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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/18/2011 - Minutes� L z PLANNING COMMISSION z a l3 WORK SESSION MINUTES OCTOBER 18, 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 Mr. Brian Epperley Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Call to Order: Mr. Jarrell called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Approval of Agenda Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5 -0. Glenvar Communitv Plan Ms. Micklow discussed the goals and strategies of the Glenvar Plan. She discussed providing mix of environmentally sensitive commercial and industrial uses and including amending Design Guidelines and adopting overlay for the West Main Street Corridor. Mr. McNeil inquired about existing zoning. Ms. Micklow discussed the purpose of development of the overlay. Mr. Thompson discussed options to enforce restrictions of uses by requiring special use permits especially for the village center. Mr. Obenshain stated some properties would be grandfathered. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of allowing development with standards. Ms. Micklow discussed developing and adopting a gateway zoning overlay at major entrance points into the Glenvar community. She reviewed the importance of providing diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing mix while preserving natural resources. She also discussed the importance of providing connectivity of neighborhoods. Mr. Jarrell inquired about bike lanes. Mr. Epperley discussed this issue. Mr. Radford stated developments are going back to the 1960 type plans instead of very large homes. Ms. Micklow discussed conserving natural resources and providing access to the Roanoke River. She discussed preserving the unique and historic areas of the community. Ms. Hooker discussed landscaping maintenance expenses. Ms. Micklow Page 1 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 18, 2011 discussed funding options. Mr. Jarrell and Mr. Thompson discussed methods used by other localities. Ms. Cronise stated that the Williamson Road area is currently working on this issue. Ms. Micklow discussed maintaining a healthy, safe, and sustainable community. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of creating and maintaining trust between citizens and the county. Ms. Micklow discussed the importance of revitalizing and enhancing the area, supporting development of local businesses, and encouraging new development and redevelopment. She discussed developing safe and efficient transportation systems, which would include evaluating access management on Route 11/460 and enhancing streetscapes by providing pedestrian - friendly features. She discussed developing a comprehensive system of public and private parks, trails, and open spaces for the use of all age groups. Ms. Hooker inquired about the use of blueways. Ms. Micklow and Mr. Holladay discussed enhancing this natural resource option. Ms. Micklow discussed the need to ensure that utilities will adequately serve the needs of the Glenvar community. She discussed encouraging development in areas currently served by public utility systems or in which utility system expansion is feasible. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of Green Hill Park and potential revenue producing opportunities in the area. Mr. Hooker and Ms. Micklow discussed Roanoke River access at the park. Ms. Micklow stated the Glenvar Community Plan Public Hearing will be held on November 14, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., in the Glenvar Middle School Forum. Plantation Road Streetscape Improvements Ms. Cronise provided a PowerPoint presentation including a brief overview of the project history. She reviewed the enhancement program, including the project scope and goals. She noted the area is in close proximity to Hollins University and many recreational resources including greenways are available nearby. She stated consultants have suggested extending pedestrian and bicycle accommodations in the area. Mr. Thompson reviewed funding options for design work, noting some projects would be locally administered with funding phases. Ms. Cronise reviewed pedestrian accommodations including 4 -way signalization at crosswalks near the ITT facility. Mr. Obenshain discussed easements needed to construct a trail to Carvins Cove. Ms. Cronise discussed the development of streetscapes including gateway signage with landscaping. She discussed funding needs for landscaping maintenance. Mr. Radford stated the use of downward lighting would be more aesthetic. Ms. Hooker suggested replicating Hollins University lighting style. Mr. Epperley discussed lighting issues. Ms. Cronise discussed entrance consolidation to improve interparcel connectivity. She discussed mass transit opportunities, including bus service and park -n -ride areas. She also discussed drainage mitigation issues in the area. Mr. Jarrell inquired about the status of the greenway near Hollins University. Staff and commissioners discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell spoke in favor of endorsing this proposal, noting a crosswalk is needed in this area. Ms. Cronise stated they are proposing three additional traffic lights to increase safety. Mr. Epperley discussed the cost of traffic lights. Page 2 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 18, 2011 Ms. Cronise reviewed scheduled meetings and community outreach plans. Mr. Radford made a motion to endorse the Plantation Road Transportation Enhancement Program Application, which passed 5 -0. Mr. Peters suggested placing a gateway sign near the interstate. Ms. Cronise stated staff will research this issue. Other Comments Mr. Peters and commissioners suggested having more discussion regarding chickens in non - agricultural areas. Mr. Jarrell noted strict boundaries will need to be applied. Mr. Peters stated newer homeowners' associations have included regulations in the bylaws regarding chickens in residential areas. Mr. Jarrell stated lot size restrictions should be established. Mr. McNeil stated setback restrictions will also need to be included. Mr. Thompson discussed options, noting future meetings will be held to discuss this issue. Mr. Thompson stated Ms. Lindsay Blankenship, Greenway Planner, will be providing an update regarding greenways and the sustainability center. He stated an update will also be provided regarding emergency communication overlay district. Mr. Thompson stated a lawsuit has been filed regarding the large wind energy zoning ordinance. Mr. Obenshain discussed this issue. With no further business or comments, Mr. Jarrell adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: 6 Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission h- �. Philip Th pson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Approved: Gary Jafrell Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3 of 3