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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/8/2016 - Public Hearing and WorksessionMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN OF VINTON PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016, AT 6:30 P.M., AT THE VINTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 311 SOUTH POLLARD STREET. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Jones, Chairman Keith Liles, Vice Chairman Bill Booth Bob Patterson MEMBERS ABSENT: Dawn Michelsen STAFF PRESENT: Anita McMillan, Planning and Zoning Director Karla Turman, Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer Julie Tucei, Planning and Zoning Coordinator Theresa Fontana, Town Attorney OTHERS PRESENT FOR WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING: Philip Thompson, Deputy Director, Roanoke County Planning Dept. David McCormack, Waukeshaw Development, Inc. OTHERS PRESENT FOR PUBLIC HEARING ONLY: Jill Loope, Director, Roanoke County Economic Development Doug Forbes, citizen, 558 Deer Ridge Lane, Vinton Alan and Katye Hale, citizens, 204 Highland Road, Vinton Alicia Petska, The Roanoke Times AGENDA WORK SESSION—6:30 P.M. I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes: June 9, 2016, Work Session and Public Hearing III. Update on the Urban Development Areas (UDA) Plan IV. Brief Summary on the Open House about the Proposed Rezoning of the Former William Byrd High School Properties V. Next Meeting Date, October 18, 2016: Joint Public Hearing of the Town Council and Planning Commission on the Proposed Vacation of the Undeveloped Daleview Drive VI. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff VII. Adjournment of Work Session REGULAR SESSION—7 P.M. VIII. Call to Order—Roll Call IX. Public Hearing to receive comments concerning: Joint petition of County of Roanoke and Waukeshaw Development, Inc., for a rezoning of the former William Byrd High School properties, from R-2 Residential to MUD Mixed Use Development District, in order for the properties to be redeveloped to residential units with supporting recreational PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 PAGE 2 and civic uses. The properties are located at 100 and 156 Highland Road, Vinton, Virginia, Tax Map Numbers 060.11-04-17.00 and 060.11-04-20.00. a. Chairman opens public hearing • Report from staff • Receive petitioner’s comments • Receive public comments • Commissioners’ discussion and questions b. Chairman closes public hearing c. Commission takes action on proposed rezoning X. Other Business XI. Adjournment The work session of the Vinton Planning Commission was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by Chairman Jones. Four members were present, with Ms. Michelsen being absent. The first item on the work session agenda was the approval of the minutes from June 9, 2016. This item was moved to the public hearing agenda since actions on any matters should not be taken by the Planning Commission during a work session. The next item on the work session agenda was an update on the Urban Development Areas (UDA) Plan. Ms. McMillan reminded them that a joint public hearing of the Planning Commission and Town Council was held recently, and that the Council had approved it at that meeting. She stated that the consultant was given some minor corrections to make on the documents. Once it is finalized, a copy can be provided to the Planning Commission members. She said it will end up being about 80 pages or so. The document will help the Town when applying for money from VDOT. She mentioned that the Vinton Area Corridors Plan done jointly with Roanoke County was a great basis for the UDA. Chairman Jones asked if the document can be rolled into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Ms. McMillan stated the approved ordinance included adding it to the Comprehensive Plan, which is required to be updated every 5 years according to the State Code. She mentioned that Town Council has approved some money for updating the zoning ordinance, and she said it will require a major overhaul. Briefly, the Commissioners were given a summary on the open house about the proposed rezoning of the former William Byrd High School properties. Ms. McMillan mentioned that a tour of the building was taken, and then the open house was held. She said that several adjoining property owners attended the open house, and they did express some concerns about the project. A letter with some concerns about the project was submitted to the Town by Mr. and Mrs. Hale, of 204 Highland Road, which they asked be submitted to the Planning Commission. One of the concerns expressed was about the current speed limit on Gus Nicks Boulevard needing to be lowered to 25 mph from the S. Pollard Street intersection to the Town limits. This concern was communicated to the Public Works and Police Departments who both said it was something that could be done. Several other adjoining property owners also expressed this same concern and mentioned that there are a lot of wrecks at the intersection at Highland Road. Ms. McMillan said that the lowering of the speed limit was presented at the briefing to Town Council, and they seemed agreeable to it. Another suggestion that was received from the Hales in their letter was for a traffic signal to be installed at the Highland Road intersection. The Hales also PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 PAGE 3 mentioned that there used to be an old road that has been closed that provided a safer way to access Gus Nicks Boulevard. This was also mentioned by a visitor at the open house. Vice Chairman Liles showed on the aerial map where approximately the road used to be located. The School Board said it was just a driveway that belonged to the school, and the residents started using it to cut through to Gus Nicks Boulevard. The school eventually installed a fence there to stop residents from using it. Ms. McMillan mentioned