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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ.2016.0526.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE PLANNING&ZONING COMMISSION C;) May 26,2016 Vice-Chairman Eugene Mikolajczyk opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: The following Commissioners were present: Vice-Chairman Eugene Mikolajczyk. Commissioners: Jeremy Strohan, Howie Jones, Stan Connick, Susan Dempster and Roger Owners. Also in attendance were Robert Rodgers, Interim Development Services Director, Andrew McGuire, Town Attorney and Paula Woodward,Executive Assistant and Recorder of the minutes. Chairman Michael Archambault was excused. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk requested participation in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent reflection. CALL TO THE PUBLIC No one wished to speak. AGENDA ITEM #1 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATED April 14,2016. Commissioner Connick MOVED to APPROVE the meeting minutes dated Thursday, February 11, 2016 as written. Commissioner Howie Jones SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (6/0). ic AGENDA ITEMS #2 - PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON RESOLUTION #2016-12,A MINOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT RELATED TO THE PROPOSED "PARK PLACE" MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL TO BE LOCATED AT 16725 & 16845 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS. IF APPROVED, THE AMENDMENT WOULD INCREASE THE MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITY IN A MIXED-USE PROJECT IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA FROM 28 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE TO 50 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE. (CASE#GPA2016-01) Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk opened the Public Hearing at 6:34 p.m. Bob Rodgers, Interim Development Services Director, gave a PowerPoint presentation about the Park Place application submitted by Bart Shea of N. Shea Group LLC, for a Minor General Plan Amendment to amend the downtown residential density limit from 28 dwelling units per acre to 50 dwelling units per acre in order to accommodate the proposed Park Place development project. Mr. Rodgers stated if approved, the Park Place development proposal will occupy two privately-owned lots, (9.3 acres) and three town-owned properties (3+ acres). Totaling a bit over 12 acres. Mr. Rodgers referred to the Phase Plan on slide three saying that this is the General Outline of the Park Place project proposal. Park Place is to be mixed—use (Commercial & MF Residential) project. Building's B & F are proposed to be 3 stories tall, with a maximum height of 40'+. Building's C, D & E are proposed to be 4 stories tall, with a maximum height of 58'. The project will be built in phases. Mr. Rodgers referred to the slide with color highlights; the pink is Phase I, buildings C & D with 230 dwelling's and 35,000 square feet of commercial space,the yellow highlights Phase II, buildings E&F, 72 dwellings and 8,000 square feet of commercial space, the blue is Phase III,building B with 102 apartment units. Included in each phase will be a variety of streetscape improvements along the avenue, a public art walk behind the Community Center, additional parking lots, and a small pocket park. On Slide 4, Mr. Rodgers showed the most recent �rM artist's rendering of what the building facades along the avenue will look like. Mr. Rodgers told the Page 1 of 6 Commission,to remember this is for informational purposes only and it is to help the commission put the request into context. The Commission will be reviewing the Concept Plans for each phase at a later date. The request before you this evening is a Minor General Plan Amendment to the Downtown Area Specific ., Plan(Swaback Plan). Mr. Rodgers went on to say why it is a minor amendment. The General Plan outlines that an increase in residential density that affects less than 80 acres is a Minor amendment. This minor amendment will not affect all of the downtown, it will affect only the Avenue District and the South End District as it relates to the Park Place development proposal specifically. The General Plan's Residential density is currently capped at 28 units per acre in the Downtown Area. The proposed amendment would increase the density cap to 50 dwelling units per acre in these two areas. The remaining seven downtown districts will remain at the current 28 units per acre. The Commission is being asked to provide a recommendation to the Town Council regarding the proposed Minor General Plan amendment. Any recommendation you provide should also contain the rationale used in forming those recommendations. Mr. Rodgers concluded his presentation and stated that the applicant indicated he has a presentation of his own. Bart Shea of N. Shea Group LLC addressed the Commission regarding the Park Place General Plan Amendment. Mr. Shea introduced himself as the developer for the Park Place Project, (3 phases) and the MorningStar Project. Mr. Shea provided a packet (attached) to the Commission that he said displayed how much thought process went into the Park