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2007-02-20 Support Documentation Town Council Evening Session
TOWN COUNCIL EVENING SESSION AGENDA 6:00 P.M. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007 VAIL TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS 75 S. Frontage Road W. Vail, CO 81657 NOTE: .Times of items are approximate, subject to change, and cannot be relied upon to determine at what time Council . will consider an item. 1 • ITEM/TOPIC: Citizen Participation. (10 min.) 2. ITEM/TOPIC: Consent Agenda. (5 min.) 3• ITEM/TOPIC: Town Manager's Report. (10 min.) • Environmental Plan Update. 4. David Johnson ITEM/TOPIC: ECO 2030 Transit Vision. (15 min.) ECO Transit asks to discuss its long range plan for transportation, titled 2030 Transit Vision. For every one car on the road in Eagle County in 2000, there will be 2.7 vehicles in 2030. Between 2005 and 2030, commuting into Eagle County will increase 30-fold, from approximately 1,000 per day to over 30,000. Eagle County estimates that over $450 million in road improvements will be needed to accommodate these traffic forecasts. ECO Transit's 2030 vision advocates regional rail connecting pedestrian-oriented town centers with their own local feeder- circulatortransit systems. Transit Planner David Johnson will discuss elements of regional rail, local transit systems, transit and pedestrian oriented land use and steps required to achieve this vision. 5. Mike McGee ITEM/TOPIC: First reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series of Matt Mire 2007. An ordinance amending title 10, Vail Town Code; adopting chapter 3, "in-building public safety radio system coverage"; providing minimum standards for in-building radio system coverage; and setting forth details in regard thereto. (10 min.) r ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, approve with amendments, or deny first reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2007. BACKGROUND RATIONALE: The abi{ity of police, fire, ambulance and other emergency providers and personnel to communicate with each other within buildings and structures, and to communicate from within structures and buildings to personnel and locations outside of the building and structures, is vita{ to the public and these responding agencies. A breakdown in communications among emergency responders and public safety personnel creates a serious risk of harm to and is a serious threat to the safety and welfare of emergency personnel, the citizens of the Town of Vail and the public in general. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve, approve with amendments, or deny first reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2007. 6. Steve Wright ITEM/TOPIC: First reading of Ordinance No. 6, Series 2007. Matt Mire An ordinance designating certain streets and highways within the Town of Vail as off-highway vehicle routes for municipal use of off-highway vehicles; and setting forth details in regard thereto. (10 min.) ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, approve with amendments, or deny first reading of Ordinance No. 6, Series 2007. BACKGROUND: The Town's Public Works Department has purchased Off-Highway Vehicles, as defined by C.R.S. § 33- 14.5-101, to use for municipal maintenance. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 33-14.5-110, any county, city and county, city, or town acting by its governing body may regulate the operation of Off-Highway Vehicles on public lands, waters, and property under its jurisdiction and on streets and highways within its .boundaries by resolution or ordinance of the governing body and by giving appropriate notice thereof. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve, approve with amendments, or deny first reading of Ordinance No. 6, Series 2007. r 7. Matt Mire ITEMROPIC: Resolution" Number 5, Series 2007. A resolution deferring the regular meeting of the Vail Town Council, pursuant to section 1-5-11 of the Vail Town Code, from March 6 to March 13, 2007; and setting forth details in regard thereto. (5 min.) ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, approve with amendments, or deny Resolution No. 5, Series 2007. BACKGROUND: Pursuant to Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 11, Vail Town Code, for "good cause" the council at a regular meeting preceding the regular meeting which will be deferred may defer the regular meeting to a subsequent date not later than one week after the deferred regular meeting date STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve, approve with amendments, or deny Resolution No. 5, Series 2007. 8. ITEM/TOPIC: Ad'ournment NOTE UPCOMING MEETING START TIMES BELOW: (ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE) THE NEXT VAIL TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR WORK SESSION WILL BEGIN AT TBD, TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2007 IN THE VAIL TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS. Sign language interpretation available upon request with 48-hour notification. Please call 479-2106 voice or 479-2356 TDD for information. RESOLUTION NO.5 Series of 2007 A RESOLUTION DEFERRING THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE VAIL TOWN COUNCIL, PURSUANT TO SECTION 1-5-11 OF THE VAIL TOWN CODE, FROM MARCH 6 TO MARCH 13, 2007; AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO. WHEREAS, The Town of Vail (the "Town"), in the County of Eagle and State of Colorado is a home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Colorado and the Town Charter (the "Charter"); and WHEREAS, The members of the Town Council of the Town (the "Council") have been duly elected and qual~ed; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 11, Vail Town Code, Regular and Special Meetings, the Council shall meet regularly at least twice monthly at a day and hour to be fixed by the rules of the Council; and WHEREAS, Pursuant to Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 11, Vail Town Code, for "good cause," the Council at a regular meeting preceding the regular meeting which will be deferred may defer the regular meeting to a subsequent date not later than one week after the deferred regular meeting date. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO: Section 1. Due to illness and uncertainty, a quorum may not be achievable for the regular meeting of the Council scheduled for March 6, 2007. Thus, "good cause" exists to defer the regular meeting of the Council until March 13, 2007. Section 2. The Council hereby finds, determines and declares that this Resolution is necessary and proper for the health, safety and welfare of the Town of Vail and the inhabitants thereof. Section 3. This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption. INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of February, 2007. Rodney E. Slifer Mayor, Town of Vail ATTEST: Lorelei Donaldson Town Clerk Resolution No. 5, Series 2007 ~firu,i~ J.1~. o~! Y ~rrc~cd. ~i~~ .a RESOLUTION N'0. +IG Series of 2007 RESOLUTION 4, SERIES OF 2007, A RESOLUTION TO AMEND CHAPTER 4, RECOMMENDATIONS -OVERALL STUDY AREA AND CHAPTER 5, DETAILED PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS, LIONSHEAD REDEVELOPMENT AMSTER PLAN, PUSUANT TO SECTION 2.8, ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE MASTER PLAN, LIONSHEAD REDEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN, TO INCLUDE TWO NEW PARCELS AND AMEND THE TEXT OF THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE AREA IDENTIFIED AS "WEST LIONSHEAD", AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO. WHEREAS, on December 15, 1998, the Vail Town Council adopted the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan; and WHEREAS, on April 6, 1999, the Vail Town Council adopted Ordinance 3, Series of 1999, which amended the Zoning Regulations and created Lionshead Mixed Use 1 and Lionshead Mixed Use 2 Districts; and WHEREAS, Section 2.8 of Master Plan outlines a procedure for amending the Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission has held a public hearing on the proposed amendment on December 11, 2006, and has forwarded a recommendation of approval, with modifications, of the amendment to the Town Council by a vote of 4-1-0 (Dewitt opposed); and WHEREAS, the purpose of this amendment is to include two new parcels and amend the text of the Master Plan for the area identified as "West Lionshead" to facilitate the redevelopment of the area and creation of a new portal to the mountain; and WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that the proposed amendment improves anti enhances the effectiveness of the Master Plan without negatively affecting the goals, objectives, and policies prescribed by the Master Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO: The Town Council of the Town of Vail hereby amends the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan as follows: The amendments to the text of the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan are indicated in bold ita/ics(additions), and s~/~ef-~ec~atiss(deletions). 1 (in part) CHAPTER 4 Recommendations -Overall Study Area This section of the master plan addresses issues that affect Lionshead as a whole. These issues -and recommendations to address them -should be considered in all planning and policy decisions as Lionshead redevelops. 4.1 Underlying Physical Framework of Lionshead The Lionshead resort area (that portion of the study area north of Gore Creek) is a mixed-use urban environment with several discernible land- use sub-areas, or "hubs" (see Map N). Although the hubs overlap somewhat, there is no consistent and comprehensive pedestrian connection between them. The primary goal of the master plan is to create a visually interesting and functionally efficient pedestrian environment that connects the hubs to create a cohesive and memorable resort environment. 4.1.5 West Lionshead -Residential/Mixed-Use Hub The western end of Lionshead, currently undeveloped, is home to parking lots, the Vail Associates service yard, the Vail sanitation plant, the old town shops, a former gas station, the Vail Professional Building, and Cascade Crossing. This area of Lionshead is generally under utilized and from an aesthetic standpoint is not in keeping with what the Town would like to see Lionshead become as it redevelops in the coming years. The Town of Vail does place a high value on maintaining the office and retail areas in West Lionshead and any redevelopment should not diminish the square footage of existing office and retail square footage in West Lionshead. With their recent acquisition of additional properties in this area, Vail Resorts has the opportunity to bring lift service to this part of Lionshead. Lift service brings with it great potential for the re-development of this area and in doing so expand all of Lionshead to the west with improved pedestrian connections, new retail and office activity and other improvements. While lift access will certainly energize this area during the winter months, attention should be given to creating ayear--round attraction within this area of Lionshead (see detailed plan recommendations in Chapter 5) base-s s: " e spase~,--rneuntain se~ui~c ^ssecc; The master plan recommends that this hub become aresidential/ mixed use area with an emphasis on meeting the needs of both the local community and our guests. Appropriate uses could 2 include high density o=af-estate residential development, lodging, community and visitor based office and retail space, employee housing and parking, bus or transit functions and a ski lift connection to Vail Mountain. The catalyst for this mixed use hub is(+ ski lift access to Vail Mountain. ~ w S1 