HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/20/2016 - MinutesCommissioners Present:
Mr. Wayne Bower
Mr. Don Butzer
Mr. Rick James
Mr. Paul Mahoney
Mr. Jim Woltz
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Mr. Doug Blount, Director, Parks:, Recreation & Tourism
Mr., David Holladay
Ms. Megan Cronise
Ms. Becky James
Ms. Tara Pattisall
Mr. Tori Williams
Ms. Bailey DuBois
Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary
Work Session
Mr. James called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Butner made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0.
Explore Park Master Plan
Mr. Blount provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding plans for Explore Park. He
stated the Adventure Plan was approved by the Board of Supervisors on, September 13,
2016. He discussed recreation activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and disc golf,
noting it would be a destination type facility. He stated they want to attract more users
from Blue Ridge Parkway. He provided a copy of the Adventure Plan to the
Commissioners and staff. He provided an overview of the Adventure Plan, including the
Explore Park vision, and Adventure Plan impacts. He discussed the Adventure Village
which would include a visitor's center, zipline, country store, gas station, and tavern. He
discussed the Riverside Village which would incorporate many of the historical
buildings, performance barn, zipline, and Roanoke River Greenway. He stated a
pedestrian bridge would provide connectivity to Bedford County. He discussed camping
areas which accommodate various type of camping. He stated the lodge would have
restaurant capabilities, noting the park is currently being used as a weddling venue. He
stated they plan to develop a disc golf course, mountain bike skills park, and equestrian
area. He discussed the Riverfront Areas, including boat launches, concessions, and
fishing access. He reviewed plans for Bedford Village which will include water
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
opportunities such as swimming, gondola loop, and snow tubing. He stated the Bedford
Lawn Area would be developed as a natural amphitheater for special events. He stated
tourism would provide positive economic impact to the area. He stated the
development of the park would provide partnership opportunities for businesses and
non-profit organizations, create an area with new activities for the area, develop diverse
private investments, and provide a regional tourism destination.
Mr. Butzer discussed the importance of economic development to help keep younger
populations in the area. Mr. Woltz inquired about studies of similar projects. Mr. Blount
stated they have a business consultant, business plan, and feasibility study regarding
the development of the park. He discussed fee structure and costs. They discussed
park access and how partnerships would operate. Mr. Mahoney inquired about public
water access. Mr. Blount discussed this issue. Mr. Mahoney inquired about
amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Thompson discussed this issue, noting it
would be necessary to make amendments. He stated proffered conditions on the
property would also need to be addressed as the park develops. Mr. James inquired
about infrastructure, including water, sewer, and roadways. Mr. Blount discussed this
issue, noting development will likely be in phases. Mr. James inquired about
modifications to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Thompson discussed the process regarding
amendments and changes to the proffered conditions. He discussed the Mount
Pleasant Community Plan. Mr. Blount stated they will begin with the mountain bike and
disc golf course, noting they are researching funding sources. Mr. Woltz inquired about
timeframe of development. Mr. Blount discussed this issue, noting the Master Plan
would be for a fifteen year span.
Ms. Candra Bryson, 5827 Arcturus Drive, inquired about the Environmental Impact
Statement on the property and alternative transportation to access the park.
Mr. Blount stated an environmental assessment had been performed by an outside
agency, including historical resources, natural resources, and endangered species. He
stated they want to protect the natural resources of the area. He stated they will do
additional studies as portions of the park are developed. He stated they are
researching ways to tie into the Blue Ridge Parkway to create alternate ways to access
the park. He stated technology is part of the discussion, noting W-Fi is currently
available within the park.
SMART SCALE Transportation Proiects
Mr. Holladay provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding funding for road
improvements. He reviewed the projects, including McVitty Road and Old Cave Spring
Road improvements, Route 419 and Route 221 Adaptive Traffic Control, Roanoke River
Greenway — Explore Park to Rutrough Road, Plantation Road Bicycle, Pedestrian, and
Streetscape Improvement Project, Phase II, and West Main Street Pedestrian
Improvements. He reviewed the projects regarding the Roanoke Valley Transportation
Planning Organization (TPO) application, which include Interstate 81 Auxiliary Lanes,
and Route 419/Route 220 Expressway Lane and Ramp Extension. He reviewed the
action needed regarding these projects, including the Board of Supervisors resolution
on September 13, 2016, supporting the applications and submission of applications to
the State by September 30, 2016.
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Route 419 Town Center Plan
Mr. Thompson provided a status update regarding the
including a schedule with estimated key deliverable d
incorporate the plan into the Comprehensive Pla
Commissioners reviewed Task 1: Existing Condition
s
SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
Route 419 Town Center Study,
ates. He stated the intent is to
n. Mr. Thompson and the
Analysis, Task 2: Community
Engagement and Visioning Process, Task 3: Market Analysis, Task 4: Transportation,
Task 5: Infrastructure Assessment, Task 6: Catalyst Projects Framework Plan and
Development Economics Feasibility, Task 7: Town Center Study, and Task 8:
Implementation Strategy. They discussed outreach to the younger demographic,
stakeholders, and adjacent localities.
Citizen Comments
There were none.
Commissioners' and Staff Comments
Mr. Thompson provided an update regarding the petition of Valley Management Co.,
Inc.
Mr. Woltz stated the County should focus on ways to give the area individuality and
viability when considering future projects.
Mr. James thanked Ms. Pattisall for the scatter plot regarding the proximity of
community meeting attendees.
Mr. Thompson stated the next Route 419 Town Center Study meeting will be held on
October 11, 2016, at Barrel Chest Wine and Beer, 4035 Electric Road, from 5:00 p.m. -
8:00 p.m. He stated the Design Workshop will be held on November 14 (evening
meeting), November 15, 2016 (daytime drop-in), and November 16, 2016 (evening
meeting), at Holiday Inn -- Tanglewood, 4468 Starkey Road.
Mr. Thompson provided an update on Town of Vinton rezonings and projects, including
the old William Byrd High School, Roland E. Cook Elementary School, and the old
library.
With no further business or comments, Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 8:94 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Susan McCoy
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Philip T mpson
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
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ROA,NOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
\A � t),O, I '
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Ick Ames
Chaurman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2016