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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/5/2019 - Minuteseount* q jq"no& PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES MARCH 5,2019 Commissioners Present: Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Troy Henderson (work session only after approval of agenda) Mr. Rick James Mr. Paul Mahoney Commissioners Absent: Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. John Murphy Ms,. Megan Cronise Ms. Becky James Mr. Alex Jones Ms. Cecile Newcomb Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr. Phil North, Board of Supervisors Chair, Hollins Magisterial District Mr. Doug Blount, Director, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Work Session Mr. James called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Mahoney made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 3-0. Consent Agenda Mr. Thompson stated there are no public hearing scheduled for the April 2, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting. The consensus of the Commission was to defer the decision whether or not to cancel the meeting until after the public hearing. Zoning Ordinance Amendments Mr. Thompson provided a brief history of the Explore Park (EP) District amendment. He stated staff has met with Mr. Doug Blount, Director, Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, on the proposed changes to the EP District. Mr. Thompson and the Commission reviewed the updated version. Page 1 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2019 The consensus of the Commission was to hold the Planning Commission Public Hearing regarding the Explore Park (EP) District on May 7, 2019. He discussed permitted uses and ancillary uses. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed clarification of name changes and reference throughout the document. They discussed various uses, including agricultural, residential, civic, office, commercial, industrial, and miscellaneous. Mr. Blount discussed multiple grants they have received. He noted some nearby property owners would like to be park of the district. Mr. Blount, Mr. Thompson, and the Commissioners discussed ancillary and primary uses. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed conforming and non -conforming uses. They discussed future rezoning actions. They discussed adding some industrial uses, including a brewery. Mr. Blount discussed also having an archery range. Mr. Thompson discussed uses allowed with a special use permit. Mr. Blount and Mr. Thompson discussed cell towers, antennas, Wi-Fi coverage, and broad -band installation to improve connectivity. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed setbacks, height of structures, and signage, noting regulations regarding these issues are in the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed buffering regulations. Mr. Blount discussed previous plans for the park. He discussed current design standards. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed lighting, roads, utilities, and use and design standards. Mr. Blount noted the use and design standards may serve other parks. Mr. Thompson discussed by -right uses which had been deleted, including convenience store, gas station, restaurants, and transportation terminal. Mr. Thompson stated the VFRA will hold a meeting to discuss proposed changes on March 20, 2019. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the timeline and procedural issues regarding the amendment. The consensus of the Commission was to hold the public hearing for the Explore Park (EP) District at the May 7, 2019 Planning Commission Public Hearing. 2019 Planning Commission Work Plan Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the Draft Planning Commission Work Plan - 2019. He reviewed the Planning Studies, including 419 Town Center Plan, Hollins Center Plan, Oak Grove Center Plan, Route 460 Access Plan, and Route 221 Plan Amendment. He discussed Explore Park District, Floodplain Overlay, Wireless Communications Facilities, and other miscellaneous amendments. He reviewed the other projects and items, including rezonings and special use permits, joint City and County Planning Commission meetings, and presentations. They discussed prioritization of the projects. Mr. James thanked Mr. Mahoney for his leadership developing the work plan. Mr. James made a motion to approve the Planning Commission Work Plan - 2019, which passed 4-0. Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Bower inquired about the 2018 Annual Report, Mr. Thompson, Ms. James, and the Commissioners discussed the statistics. Page 2 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5,201D Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed procedural issues regarding tonight's public hearing. Ms. Cronise provided information to the Commissioners regarding community meetings for both Hollins Center Plan and Oak Grove Plan. Mr. James adjourned the meeting for dinner at 5:11 p.m. E'V'ENING SESSION Mr. James called the Public Hearing to order at 7,02 p.m. Mr. Mahoney gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. The petition of Skyway Towers to obtain a Special Use Permit for a broadcasting tower (cell tower) approximately 199 feet in height in an AR, Agricultural/Residential, District on approximately 4.00 acres, located near the 6700 block of Split Oak Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Ms. ,lames presented a PowerPoint presentation and the staff report, including tower size, setbacks, and buffering. She discussed citizens' concerns received at the community meeting, including private road maintenance, visibility of the tower, and coverage. She discussed the balloon tests performed on July 20, 2018, and March 1, 2019. She reviewed the suggested condition. Mr. William Shewmake, Esquire, stated T -Mobile has a substantial need for coverage for E-991 calls which come through cell phones. He discussed the existing L2100 coverage map, noting there is bad coverage in the area of the proposed tower. He stated by adding the new tower there would be better coverage on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Bent