Erie Planning Commission Meeting - March 18, 2020

This meeting was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Planning Commission considered two site plan resolutions for the Nine Mile Corner development, located south of Arapahoe Road and east of Highway 287. The first resolution (20-155) covered Lots 1 and 3, which include a Lowe's home improvement store and two retail pad buildings. The second resolution (20-156) covered Lot 11, Tract G, and Tract H, which contain a 255-unit multifamily residential development called "The Outlook." Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Adopted by roll call vote (7-0).
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the March 4, 2020 Planning Commission meeting were approved by roll call vote (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• M. Barcus (Beasley Drive resident, live approximately 100 feet from the intersection) called in twice. He expressed confusion about changes from previous plans, specifically the location of the traffic signal at Beasley Drive. He also raised concerns about the virtual meeting format, stating he felt unable to participate in real time. He requested a delay until an in-person meeting could be held and asked to meet with staff and the developer to discuss concerns. The developer (Tyler Carlson) offered to meet personally.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 20-155 (Nine Mile Corner Lot 1 and Lot 3): This site plan includes a 361-space parking lot for Lowe's, two retail buildings (8,000 sq ft and 10,000 sq ft), a plaza at the northwest corner, and pedestrian connections. Staff noted that the 150-foot buffer along the south side (agreed with Lafayette) shifted all buildings north. The 287 access is a three-quarter movement (no left-out). Staff recommended approval with an additional condition to vacate the prescriptive ditch easement for the Boulder Canyon ditch. The applicant (Tyler Carlson) explained that CDOT denied a full movement at 287, and the buffer caused consolidation of residential buildings and some compact parking.
• Resolution 20-156 (Nine Mile Corner Lot 11, Tract G, Tract H): This site plan includes 569 parking spaces, 18 bicycle parking spaces, seven building types (three sizes of apartment buildings, carriage houses, garages, clubhouse), and courtyards that fulfill pocket park requirements. Access is via a full-movement signal at Arapahoe and a connection to 287. Staff noted the design complies with the PD and UDC. Commissioner questions addressed cut-through traffic concerns, traffic calming measures, RTD transit improvements, and landscaping buffers for Arapahoe Ridge residents. The applicant confirmed ongoing discussions with RTD for a bus pull-out on 287 and stated that traffic calming can be added if cut-through occurs.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 20-155 (Lot 1 and Lot 3): Approved by roll call vote (7-0). Condition added: prior to issuance of public improvement or building permit, the existing prescriptive ditch easement for the Boulder Canyon ditch shall be vacated.
• Resolution 20-156 (Lot 11, Tract G, Tract H): Approved by roll call vote (7-0). Staff recommended the same conditions as the first resolution.
• Next Steps: Staff noted that a public hearing is scheduled for the next Planning Commission meeting. The applicant committed to meeting with the concerned resident and to continue working with Arapahoe Ridge neighbors on landscaping.