HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2001-04-11TOWN BOARD and EPURA STUDYSESSDN__1 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2001 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 P.M. Room 203 1. WALKWAY WESTWARD. 2. KNOLL PROPERTY. 3. EXTENSION OF EPURA. 4. EXPANSION OF EPURA BOUNDARY. .
. Discussion Outline Mayor and Town Board and EPURA Board April 11, 2001 Walkwav Westward. EPURA's foremost priority for the last year has been preparation of a conceptual plan for extending the Riverwalk westward. EPURA is nearly ready to go public, with a plan for nearly a half-mile of walkway with some 12 logical phases. A very rough cost estimate is that it will cost between eight and ten million dollars to compete this endeavor in its entirety. (45 minutes) Knoll Property. Should the Town take over EPURA's remaining financial obligation on the Knoll lease/purchase? EPURA has three more annual payments totaling $341,670. EPURA's investment to date is $757,700. If this should occur, how can EPURA recoup its investment in the Knoll, so that it can be applied toward EPURA projects? (15 minutes) Extension of EPURA life. EPURA is a handy and effective tool that the Town uses to improve the community by building infrastructure aimed at economic enhancement and general community improvement. EPURA is an effective vehicle to finance these improvements through tax increment financing and the issuing of bonds. Like all urban renewal authorities in Colorado, EPURA has a 25-year financial life relative to property tax increment financing. Whether or not EPURA's life is extended will have a profound effect on its work program over the next seven years. Does the Town want to retain this vehicle for planning, implementing and financing? (30 minutes) Expansion of EPURA area. Tallant Park, an area which the Town Board has asked EPURA to consider further, is not fully within the URA boundary. If EPURA is to make improvements in this area, the URA boundary must be expanded. This could be effectively accomplished in concert with the above. As time permits: Real Estate Acquisition. EPURA is in the process of trying to acquire a key piece of real estate in the Walkway Westward area, currently a non-conforming use, which has a higher and better use. Should EPURA borrow from one of the Town enterprise funds to acquire this property in the short run, prior to its development by a new user? Performing Arts Center. Is EPURA the best vehicle to fund the contemplated performing arts center, though its ability to issue bonds?
Walkway Westward Phasing Priority Worksheet Project phases, generally from east to west: A. Moraine Crossing, B. Wiest Plaza Area, C. Wiest Parking Area, D. Wiest Drive/Elkhorn Crossing, E. Market Square, F. Peacock Park Area, G. Elkhorn Crossing/West Gateway, H. Tregent Park, I. Interpretative Trail, J. Old Lumberyard Parking Area, K. Performance Park, L. Kayak Course. Note: There will be a wide variation in cost among the phases, to a degree of which we do not yet know. Do not consider anticipated cost in this initial evaluation. We will factor that in as the next step. Phase: Factor. Assign score of 0 to 10, 10 being the best. Score Addresses larger community need(s) and/or provides improvement(s) to be enjoyed by all. Helps promote West Corridor as a destination. Eliminates blight or underutilized land use(s). Enhances overall economy and area businesses. Increases efficiency/safety of pedestrian system. Logical phasing of improvements. Aesthetic improvement of area. Serve as catalyst for related private improvement. Maximum utilization of physical resources (especially the river). Greatest benefit per unit cost ("most bang for the buck"). (highest profile project) Total Score: Maximum possible score: 100
