Development Deputy Director FROM: Amy Guthrie, Historic Preservation Officer RE: 332 West Main Street- Subdivision Review (Public Hearing) DATE: August 5, 2008 ~C. A~ APPLICANT /OWNER: Alice Brien. REPRESENTATIVE: John Muir Architects. LOCATION: 332 W. Main Street, Lot K and the West %2 of Lot L, Block 44, City and Townsite of Aspen. CURRENT ZONING & USE MU, Mixed Use, including office space and a one bedroom free market unit. PROPOSED LAND USE: MU, Mixed Use, including office space, one 2 bedroom free market unit and one 3 bedroom free market unit. SUMMARY: The subject property is a designated Landmark, located in the Main Street Historic District. HPC approvals have been granted for restoration work and construction of a new addition that replaces one existing residential unit and adds another. P&Z and Council review is required because the development of a new multi-family dwelling unit is included in the definition of Subdivision. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff finds that the application meets the criteria for Subdivision and recommends P&Z make such a finding to clty COUttCII. LAND USE REQUESTS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES: The Applicant is requesting the following land use recommendation of approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission to redevelop the site: • Subdivision for the creation of amulti-family dwelling unit, pursuant to the definition of Subdivision and Municipal Code Section 26.480.030.A.3. (City Council is the final review authority after considering a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission). BACKGROUND: The subject property is a Queen Anne home built in 1889. It was converted to a mixed use building, containing commercial and residential space, many years ago. The applicant has received HPC approval to demolish and replace anon-historic addition at the back of the building. An existing one bedroom unit will be removed, triggering residential multi-family housing replacement, as the regulations existed when this project entered into the review process (2005). The Code requires no less than 50% of the existing unit's bedrooms and net livable area must be mitigated in the form of Affordable Housing; however, when the calculation results in a fraction of a unit (as is the case here), a cash in lieu payment may be provided. According to the Housing Guidelines, a 1 bedroom unit has been determined to house the equivalent of 1.75 employees. The owner of the 332 W. Main site must mitigate for %: of 1 bedroom, or 1.75 x 50%= 0.875. While the Land Use Code does not specifically state the category for mitigation, the Housing Office averages the payment-in-lieu fee of Categories 2 and 3, and the average is cunrently $214,833. Mitigation is $214,833 x 0.875= $187,979, to be finally calculated and paid at time of building permit. Because this project involves the creation of an additional unit, above and beyond the one that currently exists, Subdivision is triggered, as is the need for a Growth Management allocation. A new unit on a landmark site is eligible for a one time Administrative exemption from Growth Management pursuant to Section 26.470.040.B.3 (This is the code citation in effect at the time of application. The same exemption is now located at Section 26.470.060.4.c.) SUBDIVISION: The Applicant is requesting a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to City Council regarding Subdivision. The Subdivision section lists actions which are exempt from review as follows (emphasis added by Staff). Based on this language, the application is not exempt from review: 26.480.030.A.3, A~nroved Subdivision. All subdivisions approved prior to the effective date of this chapter, except those lots contained within an approved subdivision which are intended or designed to be re-subdivided into smaller lots, condominium units, ormulti-family dwellings. The Land Use Code defines multi-family dwellings as including one or more units located within an office, retail, or service commercial building. The applicant is creating a new multi- family residential unit, therefore review is required. 2 Subdivision regulations state that City Council is the final review authority on this application, afrer considering a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. A drafr Subdivision Plat is attached. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff finds that the project is consistent with the goals of the AACP as well as the applicable review standazds in the City Land Use Code. (See Exhibit A for findings.) Staff recommends approval of the project. RECOMMENDED MOTION (ALL MOTIONS ARE WORDED IN THE AFFIRMITIVE): "I move to approve Resolution No._, Series of 2008, recommending Council approval of the proposed Subdivision at 332 W. Main Street." ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A- Review Criteria and Staff Findings Exhibit B- Application 3 Exhibit A SUBDIVISION REVIEW Section 26.480.050 of the City Land Use Code provides that development applications for Subdivision must comply with the following standards and requirements. A. General Requirements. 1. The proposed subdivision shall be consistent with the Aspen Area Comprehensive Plan. Staff Finding The AACP supports the preservation and viable use of historic structures. Staff finds this criterion to be met. 2. The proposed subdivision shall be consistent with the character of existing land uses in the area. Staff Finding The property is located in the Mixed Use zone district, where commercial and residential uses are intended to co-exist. Staff finds this criterion to be met. 3. The proposed subdivision shall not adversely affect the future development of surrounding areas. Staff Finding The proposed Subdivision will not impact the future development of the surrounding area, which is a designated historic district. The project is almost 1,000 square feet below the allowable FAR. Staff finds this criterion to be met. 4. The proposed subdivision shall be in compliance with all applicable requirements of this Title. Staff Finding The proposed Subdivision meets the applicable review standards. Staff finds this criterion to be met. B. Suitability of land for subdivision. 