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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/3/2014 - MinutesMr. Wayne Bower Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Rick James Mr. Gene Marrano (arrived after approval of the minutes) Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr., Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney Mr. David Holladay Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Becky James Ms. Denise Sowder Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Work Session Ms. Hooker called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Approval' of Agenda Mr. James made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the minutes of October 7, 2014, which passed 4-0. Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the minutes of October 21, 2014, which passed 3- 0-1, with Mr. James abstaining. Consent Agenda There are no public hearings scheduled for December 1, 2014. Citizen Comments There were none. Ms. James and the Commissioners reviewed information regarding the petition, of IYS XXII, LC, including proffered conditions, citizen emails, and citizen petitions. Ms. Cronise and the Commissioners discussed procedlures regarding the public hearing. Ms. Hooker adjourned the meeting for dinner at 5:16 p.m. Page 1 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 2094 EVENING SESSION Ms. Hooker called the Public Hearing to order at 7:01 p.m. Mr. Bower gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. The petition of Bonsack Baptist Church Trustees and Union First Market Bank to rezone approximately 4.64 acres to remove proffered conditions from property zoned C-1 CS, Low Intensity Commercial, District with conditions and special use permit and C-1 C, Low intensity Commercial, District with conditions to construct additional parking for religious assembly use located near the 5000 block of Cloverdale Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Mr. James made a declaration that he is a member of Bonsack Baptist Church but has no economic interest in the petition. Mr. Thompson presented the staff report including a brief history of the petition, surrounding zoning, concept plan, landscaping, and buffering. Mr. Bower inquired if the use was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and if the petitioner plans to add an additional entrance to the property. Mr. Thompson stated the proposed land use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, noting if access is changed the petitioner would need to conduct a traffic impact analysis. Mr. Mike Woolwine, Hughes Associates Architects & Engineers, stated he is representing the petitioner. Mr. James inquired about coordinating with staff during the construction process. Mr. Woolwine affirmed that his firm will coordinate with staff throughout the process. Ms. Hooker opened the public hearing for public comment. With no citizens requesting to speak, Ms. Hooker closed the public hearing. Mr. Bower made a motion to recommend approval of the request. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (5-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, Hooker, James, Marrano, Woltz NAYES: None ABSENT: None 2. The petition of IYS XXI I, LC to rezone approximately 8.46 acres from 1-1 S, Low Intensity Industrial, District with special use permit to C -2S, High Intensity Commercial, District with special use permit for the operation of a halfway house, located at 5673 Airport Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Ms. James presented the staff report, including a brief history of the petition, current zoning, surrounding zoning, and future land use designation. She reviewed the concept plan. She discussed citizen input received at the community meeting, including fencing, types of treatment, and licensing questions. She discussed comments Page 2of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 2014 received from other agencies, proffered conditions, fencing, and landscaping buffer. Ms. Jill Loope, Director of Economic Development, discussed issues regarding marketing the property. She stated the Department of Economic Development generally does not support down -zoning of industrial zoned property since less than 2% of industrial zoned property is available county -wide. Mr. James noted with only 2% industrial zoning that few parcels are available to market. Ms. Loope discussed the limited availability of industrial properties. Mr. Woltz inquired about the property not being sold previously and if other properties with industrial zoning are located near the airport. Ms. Loope discussed these issues. Chief Howard Hall, Police Department, discussed security issues regarding the proposed use. He reviewed statistics regarding calls for service from similar facilities, noting runaways are the primary issue. He discussed the level of care needed for the clients and securing the facility. He suggested the petitioner be held responsible for security of the facility. He discussed the importance of having procedures in place regarding emergency custody orders. Mr. Woltz inquired if a similar facility is located in the area. Chief Hall stated that there are no similar facilities in this region. Mr. Ben Crew, Balzer and Associates, introduced representatives from Intercept Youth Services, Mr. Mark Bogert, President, and Ms. Natalie Elliott, Senior Director of Program Development. Mr. Crew stated the petitioner has provided education to the citizens regarding this use, including community meetings and on-site open houses. He discussed the proffered conditions signed by the petitioner. Mr. Bogert stated he would like to build a level of trust with the citizens. He stated he does not agree with halfway house designation for the use type, stating it will be an office and mental health licensed treatment center. He discussed the phases of treatment, types of illnesses, and length of treatment. He stated patients are referred into the treatment center and then return to their sending locality. He stated children are referred by court services, social services, and parents. He stated currently children needing this type of treatment are sent to Richmond or Tidewater areas. He stated the center is licensed and highly regulated with inspections and audits by outside agencies, including Virginia State Department of Behavioral Health, Joint Commission, and Virginia Department of Education. He discussed security issues, including locked access, fencing, cameras, and trained staff. He discussed economic impact of the center, noting the property had been for sale for a long period of time and it will employ approximately 100 individuals. He stated families would not have to travel long distances for counseling. He stated no locality has denied his agency. He stated they have been in operation for fifteen years and have been good neighbors. He discussed other facilities in Virginia, noting they are licensed and highly regulated. He reviewed the prior police calls within the last four years, noting the center has to call the police within 30 minutes of a child missing. Page 3 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 2014 Ms. Elliott provided her background and credentials. Mr. Bower inquired about ownership of facility on Hazelridge Road. Ms. Elliott described the facility, noting it is a facility for boys. Mr. Bower