$ 'T . I Estes Park Riverfront -West Corridor 12-20-00 Design Studios West, Inc. A. Moraine Crossing Primary Images Selected #60 Safe Pedestrian Crossing #3 Seasonal Signage Written Comments - Pedestrian Arch (cover) with plants - Need grade separation - Consider tunnel Amen! ! - Tunnel or very high quality stone bridge over road - Pedestrian bridge B. Wiest Drive Area Primary Images Selected #47 Canopied Trees #43 Native Boulder River Edge #54 Water Wall #11 Dining Adjacent to Pathway #31 Businesses Fronting River #18 Native Materials #16 Accessible Water Features #59 Steps Down to Water Written Comments - Make Wiest one-way and narrow - Do not close Wiest - Close Wiest at 11am C. Southside Parking Area Primary Images Selected #24 Parking Garage with Retail Written Comments - 2 Story parking garage with housing on top level - Two story parking - Shave off some rock to make more parking - Please! ! No parking garage - Parking no retail (2 - same handwriting) - Remove parking to free up south side of river for "walk" D. Wiest Drive/Elkhorn Crossing Primary Images Selected #58 Pedestrian Mall #60 Safe Pedestrian Crossing #4 Plaza with Special Paving
E. Bob's Amoco Parcel Primary Images Selected #10 Dining at River #30 Children's Play Area #28 River Edge Dining #57 Outdoor Market #50 Sun Oriented Plaza #59 Steps Down to Water #45 Retail Adapted to Local Style Written Comments - B & B 10 -20 rooms - Downtown Hotel with access to Riverwalk F. Peacock Park Area Primary Images Selected #52 Seasonal Ice Rink #22 Passive Water Feature #43 Native Boulder River Edge G. Elkhorn Crossing/West Gateway Primary Images Selected #60 Safe Pedestrian Crossing #3 Seasonal Signage Written Comments - Pedestrian Bridge - Tunnel under Elkhorn Amen! ! - Tunnel or very high quality stone bridge - Grade separated ped crossing are not practical $$$ Suggest signalized ped crosswalks H. Tregent Park Primary Images Selected #30 Children's Play Area #9 Quiet Overlook Area Written Comments - Extend Tregent park - Restaurant with outdoor seating - Sidewalk (on south side Elkhorn around rock outcrop) - Landscape median - Slow traffic at Gateway I. Path Connection Primary Images Selected #47 Canopied Tree Areas #9 Quiet Overlook Areas #7 Pedestrian River Crossing #15 Seasonal Plantings #12 Interpretive Pathways
#16 Accessible Water Features #26 Natural Stream Areas Written Comments - Keep River Walk on south side - go further west. J. Old Lumber Yard Parking Area Primary Images Selected #24 Parking Garage Written Comments - Signage re parking (signage at corner to direct parking) K. Vacant Town Parcel Primary Images Selected #1 Amphitheater #47 Canopied Trees #38 Accessible Water Areas #22 Passive Water Features #20 Outdoor Classroom Written Comments - Farmers Market - A meditation maze - Community garden - Walking path to Farview L. Ice House Parking Area Primary Images Selected #24 Parking Garage Other Written Comments (as received by 12/20/00) - Redevelop Silver Moon into higher and better commercial use - Rivenvalk is a great asset. Could use more outside seating near riverside restaurants. An outside area for concerts and other outside gatherings would be nice. More (?) waterfalls would be enjoyed by all. Area(s) for children to play would be nice. - Incorporate year-round features to enhance our community. For example, concert areas that could function in winter. Likes idea of an ice skating rink, but make it big enough to really be used. Consider shuttle parking. What about a parking garage at the schools fairgrounds area to absorb high volume parking needs? Add trails to downtown from neighborhoods so that locals can access downtown on foot and not add to parking chaos. Consider build-up/loft apartments to address need for affordable housing. - Leave Wiest Drive alone. Needed for ambulances and fire trucks. Leave all parking alone. Cantilever a walkway over the river. Create a waterfall on cliff west of dime store. (Goes off into costs of police, bad kids and drug dealers on the Rivenvalk.)
