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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 Page 1 of 4 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. Page 2 of 4 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 Page 3 of 4 ROA,NOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES \A � t),O, I ' ,\ ; Ick Ames Chaurman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 4 of SEPTEMBER 20, 2016