Place project and how the unit count was determined along with how it makes the project a success. Mr. Shea stated he has been in negotiations with Council and staff on the Park Place development agreement for 12 months to define the terms of what should happen within the project so everyone gets what they want out of the program. Mr. Shea referred to the packet letter from the Swaback Partners. He said they went to Swaback Partners to find out what their intentions were for the General Plan. He said these particular buildings in Phase I are exactly what Swaback wanted to have; high density residential with commercial retail below, good street front, large sidewalks covered by the buildings above. He said they are putting heads in beds to make the retail work. Mr. Shea read out ® loud the last line of the first paragraph,"Your project is certainly in-line with the intent of the Master Plan and subsequent Specific Area Plan. The residential and retail uses, in the forms you have described, will help to bring more vibrancy along the Avenue and to the downtown area." Mr. Shea pointed out how they identified uses within the Swaback Partners Plan and showed those areas highlighted in the packet he provided. Mr. Shea said there will not be a lot of office area, more in-line retail, prospecting smaller mom and pop shops,not too many restaurants and no bar services are planned at this time.There will not be a lot of credit tenants but in line Fountain Hills users to fill out the spaces on it. The criteria is to make sure we end up with sustainable retail on the Avenue and in order to do that we need enough heads and beds to make it last all year long. 80% will be full rental product with 12 month leases hopefully with young professionals & some young families. The first phase is around 25%three bedroom product. Mr. Shea said the on street parking is already on the Avenue and back behind the residential product that stretches almost to the Morningstar will be a parking lot above for residences. Mr. Shea said they received a letter of endorsement from the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce which is in your packet. The last couple pages of the handout is the quick guide to the town's strategic Plan 2010 which shows the guidelines this product meets to promote economic growth. The Strategic Plan identifies the whole downtown area as the biggest piece of property in Fountain Hills that needs to be revitalized. In conclusion, Mr. Shea referred to the Avenue as a "Mayberry" look going down the Avenue although the proposed project may be taller than some people desire, but this is how we have to do it to make it work. Mr. Shea thanked the Commission. CALL TO PUBLIC Mr. Garrett Wilson, Fountain Hills resident, did not speak, but was in opposition to the Case#GPA2016- 01. • Page 2 of 6 Mr. Brad Wilkins, Fountain Hills resident, did not speak, but was in opposition to the Case # GPA2016- 01. Ms. Angel Wilson, Fountain Hills resident, did not speak, but was in opposition to the Case# GPA2016- 01. Ms. Pam Trompeter Aguilu, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the requested change in zoning as it applies to density per acre. She is concerned this project will change a precedence that will be used again when a developer wants to be in our community. She is opposed to the architectural enhancements as they don't fit into the town aesthetics and the changes will not enhance the ambience that attracts visitors. Mr. Bob Wilson, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the Case#GPA2016-01. Mr. Wilson read from a prepared letter(attached). Mr. Blicker, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the Case # GPA2016-01. Mr. Blicker is concerned with the height of the buildings looking west to east. He said the view of hundreds of homes laying to the west will be affected. Also, placing a four story building so close to the key structure that attracts people to our town would be compromising. Mr. Blicker suggested a study to find out how many homes would be affected by this project.Most homes are constructed so they can view the fountain area. Mr. Lee Miller, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the Case # GPA2016-01. Mr. Miller read from a prepared letter(attached). Mr. Walter Maiwald, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the Case # GPA2016-01. Mr. Maiwald's concern is the height and the architectural appearance of this project. He stated the proposed structure could block views which is a concern since people pay premiums for the view. The architecture of this four story building does not complement the existing structures or the style of the Avenue of the Fountains. Mr. Maiwald expressed concern that the fire department would not be prepared to handle 11) emergency situations for such a structure and questioned whether there would be adequate parking to handle the amount required for the increased density. Mr. Maiwald asked the project be reviewed for modification. Ms.Nancy O'Neal is concerned that the vendors and sellers during the Great Fair would be affected. She said by taking the parking away it would affect attendance to the fair and the fair is a very important event for the