. Estes Park Riverfront - West Corridor Project ! 12/18/00 Images for Potential Design Elements i Image # i Description # Picked ILocation 1.City-State Photo Credit 1 Amphitheater 23 ~San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 2 1Pedestrian/Auto Shared Area 5 i 16th Street Mall Denver, Colorado DSW 3 'Seasonal Signage 5 1Larimer Square Denver, Colorado DSW 4 Plaza with Special Paving 5 ~ Promenade 24 Theater Complex Westminster, Colorado DSW 5 Performance Shelter 2 1 Breckenridge Riverwalk Breckenridge, Colorado DSW 6 1 Brewery I 16th Street Mall Denver, Colorado DSW 7 )Pedestrian River Crossing 8 Estes Park Riverwalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 8 Variety of Seating Types 1 i Writer's Square Denver, Colorado DSW 9 ! Quiet Overlook Areas 13 ~Breckenridge Riverwalk Breckenridge, Colorado Intrawest 10 Dining at River 6 San Antonio Rivenvalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 11 - Dining Adjacent to Pathway 6 'San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 12 Interpretive Pathways 9 i Estes Park Riverwalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 13 'Events Plaza 5 t Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project Pueblo, Colorado DSW 14 · Colorful/Festive Atmosphere 1 16th Street Mall Denver, Colorado DSW 15 Seasonal Plantings 11 i Writer's Square Denver, Colorado DSW 16 L Accessible Water Features 9 1 San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 17 :Integrated Sculpture 7 :Estes Park Rivenvalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 18 'Native Materials 6 ' Estes Park Riverwalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 19 Shared Outdoor Dining Areas 1 Larimer Square Denver, Colorado DSW * 20 ;Outdoor Classroom 3 1 Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project Pueblo, Colorado DSW 21 Up Lighting 1 ~ San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 22 Passive Water Features 9 IHistoric Arkansas Rivenvalk Project Pueblo, Colorado DSW 23 People Watching Areas 1 1 6th Street Mall - Denver, Colorado DSW 24 Parking Garage with Retail 22 ~ Market Street Denver, Colorado DSW 25 Passive Sitting Areas 1 1Breckenridge Riverwalk Breckenridge, Colorado Intrawest 26 INatural Stream Areas 6 Breckenridge Riverwalk Breckenridge, Colorado Intrawest 27 Canopied Seating Areas 3 i 16th Street Mall Denver, Colorado DSW 28 River Edge Dining 6 !San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 29 Contained Planting Areas ISkyline Park Denver, Colorado DSW 30 ;Children's Play Areas 9 1 Estes Park Riverwalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 31 IBusinesses Fronting River 6 i Estes Park Riverwalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 32 'Screen Piantings with Seating Writer's Square Denver, Colorado DSW ' 33 , Reflective Water Feature I Breckenridge Riverwalk Breckenridge, Colorado Intrawest 34 River Edge Plaza with Gateway 1 'San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 35 'Quiet Plaza Adjacent to Shops 2 Larimer Square Denver, Colorado DSW 36 Festive Night Lighting 4 , San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 37 Retained Planting Areas : Writer's Square Denver, Colorado DSW 38 'Accessible Water Areas 7 .Estes Park Rivenvalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 39 Shaded Outdoor Dining 1 16th Street Mall Denver, Colorado DSW 40 'Outdoor Performance Area 1 San Antonio Rivenvalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 4 1 1 Pergolaor Arbor ' K reitman Square Ben Gurion University LA Forum 42 ~ Water Feature Cut in Paving Homestead Estate New South Wales, Austral Paradise Transformed 43 Native Boulder River Edge 8 Breckenridge Rivenvalk Breckenridge, Colorado DSW 44 0 Weir/Overlook Feature , Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project Pueblo, Colorado DSW 45 .Retail Adapted to Local Style 3 Whistler Resort Whistler, BC Intrawest 46 Bridge Water Feature 1 San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas DSW 47 Canopied Tree Areas 18 Estes Park Rivenvalk Estes Park, Colorado DSW 48 Passive Garden Area 3 17th Street Plaza Denver, Colorado DSW 49 Event Signage 4 Larimer Square Denver, Colorado DSW 50 Sun Oriented Plaza 3 Larimer Square Denver, Colorado DSW 51 Vendor \Vagon 1 16th Street Mall Denver, Colorado DSW 52 Seasonal Ice Rink 7 Bear Creek Bear Creek, Colorado DSW 53 Interpretive Placard 1 Plaza Northern California LA Magazine 54 Water Wall 10 Nike Headquarters I Pasadena, Cali fomia LA Magazine 55 Outdoor Rooms 1 Colorado One Plaza ICalifomia ULI 56 Subtle Building Lighting 2 Promenade at Westlake Thousand Oaks, California' ULI 57 Outdoor Market 3 Pier 39 San Francisco, California i PA 58 Pedestrian Mall 4 Century City Hollywood, California , PA 59 Steps Down to Water 8 Estes Park Riverwalk ; Estes Park, Colorado 1 DSW 60 Safe Pedestrian Crossing 7 Downtown Golden 'Golden, Colorado DSW