1. Land suitability. The proposed subdivision shall not be located on land unsuitable for development because of flooding, drainage, rock or soil creep, mudflow, rockslide, avalanche or snowslide, steep topography or any other natural hazard or other condition that will be harmful to the health, safety, or welfare of the residents in the proposed subdivision. Staff Finding The subject lot is a standard historic townsite lot, with no unusual natural hazards present. Staff finds this criterion to be met. 4 2. Spatial pattern efficient. The proposed subdivision shall not be designed to create spatial patterns that cause inefficiencies, duplication or premature extension of public facilities and unpecessary public costs. Staff Finding The layout of the Subdivision is entirely consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. Staff finds this criterion to be met. C. Improvements. The improvements set forth at Chapter 26.580 shall be provided for the proposed subdivision. These standards may be varied by special review (See, Chapter 26.430) if the following conditions have been met: Staff Findins The project does not involve the development of new parcels, streets, or other infrastructure not already in place. The applicant has not applied for condominiumization to sepazate ownership of units. Staff finds this criterion to be met. D. Affordable housing. A subdivision which is comprised of replacement dwelling units shall be required to provide affordable housing in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 26.520, Replacement Housing Program. A subdivision which is comprised of new dwelling units shall be required to provide affordable housing in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 26.470, Growth Management Quota System. Staff Finding The applicant is required to provide mitigation as described in the memo. Staff finds this criterion to be met. E. School Land Dedication. Compliance with the School Land Dedication Standards set forth at Chapter 26.630. Staff Findine The applicant will have to provide School Land Dedication fees as applicable. Staff finds this criterion to be met. F. Growth Management Approval. Subdivision approval may only be granted to applications for which all growth management development allotments have been granted or growth management exemptions have been obtained, pursuant to Chapter 26.470. Subdivision approval may be granted to create a parcel(s) zoned Affordable Housing Planned Unit Development (AH-PUD) without first obtaining growth management approvals if the newly created parcel(s) is required to obtain such growth management approvals prior to development through a legal instrument acceptable to the City Attorney. (Ord. No. 44-2001, § 2) Staff Findine Growth Management Allocations and Exemptions are in place. Staff finds this criterion to be met. 5 Resolution No. 28 (SERIES OF 2008) A RESOLUTION OF THE ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT CITY COUNCIL GRANT SUBDIVSION APPROVAL FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 332 W. MAIN STREET, LOT K AND THE WEST'/: OF LOT L, BLOCK 44, CITY AND TOWNSITE OF ASPEN, COLORADO WHEREAS, the applicant, Alice Brien, owner, represented by John Muir Architects, requested Subdivision approval for the property located at 332 W. Main Street, Lot K and the West '/z of Lot L, Block 44„ City and Townsite of Aspen, Colorado; and WHEREAS, upon review of the application and the applicable code standards, the Community Development Department recommended approval of the Subdivision request; and, WHEREAS, at their regulaz meeting on August 5, 2008, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered the development proposal under the applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, reviewed and considered the recommendation of the Community Development Director, and took and considered public comment at a duly noticed public hearing; and, WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission found that the development proposal meets or exceeds all applicable development standards and that a recommendation for Council approval of the land use request is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Aspen Area Community Plan, by a vote of _ to _; and, WHEREAS, the City of Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission found that this Resolution furthers and is necessary for the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: Pursuant to the procedures and standards set forth in Title 26 of the Aspen Municipal Code, the Planning and Zoning Commission hereby recommends approval of the subdivision request to create a new multi-family dwelling unit at 332 W. Main Street, Lot K and the West''/z of Lot L, Block 44, City and Townsite of Aspen. Section 2: Plat and Aereement The Applicant shall record a subdivision plat and agreement that meets the requirements of Land Use Code Section 26.480, Subdivision, within 180 days of approval if City Council provides final approval of the subdivision request. Section 3: Buildin¢ Permit Aaplication The building permit application shall include the following: a. A copy of the final Ordinance and recorded P&Z Resolution. b. The conditions of approval printed on the cover page of the building permit set. Section 4: Affordable Housine. Cash-in-lieu Fee Pursuant to Land Use Code Section 26.530.040 Housing Replacement Requirements, in effect at the time of this application, the Applicant shall pay afee-in-lieu to mitigate the demolition and replacement of an existing residential multi-family housing unit. The City of Aspen Community Development Department shall calculate the amount due using the calculation methodology and fee schedule in affect at the time of building permit submittal. Section 5: School Lands Dedication Fee Pursuant to Land Use Code Section 