Speaker 0: Nine AIS Council Bill 20 2-5 90 has passed. Councilmember BLOCK, will you please put council bill 20 2-476 on the floor for final passage.
Speaker 4: I move that council bill 20 20476 be placed upon final consideration and do pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you. It has been moved. We get a second. Thank you.
Speaker 1: To.
Speaker 0: The required public hearing for council bill 20 2476 is open. May we please have the staff report?
Speaker 1: And.
Speaker 8: Good evening again. Andrew Robb again here from Community Planning and Development to present this proposed rezoning of properties at 2524 through 2660 Larimer Street and 2609, 26, 23 and 2641 Lawrence Street. From a mix of former Chapter 59 and Denver Zoning Code Commercial, multi-unit and mixed use zoning to a planned unit.
Speaker 1: For developers TV.
Speaker 8: This project. This proposal is in Council District nine.
Speaker 1: It is located.
Speaker 8: In these five points neighborhood to the existing zoning in the area is a mix of primarily old form chapter 59 Code CMU 30 district. Parts of the subject site also have districts from the Denver Zoning Code, including I am x three, an industrial mixed use district and GM three a multi-unit residential district. Zoning around around the site is primarily a mixed a range of mixed use, residential mixed use and multi-unit zoned districts with three storey building heights. Typically, there are also a few areas of two storey and a five story zoning and quite a bit of other examples of former Chapter 59 zoning in the surrounding area. Existing land uses on the site itself include office commercial and retail uses in industrial uses with some large parts of the property currently in use for circa surface parking or or sitting vacant. Surrounding uses in the rezoning area include commercial and retail uses, office uses and mixed use mostly along Larimer, but with some nonresidential nonresidential uses on the Lawrence side as well. And then multi-unit residential land uses are also present in the area around this proposal. There are two Denver landmark historic districts and close proximity to the proposed rezoning area. The Ballpark Neighborhood Historic District is shown across Larimer to the northwest of the site, and the Curtis Park Historic District can be seen there to the southeast.
Speaker 1: Of the site.
Speaker 8: Existing context immediately to the rezoning area is made up of a variety of one generally 1 to 4 story structures on the top left. Photo here you can see the Brunetti Lofts, four storey residential structure across the street across Larimer at 26th. The block to the Southeast contains the recently completed three story Eva Reinhard development. There are also several three and a half storey townhomes to the south and east portion of the rezoning boundary to the south at 26th Street on an on the north side of the. The three story Volunteers of America Building is on the subject site at the northwest corner and then across the street from VOA. There are several one and two story commercial structures. So this request is to rezone to a general planned unit development district, which would be called Pdg 28 if adopted. This proposal, this PD would deviate from the standard Denver zoning code districts in several ways. Most notably, this would establish varying height zones within the overall PUD boundary and limit the height of rooftop encroachments. It would impose upper storey setbacks on the third and fifth storeys would require 10% publicly accessible open space and pedestrian connections to Lawrence , Larimer and 26th Street. It would require the facade from the Joes liquor building to be repaired and integrated into a future redevelopment. The PAD also directly incorporates the requirements of the River North Design Overlay or the DOE seven into the district. There are a couple of other use overlays currently on the subject site that allow adult uses and billboards. Those overlays would be removed and extinguished as part.
Speaker 1: Of this design.
Speaker 8: In terms of the formal adoption process for this proposed rezoning. The informational notice went out in February and then Planning for notice was posted in April. Planning Board Public Hearing was held on April 20th, and the Planning Board voted 6 to 1 to recommend approval of this proposed rezoning. The City Council's Land Use Transportation and Infrastructure Committee considered this proposed rezoning on May 3rd and voted to move it forward to the full City Council for a hearing with regard to public comments. We received three letters in support from our knows that whose boundaries include the subject site, including Curtis Park, Neighbors, part of Five Points and the Reno art district. We've also received quite a bit of written public comment, all of which is included in the packet that was provided to the City Council. It includes 97 letters or written comments in support, as well as 112 petition signatures that were collected in support of this proposal. And then 50 letters and comments in opposition, as well as 126 petitions gathered indicating opposition to this proposed rezoning. I do want to note that we always strive for accuracy, but there may be instances of duplicate written comments in that record, so these numbers should be considered estimates. The applicant began outreach for this project in March of last year and that kind of continued through February of this year. They held four community open houses, several presentations to local homeowners associations and community members. They provided briefings and written updates to council members beginning again in the spring of last year and through late last year. And briefings with individuals, businesses and other affected neighbors continued through last year and into early this year. As the Council was aware the these five took to adopt a proposed rezoning. The Council must find that the rezoning is consistent with these five criteria in the Denver zoning code. So with regard to the first criteria, there are three adopted plans that apply the comprehensive plan blueprint, Denver and the Northeast Downtown Neighborhoods Plan, which was adopted in 2011. This proposed rezoning is consistent with several comprehensive plan 2040 recommendations. Most notably, the rezoning supports goals to create a greater mix of housing options and to stabilize residents and businesses in ways that help them stay in their existing community. It also supports the ability to create business opportunities that serve nearby neighborhoods and promote small, locally owned businesses. Finally, this represents an opportunity for infill development where infrastructure and municipal services already exist. With regard to Blueprint Denver, the portion of the rezoning area along Larimer is identified in the urban centric context. The proposed PWD in this particular area would establish the C, M, X five and C max eight zone districts which are in the urban center neighborhood context and are intended to to create vibrant, walkable, mixed use neighborhoods. The area along Lawrence is identified as General Urban in blueprint as a neighborhood context. This proposed DVD would establish a base zone district of grx5, a residential mixed use zone district in the general urban neighborhood context which makes it an appropriate request. Blueprint. Denver identifies this area as being within a future place of community corridor on the on the Larimer side and high medium residential on the Lawrence side in Blueprint. Both of these future place types are described as having heights, generally up to eight stories. The proposed rezoning and standards within PG 28 are appropriate with these future place design descriptions and will help foster a balance of mixed use opportunities and a strong pedestrian realm that the current zoning or a standard zoned district would not allow. Aligned with those future place designations. The growth strategy for this area is balanced between community centers and corridors and all other areas of the city, as you can see on the map on this slide. According to Blueprint, fostering and focusing growth in community centers and corridors helps provide a variety of housing, jobs and entertainment options within a comfortable distance. To all, Denver writes and is a key element of building complete neighborhoods throughout Denver. The proposed PDE zone district allows a broad range of residential and commercial land uses with a shallow front setback, and allows the mix of land use is anticipated for the mixed use collector street type identified along Larimer and on Lawrence. Commercial uses are only allowed on the ground floor, and businesses are intended to serve the needs of local residents as appropriate for the residential collector, as Lawrence is identified. Several other recommendations of Blueprint are also advanced by this proposed rezoning, including language calling for establishing higher intensity uses where infrastructure already exists and close to transit, promoting creative industries and so on. With regard to with regard to Blueprint, Blueprint does address custom zoning. It does say to limit the use of site specific and customized zoning tools like planned unit developments and waivers and physicians to unique and extraordinary circumstances. This proposal is fairly unique due to the specific development challenges associated with the proposed rezoning area, including integration of existing buildings on site alley, right of way vacation and relocation of utilities, overall phasing and timing of the project and creating appropriate transitions to the ballpark. And Curtis Park historic districts and residential areas. There isn't a single standard zone district or combination of zone districts that could successfully address the site's unique and extraordinary circumstances. With regard to the area plan that impacts this area, the downtown, the northeast, downtown neighborhoods plan. This site falls into two different areas in the plan, the Curtis Park neighborhood identified along Lawrence. And then the majority of the site, as you can see on the map here, is in the ballpark River North neighborhood along Larimer. Similarly, the Northeast Downtown Neighborhoods Plan splits this rezoning area into two land use descriptions. The area, along Larimer is envisioned to be mixed use industrial. In the area along Lawrence falls into the urban residential category. The urban residential area is intended to be primarily residential, but as described, it can may include a number of complementary commercial uses . Several additional recommendations and policies within the downtown. The Northeast Downtown Neighborhoods plan would be supported by this proposed rezoning. The mix of uses, mixed heights and scale, and the use of design elements like upper story setbacks support the goal of transitioning away from commercial corridors for residential neighborhoods. There are also goals to adaptively reuse existing buildings and to strengthen corridors like Larimer by developing viable retail clusters to serve those who work, live and visit this area. One area where this proposed rezoning is contradictory to the Northeast Downtowns Neighborhoods Neighborhoods Plan is the concept height map in that plan, which shows this area as three stories . The intent of that plan was that the area between Larimer and Arapaho would serve as a transition from taller areas in the Northwest to the historic lower scale residential character of Curtis Park in the Southwest. As discussed earlier, blueprint Denver does include height guidance and in its own description of future places and neighborhood context. In this case, eight stories in situation where there is conflicting guidance. Blueprint lists several factors that should be considered when evaluating a rezoning proposal, including the small area plan surrounding an existing and planned context, and the ability to achieve community benefits and the potential to further urban design goals. The small area plan guidance on height is lower than this proposal, yet there are descriptions in the applicable land use categories in the northeastern downtown neighborhoods plan that indicate some flexibility could be appropriate. The mixed use industrial designation refers to a variety of mid to high density housing options and mid to high rise residential structures could be located in the urban residential area. These land use designations do cross over into areas with taller heights than three stories, so that should also be taken into consideration. The existing context that is directly adjacent to the site includes a number of three, three and a half and four story structures, some of which are shown here on this map. In addition, as part of the recently adopted changes to the Denver Zoning Code, as part of the Expanding Housing Affordability Project, three story mixed use and multi-unit zoned districts throughout the city could automatically qualify for four four stories of height and five story districts could qualify for seven stories if they meet enhanced standards for providing affordable housing. This applicant has also worked closely with multiple entities on on providing a series of community benefits which are typically required as part of the rezoning. And that includes work with the Department of Housing Stability and, and the Office of Neighborhood Equity or NEST or Equity and Stabilization. My apologies to develop and finalize agreements with the city and with community organizations and businesses. They have finalized a housing agreement that would meet the recently adopted enhanced requirements for affordable housing. In addition, the applicants have agreed to provide space for local minority owned businesses at reduced rents to sponsor artist in residence. An Exchange Program. A commitment to go through the Reno District design review process for new development and covenant restrictions on specific liquor license types for the proposed commercial spaces along Lawrence. The proposed rezoning is also integral to maintaining the long term presence of the Volunteers of America of Colorado and Larimer, and allowing them to create expanded kitchen facilities elsewhere to provide meals to some of Denver's most vulnerable, vulnerable residents. And the applicants are currently working with the Denver Urban Redevelopment Authority on a potential urban redevelopment plan, which they expect to bring forward to city council late this year. Finally, the proposed PUD modifies the standard Denver zoning code districts to better address urban design goals, including restricting the seven storey height to approximately 25% of the site area, establishing new upper storey setbacks that apply on all streets, requiring 10% publicly accessible open space and integrating existing structures into future redevelopment. So with regard to the other standard rezoning criteria, this proposed rezoning will result in the uniform application of the building form, use and design regulations of the base of the proposed base districts, which includes IMX, ACM x five, g, rx5 and the Doh seven or River North Design Overlay District. It will further public health, safety and welfare by implementing adopted plans and enhancing design standards and open space amenities and encouraging additional walkability in the area. With regard to justifying circumstances, the fourth criterion there has been significant change and new development around the rezoning area in recent years, and the city has adopted plans focusing residents and businesses along key community corridors like Larimer, for example. And then finally, with regard to the fifth criterion. This party uses a base zone districts again of CMCs and G r x, which will ensure neighborhood compatibility and consistency with the neighborhood context zone, district purpose and intent of the zoning code. In addition to the those criteria for for all rezonings, Pwds are also required to meet a set of additional criteria in the Denver zoning code, and they're shown here. I won't go into into detail on these, but suffice it to say that we have examined and reviewed and have found that these proposed this proposed rezoning is consistent with the additional PUD criteria. It does establish building forms that are compatible with adjacent existing building forms. It establishes permitted uses that are compatible with existing land uses adjacent to the subject property and would allow development proposed development that is not feasible under under standard zoned districts without unreasonable number of variances or waivers and conditions, for example , to establish the the lower seven storey height in an eight storey zoned district or the upper storey step acts. So with that, CPD recommends approval based on a finding that all the review criteria have been met. And I'm happy to stand.
