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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/16/2008 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 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. Joe Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. Tarek Moneir Mr. David Holladay Ms, Lindsay Blankenship Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Rebecca Mahoney Mr. Chris Patriarca Mr. Darren Jones Ms. Denise Sowder Ms. Kafi Nophlin Ms. Tammi Wood Ms. Janet Scheid Ms. Becky Meador, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Mr. McNeil called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Jarrell moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5 -0. Open space in Cluster Developments Ms. Wood did a PowerPoint presentation on open space in cluster developments. She and a team of staff members from various divisions of Community Development have been working on the project, focusing first on concept. Ms. Nophlin discussed the advantages of open space, pointing out that protected areas should be able to be utilized by the residents. Steep slopes can be used for hiking or deep forests for walking trails and picnic tables. The areas should be attractive and comfortable. Ms. Scheid discussed ownership of open spaces. The Western Virginia Land Trust does not contract ownership or management of open space within a development. Homeowner Associations hold deed to such parcels. Conservation easements are an option; however, Mr. Obenshain noted that an entity needs to "own" the property to defend the public's interest should the need ever arise. There was considerable discussion of Homeowner Association dissolution, organization, bylaws, definition and law at the county and state levels. The county would only be involved in situations where proffers were offered or bonds made by the developer(s). It was felt there should be an ordinance to backup cluster development. This could apply to open space in any type of development. Page 1 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 Ms. Wood stated Roanoke County has five (5) cluster developments on record. Only four (4) of these are being developed: the Preserve at Two Ford Road, Village at Tinker Creek, Brookfield Court, and Faircrest. The pros and cons of each development were discussed. Mr. Jones demonstrated an exercise the team composed in which parcels were located within the county that contained a 15% slope, wetlands, and a floodplain. The only vacant property that met the criteria was Garst Mill Park. For the purpose of a hypothetical subdivision, a thirteen (13) acre developed parcel on Williamson Road was chosen. Three (3) scenarios were offered displaying a cluster development, a Zero Lot Line development, and an R -1, Low Density Residential, by -right development. Only the cluster development allowed for access and utilization of the open space (creek, slope, floodplain) by all residents. This also provided protection from the floodway for the homes. There was discussion of whether a floodway should be excluded from the required percentage of open space. Mr. McNeil felt there should be guidelines for what would be considered "undevelopable" and what would be considered "usable ". Density for each scenario was extensively discussed. Some felt a cluster development should not allow more than what would be allowed by- right. It should be fair and balanced. Ultimately, the geometry of a lot will dictate the outcome. It was noted that infrastructure should be sufficient for density. Open space should be considered beyond just the undesirable portion of a property. Under current definition, facilities such as ball fields, community centers, and swimming pools can be included. Open space can also be a meadow or pasture with a barn or silo. The value of open space should be taken into consideration. Properties with access to these type of open spaces are often more valuable. The commissioners' concerns for consideration during the cluster development review included: simplified definition of open space, definitive size(s), walking trail standards, and avoidance of "row" housing. Hollins Area Plan Mr. Thompson distributed a three - tiered implementation table for the Hollins Area Plan, which also indicated the party(ies) responsible for each strategy. It was felt the table was easy to understand and the format was agreeable with all commissioners. The public hearing for the plan is scheduled for October 7, 2008, Hollins University Administration will be notified of the meeting, as well as the Huffman family, the Williamson Road Business Association, and all community meeting attendees. A recommendation will tentatively follow at the following work session. Route 221 Area Plan Mr. Holladay updated the commissioners on the community meetings held for the Route 221 Area Plan. Both were very well attended. Approximately eighty (80) citizens attended the first meeting and sixty (50) the second meeting. At each community meeting, staff offered a PowerPoint presentation describing the makeup of the survey and its results, stakeholder interviews, and how the plan is developed. Mr. Holladay noted there were a lot of good questions, lively discussion, and a diverse group. Future land use maps were also presented. He distributed Guidelines for Suburban Village Areas, draft goals and objectives, and a citizen comments sheet, which were given to attendees of the meetings. Page 2 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 There were representatives from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) present at both meetings. Transportation concerns were the recurring theme both evenings. According to Mr. Holladay, VDOT level of service for Route 221 is °E ". VDOT improvements to Route 221 should go out to bid around January, 2010. Commissioners McNeil and Radford attended the community meetings. Mr. McNeil voiced concern that citizens do not fully understand the Community Plan. Many think the county is "rezoning" their property. He felt the Planning Commission should look at road conditions when reviewing petitions in this area. Other Comments Mr. Thompson informed the commission that two (2) new planners have been hired and will start soon. The Board of Supervisors will be providing an ordinance pertaining to parking recreational vehicles on corner lots. The Planning Commission will vote on the ordinance at their November public hearing. The Route 221 Area Plan document is scheduled to be presented at the October work session. It will likely go to public hearing in December, 2008. The next area plans to be developed will be Route 24 and Glenvar. Mr. Holladay is coordinating another joint work session with Roanoke City. The date decided upon was November 7, 2008, at 12:00 p.m., to be held at the city offices. The city and county are both composing statistical abstracts, which will be a topic for discussion. There may also be a presentation by the Regional Commission on the Route 419 study they are conducting with VDOT. With no further business or comments, Mr. McNeil adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: 0 M ( OA-- Becky Meador Recording Sec etary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 6; - Z_ : /! Philip ompson Secre T ary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Appr ed: Rodney cNeil Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3of3