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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/20/2022 - Minutes 0tin"'>. ROANOKE COUNTY l� PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 Commissioners Present: Mr. Kelly McMurray, Chairman Mr. Troy Henderson, Vice-Chairman (arrived during the food planning presentation) Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Jim Woltz Commissioners Absent: Mr. Rick James Staff Present: Mr. Phillip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Rachel Lower, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Rebecca James Mr. Ross Hammes Mr. Jake Harding Mr. Alex Jones Ms. Cecelia Thomas, Recording Secretary Call to Order Mr. McMurray called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Approval of Agenda Ms. Lower recommended two changes to the agenda to move item D to after the presentation on regional local food planning efforts, citizen comments, add a closed session, and then resume the rest of the agenda as originally written. Mr. Woltz made a motion to amend the agenda, which passed 3-0. Presentation on Regional Local Food Planning Efforts —Amanda McGee, Senior Planner, Roanoke Valley-Alleg_henv Regional Commission Ms. Amanda McGee presented on regional and local food planning efforts. She overviewed the basics of food planning. She explained that the regional commission has been undertaking The Roanoke Valley Local Food Plan since 2020. She explained the methodology behind the plan. She went through the summarized recommendations and explained the reasons behind them. Implementation efforts have included working with the Roanoke Foodshed Network and showed the partners of the foodshed network. She reviewed the Roanoke Foodshed Network. She listed upcoming events. Mr. Woltz noted that they know where the productive lands are because they are being farmed. He noted many of the public farmlands he is aware of have bus systems, and questioned what they would want to do differently. He also noted that he is against changing ordinances to try to keep land as farmland because that goes against property rights. He noted that they should consider how that would affect property owners who are only able to sell their property to people who want to farm. Ms. McGee noted that Page 1 of 4 r ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20,2022 any recommendation that they make would have to be passed by local government. Ms. McGee noted that they have not moved into any reviews or studies at this point, but that she can mention his concerns when they get to that point. . Mr. Bower questioned the funding that was provided and where it ended up. Ms. McGee noted that it went to a local nonprofit called LEAP. She stated that it is a planning grant to put together these kinds of programs. Mr. Bower commended Ms. McGee for the efforts to keep food local but explained he shares concerns with Mr. Woltz. Mr. Woltz questioned if ongoing funding will continue to come from the USDA. Ms. McGee noted that their goal is to find another funding source before the current grant runs out. Mr. Woltz questioned if anyone had talked to the farmers bringing food to the local markets to talk with them about their experiences. Mr. Woltz thinks it is a really good thing, but hopes they will talk with the smaller farmers to teach them more about marketing their produce. Ms. McGee noted that they are working with local farmers at the markets they host. Mr. McMurray noted he is in favor of the idea as long as it is voluntary. He is curious to see what else they do in the future. Ms. McGee thanked the Planning Commissioners for their time. Citizen Comments Mr. Bower read an email he received from Susan Crowder, 5609 Palmer Green Circle, noted her concern about the 27 townhomes and 126 apartments being built across from Bonsack Elementary School. She explained her worries about increased traffic. She questioned if the project was approved, and what can be done to save their neighborhood. Mr. Bower reviewed his reply stating that he would inquire about the project at the Planning Commission meeting. He noted that the citizens in attendance did not want their names on the record, but had similar questions as those voiced by Susan Crowder. Mr. Thompson explained that the property that is in question is zoned R-3. He explained that R-3 allows townhouses and apartments by right. He explained that the intensity of the development increases as the number increases. Mr. Thompson explained that a plan has been approved for the townhomes since it is by right. It is an administrative review because it is zoned appropriately for those uses. He explained the site plan review process. He explained that there is no public hearing process because it is zoned appropriately. Mr. Thompson explained that the land has been zoned R-3 for at least 30 years. Mr. Bower asked if it is confirmed that there are 27 townhomes. Mr. Thompson confirmed that there are 27 townhomes proposed. Mr. James questioned who is developing it, which was explained that Mr. Robert Fralin is the developer. Mr. Woltz noted that many of the properties around