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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/15/2015 - Minutesrar . @TI7"II7r-r4r*TITT-aU7-T-T-TIT; Mr. Wayne Bower Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Rick James Mr. Gene Marrano Mr. Jim Woltz (arrived after approval of minutes) Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. David Holladay Mr. John Murphy Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Naomi Siodmok Ms. Tara PattisaU Ms. Becky James Mr. Brian Hughes Mr. Tori Williams Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr. Don Butzer Mr. Doug Blount, Parks and Recreation Ms. Lindsay Blankenship, Parks and Recreation, Work Session Mr. Marrano called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Approvall of Agenda Mr. James made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Approval of Minutes Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the minutes of November 16, 2015, which, passed 4-0. 2016 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the 2016 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule, which passed 5-0. Explore Park Mr. Blount and Ms. Blankenship provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Explore Park Master Plan. Mr. Blount discussed the advantages of developing programs Page 1 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 15, 2015 and infrastructure for positive economic activity. He discussed the goals, including creating a longterm plan for decision making, understanding connections among local, regional, and national park trends, generating a business plan which includes public and private investment, and determining appropriate locations and necessary investments in park infrastructure and utilities. He discussed the schedule and timeline for the development of the master plan. He reviewed a map of Explore Park and adjacent land ownership, noting public and protected land provides scenic, recreational, and habitat value along the Roanoke River. Mr. Blount discussed nationwide and local recreational activity trends, noting local participation in outdoor recreation is higher than national participation statistics. He discussed meetings which engage the public in the plan, noting they have conducted a survey, stakeholder meetings, and community meetings. He stated the master plan will balance preservation and development of recreational amenities, natural resources, cultural resources, and infrastructural amenities. Mr. Blount and the Commissioners discussed the need to improve the water system within the park. He discussed activities including hiking, biking, fishing, river trail development. He discussed preserving nature, noting a biological scientist is providing information regarding the history and heritage of the park. He discussed proposed activities including adventure sports, ropes course, play areas for children, overnight accommodations, special event pavilion and group retreat, and shopping and dining. He discussed Roanoke County's vision for Explore Park. He reviewed the site map including existing and developable space. Mr. Blount and the Commissioners discussed the business plan and funding for the park. They discussed existing activities and facilities. Mr. Blount stated the park currently has instructional classes, Boy Scout activities, hikes, equestrian events, biking, runners, and wedding events. Mr. Blount and Ms. Blankenship discussed current signage and maps available within the park, noting some maps are located at the visitors' center. Mr. Blount stated most people enter the park from Blue Ridge Parkway. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the EP District designation, including the history and allowable uses of the property. They discussed generating positive economic impact from the use of the park. Greenways Mr. Blount and Ms. Blankenship provided a PowerPoint presentation which included status updates on the Roanoke County Greenway and Trail Projects. Mr. Blount reviewed the site map of the completed portions of the greenway. He discussed the West Roanoke River Greenway, including the project location, status, and funding issues. He reviewed the project map, noting two bridge crossings will be need to be constructed to traverse the river. He stated the river banks of West Riverside are not stable and will require additional engineering. Mr. Blount and the Commissioners discussed options regarding the construction of retaining walls. Mr. Blount discussed the East River Greenway, including project location, rock properties, archeological survey, and project schedule. He discussed project challenges, including easements needed from residential property owners, coordination with the National Park Service to cross the Blue Ridge Parkway, and consideration of historical resources along Page 2 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 15, 2015 the greenway. He reviewed the project map and topography of the area. He provided a funding overview for this portion of the greenway. Ms. Blankenship discussed the Blue Ridge Parkway — Roanoke Valley Trail Plan, including the project location and access. She discussed the important role volunteers with Pathfinders for Greenways have regarding the development of this project. She provided an update regarding the Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail, noting the completion of the Mason Creek Bridge Crossing provides connectivity to the trail. Ms. Blankenship discussed the Tinker Creek Greenway, including project location, status, and easements. She provided an overview of the project map, timeline, and funding. She stated the conceptual design crosses portions of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Botetourt County. Ms. Blankenship discussed the Glade Creek Greenway, including Phase 1 - Virginia Avenue to Walnut Avenue and Phase 2 - Walnut Avenue to Gus Nicks Boulevard. She discussed the project status, funding, and challenges. Ms. Blankenship reviewed the Catawba Greenway, including the project location, status, schedule, and funding. She discussed connectivity with the Appalachian Trail. Ms. Blankenship and the Commissioners discussed parking issues on Route 311 near McAfee's Knob. Mr. Blount and the Commissioners discussed possibly extending the walking trail near South County Library. Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Ms. Hooker introduced Mr. Don Butzer, stating she will be submitting his name to the Board of Supervisors for appointment to the Planning Commission for the Catawba Magisterial District. The Commissioners and staff welcomed Mr. Butzer. Ms. dames and the Commissioners discussed the status of the Drew Patterson (Verizon Wireless Agent) petition, including citizen input received at the Community Meeting. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the status the State Central Bank petition. Mr. Thompson stated the public hearing has been postponed. The Commissioners and Mr. Thompson thanked Ms. Hooker for her years of exemplary service on the Planning Commission. Ms. Hooker stated she was honored to have served on the Planning Commission. Mr. Thompson provided an update on the Community Strategic Planning Survey, noting the report will be presented to the Board of Supervisors in January, 2016. He stated they are currently organizing focus groups, noting the groups will discuss issues which include Page 3 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 15, 2015 education, economic development, and quality of life in the County. He stated they will be conducting surveys and public meetings to acquire additional citizen input on the Issues. With no further business or comments, Mr. Marrano adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission P I Ip Tho pson Secreta , Roanoke County Planning Commission Gene arrano Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 4of4