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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/20/2011 - Minutesz PLANNING COMMISSION z d i3 WORK SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 Commissioners Present: Mr. Gary Jarrell Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Jason Peters Mr. David Radford Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Joe Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. David Holladay Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Amanda Micklow Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr. Butch Church, Board of Supervisors, Catawba Magisterial District Ms. Kathy Brown Mr. Bill Hibbert Ms. Judy Conyers Mr. Ed Bindas Mr. David Shelor Mr. Jay O'Brien Call to Order: Mr. Jarrell called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. McNeil made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5 -0. Glenvar Communitv Plan Ms. Micklow introduced representatives from the Glenvar Focus Group, Ms. Kathy Brown, Mr. Bill Hibbart, Ms. Judy Conyers, Mr. Ed Bindas, Mr. David Shelor, and Mr. Jay O'Brien. Ms. Micklow provided a PowerPoint presentation which included an overview of the development of the focus group development and its findings. She discussed area themes such as aesthetics, clean -up, rural character, balance of uses, and appropriate industrial and commercial uses. Mr. Shelor stated the group wants to maintain the rural character of the area but continue to develop with forward thinking business partners. Ms. Micklow discussed the appearance of buildings and housekeeping changes including scenarios for West Page 1 of 5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 Main Street area and Dixie Caverns area. She reviewed the 2005 Comprehensive Plan maps. Mr. Jarrell inquired about preferred businesses. Mr. Shelor discussed the importance of researching the types of business partners for the area, stating many of the current businesses in the area are assets. Mr. O'Brien stated some of the less desirable businesses overshadow the desirable businesses. Ms. Brown noted some areas look bad. She discussed the importance of the appearance of this area since it is a gateway into the area. She stated some areas are not maintained well. Mr. Jarrell discussed the increase in Route 460 traffic with the rock blasting on 1 -81. Ms. Conyers stated the regional jail visitors and staff have very few resources available when coming off of the interstate. Mr. Shelor reiterated the importance of having economic development with desirable businesses. Mr. Jarrell inquired about enforcement. Mr. Obenshain discussed enforcement action, noting the importance of protecting property owner rights and community rights. Mr. Church discussed enforcement issues regarding offenders. Mr. Hibbert stated he has lived in the area 11 years. He discussed the need for ancillary uses including stores and restaurants. Mr. Bindas stated services are especially needed near the interchange of Route 460 and 1 -81. Mr. McNeil inquired about types of uses desired by the citizens. Mr. Hibbert discussed having mixed uses including multi - family residential, noting some development may need a special use permit. Ms. Micklow and Mr. Holladay noted the group would like to limit heavy industrial areas. Ms. Micklow presented scenario #2 maps. Ms. Conyers stated the group would prefer a community type area with a community center with light and signage restrictions which are aesthetically pleasing. She also discussed having businesses using shared entrances. Mr. Radford inquired about sidewalks. Ms. Conyers stated sidewalks and bike lanes would be preferred. Mr. Radford inquired about development of the greenway. Mr. Shelor noted the current greenway follows the river. Ms. Micklow discussed plans for the greenway, noting long range plans are to extend it to Montgomery County. Mr. McNeil inquired about VDOT's plans. Mr. Holladay discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell inquired about funding responsibility for gateway signage. Ms. Micklow discussed this issue. Ms. Brown discussed desirable businesses which would make the area more appealing to people entering the area. Ms. Cronise noted the water treatment plant is located in a core area. Ms. Brown suggested that the county acquire this property and develop it with a low density use such as a shopping area. Ms. Micklow discussed the widening of West Main Street and the proposed intermodal facility. Mr. Shelor discussed the importance of protecting the neighborhoods. Mr. Hibbert noted Glenvar is a mountainous area. Ms. Conyers stated the view from 1 -81 should be preserved. Ms. Micklow discussed the law enforcement training facility. Ms. Brown noted the area topography is steeply sloped. She stated she wants to maintain the rural character of the area. Mr. Holladay discussed Poor Mountain Road area. Mr. Thompson discussed citizen input suggesting interchange not being developed as a truck stop area. Page 2 of 5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 Ms. Conyers stated an industrial designation is less desirable due to smoke stacks, noise, odors, and junkyards. She stated they prefer not to have industry along the Route 11/460 corridor. She stated they should be selective about industrial development in the area. Ms. Micklow stated Poor Mountain Road area is proposed to be developed at a lower industrial intensity. She stated two existing business parks in the area are not be fully utilized. She stated the group does not want truck -stops located in the core area. Mr. Jarrell inquired about tenants currently in Center for Research & Technology (CRT). Mr. Shelor discussed CRT tenants, noting both Tecton and Novozymes are both good tenants. Ms. Micklow stated other sites are being leveled out in preparation for future development in the industrial park. Ms. Micklow noted no restaurants are located near the industrial park. Ms. Micklow noted that the May 2, 2011, community meeting had good community participation. Mr. Shelor stated mixed use appealed to community members, noting citizens want to be able to have control over businesses which can operate in the