26.630, School lands dedication, the Applicant shall pay afee-in-lieu of land dedication prior to issuance of any building permit that triggers this fee. The City of Aspen Community Development Department shall calculate the amount due using the calculation methodology and fee schedule in affect at the time of building permit submittal. The Applicant shall provide the mazket value of the land including site improvements, but excluding the value of structures on the site. Section 6: Park Development Impact Fee Pursuant to Land Use Code Section 26.610, Park Development Impact Fee, if any Park Development Impact Fee is applicable, the fee shall be assessed at the time of building permit application submittal and paid at building permit issuance. Section 7: All material representations and commitments made by the Applicant pursuant to the development proposal approvals as herein awazded, whether in public hearing or documentation presented before the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council, aze hereby incorporated in such plan development approvals and the same shall be complied with as if fully set forth herein, unless amended by an authorized entity. Section 8: This resolution shall not effect any existing litigation and shall not operate as an abatement of any action or proceeding now pending under or by virtue of the ordinances repealed or amended as herein provided, and the same shall be conducted and concluded under such prior ordinances. Section 9• If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this resolution is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional in a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. APPROVED BY the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen on this Ss' day of August, 2008. APPROVED AS TO FORM: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION: City Attorney LJ Erspamer, Chair ATTEST: Jackie Lothian, Deputy City Clerk MEMORANDUM TO: Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission FROM: Jennifer Phelan, Community Development Deputy Director ~'B . RE: Aspen Valley Hospital -Master Facilities Plan (401 Castle Creek Road) - Conceptual Planned Unit Development -Resolution No. 23, Series 2008 -Public Hearing MEETING DATE: August 5, 2008 APPLICANT /OWNER: Aspen Valley Hospital, David Ressler, CEO REPRESENTATIVE: Leslie Lamont, Lamont Planning Services. LOCATION: Parcel C, Aspen Valley Hospital District Subdivision, commonly known as 401 Castle Creek Road. CURRENT ZONING & USE Located in the Public (PUB) zone district. Lot C contains 19.1 acres or approximately 832,085 sq. ft. of lot area. PROPOSED LAND USE: The Applicant is requesting to develop a master plan for the redevelopment and expansion of the hospital campus. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission request additional information with regard to the site access and traffic analysis, parking analysis and existing easements/envelopes at the Final PUD application. SUMMARY: The Applicant requests of the Planning and Zoning Commission a recommendation of approval of Conceptual PUD. Page I of 8 Photo of the hospital's main entry._ LAND USE REQUESTS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES: As noted in the July 15` staff memo, the Conceptual Planned Unit Development review for the proposed master facilities plan of the hospital is being divided into four hearings with individual topics as noted below: July 1, 2008: Project Overview: Operational Needs, Program, Trends, Phasing, Architecture & Design July 15, 2008: Employee Housing, Site Improvements (grading, drainage, trail location), Noise Analysis August 5, 2008: Transportation (parking generation, trail easement, site, roads, bikes, trails, parking garage), Housekeeping items August 19, 2008: Conditions of approval, Vote Again the purpose of Conceptual PUD is to allow the Commission the opportunity to identify any major questions or concerns that you would like to have the Applicant address further, either at this stage of review (conceptual) or at a later more specific stage of review (final). PROJECT SUMMARY: The Applicant, Aspen Valley Hospital District, LLC has requested approval to redevelop and expand the existing hospital campus which was annexed into the City in 2003. The focus of the proposal is on Parcel C of the campus, where the hospital, senior center/assisted living (Whitcomb Terrace), ambulance barn, heli-pad and the hospital CEO's residence are located. Parcel A of the campus includes the Schultz building and Mountain Oaks employee housing. Pazcel C contains approximately 19.1 acres or 832,085 square feet. A site map is provided on the next page per Figure 1. The Applicant would like to redevelop the parcel taking into account a twenty year program life cycle with an anticipated 2016 build-out timeline. The following tables compare existing and proposed development for the site and the buildings on the campus. Table 1. Existing and Proposed Conditions Existin Conditions Pro osed Conditions Pazcel Area 832,085 s . ft. 832,085 s . ft. Building Footprint (residence, hospital, bus barn, & hase I) 90,849 sq. ft. 171,164 sq. ft. Im ervious Area 190,700 s . ft. 189,854 s . ft. O en S ace 550,536 s . ft. 471,067 s . ft. Surface arkin 175 110* Notes: * The proposed surface area does not include parking structure spaces, with pazking ara e s aces the total a uals 339 s aces. Page 2 of 8 Table 2: Existin and Pro osed Gross S uare Feet of Develo ment Existin Facili Pro osed Total at Build-Out Below Grade 5,000 24,558 29,558 Above Grade 70,700 96,121 166,821 Med. Office 0 17,716 17,716 Sub-Total 75,700 138,395 214,095 Parkin Gaza e 0 76,000 76,000 Total 75,700 214,395 290,095 Fieure l: Subiect Site N~ni ,~ ter- ~-- - \~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~~~/ ` ~ ~ \\.