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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/3/2006 - Minutes ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2006 CommissionersPresent: Mr. Steve Azar (arrived after the worksession) Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. Tarek Moneir Mr. Paul Mahoney Mr. David Holladay Ms. Megan Cronise Mr. Josh Gibson Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00p.m. by Mr.Jarrell. Approval of Agenda Ms. Hookermoved to approve the agenda. Motion passed4-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. McNeilmoved to approve the September 5, 2006 PCPH minutes. Motion passed 4-0. Mr. Thomason moved to approve theSeptember 19, 2006PCWS minutes. Motion passed 4-0. Approval of Consent Agenda Mr. McNeilmoved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 4-0. Comments Mr. Thompson and the commissioners discussed participation on the CIP Committee. The commissioners requested updates on items which were on the CIPin past years.Mr. Jarrell requested an update on the Roanoke County School Blue Ribbon Committeeprojects. Site Viewing The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at4:30p.m. 1 PUBLIC HEARING: Mr.Azarcalled the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Hookergave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. 1.The petition of The Rebkee Companyto rezone 4.494 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, to C-2,General Commercial, in order to construct a retail sales facility, located at 3909 Challenger Avenue and 3911 Challenger Avenue,HollinsMagisterial District. Mr. Josh Gibson, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented the staff report. Mr. Mike Pace, Esquire, spoke representing the petitioner. He stated the proposed location is within an arterial corridor. He discussed surrounding developmentand zoning.He noted the use is consistent with the Core designation in the Community Plan.He stated the development will be campus type in design. He stated the community willnot be adversely affected by the development. He discussed the site planand stormwater managementplans. He discussed the traffic study including access to the development. He stated the property is better suited for commercial use than low density residentialuse. Ms. Hooker inquired about signage. Mr. Pace discussed elevations and signshave not been determined since Kahn Development has not completed their property site plan. He stated Kahn Development and Rebkee have been working closely together.Mr. McNeil inquired about a turning lane. Mr. Pace discussed a deceleration lane on which Kahn is working. Mr. Jarrell inquired about traffic lights. Mr. Gibson discussed current plans. Mr. Azar inquired about mitigation of traffic issues. Mr. Pace stated the properties will have shared access. Mr. Azar requested more information about signage. Mr. Pace stated the petitioner is agreeable with staff recommendations. Mr. Chris Craft, 1501 East Gate, spoke in favor of the petition. He stated it will create more revenue for the county. Ms. Hooker stated the petitionis consistent with the 2005 Comprehensive Plan. She stated most issues can be resolved during site plan review. Mr. Jarrell then made the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning request. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. AYES:Thomason, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell, Hooker NAYS:None ABSENT:None 2 2.The petition of Virginia Living Histories, Inc.to review proposed water and sewer line extensionsto Explore Park per section 15.2- 2232of theCode of Virginiafor consistency with the adopted Community Plan, located at 3900 Rutrough Road,Vinton Magisterial District. Mr. Philip Thompson, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented the staff report. Ms. Hooker inquired about public input and phase estimates. Mr. Thompson discussed the timeframe. He stated the phases will depend upon the feasibility study. Mr. Thomason spoke in favor of the request. Mr. McNeil inquired about approval from the National Park Service/Blue Ridge Parkway.Mr. Thompson stated the National Park Service would need to approve any plans which would affect the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mr. Azar inquired about the development of the Explore Park property. Mr. Thompson stated development of the property would not be able to progress as quickly or to the extent ascurrently proposedwithout the water and sewer extension. Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte, Esquire, spoke representing the petitioner. She provided anapproximatetimeline. She stated VFRA has two years remaining on their lease. She stated Virginia Living Histories (VLH)is working with the parkway regarding this project. Mr. Steve Noble, 5376 Canter Drive, briefly discussed the history of the Explore Park. He stated public water and sewerextension would create more density in a rural area. He expressed concern regarding land speculationand funding for the project. He expressed concern regarding changing the Comprehensive Plan without having definite plans for the development. Mr. Frank Porter, 6559 Fairway Forest, expressed concern regarding project costswithout having a definite use. He stated other rural areas have not received water and sewer lines. He expressed concern regarding protection for the Blue Ridge Parkway. He stated more factual information is needed for development plansand use. He stated this will create higher density in the area. He suggested acquiring funds from the developer prior to development. Ms. Grace Terry, 4718 Wembley Place, expressed concern regarding preservation of older buildingsandnatural resources. She suggested the Planning Commission acquire more information about the development before developing the infrastructure. She expressed concern