town. Mr. Jerry Kirkendoll, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the height of the building project. His concern is the architecture is not unique to the area and why would people want to come here when they can see the same thing in Phoenix or Scottsdale. The development is a great idea but the height ( four stories)does not fit into the Avenue of the Fountains. Ms. Vreny Middleton, Fountain Hills resident, is opposed to the height of this project. Ms. Middleton stated she and her friends are opposing the height of the project and the architecture does not fit into Fountain Hills, looks more like a dorm in Tempe. She said she is concerned the large parking lot will create a lot of heat,light pollution and there will be too much traffic on the Avenue of the Fountains. Mr. Jay Schlum, Fountain Hills resident, is in favor of this project. Mr. Schlum said he had the opportunity to work with the Swaback Partners on the strategic plan when he was Mayor. Working with Swaback brought to attention that the downtown area is huge for a town our size and that's how the TCCD came to be, (mixed use). Mr. Schlum said this is what most downtowns need and want. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk closed the Public Hearing at 7:12 p.m. • Page 3 of 6 AGENDA ITEM #3 - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION #2016-12, A MINOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT RELATED TO THE PROPOSED "PARK PLACE" MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL TO BE LOCATED AT 16725 & 16845 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS. IF APPROVED, THE AMENDMENT WOULD INCREASE THE MAXIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITY IN A MIXED-USE PROJECT IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA FROM 28 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE TO 50 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE.(CASE # GPA2016- Andrew McGuire,Town Attorney, brought to the commission's attention the resolution in the packet has been modified to match what Mr. Rodgers presented this evening. Mr. McGuire said this is not a variance procedure,the General Plan amendment is all that is to be considered tonight. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk asked if the Commission has to consider the height since it is needed to reach density. Mr. Rodgers clarified that density and height are related. The question is if you agree with the density the height would be required to reach that. Mr. McGuire explained the timeframe of the General Plan, Development Agreement and Concept Plan for presentation to Town Council and the Planning&Zoning Commission. Commissioner Jones asked how many acres are within in the south end district and the avenue district and how many acres are undeveloped. Mr.Rodgers replied the total amount of acres is between 25 and 30 acres. The South End district includes the condominiums behind and the vacant land which is around nine acres. Commissioner Jones asked Mr. Shea if he had a visual scale drawing of how the project would look in relation to Town Hall. Mr. Shea described that the end of the building closet to town hall would be about 3 1/2 feet below Town Hall. Across from Verde River Drive about 10 ft below. As the building spreads down toward Saguaro Blvd. all the height changes are where the retail steps down. Commissioner Jones asked how many parking spaces for the 404 units. Mr. Shea said there are over 1,000 spaces with some street parking on Verde River and Paul Nordin Pwky. This includes property from the city we are improving. The retention pond near the Sheriff's lot will become a parking area. Commissioner Jones asked how many parking spaces would be shared. Mr. Shea replied fifty of 690 spaces in Phase I that are on town property which is the retention pond area. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk asked if Mr. Shea included some of the public parking along the Avenue in the 1,000 spaces. Mr. Shea replied yes they include the south side of the Avenue in regards to the retail. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk asked, if town property is included in the parking and is the town granting a permant easement when in Phase III. Mr. Shea replied it is included. Page 4 of 6 Mr. McGuire said the Development Agreement will be discussed at the Town Council on their June 16th meeting. It includes three town parcels that are permanent easement areas which will serve Phase III of Cr the project. Commissioner Owers asked if there was a traffic study. Mr. Shea confirmed a traffic study was completed. He stated that the only mitigation provided is additional striping.This included pedestrian traffic. Commissioner Owners asked if there was a public safety study. Mr. Shea said since Dave Ott, Fire Chief, is on site he uses the current building for training. A public safety study has not been done for law enforcement. Commissioner Connick stated he has concerns about the impact of the high density which was not part of the original Swaback Plan. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk asked if a traffic study was provided. Mr. Shea replied a third party performed the traffic study and a parking study is under way. Commissioner Dempster asked if the Swaback Plan was intended for 2 story buildings. Mr. Rodgers replied they were for mixed uses in all nine districts. The main theme was for commercial/ retail on the bottom facing the Avenue and the second story could be offices or residential. Mr. Rodgers stated the parking study is part of the Concept Plan submittal which will be reviewed by the Commission in the future. Commissioner Jones asked Bob Rodgers to point out on the overhead PowerPoint clarification of parking. Commissioner Dempster asked about parking lights in the parking lots. Mr. Shea said they are following guidelines of the lighting ordinance. In response to Commissioner Dempster garbage and loading zones are not counted against the parking. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk MOVED to forward a recommendation that the Town Council Approve Resolution #2016-12. A Minor General Plan Amendment to increase the maximum residential density in a mixed-use project in the downtown area from 28 dwelling units per acre to 50 dwelling units per acre Commissioner Owers SECONDED and the MOTION FAILED (3/3). Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk Aye Commissioner Connick No Commissioner Jones No Commissioner Strohan Aye Commissioner Dempster No Commissioner Owers Aye AGENDA ITEM#4-COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH TO STAFF. Items listed below are related only to the propriety of(i)placing items on a future agenda for action or (ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the Commission. Page 5 of 6 • None AGENDA ITEM#5 - SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS FROM SENIOR PLANNER. Nor None AGENDA ITEM #6 - REPORT FROM SENIOR PLANNER AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR, PLANNING AND ZONING DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. None AGENDA ITEM#7-ADJOURNMENT. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. and Commissioner Owers SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING&ZONING COMMISSION BY: airman Mike AgaTrnbault ATTEST: fscuAtiu0datwAV( Paula Woodward,Executive Assistant CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held on the 26th day of May 2016, in the Town Council Chambers, 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. Dated this 6th day of June 2016 ?at& Paula Woodward,Executive Assistant g@Y t Page6of6 i Vernon D.Swaback FAIA,FAICP John E.Sather AIA,AICP Jon C. Bernhard AIA SWABACK PARTNERS pllc Michael D.Wetzel AIA Architecture•Planning•InteriorDesign Jeffrey M. Denzak ASLA,APA June, 2015 Mr. Bart M. Shea President Shea Connelly Development, LLC 7904 East Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250) Re: Park Place Master Plan Dear Bart: Thank you for providing a review of your Park Place Master Plan vision for downtown Fountain Hills. As you know, our firm spent considerable effort working with the community of Fountain Hills on the preparation of their downtown visioning exercise. The intent of that process was to set the stage for future development initiatives that could help to rejuvenate the core. We believe that your proposal could be an important part of such an effort and we applaud your enthusiasm. Your project is certainly in-line with the intent of the master plan and subsequent Specific Area Plan. The residential and retail uses, in the forms you have described, will help to bring more vibrancy along the Avenue and to the downtown. Once you move forward from the initial entitlement efforts, the detailed design decisions related to every aspect of the development will set the stage for a truly important development for the entire community. ft - Jeffrey M. Denzak, Partner Swaback Partners, pllc 4 Cc: Vernon D. Swaback, FAIA FAICP- Managing Partner Jon C. Bernhard, AIA-Senior Partner 7550 East McDonald Drive•Scottsdale,Arizona 85250•Telephone 480.367.210o• Facsimile 480.367.2101 info@swabackpartners.com•www.swabackpartners.com Swaback Partners, pllc Architecture, Planning & Interiors Chamber of Commerce - Town of Fountain Hills Downtown FOUNTAIN HILLS Master Plan VISIONING EXERCISE 08/20/09 Master Vision Planning District Character Avenue District: The Avenue District is envisioned as the core of Downtown with a wonderful and comfortable atmosphere for strolling, site seeing and shopping. This corridor is envisioned to evolve into Fountain Hill's premiere shopping destination for residents and a must-see magnet for visitors. A cast of unique eating experiences that reinforce the one-of-a- kind nature of Fountain Hills is intended to compliment the range of specialty shops and boutique stores. These restaurants will be of a quality that not only cater to local residents but also attracts the attention of visitors and guests. This District has been designed to accommodate a degree of other uses including second story office space, condominiums, small-scale businesses along with limited neighborhood services. If designed appropriately, a small percentage of brownstone style housing could be integrated on the Avenue. Traffic calming measures, such as cross walks, flared end sections, additional on-street parking and narrower travel lanes are planned to provide