Speaker 1: For any questions.
Speaker 8: And I know many representing representatives of the applicants are here as well to.
Speaker 1: Be bipartisan support.
Speaker 0: All right. Well, thank you, Andrew, for the staff report. We have 52 individuals signed up to speak this evening. And I'm going to go ahead and call the first few speakers that are participating in person. And then after those speakers will transition to virtually and then we'll come back in person. I would ask that folks keep their comments brief. If you don't feel like you need to use your entire 3 minutes. Don't feel like you have to fill it. And if you feel like you're repeating things that somebody already said, that's probably a good time to cut your comments short. And so we will go ahead and get started here. Tom Keller is our first speaker. And I'll just remind folks, we asked you for the public record. State your name and your city of residence or your home address, whatever you feel most comfortable with. Go ahead, please, sir.
Speaker 1: Good evening, city council members. My name is Tom Keeler. My family and I have lived in the city of Denver since 2014. We're proud to call our city home. I'm managing director of Edens, which is a woman led retail real estate company whose mission is to enrich community. We accomplish that in Denver by focusing on connecting to nature, inclusive design and a commitment to serve the neighborhoods where we operate. Our property in five points consists of and is represented by about 50% bipoc and women owned businesses spanning across one and a half city blocks that we've known since 2018. Over the last four years, our approach has been to combine small, local entrepreneurs with more nationally well-known retailers to create a more interesting, diverse and unique retail ecosystem. The project that we're here to talk about tonight is an expansion of that, and it's a partnership with the Volunteers of America, Colorado, to create a thriving mixed use neighborhood hub through collaboration with neighborhood groups like The Heart of 5.0, Curtis Park, Neighbors, Rhino Art District, as well as the broader five points community. We've created a vibrant center that will provide neighborhood serving retail activities, sidewalks and publicly accessible open space. Affordable housing, multimodal transportation connections, and most importantly, further to volunteers of America's mission within our city, which is at a point that it needs to move forward. Through our collaboration with the neighborhood. Over the last 15 months, we've held 18 community meetings and open houses, as well as provided dozens of tours to neighbors and community stakeholders. And our project represents this feedback, including design specifications to connect and transition into the surrounding neighborhood fabric. Along with laying the groundwork for a robust set of community benefits. 10% of our residential units will be offered at 60%, and my rent levels will formalize a small business incubator program focused on bipoc and women owned businesses. Create a commissary kitchen program to allow local food entrepreneurs to thrive in the neighborhood. And then lastly, create an artist residency exchange program to give our local artists exposure to larger markets. All of this based on community feedback and led with community partnerships, including green spaces, community wealth building, no cost productions and local artists. Thomas. Detour. Evans. We're excited to be here tonight and are happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you. Our next speaker is Blair. Looks and feels.
Speaker 2: Good evening.
Speaker 3: Members of City Council. My name is Blair Lipton. 410 17th Street, Denver, Colorado. 80202i work for Browns Union. I'm Landry's counsel to Eden's first legislative quickly referenced a letter from me, dated April 12, 2022. It included on page 253 of the CPD staff report tonight, I'd like to specifically discuss the application's compliance with the approval criteria requiring that an.
Speaker 2: Official MAP amendment must be consistent with adopted clear guidance for the subject property in order to be approved. While the subject.
Speaker 3: Property is governed by four.
Speaker 2: Adopted plans. I'm going to only address.
Speaker 3: The Northeast Denver Neighborhood Plan or NDP. The NDP was adopted in May 2011, and the proposed update is.
Speaker 2: Consistent with all of the guiding principles set forth in that plan. All is noted.
Speaker 3: In my April letter and the CPD's staff report.
Speaker 2: Blueprint designates the property as being.
Speaker 3: Appropriate for height of up to eight storeys. And here the beauty provides for a variety of heights over the subject property. Providing sensitive and.
Speaker 2: Appropriate height transitions through a maximum of seven storeys down.
Speaker 3: To three stories.
Speaker 2: While the concept height map on page.
Speaker 3: 19 of the NDP suggests that the property should be developed with height up to three stories. The NDP, in fact, the Access to Individual Neighborhoods Strategies section and on page 16, it is specifically stated that a variety of mid to high.
Speaker 2: Density housing options and mid to high rise.
Speaker 3: Residential structures are appropriate for the property, evidencing an intent in the end to allow height in excess of three stories on this property. As you know, blueprint contemplates circumstances makes this we're building heights taller.
Speaker 2: Than those prescribed under.
Speaker 3: An applicable small area plan. Guidance may be appropriate and can consider factors such as.
Speaker 2: Guidance from the current small area plan surrounding context transitions, adjacency to transit.
Speaker 3: Satisfaction of plan, goals for community benefits which include affordable housing.
Speaker 2: And the furtherance of design goals. Given all of the foregoing, the proposed rezoning is consistent with the totality.
Speaker 3: Of the NDP, including the height recommendations and neighborhood strategy recommendations. The community has expressed support for the project's height and density as part of the project's delivery of the following community benefits adaptive reuse of existing structures, affordable housing, urban design enhancements more publicly accessible open space that's integrated with nature community serving retail large scale public realm improvements enhance retail corridors, activated streets, access to neighborhood services, delivery of incubator, commercial space for small bipoc owned and women owned businesses, and an exchange residency program for local artists. In conclusion.
Speaker 2: This rezoning is consistent with.
Speaker 3: All of the city's adopted plans, including and DNP. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Speaker 2: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Our next speaker is John McIntyre.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Members of the city council. My name is John McIntyre. I'm a principal at Schreiber Architects based in Capitol Hill. I'm an architect and urban designer, a member of the applicant team. Schreiber is proud of our civic legacy within Denver. I'm privileged to be working on this project with Edens. We believe it offers a transformational opportunity to strengthen and connect the surrounding communities, to enhance the character, vibrancy and resilience of both the neighborhood and the city, and to fulfill a broader array of plan objectives. This property sits at a unique location along the Larimer Community Corridor between historic districts and at the convergence of a number of commercial and residential neighborhoods. Its location is equidistant from both Denver Union Station and the 38th and Blake Station. And due to this, it plays a critical role in closing the gap between these transportation nodes and in providing opportunities for enhanced walkability access and open space for the surrounding neighborhoods. Unlike any other property along Larimer, the site is connected directly to the Welton Street corridor along 26th and 27th streets, which provide designated bike and pedestrian priority routes respectively. It is directly served by bus and will improve local connectivity through an enhanced focus on micromobility options. The Park provides protection and preservation of the existing VOA and Joe's Liquors Buildings on a site located between neighboring historic districts. The retention of these buildings assists in enabling appropriate neighborhood transitions and complements the retained fabric of the applicant's existing properties across Larimer Street. As an extension of this existing retail cluster. The park will facilitate the ability to extend the public realm with the site, activate additional streets with a variety of retail offerings, and expand an authentic and vibrant community center that is already vitally important to the character, culture, history and economic vitality of the neighborhood. The party will further fulfill the principles of a 15 minute Liverpool City providing community serving retail, uses employment opportunities, a diversity of housing, offers enhanced open space and places for people together and connect within a ten minute walk of both well-established and emerging residential neighborhoods. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Dave Schock.
Speaker 0: Also in chambers.
Speaker 7: Reading City Council. My name is Dave Shoke, and I'm president and CEO of Volunteers of America, Colorado. Thank you for this opportunity. VOA Colorado is a nonprofit, faith based organization that provides important housing, community outreach and especially hunger and nutrition services. To those Coloradans experiencing.
Speaker 1: Hardship and among many other.
Speaker 7: Services, we serve over 1 million meals a year to over 60,000 Coloradoans.
Speaker 1: A current commercial kitchen and food warehouse facility at two 2660.
Speaker 7: Larimer has seen tremendous growth over the last several years, and as a result, we've simply outgrown our space and we are in.
Speaker 1: Immediate need of upgrading our operational equipment. And we do need to do this now. It's important to note that we love this neighborhood and we've been a part of it for over 125 years in various locations on Larimer. And for us, this is just about our commercial kitchen. Through our partnership with Edens, we now have the ability to relocate.
Speaker 7: And improve and expand our food operations.
Speaker 1: To another facility outside of downtown Denver. We couldn't have done this without Edens. Edens in general, and.
Speaker 7: Tom Keeler in particular, have been good and honorable partners, creative in helping.
Speaker 1: Us achieve our needs to serve Colorado. And it's very important. This is very important to a nonprofit like ours. And we strongly believe that Eaton's application is good for the neighborhood, and it certainly is good.
Speaker 7: For the many underserved people that the Colorado feeds.
Speaker 6: And cares for. And as a result.
Speaker 7: We're strongly in favor.
Speaker 1: Of this application. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Also in Chambers, Lindsey Center. The. Council members.
Speaker 1: You've already.
Speaker 2: Heard many good.
Speaker 1: Reasons to vote in support of the Inn's zoning.
Speaker 2: Reclassification. The developer and our partner.
Speaker 1: I'd like to add or reiterate just three more. One.
Speaker 2: As someone who has spent.
Speaker 1: Four decades with Volunteers of America and over three of those decades.
Speaker 2: On the street in one place or another working in this community, in this plan to revitalize the.
Speaker 1: 2520 600 blocks of Larimer, will.
Speaker 2: Allow it to flourish in the best possible way and adding substance in the form of housing and a development that will fit with the surrounding retail and street market vibe and add desired community amenities.
Speaker 1: It's hard to.
Speaker 2: Imagine another developer even coming close to what Edens has already done for the area and their plan.
Speaker 1: For this two block.
Speaker 2: Area. Number two, the presence of a nonprofit human service provider like Volunteers of America in the area has been.
Speaker 1: Of great benefit to the community.
Speaker 2: As Dave Shank, our CEO, has said. Our headquarters will.
Speaker 1: Remain.
Speaker 2: At its current location and along with a service center.
Speaker 1: Just two blocks from.
Speaker 2: At 29th and Lawrence and number three.
Speaker 1: Tonight's vote is of.
Speaker 2: Great importance to Volunteers of America. Since the council approval of this project is the final step, needed to get the ball rolling, including Volunteers of America are always renovation and move to a much larger. State of the art kitchen, our new better space. We will increase meals delivered to homebound elderly. We will provide space to grow our services.
Speaker 1: Have a.
Speaker 2: Warehouse that serves a foodbank that serves other.
Speaker 1: Food banks will be much larger warehouse. And also all of our staff doing the.
Speaker 2: Handyman, healthy, aging.
Speaker 1: And volunteer programs for seniors will be able to grow at our new location. Thank you for.
Speaker 2: Your time and consideration. Thank you, Andy. Can you introduce yourself? I'm sorry. Lindy Sinton, vice president of Programs for Volunteers of America. And I live in Arvada.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2: We'll move online. Jesse Paris. I don't believe he's in Zoom any. Now. I will go on to Greg home.
