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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/6/2023 - Minutes gOANp� ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 1838 MEETING MINUTES JUNE 6, 2023 Commissioners Present: Mr. Troy Henderson, Chairman (arrived for the evening session) Mr. Rick James, Vice-Chairman Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Kelly McMurray Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Phillip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Rachel Lower, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Rebecca James Ms. Alyssa Dunbar Mr. Lionel Cruz-Cruz Mr. Ross Hammes Mr. Jake Harding Ms. Cecelia Thomas, Recording Secretary Call to Order Mr. James called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. McMurray made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. McMurray made a motion to approve the minutes from May 2, 2023, which passed - 3-0-1 with Mr. Woltz abstaining. Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the minutes from May 16, 2023, which passed 4- 0. Consent Agenda: July 5, 2023 Mr. Bower made a motion to cancel the July 5, 2023 meeting, which passed 4-0. Citizens Comments Travis Byrd,.3811 Franklin Street, noted his concerns regarding limiting the number of residents allowed in halfway houses in residential and agricultural-zoned areas. He noted that he is associated with Hope Centered Ministries. He discussed their three- part program, and how they operate as a year long program. Mr. Thompson noted it would be helpful from a staff perspective to see the.zoning for the existing locations in Virginia Mr. James questioned how great a need there is for a halfway house. Mr. Byrd noted that the leading cause of death in the United States for 18-45 year olds is ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 6,2023 fentanyl. He stated that the need is great. The success rate of their program is 60% of their graduates, so 1 out of 5. Mr. McMurray made a motion to have staff investigate having a halfway house in the Agricultural zoned areas, which passed 4-0. Discussion of Roanoke County 200 Plan Mr. Hammes and Mr. Harding addressed the Glenvar, Masons Cove, Peters Creek, and Bent Mountain CPA survey comments. Citizens Comments Continued Tammy Pulanski, 9544 Pine Forest Road, noted that Bent Mountain and where she lives share hydrology and geology, and water issues. She noted that Floyd County has tried to characterize the water, but it is next to impossible to characterize it. She noted that what is proposed by Preserve Bent Mountain, that their recommendation is to be careful. She explained that their water is trapped in the rock fissures in the mountain. She explained that it is not a problem now, but on Route 221 where those wetlands are is where the Seaboard Farm had historically contaminated the groundwater with nitrates. She explained that they wanted to be sure that, that institutional knowledge had not been lost in this process. She noted that in addition to the fact that they do not have an alternative source of drinking water is that their water source (Bottom Creek)feeds the Roanoke River. She asked that the County recognize that the intent is to put a 42- inch high-pressure gas tank into service, and has an 86% chance of exploding. She explained that they are building on steep slopes with lots of rocks in the soil with the soil subsiding. The main cause of the pipeline explosion in Blaine County was due to soil subsidence. She noted that the pipes have been sitting out in the rain and getting rusty. She noted one of the other main causes of explosions is rust. She noted that if anything happens along the pipeline in Roanoke County it will be significant and they will need more emergency staff. - Grace Terry, 4718 Wembley Place, noted her family has a lot of land on Bent Mountain. She thanked staff for addressing her concerns. She noted that it was reassuring to her. She noted that she would like to see some of the knowledge and good information that was done by the Mountain Valley Pipeline get lost. She asked that there be a point person for historic districts on the Planning staff. She explained that if you are a party 106 consultant on the pipeline then you still receive updates about historic resources on the pipeline, and she does not know where that information is going now. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson noted that staff is still in the process of hiring a new Transportation Planner. He explained that the Board of Supervisors adopted their budget, which allows the Planning department to hire another code enforcement officer. Ms. Lower discussed the decision of the circuit court to overturn the Board of Zoning Appeals decision to not prohibit the use of a storage container on residential property. Page 2 of 6 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 6,2023 Ms. Thomas noted an update to the Planning Commission.webpage that allows citizens to download the agenda in lieu of having to download the entire packet. Adjournment Mr. James adjourned for dinner at 6:20 p.m. EVENING SESSION Mr. Henderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Invocation Mr. McMurray led the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Public Hearings 1. The,petition of Larry and Rhonda Conner to obtain a special use permit to operate a short-term rental on approximately 1.32 acres of land zoned R-1, Low Density Residential District, located at 5859 Bent Mountain Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. Mr. Cruz-Cruz presented the current use and zoning, and the future land use designation. Ms. Rhonda Conner answered questions regarding which sites (Airbnb, VRBO) they were using for rentals. It was confirmed that there are house rules. She explained that they are not to exceed eight people staying overnight. Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing, and with no citizens, wishing to speak closed the public hearing. It was noted that this application came about due to zoning staff being asked to investigate short-term rentals in the County. It was confirmed that staff is unaware of any complaints regarding this use or the property. Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the application, with one condition: 1. The number of overnight guests shall not exceed eight (8) people. The motion passed 5-0. 2. The petition of Parker Design Group, Inc. to obtain a special use permit for religious assembly on approximately 2.91 acres of land zoned C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, located on Oakland Boulevard between 233 Hershberger Road and 4843 Oakland Boulevard, Hollins Magisterial District. Ms. Dunbar presented the application noting the current use, proposed use, and future land use designation. Mr. Jack Elinwood with Parker Design Group presented a history of the project, and discussed the need for a temple in the Roanoke area. Mr. James questioned where the congregation currently meets. It was noted that there is a meditation center where they _ have been meeting since 2018. Mr. Bower made the following statement prior to any vote or discussion on the matter: Page 3 of 6 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 6, 2023 "The petitioner, Parker Design Group, Inc., is a company owned by my adult son. I have conferred with legal counsel, and we both agree that I do not have a personal interest in the issue which would limit my ability to participate in the public hearing pursuant to the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act. However, in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, I have decided to abstain from any discussion and from the vote on the matter." Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing. Stanley Hale, 1016 Old Country Club Road, noted that he is honored to stand before them as someone whose life has been changed through the study of meditation and Buddhism. He explained that for several months he dangled precariously in a state bordering on depression. Until one afternoon, he stumbled upon the Buddha Mountain Center, where a monk invited him for a cup of tea, simple and quaint, and a few moments of inspiration, that totally lifted his spirits from the darkness that loomed. He continued that meditation is not the cure all for all of society's ills, however, he fully believes that the transformational power that he has experienced through years of meditation and attempts at mindfulness can be experienced by others through this development. He encouraged the Planning Commission to vote for approval of this application, as we strive for a more harmonious future for all. Que Le, 735 Jefferson Circle, noted that she is a Buddhist disciple of the temple. She noted that she lives in Christiansburg, and last year when her father passed, she was in search of a Buddhist temple to do his funeral. She was pleasantly surprised that there was a temple in Southwest Virginia. She explained that she started to attend the temple weekly, and a strong Vietnamese population in Roanoke. She explained that she was warmly greeted and welcomed. She realized that this temple is not just a religious space but also a beacon for diversity, inclusivity, and peace for the County of Roanoke. She believes that taking a lot that has been empty for forty years into a temple will allow individuals of many faiths or no faith to come and learn Buddhism's philosophy of peace, compassion, and mindfulness. This temple will contribute to the peace and beauty of the surrounding neighborhood, which will attract tourists and boost business in the surrounding area of Roanoke. Since coming to the temple, her 70-year-old mother has been able to make friends, and she has seen her mental health improving after her father's passing. It has opened a door for spiritual speakers to join us on the quest to alleviate and reduce suffering. She believes that this will have a positive impact on the community. Camha Tran, 5226 North Lake Drive, noted that she is here to speak for her family. She wanted to say how much the temple has had an impact on the community. She is proud to say that they have grown to the point that they need to build a larger temple. She noted that this temple would serve not only as a religious center but also as a community space to educate them on Vietnamese culture. She noted that this would allow them to promote the ideas of family, peace, harmony, and love. They believe that this temple will create a feeling of peace and safety in the surrounding area. She asked Page4of6 r ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 6,2023 the Planning Commission to approve the request so that they may have a safe place for their community to practice their faith and appreciate their culture. Tung Phan, 4924 Polly Hill Lane, noted he is a member of the temple. He noted the great impact to the Vietnamese community. So many people from the surrounding areas come to the temple. He explained that he is excited for them to build a new temple, and it will give them more space to practice and help the next generation. He explained that meditation is helping many people. Maximilian Lewis, 3314 Circle Brook Drive, noted that he is very appreciative to be standing here. He noted that this is emotional for him. He explained that he is a 20-year veteran of the United States army. He noted that obviously, something has to give. He noted that psychologically he has been dealing with many things. He has been taking therapy out of Veteran Affairs for the last 8-9 years. He is still in contact with his fellow soldiers. He gets they are going through many hard times. PTSD is the heart of it all. He noted he lost one last year to suicide. He noted that there are 22 veterans that commit suicide every day due to statistics. He has found a tremendous support system through the Buddhist community and through meditation. He is now talking to his fellow soldiers - about the Buddhist philosophy that can help them. He wants them to have the chance to benefit from what he has benefited from.. This is a growing community, and they need a - place to go and worship. This is one of the principles that this country rests upon, freedom to worship. He noted that by allowing them to have a larger space to worship, you would be fulfilling one of the founding fathers wishes of the freedom to worship. Mr. Henderson closed the public hearing. Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the application, with two (2) conditions: 1. The site shall be developed in general conformance with the concept plans for Chua Phat Son Buddha Mountain Center prepared by Parker Design Group, Inc. dated April 14, 2023 and Lemole Architects dated April 4, 2023 subject to any changes required during the comprehensive site plan review process. 2. The temple shall be constructed in substantial conformance with the architectural renderings titled Chua Phat Son — Buddha Mountain Center prepared by Lemole Architects dated April 4, 2023, subject to any changes required during the building plan review process. The motion passed 4-0-1 with Mr. Bower abstaining. 3. Proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments would: add a definition for data center, and amend the definitions of multiple dog permit, commercial kennel, and industry, type I in Article II (Definitions and Use Types); add single family dwelling, attached (cluster subdivision option) and single family dwelling, detached (cluster subdivision ordinance) as permitted uses in the AR (Agricultural/Residential) District in Article Ill (District Regulations); and amend the use Page5of6 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 6, 2023 and design standards for home occupations, type I and type II, and for single family dwelling, attached and detached (cluster subdivision option), and amend the accessory uses for industrial use types in Article IV (Use and Design Standards). Mr. Thompson presented the proposed changes. Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing, and with no citizens present he closed the public hearing. Mr.James made a motion to approve the zoning ordinance amendments, which passed 5-0. Citizens' Comments There were none. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Staff Mr. Thompson discussed the four applications that went before the Board of Supervisors on June 27, 2023. Adjournment Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. - - Respectfully Submitted: GLJ ecelia Thomas Reco ' Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission • Philip T mpson Secret ry, Roanoke County Planning Commission Troy Hend- son Chairman, :..noke County Planning Commission Page 6 of 6