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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPLAN COMMISSION MINUTES January 18, 2011 PRESENT: David Borsuk, Ed Bowen, Jeffrey Thorns, Thomas Fojtik, John Hinz, Tony Palmeri, Kathleen Propp, Dennis McHugh, Donna Lohry, Karl Nollenberger EXCUSED: Robert Vajgrt STAFF: Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services; David Buck, Principal Planner; Allen Davis, Director of Community Development; Scott Greuel, Chief of Police; Tim Franz, Fire Chief, Deborah Foland, Recording Secretary Chairperson Fojtik called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of January 4, 2011 were approved as presented. (Thoms/Hinz) I.A. DESIGNATE SEGMENT OF ELMWOOD AVENUE AS A PEDESTRIAN MALL I.B. PRIVILEGE IN THE RIGHT- OF-WAY TO PLACE PEDESTRIAN MALL AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS The University is making two requests in order to implement general vehicular closure of a portion of Elmwood Avenue for a pedestrian mall. The first action is to designate Elmwood Avenue from approximately 200 feet south of W. Lincoln Avenue to W. Irving Avenue as a pedestrian mall. The second action is a request to install a pedestrian mall and streetscape improvements in the pedestrian mall. Mr. Burich presented the item and explained that this request had been laid over from the last meeting and additional information had been included in the staff report to address concerns raised at the previous meeting. He again reviewed the site and surrounding area and explained that the University was requesting this action to create a safer pedestrian environment in the area that connects the campus residence halls, the Student Success Center and Reeve Memorial Union with the rest of the campus. He reviewed the land use in the surrounding area as well as a diagram of the University's layout and explained that the pedestrian mall was not yet designed and discussed the conceptual plans and features for the proposed mall. He also explained that the area would still remain as City right -of -way which would give the City the ability to reopen the street at a later date. He also discussed the 26 foot lane which was provided to support emergency vehicles through this area and the cul -de -sac to be created on Elmwood Avenue. The Traffic Review Board approved this request and numerous meetings have been held to discuss this issue. This would not be an actual street vacation as the City would still retain the rights to the right -of -way and this request is consistent with the University's Master Plan. He also reviewed the University's Master Plan and the conditions recommended for both requests. Ms. Propp arrived at 4:02 pm. Mr. Nollenberger questioned if anyone considered closing the remaining half a block of W. Irving Avenue and Elmwood Avenue as well. Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011 Mr. Burich responded that it was considered however it would negatively impact emergency services responders' ability to maneuver through this area. Mr. Thorns inquired if the long range plan of the University was with the intent to eventually close Algoma Boulevard and High Avenue and re -route traffic. Mr. Burich replied that this concept was in the 2003 University Master Plan and the re- routing of traffic from these two streets would be concurrent with the construction of the Pearl Avenue bypass. Mr. Thorns then inquired if the pedestrian mall request was a separate issue. Mr. Burich responded that the pedestrian mall was a stand alone project and that the concerns from emergency services responders regarding the delay of response time was in relation to the closure of Algoma and High and the construction of the bypass on Pearl Avenue which would have to be completed prior to the closures of the other two streets. Mr. Borsuk questioned what the anticipated time line would be for the reconfigurations of Algoma, High and Pearl Avenue. Mr. Burich replied that those projects would be contingent upon financing and would be moving forward at some point when funding was available which would possibly be ten years. Mr. Thorns inquired if the areas were officially mapped for the proposed reconstruction of these streets. Mr. Burich responded that the area was not officially mapped however most of the reconstruction would take place in existing city right -of -way and he would have to look into the possibility if additional lands would have to be acquired. Mr. McHugh stated that he did not believe that the City and University have reached an agreement between the University's Master Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan for long range plans. Mr. Burich replied that the University's most recent plan had not yet been reviewed by the City however any modifications from the original plan were not of major consequence to his knowledge. Tim Franz, Fire Chief, stated that response time cannot be calculated from one station only as the station on Murdock would be the initial one to respond to emergencies in this area however the station on Court Street could also be called out to respond to this area as well. At times, multiple vehicles may respond to a single incident and the Fire Department needs to have the ability to respond from as many directions as possible when necessary. The vehicles are large as well as related pieces of equipment and he did confirm that he had stated that he was not in favor of closing any streets as it complicates matters for access purposes. The width of the emergency lane being requested is 26 feet which is necessary due to the height of the structures