it were already built, but they have to meet certain standards before they can start building. He commented that he understands why citizens would be confused when the land had been sitting there zoned R-3 for 30 years and all of a sudden, a project started. Mr. Bower noted that it is a change, but when the project is finished, it will be a nice project. Mr. Bower continued that Fralin will build nice apartments and that it will be done right. Mr. Woltz mentioned that Fralin is locally vested, which encourages faith that the project will be done correctly. Mr. Woltz confirmed that for them to start building that they have to have met certain criteria. Mr. Thompson confirmed that they have to meet all of the standards of the site plan review process. Mr. Bower thanked the citizens for attending and bringing their concerns to the Planning Commission's attention. ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 Closed Session Mr. McMurray made a motion to go into closed session which passed 4-0: Specifically, The Planning Commission for discussion pursuant to code of Virginia Section 2.2- 3711(A)(7)—To consult with legal counsel regarding probably litigation, where such consultation or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiation or litigating posture of the public body. Legal counsel has a reasonable basis to believe that litigation may be commenced against the County by a known party. Certification: Mr. McMurray made a motion that in the closed session just concluded, nothing was discussed except the matter or matters which were identified in the motion to convene in closed session. Only matters lawfully permitted to be discussed under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed. The motion passed 4-0. Discussion of Zoning Ordinance Amendments — Rebecca James & Philip Thompson Mr. Philip Thompson reviewed the proposed zoning ordinance amendments based on the Board of Supervisor's recommendation to look into halfway houses. Mr. Woltz recommended making a motion to hold a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors to discuss possible amendments. Mr. Woltz requested information regarding how many residential houses are available in commercial districts so they could make an educated decision. Mr. Henderson made a motion to request a special meeting with the Board of Supervisors, which passed 4-0. Mr. Thompson discussed potential changes to the zoning ordinance regarding wireless communication facilities. He clarified the potential height restrictions to be included in the zoning ordinance amendment. He questioned how high the Planning Commissioners wanted to allow cell towers in residential zoning districts by right. Mr. Woltz noted that he would allow 40 feet by right, but foresaw problems with allowing 80 feet by right. It was decided that 40-80 feet would be allowed with a Special Use Permit. Mr. Thompson verified what the Planning Commissioners wanted to allow by right in Industrial and Commercial districts. Discussion of Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings— Philip Thompson Mr. Thompson stated that a joint meeting with the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority(EDA) on the Route 460 Land Use and Connectivity Study is tentatively scheduled for October 19. Mr. Thompson explained that staff recommends canceling the Planning Commission's October 18 meeting and having the Planning Commission attend a special meeting on October 19 at 9 a.m. with the Economic Development Authority. Mr. Henderson made a motion to cancel the October 18 meeting and to schedule a special meeting with the Economic Development Authority on October 19 at 9 a.m., which passed 4-0. ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20,2022 Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Bower informed the Planning Commission and staff that Karen Gordon had contacted him on 9/9/22 who requested a list of all of the Planning Commissioners, addresses, phone numbers, terms of service, as well as other information. She noted that the Board of Supervisors list all of their pertinent information on the website. Mr. Henderson noted that this sounds like a conflict of interest questionnaire. Mr. Bower noted that he would rather not have that information out there. He explained that there have been citizens who purposely threatened to not buy from his business based on his decisions on the Planning Commission. Mr. Bower reiterated that he wanted to go on record and not have that information out there. Ms. Lower noted that all of the information that is public is on the Planning Commission website. Mr. Jones introduced Ross Hammes the department's new Planner II. Mr. Thompson informed the Planning Commission of the application coming before them on October 4 and three applications coming before them on November 1. Adiournment Mr. McMurray adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: • li.r hrgt. j,14.®ww ro C cella Thomas Recor.'.. ecretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip ,ompson Sea- ary, Roanoke CountyPlanningCommission Kelly McMurray 6- Chairman, Roanoke County Planni ommission