HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/9/2007 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 9, 2007
Commissioners Present:
Mr. Gary Jarrell
Mr. Rodney McNeil
Ms. Martha Hooker
Mr. Al Thomason
Mr. Steve Azar
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson
Mr. Joe Obenshain, Sr. Assistant County Attorney
Mr. David Holladay
Ms. Becky Mahoney
Mr. Tim Beard
Mr. John Murphy
Ms. Nicole Gilkeson
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
WORK SESSION:
Session opened at 4:00 p.m. by Mr. Jarrell.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Azar moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5 -0.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Azar moved to approve the June 5, 2007 PCPH minutes and June 19,
2007 PCWS minutes. Motion passed 5 -0.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Beard, Ms. Mahoney, and Mr. Thompson provided brief overviews of
the consent agenda items. Staff and the commissioners discussed
various aspects of the petitions.
Ms. Hooker moved to include Item 3.a. Solid Waste Collection on Private
Streets in Cluster Developments as part of the Cluster Ordinance Revision
discussion and remove it from the Consent Agenda.
Motion passed 5 -0.
Ms. Hooker moved to approve the consent agenda.
Motion passed 5 -0.
Comments
Mr. Thompson introduced new Planning Department staff member, Ms.
Nicole Gilkeson. He stated Mr. Chris Patriarca will begin his employment
with the Planning Department on July 23`d.
Mr. Thompson and commissioners discussed acquiring a recording of the
transportation and land use summit which is to be held on Tuesday, July
24, 2007.
Mr. Holladay provided a powerpoint presentation of the Girl Scouts of
Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. He and the commission discussed various
aspects of the property.
Site Viewing
The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at 4:58 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mr. Jarrell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Azar gave the
invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
1. The petition of Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc., to
revoke Ordinance 111400 -8 granting Special Use Permits to
operate a camp and a day care center, and to obtain a Special Use
Permit to operate activities, meetings, day camps, after - school
programs, and overnight camping on 63.12 acres, located near
5488 Yellow Mountain Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr.
David Holladay, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented
the staff report.
Mr. McNeil inquired about the traffic impact analysis. Mr. Holladay
stated the petitioner has submitted traffic information from Rising
Star and a document from a comparable property in Colorado. Mr.
Azar inquired about signage and lighting. Mr. Holladay stated that
the Zoning Ordinance use and design standards for this use did not
address signage and light pole height. Mr. Azar inquired about
trails on the property. Mr. Holladay discussed the trails. Mr. Azar
asked when the traffic impact analysis would be available. Mr.
Holladay deferred the question to the petitioner. Ms. Hooker
inquired about the similarity of the submitted traffic information to
the proposed use. Mr. Holladay discussed this issue.
Mr. Ed Natt, Esquire, spoke representing the petitioner. He
introduced Girl Scout representatives. He provided a brief history
of the petition. He discussed citizen concerns discussed at the
Community Meeting. He stated the petitioner is a reputable
national organization and would not harm the property. He stated
no complaints were received from neighbors of the previous camp.
He reviewed the concept plan. He stated the power company
easement will not be used as an access to the property. He stated
the Girl Scout organization is volunteer based. He stated they plan
to construct a rustic amphitheater near the creek. He discussed
noise, use of facility, alcohol restriction, parking, and transportation.
He stated they may rent to outside agencies in order to generate
revenue. He stated a full time manager will reside on property. He
stated 96 onsite parking spaces will be available. He discussed off -
site parking and shuttle arrangements. Mr. Natt discussed the time
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constraints regarding acquiring a traffic impact analysis. He stated
the traffic information submitted is similar, but not identical to the
current petition. He discussed VDOT's comments. He stated
much of the traffic will occur on Saturday and Sunday. He stated
the use conforms with the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Jean Anne Hughes, Chief Operating Officer of the Girl Scouts
of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc., discussed the integrity of the
organization. She stated they cover 36 counties. She stated the
camp would have a positive economic impact on the area. She
stated the property will be developed in phases, costing a total of
$11,000,000. She discussed safety standards. She stated most
participants carpool with other troop members to attend camp.
She stated there are six large events per year. She stated some
events are held by other community organizations.
Mr. McNeil stated the citizens had expressed concern regarding
rental of the property. Mr. Natt stated large events would be Girl
Scout functions held on the weekends. Mr. McNeil inquired about
shuttling. Mr. Natt stated he has received verbal agreements for
other venues for offsite parking. Mr. McNeil inquired about turning
lanes and stacking on Route 220. Mr. Natt stated building a
turning lane would be cost prohibitive for the organization. Mr.
McNeil inquired about fire protection. Mr. Natt stated Back Creek
and a swimming pool would be available as water sources. He
stated the organization standards include safety requirements. Mr.
McNeil inquired about Fire & Rescue comments. Mr. Holladay
discussed the comments. Ms. Hooker inquired about the onsite
residential manager. Ms. Hughes stated the person will be coming
in 12 -18 months. Ms. Hooker inquired about shuttle service needs.
Ms. Hughes discussed the large events and activities, noting most
vehicles will enter and exit once. Ms. Hooker also asked if the
camp would be available for public use. Mr. Natt stated it will be
available for organizations to use or rent. Ms. Hughes stated they
will collaborate with other youth organizations. Mr. Thomason
inquired about supervision while at the camp. Mr. Natt and Ms.
Hughes discussed how the level of supervision is dependent upon
the age group. Mr. Jarrell inquired about site supervision while
camp is in operation. Mr. Natt stated a Girl Scout supervisor will
be onsite during all activities.