inquired about referrals and aftercare. Mr. Bogert and Ms. Elliott discussed these issues, noting children return to their homes or independent living facilities. Mr. Bower inquired about the petitioner's open house. Ms. Elliott stated seven people attended the open house. Ms. James reviewed the history of the petition, noting the petitioner had the opportunity to appeal the July 9, 2014 Zoning Administrator's decision within 30 days of the decision but did not. Mr. Bogert stated he should have pursued the appeal at that time. Mr. Woltz inquired about patient to staff ratio coverage and hours of operation. Ms. Elliott discussed this issue, noting coverage requirements are regulated by the State. Mr. Woltz inquired about levels of care. Ms. Elliott stated most of the patients are high risk children. Mr. Woltz asked if any other similar facilities exist in Virginia. Mr. Bogert stated there are no other facilities exactly like this one currently in this state. Mr. Bower inquired about security of the facility. Mr. Bogert discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker opened the public hearing for public comment. Ann Turner, 5315 Woodbury Street, stated she attended the petitioner's open house. She stated she was told the center would be a children's hospital with fencing. She stated if the facility was sold it could be open for adult services. She stated qualified personnel would increase their operating expense, noting some funding would be local support which could increase taxes. She stated this use would change the quiet adjacent neighborhood. Pat Irby, 5324 Hearthstone Road, stated she was concerned about other types of businesses which could go in that location. She discussed problems with other similar facilities. She stated buffers would still allow houses to be viewed. Kim Pitts, 5304 Woodbury Street, stated the Henrico County facility is not a residential facility. She stated that the center would detract from the neighborhood which would not be positive economic development for the area. Ben Burch, 923 Curtis Avenue, President, Airlee Court Neighborhood Association, spoke representing the neighborhood which is located in both the Roanoke City and Roanoke County. He requested that the Commission not rezone the parcel. Jennifer Tucker, 5303 Woodbury Street, discussed safety concerns for her child and the neighborhood, including teenage patients climbing the proposed fencing around the facility. She stated she is also concerned about increased foot -traffic and future development on the site. Page 4of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 2014 Ms. Hooker adjourned the meeting for a break at 8:37 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Mike Hightower, 5848 Sierra Drive, stated the proposed fencing will look like a prison. He stated someone could hide in the tall grass in the nearby cul-de-sac. He discussed disruptive behavior of the patients and safety issues. He stated he is concerned about the safety of his grandchildren. Elizabeth Raines, 5408 Airport Road, discussed the importance of discovering and showcasing skills of the youth to employers. She discussed the importance of communication with employers in order to match skills with employer needs. Mark Derbyshire, 2850 Fairway Forest Circle, stated he has worked with IYS and is pleased with their psychiatric services. He stated they are a trustworthy and a faithful partner in the mental health field. Kelli Boyer, 1926 Carter Road, stated she works with youth and these services are needed in this area. She discussed the financial burden when the children are sent away from their community, including the hardship when family counseling is needed. Eric Vance, M.D., 3008 Lofton Road, stated he is a child psychiatrist and is in support of the center. He stated he has worked in other secure facilities and they are safe to the surrounding area. He stated the center is valuable and the best provider due to its unique and compassionate approach to children. He discussed the need for this component because many of the children have failed with other treatment services and need a longer time for therapy. Ms. Hooker asked him about working in similar facilities. Dr. Vance stated he has worked in two other facilities similar to the proposed facility. He stated most patients live in their homes before and after care. Martha Grimes, 4527 Oakland Boulevard, stated residents have worked hard to buy their homes and this development would have a negative effect, noting the facility should not be developed in a residential area. She stated the property values will decrease if the center is allowed on this parcel. Tiffany Croson, 728 Palmyra Drive, stated she has four children and does not want the center in her backyard. She stated she does not feel safe and would not have purchased her house if the center was there at the time of her purchase. Bryan Jenkins, 5762 Sierra Drive, stated he is a retired police officer. He stated mental issues involve medications and physical fighting. He stated a fence which is eight feet in height will not detour a teenager from climbing to get away from the center. He stated he is concerned for the safety of the neighborhood. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Ms. Hooker closed the public hearing. Page 5of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 2094 Mr. Bower inquired about police calls from nearby facilities. Chief Hall discussed this issue. Mr. Crew stated if the property is sold they would need to go through the public hearing process in order to change the use and proffered conditions. He stated the petitioner would agree to increase the height of the fencing. Mr. Bogert discussed the proposed type of fencing and buffering. Mr. Woltz inquired about licensing if the property is sold. Ms. Elliott stated licenses are non-transferrable. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the proffered conditions. Mr. Bower stated zoning should remain industrial since only a small amount of industrial property exists within the County and near the airport. Mr. James concurred with Mr. Bower, noting he recognizes the need for this type of facility but industrial property in the County is limited especially near the airport. Mr. Woltz stated that although he understands that there is a need for this type of facility, the property is a valuable industrial site. Mr. Marrano stated zoning of the property should remain industrial. Ms. Hooker concurred with the other Commissioners, noting she does not want to downplay the need for this type of facility, but it is not the correct property for this use. Mr. Bower made a motion to recommend denial of the request. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (5-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, Hooker, James, Marrano, Woltz NAYES: None ABSENT: None Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments The Commissioners discussed the importance of matching uses with the appropriate zoning and land use designations. With no further business or comments, Ms. Hooker adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 6 �?W" �' -, y , , �/- - Philip T ompson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 6of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Martha Hooker Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 7 of 7 NOVEMBER 3, 2014