area Consideration should be given to integrating employee housing into the redevelopment of West Lionshead in accordance with the Town's employee housing policies and regulations. To the extent possible development patterns in this area should reflect north-south orientation of buildings, visual penetrations to the mountain, and a pedestrian oriented environment. The degree of north-south building orientation may be difficult given the relatively narrow east-west orientation of this area. In addition, the introduction of ski lift access in this location creates a r° tf}e ep~y catalyst for an ~e~ structured public parking facility. All service and delivery demands created by development in this area shall be accommodated on-site. The site will continue to accommodate the existing and potentially expanded functions of the Vail sanitation plant. The mountain service yard will could be reduced in size, as some functions can be moved to less central locations. It may also be possible to relocate the entire mountain service yard to a new location in the West Lionshead area which would allow for greater flexibility in the redevelopment of this site. However as the area develops it is critical that new uses be connected to the primary pedestrian corridors and that they be served by the Town of Vail in-town transit system. 4.5 Public Transportation An efficient transit system is critical to the character and environmental quality of any pedestrian-oriented resort. Goals identified by the master plan regarding transit include: 4.5.1 Connection to West Lionshead West Lionshead consists of the West Day Lot, the Vail Associates service center, the sanitation plant, ar~d the Holy Cross lot, the former gas station site, fhe Vail Professional Building, and Cascade Crossing. Because it is an area of potentially significant growth, it is important that it be fully integrated into the Town of Vail in-fawn transit system. The West Lionshead properties are at the outside edge of the acceptable walking distance to the ski yard (1200 feet). ' , hA~#~--Slt~, : S a #~hisarea: With a mixed use development in the area which integrates a ski portal, retail space, office space and residential development, transit service to this area and 3 interconnections to other portals will be critical to develop in the future. In addition, the update of the Vail Transportation Master Plan shall provide direction on the ultimate location of a Lionshead Transit Facility along with needed interconnections between ski portals, regional transit stops, and other transportation modes. The addition of a ski lift in this area would make this area more viable to redevelopment as it would be within the acceptable walking distance of a lift (1,200 feet). 4.5.2 Maximum Efficiency and Utilization The following recommendations are made to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the Lionshead transit connections in anticipation of future redevelopment in the area: 4.5.2.1 Relocate the Regional Transit Stop It is recommended that the Lionshead regional transit stop, currently located at the Lionshead Place cul-de-sac, be relocated to the proposed north day lot transportation center. This will provide a Lionshead connection between the regional transit system and the Town of Vail transit system. In addition, visitors and employees coming to Lionshead by regional bus will arrive at a defined portal instead of the current "back door" on Lionshead Place. Finally, this will remove the large regional buses from West Lionshead Circle and Lionshead Place. It may be possible to locate elements of a regional transit stop in the West Lionshead area in conjunction with a new ski lift and parking facility. However, given its location on the periphery of Lionshead, this area may not be the most viable location for a regional transit stop. Notwithstanding the above, facilities for skier drop-off, private shuttle vans and Town of Vail in-town buses should be included in the design of the ski lift and parking facility. In 2006, the Town of Vail initiated an update of the Vail Transportation Master Plan. In addition, the Town initiated a development competition for the Lionshead Parking Structure redevelopment, which would include a transit facility. It is anticipated that the Transportation Master Plan update along with the conclusion of the Lionshead Parking Structure redevelopment process will provide direction on the ultimate location for a Lionshead Transit Facility and/or the type of transit facilities that may be necessary in West Lionshead. 4.6 Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation 4.6.1 Interstate Highway 70 1-70 is the primary vehicular circulation corridor for the Vail Valley and is critically important to the economic health of the Vail community. It does, however, create both a visual and physical 4 division between the south and north sides of Vail, as well as consuming a significant amount of land. As Vail continues to grow over time it is strongly recommended that the ideas of potentially burying or bridging 1-70 through the Town of Vail be studied and the potential benefits and impacts considered. Specifically, consideration should be given to securing the air-rights over 1-70 so that future development and circulation scenarios are not precluded. 