on campus and his concerns were with not only this area but areas north of Congress Avenue as well. He was looking at the situation from the standpoint of not being able to go through both Elmwood Avenue and Algoma Boulevard as a comprehensive long term concern. There could be a slight delay of 30 seconds to one minute with the closure of just this portion of Elmwood Avenue however it may not be permanent as the City will be retaining the right -of -way which provides the ability to reopen Elmwood Avenue if deemed necessary. He also commented that the fire lane was necessary to respond to any incidents in the neighborhood Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011 not just for the University and the maintaining of this emergency lane gives the Fire Department the ability to respond tactically to other areas of the neighborhood as well. Scott Greuel, Chief of Police, stated that his concerns were relating to the long range plans for the closure of Algoma and High as well and that a tactical response for the Police Department was less of a concern than the Fire Department due to the large apparatus necessary to maneuver through these areas for response to fires. The emergency lane provided would allow adequate access when necessary. Ms. Lohry asked how vehicles would be prevented from utilizing the emergency lane provided for emergency services providers only. Mr. Franz responded that the entrance to this area could be narrowed down to prevent such access. Mr. Thorns inquired if the emergency lane was to be utilized by both Police and Fire Departments and if the two minute delays in response time was only applicable with the closure of Algoma and High as well as this segment of Elmwood Avenue. Mr. Franz responded affirmatively to both inquiries. Mr. Thorns then questioned if a delay in response time may occur due to use of the emergency lane. Mr. Franz replied that pedestrian traffic could potentially slow movement however it would be less of a delay to use the fire lane than alter the route and take Cherry Street instead. Mr. Palmeri asked if based on a typical year for the Fire Department, was there any way to predict how many times the emergency lane would be utilized. Mr. Franz responded that he could review calls and make some prediction however it would be difficult to speculate. He felt that several times a week would be a safe assumption. Joann Rife, Planning Director for the University, 800 Algoma Boulevard, reviewed the map of the proposed pedestrian mall and stated that this was presented at the neighborhood meeting held in November. She also discussed the purpose of the cul -de -sac to service the resident halls and food deliveries to the campus as well as student traffic, bike lanes and the emergency lane. She stated that there were 2589 students in the neighboring residence halls, 7500 visitors to the Reeve Memorial Union annually, 275 staff at the Student Success Center with 728 students who frequent the center daily. She also discussed the Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan that was currently being developed. Quinn, a student at the University representing the Oshkosh Student Association, stated that he was committed to the safety and well being of both students and faculty and was in favor of the pedestrian mall. He discussed the services provided at the Student Success Center and the number of trips taken on a daily basis to and from the residence halls to various locations on campus. He commended the Plan Commission and Common Council for their efforts to improve the conditions on Elmwood Avenue and also discussed the amount of student rental properties in the area and the impact the new residence hall will have on this situation. He commented on the fact that there has not been any pedestrian/vehicle crashes in this area to date however there have been numerous near misses as the vehicles traveling Elmwood Avenue are moving at a high rate of speed through the campus. Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011 Joan Mueller, 1139 Cherry Street, stated that she attended the meeting at the University last November and discussed the traffic volume numbers of 3000 trips daily through Elmwood Avenue. She further stated that she was open to the idea at first of closing this portion of the street however after further investigation; she was opposed to it now. She felt that the density of occupancy was an issue and that access for Fire and Police Departments was important as most of the neighborhood consisted of older homes. She also felt that the density of the population and on street parking in the neighborhood makes approving this request a mistake. The University is a part of the fabric of the community and should have to deal with the traffic traveling through the campus particularly as Elmwood Avenue was a designated bypass through the University property. Bernard Pitz, 617 W. Irving Avenue, stated that he lives in the neighborhood and also owns rental property on Wisconsin Street and Church Avenue which is already a very busy intersection. The closing of this segment of Elmwood Avenue will contribute to making this intersection even busier than it currently is and he felt that the pedestrian issues were due to the fact that students cross the street on Elmwood Avenue in areas that are not designated crosswalks. The re- routing of traffic off of Elmwood Avenue will result in more traffic passing his home and referenced the information on page 47 of the staff report relative to crashes at the intersection of Wisconsin and W. Irving Avenue. He stated that safety was not the