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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.apz.19740523 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves FORM!I C.F.HDECKEl8.8.aL,!,:O. Special Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning May 23, 1974 Meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Spence Schiffer at 5:07 P.M. with Commission members Bryan Johnson, Jack Jenkins, Janet Landry, and Robert Barnard. Also present City/County Planner Herb Bartel, Assistant Planners John Stanford and Yank Mojo and City Attorney Sandra Stuller. PUBLIC HEARING Parking Vice Chairman Schiffer explained that at this public hearing they were expected to consider some recom- mended amendments to the zoning code in regards to parking and recommendations to City Council on administrative actions regarding parking. He stated that first, the Planning Office would be presenting their recommendation, and then the meeting would be opened up for public comment. He further stated that all ideas and recommendations from the public would be considered. Vice Chairman Schiffer opened the public hearing on parking. C. T. Collins and Geri Vagneur arrived. Assistant Planner Yank Mojo outlined five alternatives the Planning Office had addressed in trying to solve the parking problem: (1) Continue present off-street parking re- quirements, (2) Create a parking district, (3) Increase on-site parking requirements to meet demand, (4) Increase in buy-out parking concept, (5) Eliminate private off-street parking. The Planning Office recommended Alternative 5 as being the best, stating that it provides a long term solu- tion to the parking problem. Alternative 5 does not ban existing off-street parking, and in fact does not change current parking construction trends in the downtown area. More equitable leasing, by use, could be established. Alternative 5 has minimal potential environmental impact, and strengthens the pedestrian atmosphere of the downtown core area. Car oriented transportation, under Alternative 5, would have the greatest potential for being changed, and would there- by maintain the dominance of the downtown area as the central commercial area. Vice Chairman Schiffer opened the meeting to public comment. Theodore Mularz stated that the Planning Office had ignored the fact that some on-street parking does exist, which is provided by the City for parking generated. Mularz also noted that the biggest busi- ness in Aspen, the Aspen Ski Corporation, was not required to provide any parking off street. Mularz stated that he did not object to the City pro- viding off-street parking, but he did feel that devel- opers in the downtown area should be given the option to provide parking for himself and his employees. These comments were in addition to a letter submitted to the Commission. Anthony Scheer of the Aspen Board of Realtors sub- mitted a letter to the Commission for its considera- -1- RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves FORM 10 C.F.HOECKELB.8.8l l. CO. Special Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning May 23, 1974 Parking, continued tion. The letter objected to the prohibition of off-street parking, due to the fact that Aspen is a tourist town, and that guests should be able to make use of downtown parking facilities, while residents use outside parking facilities. New busi- nesses should be required to have off-street parking. Curt Baar stated this parking recommendation was simply a continuation of a policy pursued by the City to further restrict parking and increase the conges- tion in the downtown area. He felt that this was not strengthening the downtown area as the commercial district, but in fact driving people to use the shopping centers. Robert George, President of the Aspen Chamber of Commerce, submitted a letter of objection to the Commission. Felt that there were too many in- consistencies in the proposal, and felt many down- town businesses would be affected adversely by such a decision. Stated he was not objecting to the park- ing proposal per se, but was not necessarily the first step that should be taken. He stated that the letter was from the Chamber of Commerce, but that his com- ments were his own. Jim Moran objected to Alternative 5 as a solution. He stated that the other alternatives address them- selves to meeting the need for parking, while Al- ternative 5 does not address itself to meeting the need, but is based on the premise of eliminating the automobile. If Alternative 5 is based on such a premise, then it is not a solution, but only an opening step in some larger plan. Where is the lar- ger plan? Fred Smith stated he did not find Alternative 5 a solution. Alternative 5 seems to say eliminate the car from Aspen. How can encouraging commercial construction within the area, but prohibiting parking decrease the congestion and solve any of the prob- lems? Eloise lIgen submitted a letter of objection to the Commission. Peter Stone stated that the Prospector Lodge, because of its age, did not have any off street parking. Many tourists do drive cars, and although two hour parking would serve the shops, restaurants, and other esta- blishments, this would not adequately serve the pur- poses of the guests in Aspen. The City would be dis- criminating against him, if it did not allow over- night parking for guests. He stated that the first priority that might be considered would be under- ground parking under Wagner Park. He also submitted a letter to the Commission. Bill Dunaway stated that he would like to speak up in favor of change. He noted that, instead of restricted parking in the core area stimulating shopping areas outside this district, the increase of cars in the downtown area have contributed to their development in that people wish to avoid the confusion and un- -2- RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves FOlINII C.F.HOECKELB.B.&l.CO. Special Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning May 23, 1974 Parking, continued pleasantness of the downtown area. Baar observed that a positive approach was needed to stop the congestion in the downtown area. Taking away parking is not a positive approach, adding parking is a positive approach. Eloise lIgen suggested a different approach in her letter. She suggested parking the tourist and letting them use the mass transit system. Allow the lodge owners to have parking on their properties. Local residents should have first priority on parking spaces in town. Anthony Scheer asked Herb Bartel if the basic phil- osophy of the Planning Office was to eliminate the car from Aspen. Bartel replied that the position of the Planning Office is that they felt they must shift modes of transportation because Aspen is a resort. Robin Molny stated that he felt the proposal has merit, in that Aspen, like any other large, growing city, does not have enough room for the automobiles. He stated that he agreed with Jim Moran, and asked where the plan was? But, however, he felt that maybe the step should be taken before the plan is adopted. Discourage the car, and then work on the solution. Ground space for any other solution was limited. vice Chairman Schiffer stated that the Commission had received letters from Robert A. George, President of the Aspen Chamber of Commerce; Eloise lIgen, Theodore Mularz, and Ruth Mularz, Peter Stone, Francis Whitaker, and from Anthony Scheer, President of the Aspen Board of Realtors. All letters were objecting to the proposal of prohibiting off street parking in the downtown area. Curt Baar had also printed a letter of objection in the Aspen Today. Vice Chairman Schiffer closed the public hearing. He then stated that he felt the Commission members should have an opportunity to read all the material presented to them before making a decision, and sug- gested setting a special meeting to make a decision. Bryan Johnson made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Commission hold a special meeting Thursday, June 6th to discuss the parking problem. Jenkins seconded the motion. It was suggested that the meeting be held Thursday, May 30, 1974 in the District Court Room at the Pitkin County Court House. Commission members Landry, Vagneur, and Johnson, yes. Jenkins, Barnard, Collins, and Schiffer, no. Motion NOT carried. Barnard made a motion that the special meeting be held Thursday, May 30, at 5:00 P.M. in the District Court Room at the pitkin County Courthouse conditioned on agreement with the County for use of the room. Landry seconded the motion. All in favor, motion -3- RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves fORN\O C.r.HOECKElB.B.aL.Co. Special Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning May 23, 1974 Parking, continued carried. Schiffer stated that the Commission had received a memorandum from City Council stating that the League of Women Voters would like to present their Land Use Proposal to a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning and Zoning. Johnson made a motion that a at June 6, at 5:00 P.M. with consider the League of Women Jenkins seconded the motion. carried. study session be held the City Council to Voter's presentation. All in favor, motion Johnson made a motion Seconded by Collins. at 6:30 P.M. that the meetinq be adjourned. All in favor, meeting adjourned .~~-&:L -;( &vJ/ Recording Secretary