Mountain area. He reviewed the Roanoke location map. He discussed photo simulation maps. He stated the transmission tower is on approximately four acres. He discussed the consultant's finding, noting he recommended denying the request based on the NEPA Report. He discussed the NEPA Report and transmission lines. He reviewed the propagation map including existing coverage and coverage with proposed tower. He discussed the existing AEP tower. Mr. James inquired about the elevation. Mr. Shewmake stated it will be 195 feet. He reviewed issues with the balloon tests, noting they will perform another balloon test prior to the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing. He stated the request is a good proposal with no visual impact and co -location available for other carriers. Mr. Mahoney inquired about cost of co -locating on AEP tower compared to constructing proposed tower. Mr. Shewmake stated others are already on the existing towers. He stated he cannot speak about lease amount. He discussed the tremendous maintenance cost if transmission lines are used. Mr. Mahoney inquired about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) height regulations. Mr. Shewmake discussed regulations, noting the proposed tower would not be lit. Mr. Mahoney inquired about 5G tower coverage and co -location. Mr. Shewmake discussed the 5G coverage. He discussed data needs and 5G will be seeking more towers, noting he did not think 5G would replace the proposed tower. He discussed data demands, noting towers can relieve traffic off other Page 3 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2019 towers. Mr. Mahoney inquired if technology of the proposed tower would be obsolete in a few years. Mr. Orlando Landrum, Engineer representing T -Mobile, discussed this issue, noting the 5G technology is not fully ready. He stated the 5G technology will have a smaller footprint and lower frequency, and cover larger area. He stated the site of proposed tower is trying to overcome surrounding terrain. Mr. Bower inquired about adding 5G to AEP tower. Mr. Landrum discussed upgrade coming. Mr. Bower inquired about T -Mobile's plans to put 5G on tower. Mr. Shewmake discussed commitment between Skyway Towers and T - Mobile. Mr. Bower inquired if the proposed tower would be safer than co -locating on electrical tower. Mr. Landrum stated that if you locate on an AEP tower then AEP would have to provide maintenance. He stated if there is a service outage they would have to rely on AEP's schedule. Mr. George Condyles, Atlantic Technology Consultants, Inc., discussed his technical review of the application. He discussed the process and findings of his reports, including the NEPA Study. He stated National Park Service has not made a comment regarding the proposed tower. He reviewed the propagation maps. He discussed T -Mobile service and co -locating. He noted the NPS could restrict or allow the tower. Mr. James noted the NPS is within one mile of the site of the proposed tower. Mr. Condyles noted the NPS has previously made exceptions. Mr. James inquired about if the NPS denies the request for the proposed tower. Mr. Condyles stated if NPS denies the request, the proposed tower cannot be built. He stated if NPS places restrictions on the tower, the petitioner will have to abide by the NPS decision. Mr. Mahoney inquired about FCC regulations regarding increasing the height of the tower. Mr. Condyles stated any tower can be increased with certain criteria. He stated the FAA regulations would also be applied if the tower height was increased. Mr. Mahoney asked about having many 5G antennas. Mr. Condyles stated many of the mini and micro antennas are located in downtown areas, noting the proposed tower is in a rural setting. Mr. James inquired about effect of no response from NPS. Mr. Shewmake stated NPS will have the final say regarding the proposed tower. Mr. James opened the public hearing for public comment. Mr. Ralph Davis, 6633 Sylvan Brook Road, stated he has lived in his home 30 years. He stated he is dependent on the computer for his livelihood. He discussed health consequences. He stated the American Academy of Environmental Medicine has addressed the effects of technology. He discussed effects to genes, neurological, immune system, kidneys, and developmental issues of infants. He stated it is under the umbrella of 1,000 meters. He discussed the impact on cancers, birth defects, and mitochondrial DNA. He stated the last FCC chairman was more interested in economics and not health. He discussed health issues regarding smart meters having not grounding creating fire hazards. Mr. Lubeck stated these issues are outside of the purview of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors and cannot be considered regarding this request. Page 4 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2019 Mr. Jim Aldridge, 6757 Split Oak Road, stated he has lived in his residence 40 years. He stated the property has been a junkyard, noting people also hunt on the property. He stated he is not opposed to tower. He requested that maintenance cost of the road be set out in agreement since it is a private road. Ms. Cassandra Nolan, 6620 Split Oak Road, stated she lives second closest to the site of the proposed tower. She inquired if there would be additional towers on the site. Mr. James stated other antennas may be added but not additional tower. Ms. Nolan inquired about existing tower. Mr. James discussed the propagation map coverage findings. Ms. Nolan discussed concerns regarding E- 911 coverage, road maintenance for gravel road, and impact to the neighborhood. Mr. Steven Grammer asked the Commissioners for improvement for ADA transportation in Roanoke City and Roanoke County. He inquired why infrastructure of a tower for E-911 is more important than housing and transportation for people with disabilities. He stated he is generally told it is not in the budget. He inquired about reason this item is in the budget but transportation and housing are not. Mr. James explained the tower is not a budget item. With no citizens requesting to speak, Mr. James closed the public hearing. Mr. Orlando stated E-911 will be covered by the proposed tower. Mr. Shewmake stated the proposed tower would benefit the E-911 coverage. Mr. Condyles stated if lightning storm hit on site the other tower would pick up service. He discussed safety issues, noting the FCC works with National Institute of Health regarding warning signs and occupational hazards. Mr. Bower and Mr. James inquired about road maintenance. Mr. Lubeck discussed this issue, noting the County has no jurisdiction if it is a private road. He stated a road maintenance agreement would be a private matter. Mr. Shewmake stated he would like to talk with Mr. Aldridge about the road. Mr. Bower inquired how often a vehicle would come to the tower after it is constructed. Mr. Shewmake stated a vehicle would visit every few months. He stated they would have little impact on the road after construction. Mr. Mahoney stated they have to rely on consultant's findings. He stated that when he read Mr. Condyles disapproved of the proposed tower, he was going to vote with the report until he heard E-911 concerns. He stated it is an underserved area. He stated the County has the obligation to serve the citizens particularly regarding public safety issues. He discussed the importance of protecting the viewshed. He noted co -locating on the AEP tower will not work for this request. Mr. Mahoney made a motion to recommend approval of the request with the following condition: 1. The maximum height of the broadcasting tower shall be 199 feet. Page 5of10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2075 Mr. Bower stated the applicant has proven a need for the proposed tower. He stated the Blue Ridge Parkway has to be considered due to potential adverse impacts. He discussed issues regarding co -location with existing tower, noting others may co -locate on the proposed tower. Mr. James stated there is a burden of proof the Commission has to consider. He stated they have to consider preserving and enhancing scenic beauty of the County. He stated they have to make sure other collocation opportunities have been exhausted and verified not to fit the need. He stated the applicant has done their due diligence to substantiate the need and minimize impacts of the tower. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (3-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, James, Mahoney NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Mr. Thompson stated the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing regarding this petition will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. Mr. James provided a break which began at 8:14 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 8:20 p.m. 2. Proposed amendment to the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment would incorporate the 419 Town Center Plan into the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan. Mr. James stated the agenda would be modified to accommodate the travel schedules of people in attendance wishing to comment by having the citizen comment section as the next item. He stated if the comments are regarding the 419 Town Center Plan, they will be applied to the public hearing. Mr. James opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Steven Grammer stated he is glad there is more ADA transportation in the plan than we have now. He inquired where the money will come from. He stated they talk about constructing million dollar apartments but why not construct lower income apartments. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. James closed the public comment period. Mr. Thompson provided an overview of the 419 Town Center Plan with revisions, including the background of the plan, community outreach, and urban design framework. He reviewed the Existing Conditions Summary, including demographics, zoning, future land use designations, topography, transportation, and infrastructure. He discussed the Marketing Analysis, including residential and retail key findings. He discussed Community Engagement, including kickoff event, stakeholder interviews, design workshop, transportation discussions, draft Page 6 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMfSSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2019 plan reveal, online engagement, and meetings of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. He also discussed online engagement and public outreach, including mailings, fact sheets, monthly e -newsletter, outreach to businesses, social media announcements, and press releases. He reviewed The Plan, including Vision and Principles. He discussed the Vision, including interchange improvements, Tanglewood Mall improvements, Old Country Plaza redevelopment, Madison Square redevelopment, Electric Road reconfiguration, walkable and accessible intersections, new signal at Fallowater Lane extension, signature office development sites, multifamily development, network of trails, Main Street retail, and community green space. He reviewed the Principles, including harnessing the power of our location and market strengths, creating an authentic place, improving connectivity, celebrating the Town Center's nature and corridor's natural setting, and promoting a sense of community and inclusion. Mr. Thompson reviewed the Urban Design Framework, including development types, circulation, 20 -year circulation plan, public realm, and green infrastructure. He discussed Catalyst Projects, noting the catalyst sites include Old Country Plaza, Madison Square, and Tanglewood Mall. He reviewed conceptual plans for each catalyst site. He reviewed additional residential opportunities, including projected housing needs for rental apartments, condominiums, and townhouses. He discussed Implementation of the plan, including design principles, funding strategies, timing, communication, accessibility, and getting started. He reviewed implementation steps, including encouraging development of a safe main street environment, increase mobility and connectivity throughout the study area, and continuing to engage the community in the implementation process. He reviewed the timeline for the plan. Mr. Mahoney stated the proposed