3 - Minutes, 9/17/03CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING SUMMARY FORM
NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Boulder Urban Renewal Authonty
DATE OF MEETING: September 17, 2003
NAME/'I'ELEPHONE OF PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY: Brad Power, 303-441-3219
NAMES OF MEMBERS, STAFF AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT:
Commissioners Present Phil Shull, Rick Epstem, Susan Connelly, Ira Barron, Michael Leccese, Jerry Lee,
Franpoise Pomsatte, Terry Rodngue, Richazd Wobbekmd
Staff Members Present Brad Power, BL1RA; Liz Hanson, Steve Dunan, Planning and Development Serv~ces
Westcor/Macench Rapresentatrves and Consultants Dav~d Scholl, Darrell Seach, Tracey Gotsis, Scott
Nelson, Michael Busenhart, Carl Okazaki, Jill Rood
New Business
. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Concept Review for Conceptual Redevelopment Plans for
Crossroads Mall
Brad Power, BiJRA Executive Director mtroduced the Crossroads Mall concept plan rev~ew by summanzmg
the background of the process that Westcor has completed to date, and outlming the goals for the review. The
purpose of the concept review is to offer suggestions for considerahon prior to the development and
submission of a site review applicahon David Scholl, Semor Vice President of Westcor presented the concept
plan He mdicated that Westcor settled on taking a fresh approach to the srte's redavelopment when they
assumed the pro~ect in November of 2002 They remam excited for the opportunrty to bring a new focus and
energy to Crossroads. Their goal is to develop a plan and pro~ect that will produce a successful and
sustamable shoppmg desrination. He pomted out that the specific charactenshcs of the plan and the timmg of
construction will reflect retatl demand He said that Westcor remams open to housmg on the srte at some
pomt m the future, but it would have to complement the retail program, wh~ch will remain the srte's core use
Scholl said that regardless of the hmmg of the build-out of the entire pro~ect, demolrtion of the existmg mall
structure, mstallation of new mfrastructure, mcluding the proposed streets, will be completed in the first
phase If a site review approval is secured m eariy 2004, Westcor anhc~pates demolition and mrtial
construction by late next year, with the possibihty of the first retail openmgs m 2005
Commiss~oner Leccese asked if housing is more hkely now than it seemed at the pre-applicat~on stage Scholl
repiied that they may take a more proactive approach to housmg demand, so long as it meshes with the reta~l
plan Commissioner Epstem asked if the changes to the concept described dunng Scholl's presentahon make
the plan that the Board is revtewmg somewhat dated Scholl said that they are conhnually refimng the plan,
but the basic character and layout of the pro~ect has remamed constant. Commissioner Barron asked if the
lmk to Target would be feasible and Scholl indicated they are plannmg to make the connection between the
properties
Commissioner Shull asked if May Company and the trusts have endorsed the plan Scholl satd that the
concept plan has been reviewed and endorsed by both parties. He also asked if the entnes to the site could be
strengthened through the placement of buildings. Scholl said that such an idea could be mcorporated mto long
term plans that reflect tenant demand Comm~ssioner Shull asked if Westcor will be seekmg to util~ze the
height exemption on the south side of the property. Scholl responded that if a use such as a hotel were to be
developed, the exemption may be applicable, but not so if planned retail uses are developed in that IocaUon.
Scholl also said that, in terms of height and density, the demand evidenced at the srte will be the pnmary
factor They would like to establish a plan approval with the Crty that would provide the flexibil~ty to respond
to addrtiona] demand if the pro~ect proves successful.
A public heanng was conducted Rob Madden asked for addirional mformation on buildmg height ~ssues Liz
Hanson of the Planning Department provided a brief review of the height code Robert Sharpe expressed
appreciation for the fact that the plan is moving forward, but expressed concern that widespread demolition of
bu~ldmgs would be counter to Boulder's environmental values Charles Bloom suggested that Westcor look
for addrt~onal ways to connect the site to adjacent areas Lou Della Cava suggested that the Crty should
consider a complement of transportation improvements along 30`h Street He also indicated that allowing
flexibility m the height ofbuildmgs is appealing.
Several board members expressed support for var}nng the height and density of buildings at Crossroads
Commissioner Pomsatte said that community members have expressed the norion that if hrgher buildings are
to be pennrtted anywhere m Boulder, Crossroads as the appropriate location Scholl again indicated that they
would like the flex~bihty to pursue options regarding height with specific retailers as part of their mdrndual
approvals. Board members also indicated that more attention should be given to the design and function of
the proposed streets They should be a defining characteristic of the prolect Buildings should be located to
take advantage of the urban character of the streets, such as the appearance of east and west Pearl Street The
30`h Street streetscape should receive more consideration m the site review It should reflect the potential for
the future of the east side of town, rather than today's conditions
In summary, the Board expressed strong support for the overall direction of the plan, and was appreciative of
Westcor's work
Motion: Commissioner Lee moved that the BURA Board express its strong support of the Crossroads
Mall concept plan and that Westcor consider the comments offered at this meeting, summarized below,
prior to the submission of a site review application:
• Explore building height and density flexibility to enable a more urban character on the site;
• More care should be given to the design and function of the new streets and access points;
• Ped/bike connections can be facilitated without rigid interpretation of the BVRC Transportation
Connections Plan;
• Westcor should consult the BVRC Design Guidelines for information about creating a
pedestrian character along the 30`" Street portion of the site;
• Housing partnership discussions should be accelerated; and
• There is an appreciation of Westcor's effort to create a sustainable project.
Commissioner Barron seconded the motion. Vote: Aye, 9-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Time of Future Meetings, Committees or Special Hearings: October 15 2003 Regular Meeting