HomeMy WebLinkAboutChamonix Site Update Memo_030408MEMORANDUM
TO: Town Council
FROM: Community Development Department and Chamonix Advisory Committee
DATE: March 4, 2008
SUBJECT: Information Update and Final Determination of Project Goals and Design Parameters
Staff: Chamonix Site Master Plan Advisory Committee
I. Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to:
1. Present an overview of planning goals and design parameters established for
the Chamonix Site Master Plan project;
2. Provide an update regarding focus group and neighborhood meetings held on
February 7, 2008 and February 13, 2008, and;
3. Present recommendations for final confirmation, with modifications, of project
planning goals and design parameters.
II. BACKGROUND
Establishment of Planning Goals and Design Parameters
On January 22, 2008, the Vail Town Council adopted ten goals and design related parameters to be used to guide the planning and design process. The ten goals and parameters adopted
are as follows:
1. The site is to be used for development of a fire station and employee
housing.
2. Housing for fire department employees should be considered in the design of
the fire station.
3. An ambulance substation could be an ancillary use on this site.
4. 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.
5. 100% of housing developed should be deed restricted, ‘for-sale’ employee
housing, with a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units.
6. The site should be optimized to provide the greatest amount of employee
housing.
7. Re-zoning the property to the Housing (H) District is preferred to allow
flexibility in design and development.
8. Additional traffic onto Chamonix Lane should be limited.
9. One-story of development at grade with Chamonix Lane is acceptable.
10. All financing and phasing options will be considered.
Focus Group and Neighborhood Meetings
On February 7, 2008, Staff and the consultant team held “focus group” meetings with Town Staff, local employees, employers residents of Vail Commons and emergency services providers.
On February 13, 2008, the Town hosted a “neighborhood meeting” for the specific purpose of sharing information with the public about the Chamonix Site Master Plan project and gaining
feedback on the project. A full summary of all public outreach comments (focus groups and neighborhood meeting notes) are attached for review (Attachment A).
III. NEXT STEPS
Next Steps and Recommended Modifications to Goals and Parameters
Following the information gathering phase of this project, next steps include confirmation and/or modification of the ten planning goals and design parameters adopted by the Council
on January 22, 2008. The following comments may support or add clarity to the originally adopted planning goals and design parameters and may warrant specific inclusion into the adopted
planning goals and design parameters:
Rental housing for Town of Vail employees should be considered.
Note: this comment reflects information gathered from the Director’s Staff focus group meeting as well as from the Emergency Services group.
;
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends amending goal number 5 to incorporate rental housing for Town of Vail employees. In addition, Staff recommends setting aside a certain number (TBD) of the ‘for-sale’
units specifically for Town of Vail employees.
Eliminate the existing pedestrian path through the site, and provide new sidewalk connections around the site and ensure “connectivity” to adjacent commercial center areas.
Note: these comments reflect information gathered at both the Employee Housing and Infrastructure/Public Works focus group meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adding a new design parameter to eliminate the pedestrian path through the site due to the inherent conflicts between residential neighborhood uses, privacy and public
access.
IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Council re-affirm, with two recommended modifications, the planning goals and design parameters adopted by Council on January 22, 2008, and authorize Staff and the
consultant team to proceed with conceptual design work for the Chamonix Site.