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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/5/2013 - MinutesMs. Martha Hooker Mr, Gene Marrano Mr. J,2soT Peters Commissioners Absent; Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present-. MW PhUip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney Ms. Megan Cronies Mr. , Chris Patriarca, Ms. Tara Patt,isall Ms, Becky Mahoney Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Work Session Mr. Peters called the work session to order at 4:00 p.m. A2proyal of Agenda Mr, Marrano made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 3-0. Approval of Minutes Ms. Hooker made a motionto approve the minutes of February 19, 20 which passei 3-0. Consent Agenda Mr. Thorn,pson provided a brief overview of the April Caudle petitioini, including a brief history of the daycare, current zoning, and future land use designation., He stated she has been operating her day for approximately; eight years, He stated the Department of Social Services requires zoning approval In order to renew her litense to operate a dayeare in her residence. Mr, Thompson and Ms. Hooker stated no complaints have been filed again�st the petitioner's daycave operat�ion. Ms. Hooker made a, motion'to aipprove the consent agenda, which passed 3-0 — Comrnissigners,'and Staff Comments Mr, Thompson and the Commissioners discussed public hearing procertures. ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2013 With no further comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the work session at 4:08 p.m. for site viewing. EVENING SESSION Mr. Peters called the Public Hearing to order at 7:01 p.m. Mr. Marrano gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. 1. The petition of Old Heritage Corporation to rezone approximately 1.880 acres from R -1, Low Density Residential, District to C -1 C, Office, District with proffered conditions, located near the intersection of Crossbow Circle and Franklin Road (Route 220 South) and including a portion of 5259 Crossbow Circle, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Ms. Cronise provided a PowerPoint presentation, including a brief overview and history of the petition. She discussed citizen comments received at the community meetings. She reviewed the previous request and the revised petition. She discussed surrounding zoning, future land use, and the concept plan, including the proposed buffering, landscaping, topography, and signage. She discussed sight distance on Crossbow Circle. Mr. Marrano inquired about the Neighborhood Conservation designation. Ms. Cronise and Mr. Thompson discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker inquired about low impact services. Ms. Cronise and Mr. Thompson discussed this issue. Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte, Esquire, provided a brief overview and history of the petition. She reviewed the input received from citizens at the community meetings. She reviewed the amended petition and proffered conditions, including height restrictions and signage. She stated the petitioner purchased the adjacent property and house to provide a buffer and improve sight distance. She stated Lumsden Associates, PC, had marked the sight distance improvements on the property and AECOM provided the traffic impact analysis (TIA). Mr. Stuart Martin, P.E., AECOM, discussed the standardized process for conducting a TIA including sight impacts and collaboration with VDOT and Roanoke County. He reviewed the study area, including lane geometrics, traffic counts, and signal timing. He discussed traffic growth, the background of the development, and projected land use. He reviewed trip generation and mitigation of traffic issues. He described the micro - simulation program used to study existing and future traffic conditions. He reviewed the results and findings, noting - Crossbow - Circle- did not deteriorate after - development during the simulation process. He stated VDOT approved the TIA submitted by AECOM. Ms. Goodlatte discussed the TIA findings, stating the previous proposal of C -2 would have had no impact on traffic with the current proposal having a lesser impact. She stated VDOT did not require another TIA. She discussed the surrounding zoning. She introduced Ms. Cindy Willis Creamer, Old Heritage Corporation, Mr. Howard Boggess, Lumsden Associates, and Mr. Stuart Martin, AECOM. Page 2 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2013 Mr. Marrano inquired about residents being told property would not be developed. Ms. Goodlatte stated nothing is on the property deed or on record stipulating development of the property. Mr. Brian Blevins, VDOT, spoke regarding the TIA, noting that although he was not the engineer who reviewed the TIA, the study does meet VDOT's requirements. He stated other issues would be addressed during the site plan review process. Mr. Marrano inquired about turning lanes. Mr. Blevins discussed this issue. Mr. Marrano inquired about the road being slick during inclement weather on Hunting Hills Drive and Crossbow Circle. Mr. Blevins stated nothing has been planned for this road since it is considered a low volume and low speed road. Mr. Marrano inquired about the development entrance being off of Route 220. Mr. Blevins stated VDOT prefers entrances to be on side streets. Mr. Marrano inquired about improvements of the road if more traffic is