regardingfuture natural water qualityin the area. 3 Ms. Goodlatte explained a 2232 Review is a planning tool which does not require funding. Mr. Azar stated he was aware the area would need water and sewer in the future. He stated he did not feel it would adversely affect the National Park Service because impact should be mitigated. He stated this area should receive utilities which will increase the value of their properties. Ms. Hooker expressed concern since the Mt. Pleasant plan did not include this type of issue during the Comprehensive Plan revisions. She expressed concern regarding area growth pressures. Mr. Thomason stated this area has needed infrastructure upgrades. Mr. McNeil stated he is agreeable with the study to see if it can be built. Mr. Jarrell noted it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. He reiterated it is areview process. Mr. Azar made amotion to recommend that the extension of public water and public sewer to Explore Park was in significant compliance with the County’s Community Plan. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. AYES:Thomason, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell, Hooker NAYS:None ABSENT:None 3.The petition of Laura Quarles toobtain a Special Use Permit to operate a commercial indoor sports and recreation facilityon 1.53 acres, located at 7525 Hitech Road,HollinsMagisterial District. (Continueduntil November 7, 2006 at the request of the petitioner) 4.The petition of Holrob Investments, LLC to rezone 4.1+acres from AR, Agricultural Residential District, to C-2,General Commercial, and CVOD, Clearbrook Village Overlay District, and to obtaina special use permit to operate a retail sales establishment with gross floor area greater than 50,000 square feet, garden center, and minor automobile repair facility on 41+acres, located in the 5200 block of Franklin Road, Stable Road, Clearbrook Lane,Singing Hills Road, and Sunset Drive, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr. David Holladay, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented the staff report. Mr. Holladay explained the site plan. He discussed the pedestrian traffic including cross-walks. He discussed the Clearbook Village Overlay District. Mr. Jarrell inquired about Fire & Rescue. Mr. Holladay explained plansfor Fire & Rescue coverage. Mr. Jarrell asked if the existing Walmart on Route 220would be closing. Mr. Holladay affirmed it would be closing upon completion of the proposed store. He noted the citizens would like to have input 4 regarding the building’sappearance. Mr. Azar inquired about overlay standards. Mr. Holladay explainedstandards. Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte,Esquire, spoke representing the petitioner. She discussed the dimensions of the parcel. She stated the anchor store would be Walmart with other dealers being within the development. Mr. Chris Laurie, Hill Studio, stated the original plan may have encouraged traffic onto Stable Road instead of to the light. He discussed the revised site plan. He stated representatives of the neighborhood have now requested one way in and to reopen the back entrance. He stated they will need to study internal and external impacts of the suggested revisionsof thesite plan prior to the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. Ms. Goodlatte stated they would prefer to have regional stormwater management solutions. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding the visibility of the stormwater ponds from the road. He suggested the retention ponds be underground. Ms. Goodlatte stated the county requires that the propertybe landscaped according to the overlay regulations. Mr. McNeilexpressed concern regarding the Blue Ridge Parkway viewshed and sufficient buffering. Mr. Laurie discussed the buffering and screening plans. Ms. Goodlatte noted the Clearbrook Village Overlay District (CVOD) guidelines are very specific about landscaping. She stated they are mindful of higher viewsof the property. She stated citizens have voiced opinions on landscaping. Ms. Hooker asked staff about buffering. Mr. Holladay explained buffering requirements, stating the proposed landscaping exceeds requirements. Ms. Hooker expressed concern about impact on neighbors regardingthe slope of the property. Mr. Laurie explained screening plans. Mr. Thomason asked about time-element for maturation of plantings. Ms. Goodlatte stated staff and the petitioner will work on that issue at the permitting stage. She discussed CVOD requirements. She stated they prefer to useexisting vegetation wheneverpossible. Mr. Theo Stone, Civil Engineer, discussed elevations, buffering, and plantings. Mr. McNeil suggested signage be earthtone in color. He inquired if dumpsters would be shielded. Ms. Goodlatte referred to the requirements of the CVOD. Mr. McNeil inquired if the store would be open 24 hours per day. Ms. Goodlatte affirmed it would be open 24 hour per day. Mr. Bud Cullen stated trucks have generators and there will be a no idle policy. He stated they will be unloaded inside the docks. Mr. McNeil inquired about campers being allowed in the parking lot. Mr. Cullen stated he was unsure about this issue. Mr. Jarrell stated Walmarthas a policy that Sam’s Club members are allowed to camp in the parking lot. Mr. Azar suggested imposing an overnight condition. Mr. Mahoney 5 noted this would be difficult to enforce. Mr. Cullen stated if campers abused this privilege, the tenants ofthe property would not approve of the abuse. Mr. Lloyd Campbell,owner of property on Stable Road where his son resides, expressed concern about weeds, traffic, and colors used on buildings. He stated petitioners should be held to their promises. He expressed concern about providing two access points for the development. Mr. Donald Minnix, 5248 Clearbrook Lane,stated the new development