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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/3/2001 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 3, 2001 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Kyle Robinson Mr. Todd Ross Mr. John Murphy Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary Ms. Tammi Wood, Recording Secretary Absent: Mr. Don Witt (Late — did not vote) WORK SESSION: Session opened at 3:04pm by Mr. Al Thomason. Approval of Agenda Mr. Kyle Robinson moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 4 -0. Approval of Minutes Ms. Martha Hooker moved to approve the June minutes with changes. Motion passed 4 -0. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 4 -0. Site Viewing The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at 3:08pm. PUBLIC HEARING: Mr. Al Thomason called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Mr. Al Thomason gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. 1. There was a petition of the American Tower Corporation to obtain a Special Use Permit to construct a broadcast tower on 34.83 acres located on the Bent Mountain Substation, 8920 Willett Lane, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. Mr. John Murphy, Roanoke County Planning, presented the Staff Report for this petition. Mr. John Walter of American Tower, Inc., 128 Mill Lane Road, (Salem area office which runs the Southwest Virginia area and the entire state of West Virginia) made a presentation. The current site was selected because: • They have a current lease with AEP. • The site can support 4 and possibly 5 carriers. Intelos and Verizon have signed leases to use the tower. • Coverage area would extend along the Route 221 Corridor, up Bent Mountain and future plans include down Route 221 to Hillsville. • The site is ready for construction, the access road is already there and there is no need to remove additional trees. Final FAA approval states NO LIGHTS are required at the current height. Construction would begin in early 2002. It was verified that ATI had an approval letter from FAA. • The height of 180' was picked because it provides the coverage desired and allows 4 -5 co- locators. Mr. Ross verified that Verizon & Intelos have currently signed leases to go on the tower and that Poor Mountain does not work because it does not provide the desired coverage of the Route 221 corridor. Ms. Hooker asked why the AEP tower is not used. Mr. Witt asked who provided the photo simulations (ECS) and expressed concern that the simulation did not appear to be very accurate. He also verified that the AEP tower is 80' high now. Mr. Witt asked how much coverage would be sacrificed if the height of the tower was 160'. Mr. Robinson questioned whether the proposed carriers were approached prior to the application for an SUP. Mr. Walters said yes. Mr. Ross questioned whether the County staff received the radio frequency (RF) studies stated that these studies are the main determinant of the County's decision. Staff responded that they had not received these studies. Mr. Thomason stated that he was very opposed to the petition due to missing information (RF studies) and his interest in preserving Bent Mountain. NJ In response to comments, Mr. Walters stated that there is an impact on the viewsheds from the Parkway and other areas of the County. No citizens spoke. Mr. Witt stated that he is uncomfortable with the lack of information provided by the petitioner. He suggested that the petitioner delay for 30 days to get the information to the PC. Ms. Hooker, referring to the article in the Roanoke Times on mountain protection, stated that a new tower would be an eyesore. Mr. Thomason asked the petitioner if he wanted a 30 -day continuation. The petitioner agreed. Mr. Witt and Mr. Thomason asked that radio frequency studies to be done ranging from 120'— 180' as well as new, more accurate photo simulations and that the balloon be flown again next month. Mr. Ross requested that studies be done at other sites and other coverage areas. A motion was made to continue the petition for 30 days, until August 7, 2001: AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 2. There the petition of Nathaniel C. Haile to obtain a Special Use Permit to develop a golf course on 365 acres located on 3608 Pitzer Road, SE, Vinton Magisterial District. Mr. Chris Lowe, Roanoke County Planning, presented the Staff Report for this petition. Mr. Robinson asked if any local, state or federal regulations would protect the groundwater from pollution from fertilizer used on the golf course. Mr. Lowe responded that this will be taken care of when the County reviews the site plans prior to construction. Mr. Nathaniel Haile, 2701 Homeplace Drive, Blacksburg, VA then presented information regarding the petition. He verified that the course would be upscale with $40 -80 green fees charged and that the designer was the Jack Nicholas Design Group. He also stated that it was his intention to obtain permission from VDOT to cross under Pitzer Road with golf carts. This would decrease his insurance costs significantly. He also stated that mostly organic fertilizers would be used. The architecture of the site would be in keeping with "farm -like" architecture (silos, barns, etc.) Mr. Robinson