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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/20/2004 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES — JANUARY 20, 2004 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Mr. Don Witt Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Arnold Covey Ms. Janet Scheid Mr. David Holladay Mr. Chris Lowe Mr. Tim Beard Mr. John Murphy Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr, Elmer Hodge Mr. Tim Thornton Mr. Joel Turner Mr. Charles Hofer Ms. Pam Berberich Ms. Elizabeth Abe Mr. Joe Miller Ms. Annie Krochalis Absent: Ms. Martha Hooker WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4 :03 p.m. by Mr. Al Thomason. Approyal of Agenda Mr. Azar moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 3 -0. Discussion of Community Plan Process Ms. Scheid provided an update of the Comp Plan process. She stated a smaller group of citizens will be organized to form the Smart Growth Task Force. She discussed the list of potential participants with those present. Mr. Thomason asked if School Board and BOS members would be included on the task force. Ms. Scheid stated it was decided that a member of the School Administration would be participating on the committee in lieu of the School Board. The commissioners decided to hold the meetings beginning Wednesday, January 28 @ 7:00 p.m. in the 4 th Floor Training Room. Mr. Thomason noted it is important to hold the meetings in the same place for continuity. Ms. ,Scheid stated they plan to present the findings of the task force to the greater community and then to the BOS. She stated she hopes this process will be complete in approximately 1 -2 months. She stated an important topic will be establishment of the Urban Service Boundary which will include illustrations on maps. Mr. Witt stated they will need to set criteria to draw the boundary line. Mr. Covey stated sewer, water, topography would be considered when establishing the line. Ms. Scheid noted it will be important to stay focused during the meetings. Mr. Covey stated the BOS will need to be informed of progress in February. 1 Discussion of Radford Development Ms. Scheid noted that a Community Meeting would be held tonight in the 1" Floor Board Room @ 7:00 p.m. to discuss the proposed Mason's Crest subdivision. She explained both the request and the site plan. She noted Radford plans to leave a large area of greenspace. Mr. Covey noted access if from Merriman Road and this is a better road than Cotton Hill Road. Mr. Witt expressed concern regarding fire and rescue access to the subdivision. Ms. Scheid stated the roads will be a combination of public and private roads. Ms. Berberich expressed concern the road would be too narrow for traffic to pass if vehicles are parked on both sides of the road. Mr. Covey stated the neighborhood association would have to regulate parking and speeding issues within the subdivision. Ms. Scheid stated Mr. Ford may offer assistance to the developer by proposing traffic calming ideas. Mr, Azar asked if any additional hydrants would be installed in the area, Mr. Covey stated public water and sewer will be provided to this area along with required hydrants. Mr. Witt asked if models of this development would be available for review. Ms. Scheid stated the Radford's will be using a slide presentation at the community meeting with computer simulation to better illustrate the site plan. Mr. Witt stated it is important to be very specific regarding restrictions along the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary. Mr. Azar expressed concern regarding topography of certain areas of the subdivision. Ms. Scheid stated the petitioner has been discussing the possibility of donating some of the property which is adjacent to the parkway. Ms. Berberich expressed concern Mr. Boone would tie onto this property to establish an additional development. Ms. Scheid stated the Radford's have an option on the portion of land they may donate but do not yet own it. Ms. Krochalis expressed concern regarding the amount of traffic which will be added to Merriman Road and Starkey Road. She stated the road is not wide enough for vehicles to pass if an accident occurs blocking traffic. Mr. Covey stated according to current standards, it is a good road. Ms. Scheid explained the original PRD on the property. Mr. Hodge stated the original plan would have allowed 800 houses entering via Cotton Hill Road. He stated Radford's plan would allow only 400 houses with an entrance on Merriman Road. Ms. Berberich asked if the original PRD allowing 800 homes would be in effect if the current petition is denied. Ms. Scheid affirmed 800 houses would be allowed in this development if the current petition is denied. Mr. Hodge stated the current petition is a better plan than the previous plan. Ms. Scheid stated the development has better access, more greenspace, and will generate fewer children. Ms. Scheid stated the children would go to Penn Forest Elementary school. Ms. Berberich expressed concern regarding overcrowding of the schools. Ms. Krochalis asked if water would be provided by the county or the developer. Ms. Scheid stated the water would be public water not a community system. She stated the water line currently reaches the nearby soccer field, Mr. Hodge noted the county inspects the water line as it is being constructed. Mr. Joe Miller stated everything has to be completed in accordance with Roanoke County standards. Ms. Abe asked to review slope maps of this site. Ms. Krochalis asked about the notification process regarding Community Meetings. Ms. Scheid explained the process. Ms. Abe asked about water and sewer issues. Ms. Scheid stated she should address those types of questions to Mr. Gary Robertson. Comments Mr. Azar asked why the Cellco petition was denied by the BOS. Ms. Scheid stated neighboring citizens expressed several concerns including aesthetics and health effects regarding the installation of a broadcasting tower. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:06 p.m. by Mr. Thomason. 2 Respectfully Submitted, : C -- Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission