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Home My WebLink About11/18/2013 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Gene Marrano Mr. Jason Peters Mr. Jim Woltz (arrived after approval of agenda) Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, Assistant County Attorney Ms. Melinda Cox, Economic Development Specialist Mr. David Holladay Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr. Randall Phillips, Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP Mr. Brad Stipes, Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP Mr. Jake Gilmer, Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission Call to Order Mr. Peters called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Jarrell made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Plantation Road Bicycle, Pedestrian and Streetscape Project Ms. Cronise introduced Mr. Randall Phillips and Mr. Brad Stipes, consultants from Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP and Ms. Melinda Cox, Economic Development. She provided a PowerPoint presentation which included a timeline of project beginning with the adoption of the Hollins Area Plan in 2008 through the construction of the project beginning in 2015. Ms. Cronise reviewed the revised project map, including proposed changes regarding bicycle accommodations, routing a shared use path across Plantation Road, and connecting the path to Walrond Park. She discussed the cross section conceptual plan. Ms. Cronise discussed proposed entrance realignment and median widths, including proposed sidewalks and multi-use trail. Mr. Stipes also discussed realigning the entrance, noting the plan is evolving and businesses are supportive of proposed improvements. Ms. Cronise discussed the addition of a signal near Lila Drive. She discussed possible consolidation of business entrances and the additional traffic light in order to improve traffic flow. Page 1 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2013 Ms. Cronise discussed detailed crash data summary, noting the crash rate is above average in the Plantation Road area. She stated over 25 outreach meetings have been completed to various area businesses. She stated Ms. Cox has completed numerous drop -by meetings in order to reach all nearby businesses. She discussed future outreach meetings which will included retail and commercial businesses, Hollins University, HCMF, and the Huffman family. She stated the Friendship Lane Bridge is in need of repair, noting it will connect the proposed shared use path to the Tinker Creek Greenway. She stated adjacent landowners are supportive. Mr. Marrano inquired about VDOT crash data. Ms. Cronise, Mr. Philips, and Mr. Stipes discussed compilation of data from other sources and design history of the area. Ms. Cox stated proposed improvements provide beatification and stormwater management for hotels and other businesses. Ms. Cronise stated hotel guests would be able to access Walrond Park via shared use path. Mr. Holladay stated some pedestrian pathways are currently on the roadway and shoulder. He noted Hollins Research Institute patients also stay for extended amounts of time and will benefit from being able to access the park. Mr. Stipes stated the changes will redefine the area by providing more complete transportation access and better access to amenities. Partnership for Livable Roanoke Valley Mr. Gilmer provided a PowerPoint presentation including information regarding members of the steering committee and partnership organizations. He reviewed the timeline, including steering committee meetings, stakeholder committee meetings, focus area sub - committee meetings, and strategies workshops. He discussed the results of the livability survey, including economic development and job creation, clean water and air, preventative healthcare and lowering health care costs, and educational options and academic performance. He reviewed the vision statement of the partnership. He stated their goals are economic development, workforce development, promoting health, and preserving historical and natural assets of the region. Mr. Gilmer stated economic development plans will include investing in regional infrastructure by providing large industrial sites, redeveloping small industrial sites, providing affordable broadband capability, and improving mobility for freight and the workforce. He discussed innovation through education, including hosting a regional internship fair, encouraging college alumni to live in the region, and create an online academic clearinghouse. He discussed cultivating and marketing outdoor amenities by enhancing sports tournaments, selling current outdoor amenities, creating an outdoor adventure destination, and providing unique accommodations for visitors. Mr. Gilmer discussed workforce development, including matching training opportunities with employer needs by developing data exchange and creating career paths. He discussed aligning economic and workforce investments by forming a regional workforce and economic development network. He discussed the importance of preparing students for careers in high demand fields. Page 2of4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2013 Mr. Gilmer discussed Healthy Roanoke Valley including coordination of care to connect residents to medical resources and improve access to healthcare services. He discussed broadening wellness support services including developing obesity /risky behavior forum in the schools and workplace. Mr. Gilmer reviewed the importance of natural assets and preserving scenic land. He discussed protecting ridgetops and viewsheds and encouraging infill and redevelopment. He discussed encouraging energy efficiency and renewable energy by providing incentives. He discussed improving air and water quality, including developing a regional stormwater banking system and increasing transportation options. He reviewed the proposed 2013 -2014 Livable Roanoke Valley Plan timeline, including briefings of local boards, requesting endorsements, implementation, and funding of strategies. Ms. Hooker discussed concerns regarding protection of viewsheds and renewable energy. Mr. Gilmer discussed efficiency and renewable energy. Mr. Marrano discussed infill and redevelopment, noting development around water sources would assist protection of hillsides and ridgetops. Mr. Woltz stated viewshed and ridgetop protection needs to be better defined. He discussed wind energy, noting issues could be resolved if size and setback regulations were revised. Mr. Gilmer and the Commissioners discussed these issues. Mr. Gilmer thanked the Commission for their input regarding the plan. Citizens' Comments There were none. Other Comments Mr. Thompson stated a Community Meeting regarding the Board of Supervisors petition will be held November 19, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in the Roanoke County Administration Center. He stated the Town of Vinton will hold a Community Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 2013, regarding the future use of Roland E. Cook School. Mr. Thompson stated that on December 3, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., a Community Meeting will be held in the Green Ridge Recreation Center regarding the proposed Green Ridge Water Tank. Mr. Thompson discussed the revision of landuse application deadlines, noting the application process timeline has been reduced. With no further business or comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Page 3 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission _ , Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 4 of 4 NOVEMBER 18, 2013