__-._ n 1_ r I \\ 1~ ~\ `` ~~ 0 ~' \ ~~. \~ { \~ I "'° ,, ~,, ~~~ \, ,~. ! ~~ ~ ~ '~, ~; i ° ~~~~ _~ ~ `~l ~~ Site Access/1'raftic Analysis: Currently all vehiculaz traffic to and from the hospital is accessed via the intersection of Castle Creek Road and Doolittle Drive. The Applicant is proposing a looped service road accessed off of the existing curb-cut for Whitcomb Terrace to sepazate service/delivery traffic from general visitors and staff access. In the application, the Applicant states that improvements to the Whitcomb Terrace/ Castle Creek Road entrance are necessary to meet engineering standazds for grade and sight distance. In addition to providing a deceleration lane on Castle Creek for the intersection, the Applicant is proposing to raise the height of a portion of Castle Creek Road. The application notes that improvements aze planned for the Castle Creek Road/ Doolittle Drive/ main hospital entrance. As included in Appendix F of Exhibit A, the transportation consultant's Page 3 of 8 summary recommends a new access on Castle Creek Road to accommodate Doolittle Drive as indicated in Figure 2. However, none of the drawings in Appendix D of Exhibit A show the recommendations of the traffic engineer. Figure 2: Recommended Hospital Entrance Imorovements -''~~~ Hospital ~ Perking Lot /, N~ ~ `~~ ~~d a En~~ H.H.S. r Parking Lot wstim~ ~ ~~~~~~~ ///~r~ Y ~ O b~ 1 ~ Q Ms. ama ~~ ftaildential ~ Area N 1 j~,a 1Y ~ Q for Ne The initial traffic analysis provided by the Applicant indicates that the cun•ent Level of Service (LOS) for Castle Creek Road/Doolittle Drive is a LOS B (rated from A to F) and is projected to remain at that level of service over time if certain improvements aze made including: improving the intersection of Castle Creek Road and Whitcomb Ten•ace, constructing two dedicated accesses (one for the hospital and one for Doolittle Drive), as well as the implementation of various auto disincentives. With regazd to trail access, the proposal provides some realignment to the paved pedestrian trail that roughly pazallels Castle Creek Road. Additionally, the hospital entrance is redesigned to better accommodate RFTA pick-up and drop-off service (upon request). Page 4 of 8 Staff Comments and Recommendation: Circulation and the impacts associated with the redevelopment of the hospital need to be studied to minimize any negative impacts. Potential impacts with regard to some of the proposed improvements have been noted by other departments or agencies and detailed analysis is necessary to evaluate and address those potential impacts. Staff Recommendation: • Service Road. Based upon the concerns voiced by the City Engineer with regard to raising the height of Castle Creek Road and the construction that it will entail, staff recommends that the Applicant reevaluate the location of the service road for Final PUD application and study alternatives that are less impactful and meet the goals of the master plan. • Main Hospital Access. Staff recommends that a greater area (as shown in Figure 2) be studied within the application rather than just Parcel C (as shown in Figure 3)with regard to circulation inclusive of Doolittle Drive, the RFTA bus stop, and the pedestrian crossings (both on-site and the Castle Creek Road crossing. Additional study to minimize trail/street crossings as well as other Sraff c conflicts should be undertaken. • Site Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA). Staff recommends that a detailed TIA be submitted at Final PUD that includes the roundabout, proposed service road and the Doolittle Drive/RFTA bus stop/pedestrian crossings. Additional information that responds to the questions that the Transportation Department raised (Exhibit F) should be provided. Additionally, staff recommends that the area be shown as part of the study area on the approved Conceptual PUD site plan. Parking: Currently, surface parking is provided on-site and when measured according to the land use code's dimensional standard for a parking space provides 175 stalls. The Applicant is proposing to relocate some of the existing parking and expand the overall number of parking stalls available to 339 stalls, an increase of 164 stalls. The bulk of the stalls will be provided in a pazking gazage. The number of parking stalls provided will peak during phase II due to the Page 5 of 8 construction of the parking gazage as well as the existing parking on the west side of the property not being removed until a later phase of development. The parking garage is accessed from both the main hospital entrance and from the proposed service road. The pazking gazage is sited to take advantage of the topography that drops in elevation as you move towazds the north end of the property. The garage provides three (3) stories of parking; however, when you access the pazking from the main entrance the top story of the garage is level with adjacent at grade parking. As noted in the application and shown in Table 3 below, the overall number of parking stalls estimated to be necessary are 392 due to on-site staffing, the medical office space, and patient stations. This number is greater than the proposed number of stalls, as the reduced number takes into account alternative modes to get to the hospital. Table 3: Pazking Demand Projection Table 2 Aspen Valley Hospital Aspen, Coloredo Master Plan Parking Demand Projection (November, 2006; LSC #060420) Peek Per(od Parketl Demand Component Units Rate Source Vehbles Stall (Maximum on•site) 200 employees 0.75 perked vehicles per empbyee (1) 160 Medical -Dental Office 29 KSF 3.5 parked vetdclae per KSF (2) 101.5 Patient StaOons 162 Bede or Statbns 0.75 perked vehicles per station (3) 121.5 373 Vacancy Factor (6%) 1.05 TohlSpeces Needed 392 Notes: (1) Based on Empkryee Survey conducted at Aspen Valley Hospital in Augus4 2006 (2) Source: PeAdnp GenereNon, 3b Ed(tion, 2004 published by the Inatitule of Trensportation Engineers (3) Source: HLM &LSC estimate Staff Comments and Recommendation.