SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Dig Studio for the Village at Coal Creek Concept and Planned Development - Development Plan Services
Body
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Development
Department
PRESENTER(S): Aly Burkhalter, Senior Planner
First Name Last Name, Title
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $198,946.00
Balance Available: $198,946.00
Budget Line Item Number: 205-30-430-560100-212121
New Appropriation Required: No
POLICY ISSUES:
The Town of Erie strives to preserve the natural environment, provide abundant recreational opportunities, and support a diverse range of housing options for residents. Considering these priorities, the Town purchased the Village at Coal Creek property in October 2023 specifically with goals of:
• Expanding open space and recreational trail opportunities along Coal Creek.
• Creating opportunities for the development of affordable housing in a mixed-income neighborhood.
• Exploring space for additional facilities to serve Town operational needs.
This item involves a budgeted expenditure for consultant services needed to assist in the planning and urban design vision for housing and open space at the Village at Coal Creek site.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the resolution regarding the professional services agreement with Dig Studio.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
To support the Town's goals for open space and affordable housing, in October 2023 the Town Council approved buying the 46.5-acre parcel, previously referred to as the Page property and now called Village at Coal Creek. The purchase was funded using equal amounts of Trails, Natural Areas, and Community Character (TNACC) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In January 2024, the Council adopted an ordinance to annex the parcel into the Town of Erie. Zoning action was not taken with the annexation, and the property is currently zoned as Agricultural Holding (AGH).
Since then, staff have conducted an initial site analysis to ensure a clear understanding of physical and environmental opportunities and constraints. During the spring of 2024, a graduate student from the University of Colorado at Denver completed a Capstone report identifying key site constraints and assumed developable area for affordable housing. Staff presented initial findings to Open Space and Trails Advisory Board (OSTAB) in May 2024.
To move forward with the entitlement and development of the site in alignment with the Town’s goals, the site must be rezoned. The overall project process is to generate a Concept Plan that informs the later adoption of Planned Development (PD) Zoning for the site and Request for Proposal for a developer of the mixed income neighborhood.
In October, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), receiving fifteen submissions. After a thorough review by a selection committee composed of staff representing Planning & Development, Affordable Housing, Community Engagement, Parks & Rec., and Facilities, the selection committee asked four firms to present their proposals and consultant teams to staff. The selection committee recommends Dig Studio team based on their partner for engineering and surveying’s extensive experience with the site and the Town’s development processes, their affordable housing and missing middle housing experience, their unique strategies to integrate open space, and the overall strength of their team.
The scope of services for this project spans two phases over an anticipated 12-month period. In the first phase, the consultant team will conduct a background review, site analysis, site tour, stakeholder interviews, and 2.5-day charrette. The result will be a refined concept plan for presentation to the Planning Commission and Town Council for final direction for a Planned Development - Development Plan (PD-DP). During phase two, the consultant team will draft a zoning map, development guide, and requisite development reports. The PD zoning will follow the Town’s required land use application process, which includes staff review and outside agency referrals. The final step will be recommendation by Planning Commission and adoption by Town Council of the PD-DP. Each project phase includes regular project management, reporting, and meetings to ensure steady progress and stakeholder involvement.
Staff believe Dig Studio is best suited to lead this important project, shaping the future of Erie’s housing and open space vision at the Village at Coal Creek.
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Effective Governance
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. Professional Services Agreement