4.6.2 South Frontage Road Recommendations outlined below address potential re-alignment of portions of the frontage road, ingress and egress improvements, bicycle/ pedestrian improvements, and visual improvements. For a, detailed discussion of capacity and the impacts of future development on the frontage road, see the traffic impact study contained in appendix A. Figure 4-9 depicts potential redevelopment without the realignment of the Frontage Road while Figure 4-9a depicts redevelopment with a partial realignment of the Frontage Road. 4.6.2.1 Potential Realignment The concept of realigning the South Frontage Road at the western end of the study area grew out of public discussions about land development and traffic flow in West Lionshead. Relative to traffic flow, realignment will remove the conflict that now exists between through- traffic and mountain service vehicles (snow-cats and snowmobiles) entering and exiting the Vail Associates service yard. Realignment will position the road to the north of most new development, thus reducing the potential for conflicting turning movements. Regarding future land use, the realignment of South Frontage Road will allow the west day lot and the service yard to be combined into a contiguous development parcel. This is an important consideration for the development conceptually depicted in figure 4-9a, and it would be necessary if the service yard property is used for a secondary 'public parking stxt~sf~e facility or other uses. Any existing parking on the West Day Lot must be replaced within the Lionshead study area. Through the Transportation Master Plan update it is anticipated that a significant traffic control device will need to be installed in the West Lionshead area. Such a device may include a round about. 5 Specific considerations regarding realignment are. a. Proposed Alignment The proposed realignment of the South Frontage Road is depicted in figure 4-9a. Critical design issues include the width of the road and the radius of the curves. Both of these factors will be important in reducing the speed of vehicles entering the Lionshead area and the amount of land consumed by the two curved road sections. Cooperation between property owners, developers, the Town of Vail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation will be necessary to implement the realignment of the Frontage Road. b. West Lionshead Circle Connection It is proposed that West Lionshead Circle connect back to the frontage road at the west side of the Vail Spa. The alignment depicted in figure 4-9a terminates perpendicular to the frontage road and does not require the acquisition of private property. Anew parcel of developable land, suitable for offices or non- resort retail, would be created on the southeast corner of this intersection. c. Forest Road Connection Forest Road could be realigned to cross through the newly created development parcel, providing access to that site and connecting at right angles to the frontage road. Another alternative that should be considered is to connect Forest Road to West Lionshead Circle via the existing Frontage Road right-of-way. d. Transit and Emergency Vehicle Corridor A transit and emergency vehicle corridor should remain in the existing alignment of the frontage road. This connection is necessary to provide athrough- transit route to the west end of Lionshead and also keeps in place the existing utility corridor. e. Feasibility of Realignment The ability to realign the frontage road will be heavily influenced by costs, CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation), and the Federal highway administration. Future west Lionshead developments will require significant upgrades and widening of South Frontage Road, potentially including the widening or reconstruction of the bridge over Red Sandstone Creek. The cost of realigning the frontage 6 road is in addition to the mandatory costs of improving the road. 7 ~~p . , fTrivrrc'"ay°r. -rv'uc -~~-realnyn°vi -~If~-weS~~/Orni-u~rheav s +hia in fi ern inf h~ o hnfi~innn rrnv--rrrtef~n°r~~ucm-c-rrrce~r~an~c-ivcc?r~vn n-r% AAA,:., 1/.,:/ ~ 1/0:l nv:fcr*JC-F~'L~ ~fti-i ^ ~ i Qf~ G /y~ , ~inhin~J~±r onfni nnin{• fn / innohn~iJ frnm fhn ~~ioe~ l~3al~}.v........,...,.. ~ p....... Q J~'bC/'Fe~,'r~ Illl of fho~n ic~o~~no f. Future Frontage Road Re-alignment The opportunity may exist to re-locate the Frontage Road the full length of the West Lionshead planning area. The benefit of this alternative would be to eliminate fhe "Frontage Road barrier" between the Holy Cross site and the Vail Professional Building. While this alternative would require coordination with other surrounding land owners, it could warrant further study and evaluation in the future. 4.6.7 Simba Run Underpass Currently the Town of Vail has only two north/south access points between the North Frontage Road and South Frontage Road between Main Vail and West Vail. It has been contemplated that an additional north/south connection be established west of Cascade Crossing. The potential need for this underpass may be accelerated as a result of the Town's redevelopment plans for Timber Ridge, West Vail and West Lionshead. The redevelopment of the West Lionshead area should be done in a manner that encourages this new connection to be established in the future. It is recommended thaf the proposed amendments to the Vail Transportation Master Plan provide direction on when public improvements on the Frontage Road need to occur and how they are paid for between public and private funds. The current boundaries of the Lionshead Urban Renewal 7 Authority should be amended to include the location of the Simba Run underpass. 