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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/18/2005 - Minutes ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES –OCTOBER 18, 2005 Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Al Thomason Mr. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney Mr. Arnold Covey Ms. Janet Scheid Mr. David Holladay Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Kate Youngbluth Mr. John Murphy Mr. Anthony Ford Ms. Becky Mahoney Mr. Josh Gibson Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guests: Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte, Esquire Mr. Dale Wilkinson Mr. Larry Vandermaten Mr. Fred Anderson Mr. Al Hammond Ms. Nancy Hammond Mr. Cody Lowe, The Roanoke Times Ms. Grace Terry Mr. Mike Lindsey, WVTF Mr. Frank Porter Mr. Bob Flynn Mr. Al Cooper Ms. Melody Williams, RRHBA Mr. Steve Noble Ms. Annie Krochalis Mr. Gene Marrano Mr. Justin McCloud, WDBJ 7 Absent: Mr. Steve Azar WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00p.m. by Ms.Hooker. Approval of Agenda Mr.Jarrellmoved to approve the amended agenda. Motion passed 4-0. 1 Discussion of Explore Park District Mr.David Holladayprovided a history of previous meetings. He explained that the developerhopesto create a destination resort. Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte, Esquire, spoke regarding the proposed use. She introduced Mr. Dale Wilkinson and Mr. Larry Vandermaten. She provided a history of how the ordinance has evolved. She explained the lease arrangement between Virginia Recreation Facility Authority(VRFA) and Virginia Living Histories, Inc.She introduced Mr. Fred Anderson, Chairman of VRFA. She noted they have worked extensively with staffregarding this proposal. She stated uses will be for services which will be located withinthe boundary of the park for patron and tenants exclusively. Mr. Dale Wilkinson discussed the 1987 plans for the property. Ms. Hooker inquired about Industrial Uses. Ms. Goodlatte stated they want to reserve the right to have rail or river access to the property. She stated the use could be devoted exclusively to park patrons. Ms.Hooker asked about development on borders of property. Mr. Wilkinson stated the 1987 plan was driven by topography. He stated they speculate that the core area will be located towards the Welcome Center although no real land planning has taken place. Mr. McNeil suggested creating more detailed definitions of uses. He inquired about recreational vehicle use. Ms. Goodlatte stated RV use would be limited topark patrons. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding RV sales and service at this location. Mr. Vandermaten stated they do not plan to sell RV’s at this site. Mr. McNeil inquired about Surplus Sales.Ms. Goodlatte stated they could exclude certain types of sales. Mr. McNeil suggested defining uses which apply to Explore Park. He asked if parking areas would be includedas part of the open space. Mr. Holladay suggested defining which areaswill be included in the 70% open space. Ms. Goodlatte concurred. Mr. McNeil asked about setbacks and buffers. Ms. Scheid stated setbacks and buffers will be developed as part of the Master Planfor the property.She stated Explore Park setbacks would apply. Ms. Goodlatte stated the development will be in its own district. She stated buffers will need to be designed and identified. Mr. Holladay stated the current ordinance does not have setbacks, only buffers. He stated setbacks will need to be defined in the park. Mr. McNeil asked if the Sign Ordinance applies to this district. Mr. Holladay stated it does not currently apply. Mr. McNeilstated better definitions need to be created prior to the rezoning. Mr. Thomason inquired about thepotential development of a golf course. Mr. Vandermaten stated the exact uses have not yet been determined or designed. Mr. Jarrell inquired about communication services. Ms. Goodlatte discussed telephone service. Mr. Jarrell also inquired about surplus sales. Mr. Vandermaten stated the caption is troublesome but the description is probably acceptable. Mr. Holladay explained surplus sales could include an annual flea market as a tourist attraction. He explained surplus sales can be the sale of any used items. Mr. Vandermaten stated they are restricted by the lease agreement. Ms. Scheid explained that the County is not a party to the lease so has no say in lease amendments and has no control over enforcementof the lease .Ms. Goodlatte stated it is important to find a comfort level for everyone regarding these issues. Ms. Hooker stated it is importantto be cautious regarding these issues. Mr. Steve Noble stated he does not see areason to redo the ordinance. He stated better definitions need to be created. He expressed concern regarding enforcement regarding facilities being used only for park patrons. He discussed the physical constraints of the park such as steep slopes. He stated approval of the Master Plan should not be left up to staff. 