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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/19/2008 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 Roanoke County Commissioners Present: Mr. Steve Azar Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. David Radford Roanoke County Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney Mr. Tarek Moneir Mr. David Holladay Ms. Nicole Gilkeson Ms. Lindsay Blankenship Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Rebecca Mahoney Mr. Chris Patriarca Mr. Tarek Moneir Ms. Becky Meador, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Mr. McNeil called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Jarrell moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5 -0. Hollins Area Plan Mr. Holladay reviewed the latest revision of the Hollins Area Plan. Mr. McNeil inquired about implementation and funding for the plan. Funds will need to be acquired; however, Hollins University is interested in funding assistance. Additionally, funds could be obtained through area businesses and the SAFETEA -LU program. Mr. Thompson noted that VDOT is moving forward with the installation of pedestrian crossing signals. There was discussion of sidewalks in the Hollins area. Hollins area businesses may help with this expense. Sidewalks are something that could be required by ordinance. This can be addressed with the next revision. Mr. Thompson gave a brief overview of the meeting with the Huffman family regarding their land in the Hollins area. Mr. Huffman clearly stated they do not want their land to be designated for conservation. Hollins University made an offer to purchase the land, which the Huffman's declined. The Huffman family did agree to give Hollins University the first option to purchase should they desire to sell in the future. Page 1 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 19, 2008 There was considerable discussion of Scenario 4 of the Future Land Use proposals. Although the general consensus was that the Huffman Farm should not be designated for conservation, it was presented at the community meeting and will be offered as an option for the public hearing. It was felt that a transition designation would be best suited for the Huffman property. This would create a buffer between two conflicting land uses (i.e. Hollins University and ITT). All scenarios are important to obtain public comment. They are possibilities only. Plan implementation was discussed. Mr. Thompson stated that staff may need to look at spending more time and resources on implementation. Mr. McNeil asked how closely the proposed land use matches the current zoning. A zoning map is provided in the Hollins package (map 27). Currently all of Hollins University is zoned "office ", which will be changed to the new "university" district. As of now the Huffman property is zoned R -1, Low Density Residential, and 1 -1, Low Intensity Industrial. It was noted that the zoning of a property will dictate usage, despite the future land use; however, the public does consider future land use when petitioning for a rezoning. It was felt that if the zoning and future land use do not complement, it may be misleading to the citizens. It may be difficult to back up an approval of a rezoning, which contradicted the Comprehensive Plan, should that ever become necessary. Mr. Thompson stated the target date for public hearing of the Hollins Area Plan is October 7, 2008. Additional alternative options can be presented at the public hearing if desired. Route 221 Area Plan Ms. Gilkeson stated community meetings are planned for the Route 221 Area Plan at Back Creek Elementary School on September 8 and September 11, 2008. Proposed future land use maps were presented. They included three (3) separate scenarios. Some areas were proposed for water and/or sewer services. Responsibility of costs for utility services was discussed. Service to a new school would be the county's responsibility. The Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) could possibly cover or share expenses for subdivisions to which they transport water during drought conditions. Homeowners in close proximity to a new school could pay fees to connect. New developers could also be required to install public utilities. It was noted that the WVWA cannot run lines without the county's approval. Mr. McNeil felt it may be viewed as preferential if one subdivision received utility services and another with the same land use designation did not. Other Comments Mr. Moneir stated the Taney Drive blighted property case is moving forward. Mr. Thompson announced that Ms. Gilkeson received her AICP designation. He also noted that interviews are currently being conducted for a new Planner 11 position. The new staff member should be in place within the next four (4) to six (6) weeks. Page 2 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 49, 2008 Mr. Holladay stated that Cherney Development Company, who owns the land at the corner of Stoneybrook Drive and Route 419, is proposing a seventy thousand (70,000) square foot office building for the site. The proposed building does fit into the area and could be constructed by -right if the parcel was zoned C -1, Office District. Cherney Development Company is conducting a community meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We provided a mailing list only. The company is handling all other details for the meeting. There is a community meeting at the Roanoke County Administration Center on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. for the Starkey Medical petition, which will be heard by the Planning Commission on September 2, 2008. With no further business or comments, Mr. McNeil adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Becky Meador Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 6i­ & A,==== - Philip T ompson Secretary, Roanoke ounty Planning Commission Appro d: Rodney McNeil Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3 of 3