• It is important for the facility to provide adequate parking for the users of the hospital, but also consider how alternative modes of transportation such as bus service, walking/cycling, and car pooling reduce the overall number of spaces needed as is outlined in the application. Parking garages are often associated with hospital development and can limit the overall footprint of impervious surface area associated with parking. Staff Recommendation: Revaluate Parking Needs. The summary provided by the transportation consultants considers the parking needs of the development based on staffing, a parking generation rate for medical office space and patient stations; however, the medical office space is based on a gross number of 29, 000 sg. ft. rather than the 17, 000 sq. ft. proposed. Staff recommends that the Applicant re- Page 6 of 8 evaluate the parking needs and adjust accordingly based on up to date plans at the Final PUD application. Housekeeoine Items: Parallel with the east property boundary is a 100 foot wide pedestrian, bicycle and road easement that encumbers the subject property. Within this easement aze other utility and trail easements. Additionally, an area is identified on the site as `Employee Housing Phase II' near Whitcomb Terrace. As proposed, the parking structure will encroach into both of these azeas. Development cannot occur (at least in the easement) until the easement is removed. The previous encumbrances to the property can be superseded (and removed) by the recordation of a new plat. A history of the easement and delineated housing site aze included on pages 35 and 40 of the application (Exhibit A). The applicant surmises that the 100 ft. easement was required prior to the construction of the bike /pedestrian trail. The project was originally approved in the county, which required development to be 100 feet from a major roadway (Castle Creek Road). The employee housing `parcel' was required to memorialize the housing component associated with the former master plan; however, the Beaumont was purchased instead. Figure 4: 100 Foot Wide Easement and AH `Parcel' Staff Comments and Recommendation: The 100 feet wide easement appears to be unnecessary as there are separate easements for utilities and the existing trail. However, the removal of the easement will allow development to be located closer to the pedestrian trail which may impact the quality of the pedestrian experience. The employee housing site may not be necessary depending on the hospitals plans for affordable housing. Page 7 of 8 Staff Recommendation: • Provide Additional Research. Staff recommends that the 100 foot easement be removed with the consent of other departments such as utilities, engineering and parks. The employee housing parcel' may also be removed dependent on additional research. The Applicant needs to thoroughly research the employee housing parcel' and how it relates to the approval of the original master plan so that the City clearly understands what, if any, affordable housing mitigation was required for the original master plan, if it was developed (Beaumont/Mtn. Oaks), and if additional affordable housing is required how it will be provided. This information should be submitted at the Final PUD application. RECOMMENDATION: At this point and time, Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission continue the public hearing to August 19, 2008. PROPOSED MOTION: "I move to continue the hearing on the AVH Master Facilities plan to August 19, 2008." ATTACHMENTS: EXHIBIT A -Application (provided previously to the Commission) ExwalT B - APCHA Referral dated July 3, 2008 (provided with 7/15/08 staff memo) EXHIBIT C - Engineering Referral dated May 17, 2008 (provided with 7/15/08 staff memo and current memo) EXHIBIT D - Parks Department Referral (provided with 7/15/08 staff memo and current memo) EXHIBIT E - Pitkin County Referral dated May 6, 2008 EXHIBIT F - Transportation Referral dated May 5, 2008 ExHIeIT G - Public comment from Kazen Ryman dated July 2, 2008 Page 8 of 8 ~.x~~T C Jennifer Phelan From: Trivia Aragon Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 11:37 AM To: Jennifer Phelan; Trisha Nelson Subject: AVH DRC Comments Attachments: Framework for Establishing Quality of Service.doc; Site Transportation Impact Study Report outline.doc Jennifer: I am unable to provide a complete review of the land use application for AVH. Below is a list of the information needed to complete my review: o The traffic impact analysis (TIA) needs to be completed according to the attached outline. A quality of service evaluation in the TIA will be pertormed according to the attached outline. o A comprehensive drainage report must be completed according to the engineering department's design criteria. This analysis must account for all off site basins and must consider the downstream facilities. It must also identify whether or not these facilities are sized appropriately. The report must also include the analysis of drainage along Castle Creek Road. o The plan proposes raising Castle Creek road. The validity of this proposal still needs to be provided. The following are general comments: o Using the detention pond is not an appropriate use for snow storage. Adequate now storage areas within the parking areas must be provided for. Additionally the use of the trail for snow removal operations is not the appropriate use of this trail. o The phasing drawings currently show all phases on one drawing. This drawing needs to be broken out in to multiple drawings that show existing conditions and one phase per sheet. o Currently the TIA recommends improvements to the entrance at Doolittle Drive. These improvements must be shown on the drawings. The improvements recommended in the TIA are the hospital's responsibility (I need verify with John Worcester). o There is a 100 foot pedestrian, biking and road easement on the property. There is a question as to whether or not any hospital improvements can occur in this easement. Trish Aragon, P.E. City Engineer City of Aspen 130 S. Galena Aspen, CO 81611 Phone: (970) 429-2785 Fax: (970) 920-5081 Framework for Establishing Quality of Service Mode Quali of Service Considerations Pedestrian Presence, connectivity and width of sidewalks Lateral separation