4.8 Parking 4.8.3 Public Parking 4.8.3.3 Potential New Parking Sites To respond to the projected parking demand increase discussed in the traffic study, it is strongly recommended that all town-wide parking opportunities be examined or re-examined prior to any final planning or parking construction. Specific public parking opportunities in Lionshead include: a. Lionshead Parking Structure The existing Lionshead parking structure is a logical location for expanded public parking because it is already owned by the Town of Vail. Also, the structure is conveniently located between the proposed civic center on the east and the main portal to the Lionshead pedestrian mall on the west. No other location offers visitors such ease of access. A self-ventilating split deck structure, the garage has six half decks, each holding approximately 200 vehicles (1,200 spaces in total). The addition of one complete level would increase the structure by 400 spaces, two complete new levels by 800 spaces. Snow removal is an issue in the addition of new decks. The top deck of the structure is cleared manually with front-end loaders. Additional decks will make it impossible to continue this method, as the internal dimensions of the structure will not accommodate front- end loaders. In addition, the construction of a new delivery staging area on the west end of the structure will remove the snow storage area presently used. Alternatives include heating the upper deck, providing for an alternate snow removal access road to the upper deck, and construction of a roof over the entire structure. Public input during the master plan process has indicated the importance of the eastward view, across the top of the parking structure, toward the Vail Village as motorists travel east along the South Frontage Road and I-70. Future expansion plans of the Lionshead parking structure should consider the potential impacts expansion could have on this view plane. 8 Also an issue is the necessary structural reinforcement of the existing facility to support the weight of additional decks. b. West Lionshead The construction of a sesend new public parking °fr~ facility at the west end of Lionshead has been a planning consideration since the completion of the Vail Transportation Master plan in 1991. This site is currently undeveloped (except for the Vail Associates maintenance yard) and is large enough to meet projected parking demand. It is well located in relation to the potential new eastbound 1-70 access ramps. The viability of a new public parking facility in this location would be enhanced by bringing lift service to Phis area. The construction of a new public parking facility would address the existing deficiency of off-street parking on peak days and the shifting demand of parking created by the introduction of a new ski lift in West Lionshead. It is anticipated that the new public parking structure would contain a approximately 400 public parking spaces, which would be in excess of any parking requirements generated by proposed development. The update of the Vail Transportation Plan should provide final direction on the location and quantity of additional public parking spaces in the Town of Vail. The location of additional public parking should consider where parking is most optimal for both guests and employees, year round utilization, mountain operations, and overall traffic circulation. °n;~ ; f 1 aniJ rluinnrc~hin /moo fin~~rn A 4A1 in In o~nrl nn 1/oil $Ctd(z~e-~aav-rr9prp--r-r-r`-r.~-rvEiurccrcn~ ocean n [~cl••l'a7 a~VVlRi~.n/ lQ~i .~ry f ~'n~~fh Crnnfono Onorl 0~~~~{,#. f J. Ftl: ~~r~n.~~~n'rnii~i-nvr I inn~hnorl hM~ ~ a.i a y a ~216V4~ grads #asilit~~ ?veule' s~gv~ifisantly use a. +im inn iac~~~nc 9 f t T~pg The I innnhn~r/ mM.~ ?fin~~G_r~n .__sill hn nn nn~ /~S nfrtp er~pleyes heu-s{r~r m~no~~~_avinf~m~n~i~~ci~oinn~i„n ~fh~n ~ VI-I--ti-fC oviafinir 1 /mil A oenni~f~.+ S{te. ~h S ~ & 1 ~iOn-sl~ea~-x2~le?~ el{ne: --9c~er~e~ng-on iini~i~ u s fira+ uihinh e s ? rkir~g' .~s size: Th~~~.n~ nnfn ~e irk°r`~ a. . ~~y° , .ic2,~e • Given the ~-his location for a this r parking ~e facility, it had been assumed that ~e regular transit or shuttle service would be necessary because of its distance from the retail core area and the ski yard (greater than a 1200-foot walking radius). However, the location of the parking structure would be proximate to the new lift and as such the need for regular shuttle service would be minimized. However, some provisions for bus stops and/or a transit facility should be considered for the parking structure. 4.9 Housing 4.9.4 Potential Housing Sites Following are specific sites that have been identified as suitable for locals and employee housing (see Map W). 10 4.9.4.3 Vail Associates Service Yard a~-the Holy Cross Site, Vail Professional Building, Cascade Crossing, North Day Lot, and the former gas station site All redevelopment in West Lionshead will need to conform to the Town's housing policies and requirements. In order to create activity and vibrancy in West Lionshead if may be appropriate to include some dispersed employee housing opportunities for permanent local residents in proposed developments in the area consistent with These policies. Perhaps the most promising locations to replace the Sunbird affordable housing project and to conform to the Town's housing policies and requirements for new employee housing generation #sr-bec~sipg in Lionshead is are the North Day Lot, Vail Associates service yard, and Holy Cross site. However, housing is not the only use these twe three properties will need to support. It--i ,.,c,~, +h~~nn~.o..oa~ueting~4/1~e{Fo n . The North Day lot is considered to be the preferred location for a significant housing project in Lionshead to replace the Sunbird affordable housing project and provide housing for new employee generation. ~ c~ / ^ . The North Day Lot may also need to accommodate a transit center on the ground level of the development site. Additionally, it may be necessary to develop a higher revenue-generating product on a portion of the Vail Associates service yard, Holy Cross, Vail Professional Building, and Cascade Crossing sites in order to defray the cost of road and infrastructure improvements. In planning the site, the following issues need to be considered: `~}riT'GV"'.'~ L .'TTVr.'i ~ffiVfpTlti, .1J ` ""J" fypi6a~-9f S~6'~ a^, n ~nn~i~nn fh:n njfr~ in Inner+erl nn +hn J. v'VCIp~CIn.