Speaker 1: Good evening. My name is Greg Home. I've lived in the city of Denver.
Speaker 2: For 33 years.
Speaker 1: I'm housing activists working to ensure housing is available to all Denver residents at all stages of life. I'm speaking in support of the project. This project provides crucially.
Speaker 2: Important affordable.
Speaker 7: Housing.
Speaker 1: While also creating small business incubator opportunities for bipoc and women owned business entrepreneurs. These factors.
Speaker 2: Will keep the neighborhood.
Speaker 1: Vibrant, thriving and inclusive for residents and business owners. Denver is in a housing crisis. Fox, 31, recently reported Denver is the seventh most costly housing market in the U.S. and the Denver Business Journal says Denver is the fifth least affordable city for the University of Denver. The Q1 2022 apartment vacancy rate is in its historic low of 4.3%. And according to Denver, rents increased nearly 35%.
Speaker 2: During 2020 and 2021.
Speaker 1: This crisis results from two major factors the restriction of housing.
Speaker 7: Supply over the last three or four decades.
Speaker 1: Through activism by homeowners and neighborhood associations who use their privilege and knowledge of the zoning code to stop construction of multifamily housing. In addition, the lock up of 77% of the land in the city of Denver in exclusionary single family zoning, which results in all other land use, is competing for sites in the remaining 23% of land in the city. The city of Denver.
Speaker 2: Estimates there are 46,000 residents who are extremely burdened.
Speaker 1: Paying 50% or more.
Speaker 2: Of their income.
Speaker 1: In housing. This probably Denver Post from 2017 to 2021. Denver built 5120 apartments each year at that rate. If expanding housing affordability results in an average of 10% affordable units. It will take 92 years to provide these 46,000 residents with affordable housing. Given all of these factors, Denver needs an explosion of housing, construction of various types, housing costs in every neighborhood throughout the city. It is the only way to respond to the housing crisis and why the staff supports this project. It's great to see so many positive comments from the community. I ask the city council vote to approve this project.
Speaker 2: Thank you. The next person online is Corey Pro Basco.
Speaker 1: Hi. Thank you, city council for the opportunity to comment. My name is Cord Roberts, going to resident of the 2500 block of Lawrence Street and a direct neighbor to the property under consideration. I just want to raise a specific concern about this request as it currently stands. A request for utilize the PD zoning to provide for site specific zoning to the properties in question. My concern is that there are two main properties of land involved in this request and the smaller portion of land called Suburbia D is being dragged along in the process with the bigger portion, yet presents its own unique issues and challenges that aren't fully being considered or address with the larger portion the developers who own and control the whole city block. So we're access the flexibility to work with the city during site development review to better mitigate any impacts. Subsidy is different. It's separated from the larger project by a public right of way. It sits on a different block, one that has existing residential and commercial properties that will be affected. If we're considering a mechanism to provide for Cypress specific zoning in this case, then please take it a step further and really consider the impact of that zoning on the smaller site and the block around it. Subsidy should be considered in and of itself separate from the larger parcel. So Brady will occupy. A third of the block will have an impact greater than all of the properties on the remaining two thirds of the block combined. Given the limited time here, I'm going to highlight one example in that all existing residential properties on this block are completely and wholly dependent upon an alley that services the block for their only ingress and egress to parking, as.
Speaker 7: Well as trash collection.
Speaker 1: And other services. Commercial properties on land will also have to utilize the alley if the rezoning of security is approved, the developers plan to add an additional 80 or 200 more parking spaces. So at least 8100 more vehicles plus additional delivery collection and other services with only access will still also only be through that alley. That's a 200% increase now, though, uses with no mechanism to mitigate the impact on an alley that was designed for service according to the block as originally planned and is only just sufficient for the block is currently sort of. My understanding is that Doty won't allow for new development to directly access any of the adjacent streets. So I don't believe the issues that it can be effectively mitigated with the density that this that would be allowed out of this request approval without more fully considering the impacts at the smallest like just kicks this can down the road and creates a potential untenable and unresolvable problem with the city. Existing residents and or potential new neighbors will be left to deal with for the future. The specifics matter if the increased housing and commercial density that's.
Speaker 7: Caused.
Speaker 1: By this causes an over demand out the existing infrastructure. We, as we can likely expect to see here, it'll cause issues not just for current residents and visitors, but also our new residents who likely won't.
Speaker 7: Fully realize this until they've moved.
Speaker 1: In. And you have to live with the impacts every day. That's a disservice.
Speaker 7: To current residents and our future.
Speaker 1: Neighbors. If there's a way to approve this without including sobriety, I'd fully encourage that. In lieu of that, I.
Speaker 7: Respectfully request that you deny this request for now and encourage the developer.
Speaker 1: To work with all involved, to modify the request to better mitigate the negative impacts of the development that would be allowed and subverted under this request. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Ryan Kinney.
Speaker 1: Oh. My name's Ryan Kinney. I am board president of Yimby, Denver, and I live in District ten Capital Hill neighborhood. I think this rezoning is a no brainer and ticks every box of what you could ask for. It is situated within a lively mixed use corridor along Blake, Walnut and Larimer streets between lower downtown.
Speaker 6: And the 38th and Blake Station area across the street from the Denver Central.
Speaker 1: Market. This is the perfect place for our highly amenity, mid-rise density proposed by the developer. This will provide much needed diversely priced homes and unique commercial spaces in a central and highly walkable area. Future tenants and current Denver residents, including myself, stand to benefit. I always welcome exciting destinations to visit in my city and new residents in our neighborhood, in our neighborhoods to patronize local businesses. Projects like this are critical to reducing automobile dependance and relieving pressure.
Speaker 8: On our exploding housing market.
Speaker 1: On behalf of both myself and of Jimmy Denver, I ask you to please support this rezoning. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Fatuma. Here we have Fatuma virtually with us. Okay. All right. We're going to go ahead and move back into chambers. Gerald Horner.
Speaker 1: Thank you. My name is Gerald Horner. I live in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Five Points, and I'm here to speak in support of this project. This development is an example of smart density, reducing our reliance on cars while providing desperately needed workforce housing. Additionally, I serve on the Transportation and Safety Committee for Curtis Park Neighbors. Edens has been extremely responsive and has made adjustments to the current plan based on feedback from the community, specifically how traffic is routed away from the residential portion of the neighborhood, how vehicles access the underground parking and for service and delivery needs. We also appreciate that Edens has been proactive in securing additional parking at the Rockies parking lot and continues to look for ways to direct visitors to parking for parking outside the residential area. Edens has also been a partner in broader discussions around safer mobility and parking infrastructure for the greater.
Speaker 6: Five Points neighborhood.
Speaker 1: Thank you again. Please vote yes tonight in favor of the zoning change.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Eileen Feltman. So Eileen Feltman. Yes. Okay. No worries. Well, we'll ask our producers to go ahead, please. Okay.
Speaker 2: Yes, my name is Eileen Saltman, and I live within about 400 feet from this proposed development. I've been a resident of Curtis Park for 43 years, and I stand in strong opposition to this proposed rezoning that would allow five and seven stories on Larimer Street.
Speaker 1: And five stories on.
Speaker 2: Lawrence Street. I would like to agree with the the resident of the 2500 block of Lawrence Street. Subsection D should not be our section due. Should not be included in this. All the houses, all the everything on the 2500 block of Lawrence Street is 100% residential, consisting of single family homes, small, three storey condominium buildings and three storey townhomes. That really that segment should be handled by itself. It is not appropriate for the part of this request. I believe that the proposed title, although the general concept of the development.
Speaker 1: I am.
Speaker 2: In support of, I.
Speaker 1: Firmly.
Speaker 2: Opposed to it and request that you deny it based on that it really is not an appropriate use of a p you d filing each of these sub areas can be addressed with the current zoning. One thing is proposed heights are not appropriate, are not supported by nor consistent with our Northeast Neighborhood Plan, which is due to three stories. Currently, the majority of them are IMAX three or Jimmu three, which, if they include 10% affordable housing as they're being offered, each of those can go up to four stories with the new proposed affordability. This developer is not giving anything more than 10%. Yet they're asking for five stories inappropriately on Lawrence, five stories on the 2500 block of Lerma Street and five and seven stories on the 2600 block of Larimer. But they're not offering more than 10%, 60% ammo. They are not offering.
Speaker 1: Additional.
Speaker 2: Affordable units available for home ownership. Income, restricted homeownership to add stability and to the neighborhood and opportunities for wealth building. The I so I just don't understand why when other developers will get a higher.
Speaker 1: Incentive to for.
Speaker 2: For offering 10%. Why should the city be granting these developers five and seven when they're not offering more? They're they're just not. The proposed grocery store are. The other things they think that would be important is.
Speaker 1: Issues.
Speaker 2: About safety. The loading of a grocery store on 26 and Lawrence would be inappropriate and of safety issues there privatizing the alley. It will no longer be a place that can.
Speaker 0: Okay.
Speaker 2: Got it. Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Stuart Zoll.
Speaker 1: Good evening, City Council. My name is Stuart Zoll, the president and founder of Denver, based and rhino based all commercial real estate. I'm here to speak.
Speaker 6: In support of the rezoning. And if you look at.
Speaker 1: Some of the great retail nodes.
Speaker 8: Across the country, it's all about.
Speaker 1: Having a critical.
Speaker 8: Mass of retail.
Speaker 1: Integrated with mixed use.
Speaker 6: Of housing and affordable housing. And right.
Speaker 1: Now.
Speaker 6: The demand in Rhino for retail.
Speaker 1: Is off the charts, but there's no place to put them. So what?
Speaker 6: EDENS Coming in and being able to create more.
Speaker 1: Retail, it will create a much better.
Speaker 6: Shopping environment and will create more sales tax revenue for the city.
Speaker 1: Right now, they've done a.
Speaker 6: Fantastic job with outdoor brands from Burton to Patagonia, and Rhino is getting.
Speaker 1: National recognition. However, the other brands that want to come in.
Speaker 6: First to market, they're not even talking about other parts of Denver. They want to be in Rhino. There's no place to put them. So I love their plan. I hope you will support it. It's good for Rhino and it's good for Denver and good for Colorado. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Sue Glass Smucker. I'm sorry if I missed pronounce your name. And then our last person in person and then we're going to transition to virtually is Donna Goucher is me. So go ahead, please.
Speaker 2: Oh. Um, Sue Glass, smoker. I live in Curtis Park, and I've been a long term resident there. I'm concerned. I am opposed to this project because I'm concerned more about the character of Curtis Park. We're an unusual neighborhood, surrounded completely by commercial and busy streets.
Speaker 1: And.
Speaker 2: Welton Street, Park Avenue and Larimer and Reno. Y'know, is like a monster right now. It's exploding and it eats up everything around it. And it start to eat up in Curtis Park. And, you know, we've seen it go to certain things.
Speaker 3: How do you do that?
Speaker 2: We've seen it go into coal mining, going to coal and such like that. Now it's all right. Why not just gets bigger and bigger? I don't want to be part of that. I know. And because we have such a distinct personality, being the oldest street car neighborhood in Denver, which houses the first park in the game in Denver Public Park. So I think that this isn't a bad plan. It's just in the wrong spot and it's coming in to Curtis Park. Our neighborhood plan says that three stories and residential. This does not fit the neighborhood plan and blueprint Denver. You know I shouldn't do that group of. I think this is the parcel that needs to be cleaned up, developed and resolved. But I think it needs to do in response to what our surroundings are. And we're not a five storey neighborhood and there's different ways of doing transitions. And that was this was all set up in our neighborhood plan. There was a lot of foresight into that. And apparently it has worked extremely well because we haven't had a lot of rezoning, but we certainly have had a boom of a development, including Curtis Park. So I want to keep Curtis Park and keep the character and I don't want to lose our edges. And this is just, y'know, eating away at us. It's not about a personality. It's not about the project being good or bad. I think it's good. I think it's in the wrong spot and I think we should follow the process that we were. You should follow your own rules and follow.