Mr. Jack Pate, 5642 Yellow Mountain Road, stated other camps
have lakes. He expressed concern regarding fire control. He
expressed concern regarding road condition and increased traffic
will cause an increase in accidents. He stated the water and septic
may not be adequate. He stated 1 -73 may also be routed through
the area.
Ms. Carolyn Holland, 5697 Hillside Road, expressed concern
regarding the high volume of traffic turning onto Route 220. She
stated many people may prefer not to participate in the shuttle
service. She discussed the importance of acquiring a traffic study.
She expressed concern regarding usage of the facility by other
groups. She requested only allowing the Girl Scouts or
organizations with similar guidelines be allowed to use the facility.
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Ms. Deborah Smith, 5512 Yellow Mountain Road, discussed the
importance of acquiring a traffic impact analysis. She stated Rising
Star's parking needs have exceeded availability of spaces. She
requested 'no parking' signs be placed on Yellow Mountain Road,
She asked how the park and ride will be enforced. She expressed
concern about the impact on Back Creek. She also expressed
concern regarding fire protection.
Mr. Rupert Cutler, spoke in favor of the petition. He stated the area
is a good location for environmental education. He stated the
property is suitable to be placed in a land trust to be maintained as
rural preserve. He discussed the importance of educating young
people about environmental issues and conservation.
Ms. Helen Ruth Burch, 5209 Grandin Road Extension, Girl Scout
volunteer, spoke in support of the petition. She stated their
organization has a good safety record. She discussed mandatory
compliance with safety standards.
Mr. Natt stated out of town visitors would be directed to use park
and ride service. He stated no amplification would be used at the
camp. He stated they would meet fire standards. He stated the
Girl Scouts would be good neighbors. Mr. McNeil inquired about
septic improvements. Mr. Natt stated they will have to meet county
requirements. Ms. Hughes stated for large events they will provide
portable restrooms. Mr. McNeil inquired about limiting the number
of people allowed on the property. Mr. Natt stated they can limit
number of people to the number permitted. Mr. Azar expressed
concern regarding not having the traffic impact analysis and
parking. Ms. Hughes explained parking arrangements for staff and
parents. Mr. Azar expressed concern regarding signage and
lighting. Mr. Natt explained signage would be in accordance with
the ordinance. Ms. Hughes stated there would be security lighting,
not stadium lighting. Mr. Natt stated if a traffic analysis is required,
the petition will take longer. He stated if there is a critical issue,
the petitioner will address it.
Mr. Pate expressed concern regarding how supplies would be
provided for camp functions. Mr. Natt stated large events would be
held during daytime hours.
Mr. McNeil reiterated concern regarding not having the traffic
impact analysis, noting this requirement may need to be addressed
in the ordinance.
Mr. McNeil then made the motion to recommend revocation of
Ordinance 111400 -8 granting SUP:
AYES: Azar, McNeil, Thomason, Hooker, Jarrell
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Motion passed 5 -0.
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Mr. Azar suggested adding conditions regarding signage and
lighting restrictions.
Mr. McNeil then made the motion to recommend approval of the
request with the following conditions:
1. The property shall be developed in substantial conformance with
the following three documents submitted with the application:
a. Concept Plan Program Center, Girl Scouts of Virginia
Skyline Council, by Schmidt, Copeland Parker, Stevens,
dated 510912007.
b. Girl Scouts Virginia Skyline Council Facility Schedule, by
Schmidt, Copeland Parker, Stevens, Facilities, pages 1 -3,
and Phasing Plan, page 1.
c. Narrative description of activities entitled "Girl Scouts of
Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. Program Center, Tax Map
Parcels 99.00 -2 -6.2 and 99.00- 2 -6.3, two unnumbered
pages.
2. The effective date of this ordinance shall be September 30,
2007.
3. Signage shall be limited to one ground level monument style
sign at the main entrance not to exceed 4 ft. tall and 6 ft. long.
4. Lighting shall be downlit lamppost style not to exceed 10 feet in
height.
AYES:
Azar, McNeil, Thomason, Hooker, Jarrell
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
None
Motion passed 5 -0.
Final Orders
The petition of Timothy and Rhonda Coleman to rezone 35.21
acres from 1 -2, Industrial District, to AG -3, Agricultural /Rural
Preserve District, for the construction of a single family dwelling,
located at 5242 Beason Lane, Catawba Magisterial District was
approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on
June 26, 2007.
2. The petition of Roanoke County Library Services and Roanoke
County Board of Supervisors to rezone approximately 28.71 acres
from R -1, Low Density Residential District, to C -2, General
Commercial District, to construct a public library, and to obtain a
Special Use Permit in order to allow a drive -in restaurant within the
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public library, located at 5690 Merriman Road, Cave Spring
Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at
the Public Hearing on June 26, 2007.
3. The petition of LaSonja McKinstry to obtain a Special Use Permit to
operate a family day care home on 0.22 acre, located at 2627
Creekwood Drive, Catawba Magisterial District was approved by
the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on June 26,
2007.
Comments
The commissioners and staff discussed the traffic impact analysis
requirements. Mr. McNeil requested the transportation manager brief the
commission on the traffic impact analysis guidelines.
There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45
p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
c �1 _'C
Susan Carter
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
(5 Fd 'Y-- 4
Philip Th pson
Secrets , Roanoke County Planning Commission
Approved:
Ga Jarrell
C airman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
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