Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - Workshop Urban Renewal Authority and Urban Renewal Plan 1988-10-12BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park Workshop: Plan Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority and Urban Renewal October 12, 1988 Attending: Mayor Dannels, Trustees Aldrich, Barker, Dickinson, Garrett, Habecker, and Hix, Town Administrator Klaphake Facilitator: Carl Neu/Neu and Company Mr. Neu reviewed his roll as the moderator for the EPURA Work- shops which began September 14th, and which will continue on October 12, 13, 26, November 9, and 22nd, 1988. It is anticipat- ed the workshops will aide the Town Board in their deci- sion -making process. Bob Joseph, Technical Planner/EPURA. Technical Planner Joseph presented a slide program of joint Town and EPURA completed projects for the past five (5) years, and offered a brief de- scription of each, which included: (1) the realignment of Virginia Drive, (2) Phase I Streetscape, (3) "pocket park" which was formerly the Peacock Building which was damaged during the 1982 Lawn Lake Flood, (4) Phase II Streetscape, (5) Bartlett Building, Nagl Walkway, and Park Place Mall improvements, (6) various facade improvements, (7) Rockwell Loop, (8) Cleave Street parking lot improvement, including a pocket park, (9) Tregent Park, (10) Transit Center, (11) Streetscape III, including the Service Station and Realty Office improvements, (12) access point improvements for the Deli building on East Elkhorn Avenue, (13) Mountain Man Restaurant improvements, (14) Highway 34/36 Inter- section traffic and landscaping improvements, (15) Riverside Plaza Project, including the Post Office and Dark Horse parking lot improvements, (16) and former Ice House building parking lot. Correspondence from the following was received and read into the record of these proceedings: Karen and John Tucker, P. O. Box 2753, Estes Park, CO 80517. Jerry Brownfield, 350 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517. Louis J. Klingel, 543 Grand Estates Dr., Estes Park, CO 80517. Town Administrator Klaphake briefed those present regarding the Talmey Telephone Survey; results should be available in the near future. Tom Watts, President/ARD. P. 0. Box 3814, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Watts read a letter concerning the results gathered from the ARD survey which was placed in the Trail Gazette. 4,370 questionnaires were distributed, 727 responses were received. In summary, the responses stated "what has been done is good, but slow down urban renewal." 75% stated the URA funds should be kept separate from Town funds; excess money should be returned to the schools, hospital, and the Town. 75% stated East Riverside Drive should not be widened, a mall should not be constructed in the middle of Elkhorn Avenue, 165,000 square feet of commercial space should not be added downtown, and a new municipal building and conference center should not be constructed. 60% stated a multi -level 850 space parking garage should not be constructed and approximately 50% desire additional small riverside parks. The findings were attached to Mr. Watts' letter. Rowland Retrum/ARD. 650 Freeland Court, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Retrum summarized his impression of the opinions expressed in the in the ARD survey, including "basic philosophy of Estes Valley Development (the primary objective should be the best quality of life for Estes Valley residents); Purpose and BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Workshop/EPURA and URA Plan - October 12, 1988 - Page two Authority of EPURA (EPURA has overstepped its original purpose and authority); Use of EPURA for General Economic Development (EPURA's scope should be expanded to include the entire Town, the Stanley Park indoor arena, ski area, and promotion of tourism); EPURA Finances and Costs (special district taxes should not be diverted to support downtown redevelopment); EPURA's Performance (EPURA has done a good job to date, but some regretted that Estes Park is losing its unique mountain character and becoming too much of a tourist Town like many others); Has EPURA Increased Retail Sales in Estes Park (some doubted EPURA's claim to having generated a 72% increase in business in Estes Park, and they attributed the increase that did occur to increased population and the increase in the number of people visiting Rocky Mountain National Park); Should Downtown Business be Subsidized by the General Public (downtown business should finance its own develop- ment and not ask the general public to do so beyond the repair of flood damage); Should the Downtown Redevelopment Program be Revised (respondents were overwhelmingly in favor of revision, curtailment, or abolishment. Most opposed the development of more retail space; many favored a moderate program developing more surface parking). Norm Ream, 671 Heinz Parkway, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Ream commended EPURA for all efforts thus far; however, it is now time for the entire community to re -assess the program, to determine what has been accomplished and the long-term consequences over the next ten years. Other needs of the community must also be considered. Seymour Graham, 146 Stanley Circle, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Graham presented the accounting of the 1987 Abstract of Assess- ments and Levies supplied by the Larimer County Assessor and Treasurer. Mr. Graham stated certain entities receive less money due to the tax increment which belongs to EPURA. EPURA received $244,868 for the '87-'88 tax year. The Town should stop spending any more money on EPURA projects for the next few years. Mr. Graham also stated EPURA had performed a beautiful job with Streetscape; however, can we