verified that VDOT had not approved the underground passage at this time. The peak traffic impact was then discussed. The timeline for construction is: Golf Course in Spring 2002, the clubhouse beginning 8 -12 months into the project, and the residential development would be after the golf course is already operating. The land will be available to developers; Mr. Haile will not be developing it himself. Mr. Robinson stated that the positive impacts of this are: protection of open space and proximity to Jefferson Street (downtown Roanoke). The negative impacts are the location of the 1 -73 corridor on this site. Several citizens spoke: Ms. Ona Earley — Mt. Pleasant Civic League — mentioned the new jobs, raising the tax base and improving the area. She asked for approval. Mr. Michael Altizer — 3005 Valley Drive — hopes that 1 -73 coming through has nothing to do with the approval or disapproval of the petition. Believes that this is a very appropriate use and hopes the PC endorses. Mr. Hector Wilshire — 3277 Randall Drive — 1 -73 is destroying the neighborhood, but this site is well suited for a golf course, Please favor the golf course. Mr. Robinson then made the motion to approve the Special Use Permit with two conditions: The Jack Nicholas designers or an equal or greater quality designer must design the golf course. The fertilizer used will minimize the effect on the ground water pollution. AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 3. There was a petition of Paychecks Plus to obtain a Special Use Permit and Rezoning from CI -C to C1 -C to construct two offices on the back of the existing building and expand the parking lot on .5 acres located at 3716 Colonial Avenue, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr. Tim Beard, Roanoke County Planning, presented the Staff Report for this petition. Mr. Witt asked if a community meeting was held on this request. Mr. Beard said no. Mr. Witt asked for an overview of the storm water problems and verified that they are well known. There was verification that the parking lot is paved. Mr. Mark Harrell of Paychecks Plus stated that the current drainage problem was being resolved. The addition consists of two offices and a hallway and the business will be screened with new trees and existing trees. Mr. Harrell stated that several of the past dissenters have come forward to praise the business. Mr. Don Witt asked that the site plan be established as part of conditions of approval. Mr. Robinson confirmed that the new area would not be leased to someone else. 4 Mr. Thomason asked if any lighting had been improperly installed on the site. Mr. Harrell stated that the sign lighting had been reduced. One citizen spoke. Mr. Hal Jones, 3734 Thompson`s Lane, speaking for Margaret Sharpe. Requested that the recommendation of the community be that the PC does not allow the business to expand any further, and if requests to expand, asks that the petitioner be asked to move his business. Mr. Witt stated that if the space was expanded that more parking spaces would be required and there is no more room for more spaces. Mr. Witt then made the motion to approve the Special Use Permit with the following conditions: • All applicable Colonial Avenue Corridor Design Guidelines shall be in effect with the word "shall" replacing the word "should" throughout; • The proposed building expansion shall be limited to 700 square feet and 16 feet in height. • The work performed be in substantial conformity to the site plans submitted to the Planning Commission dated 713101 AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None Mr. Witt then made the motion to approve the rezoning request to amend the parking condition with the following language: Parking lot access shall be off Thompsons Lane and shall be limited to a maximum of 10 spaces AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 4. There was a petition of Craw -Mart, Inc. to obtain a Special Use Permit for a New Convenience Store and gasoline station on .873 acres located at 5944 Catawba Valley Drive, Catawba Magisterial District. Mr. Tim Beard, Roanoke County Planning, presented the Staff Report for this petition. Ms. Hooker asked for verification on the 3 variances that have been granted on this property. She also asked whether the style of the canopy /signage had been discussed with the petitioner. Mr. Beard stated no. Mr. Robinson stated that this size store is not what is normally allowed, but it does provide good community services. Mr. Jyke Jones, 6120 Peters Creek Road presented information for the petitioner. He stated that the existing building would be torn down to make room for a modern facility, extend the canopy for two more pumps and increase the size of the building to have all freezers enclosed in the building. He stated that the traffic numbers in the staff report were elevated for this rural location and the petitioners expected numbers would be 350 -400 trips /day. The facility will use the existing drain fields, septic and well. The entrances have been in place for over 20 years. Ms. Hooker verified that there has been no signage discussion at this time and asked about the canopy design standards. It was verified that the materials would match what is there now. Mr. Jones stated