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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/19/2016 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Don Butzer Mr. Rick James Mr. Gene Marrano Commissioners Absent: Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. Peter Lubeck:, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Naomi Siodmok Mr. Brian Hughes Mr. Tori Williams Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Work Session Mr., James called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m., Approval of Agenda Mr. Marrano made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Community Strategic Plan Process Mr. Thompson provided a schedule of the strategic planning process. He stated Roanoke College had performed a survey, noting the results will be reviewed with the Board of Supervisors at their retreat this weekend. He stated the Board of Supervisors will receive training to be group leaders. He discussed the various focus groups and meetings which will be conducted for each topic. He discussed the process for developing broad goals and objectives for the incorporation into the Strategic Plan document. Mr.Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the design of the groups and how the citizens and staff can apply to participate. He stated the committee members want the format to be the same in each focus group. He reviewed the timeline of the process, including providing a draft document for public viewing on the website, two community meetings, and submitting a final draft to the Board of Supervisors for review. He stated the committee members hope to have the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing regarding the plan in June, 2016. Ms. Cronise stated currently 330 people have applied to participate. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the Strategic Plan process and Comprehensive Plan process, including goals and objectives. Mr. Thompson stated the Page 1 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2016 purpose of the Strategic Plan is to acquire input from the citizens to determine the most important issues of the community. He encouraged the Commissioners to participate and offer both their personal and professional experiences and expertise. He reviewed the topics which have been suggested, including education, economic development, quality of life, public safety, health and wellbeing, and transportation. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Cronise noted the Board of Supervisors will determine the final topics. Ms. Cronise reviewed the Strategic Plan webpage and offered instruction to access and utilize the webpage. She discussed public outreach for participation, including the media, emails, and 1=acebook, noting they would also like students to participate. Zoning and Future Land Use Information Mr. Thompson provided a PowerPoint presentation overview, including zoning, future land use and zoning discrepancies, vacant and underutilized properties, activity centers, and Route 419 Urban Development. He provided a breakdown of the various zoning areas, noting only 4% of these areas are zoned for commercial or industrial uses. He reviewed the commercial and industrial zoning in each magisterial district, noting the Catawba Magisterial District has the largest percentage of commercial and industrial zoned property. He discussed the future land use designations including mapping of the designations. He discussed areas in which zoning and future land use designations do not match. He reviewed the designations, including Economic Opportunity, Core, Development, Glenvar Village, Mixed Use, Principal Industrial, Suburban Village, Transition, and University. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed maps showing the areas of discrepancy. Mr. Thompson discussed infrastructure needs if the development is pushed out. He discussed researching existing development, including vacant and underutilized properties. He reviewed definitions of vacant and underutilized. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed maps regarding location of vacant and underutilized properties in commercial and industrial areas. He discussed the importance of maximizing development on the properties currently available. Mr. Thompson discussed activity centers on major transportation corridors. He reviewed an aerial map of proposed activity center locations, noting the possibility of building up instead of out. He discussed the Route 419 Urban Development Study, including zoning, future land use, and property owners. He discussed high density residential development and demographics. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed vacant and underutilized properties in this area. Mr. Thompson discussed the County's Comprehensive Plan, noting it contains vision statement, goals, objectives, strategies, and policies. He discussed the Route 419 Transportation Plan and previous studies of the area. He discussed the Planning Study Proposal, including conducting an urban development plan study to indentify opportunities for high density residential and commercial development. Mr. Thompson discussed multi -modal transportation plan, including upgrading the existing infrastructure. He discussed conducting a design charrette and design guidelines which would provide regulatory and financial recommendations, noting the importance of acquiring public input regarding these issues. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed hiring a consultant to assist with the study process. Page 2of3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2016 Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Bower discussed the importance of keeping industry in the forefront to build the County tax base. The Commissioners congratulated Mr. Butzer for his appointment to the Commission. Mr. Butzer discussed the importance of funding schools through economic development. Mr. James discussed the importance of increasing tax base in the County. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed topics for discussion for the February 2, 2016 Planning Commission Work Session. Mr. Thompson and the Commission discussed date changes on the 2016 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule. The Commission unanimously approved the revised schedule as presented. Mr. Thompson announced Ms. Siodmok has accepted a planning position in California. He thanked her for her exemplary work at the County. Mr. Thompson provided a status update on Explore Park Master Plan. Mr. Thompson requested that the Commissioners encourage citizen participation on the Strategic Plan. With no further business or comments, Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip ThoApson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Rick James Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3of3