HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdvisory Committee Notes 17 July 2008Chamonix Site Affordable Housing Master Plan Advisory Committee Meeting, 17 July 2008 Meeting Notes On 17 July 2008, the Chamonix Site Master Plan Advisory Committee met to hear presentations
on sustainable design concepts, factory-built construction techniques, receive an update of the site plan options, and to formulate a final set of recommendations to be given to the
Town Council at their 5 August 2008 meeting. Scot Hunn (Town of Vail) gave the presentation on sustainable design concepts. Pat Fenton (Fenton Construction) spoke about factory built
construction. Gilbert Sanchez (Studio B), Stan Clauson, and Patrick Rawley (Stan Clauson Associates, Inc.) spoke to the site plan options. 1. The presentation on sustainable design concepts
outlined three standards used in certifying a project sustainable: LEED, Green Globe, and Energy Star. Scot discussed the benefits of sustainable design and spoke of the commitment that
the Town of Vail has made to promoting sustainability but asked what Vail’s current commit?ment to sustainability with this project was. A question was asked concerning sustainably
certified projects in Pitkin County and additional cost for certification. Gilbert used the Aspen Middle School as an example. Gilbert informed the committee that the project was submitted
for LEED Gold certification. The added cost for such level of certification was $125,000 or less than .5% of the cost of the project. It was discussed whether
Chamonix Site Affordable Housing Master Plan Advisory Committee Meeting, 17 July 2008 Meeting Notes, Page 2 sustainable certification of the project could be applied for by Town of Vail
staff. (Scot is currently working on his LEED accreditation.) There is also a possibility that a LEED accredited professional has offer their services to the Town of Vail at cost. 2.
Off-site factory-built construction, or modular construction, was discussed in light of the sustainability presentation. Pat informed the committee of the benefits of off-site construction.
Pat described how off-site construction uses materials that are less noxious, uses recycled materials, and incorporate energy saving components. Pat has been working with a particular
manufacturer that has designed and built their units to LEED silver specifications. Pat informed the committee that the maximum width of the off-site constructed units are generally
limited to 17 feet 8 inches, as transportation costs increase substantially in units wider than this. 3. The target market identified for the proposed development is between 60% and
120% of AMI, though 140% is not excluded. This translates to $155,000 to $335,000 maximum purchase price of the units. 4. Alternative methods of financing were discussed. The first,
the Mineral Impact Grant, is a grant to municipalities and other governmental entities that are impacted by mineral and mineral conversion industries. The second, a Vectra Bank financing
program, is based on 100% presold units and 100% pre-qualified buyers. 5. Gilbert reviewed the three schemes, citing number of units, unit mix, density, site coverage (footprint), impervious
surface area, site coverage (building and paving), and site sections, as well as conceptual landscape schemes.
Chamonix Site Affordable Housing Master Plan Advisory Committee Meeting, 17 July 2008 Meeting Notes, Page 3 A vote was held on entrance location and design. The southern entrance scheme
shown on Village Neighborhood, combining entry with the service station, was rejected as it would increase congestion and traffic interference. A vote was requested of the committee
to identify the favored scheme. Six voted for the Village Neighborhood, four voted for Alley Street and none voted for Neighborhood Cluster. The committee offered additional comments
on the individual schemes. It was noted that Village Neighborhood needs an emergency turnaround on the east end. A question arose concerning the necessity of a water tank. It was also
noted that the Village and Neighborhood parking structure did not allow for drive through capability and that the addition of structured parking may not be worth the additional unit
gain. It was stated that Alley and Street scheme was less expensive due to not using structured parking. Alley Street was also recognized as having more open space amenities for families.
Alley Street does have the preferred drive through capability. 6. Discussion followed on the topic of LEED Certification or other similar certification. One comment questioned whether
the development could be sustainable without paying for the certification. Another comment voiced that certification could be an effective marketing tool. Another comment noted that
the development could set the tone for development in Vail. Another comment stated that sustainable design would be a benefit to those living in the development. A vote was requested
of the committee to establish the support for
Chamonix Site Affordable Housing Master Plan Advisory Committee Meeting, 17 July 2008 Meeting Notes, Page 4 certification and sustainability. It was unanimous to seek to create a sustainable
development. The vote was seven to one for certification. 7. A vote was requested of the committee to support the use of off-site construction methods. The vote was unanimous in favor
of off-site construction. 8. The final recommendation favored the Village Neighborhood alternative, but that all three schemes should be brought forward to the Town Council. A new name
for the Alley and Street scheme was requested.
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