HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 31 releaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2008
Contact: Scot Hunn, 477-3551
Senior Planner
CHAMONIX PROPERTY SITE PLAN OPTIONS TO BE REVIEWED
BY VAIL TOWN COUNCIL ON AUGUST 5
(Vail)--Three site plan options for development of deed-restricted housing on the town-owned Chamonix property in West Vail will be presented to the Town Council at its Aug. 5 evening
meeting. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Vail Town Council Chambers. The discussion is listed fifth on the agenda with opportunities for public comment.
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.
Following its review, the Advisory Committee is forwarding a recommendation to the Town Council to pursue the highest density option, averaging 19 units per acre. The high density option,
referred to as the “Village Neighborhood” option, accommodates 70 units on the site. A medium density option, the "Neighborhood Block" option, would provide a total of 58 units on the
site, for an average of 16 units per acre. A third option, the "Neighborhood Cluster" option, is the lowest density option and averages 14 units per acre, for a total of 50 units on
the site. Each option includes a mix of unit types and sizes, from condominiums to duplex units.
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 town has been working with Stan Clauson Associates, Studio B Architects and Drexel Barrell & Co. to assist in facilitating the planning and design process. The Town Council has previously
identified 11 development goals to direct 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.
During its review on Aug. 5, the Town Council will be asked to identify a preferred site plan which will then be presented to the Planning and Environmental Commission, along with an
application to re-zone the properties to the Housing (H) District.
For more information, contact Scot Hunn in the Community Development Department at 477-3551 or shunn@vailgov.com.
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