HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/23/2023 - Minutes • so'" ". ROANOKE COUNTY
f. PLANNING COMMISSION
11 I I I Ir n MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 23, 2023
Commissioners Present:
Mr. Rick James, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Wayne Bower
Mr. Kelly McMurray
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Troy Henderson, Chairman
Mr. Jim Woltz
Staff Present
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Ms. Rachel Lower, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Ms. Megan Cronise
Mr. Alexander Jones
Mr. Jake Harding
Mr. Ross Hammes
Mr. Isaac Henry
Ms. Cecelia Thomas, Recording Secretary
Call to Order
Mr. James called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
Invocation
Mr. James led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
Public Hearings
1. Proposed Draft of the Roanoke County 200 Plan. The Roanoke County 200 Plan
is an update to the County's Comprehensive Plan. It expresses an overarching
community vision as well as unique goals for 11 community planning areas within
the County. It also provides guidance for public policies about land development,
public services and resource protection. Mr. Jones presented the history of the
planning process regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. James thanked Mr.
Jones for his presentation to summarize the last 25 meetings.
Mr. James opened the public hearing.
Nathan Newman, 8378 Robin Lane Road, noted comments of support regarding
items of conservation. He would like to see additional pedestrian
accommodations in the Peters Creek Area and continued support for the
Economic Development area like the Wood Haven Technology Park.
Louise Belcher, Bending Oak, noted that she supports Roanoke County's goal of
completing the West Roanoke River Greenway. She came to speak regarding
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 23,2023
Rural Broadband. She noted that she has a neighbor that had to drive ten miles
to turn in his homework during the pandemic. She noted that if you need to drive
to town to check your email. During the pandemic, it was a very significant issue.
She wanted to suggest that all of the rural community centers have hours open
during the day to have access to the internet. She noted that they have no cell
service and no Internet service. She emphasized the danger if the power is out
and you have a health issue. She noted that this is a serious concern for them.
Mr. James left the public hearing open to reconvene at the April 3, 2023 meeting.
Citizen's Comments
There were no comments.
Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff
Mr. Bower thanked staff for the plan, and the fluidity it has. He noted that both speakers
brought up some great points, and asked staff if by the next public hearing they could
address those concerns. Mr. McMurray thanked staff for their excellent work on the 200
Plan. He hopes that this is an inspiration and a blueprint for other localities moving
forward.
Mr. Thompson addressed the additional sidewalks in the Peters Creek Area. Mr.
Thompson noted that two sidewalks are going into construction on Peters Creek Road
to extend the sidewalk that VDOT built last year. He noted that Roanoke County is in
the Capital Improvement Program to look at the Peters Creek/Williamson Road area to
look at projects for the area.
Mr. Thompson spoke to Ms. Belcher regarding her comments on Rural Broadband. He
noted that one of the major themes during the initial meetings was regarding
broadband. He explained that Bill Hunter with the CommiT department has a map
online that shows the projects to expand Rural Broadband in Roanoke County. He also
noted that the Planning Commission is looking at amending its broadcasting tower
zoning ordinance to allow them in more places by right. He explained that these projects
are in the works, but it is taking time to get them implemented.
Mr. Thompson updated the Planning Commission that Will Crawford has accepted a
position with VDOT.
At the last Board of Supervisors meeting they adopted a resolution to look at the
Industry, Type 1 and Industry, Type 2 definitions.
Adioumment
Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 5:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Page 2 of 3
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING( / COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 23, 2023
Cecelia Thomas
" J(a 4
Recordin cretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
J
Philip Tho son
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Troy Hand on
Chairman, oanoke County Planning Commission
Page 3 of 3