that, at the open house, there were also concerns about access to parking for the building. Chairman Jones asked about running a gas line to the properties. He mentioned that some residents on Highland Road would like to be able to hook on to the line if one is run. Mr. McCormack stated that they will not be using gas in the apartments. Next on the agenda was the discussion about the next meeting date, scheduled for October 18, 2016. It will be a joint public hearing of the Town Council and Planning Commission on the proposed vacation of the undeveloped Daleview Drive. Ms. McMillan said most are very familiar with the Daleview Drive request, as it has been ongoing for quite some time. She said that the Quams and the Slighs have resubmitted their request to have it vacated. She stated that access to the large acreage behind the Quams and Slighs, which was divided into two lots, does have an access from Olney Road. She mentioned that adjoining property owners and the two petitioners and their lawyer will be notified of the hearing to be held on October 18th. She asked each member to email her if they are unable to attend the hearing. The last item on the work session agenda was comments from the Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff. Chairman Jones asked Mr. McCormack about plans for the bottom portion of the school property where the recreation fields are located. Mr. McCormack said he, as the developer, has no plans at all for the ball fields. He is only going to be working with the main building and annex building. Roanoke County is not planning any changes to the recreation fields at this time. The lower lots are in the floodway and floodplain. Mr. McCormack is not planning to add onto the buildings, and parking is adequate for now unless the number of apartment units in the building is increased. With there being nothing further to discuss in the work session, it was adjourned by Chairman Jones at 6:57 p.m. The regular session of the Vinton Planning Commission was called to order in the Council Chambers at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Jones. Roll was called. Four members were present, with Ms. Michelsen being absent. The first item on the revised evening session agenda was the approval of the minutes from June 9, 2016, work session and public hearing. Ms. McMillan mentioned that the minutes from the Town Council joint meeting were also provided, but do not need the Planning Commission’s approval. Mr. Patterson made a motion to approve the June 9th minutes as submitted, and Mr. Booth seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and all members who were present voted in favor of the motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Then next item on the agenda was the public hearing to receive comments concerning the joint petition of County of Roanoke and Waukeshaw Development, Inc., for a rezoning of the former William Byrd PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 PAGE 4 High School properties, from R-2 Residential to MUD Mixed Use Development District, in order for the properties to be redeveloped to residential units with supporting recreational and civic uses. The properties are located at 100 and 156 Highland Road, Vinton, Virginia, Tax Map Numbers 060.11-04- 17.00 and 060.11-04-20.00. Chairman Jones opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. First, the report from staff was requested. Ms. McMillan gave a brief summary of the staff report, a copy of which will be made a part of the permanent record. She stated that written comments were received from the Hales of 204 Highland Road. She mentioned that they were also in attendance, as well. Ms. McMillan asked the Hales if they would like her to read their statement into the record. They asked her to read it for the record. She read the letter, a copy of which be made a part of the permanent record. Ms. McMillan said other neighbors who attended the open house had also brought up the same concerns as the Hales. She mentioned that one of the concerns, lowering the speed limit along Gus Nicks Boulevard, has been discussed with Public Works and the Police Department, and both departments believe it is a good suggestion. Next, the Planning Commission received comments from the petitioner. Chairman Jones requested that all speakers identify themselves and come to the podium at the front if they wish to speak. Ms. Jill Loope, Roanoke County’s Economic Development Director, spoke as the petitioner. She said that it is a very exciting time in Vinton. She stated that it has taken about two years to get to this point with this project. She mentioned that Mr. Dave McCormack with Waukeshaw Development is here and will be the developer for this project. She noted that Roanoke County will convey just the one parcel that includes the main building and the annex building. She said that the school bus fuel facility and the parks and recreation field areas are not included in the deal with Mr. McCormack. She said they would still like to go ahead and rezone those areas along with the rest. She said the plans for the school bus fuel facility are still being worked out. She stated that they plan to leave the rest of the property as is and allow its use as mostly open space for the apartment tenants and town citizens to enjoy. She said that an application has been submitted for historic tax credits for the project, and they are hoping to get final approval soon. After that, the County will transfer the property to the developer so he can begin work on the apartments. Mr. Dave McCormack, of Waukeshaw Development, said he is really excited about this project. He mentioned that the building is very complex and will be a challenge. He noted that this is his company’s specialty. He said that the first order of business is to get it on historic register, and they are coming along in that process. He stated that he is looking to create about 77 