generated. Mr. Blevins stated information regarding trip generation would need to be acquired. Mr. Peters opened the public hearing for public comment. Ms. Isabel Kase, 5220 Archer Drive, stated she has lived in the County 41 years. She stated Hunting Hills subdivision has sharp turns and hills which make it unsafe for increased traffic. She stated her neighbor was killed in a traffic accident in the subdivision. She stated stacking of vehicles on Crossbow Circle is unsafe. She stated decisions are based on money which is unfair to the neighborhood. Mr. Emil Kublz for Mr. Boyce Cook, 4928 Buckhorn Drive, stated he and Mr. Cook are both engineers and represent the homeowners' in the area. He discussed his method of recording information regarding their traffic study. He expressed concern regarding increased traffic at the Crossbow Circle and Route 220 signal light, noting an average of 177 trucks per hour travel through the intersection. He reviewed the traffic study statistics. He stated he disagrees with VDOT's timing for the traffic light and VDOT will not reprogram this traffic light. He discussed traffic which is generated by retail stores located across from the intersection. He expressed concern regarding safety in the area. Ms. Carolyn Moore, 5223 Chukar Drive, discussed her traffic study including vehicle counts. She stated the subdivision has too much cut - through traffic. She discussed safety issues including speeding and a steep hump near the traffic light on Crossbow Circle which impairs sight distance. She stated the intersection at Crossbow Circle and Route 220 is dangerous. Mr. Bob Moore, 5223 Chukar Drive, spoke representing Mr. Oliver Michael Roberts, 5210 Chukar Drive. He stated the neighborhood is residential and the development would be damaging to the subdivision residents, providing no advantage for the residents. Mr. Timothy Umberger, 5203 Chukar Drive, discussed safety concerns, traffic increase, and decrease of property values. He stated the property was Page 3of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2013 developed over forty years ago by Old Heritage, noting if the commercial development was planned it would have already been developed. He requested that they preserve the Neighborhood Conservation designation, keeping the area residential only. He stated that the existing buffering could be used if a new residence was constructed on the property. At 8:05 p.m., Mr. Peters stated that the Planning Commission was taking a 10 minute break. Mr. Peters reconvened the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Charles Robertson, 5217 Crossbow Circle, discussed excessive speeding in the area, noting sight distance statistics are not applicable in this area since they are based on 25 mph speed limit. Mr. James Arend, 5260 Crossbow Circle, stated property values would decrease if the proposed change in use is approved. He stated it would be the only commercial address in a prestigious area. He discussed safety, increased traffic, and sight distance issues on Crossbow Circle from Archer Drive to Route 220. He discussed accidents resulting in fatalities which occurred in the subdivision. He stated the school buses enter the area near the proposed development. Mr. Frederick Dean, 5421 Quail Ridge Circle, stated Quail Valley shares the same access road. He discussed disparities between the traffic studies. He discussed the older demographic of the subdivision, safety of the constituents, and negative impacts to the neighborhood. Ms. Michael Barrus, 5504 Quail Ridge Circle, discussed safety and traffic concerns. She stated the neighborhood roads are narrow and winding which affect the line of sight especially near the intersection of Crossbow Circle and Route 220. She discussed the traffic gridlock and speeding vehicles in the area. She stated the property currently offers a soft buffer to the area, noting a hard buffer would diminish the quality of living. She stated the development will cause property values to decrease. She discussed the petition signed by residents in the subdivision. Ms. Becca Ferguson, 5115 Elk Hill Drive, stated she frequently is tail -gated while travelling down Crossbow Circle. She stated there have been three traffic fatalities in the area in two years. She expressed concern regarding speeding in the area. Ms. Rebecca Farriss, 5123 Crossbow Circle, stated she represents the Hunting Hills Homeowners' Association. She stated Mr. Elmer Hodge wanted to protect residential neighborhoods and the safety of neighborhood roads. She reviewed the statistics regarding citations, accidents, and fatalities. She suggested requesting a study on Crossbow Circle. She stated the petitioner has not offered the property for residential sale. She noted 611 citizens have signed the petition against the proposed use. Mr. Billy Vincent, 5019 Hunting Hills Drive, stated the line of sight does not meet VDOT standards. He expressed concern regarding vehicles exceeding the speed limit. He stated the property provides a buffer for the neighborhood. He discussed the original development envisioned by Mr. Gordon Willis, noting the proposed use will adversely affect the neighborhood. Page 4 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2013 Ms. Marie Shockley, 5259 Crossbow Circle, stated she is in the process of purchasing the home adjacent to the proposed rezoning. She stated