afford to spend any more money? We need to re-evaluate what we have done. Greg Rosener, 1914-C Water's Edge, Fort Collins, CO. Mr. Rosener stated only those taxes collected within EPURA's boundary were subject to the tax increment. Mr. Rosener also commented on the Stanley Village Shopping Center, increased number of tourists due to Streetscape improvements, importance of retaining the Town Board's role of overseeing projects and EPURA's role of complet- ing projects, economic future of Estes Park, services, EPURA's good job in administrating and getting projects completed, and their lack of public relations/citizen interaction. Ed Jungbluth, Executive Director/Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 3050, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Jungbluth commented on Estes Park's tourism industry which relates to services for the commu- nity, competition for the tourist dollar, retention of both the Town Board and EPURA, and the way of life for all residents of Estes Park. Al Sager, Chairman/Planning Commission, P. O. Box 1787, Estes Park, CO 80517. In Mr. Sager's opinion, the results brought about by EPURA and its directors have been worthwhile; however, work is not done. Projects such as riverside improvements from Moraine Avenue west to West Elkhorn, improvements from Tregent Park to West Park Center, riverside improvements on both sides of the Big Thompson River to Picadilly Square, riverside improvement from East Riverside to Highway 36 and across to, at least, the Chamber of Commerce and to the pocket park and playground and picnic area across the river. Mr. Sager complimented EPURA for BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Workshop/EPURA and URA Plan - October 12, 1988 - Page three doing a fine job. Mr. Sager urged the Town Board not to delay unnecessarily with future projects as aforementioned. Neil Rosener, 844 Vista Lane, Estes Park, CO 80517. EPURA has been a success which can be verified by increased Sales Tax Revenues. The biggest mistake that could be made is to begin sowing the seeds for the shutdown of such a successful project. Mr. Rosener urged the Town Board to continue EPURA, and stated the two separate boards should be retained, primarily due to the financial and planning aspects. Concerning possible amendments to the Plan, a mandatory review every 3 - 4 years should be scheduled for public input. Projects such as riverfront improve- ments, completion of the West Park area, automobile traffic movement, and funding for future maintenance (15-20 years) should all be continued. Cyrus F. Wood, P. O. Box 1500, Estes Park, CO 80517. Tourism competition within the State is very high as witnessed by comparisons between Vail and Estes Park with regard to the accessibility to lodging, shopping, and eating areas during all hours. Richard A. Wood, Vice President/Forward Estes Park Foundation. Mr. Wood reiterated the Foundation's total support for the continuation of the Estes Park Downtown Redevelopment Plan. In the early 1980's, Estes Park had lost 1/3 of its share of the "economic pie" to other areas within the State, and showing negative growth since 1978, many public meetings were held; without community involvement/education, revitalization would not have happened without the Urban Renewal process. The Estes Valley community planned for this revitalization which was invisioned to take approximately 20 years, not five. Mr. Wood urged the Town Board to continue to pursue the Estes Park Down- town Redevelopment Plan and pursue it with two separate boards. The Foundation is emphatic that both boards be kept separate. A formal review process of the plan, possibly every five years (1993), "is a must" to re-examine our goals and objectives and to re-educate ourselves so as to make intelligent decisions. Mr. Wood also suggested the Town Board review the Foundation's survey conducted during the Spring and which were presented April 12th. Eric W. Blackhurst, P. O. Box 334, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Blackhurst is a strong advocate of the Estes Park Urban Renewal effort, this process must continue under some form of separate administration so Estes Park can continue to prosper. Mr. Blackhurst reviewed tourism trends, improved quality of life for citizens due to EPURA, future concerns and a list of 10 recommen- dations: (1) possibility of expanding EPURA's boundary to include the Stanley Park Fairgrounds, (2) address the need for a conference center, enclosed arena, etal, (3) increase EPURA support to the Town for maintenance, (4) continue river pedestri- an walkways, (5) encourage public/private partnerships, (6) maintain separate boards and staffing for EPURA and the Town Board, (7) increase communications between governing bodies and area citizens, (8) use combined resources to meet area needs, (9) address the parking issue with downtown merchants, and (10) schedule a review of the urban renewal process at the end of the next five years. Paul Van Horn, long-time Estes Park resident. Mr. Van Horn stated EPURA has been very extravagant in their expenses, partic- ularly with Riverside Plaza; bonded indebtedness and interest rate (all should be done to reduce this debt as quickly as possible and abandon any future development). Mr. Van Horn is thoroughly opposed to EPURA as it has been operating this last year. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Workshop/EPURA and URA Plan - October 12, 1988 - Page four Lou Canaiy, P. O. Box 3228, Estes Park, CO 80517. EPURA has done a beautiful job; however, EPURA should be recessed for a minimum of 3 - 5 years --our priorities change every year. Sharon Seeley, P. O. Box 958, Estes Park, CO 80517. Ms. Seeley is associated with the Park Theatre Mall property. EPURA has accomplished a great deal; however, they do not work with the people, especially in matters such as condemnation. Ms. Seeley proposed EPURA take a new look at working with the people who love Estes Park and who are being forced to improve the Town at a cost no one can afford. Ms. Seeley stated she will present a theatre building modification plan in hopes of entertaining positive discussion between the property owners and EPURA. James A. Durward, 251 W. Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517. Dr. Durward urged the Town Board to continue one of the most significant community projects that Estes Park has experienced. Dr. Durward commented on tourism, particularly "destination vacations." Dr. Durward submitted recommendations, as follows: Phase I - develop more parking in the 300 block of West Elkhorn and relieve the parking around East Elkhorn by adding postal delivery service; Phase II - continue Fall River beautification from Confluence Park to West Park Center and from Confluence Park to Moraine; Phase III - continue the Big Thompson walkway to the Chamber of Commerce and the 9-hole golf course; Phase IV - street beautification from Moraine to Big Thompson. The community must remain focused on the purpose of what and why the community voted for the extra 2% sales tax; if URA is scrapped, Dr. Durward believes a referendum vote would immediately be scheduled to eliminate the additional 2% sales tax. Frank K. Normali (Stanley Hotel) P. O. Box 2960, Estes Park, CO 80517. Property tax increment in the Town has primarily come from the Stanley and Stanley Village. Since EPURA's inception, most new jobs have not been created within EPURA's boundary, they have been created by the Stanley Hotel and Stanley Village. The Hotel is included within the boundary. Are the improvements shown during the slide program coming from URA funds or are they being influenced by Urban Renewal investment? Mr. Normali commented on the tax increment, which in Mr. Normali's opinion, largely consists of Stanley Hotel and Stanley Village Properties; investment in the URA district, EPURA has invested 100% of the tax increment to areas not producing; private redevelopment which occurred at no cost to the Town or taxpayer. Stanley Village has substantially paid for the downtown improvements, EPURA got Stanley Village, the Town got EPURA improvements, and the Stanley Hotel got a terrible entrance and they helped pay the bill. The Hotel has contributed much and received nothing. The Town has an obligation to remember what the Hotel's contribution has been; they too need driveways, landscaping, lighting, 'etc. --why not allow some of the tax increment to go back for investment on Stanley Hill --"when will it be our turn?" Bill Van Horn, P. O. Box 456, Estes Park, CO 80517. Mr. Van Horn agreed with those statements made by Mr. Normali and reit- erated most of the tax increment is supplied by Stanley Village; a proper balance must be made between land that is prepared for beautification efforts, and land that is going to produce income for public needs. Mr. Van Horn expressed concerned regarding possible assumption that the increase in the tax increment will continue; the bonded indebtedness; Stanley Village was not developed due to the inception of EPURA; their involvement with EPURA during development "was the most expensive thing and nearly killed the project"; there is an obligation in the public sector to weigh a cost -benefit; landscaping expense; the Town Board's responsibility to issue guidelines to EPURA; and EPURA's review process in addition to that of the Planning Commission. BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Workshop/EPURA and URA Plan October 12, 1988 - Page five Elaine Hostmark, P. 0. Box 134, Estes Park, CO 80517. Ms. Hostmark complimented improvements completed thus far by EPURA; however, she too is concerned with the costs. Ms. Hostmark is particularly interested in the difference between the generous budget of EPURA compared to the "bare bones" budget of the Library. EPURA should not be eliminated --the following walkways should be completed: east to West Park Center, Fall River continued as far as possible, from the intersection of Highways 34/36 east to Peacock Park, and from the west side of the Big Thompson along the Post Office. Hopefully these walkways will not necessitate any condemnation of adjacent property. Addition- al space for shops should not be developed; the Municipal Build- ing should not be relocated for at least 15 years; whatever is necessary should be spent on providing additional parking; the economic picture is beginning to decline and the increment will not keep growing. Richard Wood, 165 Virginia Drive (business), Estes Park, CO 80517. As a businessman for the past 16 years, Mr. Wood stated he was heavily involved in the formation of EPURA and the Down- town Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Wood concurs re-examination of the goals and objectives is in order. There is a tremendous amount of both partial as well as misinformation circulating around the community, misconceptions pertaining to EPURA's legal authority. Mr. Wood also addressed the merchant's investment, "crisis management", traffic congestion, long-term portions of the Plan relating to education and review, pride in the community, sound planning and decisions based upon complete and accurate informa- tion. Rowland Retrum. Questioned if the verbatim comments supplied by the ARD survey would be given due attention. Mr. Neu, -confirmed all information would be gathered for presentation to the Town Board. Mayor Dannels, Board of Trustees. Expressed their appreciation to all those in attendance and urged public participation at all public meetings. There being no further testimony, the Workshop was adjourned. Vickie O'Connor, Town Clerk