easy and safe access to all areas of the downtown for both vehicles and pedestrians. Special attention should be given to creating sidewalks with an abun- dance of shade. Sidewalk design should allow for generous space for seating as well as store front "presentations". Outdoor, sidewalk cafes and dining will be highly encouraged. On-street parking needs to be convenient and balanced with the real focus being placed on pedestrian activity. Access to parking lots should be efficient for patrons. Pedestrian portals to "interior" parking lots will be enhanced ,,, with appropriate architecture and design treatments that are both attractive and safe. Special attention should also be given to the `■- architectural massing and specific treatment along all intersections. Appropriately designed street scenes at intersections will bring building mass and use closest to the street corners, placing parking behind the building frontage. The Avenue District character and quality should be expanded to include both sides of Verde River Drive northeast of Avenue of the Fountains. This linkage and treatment may be anchored by a spe- cialty entertainment and retail component if future economic condi- tions warrant greater density and intensity in the area. This enter- tainment component may take the form of a traditional multi-screen movie theatre, a specialty small-scale movie house, a performance venue or some other theatre use. These uses would likely require a parking structure be thoughtfully integrated into the overall design. The central green mall will be enhanced with a better integration of updated fountain features and amenities (art walk) as well as spe- 46. cialty small-scale retail uses that may take the form of enclosed kiosks. Such features, along with improved sidewalk-crossing en- vironments will result in a seamless transition from one side of the Avenue to the other. This connectivity is a most important consid- eration from the Avenue to the Lakeside Distric S Morningstar P&Z Staff Report . RESOLUTION 2015-31; Minor Amendment to the Town of Fountain Hill General Plan 2010 — Downtown . Area Specific Plan. This amendment will modify the "South End District's" development criteria to allow an Assisted Living Facility to be a permitted use within the "South End District". The applicant states that an assisted living facility in this location, "would provide an effective transition between the proposed mixed-use commercial/residential uses to the north and adjacent multi-family residential development to the south". Also that the facility, "will be an asset to the neighborhood in this mixed-use area of Fountain Hills." STAFF: As stated in the General Plan 2010 — Downtown Area Specific Plan, "The Downtown Vision Plan /Area Specific Plan has been designed with the aim of developing a flexible and pro-active framework in which the Town can work on its own, or with future developers to create comprehensive • design concepts that provide district themes, opportunities for events, environmental sensitivity, safe • pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and recommended ordinance amendments". And, as further • outlined in the South End District description, "The South End District - Envisioned as a mixed-use downtown residential neighborhood that is complimented with small neighborhood-oriented • commercial, second story offices, and specialty shops. This district will contain a "village square" that will provide the downtown with a prominent park". • • This proposed amendment is not consistent with the stated goals of the Downtown Area Specific Plan • in this area of downtown as it lacks a mixed-use character and does not adequately address the • • "prominent park/village square" element called for in the South End District. • RESOLUTION 2015-32; Minor Amendment to the Town of Fountain Hill General Plan 2010 will amend the permitted maximum residential density from a maximum of 12 units per acre to a maximum of 27.25 units per acre. • • The applicant states that the proposed density is necessary for the project to be financially successful and that such a density will have minimal impact on the surrounding area due to the low traffic volume generated and quiet nature of the facility. • STAFF: Staff agrees that any residential products developed within the downtown area should be allowed a greater density level than other areas of town might reasonably expect. The 12 units/acre maximum density limit outlined in the General Plan does not appear to account for the unique character anticipated for the downtown area. Staff recommends approval of the amendment if it only relates to development within the downtown area. ZONING AMENDMENTS: TEXT AMENDMENT: Ordinance #15-07 amends Section 23.06.