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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/1/2021 - Minutes ,A;W:12r. ROANOKE COUNTY a a rat PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES NOVEMBER 1, 2021 Commissioners Present: Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Rick James Mr. Troy Henderson Mr. Kelly McMurray Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Rachel Lower, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Rebecca James Ms. Alyssa Dunbar Guests: Mr. Benjamin Crew, Balzer& Associates Call to Order Mr. Bower called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Mr. Bower gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. Approval of Agenda Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0, Consent Agenda Mr. Thompson provided an overview of the petition of the Lawson Companies to amend existing proffered conditions on approximately 12.15 acres on property zoned R-3C, Medium Density Multifamily Residential, District with conditions, to construct 216 apartments located in the 5000 block of Cove Road, the 2700 block of Peters Creek Road, and south of Beacon Ridge subdivision, Catawba Magisterial District. Mr. Thompson noted that the property is currently wooded and vacant. He noted that there is a parcel that is owned by the Lawson Companies that they will use for an access road, He noted that previous conditions do not apply to the parcel where the access road would be, and that the previous rezoning was done in 1984. He stated that the Board of Supervisors passed the rezoning with three proffered conditions. The Lawson Company is looking to alter the proffered conditions to allow more housing. Mr. Thompson noted that the request is consistent with Future Land Use designation. Mr. James asked about Virginia Law's source of funds and noted that government- subsidized rental units cannot be restricted on the property and questioned what restrictions may be placed on a property as it relates to subsidies or government housing. Mr. Thompson noted the different types of funding using Section 8 as an example and noted that you can use those Section 8 vouchers everywhere. Mr. James noted that he had a previous case where the term "affordable housing" was under much ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 1,2021 • debate and wanted clarification as to what was intended. Mr. Thompson clarified certain terms relating to affordable housing and how he believed that term was intended by the Lawson Companies. He stated that they did not intend for the apartments to be Section 8 housing, but did intend for them to be cheaper than some higher-end apartments. Mr. Bower questioned the density of the buffer, to which Mr. Thompson noted that they were trying to be cognizant of their neighbors. Mr. Woltz questioned what they would need to do if they wanted to expand the housing area later. Mr. Thompson noted that if they follow the proffered conditions they are requesting they would have to return to the Planning Commission for an amendment. Mr. Thompson clarified that due to how the buffer area is accounted for in the overall density he does not believe they will come back to add any additional housing units. Mr. James made a motion to pass the consent agenda, which passed 5-0. Public Hearing 1. The petition of New Millennium Building Systems, LLC, to rezone approximately 2.00 acres from RAC, LowDensity Residential, District with conditions, to 1-2, High Intensity Industrial, District, located at 3878 Garman Road, Catawba Magisterial District. Ms. Dunbar provided an overview of the property. She noted that in 1986 the property was rezoned to place a double-wide mobile home on the property, which the new owners no longer require as a use. She noted that the staff concluded that the request was concurrent with Future Land Use designations and that staff recommends approval. Mr. Bower clarified that it appears that the intention is to return the parcel to its original state of 1-2 which Ms. Dunbar verified. Mr. Crew with Balzer & Associates, acting on behalf of Zak Jones for New Millennium, stated that the property was a natural fit for New Millennium. Mr. James asked if they were just cleaning up zoning with no intended by right use at this time. Mr. Crew noted that they have submitted site plans and are under site plan review with their intent for Phase One being to expand storage yard operations for some of their productions and access that through their existing facilities. Mr. Bowers opened the public hearing for public comment, With no comments from citizens, Mr. Bowers closed the public hearing for public comment. Mr. Henderson made a motion to recommend approval of the rezoning request, which passed 5-0. It was noted that the New Millennium request will go before the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 3:00 pm. Mr. Thompson noted the November 15th meeting and requested that the meeting be canceled due to staff having three other meetings that week. Page 2 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 1,2021 Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings Mr. Woltz made a motion to cancel the November 15th meeting, which passed 5-0. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson noted the Nov. 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, and the Student Advisory Council meeting on Nov. 6. He also noted the upcoming Roanoke County 200 Plan meetings. He noted that the Board had passed a resolution requesting the Planning Commissioners and staff to look at the height of broadcasting towers. He noted that while trying to get rural broadband, the County has encountered issues with broadcasting towers. He also noted that state code allows for towers up to 50 feet to be approved. He noted that with the taller height there would be wider coverage. The Planning Commission requested that someone who is an expert come and speak on the subject, as without a consultant they did not feel they would be best to make a recommendation. Mr. Thompson noted that he will try and request a consultant to assist with this request. Mr. Bower noted that power poles can be installed, he believes up to 80 feet, and it is his opinion that the broadcasting towers should be allowed to be at least that tall. He noted that he would like to get the average height for those to take into consideration with the broadcasting tower. Final Orders The Economic Development Authority's application to rezone approximately 30.5 acres from AR to 1-2 that the Planning Commission recommended approval at the October 4th meeting was approved by the Board of Supervisors at its October 19th meeting. With no further business or comments, Mr. Bower adjourned the meeting at 7:38 pm. Respectfully Submitted: Cecelia Thomas Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip Th pson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission lVl cnr Ro tty wit." Bower Chairman, Roan ounty Planning Commission Page 3 of 3