Speaker 0: Move onto our next speaker. Appreciate it. If a council member questions, they can call you back out.
Speaker 2: For the neighborhood plan.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Deonna go, uca.
Speaker 3: You got close. All right. Hey, I'm Diana Goucher. I'm at 36 Larimer Street. I've been there since 2013. I'm in support of the project. I'm going to save a lot of comments about Edens and Tom Kyler, which other people will share. They're fantastic. With more specific focus on the project itself in the Zone. In a previous hearing, you guys were a part of that. A supporter mentioned a 50 minute community, and since COVID 19, we've seen this resurgence and desire for a 15 minute community, which is having accessibility of basic needs within a 15 minute drive. And 15 minute communities are built on five minute neighborhoods, which is what Ryan was trying to become a five minute neighborhood. Simply put, is making sure that food and necessities are locally available. It's creating green spaces. It's housing people, specifically enough people and a diverse population to frequent and support local businesses. You have to have people to frequent these businesses, creating walkability and bringing in schools or maintaining schools. The proposed project checks all these boxes Save the Schooling piece, and schools in the area have spoken support in previous hearings for this project. It's a Suz comment. You know, talking about the streetcar neighborhood, I think the five minute neighborhood concept is trying to bring back sort of the old time concept of local neighborhoods in a new way. And unfortunately, sometimes that comes with higher density, but the benefits of that, I think, greatly outweigh the the offset of traffic and things that come to the neighborhood. But really trying to create a community and where we have the ability to interact as a community. I truly feel that in today's and today's environment we have so much disconnection and so much uncertainty. And I think now more than ever, we need a connectivity and we need a community that's going to be able to bring us all back together. And I think creating neighborhoods like this will really accentuate that the proposed rezone will allow this community to grow in a more connected and vibrant way, and I enthusiastically support it. Thanks for your.
Speaker 1: Time.
Speaker 0: Thank you. We're going to go back to the Zoom platform. Vanessa Quintanilla. Do we have Vanessa? Nope. Shawn Campbell.
Speaker 1: Good evening. Thank you, council for having us this evening. Or or I guess. Happy first day of summer here at 1203. I am. My name is John Campbell. I'm CEO of Formative. We've been residents in the Reno Arts District for years and have been investors in our little community since 2010. Co-Founder of Industry Projects on Brighten Up at 38th and Lake Street Station as well, where we're investors long term and really consider ourselves much like Tom in Edens as community builders. I think what Edens is proposing and we're in strong favor of is really helping to build a vibrant community that's starting to grow. You know, this is our old warehouse district that's been surrounded by really great historic communities that continue to thrive as well. But our retail sector and what is happening along Larimer, Walnut and Blake Street are important and supporting that through, you know, higher density and thoughtful development in design and architecture and planning is important. Denver's become a really modern city. A lot of folks, as we all know, want to move here. That provides pressure on affordability, housing, job creation, education. It goes down the list. But what's important is that we're listening to each other and working together. And I think that's what Tom and Edens has done very thoughtfully in his community meetings, in his outreach. I know that we've shared simple things like trying to get trash cans on the street and rhino, which was a big win for me when I was part of the rhino, our board, and getting crosswalks and stop signs at dangerous intersections. So it's not all about density. Tom and Edens are community builders. They're here to stay. They've invested a lot in the community, much like ourselves. I think that their design and their thoughtfulness about utilitarian, retail and the blend of national and.
Speaker 8: Local retailers is.
Speaker 1: Important. But their affordability at 10% at 68. Mine is a lot more than other developers and other projects that have got approved, and I think they should be commended for that. I think we need to be thoughtful that as our city grows to get affordability, that we're going to have to get dense and density is is going to provide us the.
Speaker 8: Ability to.
Speaker 1: Provide other forms of housing and affordability that we don't currently have. So I'm fully in favor of this. I support what they've been doing to date at Denver Central Market and in the neighborhood. And I think that they're going to do an incredible job going forward. Thanks for your time.
Speaker 0: You. Our next speaker is Hugo Quintana. And I had them virtually. Do we have you go now? Okay. And then we have Hugo. Canton Junior had them in chambers. Okay. Looks like we don't have them with us. All Watson.
Speaker 1: My name is Darryl Watson. Good morning.
Speaker 8: Members of council. I'm a 30 year resident of Denver. I reside in the Whittier neighborhood.
Speaker 1: I'm here to.
Speaker 8: Speak in favor and ask the Denver City Council to.
Speaker 6: Approve the.
Speaker 8: Creation of this custom body.
Speaker 1: Be reticent of me not to, you know, speak to the folks.
Speaker 8: Who are here tonight. I'm really not in favor because of their perceptions that the pretty varied building heights and mixed use ground floor in Lawrence does not exactly reflect the 2011 Northeast Downtown Neighborhood Plans maps. I respect the folks who are here and speaking to that.
Speaker 1: Point as a foreman or president.
Speaker 8: In this city council district.
Speaker 1: I would carefully their primary concern.
Speaker 8: With the extensive community process by Curtis Park, our neighbors, and a final position of support by super majority of the iron ore board. They looked at that possible question between Blueprint Denver as well as between the neighborhood and area plan, and they came through a decision to support this process. The Arnaud's support for this is consistent with their.
Speaker 1: Past support for other nearby rezonings.
Speaker 8: Along Lawrence that work together to create a special node here, incorporating mixed use while being primarily residential. This custom PUD request meets the review criteria. I encourage Denver City Council to vote yes.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Julie Roop from. And then after Juli, we have Javon Taylor. Go ahead, please.
Speaker 2: Hi. City council members. This is probably the latest state up in five years. So excuse my scattered. My name is Julie Reuben. Some. I live at 2800 Curtis Street. I stand in opposition to this project. My main three concerns are the height, the height and public safety. We have been relying on the area plan for years and if it's outdated, we didn't have a chance. We weren't privy to any any constellation made on that plan. We didn't expect the planning board to suddenly say that doesn't count and blueprint Denver does. We had enjoyed our three stories. It's consistent with the transition into Reno. It's consistent for Larimer and Laurence Streets. The one of the greatest benefits about Denver. It's a city of sunshine and mountains. Which I'm sorry I'm using this, which adds immeasurably to the quality of life on a daily basis. These heights will deny any views from the enjoining properties and will cast a little more into the shadows. Further, this project awaits public safety in the area. Too many cars, trucks, scooters, pedestrians, electric bikes, regular bikes, skateboards, busses, motorcycles, Ubers lifts. And let's not leave out petty caps, tech trucks and our famous banjo, Billy's pedal bars. The noise and jumble of multi-modal vehicles will not only impair quality, but also our safety and sanity. There will not be adequate parking for the residents and patrons of the proposed retail and housing, which will further, further erode our precious quality of life. I urge you to deny this application and to restore the integrity of the area plan which has served us so well. Thank you for listening.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is John Taylor.
Speaker 1: Everybody. I'm John Taylor here representing Green Spaces, the new CEO on Earth and Green Space is a proud community partner of this project. Historically, Green Spaces has been a coworking space. We're positioning more as a community hub where.
Speaker 7: We give small businesses, local artists.
Speaker 1: Community members resources as well as opportunities. And in our release, our relationship with Edens has lasted over the last two years.
Speaker 7: It started with Tom giving me an opportunity to open up my first retail store, and from there I built to coordinating different urban restoration projects, adding more greenery to the range of five points area.
Speaker 1: And now we're coordinating the incubator program where we're giving small businesses access to.
Speaker 7: Retail space and.
Speaker 1: Resources in an area where many can't afford to be. So I think this project really addresses a lot of huge needs the community needs as far as like retaining talent, as far as community development, as well as, like I said, allowing.
Speaker 7: Small businesses, minority owned.
Speaker 1: Businesses, opportunity to occupy a space where it allows small businesses who can't afford to be in. But beyond that, you know, I think this project really addresses the urban like urban heat island effect, you know, with adding more green spaces to the area as well as providing grocery stores in a food desert. And I think Tom has done is due diligence and getting the necessary and proper community partners to really make this project something really special and something transformational for the area. And I hope you guys vote yes. Mike Evans.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is a really Joe Martinez. And just to let folks know after a really so we're going to go back to the virtual platform and we have Ali Duncan. But go ahead, Mr. Martinez.
Speaker 1: Good evening, everyone. My name is Leo Martinez and I do live in Curtis Park. Lived there all my life. I want to start with the blueprint, Denver, because this is the criteria Edens used to justify submitting their application for 3D blueprint. Denver is clearly being used as a loophole by Edens in order to get their application approved. Blueprint Denver Focus Group at Denver's Focus and goal is to have Denver neighborhoods have a plan in place. Here's a quote from Blueprint Denver that the Neighborhood Planning Initiative provides the greatest opportunity for covering all of Denver with small area plans that provide more specific guidance than Blueprint in Denver. When you read Blueprint in Denver, you will see it focuses on the need for every neighborhood in Denver to put together a neighborhood plan blueprint. Denver indicates that when a neighborhood plan is in place, developers should adhere to the guidelines and meet the criteria of the neighborhood plan. I have in my hand the 73 of northeast downtown neighborhood plan. That's specifically sets the criteria for three story building height. On the blocks, Aiden is requesting five and seven story buildings. The criteria and guidelines within northeast downtown Denver plans are extremely vital for the safety and public welfare of its residents. The truth. Traffic alone that Eden's project will bring to the neighborhood creates a dangerous situation for residents, especially for children and parents. Walking to university prep elementary school two blocks away, ongoing street edens ignored northeast Denver northeast downtown neighborhood plans and instead went to select two selected residents with a display of bell bells and whistles in hopes of gathering support for the project development. It's not hard to impress people when you show them a Bugatti while they drive a Ford Fiesta. A few Curtis Park residents took to the streets and knocked on doors in a couple of weekends and collected 107 signatures in opposition surpassing surpassing the signature of support. Eden's development does not meet the zoning criteria and is not consistent with the Northeast. Then downtown neighborhood plan heights and where will represent and will present an extreme danger to the safety and the public welfare of nearby residents. With increased traffic on Lawrence and Raphael, as well as increased traffic through adjacent neighborhoods, I pray and hope City Council members see that this application does not meet the meet your criteria in order to move forward with approval and hope using this application.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Ali Duncan.
Speaker 3: Hi. Thanks for having me on. My name is Ali Duncan and I am born.
Speaker 2: In.
Speaker 3: Colorado, born and raised. And I also own a property and a business on Walton Street. And I am the president of the Heart of Five Points Neighborhood Association. I am so excited about this project and being a part.
Speaker 2: Of the conversation. Working with Tom.
Speaker 3: Keller and Green Spaces with Javon to start to bring greenery into the neighborhood has been really enjoyable.
Speaker 2: For just not Walton Street, but also moving.
Speaker 3: Into Larimer to see what they're doing and then connecting all the neighborhoods together. So it's so important to me being a black female business owner and property owner in Denver, to have a company that supports the marginalized community. So five points is a historical black district.
Speaker 2: And to go back and look over all the changes that have been made.
Speaker 3: It's so refreshing to have a company that comes in to support black women's businesses and the Bipoc community. So I am thrilled to be.