issue here but the convenience for the University. He also discussed false alarms in the area in the past, outdoor uses at the University, resident requirements for the University, and the lack of police response in the neighborhood. He felt that the citizens of the community should be safe and voiced his concerns with the designated emergency lane being impeded by students at times when it would be necessary to be utilized. He also commented about the student who spoke in favor of the issue at the last meeting and that he would no longer be living in Oshkosh as of August and that he also worked for the University. Tom Sonnleitner, 800 Algoma Boulevard, representing the University, stated that the proposal of the pedestrian mall was a separate action and a long thought out Comprehensive Plan for the University and the City. The four lane boulevard to be considered in the future has nothing to do with the pedestrian mall request for Elmwood Avenue and the emergency response times will not be effected by this action alone. He also commented that the final design of the mall will not have any obstructions placed in the fire lane. Mr. Nollenberger commented that he felt that the pluses out weigh the minuses relating to this request. Motion by Nollenberger to approve the designation of a segment of Elmwood Avenue as a pedestrian mall and the privilege in the right -of -way to place the pedestrian mall and streetscape improvements with the following conditions for the pedestrian mall designation: 1) Provision of additional lands as dedication or easement to provide for a 100 foot cul -de -sac bulb. Exact area of dedication /easement subject to approval by the Department of Public Works. 2) Dedication of additional lands on the south side of W. Lincoln Street between Elmwood Avenue and McKinley Street to provide for improved turning radius and the sidewalk and terrace. 3) Provide for an unobstructed 26 foot wide clear access for fire apparatus along the fire lane except at entrances. And the following conditions for the privilege in the right -of -way: 1) University executes a waiver of special assessment /development agreement to install the necessary improvements. Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011 2) City to grant final approval for all improvements within the pedestrian mall. 3) Removal of all improvements at University expense should the privilege be revoked. 4) Any problem that may arise as a result from the creation and improvement of the pedestrian mall be the responsibility of the petitioner /owner to correct in coordination with the City. S) All appropriate permits be obtained prior to development of the pedestrian mall. 6) The petitioner /owner secures and submits to the City Clerk a separate insurance policy which names the City as an additional insured with a minimum coverage of $200, 000 per person and $500, 000 in general aggregate. 7) It is the responsibility of the petitioner /owner to file in a timely manner a new insurance certificate with the City Clerk upon expiration of an existing certificate. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the privilege in street within ten (10) days of notice. 8) The petitioner /owner execute a hold harmless agreement with the City. 9) Any utilities placed be part of and documented with Digger's Hotline system. Seconded by Thoms. Mr. Palmeri stated that at the last Common Council meeting, he thought that everyone agreed that there should be a joint meeting with the Common Council and Plan Commission regarding the University's Master Plan. He requested that Allen Davis confirm this. Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, confirmed this discussion and stated that the Department of Public Works had wanted to remain on schedule with the plans to reconstruct Elmwood Avenue this year. Mr. Palmeri commented that the joint meeting was to be held in February and he felt that it would not be a problem if the Plan Commission did not vote on this item today. He stated that he would like to make a motion to lay over this request to a future meeting if acceptable. Mr. Thorns stated that he served on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee and discussed traffic and the basic premise of the Bike/Ped Plan was to reduce the amount of pedestrian incidents and how it relates to this issue. He also discussed the concerns raised at the last meeting and the comprehensive issues relating to the closing of Algoma Boulevard. From the standpoint of the City's Comprehensive Plan, the proposal for the pedestrian mall has been in the plans for five years and according to the Police and Fire Chief, the response times will be only somewhat limited from the installation of the proposed pedestrian mall. He agreed that a joint meeting on the entire University Master Plan was necessary however he felt that this piece of the plan could move forward today. Ms. Propp agreed that the joint meeting on the overall Master Plan was a good idea but does not have to affect the issue on Elmwood Avenue as it was a limited and appropriate closure. She felt the Commission should move ahead today on this request so the reconstruction of Elmwood Avenue was not delayed. She also commented that Mr. Palmeri's request to make a motion to lay over the request would take precedence over the previous motion. Motion by Palmeri to lay over the request for the designation of a segment of Elmwood Avenue as a pedestrian mall and the privilege in the right -of -way to place pedestrian mall and streetscape improvements. Seconded by McHugh. Mr. Palmeri stated that it did seem to be in wide agreement