I 1 - The Golden Age of Urban Renewal in Estes Park How Long Should the Renaissance Last? Prepared by Wil Smith and Dick Putney for Consideration by the Mayor and Board of Trustees April 10,2001 Overview: The Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority (EPURA) was created by the Town of Estes Park in 1982 under the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 31, Article 25, 3 1-25-104, shortly after the devastation caused by the Lawn Lake flood. An urban renewal authority is a special purpose governmental entity authorized to perform certain activities aimed at achieving specific goals. The overall goal of EPURA is to eliminate physical and economic blight and to implement physical improvements aimed at enhancing the Estes Park economy and the community in general. While a separate unit of local government, an EPURA is really a vehicle of its creator, the Town, to perform specific tasks in a highly efficient manner that might be cumbersome or impossible otherwise. These tasks include planning and implementing public improvements, financing improvements through issuing bonds, the use of eminent domain (if necessary) and entering into public/private partnerships as appropriate to achieve Town goals. All urban renewal authorities are funded through tax increment financing. This means that EPURA gets its funding from the increase in property values and sales tax that are a direct result of the improvements made by EPURA. These public improvements encourage related private improvements, which benefit the EPURA and the Town even more. The Town does not subsidize EPURA; conversely, a case can be made that EPURA subsidizes the Town. In FY 2000, EPURA contributed nearly $ 1 million to the Town's Community Reinvestment Fund and about $737,000 for maintenance of previously constructed improvements. EPURA is governed by a seven member Board of Commissioners, appointed by the Mayor with approval by the Town Board of Trustees. The staff is minimal, consisting of one person, the Executive Director, who is responsible for all administrative functions and who serves as project manager for all ongoing projects and activities. In addition, the Deputy Town Clerk assists in administrative matters as needed. The Commission and staff are augmented by a team of specialized consultants who are employed as necessary to carry out the mission of EPURA and the Town. This has been a highly successful approach because EPURA has assembled the best talent available to provide services on an as-needed basis. This talent includes planning and design professionals, real estate development professionals, specialized legal advisors and engineers. The EPURA Commissioners work in concert with the Mayor and Board of Trustees in setting goals and establishing project priorities. The Executive Director in some respects functions as a Town department head, working closely with the Town Administrator and atl departments as need be. In addition, the Executive Director provides assistance to the Town on special projects, most notably in the area of transportation. All in all, this has been an efficient and cost-effective arrangement.
As required by Statute, EPURA has a finite existence relative to property tax increment financing, which is 25 years. Established in 1982, EPURA's financial life will expire in 2007, unless it is extended. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether or not it should be extended. This exploration logically includes an examination of what has been accomplished, what still needs to be accomplished and whether or not EPURA is the best vehicle for accomplishment. Achievements to Date: The Town of Estes Park, through EPURA, has made dramatic improvements to the community. Since 1982, the Town has been transformed from an ordinary touristy strip commercial place into an attractive award-winning example of good town design. While a joint effort of public and private effort, most of this transformation has been the result of EPURA planning, construction and financing. These improvements include: Dramatic streetscape improvements to Elkhorn Avenue including landscaping, decorative lighting, street furniture, decorative paving and improved vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Development of the Riverwalk, which parallels East Elkhorn Avenue, and provides an attractive additional orientation for retail businesses toward a much used pedestrian circulation system. Development of Riverside Plaza, a gathering place and focus of the Riverwalk, which also accommodates an additional pedestrian orientation of retail shops. Street realignment and general improvement to both vehicular and pedestrian circulation in the downtown area, including parking. Development of the Conference Center, which attracts a variety of groups to Estes Park, enhancing the economy in general and extending visitation and business activity into the shoulder seasons. Purchase of the Knoll Property, an highly visible approximately 9 acre tract near the center of Town, to ensure its appropriate use and preclude it from being used for activities deemed undesirable by the community at large. This purchase is complemented by the Town purchasing adjacent property, to further ensure that that appropriate public uses are realized in this central area. A variety of less dramatic, but highly worthwhile, endeavors to achieve community improvement including establishment of the bronze sculpture theme, creation of the Stanley Historic District, development of Stanley Village, major parking lot improvements and improved signage in downtown. In addition, EPURA's contribution to the Town's Community Reinvestment Fund is substantial, amounting to nearly $1 million in FY 2000. These monies have been used for worthwhile community improvements, including the new fire house and the completion of the Lake Estes Trail. Current Proiects and Priorities: The current major focus of EPURA is the planning of the extension of the Riverwalk westward. Since it may, or may not, follow the river exactly; it is being called "Estes Park Riverfront - West