Speaker 0: Supporting.
Speaker 3: This project and I hope that everyone at the Council will also do the same and see the importance of it also.
Speaker 2: So thank you so much for your time.
Speaker 0: Next up, we have LaFleur Kevin.
Speaker 1: Hello. My name is Kevin McClure. I live at 34th and Larimer. I know it, but this is 2013. I'm the president of our. We're a group of 11 townhomes there at the corner of 34th and Larimer. And I actually submitted a petition in opposition.
Speaker 7: Signed by all 11 homeowners of our complex in opposition of this development.
Speaker 1: First, I want to say we are not anti-development. And speaking for myself, the reason I move to right now is because I could see what it was going to be. I am pleasantly.
Speaker 7: Surprised where it is and I can't.
Speaker 1: Wait to see what it's going to become. I have no plans of moving in either to any of my neighbors within a one.
Speaker 7: Block radius of us. Right now there is a 12.
Speaker 1: Story apartment building that has.
Speaker 8: Broken ground, an eight storey office building and a three story hotel.
Speaker 1: We're in favor of all of them. But this corridor, Larimer, Laurence, where it's butting up against the historical neighborhood, the transitional street, to the more commercial zone of Reno, we feel is special. We feel that if this goes to seven stories beyond the IMAX three three story, now that every single developer coming in from here on out is going to point to this development and.
Speaker 7: Try to emulate not only.
Speaker 1: These heights, but even go go higher. And what would the reasoning be that they couldn't do that if they got this seven story building in there on Larimer Street? It's again, we're not anti-development. It seems like a really wonderful project. Everything they're bringing in and the people that have worked with this.
Speaker 8: Developer.
Speaker 1: Before have nothing but glowing things to say. So I.
Speaker 7: Assume everything that I've.
Speaker 1: Heard is a wonderful.
Speaker 7: Conscientious developer, but not at this block, not at this neighborhood.
Speaker 1: The zoning that had been determined with this image three in Larimer is a is a transitional street between Curtis Park and Rhino has obviously done really well. I mean, nobody can say that Larimer and Rhino has hindered any growth.
Speaker 7: And what is also nice is that.
Speaker 1: The people in Curtis Hart were in some some of those homes along the 130 year plus old homes that they have lives and that their lifestyle is maintained if buildings go above three and.
Speaker 7: Four and five stories.
Speaker 1: Along that corridor, what about these people who live there? They can't garden because they're literally in the shadows.
Speaker 7: And their lifestyle is, you know, is it's a detrimental effect.
Speaker 1: So we are in opposition for those reasons. And we hope that you vote in our favor in opposition.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Our next speaker is Alan Balfe, and we're going to.
Speaker 1: Go back to that. Had. Excuse me. I was born.
Speaker 8: Raised.
Speaker 1: And have resided in my entire life here in Denver. My wife and I have owned our.
Speaker 8: Business and Commercial Property.
Speaker 1: Studio to be a retail furniture showroom located at 2527 Larimer.
Speaker 8: Street.
Speaker 1: For the last 14 years. Our building sits across from the street from both of the parcels under redevelopment consideration. One of the parcels, which is directly across the street from our building and is located between 25th and 26th Street. Currently the property has three old, blighted, decrepit and unusable structures that have seen better times, including the now vacant.
Speaker 8: IMAX laboratory.
Speaker 1: Building on the north end. A turn of the century, vacant, boarded up house in the middle of the parcel, and to the south.
Speaker 8: Sits an old.
Speaker 1: Two storey brick building that's been long vacant, is structurally unsound and dangerous, and with a roof that is on the verge of.
Speaker 8: Completely collapsing.
Speaker 1: Is a serious.
Speaker 8: And imminent danger.
Speaker 1: To the public. Frankly, I, as well as my neighbors, are surprised that this structure has never been condemned. And ordered by the city building department to be demolished. These three structures serve no useful purpose and are beyond any consideration of thoughtful restoration. They only.
Speaker 7: Exist as an eyesore to the public.
Speaker 1: And surrounding neighborhood and have long been a nuisance. Properties. The property has been a lightning rod for illicit criminal conduct, including but not limited to drug dealing.
Speaker 8: Vagrancy.
Speaker 1: Violence and vandalism. Additionally, and most recently, among other infractions.
Speaker 8: An attempted arson that occurred last year.
Speaker 1: On December 31st, which the Denver district attorney attorney's office is now investigating. This ongoing and unchecked criminal activity.
Speaker 8: Has negatively affected our.
Speaker 1: Business and adjacent neighborhood associations for the last 14.
Speaker 8: Years and needs.
Speaker 1: To change. In conclusion, the proposed project will be a welcome change and proof and prove to be a modern, comprehensive and thoughtful urban design plan for the betterment of the neighborhood and surrounding areas. Meeting the Goals and Visions of Blueprint Denver. I sincerely believe that if approved, this project will serve as inspiration for other communities and youths and municipalities and will be emulated here and abroad. I respectfully.
Speaker 8: Ask that the council moves.
Speaker 1: To approve the Five Points.
Speaker 8: Larimer and Lawrence Project.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Q Our next speaker is Bill West.
Speaker 2: I'm slow.
Speaker 1: A little out of the.
Speaker 2: Politicians.
Speaker 1: It was for my opposition related to a quotation, but my recent article in Westword, in which Tom Tyler sets forth his companies argument for Eaton Peabody. One of the very small part of that is that these are Tom kind of words. Our argument, that is Aden's argument obviously, is what better place to bring more stuff to? You're on Larry Street, which is one of the major transportation corridors. You should be bringing density to places like that. So Edens will bring will provide.
Speaker 0: More stuff.
Speaker 1: And density and in the process, overturn height restrictions set by current neighborhood plans instead of three stories on Larimer. It will be allowed to build to seven stories and on Lawrence and instead of three stories to five. Furthermore, the period will allow will allow Edens to change the zoning of one full half block of lawns from residential to commercial so that a grocery store, a hardware store, etc. could be put in place. Lawrence, I would remind you, is a two lane street. One lane in each direction. Grocery stores and hardware stores need to be restocked routinely, which means truck traffic as well as customer traffic on top of local traffic, causing safety, pollution and quality of life issues for residents of Lawrence, as well as for those living in the immediate vicinity of historic Curtis Park. Allowing an aggressive developer like Edens, the headquarters in Washington, D.C., to come to Denver and set new zoning regulations designed to benefit corporate interests, sets a dangerous precedent with almost certain negative consequences for both Lawrence Lawrence Corridor and the KURTIS Park neighborhood. We urge you not to approve of this feud. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is in person is Brian Cox and wanted to let folks know that from this point forward in the public hearing, all of the speakers have checked that they are for this item. So we have 25 more speakers. And so of the 25 speakers, take all 3 minutes. We're going to be here about 75 minutes. So just want to encourage folks again, if you feel like you're repeating what somebody said or or just the same briefing, your comments would be much appreciated. Go ahead, please, sir.
Speaker 1: Hello. My name is Brian Cox. I live in Curtis Park and serve as president of Curtis Park Neighbors and represent our board tonight, which has voted to support the rezoning proposal. Two points I wanted to speak to the Curtis Park neighbors process and feedback of neighbors and a particular item of the rezoning criteria items. First, the first neighborhood more than a year ago to share their vision. They presented a multiple CPE and board meetings and general meetings, hosted multiple open houses, met with specific groups such as Park, which is equal to the site as well as many one on one. Such were their existing properties and their plans solicited feedback from neighbors via a letter and a meeting that was held in person as well as available via Zoom. In the end, 71 neighbors supported support for the proposal, 13 were opposed and nine undecided, three of which were leaning towards support. While not unanimous, we felt feedback was heavily in favor of supporting the proposal. Neighbors cited many of the things we've talked about as reasons for support for housing. Neighborhood survey. Retail. Such as a grocery. Residential. Live work units. A Lawrence interactive open space through the interior of the project. Substantial parking and the use of a pool to ensure that the development of this particular proposed project has benefits. This brings us to the second point, which is the first item on the rezoning criteria consistency with adopted plans. I think this is one of the more controversial topics for this particular proposal. It states the proposed official map and then it is consistent with the city's adopted plans for the proposed rezoning is necessary to provide land for a community need that was not anticipated at the time of adoption. The city's plan. I believe in this case. This proposal meets both of these criteria from the adopted neighborhood plans. Land Use Concept Section. Urban residential neighborhoods are higher density, primarily residential, but may include a noteworthy number of complementary commercial uses in northeast downtown. Urban residential uses tend to be located in areas that transition from historic residential neighborhoods to more intense mixed use neighborhoods. A mixture of housing types is present, including historic single family houses, townhouses, small multi-family apartments and sometimes mid to high rise residential structures. Per the map attached to the neighborhood plan, the Lawrence Corridor is identified as an urban residential area, as a as a the second half of the criteria, while the neighborhood plan height guidelines generally call for three stories in this area of the neighborhood. For context, the Northeast Neighborhood Plan was adopted in 2011, although not anticipated at the time the plan was adopted. This area has organically evolved into the commercial and retail hub of the neighborhood at the intersection of multimodal transportation, with 26th Street as a designated bikeway, 27th as a designated pedestrian walkway and public transportation. A lot of the community feedback clearly spoke to the need this project fills, which was not envisioned five years ago. In addition to the previously stated benefits of the project cited by neighbors, Edens as recently committed to a small business incubator program and artist residency exchange program and even more affordable housing, with at least 10% of units at a max of 60% and by more than would be required by the expanding housing for housing affordability time lot.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Kim Choi.
Speaker 1: Good evening, City Council members my name is Tim Choi, previous owner, family owner with Jose Liquors. I am in support for this change of zoning. I love the development of Edens. We worked closely with them to sell our business and we got to see the plans ahead. I think it's very thoughtful. They are all about diversity, inclusion, and I am quite. Thank you.
Speaker 0: All right. Thank you. Keith Pryor is our next speaker, followed by John Hayden.
Speaker 1: Good morning, counsel. Thank you so much for staying with us. Keith Pryor, Curtis Park, neighbors live on 24th in Tampa in support at this time has been amazing. This project, as we talk about does meet the criteria. And I want to address a couple of different things on one to the conflict between Blueprint Denver and the Northeast area plan. So yes, it is called out for three stories, but in that northeast area plan, it does call out for having other community benefits. And this project has significant community benefits, outdoor open space. It is also one of the other pieces that I want to address is the pod. And so this project if it were to go straight zoning into today's IMAX CMCs three, five, eight with the new affordable housing, they would be able to get the additional floor height because they are providing the affordable housing component. But what this Pudi does is it allows for setbacks. And the setbacks are critical because it transitions and it recesses to deal with light issues and how it impacts the adjacent neighborhoods. And also through having the setbacks and through having the Pudi allows it to basically say they're setting a very high bar. And so this is not a precedent setting rezoning. If others along the corridor want to provide the amount of extra care and thought and open space and affordability and workforce housing and setbacks, then yes, I think that that is very worth wanting to see if we want to allow these extra heights along the corridor, given the additional community benefits that this project is bringing forth for our community, and why we and why I am supporting it is because it does bring forth all of these additional community benefits which the Northeast Area plan would allow for and does want additional heights because it is bringing these community benefits forward. We are entering into a community benefit agreement with Edens as a part of this program, and so I encourage you to support this project because not only does it check all the boxes, not only does it do a lot of benefits for Bipoc community, it really goes above and beyond. And so those precedent settings, I would love to see it if they want to bring this on throughout the corridor for all of the community benefits, I would be more supportive. I would love to see this duplicated because it is such a great community and it is really raising the bar for a rezoning. So I do support this and I encourage you to as well. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Next speaker is John Hayden.