(I) of the Zoning Ordinance by changing the requirement that any PAD development proposal contain a minimum of five acres in area. The amendment will reduce the PAD requirement to 3 acres within the Downtown Area only. The five acre requirement will remain in effect for other areas of town. STAFF: Staff believes that this proposal would be an appropriate amendment for the downtown area regardless of the success or failure of the remainder of this current proposal and staff recommends that this amendment be approved. Page 3 of 9 • • Lair OF 411211 May 25, 2016 Chairman Mike Archambault Vice-Chair Eugene Mikolajczyk Commissioner Stan Connick Commissioner Howie Jones Commissioner Jeremy Strohan Commissioner Susan Dempster Commissioner Roger Owers Town of Fountain Hills 16705 E.Avenue of the Fountains Fountain Hills,AZ 85268 Dear Chairman and Commissioners: The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce wishes to publicly express our support for the Park Place project on the south side of the Avenue of the Fountains as proposed by Bart Shea, N- Shea Group LLC. We agree with RESOLUTION #2016-12 and the increase of dwelling units per acre from 28 to L 50. Further,we have studied the Park Place project and support the following opportunities for the Town of Fountain Hills: • The plan conforms with the Downtown Vision Plan approved in August 2009. • Doubling the number of rental apartments in the Town as a means to encourage younger professionals to live and work in this community.Avoiding high percentages of condominiums which may only serve as second homes for winter visitors and thereby lower the daily average density needed for retail and service businesses. • Finishing the south side of the Avenue of the Fountains and improving the north side to create a consistent look/feel to the entire Avenue (between Saguaro and La Montana)and thereby encouraging businesses, residents and visitors to use the space for outdoor activities, including festivals and community events. • Providing new retail space with a strategic plan to encourage the types of businesses desired by residents and visitors. • Establishing Fountains Hills as a vibrant community for people of all ages by finishing the downtown area and adding population density to support many nearby businesses. Fountain Hills downtown has not developed for over thirty years in part due to zoning. Resolution #2016-12 is needed to allow this project to be successful. More year round residents are essential to support year round businesses.The large investment by this developer in our downtown is needed to establish our downtown vitality. Bart Shea's plan is Our#1 priority is the success of your business. I www.FHchamber.com the first based on sustainability with sufficient year round residents within walking proximity in order to sustain businesses along both sides of the avenue and Plaza Fountainside. We appreciate your consideration for this development and encourage you to support this plan for the future of Fountain Hills. Respectfully, / atr/ 9e.eW- Scott Soldat-Valenzuela President/CEO 41111. Our#1 priority is the success of your business. I www.FHchamber.com r J�SAIN9j< 62u1c le 4u1a'e to ' 3� �N Review/Revise - Strategic Plan 2010 ..,. strategic Plan ��41 Y Ake (,at is a Strategic Plan and how will it be used? A successful strategicplan is one that is integrated into the dailyoperations "`" °'"""'"'' Annual Set Annual 9 9 P Agenitorrienens Goals of an organization. In a municipal setting, staff and partner organizations use \ Strategic the strategic plan to develop proposals and initiatives that implement Planning elements of the strategic plan; Council uses the strategic plan to evaluate all Process proposals. illt While a full update of a Strategic Plan is recommended periodically(every five years), the Strategic Plan should be reviewed annually and adjustments made Develop and 0 Outline Action as necessary. The cycle (right) outlines the annual use of the Strategic Plan. Korn Budget Plan Our Vision Fountain Hills is a distinctive community designed to invigorate the body, mind and spirit, and strives to: Civic Responsibility • Be stewards of this unique enclave, dedicated to preserving Our Pledge Take responsibility for our community's future the environment and visual aesthetic and to living in and foster opportunities for all residents to participate fully in balance with the Sonoran Desert; our community through accessible, responsive leadership. • Champion the diversity of experiences our residents bring Strategic Directions to our community and rely on this depth of experience to • CR 1 Foster an environment of accessible, responsive innovatively address our challenges; governance. • Be economically sustainable and anchor our vitality in an • CR 2 Discover, recognize and utilize the talents of our active, vibrant town core that serves us culturally, socially citizens and use these assets to address community needs. and economically; and, • CR 3 Foster a culture of public service and volunteerism. • Be civic-minded and friendly, taking responsibility for our • CR 4 Implement a comprehensive communications plan to Town's success by building partnerships and investing our encourage informed citizen participation in civic life. talent and resources. • CR 5 Support and develop programs that educate and ili,, involve our youth in community governance. Civility • CR 6 Evaluate customer satisfaction with Town services on a regular basis and implement appropriate service Our Pledge Build a community in which all can feel valued, improvements. welcome and as though they belong. • CR 7 Communicate the role of local government and Strategic