that the petitioner is trying to anticipate a "country store" atmosphere. Mr. Witt then questioned staff as to the maximum amount of signage for the site. The petitioner agreed to 150 square feet for the signage on the property. Ms. Hooker stated that the store was a good, needed use for the community. There were no citizen comments. Ms. Hooker then made the motion to approve the Special Use Permit with the following condition: The signage for the facility shall be limited to 150 square feet. AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 5. There was a petition of Caldwell White Associates to obtain a Special Use Permit to construct a cluster subdivision on 14.25 acres located between Merriman Road and Crystal Creek Drive and 600' west of Cartwright Drive, Cave Springs Magisterial District. Ms. Janet Scheid, Roanoke County Planning, presented the Staff Report for this petition. Mr. Witt verified that the residents had no access to waste pick up and questioned how the petitioner would handle this situation. It was stated that the Homeowners Association would take care of it. Mr. Thomason expressed a concern regarding the steepness of the streets (safety during snow, ice). It was stated that all other road design standards could be met other than the length issue. Mr. Joe Judy, 2613 Barham Road, a representative of Caldwell White for Mr. Fred Taylor made a presentation. He stated that the typical single - family housing plan would denude the area due to the public street requirements. The loop road shown on the concept plan allowed access 6 for school buses, emergency services and would provide a closeness and sense of community for the residents. Mr. Witt asked if the current owner was selling lots to builders. He also confirmed that the Homeowners Association would perform the road maintenance. Mr. Ross confirmed that a public road must have a cul -de -sac. Mr. Robinson asked about the variations in grade contours and also confirmed that the lots would be sold. Fred Taylor, 967 Breckenridge Road, Fincastle, VA the owner of the land spoke regarding his credentials. One citizen spoke. Ms. Jenny Donahue, 5771 Crystal Creek Drive spoke regarding the narrow roads. Mr. Witt then made the motion to deny the request for a Special Use Permit. AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 6. There was a petition of Play It Again Sports to obtain a Special Use Permit for a retail store on .601 acres located at 4347 Franklin Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr. David Holladay, Roanoke County Planning, presented the Staff Report for this petition. Mr. Ray Craighead spoke for the petitioners. Mr. Don Witt asked if the petitioner had permission to use the private entrance. Mr. Holladay stated yes. Mr. Robinson verified two site elevations. There were no citizen comments. Mr. Witt then made the motion to approve the Special Use Permit with the following condition: • Access to the property will be from a private drive that serves the Lowe's parking lot, as shown on the site plan drawn by Craighead & Associates, dated 5125101. No access shall be allowed from either Valley Avenue, or U.S. 220, Franklin Road. AYES: Ross, Witt, Hooker, Robinson, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 7 Citizens Comments There were no citizen comments. Final Orders 1. Continuance of petition of the Trustees of Evangel Foursquare Church to obtain a Special Use Permit for 48 acres for a church and day care facility located on the 5400 block of Indian Grave Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on June 26, 2001. 2. A Public Hearing authorized By Section 15.2 -2232 of the Code Of Virginia to review a proposed public facility not shown on the Roanoke County Community Plan, (City Of Roanoke Parking Lot) to be located on Carvins Cove Road in the Catawba Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on June 26, 2001. 3. Petition of the Richard A. Hall to rezone 7.964 acres from 1 -2 Industrial District to AR Agriculture /Residential District for residences, located at Peaceful Drive (Rte. 821), Catawba Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on June 26, 2001, 4. Petition of James and Sandra Worley to obtain a Special Use Permit for a private horse stable on 3.617 acres located at 4390 Harborwood Road, Catawba Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on June 26, 2001. 5. Petition of Faith Christian School to obtain a Special Use Permit to construct a new school, on 21.12 acres located on the north side of Buck Mountain Road (Rt. 679), Cave Spring Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on June 26, 2001. Comments The July 17 Work Session will consist of: • Report on 1 -73 impacts • Draft Screening and Landscaping Ordinance Review Mr. Thomason requested that an update be given on the progress of the Ridgetop Ordinance. Mr. Covey spoke to the PC regarding the Planning staff and their ability to continue to flake on new challenges and take up the slack left in the department due to the absence of two positions. He also mentioned that he wanted to be more involved in the Planning Commission issues. There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07pm. Respectfully Submitted, ' tvoa— Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 7