would increase the county’s tax base and create new jobs. He noted the property could be filled with storesthat do not require an SUP. Mr. Chris Craft spoke in favor of the petition. He discussed trash receptacles. He stated the increaseof taxes could be used for schools, police, and roads. Mr. Steve Noble, 5376 Canter Drive, referred to stores in Cary, North Carolina which have their buildings below road grade.He requested Clearbrook be kept within the Community Plan. He stated the CVOD was designed to mitigate the impact of development. He stated the stormwater pond should be underground or pumped.He expressed concern regarding nearby Clearbrook Elementary School. He expressed concern regarding increased traffic problems. Mr. Chris Alouf, 5160 Singing Hills Road, expressed concerns regarding setbacks, buffering, privacy, and noise from dumpsters and the auto repair area. He asked for restricted hours for dumpster emptying and auto repair service. He expressed concern regarding trash, mud, and dust. Ms. Joyce Harmon, 5256 Clearbrook Lane, stated development is positivefor RoanokeCounty.She stated development is inevitable. Dr. Joan Resk, D.O., stated her medical office is located across from the proposed development. She expressed security concerns for nearby offices and schools. She stated it is within the school district. She expressed concern regarding landscaping on a commercial property and stormwater management issues. Mr. Lawrence Goldstein, 5113 Fox Ridge Road, expressed concern regarding the box-type design of the building in the CVOD. He expressed concern a traffic study was not submitted. He stated the public needs to know the entire traffic situation. 6 Ms. Goodlatte explained the CVOD procedure and its application to this petition. She stated a large percentage of the property is already zoned C-2. She stated that the petitioner will comply with the CVOD guidelines. She also stated that they will continue to work with staff and VDOT regarding this project. Mr. Jarrell inquired about the retaining wall. Mr. Stone discussed the retaining wall. He asked if it would be visible from Route 220. Mr. Stone affirmed it would be visible from Route 220. Mr. Jarrell asked about additional buffering where the slope is steeper. Mr. Stone explained buffering and grading issues. Mr. Cullen stated VDOT and Blue Ridge Parkway would need to approve the plans. Mr. Azar encouraged them to be mindful of citizens. Ms. Robyn Askew, HolrobInvestments, LLC, noted conditions had been offered. Mr. Cullen noted the conditionswere reviewed with citizens duringthe Community Meeting.He requested the petition go forward. Ms. Hooker suggested going forward with the petition set before them tonight. Mr. Thomason agreed,notingthe petitioner could offer changes to the Board of Supervisorsfor consideration at their public hearing. Mr. McNeil made a motion to recommend approval of the rezoning request. The motion passed 5-0. AYES:Thomason, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell, Hooker NAYS:None ABSENT:None Mr. McNeil then made amotion torecommend approval of the special use permit request with the 4 conditions suggested by staff, and with the understanding that staff would continue to work with the petitioners to resolve the Stable Road access issue, and staff would also evaluate the 11 conditions proposed by the citizens, and incorporate them into the special use permit conditions if feasible. The motion passed 4-1. AYES:Thomason, Azar, McNeil, Hooker NAYS:Jarrell ABSENT:None Mr. Jarrell stated more definitive answers are needed on this petition. 5.The petition of Hidden Valley Villas, LLC torezone 24.46 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, to R-3,Medium Density Multi- Family Residential, in order to construct multi-family dwellings at a maximum density of 5.15 dwelling units per acre, located at 4800 (Continued until Keagy Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. November 7, 2006 at the request of the petitioner) 7 Final Orders Mr. Philip Thompson presented the Final Orders. 1.The petition of Qwiz Construction and Investments, LLC to rezone 8.829 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, to PRD, Planned Residential Development with a maximum density of 1.13 houses per acre, located at 5815 Bent Mountain Road, Windsor Hills was deniedby the Board of Supervisors at Magisterial District the Public Hearing on September 26, 2006. 2.The petition of R. Fralin Development Corporation, to rezone 1.26 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, to C-1, Office, in order to construct two office buildings, located at 2404 Electric Road, wasapproved by the Board of Windsor Hills Magisterial District Supervisors at the Public Hearing on September 26, 2006. Comments Mr. Frank Porter expressed concern regarding actions of the Planning Commission. He stated the commissionershavethe power to provide a better quality of life for the citizens of Roanoke County. He requested the commissioners require the developers to build in such as manner as to protect the interest of the citizens. Mr. Mark Davis stated he is an environmental attorney. He expressed concern regarding focusing on tax base instead of the viewshed. He discussed the importance of making demands of developers. Mr. Thompson stated an update of Cluster Ordinance revisions will be on the agenda for the October 18, 2006 Planning Commission Worksession. There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:14 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: ________________________________ Susan Carter Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission ________________________________ Philip Thompson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 8 Approved: ________________________________ Steve Azar Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission 9