Speaker 1: Good evening. Good morning. Members of.
Speaker 2: Council, thank you.
Speaker 1: For your time. My name is John Hayden.
Speaker 2: I live at 24th in Tampa.
Speaker 1: I'm a long term resident of Curtis Park neighborhood. I'm here in enthusiastic support of this rezoning. And the one thing.
Speaker 2: I think.
Speaker 1: I could add that hasn't been said already is you're hearing a lot of fear about density and high impact on traffic and tall buildings on the Curtis Park neighborhood. I love Curtis Park dearly, and I.
Speaker 2: Work every day for that.
Speaker 1: Neighborhood. And I believe that the transition from the two story neighborhood to a Larimer is really appropriate. It's very gradual. It goes from two stories in the neighborhood, up to three stories across Arapahoe, up to four stories at the far end of Arapahoe, and finally up to Larimer, where it reaches five and seven. And that's an appropriate gradation.
Speaker 2: That.
Speaker 1: Respects.
Speaker 2: The historic district.
Speaker 1: In terms of traffic. This project that's being proposed is.
Speaker 2: Nowhere.
Speaker 1: Near as.
Speaker 2: Large as the projects we've already seen built.
Speaker 1: On our east side on.
Speaker 2: Welton Street.
Speaker 1: And those projects had not resulted in.
Speaker 2: Incredible.
Speaker 1: Traffic and crowds and accidents and dangerous situations. So I don't see why this smaller project would cause any danger.
Speaker 2: To our.
Speaker 1: Neighborhood. I think it will bring us great benefit and I hope that you'll approve it. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Amy Meyer. And it doesn't look like we have Amy with us. All right, Bill Mushkin. It doesn't look like we have Bill with us, Charlie Billingsley. All right. Doesn't look like Charlie. You're accepting the promotion that our producers are trying to give you. So we'll come back to you, Charlie.
Speaker 2: We.
Speaker 1: Okay.
Speaker 0: We'll see where we're at with that. Chris Riddell.
Speaker 1: Oh, it looks. It looks like.
Speaker 2: Awesome. I'm here. So my name is Charlie Billingsley, founder of the Museum for Black Girls and Culture Museum, which is.
Speaker 1: Right in the corner of.
Speaker 2: 26th and Walnut Behind Voice Box. I'm also a Denver native. I grew up about 10 minutes away from this historical area, so I'm really familiar with all of the changes that have kind of happened over the years. Edens and Tom Tyler have been essential to revitalizing the five points and bringing vibrancy to this community. They have also been essential in providing.
Speaker 1: Opportunities and spaces.
Speaker 2: To small, minority and women owned businesses, which was not easily.
Speaker 1: Accessible prior.
Speaker 2: To this. Through Edens.
Speaker 1: We specifically have been able to.
Speaker 2: Expand our reach to impact the community in Denver through our museum, as well as expand to other markets and cities. And the pandemic caused us to close our business in 2020. So without Edens, we would have never been able to reopen our doors again and grow as vastly and as quickly as we have. I think this speaks to Eton's character. They are truly a unique company that cares about the city of Denver, its residents, artists, businesses, and the sustainability.
Speaker 1: For small businesses.
Speaker 2: They have done an amazing job building trust and connection in our community, and as.
Speaker 1: Denver has quickly.
Speaker 2: Grown, it's important for the city to grow with that as well. So I'm of this. I am in favor and in support of the concept and hope that you guys will vote yes as well. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Our next speaker is. Chris. Right down.
Speaker 1: Good morning. I'll keep it quick. I've been resident rhino and five points for nine years. Same neighborhood go from 100% industrial to 95 plus percent. Next use.
Speaker 8: Walks my daughter down 26th street for four years and 26.
Speaker 1: Walnut and I think that particular area. Is in dire need of activation.
Speaker 7: Additionally, neighborhood retail.
Speaker 1: Malls, I think, would dramatically reduce traffic. We are one car, family, two kids, and I am musically in support.
Speaker 8: Of obedience and the.
Speaker 1: Reason. Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Our next speaker is Crystal Whitney.
Speaker 1: Yes. Can you hear me? Can you hear me?
Speaker 0: Yes, we can.
Speaker 1: Go ahead. Good morning, City Council. My name is Chris Whitney and I'm an attorney at Raytheon, Mohammed VI, and we're located on 27th and Lawrence, which is right across the street from the proposed development site. And I'm here today to offer my support for Eton's rezoning and development proposal. I sincerely believe this project would be a valuable addition to our neighborhood. The project will provide much needed retail that will serve the community. It'll also provide a lot more parking. One of the things that I also support about this project is that it incorporates minority owned and women owned businesses. And which I feel is very important for such a diverse community. This project will also support the work of local artists, which is fitting for the area which is becoming known for its vibrant street art. This project's an important step forward to support and preserve our local businesses and artists of color something we need more than ever . In the Five Points and Denver as a whole. The most important aspect of Eden's proposal will be the much needed affordable housing that this project will provide. If there's one thing the city needs, it's more affordable housing. So all these components help our neighborhood thrive and grow while also embracing and preserving the important cultural diversity that the community is known for around the city. So I support this proposal because I believe it will be it will be something that will be special for the neighborhood. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Q Our next speaker is in person and chambers. Alexis Healey.
Speaker 3: Thank you, council members. My name is Alexis Healey. I am a CPA and I am a homeowner in Reno. This Larimer Laurence project will be right across the street from my home. My quality of life is greatly enhanced by the walkability of Denver. I walk a mile downtown to work and back. I walk about a mile to Holy Ghost Church for Mass on Sunday, and I walk to Safeway and carry groceries home. I also walk the vibrant street of Larimer and go to the bars, restaurants and local shops. I believe wholeheartedly that this project will elevate my quality of life further with additional commercial development. And all of this will be right across the street from my home and not a mile away. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Dr. Maly Reddy.
Speaker 2: Do we do? We will do.
Speaker 0: Okay. It sounds like Dr.. Ready? You need to accept the promotion from our producers. We'll go ahead and move on. Jason Maple. We don't have Jason with us, Joe Walters. Do we have Joe Walters? Okay. Okay. It doesn't look like we've got Dr. Reddy accepting the promotion. So can we go to Joe?
Speaker 1: Joe, I am. I am. Ma'am, this is Dr. Reddy calling from. I'm in Italy right now. I stayed up all night because I wanted to convey my message.
Speaker 7: Now and then. I am.
Speaker 1: The resident of Cherry Hills and a resident of Colorado for.
Speaker 7: 45 years. And I am the.
Speaker 1: President of the American Dairy and Food Consulting Labs and Internet.
Speaker 7: Media.
Speaker 1: Located in Denver.
Speaker 7: I'm speaking in favor of the zoning.
Speaker 1: Bill for changing the zoning classification. Although I am in Tuscany, Italy, with a time difference of 8 hours from Denver as a citizen of the United States in good.
Speaker 7: Standing.
Speaker 1: I wanted to give my positive testimony in this regard.
Speaker 7: For rezoning for the.
Speaker 1: Following reasons. Number one, Tom Keller, the managing director of the agency, is a highly educated Harvard graduate who has a dedicated himself genuinely to improve the Larmour and Laurence Street. Mr. Schuyler has earned the.
Speaker 7: Reputation of being an honest gentleman who.
Speaker 1: Is down to earth, reliable and honest, because of his caring nature and empathy towards the humanity. Number two, as a president of our company, I ran our business for the past 25 years.
Speaker 7: 2558 amnesty, which was not.
Speaker 1: Considered as the best.
Speaker 7: Secured neighborhood.
Speaker 1: Because it was.
Speaker 7: It was.
Speaker 1: Crime oriented at the time. Number three, ever since Eden started.
Speaker 7: To revitalize the.
Speaker 1: Lorimer and Lawrence Street.
Speaker 7: The topography and the landscape of this state totally changed.
Speaker 1: Of course, there was a positivity and has been appreciated and applauded. But all the businesspeople and the inhabitants around the Lama and lot number four Indians under the watch of Tom Keller wants to create a business incubator who helps and encourage the woman and to produce and increase the minority business ownership in the area. Number five. Indians also wants to help the Volunteers of America through infusion of funds and as a joint partner to help the humanity.
Speaker 7: Number six He.
Speaker 1: Does want and will create affordable housing in the area and also create a 15 minute commute by walk to attend any of the daily chores without having to drive their car to prevent pollution and traffic. Number seven. Considering the 8.6% inflation in the United States, several American citizens need help to cope with the ever increasing housing and energy costs, etc.. The commitment of.
Speaker 7: Regions to install, instill.
Speaker 1: Affordable housing and reduction in usage of the gasoline for the cars is a step in the right direction to create comfort and security for the citizens. In addition, it is aim to encourage the artists to have their galleries at an affordable cost in the neighborhood.
Speaker 7: And finally, in conclusion.
Speaker 0: It looks like we have Gibraltar's with us, Justin Anthony.
Speaker 1: Or morning. I am speaking as.
Speaker 7: Someone who not only has a child that goes to school in the neighborhood, but.
Speaker 1: Also as a business owner who is both having a.
Speaker 7: Business directly across from INS and Assist Project as well as to the side of it. And I want to express my strong support of this project because the housing and small business development component.
Speaker 1: And it also.
Speaker 7: Has the added benefit of offering a wealth of opportunities for.
Speaker 1: Local nonprofits, which is something we've always looked for with new.
Speaker 7: Additions to the neighborhood. I also genuinely appreciate and what I think has.
Speaker 1: Been conveyed by a lot of other people.
Speaker 7: The collaborative approach the organization has taken. And just lastly, to be really brief, a lot of people have commented on the potential negative impacts that this may have on US safety. I can tell you, as someone who has spent an inordinate amount of time there and operated there.
Speaker 1: That I have seen nothing.
Speaker 7: But positive impact on the.
Speaker 1: Safety and cleanliness of the neighborhood.
Speaker 2: Since it has been.
Speaker 7: Involved. And I would highly recommend.
Speaker 1: The Council to support this project. Thank you.
Speaker 0: This is John Dwight.
Speaker 1: Hello. And thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. My name is John. Dwight and I live on the 2500 block of Curtis Street. First, I just want to say that I have never seen a more exciting, comprehensive and diverse masterplan such as the Eden's plan for the this block and a half. Being able to walk to Rhino a couple of blocks and enjoy the restaurants and retail entertainment bars, galleries, just adds to what this neighborhood has gone in the direction of and what it continues to be in a very different way. This is an NFL development. We need housing in a big, big way. Not only affordable housing, but market rate housing. And this fills that need. This is an area where it goes. I do not believe the density with me being on Curtis Street will be impacted in any way or the height of this project only in a positive way. Everybody talks about wanting housing, whether it's affordable housing or market rate housing, until it's in their backyard. But we need housing everywhere, and this is the right place for it. It's walkable. It's the right area. It's a growing area. And I look forward to being able to see the activation that will help with the crime and things that we do experience in some of these areas between Curtis Park and and where this project is occurring. If you just sit back and listen and think about the Volunteers of America CEO comments earlier today or this evening, it speaks volumes as well as other speakers as to the true inclusionary and diverse project that this will become. A lot of developers at times are looking for things to do to fill the gap, to make this an inclusionary project. But this is really what they've done been able to do for Volunteers of America and that organization as well as others is really unprecedented. And they've done a heck of a job and would be honored to have the Edens development occur in our neighborhood. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Our next speaker is Stephen Bennett.