area. Ms. Micklow discussed long range plans, rezoning, special use permits, signage, lighting, and access issues. She stated citizens would prefer keeping the Dixie Caverns corridor rural with mixed use along frontage. Ms. Brown noted all three groups worked with various leaders and all groups had similar ideas. Mr. O'Brien stated there were no major differences among representatives. Mr. Bindas discussed widening roads will bring more traffic. He stated they want to make the area more aesthetic in correlation to the vision statement. He stated they also want to strive to make it a profitable area for the county. Mr. Shelor stated businesses attract similar businesses. He stated Economic Development could develop community centers in areas as parcels become available. Mr. Bindas suggested a developing a recreation center in the Glenvar area. Ms. Conyers stated new roads will create more traffic but the area will be able to show off its character. She expressed concern regarding the intermodal center and development in the area. She stated they do not want large warehouses developed along the frontage. Ms. Brown stated she has been approached by realtors regarding her property. Mr. Hibbert suggested developing West Main Street as a village area with a theater and recreational areas. Ms. Conyers noted the area is unique since it is approximately 25 minutes to VA Tech and 25 minutes to Roanoke City. She stated many people live in the area and commute to Blacksburg. Mr. Church stated the focus group is best for the people and by the people. He discussed cleaning up the area and making the gateway through Glenvar a green welcome to those coming to the area. He discussed enforcement of violations in the area, noting neighbors have a consensus to pressure neighbors to comply with the ordinance. Mr. Church applauded staff, especially Ms. Micklow for helping incorporate ideas into proposed plan. Mr. Hibbert stated it is the best process in which he has been involved during his 27 years experience in planning. Mr. Shelor stated he has lived in the area approximately 30 years and appreciates the county representatives listening and trying to assist the citizens. Mr. Church stated staff has tried for a long time to earn Page 3of5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 trust back from citizens. He stated Glenvar, Catawba, and Northside are unique areas. He discussed the library renovations and the importance of making the area better. Mr. McNeil inquired about enforcement issues. Mr. Obenshain discussed this issue. Ms. Conyers asked if it would help if citizens participated in court cases to show support for enforcement of violations. Ms. Conyers inquired about accessing county regulations. Mr. Obenshain discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker noted the website could be made easier for public use. Ms. Micklow stated she will research this issue. She also discussed creating overlay guidelines including screening, signage, and setbacks. Mr. Thompson noted once adopted the focus group could still function as a community advisory group which would include involvement and participation in the development of an overlay district and design guidelines. He discussed developing gateway signage and an annual newsletter to update the community on progress being made in the area. Mr. Obenshain discussed the importance of the Glenvar Community Plan. Mr. Church stated staff is committed to success of this plan. Mr. Hibbert stated when the plan is adopted to set priority action plan for 5 year period. He discussed the importance of insuring the Glenvar Village fits into the zoning ordinance in order to implement the plan. Mr. Thompson discussed the development and implementation of the design handbook into the plan in order to provide illustrations of requirements which will make enforcement easier. Ms. Micklow reviewed a tentative schedule for the proposed Glenvar Community Plan. Ms. Hooker stated she has enjoyed the process, noting the Glenvar Focus Group has been vital in the development of the plan. She encouraged the group to continue to assist with the implementation of the plan. Mr. Church stated the group, county representatives, and staff member have made great progress, noting he has not missed a single meeting. Mr. Radford inquired about the maps. Mr. Thompson discussed the procedure, noting the Glenvar Community Plan is to be used as a foundation for developing overlay districts. Mr. Radford suggested the group research the Clearbrook Overlay District Guidelines. Mr. Holladay complemented staff and people from the community who have been very involved in the process. He stated the process is pulling Glenvar closer by using social media tools and outreach, noting Ms. Micklow has played an important role in this process. Other Comments Mr. Holladay stated the CIP committee will be starting soon and Budget Department would like a planning commissioner to participate. He stated Mr. Radford has participated for the last two years. Mr. Jarrell stated a decision regarding the appointment of a representative will be decided at the next meeting. Ms. Cronise provided a brief overview of the Glenn Reed Community Meeting, noting approximately 25 -30 people attended. She reviewed citizen concerns regarding types of development planned by petitioner. Page 4 of 5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 Mr. Thompson announced a celebration is planned by the library board for the Glenvar Library at the site on September 29, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. He stated a community meeting will be held September 23, 2011, regarding the petition of Skyway Towers. Mr. Thompson noted a scheduling change for the Planning Commission Public Hearing on November 7, 2011, will be changed to November 1, 2011. He stated a public hearing regarding the Glenvar Community Plan is scheduled for November 14, 2011, in the Glenvar area. With no further business or comments, Mr. Jarrell adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip ThAmpson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Approved: Gary Jarrell Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 5 of 5