2 Mr. Frank Porter stated other developers will want the same process. He stated the county is setting a precedent. He stated the current legal process in place should not be changed. He expressed concern regarding access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ms. Annie Krochalis asked why representatives from Blue Ridge Parkway and VDOT were not present. She asked about the original deed restrictions and what happens with the neighbors’agreements. She stated her opinion that a special waiver is being granted to an out of town developer. She noted they have offered no site plan or master plan. She stated citizens object to bulldozing the site without disclosing it to citizens. Mr. Al Hammond asked how the Bedford side of the property would be affected. Ms. Goodlatte stated this ordinance could not be applied to that locality. Mr. Hammond expressed concern about the acreagewhich islocated in Bedford County. He expressed concern about preserving viewsheds. He stated they need to keep the current charisma of the park. He stated it is important for everyone to work together. One citizen stated physical resources in the park need to be preserved. He suggested creating a historical district including the buildings. Ms. Grace Terry expressed concern regarding the preservation of the historical buildings. She stated she hoped the educational mission of the park would be preserved. Mr. Vandermaten stated all historical buildings are covered in the lease. He expressed support of the educational mission of the park. He stated exact plans have not yet been developed. He stated some historical buildings may be moved but not destroyed. Mr. Porter stated again they are settinga dangerous precedent. He stated they should provide plans before proceeding. Ms. Krochalis asked about monitoring and enforcing proffers. Mr. Holladay explained these issues are covered during the Plan Review process. Neighborhood Commercial District& Village Centers Ms. Kate Youngbluthconducted a Powerpoint presentation. She reviewed handouts. Ms. Scheid explained the 1992 NCD history andpurpose.She stated it has been part of theZoning Ordinance since that time. She noted these types of small scale developments would adjoin residential developments. Ms. Scheid stated that the premise for thesetypesof development is reinforced in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Thomason expressed concern since the county surroundsurban areas.Mr. McNeil questioned whether or not this type of developmentis needed in the county. Mr. McNeil asked about the difference between NCD and Village Centers. Mr. Beard stated it is the rural vs. urban areas. Mr. Bob Flynn stated it is prohibitive for a developer to go through a rezoningto acquire this designation. He stated he is unsure if it is possible to map these types of areas. Mr. Al Cooper stated since land is now less available, this type of development is becoming more desirable. The commissioners and citizens discussed acreage requirements. Mr. Flynn inquired about road standards. Mr. Ford stated more research would be neededregarding road issues. Ms. Scheid stated NCD is part ofthe Work Plan.Ms. Youngbluth provided a survey for 3 the commissioners to complete. She requested the NCDsurveys be returned to her by th November 8. Mr. Tim Beard discussed the Village Centerdesignation.He stated maps and design standards are neededand that there are currently 9 VC areas in the County. He discussed the Bent Mountain Village Center. Mr. Beard stated the next step will be to develop a specific ordinance for the Village Centers in AV zoning. Ms. Scheid suggested the possibilityof going to each community to obtaincitizen inputregarding Village Centers. Mr. Beard discussed guidelines for infrastructure requirements used in other localities. Ms. Scheid stated staff will bring more information for the th commissioners at the November 15Planning Commission Worksession. Update on Capital Facilities Project Ms. Janet Scheidcontinued this topic until the November Planning Commission Worksession. Comments of PlanningCommissioners and Planning Staff Ms. Scheid stated Mr. John Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator,had reported the Regional Jail petition should come before the Planning Commission in January or February 2006. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:19p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 4