from traffic Barriers and buffers from traffic Crossing opportunities on arterial and collector roadways Delays at intersections Driveway frequency and volumes Visitor experience (national/state/local parks or at other types of recreational or entertainment venues) Bicycle Presence of a dedicated facility Network Connectivity Number and width of travel lanes adjacent to the route Volume and speed of traffic Percentage of trucks and busses encountered Pavement condition Transit Frequency and hours of service Reliability of service Passenger loads Travel times Automobile Corridor travel times Intersection delay Queue length Site Transportation Impact Analysis -sample table of contents I. Introduction and Summary a. Purpose of report and study objectives b. Executive summary 1. Site location and study area 2. Development description 3. Types of studies undertaken (impacts, signal warrant, site access, etc.) 4. Principal findings 5. Conclusions 6. Recommendations II. Proposed Development (Site and Nearby) A. Off-site (or background) development B. Description of on site development 1. Land use and intensity 2. Location 3. Site plan 4. Zoning 5. Phasing and timing III. Existing Area Conditions A. Study area 1. Area of influence 2. Area of significant transportation impact (may also be part of Chapter N) a. site access points and major intersections (signalized and unsignalized) adjacent to the site. Depending on the development size ,the first signalized intersection on each street serving the site could also be analyzed, if it is within a specific distance of the site as determined by the engineering dept) B. Study area land use 1. Existing land uses 2. Existing zoning 3. Anticipated future development C. Site accessibility I . Area roadway system a. Existing b. Future 2. Traffic volumes and conditions 3. Transit service 4. Pedestrians and bicyclists 5. Existing relevant transportation system management programs 6. Other, as applicable - (ie crash analysis for 3 yrs) N. Projected Traffic A. Site trafTic (each horizon year) I. Trip generation 2. Trip distribution 3. Modal split 4. Trip assignment B. Through traffic (each horizon year) 1. Method of projection 2. Non-site traffic for anticipated development in study azea a. Method of projections b. Trip generation c. Trip distribution d. Medal split e. Trip assignment 3. Through traffic 4. Estimated volumes C. Total traffic (each horizon year) V. Transportation Analysis A. Site access B. Capacity and level of services 1. Existing conditions 2. Background conditions (existing plus growth) (for each horizon year) 3. Total traffic (existing, background, and site) (for each horizon yeaz) C. Transportation safety D. Traffic signals E. Site circulation and parking VI. Improvement Analysis A. Improvements to accommodate existing traffic B. Improvements to accommodate background traffic C. Additional improvements to accommodate site traffic D. Alternative improvements E. Status of improvements already funded, programmed, or planned F. Evaluation VII. Findings A. Site accessibility B. Transportation impacts C. Need for any improvements D. Compliance with applicable local codes VII. Recommendations A. Site access/circulation plan B. Roadway improvements 1. On-site 2. Off-site 3. Phasing, if appropriate C. Transit, pedestrians and bicycles D. Transportation system management/transportation demand mngmt actions 1. Off-site 2. On-site operational 3. On-site E. Other IX. Conclusions ~~~~~~ Aspen Valley Hospital Parks Department Requirements: An approved tree permit will be required before any demolition or access infrastructure work takes place. Please contact the City Forester at 920-5120. Mitigation for removals will be paid cash in lieu or on site. The overall mitigation for removals during this phase of improvements already has a carry over from the construction of the Obstetrics Unit. 2. A vegetation protection fence shall be erected at the drip line of each individual tree or groupings of trees on site. This fence must be inspected by the city forester or his/her designee (920-5120) before any construction activities are to commence. No excavation, storage of materials, storage of construction backfill, storage of equipment, foot or vehicle traffic allowed within the drip line of any tree on site. There should be a location and standard for this fencing denoted on the plan. The Parks Department is concerned about the lack of spacing for several proposed Blue Spruce Trees. New locations and planting plan should be designed to reflect appropriate spacing away from the new structure, existing vegetation and each individual plant species. Parks Department can provide red lines to the applicants landscape architects. 4. During the construction of the Obstetrics Unit a small portion of the pedestrian trail, located at the hospitals current entrance, was realigned and partially landscaped. This area needs to be completed with the addition of imgation, seeding and other vegetation if applicable. The applicant should design and present this improvement for approval by the Parks Department. 5. Once a final alignment for the Nordic trail is determined and approved by the Parks Department the alignment and use shall be memorialized with a trail easement granted by the Hospital to the City of Aspen for use as a trail easement. This should be identified (called out) on the site plans and in a signed easement document. Support of the proposed Master Plan Facility is contingent on acquiring an easement. 6. The proposed Nordic alignment is causing concern to one of the neighbors adjacent to the proposed alignment. The applicant has to work through the neighbors concerns and present the proposed solutions to the pazks Department. Support of the proposed Master Plan Facility is contingent on addressing these concerns. 