HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 6, 2008 DRAFT Release with Comm. Dev. comments(Vail)—After reviewing three site plan options for development of deed-restricted housing on the town-owned Chamonix property in West Vail, the Town Council has selected a medium density
option as its preference. The selection took place during the Council’s Aug. 5 meeting.
As such, the medium density option, known as the “Neighborhood Block” option, would provide a total of 58 units on the site, for an average of 16 units per acre and would include a mix
of unit types and sizes, from condominiums to duplex units. In rejecting a higher density option, which would have accommodated 67 units on the site, the Council expressed concerns
about a parking structure component included in the option and associated costs. A third option which was also rejected was a low density site plan that called for a total of 50 units
of on the site.
In voting 6-1 to move forward with the Neighborhood Block option, Council Members noted an interest in creating opportunities for additional three and four-bedroom units to accommodate
families. The Council also expressed its support for a green building certification process as part of the development as well as use of factory-built housing to help control development
costs.
In addition to housing, the site plans include a fire station and are part of a master planning process which has been underway since January at the direction of the Vail Town Council.
The planning area totals 4.86 acres and includes the Chamonix property and the former Wendy’s restaurant site.
The finalized site plan options for the property, located at 2310 Chamonix Rd., were evaluated by the Chamonix Site Master Plan Advisory Committee on July 17. The advisory committee
includes representatives from the Town Council, Planning and Environmental Commission, Housing Authority, Fire Department, Community Development Department and the Chamonix neighborhood.
To view the site plan options, visit www.vailgov.com.
The town has been working with Stan Clauson Associates, Studio B Architects and Drexel Barrell & Co. to assist in facilitating the planning and design process. In addition, an advisory
committee with representation from the Town Council, Planning and Environmental Commission, Housing Authority, Fire Department, Community Development Department and the Chamonix neighborhood
has been involved in the process with recommendations forwarded to the Town Council.
Eleven development goals approved previously by the Town Council have directed the master planning process:
The site is to be used for development of a fire station and employee housing.
Housing for fire department employees should be considered in the design of the fire station.
An ambulance substation could be an ancillary use on the site.
Energy-efficient and sustainable design and construction techniques are important. Certification by a particular program (LEED, Green Globes) is to be investigated, although not mandatory.
100 percent of housing developed should be deed-restricted, for-sale employee housing, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
The site should be optimized to provide the greatest amount of employee housing.
Re-zoning the site to the Housing (H) District is preferred to allow flexibility in design and development.
Additional traffic onto Chamonix Lane should be limited.
One-story of development along Chamonix Lane is acceptable.
All financing and phasing options will be considered.
New pedestrian circulation and access routes should be provided around the site, along Chamonix Road and/or Lane, to ensure connectivity of the surrounding neighborhood to other areas
within West Vail. Existing pedestrian paths through the site are to be eliminated.
Next steps in the process include a presentation of the preferred site plan to the Planning and Environmental Commission, along with an application to re-zone the properties to the Housing
Zone District.
For more information, contact Scot Hunn Warren Campbell, Chief of Planning, in the Community Development Department at 477-3551 or shunn@vailgov.com. 479-2148 or wcampbell@vailgov.com