Planning Commission Meeting - May 16, 2024

This regular meeting of the Erie Planning Commission began at approximately 7:30 PM and adjourned at 7:58 PM. Commissioners Brodis, Drekman, Bahamut, Vice Chair Laws, and Chair Burns were present; Commissioners Hempel and Booth were absent and excused. The meeting covered three main agenda items: a resolution on affordable housing documents, an update on the Elevate Erie comprehensive plan, and a preliminary discussion of the 2025 budget.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously by roll call vote (4-0).
• The April 17, 2024 meeting minutes were approved unanimously (4-0) after a correction noted that Commissioner Booth seconded a motion, contrary to initial recollection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present or in the virtual waiting room; the public comment period was closed without comment.

Discussion Items

1. Resolution 24-155: Housing Needs Assessment and Affordable Housing Strategy

Staff (affordable housing manager MJ Adams and housing analyst Eric Loveridge) presented a follow-up to the February presentation. They requested a recommendation that Town Council adopt the Housing Needs Assessment, a Gap Analysis addendum, and seven new Affordable Housing Policies as policy guidance documents. Key policies include promoting infill development, aligning with the comprehensive plan, acquiring land for public-private partnerships, pursuing grants, offering economic incentives to developers, maintaining expedited permitting, and regional collaboration. Commissioners expressed strong support, noting Erie's leadership in fast-track permitting and inclusionary housing. Commissioner Brodis highlighted the need to publicize data from the gap analysis (charts on pages 22–25) to demonstrate demand.

• Vote: Motion by Commissioner Brodis, seconded by Vice Chair Laws, to adopt Resolution P2404 recommending Council adopt the documents. Approved unanimously (4-0).

2. Item 24-242: Update on Elevate Erie (Comprehensive Plan & Transportation Mobility Plan)

Staff (Josh Campbell, Keely Gaston, and Miguel Aguilar) presented results from the latest public engagement on three land use scenarios (A: status quo, B: employment/commercial focus, C: mixed-use neighborhood centers). Over 400 residents responded via survey and in-person events (Arbor Day, community center, etc.). Scenario C received the highest first-choice preference (especially in-person), while scenario B was the second choice. Based on feedback and infrastructure constraints, staff will develop a final “Scenario 4” starting from scenario B but incorporating elements from A (reduced highest densities, more infill) and C (neighborhood services, affordable housing). The final land use map is expected in June. Transportation Mobility Plan (TMP) updates: Vision and six value statements were presented (multimodal options, connectivity, equity, safety/comfort, innovation, sustainability). Strategies include transportation demand management, wayfinding, access management, emergency planning, micromobility policy, safe routes to school, and vision zero. A draft TMP is being edited and will come to the Commission in approximately one month. The Flex Ride on-demand transit service is expected to start fall 2024. Commissioners asked about open space definitions, density for supporting services, vehicular connectivity with neighboring jurisdictions, and integration of transit (e.g., Front Range Rail, BRT on Highway 7). Staff confirmed ongoing regional collaboration, alignment with the comp plan, and that all scenarios can be accommodated by the TMP. No vote was taken; the item was informational.

3. Item 24-252: Discussion on 2025 Budget

Staff requested input on budget expenditures for the Planning Commission. Proposed uses include a social dinner (preferred over pizza), attendance at national APA and ULI conferences (both in Denver in 2025), branded Town of Erie clothing, and other training/memberships. The current budget has $8,000 available, with minimal spending to date. Commissioners agreed to submit requests by the July 8 deadline. Staff will provide a breakdown of past expenditures and conference costs. Informal consensus to plan a dinner and possibly explore a joint presentation at APA. No formal action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 24-155 passed unanimously (4-0) recommending Town Council adopt the housing needs assessment, gap analysis, and affordable housing policies.
• The final land use scenario (“Scenario 4”) will be presented to the Commission on June 5, 2024, for review.
• The draft Transportation Mobility Plan will be presented for approval in approximately one month (late June/early July).
• Budget requests for 2025 are due July 8, 2024; commissioners will bring specific proposals to the next meeting.
• The June 19 regular meeting is canceled (Juneteenth holiday); a special meeting is proposed for June 26. The July 3 meeting may also be canceled due to proximity to the holiday.
• Chair and Vice Chair elections are planned for the June 5 meeting.