7. The current proposed Nordic alignment does not show a workable connection to the existing trail connection located across Castle Creek Road. The connections and turns have to be able to allow for the operation of a snow cat based on the machines specifications and capabilities to properly groom, this includes the overall skiing experience. Support of the proposed Master Plan Facility is contingent on creating a workable connection and trail alignment. 8. It is critical that that the construction of the detention ponds and the trail alignments are completed prior to the start of the winter seasons. Parks will not allow any construction activities of any kind to take place within the Nordic alignments, or around the Nordic alignments. Construction impacts to these areas will greatly reduce the skiers experience and more importantly viability of the snowpack. 9. It was discussed that the 2"d detention pond would be used for the storage of snow removed from the property. This is not acceptable to Pazks and Nordic. Traffic on the Nordic trail is limited to Nordic users and grooming equipment only. Any other users will greatly decrease the skiing experience and decrease the viability of the snow conditions. Re-alignment of the Nordic trail from the proposed alignment might help address the need to store snow. As is proposed Parks can not support the proposed project until this potential conflict is addressed. ] 0. Parks and Trails is also concerned with the proposed changes to the intersection of the Hospital and Doolittle Drive. The proposed changes will increase the number of trail crossing conflicting with traffic and change the alignment of the trail crossing castle creek road from Marolt to the bus stop. These are important concerns to workout and make sure it does not create dangerous situations between pedestrians and vehicles. The applicant should utilize the expertise of a traffic engineer to review the plans and determine the best way to intermix the uses. r ~~~~~ ~ TO: Jennifer Phelan, Deputy Planning Director, City of Aspen FROM: Ellen Sassano, Lomg Range Planner, Pitkin County RE: Referral Comments -Aspen Valley Hospital Conceptual PUD Application & Master Facilities Plan DATE: May 6, 2008 Thank you for the opportunity to provide the following Staff comments regarding the Conceptual PUD application for the Aspen Valley Hospital Master Facilities Plan. Please give a call if you have questions, or would like to discuss any of the issues raised. Traffic Impacts Round-About Intersection The applicant's traffic impact analysis concludes that proposed improvements to access points, construction of a deceleration lane and other grade improvements in combination with proposed auto disincentives, will mitigate impacts to Castle Creek Road associated with anticipated traffic generation. Improvements proposed by the applicant are intended to keep the service levels on Castle Creek Road at the current "B" rating. The applicant does not however, address the impact of their proposed growth on the round-about at the intersection of Highway 82 and Castle Creek Road. The County has recently been made aware of the fact that the round-about is functioning at a service level of "F " at peak periods. While there are and will continue to be other factors contributing to the level of service at this intersection, the County recommends that the Hospital be required to contribute a pro rata share for improvements determined to be necessary at this intersection. Construction Management The County supports the applicant's proposal to coordinate the timing of Castle Creek Road improvements contemplated for Phase II with construction of the Castle Creek pedestrian path proposed by the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board. To further limit traffic disruption on Castle Creek Road and at the Highway 82 intersection, the Hospital should be required if feasible, to coordinate timing of road improvements and general construction with the construction schedule contemplated for the Music School. It is recommended that a staging and construction management plan be required of the applicant prior to issuance of any building permits. Traii Crossing If proposed auto disincentives are successful and prove to increase pedestrian use of the Mazolt Trail to access the Hospital, it may be appropriate to require the applicant to contribute to payment for and/or design of safety improvements for the trail crossing from Marolt to the Hospital. RFTA The Hospital should be required to provide funding or facilities to RFTA at a level determined by ItFTA, based on the extent to which services/facilities will be impacted by the proposed expansion/improvements at the Hospital campus. Medical Office Space While Growth Management Exemption requests are not typically addressed at the Conceptual PUD stage of review in the City, the following is offered while the County has the opportunity to comment. It is our understanding that the Hospital will request that the proposed 17,716 sq. ft. of Medical Office Space be exempted from Growth Management competition as an essential community facility. This request has been controversial when it's been proposed by the Hospital in past applications to the County. In past application reviews, Staff has found the office building space to be a "growth generator," not meeting the definition of an "essential community facility." Furthermore, the concern has been raised that the medical office space competes directly with medical office space that could be provided in downtown Aspen and in the B-2 zone district (the Aspen Business Center.) On that basis, it may be inequitable to exempt medical office space as an essential community facility at the Hospital campus, when it is not exempted in other locations which are providing similar services to the same market. In the event that the City grants a GMQS exemption for the office space, the County recommends that the space be owned by the Aspen Valley Hospital or anon-profit corporation controlled by the Hospital Board; and that the office space only be occupied by medical practitioners with hospital staff privileges or non-profit, non commercial medically oriented organizations, patients, and support staff. General It is recommended that the applicant be required to comply with all prior commitments made to the County regarding affordable housing mitigation, trail and road improvements, provided they are still relevant. 