she has agreed to the development. She stated the school bus turns around in the Quail Valley entrance, noting she has never felt that the safety of her three children was in jeopardy. Mr. Les Bowers, 5031 Upland Game Drive, stated the development of the property is unsafe and not needed. He discussed safety issues including winding and hilly roads, and speeding. He stated more office space not needed since other unused office space is available. He discussed the importance of balancing business and quality of life. Mr. Bill Elias, 5162 Falcon Ridge, stated he has lived in the area since 1977. He discussed the Crossbow Circle exit. He stated the commercial property would devalue the properties and lessen the tax base. Ms. Michelle Whisnant, 5201 Archer Drive, declined to comment stating her concerns had already been discussed. Mr. William Amos, 5061 Fox Ridge Drive, stated the property was zoned Neighborhood Conservation for a purpose. He discussed limited exits from the subdivision, inquiring why the entrance of the development is designed off of the neighborhood road. He discussed the proposed retaining wall and removal of area greenspace. He discussed the large tax base the neighborhood provides the County. Mr. Allen Oberlin, 6611 Suncrest Drive, stated he owns property in Quail Valley and does not want property values diminished. He stated the proposal is attractive, noting other future developments may be less attractive if the current proposal is denied. Ms. Kase asked the public hearing attendees to raise their hands if they are against the petition. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Peters closed the public hearing. Ms. Goodlatte discussed sight distance, noting it will be improved with the proposed development of the property. She stated Mr. Boggess could provide more detail regarding this issue if necessary. Mr. Marrano inquired if the sight distance was based on 25 mph speed limit. Ms. Goodlatte affirmed that it was based on 25 mph speed limit. Ms. Hooker inquired about TIA AECOM__ modeling. ____Ms. Goodlatte stated they looked at- the -times of day which traffic is increased. Mr. Marrano inquired about the effect of the development on the property values. Mr. Thompson discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker stated safety is a concern and unsure it has been adequately addressed. Mr. Peters inquired about the accidents in the area. Ms. Cronise stated the crash data at this intersection is the responsibility of Roanoke City. She stated she has spoken with Roanoke County, Roanoke City, and VDOT regarding the statistics. She discussed the findings, noting it is complicated to compile information due to numerous agencies providing input. Page 5 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2013 Ms. Hooker stated that the property does provide a natural buffer. She stated most homes in the area required fill dirt when they were constructed, but noted the proposed wall would be significant. Mr. Peters stated he was concerned about safety issues in the area. Ms. Cronise reviewed the crash data received from Roanoke County Police Department from January, 2007 through January, 2009. Mr. Marrano inquired about safety perception. Mr. Blevins discussed this issue. Mr. Peters provided the procedural options for the Commission regarding the petition. Mr. Marrano made a motion to recommend denial of the rezoning. Mr. Marrano stated he was concerned about safety. He stated economic development needs to be balanced. He suggested using a sound buffer. He noted it is the oldest county neighborhood. He stated the petitioner has made income from Hunting Hills, noting it is currently zoned residential. Ms. Hooker concurred, noting safety is a compelling issue. Mr. Peters stated sight distance and increased traffic create additional burden on the area regarding safety issues. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (3 -0) with the following vote: AYES: Hooker, Marrano, Peters NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Final Orders 1. The petition of Philip M. Argabright to rezone approximately 12.9 acres from R -1, Low Density Residential, District to AG -3, Agricultural /Rural Preserve, District, located at 5032 Stanley Farm Road in the Glenvar area, Catawba Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on January 22, 2013. 2. The petition of Friendship Health and Rehab Center South, Inc. and Friendship Health and Rehab Center, Inc. to rezone approximately 10.27 acres from R -1, Low Density Residential, District to C -2, General Commercial, District and to obtain a special use permit for a nursing home and life care facility on property located at 5647 Starkey Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on January 22, 2013. Citizen Comments With no citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Peters closed the citizen comment period. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Commissioners and staff discussed future land use maps. Mr. Thompson and the Commission discussed the difficulty of speculative rezonings. Mr. Thompson provided a brief review of the upcoming petitions for April, 2013, and May, 2013. Page 6of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2013 With no further business or comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Jason eters Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 7 of 7