A Fillmore Plaza Design Alternative

Background

Over the past eight months there has been continuous discussion and debate on the future of Fillmore Plaza through numerous surveys, presentations, and meetings with CCN residents, City officials, the BID and developers, and all other interested FP parties.  Even now, there continues to be many residents and businesses that are opposed to any street or vehicular traffic and are desirous of preserving the plaza as dedicated open space. 

At the end of August, 2010 certain conclusions have been reached and some actions and activities have occurred that have encouraged the CCNNA Board to consider a new design alternative for the Plaza. 

(1)  Pending Approval of Street - Even though CCNNA's current position is against a street through Fillmore Plaza and the Board has fought diligently to save the Plaza as a dedicated open space, the CCNNA Board has concluded that City Council will approve a street through Fillmore Plaza.

(2)  Other Neighborhood Support for a Street - The Country Club Historic Neighborhood Association Board has supported a street through Fillmore Plaza, and the Cherry Creek East Neighborhood Association Board and its residents have supported a street through Fillmore Plaza with enhanced pedestrian amenities.

(3)  North End of Fillmore Plaza - Suggestions from several parties have been made to preserve the north end of Fillmore Plaza closer to 2nd Avenue with a more pedestrian orientation.  The reasoning to address only the north end of FP was that the south end next to 1st Avenue would be less desirable and less likely to have outdoor eating and gathering activities due to the traffic noise and congestion of 1st Avenue. 

(4)  Developer Willingness to Negotiate - The BID approached the CCNNA Board for the first time in August to ask for CCNNA recommendations on Plaza changes to the BID's present hybrid street plan.  Possible reasons for this change in attitude could be attributed to: the additional cost and critical time delay in design and construction of FP to the BID; the increasing opposition to a street by the Friends of Fillmore group, CCNNA, and potential opposition by CHUN; and City official and other community leader appeals to the developers to reach a compromise. 

The North End Alternative

The CCNNA Board discussed the BID's request and came to the conclusion that, if a street was going to be approved through Fillmore Plaza by City Council, then preserving as much of the Plaza for the neighborhood and all pedestrians would be the appropriate course of action.  The Board responded in the following manner.  If the north end of Fillmore Plaza close to 2nd Avenue is redesigned to include (a) no parking; (b) a flat level, surface without street curbs from the center section to 2nd Avenue; (c) and limited parking on the south end, then the CCNNA Board would bring this alternative design to its residents for their consideration.

On Thursday, August 26th the BID presented a new detailed FP design, and it was discussed thoroughly by the BID representative, CCNNA Board members, Councilwoman Jeanne Robb, a CCNNA PAG representative, and three community architects.  Even though there is still a street through the Plaza, the new design for the north end featured:

• a uniform flat surface without any curbs or parking;
• a comprehensive colored paver / brick surface décor throughout the entire plaza;
• an enhanced pedestrian orientation with expanded sidewalk areas and seating;
• removable bollards or posts that separate the street from pedestrian space; and
• different size planters for trees and other landscaping. 

The only CCNNA request on which the BID did not agree was the number of parking spaces on the south end of the plaza, which was increased from 8 spaces to 10 spaces.  This additional parking utilized space near 1st Avenue rather than any center section pedestrian space.  The BID did agree to put in writing their agreement for no parking on the north end of Fillmore Plaza.

Street Vacation or IGA

Another important issue is whether a street vacation or an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) would be used to open the street through Fillmore Plaza.  As a reminder, a street vacation would allow Fillmore Plaza to be given to the developers and then to the BID at no cost and would become the private property of the BID.  This vacation would eliminate any formal public rights to Fillmore Plaza as a public right of way.  The IGA would keep the street as a public right of way with an agreement between the BID and the City on the maintenance, management, and fees associated with the street and plaza events. 

At a meeting on Friday, August 27th called by Councilwoman Robb with City attorneys / City Planning staff / City Public Works staff, BID representatives, and CCNNA attending, the two approaches were discussed.  CCNNA emphasized it adamantly opposes a street vacation approach to Fillmore Plaza and would only support an IGA, if a street is to be approved.  CCNNA also requested that it be allowed to participate in the IGA's development, especially related to Fillmore Plaza event planning.  The group agreed to pursue the IGA approach and for CCNNA involvement in the IGA discussion.

Conclusion

CCNNA does not want a street through Fillmore Plaza, but there is little support for our position beyond our neighborhood.   Therefore, it is the assessment of the CCNNA Board that City Council will approve a street, and we are not going to be able to keep Fillmore Plaza as dedicated open space.  The Board feels that the above described FP design alternative is the best design CCNNA has been able to reach agreement on with the BID. 

Next Steps

1.  Design Diagrams on Website - This discussion document and two diagrams of the FP design alternative will be posted on the CCNNA website for your review.  PLEASE REVIEW THESE DIAGRAMS. Our website address is (www.ccnneighbors.com).

The two alternative design diagrams are:

Filllmore Plaza Design with Notes - This is an overall view of the plaza design with a 25' wide street and parking limited to the south end of the plaza; At center of the plaza and on the north end, no parking, no street curbs, a flat level surface and added pedestrian amenities (outdoor restaurant seating) are featured.

Fillmore Plaza Perspective Rendering - This view ellustrates how the north end flat level surface without parking or curbs would look with pedestrian activity.
 
2.  General Resident Meeting - The FP design alternative diagrams will be presented for review and discussion at the September 28th General Resident Meeting.  At the meeting you will be able to review the plan in detail, express any concerns, and have your questions answered. 

3.  CCNNA Member Voting - As our Bylaws require, all voting (dues paying) members of CCNNA will be sent via the CCNNA member Yahoo email system a link to an electronic survey to vote on whether you support (1) the FP design alternative or (2) CCNNA's original position of no street through the plaza.  This voting will occur after the September 28th General Resident Meeting and discussion on the alternative design. If a resident is not a member and would like to join CCNNA and thereby participate in the voting, a membership table will be set up at the September 28th General Resident Meeting. The annual dues are $30.00 per household.

4.  Voting Results - The CCNNA Board will abide by the decision of our resident members from this voting.  The results of the FP alternative design vote will be communicated to all residents.

The long process to reach a decision on Fillmore Plaza's future is rapidly coming to an end.  We sincerely encourage your participation in the review of the alternative design plan.   If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please email Wayne New at newleeway@msn.com or contact any other CCNNA Board member.

Your continuing support and advice is greatly appreciated.  CCNNA Board