2 ~~~~r ~ Jennifer Phelan From: Lynn Rumbaugh Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 12:20 PM To: Jennifer Phelan Cc: Trisha Nelson; Tricia Aragon Subject: RE: due date for comments on AVH Master Plan Hi Jennifer: In terms of changes to road access, I defer to Engineering. However, if the Castle/Maroon bus stops are to be moved as part of any access changes, Transportation needs to approve their placement and other issues. In terms of the traffic mitigation measures listed on page 22, I have the following comments: 1. I am under the impression that AVH already subsidizes bus passes. Do they plan to increase this subsidy as part of the traffic mitigation plan? 2. What are the subsidized taxi fares that are referred to? Are they planning to provide taxi-operated shuttles? 3. We would like more information on the other programs referred to in this document such as paid parking, shared shuttles, etc. For example: *Who would be charged for parking (patients, employees, management)? 'How would a paid parking program be managed (permits, meters)? *Would carpoolers be exempt from paid parking? *How does AVH envision the operation of a shared dial-a-ride or Highlands shuttle? `How does AVH envision improved RFTA service (with current RFTA driver shortage)? In short, we would like a more detailed traffic mitigation plan from the developer/consultant. We are happy to meet with AVH to brainstorm and discuss measures if needed. Lynn Rumbaugh Transportation Programs Manager City of Aspen 130 South Galena Aspen, CO 81611 voice: 970-920-5038 fax: 970-544-9447 web: www.asoenpitkin.com From: Jennifer Phelan Sent: Thursday, May Ol, 2008 3:42 PM To: Development_Review_Committee Subject: due date for comments on AVH Master Plan For anyone who would like to provide written comments on the hospital master plan, this is a reminder that comments are due to me no later than May 12`". Thanks. JevuM,fer ~heiaw, Deputy Director Community Development Department City of Aspen 130 S. Galena Street Aspen, CO 81611 PH: 970.429.2759 FAX: 970.920.5439 www.asoenpitkin.com ~~~~ ~ Karen Ryman 343 Grove Ct. Aspen, CO 81611 krymanCc~msn.com 970 925-6499 July 2, 2008 Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Jennifer.Phelan(a.ci.aspen.co.us Aspen, CO 81611 Dear Commissioners, I request that when you review the master plan for the Aspen Valley Hospital expansion that you take into consideration an updated transportation system for in-patients, visitors, out-patients, hospital employees and potential medical and office staff that will use the proposed attached medical building. I also would like to have you look at the current bus stop and make changes to accommodate the increased number and diversity of the passengers using the stop. I live and am a member of the board at the Twin Ridge Townhomes. I did attend the local meeting for nearby residents when the architect and hospital director explained the new hospital plans and its' phases of development. My concerns are twofold on the bus system: 1. The buses now circle through past the front door of the hospital (if snow plowing in the winter is completed) only if requested. Visitors don't know this is a possibility and don't ask. Injured patients from labs, therapy or ER often hobble over to the bus stop because they don't know to ask for the bus to come to the door. The master plan for the remodel at AVH did not have any change in this system. It did not have a route planned that would drop patients and employees off at the proposed medical clinic, therapy entrance, or the front entrance where the out-patients would arrive. Given the promotion of the use of buses in this county, this does not seem appropriate at all for moving people. I believe their plan is to continue with the current "on call" system in place. They have a somewhat complicated two entrance plan to the hospital, parking garage, and parking spaces, but parking not increasing a great deal to compensate for the medical building parking. It's going to be quite a way to the current bus stop from that proposed building. Please look at a possible route the buses could take to give these passengers better service. The current bus stop is on Doolittle Drive. It serves Marolt Housing, Castle Ridge, Water Place, Mountain Oaks, Twin Ridge, Meadowood, HHS, and AVH. This summer there are I believe 11 buses an hour. It is probably the second busiest bus stop in town. The buses do not have a way to pull off the road. The passengers can walk in front or back of the bus right into the road and passing traffic. The bus stop could be moved back towards Castle Creek Rd. and allow the bus to pull into a lane off the road. The lighting is one large light high overhead on a phone pole. It does not give safe lighting to the stop or security for women and young people at night. The APHA is proposing more 3`d floor housing at the Marolt and 35 units on the Marolt lot above. Our board is concerned as well as the Castle Ridge Mgmt., the homeowners at Water Place, and the Health and Human Services Director, Nan Sundeen. For safety reasons from the above pull off problem, the school bus stops at the Health and Human Services. This allows the students to come in the building without supervision, use the vending machines when they should be going on home. The Right Door and counseling services offices are in place there. I believe proposed and increased expansion of AVH, APHA at Marolt and Water Place, and MAA all will impact the number of passengers on RFTA increasing considerably. It is time to look at the infrastructure for bus service at the same time as P & Z considers these approvals. RFTA is looking to the city and county as they do not develop the bus areas per their representative. Sincerely, Karen Ryman Twin Ridge Homeowners Board