revisions are improvements to the plan. He discussed the number of new residential units. He discussed potential impact to the schools with the addition of residential units. He discussed the diverging diamond and impacts on Franklin Road and Ogden Road. He discussed coordinating with Roanoke City. He discussed retain impacts, noting it appears retail space is being reduced. He discussed the importance of having the support of corporate entity owners, noting he is concerned about losing retail and commercial businesses. He discussed coordinating with Roanoke City and major landowners. Mr. Thompson discussed the study included all types of housing units. He stated growth in this area will likely be younger and older people that do not have school age children. He noted that school age population has been declining. He discussed developments which may impact schools. He discussed the diverging diamond interchange, noting Roanoke City was included in the process as a stakeholder. He discussed challenges with pedestrians, noting Roanoke City has sidewalk project. He discussed comments from Roanoke City and VDOT regarding congestion. He discussed the retail analysis, including the current market. He stated retail should generally stay the same, noting housing will be introduced into the commercial corridor. Mr. Mahoney discussed catalyst sites and hoping will carry forward. He stated the first floor will be retail with the upper will be residential. Mr. Thompson discussed various scenarios, noting they will introduce more housing to support retail. He Page 7of10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2015 discussed meetings staff has had with three major landowners in the area, noting staff continues to have discussions with property owners and developers. Mr. Bower discussed other localities which have had blighted areas and then brought in mixed use to improve. He discussed looking at the infrastructure for the diverging diamond. He stated the schools and fire and rescue issues will need to be adjusted as the County grows. He stated the plan has been well thought out with meetings to receive input from stakeholders, Roanoke City, citizens, and the Board of Supervisors. He stated it is time to move forward and grow Roanoke County. Mr. Thompson stated the work comes with implementation. He stated adjustments will need to be made in the future. Mr. Mahoney stated they will use the draft 419 Town Center Plan. Mr. James opened the public hearing. With no citizens wanting to speak, Mr. James closed the public hearing. Mr. James made a motion to postpone the matter for a future date until after the public comment period has closed. Mr. Thompson stated the public comment period is open until April 5, 2019, noting public comments can be made via the County website. He stated staff and the Commissioners will discuss comments at the April 16, 2019 Planning Commission Work Session and incorporate changes for the Planning Commission's review. Mr. James stated he encourages the County to take action as soon as possible, noting the plan may be imperfect but it is a good start. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (3-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, James, Mahoney NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Citizens' Comments There were none. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson stated two community meetings regarding Hollins Center Plan will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Monday, March 25, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hollins Library, 6624 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019. Final Orders 1. The petition of Venture Storage Group, LLC to obtain a Special Use Permit in a C-2, High Intensity Commercial, District to construct a mini warehouse storage facility on 3.10 acres, located near the 4400 block of South Peak Boulevard, Cave Spring Magisterial District was denied by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019. Page 8 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2019 2. The petition of the Economic Development Authority of Roanoke County et al to amend the master plan for the Center for Research and Technology and to remove the proffered condition on properties totaling approximately 480.21 acres zoned PTD, Planned Technology District, located on Glenmary Drive and Corporate Circle, Catawba Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019. 3. The petition of Rhonda S. Conner to obtain a Special Use Permit in a R-1 S, Low Density Residential, District with a special use permit, to acquire a multiple dog permit on 4.68 acres, located at 6185 Bent Mountain Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019. 4. The petition of Virginia Class Action Softball Club to rezone approximately 11.03 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, District to C-2, High Intensity Commercial, District for a commercial outdoor sports and recreation facility, located at 4774 Pioneer Drive, Vinton Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019, 5. Proposed amendment to the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment would change the future land use designation of four (4) parcels south of Colonial Avenue, between 4904 Colonial Avenue and 4920 Colonial Avenue, from Neighborhood Conservation to Transition. The Board of Supervisors approved the amendment for three (3) properties at a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019. 6. The petition of Balzer and Associates, Inc. to rezone approximately 1. 17 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, District to C-1, Low Intensity Commercial, District for a medical office, located at 4920 Colonial Avenue, Cave Spring Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019. With no further business or comments, Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission r4d] Philip Thopson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 9 of 10 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING,POMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2019 Troy Henderson . Chairman, Roary k County Planning Commission Page 10 of 10