To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Bryan Weimer, Director, Public Works & Development
Prepared By:
prepared
Jim Katzer, Transportation Division Manager, Public Works & Development
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Subject:
title
C22-15, Signature of the Public Works & Development (PWD) Director’s on the CDOT Access Permit to increase the allowable dwelling units in the Sky Ranch Development from 1,200 to 1,400 single home equivalent dwelling units in the Sky Ranch Development
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this memo is to approve and authorize the Public Works and Development (PWD) Director to sign the new Access Permit for the I-70/Monaghan Interchange to allow 1,400 single home equivalent dwelling units to be built.
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Background and Discussion: In collaboration with the developers of Sky Ranch, the County is completing a CDOT 1601 interchange approval process to obtain the approvals and permits necessary to construct the improvements needed at the I-70 interchange at Monaghan (Airpark). It has been determined that the Sky Ranch Development will have traffic impacts on and will create a need for improvements to the I-70 interchange at Monaghan (Airpark), since the interchange was designed to accommodate rural levels of traffic. Future developments within the City of Aurora and Adams County will also have impact on this interchange and will benefit from the improvements to be constructed.
For the Sky Ranch Development, the original PDP and a subsequent amendment require the developer to provide the necessary interchange improvements needed for their development. The PDP and amendment allow the developer to develop up to a limited number of residential units without the interchange improvements. Sky Ranch has been developing the property in phases and is now approaching the limit of residential units that can be served by the existing interchange improvements.
The County contracted with David Evans and Associates (DEA) through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to perform the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) 1601 Interchange Approval Process. The 1601 Interchange Approval Process will complete the following tasks:
• Documenting existing traffic, roadway, and environmental conditions. Travel forecasts will be developed to analyze the future demand and operational needs. The work will be coordinated with CDOT and FHWA.
• Engagement of the surrounding public through public outreach to describe the planning efforts and solicit input.
• Preparation of a System Level Study (SLS)
• 30% design of Phase 1 improvements
• Determination of the ultimate road alignment.
• Categorical Exclusion NEPA documentation will be completed concurrent with 30%
design for CDOT approval.
• ROW preservation needs determination, including any adjustments needed for the Phase 1 design to incorporate with or better facilitate ultimate construction of required interchange improvements and/or modifications.
• The ultimate conceptual design including provision for the frontage road and options to address the railroad and US 36/Smith Road proximity for the Monaghan Road Interchange.
• An Interstate Access Request (IAR) will document traffic operations of the
improvements and at freeway weave/merge points for FHWA approval
• Funding options for the ultimate improvements’ evaluation; and
• Identify Traffic Demand Management (TDM) strategies per the 1601 Policy Directive
The costs of the improvements for Phase 1 improvements have been estimated to be $30 million. The County recommends that Phase 1 of the ultimate improvements be constructed, however, the funding of these improvement is complicated and expensive. As the project goes through Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) 1601 Interchange Approval Process, the project will undergo a technical and financial analysis to obtain approval from CDOT for the interchange proposal.
The Sky Ranch developer is willing to fund Phase 1 of the Ultimate Improvements with the understanding that they will be reimbursed for the improvements over time in the amount less their contribution of the improvements. To be able to do this, the developer is seeking approval from CDOT and the County to increase the approved number of dwelling units that can be built within the Sky Ranch development from 1,200 to 1,400 single home equivalent dwelling units. This will give the developer the bonding capacity to eventually build the Phase Improvements. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has already approved two access permit applications submitted on April 15, 2022, by Arapahoe County which increased the number of allowable dwelling unit from 774 to 1,200 single home equivalent dwelling units. For the interchange to handle the additional traffic volumes, certain minor improvements may be required at the interchange, such as the installations of stop signs and re-striping of the lanes. CDOT and the County will monitor the interchange and request these improvements as necessary. The Sky Ranch developer will be required to provide these minor improvements when requested. The County is drafting and plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Pure Cycle to document these commitments from the County and developer.
The County is in support of the project and has determined that the design and construction of the improvements are the sole responsibility of the developer. The developer has accepted the responsibility and has engaged CDOT to construct the project. CDOT requires the signing of Access Permits by the County as the owner and the developer as the permittee. This approach follows CDOT’s State Highway Access Code. The County will submit a letter of support stating the following:
• The County supports the proposed Minor Interim Improvements at the interchange of I70 and Airpark if necessary.
• These improvements will allow the Sky Ranch development to increase the allowable equivalent dwelling unit count to 1,400 with the construction of the improvements, if necessary, while being subject to the approval of subsequent subdivision plats by the BOCC.
• Funding and construction of the proposed improvements will be the responsibility of Pure Cycle (Sky Ranch development) and/or their contractors.
• All construction drawings and the Notice to Proceed will be completed and acquired by Pure Cycle working through CDOT. Any other additional permits required by CDOT will also be acquired by Pure Cycle.
Alternatives: The County could choose not to sign the Access Permits for the increase. This would not allow the developer to move forward with bonding of the Phase 1 Ultimate Improvements resulting in a delay of improvements and development in the area. Eventually, the existing interchange will reach capacity, as the adjacent area to Sky Ranch will continue to develop.
Fiscal Impact: The signing of the Access Permits does not have a fiscal impact on the County as the developer will be responsible for funding to mitigate any improvements to mitigate a reduction in the levels of service.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Concurrence: The Arapahoe County Attorney’s Office has reviewed the board summary report.
Resolution: Attached a copy of the draft resolution.