Directions clearly define the trade-offs between service levels and • C 1 Practice the art of civility in all public settings and amenities and the associated costs so residents can make encourage those around you to do the same. informed choices. • C 2 Support community events and activities that create • CR 8 Foster a dialogue with residents and businesses opportunities to build community and friendship. regarding the importance of investing in the community's • C 3 Genuinely solicit and consider public and stakeholder infrastructure maintenance to protect property values and feedback as part of the decision-making process. L enhance the business climate. • C 4 Be the friendliest place in the Valley. Education, Learning and Culture Environmental Stewardship Our Pledge Support quality, lifelong learning opportunities Our Pledge Preserve the natural beauty that surrounds us and and cultural assets that enrich our lives. protect it so future generations can enjoy it. Strategic Directions Strategic Directions • ELC 1 Partner with Fountain Hills'schools and other • ES 1 Educate residents about our environment to increase institutions to develop quality educational programming awareness and promote stewardship. and opportunities. • ES 2 Protect and enhance natural infrastructure, including • ELC 2 Support partners in providing arts and cultural native vegetation, terrain and open space. opportunities and amenities. • ES 3 Explore and implement new technologies and • ELC 3 Promote and celebrate cultural diversity. opportunities that will minimize noise, air and light pollution • ELC 4 Position the community's arts and cultural and reduce energy consumption. businesses, venues and amenities as economic drivers ES 4 Promote water conservation and identify ways to use integrated into the Town's comprehensive economic of this precious desert resource wisely. strategy. • ES 5 Protect selected view sheds from development and • ELC 5 Encourage access to higher learning opportunities other manmade obstructions. or the establishment of an educational or training campus • ES 6 Improve access to the Sonoran Desert experience. _ within our community. Economic Vitality j Maintain and Improve Community Our Pledge Maintain a strong commitment to financial Infrastructure stability and local control, and will promote economic growth Our Pledge Maintain and improve our infrastructure to ensure that leverages Fountain Hills' assets by building a dynamic, a high quality living experience, enhance economic opportunities, c' se economy that supports our community's needs and and support and protect property values and community p,_.,cotes successful businesses. investments. Strategic Directions .Strategic Directions • EV 1 Develop a comprehensive economic development • I 1 Maintain a 5-year capital improvements plan that strategy for the Town's future and work with our partners includes programmed maintenance projects. to forward economic growth and awareness. . I 2 Lower the reliance on state revenues by developing a • EV 2 Develop and maintain a balanced, equitable, locally controlled, reliable funding source for infrastructure sustainable and local financing structure to support the maintenance. Town's core government services at desired service levels. • I 3 Maintain a current condition assessment of all roadways • EV 3 Promote a mixed use core where residents can live, and sidewalks and prioritize and implement maintenance work, learn and play in an urban village setting, as i ' efforts to minimize costly reconstruction. depicted in the Downtown Area Specific Plan (Downtown • I 4 Partner with local civic and social organizations to assist Vision Master Plan). in amenity upkeep and maintenance. • EV 4 Promote retention, expansion and relocation of • I 5 Explore ways to reduce wear and tear on the quality businesses. 1 transportation system including transit options and limiting of • EV 5 Promote Fountain Hills as a visitor destination. truck traffic. I • EV 6 Identify a slate of economic development tools and . I 6 Coordinate closely with downtown development efforts strategies(including tax incentives, fee abatements, etc.) 1 to ensure adequate infrastructure is planned and amenities to stimulate economic growth. identified and programmed. • EV 7 Identify areas for redevelopment, revitalization or . I 7 Maintain an up-to-date impact fee structure and l reuse. equitable development agreements to ensure new growth is • EV 8 Promote unique and vibrant neighborhood and not a burden on existing residents and businesses. business districts. • I 8 Periodically meet with other community service providers • EV 9 Promote the maintenance of an age-balanced to do joint planning and ensure that service providers can population that will support the long-term sustainability of accommodate new customers resulting from growth without our community. compromising service levels to existing residents and V 10 Define Fountain Hills' market niche and actively businesses. pursue opportunities that attract and retain high quality • I 9 Build a protected fund to finance the major periodic employment opportunities. maintenance of community facilities. i Recreational Opportunities and