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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/15/2005 - Minutes ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES –NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Al Thomason Mr. Arnold Covey Ms. Janet Scheid Mr. David Holladay Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Kate Youngbluth Mr. John Murphy Mr. Anthony Ford Mr. Josh Gibson Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guests: Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte, Esquire Ms. Liz Belcher, Greenways Mr. Sam Lionberger Ms. Annie Krochalis Mr. Bob Flynn Mr. Al Cooper Ms. Melody Williams, RRHBA Ms. Melinda Cox, Economic Development Mr. Frank Radford Ms. Grace Terry WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00p.m. by Ms.Hooker. Approval of Agenda Mr.Azarmoved to approve the amended agenda. Motion passed 5-0. Discussion of Explore Park District Mr. David Holladayprovided a history of the petition. He reviewed the Master Plan concepts. He provided an overview of a meeting at the Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters during which this petition was discussed. He stated access, utilities, viewsheds,andlease terms were among the topics discussed. He stated the BRPS would like acursory reviewof the final plan. Mr. Azar suggested requiring an SUP if retail use would cover apredeterminedpercentage. Ms. Hooker noted Williamsburg has retail storefronts which are still in character withthe themeof the area. Mr. Azar inquired about use definitions. He requested clarification for modification of the EP 1 District. Mr. Holladay stated he would note theconcerns of the commissioners. He discussed campground provisions. Mr. Azar stated he would like to see a revised copy of the ordinance prior to the hearing on the petition. Mr. McNeil inquired about the 90 day submittal timeline. Ms. Scheid noted the 90 day deadline beginstoday since this petition is on the November 15, 2005 Board of Supervisors Consent Agenda. Mr. Azar inquired about the historic structures. Mr. Holladay explained the application process necessary to relocate the historic structures. Ms. Goodlatte stated the lease provides guidelines regarding this procedure. Mr. McNeil asked for clarification regarding the petitioner’s intention regarding the structures. Ms. Goodlatte stated the petitioner wants to incorporate the historic facilities into their development. Mr. Thomason inquired about road standards. Mr. Holladaydiscussed roads and access points. He noted some roads would be interior driveways. Mr. Thomason expressed concern regarding road maintenance. Mr. Jarrell inquired about the current maintenance of the Explore Park roads. Mr. Holladay and Ms. Scheid discussed current road maintenance. Mr. McNeil asked about water and sewer extension. Mr. Holladay stated any water and sewerextension would requireaSection 2232 Review. He stated a right of way permit would be required from the National Park Service to cross the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ms. Hooker asked about water service. Mr. Holladay noted the facility may have its own system. She inquired about underground utilities. Mr. Holladay stated underground utilities could be proffered. Ms. Hooker inquired about buffering. Mr. Holladay stated the buffer requirements are the same as the 2004 standards. Ms. Hooker inquired about building andsignage heights, viewsheds, and greenways.Mr. Holladay discussed these issues. Ms. Hooker inquired about a traffic analysis. Mr. Holladay stated a traffic study was included with the original masterplan. He explained it is difficultto get good traffic counts at this time since the park is currently closed. Ms. Hooker inquired about educational intent. Mr. Holladay stated they do not anticipate large changes regarding the educational intentof the park. Mr. Jarrell asked about access for large trucks. Mr. Holladay stated Rutrough Road would be primary access. Mr. Azar discussed concerns regarding access, restaurants, gas stations, lighting, and building height. He also expressed concern regarding ageneral office being a primary use. Discussion of Neighborhood Commercial District Ms. Kate Youngbluthdiscussed results of the surveywith the commissioners.Mr. McNeil asked for clarification regarding residential use in this area. Ms. Youngbluth explained potential residential developments within the NCD.Ms. Hooker stated integrating residential use into the district may be beneficial. Mr. Azar stated the buildings could have apartments above the businesses. Mr. Holladay noted the district would consist of mixed uses. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding buffering. Mr. Holladay noted standards have not yet been created for this district. Mr. McNeil asked about allowable density. Ms. Youngbluth stated this issue is addressed by lot coverage in the guidelines. Mr. Jarrell inquired about building color restrictions. Ms. Youngbluth stated colors can be suggested but not mandated. Mr. Jarrell stated guideline details need to be better defined. Mr. Azar stated he is unsure this type of district would be used in Roanoke County. Mr. Thomason suggested minimizing commercial development areas especially on Rt. 419. Mr. McNeil requested input from the developers. Mr. Bob Flynn stated currently there is not a market for this type of development. He statedit is ‘smart growth’ to utilize the mixed uses but he is unsure it will work in this area. He suggested increasing the three (3)acre restriction to make it more economically feasible for the developers. He stated this type of development 2 may be used in older areas. Mr. Sam Lionberger stated downtown Blacksburg is an example of this type of development. He stated you will see it in high density areas. He suggested increasing the acreage to a minimum of five (5)acres. He suggested having more ‘by right’uses instead of requiring rezonings. Mr. Frank Radford stated the size of the acreage needsto be 5-10 acres. He noted there is no market for the ‘Mom & Pop’ businesses which would utilize this type of development. Mr. Flynn stated if the core isnot developed, the development will occur outside of it. Mr. Al Cooper stated rezoning is a prohibitive issue. He suggested increasing the acreage to 5-10 acres also. Mr. Lionberger stated the county permit process and fee structure is cumbersome. He stated the process needs to be streamlined. Discussion of Village Centers Mr. Tim Bearddiscussed comments received regarding suggested Design Guidelines for Rural Village Centers. He provided a handout of these suggestions with supporting maps.Mr. McNeil inquired about rezoningof the areas. Mr. Beard and Ms. Scheid explained Village Center designation requirements. Discussion of 2006 PC Calendar The commissioners decided since the July PCPH falls on July 4, 2005, they would hold the JulyPCPH on Monday, July 10, 2005. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff There were nocomments. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 6:17p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 3