Corridor". The project area for this endeavor extends from the east side of Moraine Avenue to the vicinity of West Park Center to the west, a distance of approximately one-half mile. The goal is to continue to enhance the central business area by incorporating the amenities of the river with a pleasant and functional pedestrian circulation system, providing an opportunity for complementary commercial expansion and orientation. EPURA has completed its initial inventory and analysis and the initial phase of public involvement on the nature of the design elements to be incorporated into the design. Based upon physical determinants and suggestions from business owners, property owners and interested citizens, a concept plan is being developed and is now ready for public scrutiny. While it is not possible to put a specific dollar amount on something that is still in the design stage, if we compare development of the entire West Corridor to the quality of the east Riverwalk, a rough cost projection would be in the $10,000,000 range. Other current projects being worked on this year include: Analysis of the best use of Tallant Park, an approximately 10 acre triangular area at the intersection of Highways 34 and 36 to the east of downtown. This area is in public ownership and is truly the "gateway" to the Town. Participation in the Estes Valley Transportation Alternatives Study and feasibility analysis of development of a multi-modal transportation system to address traffic congestion and improvement of circulation within the Town. A related activity is working with Rocky Mountain National Park on Phase II of the Park Transportation Study. Consideration of the best use or uses for the Knoll Property and adjacent public areas, consistent with community goals for the preservation of open space and public enjoyment ofthis area. Extension of decorative street lighting and streetscape improvements from the downtown area to Stanley Village. Following the untimely death of Mountain Discovery at the polls last year, the past year has been mostly a "planning year". The one exception was the construction of improvement of access to the Stanley Hotel complex and the addition of 105 parking spaces to the rear ofthe buildings. Next Year and Bevond: A number of worthwhile endeavors have been begun and need to be completed, including: Construction of the "Estes Park Riverwalk, West Corridor". Design is yet to be completed and therefore no costs have been assigned; however, if this is accomplished consistent with the existing East Riverwalk and Riverside Plaza, the cost will probably be in the ten million dollar range. Obviously, this will have to be accomplished in affordable phases over multiple years. If EPURA's financial life were extended, financing through bonds could occur to accelerate the construction of these improvements and the realization of the benefits that accrue. Development of plans and construction of improvements in Tallant Park. Again, plans are to be developed and costs assigned; however, any significant improvements in this area will cost at least in the hundreds ofthousands of dollars.
A Center for the Performing Arts. Analysis of alternatives and preliminary planning has begun for a performing arts center for the Estes Park Community, following the lack of availability of Stanley Hall for this purpose. This facility, as envisioned, will probably cost between $2 million and $3 million. One way to effectively accomplish this is as an EPURA project. Financing through bonds could be an attractive way to early realization ofthis facility. Implementation of transportation elements. Pending the outcome and recommendations of the Estes Valley Transportation Alternative Study, it is highly likely that a public transit component will emerge. Accommodations for public transit will be needed in the central area. EPURA will likely be the best vehicle for making these improvements. A myriad of other needs and requests including appropriate treatment for public enjoyment of the Knoll Property, extension of the downtown theme to Stanley Village and beyond, improvements to the Moraine Avenue area and areas south, etc. By whatever yardstick we measure or upon whatever benchmark we reference, a case can be made that EPURA's job is at best half done. Do we want to continue our community improvements in this vein? Is EPURA the best vehicle to do so? If so, steps need to be taken to extend the life of EPURA and thus allocate appropriate dollars for these needs. The Numbers and Dollars: EPURA is funded by tax increment financing, which is the increase in both sales tax and property tax, within the Urban Renewal Area, above the base year of 1982. The total revenue from these sources was $2,847,979 in FY 2000, of which about 16 percent was from property tax increment and about 84 percent was from sales tax increment. In addition, there are interest earnings and a payment from the Conference Center, basically offset by bond payments for same. Major expenditures (rounded) for FY 2000 were as follows: $737,000 to Town for maintenance of EPURA improvements. $988,000 to Town for Community Reinvestment Fund. $977,000 for debt service for bonds, which financed prior improvements. $119,000 for payment on Knoll Property. $400,000 for planning and construction of current EPURA projects. Under the current arrangement, simple arithmetic shows that the remaining seven-year life of EPURA will result in about $2.8 million for projects. Will this complete the desired level of improvement to our community? Or should we look a longer range scenario?