Amenities 1 Public Safety, Health and Welfare Our Pledge Make Fountain Hills a pedestrian- and bicycle- Our Pledge Protect the health and safety of our community friendly community by contributing to healthy lifestyles, and promote a high quality life. providing recreational and physical exercise opportunities to Strategic Directions citizens, and taking advantage of Fountain Hills' closeness to • P 1 Promote and enhance community-based partnerships in the Sonoran Desert. crime prevention, fire and emergency preparedness. Strategic Directions • P 2 Reduce risk and increase safety through"community • R 1 Offer a wide range of cost-effective and accessible policing" and community-based fire prevention programs. programs and services for all ages to promote a healthy • P 3 Ensure appropriate service levels for public safety. and active community. ! • P 4 Explore health and welfare opportunities, including the • R 2 Provide an interconnected, multi-use trail and bicycle 1 creation of a small hospital or a niche health-related service system that promotes active living, physical activity, cluster. education and appreciation of our parks and natural • P 5 Support health and wellness instruction throughout the resources. community. • R 3 Support local organizations in providing affordable quality programs to promote recreational, sports, fitness Idea Box and wellness programs for all ages. While the Strategic Plan itself is intended to provide broad strategic • R 4 Support community events and activities that create guidance, each year Council will provide more specific direction on its opportunities to build community and neighborhood annual course which will be used by staff to develop an action plan. identity. The Idea Box section of the plan is a collection of specific ideas offered by residents and stakeholders. The ideas are presented neither with endorsement nor evaluation by the Town. The Idea Box is intended to serve as a repository of tools and activities that can be considered to build the Town's annual action plan. If you have some ideas you'd like included in the Idea Box, please provide them by visiting the Strategic Plan's Web site at: www.fh.az.gov/strategic-plan.aspx Presentation Notes Park Place GPA P&Z 5/26/2016 SLIDE 1 Cover This is an application by Bart Shea of N. Shea Group LLC, for a Minor General Plan Amendment to amend the downtown residential density limit from 28 dwelling units per acre to 50 dwelling units per acre in order to accommodate the proposed Park Place development project. SLIDE 2 Parcel Map If approved, the Park Place development proposal will occupy two privately-owned lots (9.3 acres) and three town-owned properties (3+ acres). Totaling a bit over 12 acres. SLIDE 3 Phase Plan This is the General Outline of the Park Place project proposal. Park Place is to be a mixed-use (Commercial & MF Residential) project. Buildings B & F are proposed to be 3 stories tall, with a maximum height of 54'. Buildings C, D & E are proposed to be 4 stories tall, with a maximum height of 58' The project will be built in phases. Pink - PH I = Bldgs C & D. 230 du's and 35,000 sf of commercial space. Yellow - PH II = Bldgs E & F. 72 du's and 8,000 sf of commercial space. Blue - PH III = Bldg B. 102 du's. Included in each phase will be a variety of streetscape improvements along the avenue, a public art walk behind the Community Center, additional parking lots, and a small pocket park. SLIDE 4 Architecturals This is the most recent artist's rendering of what the building facades along the avenue will look like. This looks like its building C. Which is the building between Town Hall and Verde River Drive. Remember, This is for informational purposes only. To help the Commission put the request into context. The Commission will be reviewing the Concept Plans for each phase at a later time. SLIDE 5 General Plan Land-Use Map The request before you this evening is a Minor General Plan Amendment to the Downtown Area Specific Plan (Swa back Plan). Why is it a Minor amendment? The General Plan outlines that an increase in residential density that affects less .han 80 acres is a Minor amendment. This Minor amendment will not affect all of the downtown, it will affect only the Avenue District and the South End District as it relates to the Park Place development proposal specifically. General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use Guidelines (pg 39) The General Plan's Residential density is currently capped at 28 du's / acre in the Downtown Area. SLIDE 6 Downtown Districts Map The proposed amendment would increase the density cap to 50 du's / acre in the Downtown area. This is the Downtown area containing the nine districts, from the Downtown Area Specific Plan. The districts which would be affected by this proposed amendment are the avenue district in pink, and the South End District in yellow. ( L The remaining seven districts will remain at the current 28 du / acre cap. SLIDE 7 Recommendations The Commission is being asked to provide a recommendation to the Town Council regarding the proposed Minor General Plan amendment. Any recommendations you provide should also contain the rationale used in forming those recommendations.