HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/21/2019 - MinutesCommissioners Present:
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MAY 21, 2019
Mr. Wayne Bower
Mr. Troy Henderson
Mr. Rick James
Mr. Paul Mahoney
Mr. Jim Woltz (arrived after approval of minutes)
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Ms. Megan Cronise
Ms. Becky James
Ms. Cecile Newcomb
Mr. Alex Jones
Ms, Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary
Work Session
Mr. Henderson called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Bower requested to amend the agenda, moving the citizen comments after the
approval of the minutes. Mr. Mahoney made motion to approve the amended agenda,
which passed 4-0.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. James made a motion to approve the March 19, 2019 minutes, which passed 4-,0.
Mr. James made a motion to approve the April 16, 2019 minutes, which passed 3-0-1,
with Mr. Mahoney abstaining
Citizen Comments
Mr. Stewart Scales stated he resides off of Newport Road in the Catawba area. He stated
there is a lack of reliability regarding internet and cell service in that area. He stated it is
a safety issue with 600-700 houses having no internet service available. He stated he
has collected signatures on a petition in hopes of getting a cell tower or fiber cable
installed to serve his community and provide better service. He stated some residents
work from home and need the service. He stated he is hopeful 5G will provide a reliable
alternative that does not fail during inclement weather. Mr. Thompson inquired about
coverage maps provided by Mr. Scales., Mr. Scales discussed the imaps, including lack
of coverage and location of cell towers. He discussed the cost of satellite internet service.
Mr. Scales and the Commissioners discussed options regarding vendors and 5G
coverage. They discussed the telecommunications initiative for rural and underserved
areas. They discussed grants which may be available for funding and the application
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 21, 2019
process. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed possibly having a
representative from the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority to attend a future Planning
Commission Work Session.
Consent Agenda
Ms. James provided an overview of Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. petition,
including zoning, future land use designation, and revised concept plan with phasing. Ms.
James and the Commissioners reviewed the proposed amended conditions. Ms. James
stated she is scheduling a community meeting regarding this petition, noting she will notify
the Commissioners when the date has been determined.
Mr. Thompson reviewed the proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Zoning
Ordinance regarding miscellaneous amendments. Mr. Thompson and the
Commissioners discussed Article IV, Use and Design Standards, including camps, public
parks and recreational areas, campgrounds, and special events facility. Mr. Thompson,
Mr, Lubeck, and the Commissioners discussed the other revisions to the proposed
amendments.
Mr. Mahoney made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which passed 5-0.
Draft 419 Town Center Plan
Mr. Thompson provided an overview of the revised draft plan, including a timeline of the
process. He reviewed proposed amendments to the Introduction, Market Analysis,
Community Engagement, and Additional Residential Opportunities sections. He noted
the area will be developed over a span of time. He discussed impacts on schools and
roads. He reviewed conceptual renderings, noting actual development will be done on a
site by site basis. He discussed the plan structure including the Appendices. He
discussed Community Engagement and revisions based on input received through
outreach. He discussed the development of the plan, including a timeline of the process.
Mr. Thompson and the Commission reviewed housing statistics and town center
appropriate housing. They discussed walkable communities and scoring results. Mr.
Thompson, Ms. Cronise, Ms. Newcomb, and the Commissioners discussed
demographics of the County.
Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve a resolution recommending that the 419 Town
Center Plan be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. The motion passed 5-0.
Draft Hollins Center Plan
Ms. Cronise provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding Reimage Plan Updates. She
reviewed the Draft Plan Reveal, including community meetings and seven
exhibits/exercises. She reviewed the Transportation section including road projects. She
discussed bicycle and pedestrian projects results. Mr. Thompson, Ms. Cronise, and the
Commissioners discussed possible roundabout construction in the area, noting they will
be working with VDOT on potential projects in this area. She discussed greenway
projects and safety concerns in this area. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Cronise discussed
greenway access and easements issues in the Williamson Road and Plantation Road
area. Ms. Cronise discussed transit opportunity survey results. She reviewed Parks
survey results and suggestions for Walrond Park, Hollins Park, and Sadler Park. She
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 21, 2919
discussed that wayfinding signage may be beneficial at some parks. She reviewed the
preferred gateway and streetscape improvements and community amenities. Ms.
Cronise, Mr. Thompson, and Ms. Newcomb discussed future land use scenarios,
including full mixed use, partial mixed use, and no change. Mr. Thompson, Ms. Cronise,
and the Commissioners discussed the next steps to be taken in the process.
Mr. Thompson discussed the draft section for Appendices for Hollins Center Plan,
including Existing Conditions, Community Engagement, and Vision and Principles.
Draft Oak Grove Center Plan
Ms. Cronise provided an overview of the Oak Grove Draft Plan Reveal, including
community meetings which had a total of 191 attendees. Se reviewed the seven exhibits
and exercises and comment opportunities, Mr. Jones noted the online exercises for the
public will close on May 31, 2019. Mr. Thompson, Ms. Cronise, and the Commissioners
discussed the next steps, to be taken in the process.
Commissioners' and Staff Comments
Mr. Thompson stated there are no public hearing items for the June 4, 2019 Planning
Commission Meeting. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners reviewed topics for
discussion at future meetings.
Mr. Mahoney made a motion to cancel the June 4, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting,
which passed 5-0.
Mr. Thompson discussed the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) Meeting
regarding funding for road improvements which included the proposed diverging diamond
on Route 419.
With no further business or comments, Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting at 8:19
p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Susan McCoy
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Philip pTompson
ar
Secre ary, Roanoke Co/hty Planning Commission
Troy Hendson
Chairman, rR;&oke County Planning Commission
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