- L f b. Density The site offers a unique opportunity to achieve significant density. While it is important that buildings here be visually consistent with the overall character of 11 Lionshead, the desire to maximize the housing potential may make appropriate the following deviations from standard development parameters. First, it maybe appropriate to allow for a greater overall building height than is otherwise allowed under the Lionshead Architectural Design Guidelines. Any increase in building height will need to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Town of Vail, and any eventual building height will still need to be visually appropriate for this location. Second, it is recommended that the standards for density (units per acre) be increased at this location to allow for a greater number of employee housing units. Third, it may be appropriate to reduce the parking requirements for employee housing at this location. 4.9.4.4 Red Sandstone Parkina Area The parking lot and Town of Vail transit stop at the base of the Red Sandstone Elementary school were identified as a potential site for employee or locals housing because of its proximity to the elementary school, the 1-70 pedestrian overpass and the transit stop. However, the access (vehicular and pedestrian), safety and functional programming needs of the elementary school must take priority in any potential housing development scenario. 4.9.4.5 Old Town Shops The Old Town Shops, located just west of the Vail sanitation plant, were identified as potential employee housing locations during the master planning process. There are, however, other significant demands on this site, including potential expansion of the sanitation plant and the need for a new snowcat mountain access route from the Vail Associates service yard. In addition, the presence of the sanitation plant on one side and the existing gas station on the other reduces the desirability of this location for employee or locals housing. (in part) CHAPTER 5 Detailed Plan Recommendations This section of the Lionshead Master plan examines individual parcels and groups of parcels within the Lionshead study area, excluding the residential properties on the south side of Gore Creek. The intent of this chapter -and the Master plan as a whole - 12 is to identify important functional relationships and visual objectives within the district and to propose a framework for the long-term redevelopment of Lionshead, The document does not intend to limit or eliminate ideas relating to specific parcels; any proposals consistent with this framework should be considered even if they are not anticipated in this document. The parcels addressed here are organized generally from east to west, starting with the civic hub on the eastern end of the parking structure. 5.9 North Day Lot The north day lot should be developed as a community transportation center to consolidate skier drop-off, local and regional transit, local and regional private shuttles, and charter bus drop-off and pick-up (see figure 5-13). A below-grade service and delivery facility could be constructed underneath the transit facility. By relocating these functions from their existing locations to one easily accessible location, this would improve the quality of vehicular and pedestrian circulation in Lionshead and create a significant new pedestrian portal into the center of the Lionshead retail mall. Based upon the results of the traffic study (see appendix A), the conceptual program for this facility is as follows: a. Skier drop-off. Nine spaces are recommended at a minimum, but more should be built if possible to accommodate other program elements. b. Town of Vail transit: Two bus spaces are recommended to accommodate the West Vail transit loop and the possibility for an eastbound in-town shuttle stop. c. Regional transit: One bus space is recommended d. Charter buses: Three to four bus spaces are recommended. e. Local and regional shuttles: Four shuttle van spaces are recommended at a minimum. A critical consideration in the planning and design of this facility will be its impact on the adjacent Landmark Tower and Townhomes and the Westwind. Depicted in figure 5-13a, a linear building is recommended at the southern edge of the site to screen the lower levels of the Landmark Tower from the transit center. This facility could house a bus shelter and waiting area, an information center, public restrooms, a small food and beverage operation, and an elevator core to the pedestrian mall level for ADA access needs. To the east, earthwork, landscaping, and/ or other screening measures should be considered to buffer the Westwind. A more comprehensive solution is to cover the facility with another level or two of development -perhaps for offices or employee housing - or with a roof. (Memorable European antecedents exist for grand, covered transportation centers.) Specifically, the design of the transportation center should address all impacts: visual, security, sound, and smell that may affect adjacent properties. Both the Westwind and the Landmark should be closely involved in the transit center planning and design process. . Since the adoption of the Lionshead Master Redevelopment Plan, plans were developed to locate a Transit Center at the North Day 13 Lot. Integrating the number of uses mentioned above and addressing the neighborhood concerns regarding a transit center prompted the Town of Vail to evaluate alternative locations for a transit center. Alternative locations include: • West Lionshead • Lionshead Parking Structure • North Day Lot In 2006, the Town of Vail initiated an update of the Vail Transportation Master Plan. In addition, the Town initiated a development competition for the Lionshead Parking Structure which would include a transit facility. It is recommended that the Transportation Master Plan update along with the conclusion of the Lionshead Parking Structure RFP process provide direction on the ultimate location for a Lionshead Transit Facility. 