Speaker 1: Hey, my name is Stephen Bennett and I live on 29th in California in the historic district. And my prepared remarks sounded exactly like Keith Prior's just less eloquent. So I'm going to second what he said. In all seriousness, I'm very excited about this project Eden's plan, and specifically a small neighborhood grocery store. My primary mode of transportation is a bicycle. When I do drive in, the city is generally to a grocery store. So as to concerns about traffic, I think it's been mentioned before the 15 minute city, five minute walkable. For a lot of us in Curtis Park neighborhood, I believe it will cut down on traffic. And finally, I'm very excited for VOA and their ability to if they this goes through and they move headquarters from what I've heard growing the number of meals they serve potentially up to 50%. But while still maintaining their headquarters in Larimer, where they've had a presence for over 100 years. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Speaker is tie builder. That doesn't look like we have them here. Theresa Ortiz.
Speaker 2: Good morning, Kendall.
Speaker 3: My name is Teresa Ortiz, and I've been a resident of the 5.30 District neighborhood for 26 years. I grew up in the heart of Reno, off of 36th and Duncan Street, which means I have seen a lot of change over the last two decades. Much of.
Speaker 2: This change being in the form of.
Speaker 3: Positive neighborhood development that helps our city grow and thrive. I still live in the Rhino neighborhood and on our property there today, and I'm speaking to offer my support of the Five Points Larimer and.
Speaker 2: Lawrence Project.
Speaker 3: Proposed by Edens. I can vouch that Edens has been an integral member of our neighborhood, and their purpose of.
Speaker 2: Enriching communities is demonstrated every single day by how much they contribute to our.
Speaker 3: Community. And right now, as a Latina and business.
Speaker 2: Entrepreneur of my own. I also understand and appreciate the importance of creating opportunities for people of color like myself in.
Speaker 3: Order to succeed. Edens shares that commitment to create spaces.
Speaker 2: For women owned by POC entrepreneurs.
Speaker 3: So as a long time resident of Reno, I know.
Speaker 2: It's also important to continue building homes for our neighbors at different income levels.
Speaker 3: This project sets aside a certain number of homes for Denver residents earning no more than 60% AM-I.
Speaker 2: And that's really important for us as our city deals with this with such a tremendous housing shortage that impacts everyone in Denver. I'm very excited.
Speaker 3: To see the Five Points Larimer.
Speaker 2: Laura's project in the Rainbow neighborhood move forward and want to just mention that Tom Cuyler has been such an honorable and admirable mentor to our neighborhoods.
Speaker 3: So thank you.
Speaker 2: And I encourage all of you to support this proposal.
Speaker 5: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Brad Plaisance.
Speaker 1: Hi. My name is Fred Pleasants. I have lived on the 2900 block of South Street ten of the 15 years I've been here in Denver. I won't waste a lot of time reiterating what everyone else already said, but for our reason for support, mostly in this order is the Affordable and Workforce Housing the Small Business Incubator. Being a small business owner myself, the community covered seemed so divisive over the last few years and people walking to meet and go to these gathering places is wonderful and that's what makes a community. Other than that, I'm just here for support and you guys have a good night and thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Our next speaker is Brian Bass. And it looks like we don't have Brian with us. Brian Tobin. And we're not seeing Ryan either. Rob Gray. John. On, on, on.
Speaker 7: Good morning, city council. I'm going to just keep this really brief.
Speaker 1: I live on a 2900 block of Lawrence Street.
Speaker 7: And I'm a local business owner. I was introduced.
Speaker 1: To Tom a few months ago in my career, and I work with a lot of developers. And I'll just say that Tom and Edens.
Speaker 7: Is probably one of the most impressive developers that I've worked with. You know, their.
Speaker 1: Passion for creating.
Speaker 7: A community that benefits everybody, not just the top 10%, is really, really impressed me.
Speaker 1: And I'm I'm wholeheartedly in favor of this.
Speaker 7: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. It looks like we had Rob Gray. Robert Gray.
Speaker 1: My name is Robert Gray. I'm in support of what he is trying to do. I'm currently a tenant of the Friends.
Speaker 8: Of Art Gallery and one of their properties.
Speaker 1: Has been a dream come true. For me. To be a small business owner and have a opportunity to have a gallery as a room has opened up a lot of opportunities for me personally and also for our business.
Speaker 8: I'm a great.
Speaker 1: Supporter. I love what they're doing with the community. I've seen enough of other Bipoc businesses and really give people an opportunity to make their made their dreams come true with other local businesses. As the museum for black girl that was there. Our next door neighbor. So it's been great to work with not only time eaters but other big box retailers to really help us out and really get to know our community and provide opportunities like within Burberry and are going to burn and things like that. So I greatly appreciate the support of Tom and Ian's and everything that they're doing and I look forward to these opportunities continue.
Speaker 8: To spread into the community.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Rheumatol Thank you. Our next speaker is Nancy James. Do we have Nancy James with us. Okay. It looks like we don't. And so that concludes our speakers this evening. Appreciate all of the community members who signed up and spoke. Questions from members of Council on Council Bill 22. Dash 476. Councilmember Torres.
Speaker 2: Thank you.
Speaker 0: CBD. Just a question for you.
Speaker 2: A lot of what we've heard and I was reviewing the.
Speaker 0: Neighborhood plan was about the the difference between what the neighborhood plan allows and what the permissiveness of Blueprint was. Blueprint is pretty extensive in terms of the Five Points neighborhood and what what additional permission our future places allows.
Speaker 2: How much of.
Speaker 0: The neighborhood plan does it really kind of deem? Lower intensity than what blueprint will permit. This isn't going to be the only project along an entire stretch. Right, of Larimer Lawrence. That is going to be allowed to to rezone to. Be more intense than it currently is, or then that even the neighborhood plan allowed.
Speaker 8: Sure. So this map that I just pulled up shows the the the height recommendations from that plan. And you can see there that there are, you know, several kind of a corridor along Larimer, Lawrence and Arapahoe that have recommendations for three stories in the Northeast Downtowns Area Plan or neighborhoods plan. Well, you know, this would just rezone this one area is it is possible that another another applicant could propose a similar rezoning. I would note that the the adoption recently of the expanding housing affordability program does all now kind of automatically grant some increased height to other areas of the corridor that already have three and in some cases, five story zoning. But yes, so that, you know, this gives you a sense of kind of the area where that plan does have a lower height recommendation.
Speaker 2: Okay.
Speaker 0: But my my my question, I guess, is that. We're going to see more than likely a lot of utilization of that blueprint permission throughout that corridor without much, I think, pushback from the neighborhood plan. Right. Because Blueprint allows it.
Speaker 8: Well, I would say the blueprint, as a couple of the speakers mentioned, the blueprint does highlight the importance of neighborhood plans, but acknowledges that they do evolve over time and and sets forth some some considerations for when we have a conflict like this. And between the blueprint recommendation, that is a more sort of general higher level recommendation that, you know, for uses up to eight storeys in an area like this and you know, other other rezonings would be considered using those same exact the same exact factors as set forth in blueprint. And certainly there are other recommendations in the Northeast Downtowns Neighborhood Plan, Neighborhoods Plan that are furthered by this proposal. You know, the vibrant, walkable streets, a mix of uses in height is one element of the plan. But there are many other elements of the plan that would be furthered by this proposed rezoning.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Madam Chair.
Speaker 0: All right. Thank you, counsel. Pro tem to us, Councilman Cashman.
Speaker 6: Yeah. Thank you, Madam President. Andrew. Is this project coming in under the guidelines of the VHA?
Speaker 1: So this the affordable.
Speaker 8: Housing agreement that has been reached between host and the applicants here is in line with the enhanced requirements of VHA, which, if applied to standard zone districts somewhere, would allow those additional height incentives. However, this was this was developed in advance of that the adoption of that of those code amendments. And and so the I would say that the agreement on affordable housing is certainly modeled after what was being proposed at the time.
Speaker 6: So they're but they're not paying the new linkage fees. They're paying our obscenely low previous linkage fee.
Speaker 1: That is a good question.
Speaker 8: I'm not sure I can respond specifically to the linkage fee.
Speaker 1: There if you have some comments on it.
Speaker 2: Councilman Cashman. So just to put some context, the project actually technically would be exempt from the FHA because of the timing requirements.
Speaker 6: But because of the.
Speaker 2: The timing requirements of the exemptions, the June 30th and the August 30th deadline.
Speaker 1: The.
Speaker 2: Right behavior. However, the applicant felt really strongly that they wanted to provide the enhanced affordability required under the FHA for a high cost market, even though this is a typical house market. So pretending we weren't going to be exempt from the FHA. So to that.
Speaker 3: End, as you know, with the FHA.
Speaker 2: And the enhanced affordability round for retail is actually exempt from paying any linkage fee at all. So in this instance, we are paying the mortgage fee under the old rules for all of the nonresidential uses and we're voluntarily providing that 10% at 60%. Am I. Does that answer your question?
Speaker 6: Well, so you're paying the old linkage fee on the areas that you do pay linkage fee on?
Speaker 3: Yes, but we're in the VHA.
Speaker 2: We would actually be exempt from paying the ground.
Speaker 6: Just.
Speaker 1: On the ground floor element of it.
Speaker 6: But that. What percentage of the square feet is your ground floor retail? Any clue?
Speaker 2: About 20%. Okay.
Speaker 6: Any idea how many residential units you plan on building?
Speaker 1: Around 380 residential units currently across those two parcels. And how many square feet of commercial? Around 100,000 square feet of commercial uses. Retail uses of the ground.
Speaker 6: Effectively the complete ground floor.
Speaker 1: Because all the parking is below ground.
Speaker 6: Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
Speaker 0: You're welcome. Would you introduce yourself for the public record, please?
Speaker 1: Apologies. John McIntyre with probiotics.
Speaker 0: Great. Thank you. Council member state of Alaska.
Speaker 2: Q Just a question. When we deny our rezoning and it is consistent with the plan, we're often.
Speaker 3: Concerned that a developer will sue the city. In this case where you.
Speaker 2: Have community saying over and over that.
Speaker 3: It's not consistent with the neighborhood plan.
Speaker 2: And it's not. Do we have any liability?
Speaker 8: I think I would ask a representative from the city attorney's office to respond to that if possible.
Speaker 1: Wing members of council. Consultancy to back is your question. Are you questioning how we reconcile?
Speaker 3: Something like the city because we deny their plan. We're often very worried. But has there ever been a case where a community sues.
Speaker 2: The city when we.
Speaker 3: Approve something that was not.
Speaker 2: Consistent with the neighborhood plan?
Speaker 1: No, ma'am. So council has to stick to the criteria. And what I would suggest is that you take all the plans that the city has together, the comprehensive plan blueprint, Denver and the neighborhood plan, and see if you can reconcile those to support what is being requested this evening or this morning.
Speaker 3: And so if blue print is.
Speaker 2: The default in this situation, because it's the most general.
Speaker 3: And the most new. Why are we doing any neighborhood plans? If this is always the default.
Speaker 1: Well, I think the guidance and blueprint Denver is for for there to be small area plans for every neighborhood because. I think and I'll I'll defer to Andrew on this. But we want to. Boil down each neighborhood to what? What their specific parts are. So although we we see.
Speaker 7: Things on a global picture.
Speaker 1: It'd be nice for each neighborhood to have a very specific plan as to as to as to what that particular neighborhood wants.
Speaker 3: The most specific neighborhood level plan in this scenario.
Speaker 1: I'll defer to Andrew on that.
Speaker 8: Thank you. I'm sorry. You're asking, what is the most specific neighborhood plan in this particular rezoning?
