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HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.apz.010-75 RESOLUTION OF THE ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASPEN INSTITUTE PROPERTIES WHEREAS, the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies had initiated proceedings for the rezoning of its properties and reques%ed designation of the site into various zone dis- tricts, all as further specified in its application dated August 14, 1975, and WHEREAS, pursuant to such request, a public hearing (after proper notice thereof) was held on Tuesday, November 4, 1975, and continued to Wednesday, ~ovember 12, 1975, and WHEREAS, subsequent to such hearing the Commission has made findings, come to conclusions, and recommended a development program other than that initially suggested by the applicant, and the Commission wishes to make these actions of record, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO: 1. ~hat the proposed zoning request of the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies is found to be one the Commissiom cannot recommend as: a. The Institute property remains as the largest undeveloped tract of land within the City of Aspen and its development will have significant im- pact on the Aspen Communnity warranting the closest scrutiny by this Commission. b. The requested rezoning would create the potential for unacceptable high intensity commercial, lodge and residential uses, as ~ell as permit the continuation of the academic activities on the site. c. The Institute property includes areas of limited suitability for development and is serviced by an access road (Meadows Road) which has a carry- ing capacity substantially less than the need that Area (SPA) could be generated by development pursuant to the requested zoning. d. The Institute property is bounded by river frontage and severe slopes on the north and west, and a low-density residential neighborhood to the south, all of which limit accessibility and create unique problems for the development of the site which may not be addressed if the requested pro- posal is granted. e. Much of Aspen's heritage is contained and maintained within the West End of the City and careful site planning and architectural review, not guaranteed by the requested rezoning, will be needed to preserve the quality of this environment. f. Historically, the Aspen Institute has rendered a cultural service for the Aspen citizenry by providing the site for the summer music festival, and the viability of this program as a cultural activity, and the su/nmer tourist attraction, must be maintained. g. The 1973 Aspen Land Use Plan designates the Institute site as unique and suitable for institutional development, a land use objective not safisfied by the Institute's present zoning proposal. 2. That retention of the site as a Specially Planned is desirable and appropriate for the following reasons: a. SPA is a zone designation created by the American Law Institute, incorporated in its Model Land Development Code, and suggested for relatively undeveloped land where there is anticipated some demand for development in the near future but where it is desirable to discourage small, scattered and uncontrolled developments. b. The SPA designation precludes premature development and assures that an entire site will be developed in a compatible manner. This development -2- technique permits as much flexibility as possible in determining the content of a precise plan, but once the precise plan has been adopted it becomes the development regul- ation for the specially planned area, preclud- ing inconsistent future development. c. If zoning is ever to be a tool of effective and rational planning it is essential that it be future-directed in cases where the present status of the land gives no indication as to its ultimate best use. 3. That the applicant has indicated a willingness to accept the SPA designation if it is permitted to proceed with a PUD/subdivision application where it is thus able to receive con- ceptual and preliminary reviews. It is anticipated the final PUD/subdivision development plan will constitute the site plan anticipated by Article VII of Chapter 24 of the Aspen Municipal Code. 4. That this Commission does encourage the approach suggested in Paragraph 3 and does recommend to the Aspen Institute of Humanistic Studies that it initiate PUD/subdivision review at its earliest convenience. Dated: I'/ '~1 ~ ~~~ I G and acting City Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission at its meeting held ~$~f~/f~ ./~ , 1975.