5.17 West Day Lot/ Vail Associates Service Yard/ Holy Cross Site/Gas Station Site Nail Professional Building/ Cascade Crossing Planning for the western end of Lionshead must consider two different scenarios: the realignment of South Frontage Road and its retention in the existing alignment. While the introduction of lift service is viable in either of these Frontage Road alternatives, site design will vary depending upon what happens to the Frontage Road alignment. See Figures 4-9a, and 4-9b for the Frontage Road realignment alternatives. Notwithstanding these different Frontage Road scenarios there should be "no net loss" of existing retail or office square footage as a result of the redevelopment of these parcels. Higher densities and building heights maybe appropriate in this area, particularly to encourage the development of employee housing. However, any development must meet the overall character and visual intent of the master plan and be compatible with the adjacent existing development of the Marriott and the Vail Spa. As compared to a separate, free-standing portal, West Lionshead is considered a part of the greater Lionshead area. In order for this area to be successful, it is important to have a strong pedestrian connection with the rest of Lionshead. A strong connection along the Gore Creek corridor already exists. Streetscape improvements along West Lionshead Circle between Concert Hall Plaza (currently the western end of Lionshead retail influence) and the Ritz-Carlton Residences will strengthen existing conditions, and in doing so, improve the viability of mixed uses in West Lionshead. Improvements to street lighting, walking surfaces, seating areas and public art are just some examples of what could strengthen this corridor and in doing so further integrate this area with the rest of Lionshead. 14 The development of a strong pedestrian connection between the Lionshead Core area and the western side of Lionshead will encourage pedestrian activity in this area and in doing so will energize all of West Lionshead. During the winter months the ski lift and associated parking will generate significant pedestrian traffic and activity. However, consideration should be given to how West Lionshead can be an active and vibrant place year-round. This could be accomplished in any number of ways. For example, quality architecture and the creation of appealing outdoor spaces in and of itself will encourage people to visit this area. This could be reinforced by awell-crafted program of specialty retailers, offices, and restaurants. An active program of public art, residential units that are used for "artists in residence'; a culinary school, improved access to and utilization of Gore Creek or Red Sandstone Creek for fishing or other purposes or specific recreation features such as a climbing wall are just some examples of design elements or land uses that could create a catalyst for activity. In conjunction with any application to development a new ski lift, aretail/commercial market study which analyzes the area for the appropriate amount of square footage of retail/commercial that should be included in the redevelopment of West Lionshead shall be provided. It is assumed that the development standards of Lionshead Mixed Use 1 or 2 will guide the design of redevelopment in this area. Notwithstanding the height allowances of these zone districts, building height and massing shall be responsive to the Gore Creek corridor, the Interstate, and how building massing transitions at the western end of Lionshead. Buildings at the westernmost end of West Lionshead shall gradually "step down" from the maximum allowable height limits of the Lionshead Mixed Use zone districts. Figure 5-25 provides a general depiction of how building height shall gradually lower at the western end of this study area. The intent of these height standards is that building height reduces by entire floor levels in the locations as generally depicted on Figure 5-25. Notwithstanding the height allowances depicted on Figure 5-25, buildings fronting directly along Gore Creek and the western end of Lionshead shall express no more than three to four levels before "stepping back" to taller building mass. On the Interstate side of this area building design shall be articulated to avoid large expanses of shear/unbroken wall planes. a. Retention of Existing Frontage Road Alignment If the Frontage Road remains in its current location the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross parcels, the Vail Professional Building and /Cascade Crossing all remain viable development sites. The most viable site for a public parking facility would be the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross parcels. While other lift locations are feasible, the old gas station site is a viable location for a base terminal. This location would require a grade separated pedestrian crossing over the 15 Frontage Road to the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross parcels. A strong easf--west oriented pedestrian corridor with ground floor retail uses would be necessary to create a strong connection between this area and the rest of Lionshead. Under this Frontage Road scenario the Vail Professional Building and Cascade Crossing could be developed as a contiguous parcel. It is assumed that these parcels would be re-zoned to Lionshead Mixed Use 1. The Holy Cross site and the Vail Professional Building both abut Red Sandstone Creek. Any redevelopment of these parcels should consider how the Creek can be enhanced and made an asset or amenity of this redevelopment area. b. Frontage Road Realignment behind the Maintenance Yard and Holv Cross site The greatest benefit of this realignment alternative is that it results in one very large and contiguous development parcel and in doing so integrates the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross site with the West Day Lot by removal of the barrier created by the existing Frontage Road alignment. It also creates the best pedestrian environment in creating an extension of the Lionshead Retail area in that it provides the potential to establish a convenient and desirable pedestrian connection to the rest of Lionshead. With this alternative the most viable site for a public parking facility would still be the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross parcels. With the re-location of the Frontage Road lift access out of the old gas station site would not require a grade separated pedestrian crossing to the Maintenance Yard/Holy Cross parcels. However, a grade separated crossing over the re-located Frontage Road would be needed to link the Holy Cross site with the Vail Professional Building. This alternative would also present the opportunity for relocating and/or enhancing Red Sandstone Creek to make it more accessible to the community and an aesthetically pleasing water feature. One possibility may be to pond the creek just south of the 1-70 corridor and diverting all or a portion of the flow underneath the new Frontage Road in order to bring "live water" through the western end of the Holy Cross site. Any modification or enhancement to the creek corridor would be subject to U.S. Army Corp of Engineers approval. A strong east-west oriented pedestrian corridor with ground floor retail uses would be necessary fo create a strong connection between this area and the rest of Lionshead. A ~ rl°ninf°rl in fiiv~ it°S ~ 7~~J ~ 77 r~liirn~°n~oC~rvrnr+r~~°c Tom' mair~ain~~ a ^iY° {z-rvi~~iv tftiv+ n'c~a~ar~.~.J 16 appXnpe~ w 'for fnn fronfinnol f^^ rl^~i^/nnm^nf `"I"I~'~ "N ~ ~~7~ ~v~~~ Br-T-avcrvnar-r6 f f if fl GJ J E ~ ? S , vh^~vwi ~e--~~id~~'t~ Q , , fn~~rFh h~+~ +h~~~n~n~++ r~~ ~,gpta~~ i'I in fhn y R11F-TJ-[T!G r a s, ~}i8-{A6a~i631, a^ .i.~ilE3W--6at~?663S~ . &lEl-tail: ~~'3s~ frnn+~nn rn~rl /an^ firer ~ ~9 E o E~2~k#. neEe~sitate-c~ithe~ara ~ieas#eae~t~a~rs,~tec-^~Te c.innln ~renc~if c~fnn 5.18 Old Town Shops The old town shops site has had been targeted for a variety of uses throughout the master planning process, including employee housing, expansion of the Vail sanitation plant, and Vail Associates mountain services. These uses a were thought to be appropriate for the site, but it was recognized they were all are not compatible. f#rem fhn C~irln Oivnr IA/~fnr ~ni-1 Qa. . In 2003 the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District purchased the old town shops site. The site was redeveloped with a surface parking lot. Additionally, in 2004 Vail Resorts constructed a bridge across the Gore Creek from this site to provide possible future mountain operations access to Vail Mountain. 5.20 Eagle River Water and Sanitation District While this parcel would certainly be a viable development site, the costs to relocate uses at this site, particularly the treatment facilities, are very significant. For this reason it is assumed that the treatment facilities will remain in their existing location. A viable alternative to relocating the entire building would be fo relocate the District's offices and construct "air-rights" development above and around the treatment facility. 17 POTENTIAL BUS~TRANSITSTOP y i / ~ f,. / ~ ~ PROPOSED MIXED USE BUILDING AREA / GROUND FLOOR RETAIL ~ MIXED USE ABOVE ~ t lp V / "IP r S~RIA SKI AREA SUPPORT W~ SUB-GRADE MAINTENANCE ~ ~ ,~r~-I J ~~U~TAL ~ ~ GONDOLA ! 3 ~ ~ PARKING STRUCTURE f i / . - _ L ~ ~ ~25~ SNOWCAT b ~~1 ~ ,~,..-P'E'SESTRIAN; --~`~1 . 3 ° ~"r~~! QVERPA~S ; , _ ter.! ~ 'i r' s'' _ Li /f r,r ~ u .J r.,r,~ r./' { J~~ ~ ~ J l FIGURE 4-9 -EXISTING FRONTAGE ROAD ALIGNMENT ~ WEST LIONSHEAD DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT . ~ ,_a,, ..t~i ~ may,-.a~ ~ . a ~~o ~'~'.y,~~,,~ '®i ~ CV• - 'F - • - • I • • 1~ , POTENTIAL BUS~TRANSIT STOP PROPOSED MIXED USE BUILDING AREA f!f ~ GROUND FLOOR RETAIL ~ MIXED USE ABOVE ~ a9 ~ + PEDE~TRI SKI AREA SUPPORT W~ SUB-GRADE MAINTENANCE 17°~.~~'~~O ~ ORAL GON DOLA ~ ~ ~ . PARKING STRUCTURE ~ ~ '~'~~'~-n~`~ / ~ ~ r' , i - ~ f / ~ c ~ ~ ~ ` TS/~NOWCAT ~i. EDE 1 r E_ASEM~NT i~~r~, r / VuERT~A55 i "'u \ 1 p : „ _ l ~ - 't,,..~~~~ - i. 8 ~•.T T•.~ _ 1 • i i 1 j 1 ~ j i • E 1 1 1 i' A 1 1 1 ~nf _ O ~ 1 1 1 'J ~ , i i i d 1 1 1 4 1 B i FIGURE 4-9A - RE-ALIGNED FRONTAGE ROAD ~ WEST LIONSHEAD DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT . ~ • ~ ~ • i ~ • - • . 19 AORTAL , g2.5' MAX _ _ _ AVG - i ~ .5' MAX 7©' A4'~ ' 60.5' MAX , ~ _ 49' Avc ~ ~ Y r 1 ~ 25 S~~ FIGURE S-2S -WEST LIONSHEAD BUILDING MASS ~ HEIGHT LIMITATIONS d ~ a tl. .ea 70 ' .i 8 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~i CASCADE VILLAGE I-_ c•scAOG LLLT ~ 1~ ~.//o f ~ ~i SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD ~ 4~ CONNECTION TO WEST VAIL ~~~III ~ _ AND CASCADE VILLAGE ~ I II GONDOLA LIFT ~I ~ % i u PARCELS CURRENTLY WITHIN ~ ~ ~ EXISTING LIONSHEAD STUDY AREA ~ u /Vy~ I~ T.O.Y. USFS BOU NOARY LYlG / O ~ W ( ( y L l.J ~I ~ (S~ (~,,,0 D Q O ~ - _ a:.-- ~ o - ~ ,a~ o ,I , o ~ _ Q t, a, ~ - _ \ ~a I~ ~\~r' ~ ~ (1~ ~ ~ ~ ~Q'1/~ ,pl ~ Iyd POSSIBLE FVTURE i - I ~ ~ yV~ \ _ ~ ~ SIMB4 RUN VNDERPA55 \ ~~'~"~~~~~,.335~~~... ~ IAPPRORIMATE LOCATION] J - i~ ~ _ ~a ~~~a~ _ _ _ ~ c~ 9 - o ~ ~ ~~h - L-" - Q ' a i PARCELS PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION ~ ; O ~ IN LEONSHEAD STUDY AREA ~I ~ \ LIONSNEAD ? ~ i +F 1 RED SANDSTOFE CREEK 0 PARKING ~ ~ ~ ye~ / ? VAIL ROUNDABOUT I ~--..J-_,/- '~f l ~ f " ~ WEST LIONSHEAD 1 C - ~ STUDY AREA I I-?0 R.O W. ~ ~ MIODLi CREGR a OVGRPA55 (LIONSHEAD STUDYAREA MAP A STUDY AREA IONSHEA L REU~VELOPME~T D ~I ~ I. N I I 4 N_ i NWN OF I'M.? 1 Y J INTRODUCED, READ, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of February, 2007. Rodney Slifer, Mayor, Town of Vail ATTEST: Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk 22