Speaker 2: Yes.
Speaker 8: The applicable neighborhood plan is the Northeast Downtown Neighborhoods plan.
Speaker 2: And was there ever a proposal for that.
Speaker 3: Plan to be amended?
Speaker 1: I am not aware.
Speaker 8: Of of proposals for that plan to be amended.
Speaker 3: Got it. Thank you very much. That's it from my questions.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember CdeBaca. Councilmember Ortega.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Madam President. I do have a couple of questions and I'll start with you, Andrew. So actually the first one is not for you, but let me go to the ones that I do have for you. Okay? Let's see. Actually, these are these are for the applicants. So if I can have the applicant come up. Can you tell me if any existing businesses are being displaced as a result of the project? The I no one testified earlier that they were a willing seller, but are there any others that might be displeased that maybe at some point you might. I remember somebody mentioning there is the possibility that Texaco financing might be used for the project. Is there any anticipation that any of those funds might be used to pay for any relocation of any businesses?
Speaker 1: They're the only businesses that are existing and operating on their property. Now it's the Volunteers of America which will stay in place. And then Joe's Liquors, the liquor store. But the plan there is to incorporate it into an eventual grocery store so that use will stay on the property.
Speaker 2: Okay. Into the Bowie kitchen, does that stay on site or does it get relocated to a different location?
Speaker 1: The commissary, kitchen and warehouse will be relocated to a different location.
Speaker 2: And where? Where will that be?
Speaker 1: There is an address. 4915 52nd Avenue in Commerce City.
Speaker 2: Okay. And that is a much bigger site. Will still serve the same Denver community. I know they probably provide services outside of Denver as well. Andy, see you shaking your head. Yes. Okay.
Speaker 1: Yeah, we researched it with the Volunteers of America as far as their roots and where they're where the people that they're serving live as well as their employees. And it's actually a better location.
Speaker 2: And let me ask you about the businesses you've identified. A number of small and minority businesses. Has most of the space already been accounted for with those you've identified, or is there still more yet to be filled with some of the local businesses?
Speaker 1: There's still more yet to be filled in. So there's an existing two spaces. The commissary kitchen space will provide space for about four local businesses.
Speaker 2: So that'll be shared among different businesses using that commissary kitchen. Okay.
Speaker 1: Yes. And then the other species will provide that space for about six different businesses. And so there will be a combination of live work units and then existing space as well.
Speaker 2: So how are you identifying those? I'm just curious.
Speaker 1: We're working in partnership with Javon Taylor from Green Spaces and putting together a framework that where we'll be able to identify and work through a process to select applicants for businesses to be a part of.
Speaker 2: I know everybody knows this as five points. This is. Was formerly known as downtown in Curtis Park and historically was a very large Latino population. And I heard a number of speakers come up and talk about their. Involvement in conversations and possibility of of having some businesses on the site, which sound really exciting. I think that's that's going to be good for the neighborhood. But I was just curious if you have Latino businesses that are part of that as well.
Speaker 1: We would love for Latino businesses to be a part of it as well.
Speaker 2: Okay. There are some folks that do work in the community that you may or may not be plugged into. Jessica Holguin is one of the folks who may be part of your.
Speaker 1: Jessica is helping us with the Commissary Kitchen program, so she's partnering with us. Okay.
Speaker 2: So she's very connected to a lot of our Latino businesses, which I know we still have a lot of that live in the community, a lot of Latino families. And so I just wanted to raise that as what may bring about greater, you know, long term support for the project and integration with the people in the community . So we want to raise that.
Speaker 1: Thank you.
Speaker 2: Let you see, there is just a couple more brief ones. So you already talked about the total number of units. Can you speak a little bit about the unit mix? Are you looking to do any family size units in the development?
Speaker 1: We haven't determine the final unit this year within the building, but right now we're looking at a mix of studios, one bedrooms and two bedroom.
Speaker 2: And do you anticipate having to access low income tax credits to do the housing, the affordable housing onsite?
Speaker 1: We do not expect to have to access low income.
Speaker 2: Okay. And for families that qualify for the 60%, you would take vouchers. Would you take.
Speaker 1: That? We should go investigate that. We have not determined that yet.
Speaker 2: Okay. All right. I think that that would be another opportunity to serve some of the folks that are looking for affordable housing. I think those are the only questions I have for now. So thank you, Madam President.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilmember Ortega. Councilmember Black.
Speaker 4: I'm sorry to keep the conversation going at 110. Andrew, a quick question for you and I know the answer because I'm looking at it, but what year was the northeast downtown area plan done?
Speaker 8: It was adopted in 2011.
Speaker 4: That's right. So 2011 was a really long time ago. And that area has changed quite a bit. And one of the criteria for the rezoning is that that there has been a change in circumstance. And so when we are looking at various plans, that is one thing we also consider. And the area has changed quite a lot since 2011. And I know we talk about area plans a lot and I haven't said this gosh, for years for sure. I haven't said it since COVID. I don't have one area plan in my whole district.
Speaker 3: Zero.
Speaker 4: Not a one. And there's also a great deal of change happening in my district, not like right now, but still a lot of change. And community members desperately want to have yellow area plans in a couple of different areas. So I know that there are needs for updated ones, but when we think about our entire city, we also need to think remember that some kids don't have any. But anyway, I just wanted to make that point about the age of that and that one area is change. That is another thing that we consider when we're reviewing the criteria. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Councilmember Black, we've got councilmembers to back up next, but we're going to go ahead and go to Councilmember Flynn and come back to Councilmember, say, Bacchus, since she'd ask questions. So go ahead, Councilman.
Speaker 1: Okay. Wow.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Madam President. Andrew, I just want to make sure that I clearly understand the height issue, the number of floors under the GMU, 30 under old chapter 59. There is no height limit, but there is floor area ratio limitation that effectively it's a it's a 1 to 1, I think. Correct, that's.
Speaker 8: Correct. It has a floor at the CMU 30 zone district has a floor area ratio of one.
Speaker 6: Yep. Right. So if you had a large enough lot, you could build a really tall pencil. But you. But that's not really practical. Correct. So to develop on this parcel, I'm sorry to develop in this area that has the old chapter 59. You know, in conformance with the 2011 neighborhood plan, it would have to be resigned as well. But to a three storey. Off the shelf zone. Could it not? And to keep with the three story guidance on Larimer Street.
Speaker 8: To Jim to establish a limit of three stories. Yes, exactly. But I think development could occur under the 30 district. That is three stories tall.
Speaker 6: Sure. But it'd be it'd be 1 to 1. That's correct. So I guess my question is now, with the added provisions in the recent in the just adopted expanding housing affordability, how how would the properties that already are zoned for that with the three storey limitation, how how many stories could they add conceivably if they met the incentives in VHA?
Speaker 8: So properties that currently have three story zoned districts from the Denver zoning code. Yes. Could, if they met the enhanced affordability requirements could have one additional story. So for that, I pulled up the existing zoning map here. There is some five story zoning and and other districts in this area as well where, you know, up to two additional stories could be up to seven.
Speaker 6: Up to seven. But they're not on Larimer Street right now. Correct.
Speaker 8: Let's see. I'm looking at there is one developer. There is one area of of existing CM five zoning at 25th and Larimer at the at the northwest or the southwest corner.
Speaker 6: Okay. I actually have the zoning map up here, too. I see. All right. Thank you. That's all I have.
Speaker 0: All right. Thank you. Councilmember Flynn. And Councilmember CdeBaca, it sounded like you were okay. You didn't have any additional questions, and so just wanted to confirm that.
Speaker 2: So that's good.
Speaker 0: Okay. All right. Thank you. The public hearing is closed. Comments by members of Council on Council Bill 22, Dash 476. Council members CdeBaca.
Speaker 2: You know.
Speaker 3: I really just want to.
Speaker 2: Stressed to my colleagues that we cannot move.
Speaker 3: The target over and over for communities.
Speaker 2: On some nights, we pass plans.
Speaker 3: Only because they meet every criteria tonight. We don't have a single.
Speaker 2: Plan.
Speaker 3: Where it.
Speaker 2: Shows us on a map that this is consistent.
Speaker 3: With what neighborhoods or even citywide.
Speaker 2: Participants in a process have.
Speaker 3: Deemed appropriate.
Speaker 2: This is one.
Speaker 3: Scenario that sends a flag to community that you.
Speaker 2: Can create an entire process and zone.
Speaker 3: And pod when we're trying to move away from parties. If you have enough money to.
Speaker 2: Own two blocks. That is unfair to everyone else that we put through these processes. There are people who can't even get a fence variance if they don't have someone else on their same block with the height of fence that they're looking to have. For us to do this even in a situation.
Speaker 3: Where we do want to drive development. Without amending the plan is confusing. And so I think that if we are going to say that. If you put all.
Speaker 2: Of this together, you can extrapolate.
Speaker 3: That this might be okay. Then we should make an.
Speaker 2: Amendment to the plan, and we should give.
Speaker 3: Community members an opportunity to participate in amending.
Speaker 2: The plan.
Speaker 3: For the neighborhood.
Speaker 2: I don't think that this is a bad project. I don't think that going higher on Larmour.
Speaker 3: Is a bad idea. But I do.
Speaker 2: Think that communities should have a solid static target.
Speaker 3: And I think that there should be community participation when we diverge.
Speaker 2: From multiple plans.
Speaker 3: In this way.
Speaker 2: And so for tonight, I don't think that this is consistent with any single plan. And so I cannot support that because we cannot send that message to community that we can just pull.
Speaker 3: Things out of thin air.
Speaker 2: And see if it sticks. It's not.
Speaker 3: Fair. That's it for my comments.
Speaker 0: I'm not seeing any other folks in the queue for comments, and so I'll go ahead and add my own that. I do highly respect Andrew Webb and his work and the CPD planners who have looked at this and I understand the residents who are in opposition because of the density and because of change in the neighborhood. But this is an impressive project and I don't think on my time in council that during a required public hearing we have had so many members of the public in favor of a project, I mean, person after person after person. And so I have to really commend this team for the public outreach and engagement and especially your commitment to specifically bipoc businesses, individuals in the neighborhood. And I really look forward to seeing how this works and how this can possibly be replicated, because I think it's a model that we should really look at. And so I will be in support of it this evening. Madam Secretary, roll call on Council Bill 22, Dash 476, please.
Speaker 2: CDEBACA No. Hines.
Speaker 7: I.
Speaker 2: Can each I black i. Clark.
Speaker 6: All right.
Speaker 2: Flynn.
Speaker 6: I.
Speaker 1: Herndon, I.
Speaker 2: Cashman Ortega.
Speaker 5: I swear.
Speaker 2: I.
Speaker 5: Torres, I. Madam President.
Speaker 0: I. Madam Secretary, close the voting and announce the result one day.
Speaker 5: 11 Eyes.
Speaker 0: 11 Eyes Council Bill 20 2-476 have passed. I'd like to thank the members of the public and CPD staff for staying with with us this evening. Our pre adjournment announcement on Monday, June 27 Council will hold a courtesy public hearing on Council Bill 20 2-685 amending Chapter 48 of the Revised Municipal Code of the City and County
A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification of 2524-2660 Larimer Street, 2609, 2623, 2641 Lawrence Street in Five Points.
Approves a map amendment to rezone property from C-MU-30 with waivers, UO-1; I-MX-3, UO-2, DO-7; G-MU-3, UO-3 to PUD-G 28 (multi-unit, 30 stories to planned development), located at 2524-2660 Larimer St, 2609, 2623, 2641 Lawrence St. in Council District 9. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 5-3-22.