at the Common Council meeting that before action is taken on any part of the University's plans, a joint meeting between Plan Commission Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011 and the Council would be held first. He did not feel that it would present problems for bidding out the reconstruction of Elmwood Avenue although change orders would have to be processed to accommodate any change to the construction plans. Mr. Borsuk commented that the basis of the lay over from the last meeting was to have questions answered from both the Police and Fire Departments regarding response times and the long range plans are in a 5 -10 year horizon. The Common Council can still hold the joint meeting discussed but he felt that the Plan Commission had addressed the issues raised at the last meeting. He felt this proposal was good planning and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and this body had no reason to delay the request any longer. Ms. Lohry agreed and stated that the request should move forward tonight. She further commented that as the University grows there will have to be some changes implemented and she felt Elmwood Avenue was a dangerous street to cross. She also felt the joint meeting would be beneficial to see what the University has in mind for future needs in their Master Plan. Mr. Thorns stated that he had mixed emotions about the matter but felt that the Common Council could delay the action on the item at their level if they deemed it necessary. He would not support a motion to lay the item over. Mr. Hinz commented that he is always in favor of more information but felt that the concerns from the last meeting had been addressed. He felt that the Plan Commission could move forward with the item tonight and the Council could delay voting on it if they so chose. He did question if the right -of -way was being maintained, would the City be responsible for snow removal from the area. Mr. Burich responded that it would most likely be maintained by the campus but that matter would have to be addressed in the agreement between the City and the University. Mr. Palmeri stated that if the Plan Commission would delay voting on this request until after the joint meeting, it would give the community a chance to view the meeting and possibly change people's position on their support or opposition to this request. Motion for the lay over denied 2 -6 -1. (Ayes - Palmeri /Nollenberger. Nays - Borsuk /Bowen /Thoms /Hinz /Propp/Lohry. Abstained - Fojtik.) (Mr. Fojtik is employed by the University) Motion for the request approved 7 -1 -1. ( Ayes - Borsuk /Bowen /Thoms /Hinz /Propp/Lohry/ Nollenberger. Nays - Palmeri. Abstained- Fojtik. II. DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW FOR A SIGNAGE PACKAGE FOR UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE HALL/UNION PROPERTY AT 635 ELMWOOD AVENUE (NORTHWEST CORNER OF ELMWOOD AVENUE AND ALGOMA BOULEVARD) The petitioner requests approval of a signage package as part of a previously approved development plan that allowed the creation of a new residence hall /dormitory building. Mr. Buck presented the item and reviewed the site and surrounding area as well as the location and types of the existing signs on the site. He explained the previous approvals of signage for University property which allowed signage that would be acceptable in a C -1 zoning designation. He reviewed the current and proposed signage which resulted in a reduction of 104 square feet in total sign area. Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011 Joann Rife, representing the University, 800 Algoma Boulevard, discussed the new proposed signs for the site and the relocation of the granite University sign. Mr. Thorns questioned the size of the proposed residence hall signs. Ms. Rife reviewed the proposed signage which was determined to be comparable to the size of the structures. Motion by Nollenberger to approve the development plan for a signage package for University Residence Hall /Union property at 635 Elmwood Avenue as requested. Seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 8 -0 -1. Ayes- Borsuk/ Bowen /Thoms /Hinz /Palmeri /Propp/ Lohry /Nollenberger. Abstained- Fojtik. III. ZONE CHANGE FROM M -2 CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO R -5 PD MULTIPLE DWELLING DISTRICT WITH A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 19 WISCONSIN STREET (former Deltox property) Mr. Burich requested that as this item was a City generated request and the meeting was running late, this item be withdrawn from the agenda at this time. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Borsuk questioned if it was possible to approve a signage package for all University signs so future requests did not have to be reviewed by Plan Commission each time. Mr. Burich responded that there is ordinance regulating general commercial signage however there is no code in place to govern University or institutional signs. Mr. Borsuk also commented on the privilege in street requests for monitoring wells and felt that an explanation of what drives these requests was necessary. Mr. Burich replied that staff reports could be improved upon to explain these issues or other forms of providing further information regarding such requests. Mr. Thorns requested that a notice be sent out regarding the joint meeting with Plan Commission and Common Council proposed for February 8th once scheduled. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:20 pm. (Bowen/Propp) Respectfully submitted, Darryn Burich Director of Planning Services Plan Commission Minutes January 18, 2011