apartment units or so. He said there could be a few more, maybe up to 90 units. He said that the more units you can place in a building, the more financeable it will be by lenders. He mentioned that they already have several lenders who are interested in the project. Mr. McCormack said he would be glad to answer any questions they have about the project. Mr. Booth asked for information about the lenders. Mr. McCormack said the lenders would probably consist of banks and other commercial financial institutions. He stated that the one in the lead so far is Virginia Credit Union. As a developer, Mr. Booth said he thought Mr. McCormack would be financing it himself. Mr. McCormack said it will be about a $10 million project that will be using historic tax credits. He stated that he will be required to also put some equity into the project. He mentioned that to build an apartment complex from ground up would be easier and cheaper, but he is attempting to save a PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 PAGE 5 historic place in the Town of Vinton. He said that the historic tax credits should bring the project down to a financeable level. Mr. Booth said, in doing the math on it, 90 units divided into 10 million dollars will make it a long time to for the project to make any money. Mr. McCormack explained how the financing for the project might work. He said his profit will be on a very slim margin, and occupancy rates will fluctuate. Mr. McCormack said they will be trying to show a 120% debt margin. He stated that they hope that within 10 to 15 years down the road that they will have created value in the town and also hopes it will spur other development in the area. When tax credits are utilized, the property must be owned for a required number of years by the same entity. Mr. McCormack stated that he will create a property-specific LLC which will be listed as the owner. He said that he won’t be able to sell for at least 5 years, but he is in it for long term though. He mentioned that they generally keep the properties they redevelop and don’t usually sell them. Public comments were received next. Chairman Jones asked that each speaker state their name and address. He said that each person who would like to speak will be given the opportunity to speak for eight minutes or less. Mr. Doug Forbes, of 558 Deer Ridge Lane in Vinton and of the Vinton Historical Society, was the first speaker. In April, Mr. Forbes mentioned that he will be moving to town into one of the Roland E. Cook apartment units. He stated that the Vinton Historical Society is very interested in these old buildings. He mentioned that the museum location was one of the original buildings built in Town in 1906 by Mr. Upson. He said that if we don’t take interest in preserving our heritage, what will our grandchildren see and do. He stated that mistakes made by forefathers can be repeated. Mr. Forbes said the William Byrd Building was built in 1933, and the museum has a photo of groundbreaking. He mentioned that he graduated from there. He asked the Commissioners make it feasible, easy and speedy to rezone this property and give Mr. McCormack the opportunity to develop it and make it part of the tax base. Mrs. Kayte Hale spoke next. She stated that she and her husband, Alan, live at 204 Highland Road. First, she mentioned that it sounds like lowering the speed limit to 25 mph may not be a problem. She requested that they consider reopening the access road that used to come out on lower side of the school property. She mentioned that there is no other exit out of the neighborhood, other than Highland Road. She stated that this project could present some safety issues with the additional traffic. She said they are excited about the plans for the building. Chairman Jones stated that some have never had the experience of seeing the access road she mentioned. He wanted to know where it was, and why was it closed. Mrs. Hale said they have lived there for 18 years, and the road was closed before they moved in. Mrs. Hale pointed out on the aerial map where the road used to be located. She said there is a fence there now that encloses the bus lot. Chairman Jones said that he thinks the Christmas Parade used to line up on that road. Ms. Hale said the parade does create a traffic jam, and they usually plan on just staying home that night. Chairman Jones asked if there is much traffic on the road. Ms. Hale said there is softball field down at the end of Highland Road, and there is a lot of traffic going to and from it. She said that Town and County vehicles also use Highland Road. Ms. McMillan said there is some property on Highland Road which leased by the Town to Roanoke County Parks and Recreation, and there is a communications building there which is owned by Sprint. Mrs. Hale said the existing apartments also generate traffic on Highland Road. She said that she hopes that they hear them on this issue—that there is already considerable traffic on Highland Road. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 PAGE 6 Chairman Jones asked if the other person who was sitting at the back of the room had any comments. She stated that she is a reporter from The Roanoke Times and didn’t have comments. Chairman Jones mentioned that these are some interesting times in the Town with the repurposing of several existing buildings. Next, the commissioners had the opportunity to discuss the request and ask questions. Ms. McMillan mentioned that Roanoke County had donated an 80 feet wide easement for the Glade Creek Greenway on the lower part of the property. She said the construction for it should begin within two years. There was no further discussion or questions; therefore, Chairman Jones closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. Vice Chairman Liles made a motion to recommend approval of the request to rezone the former William Byrd High School from R-2 to MUD to Town Council. Mr. Patterson seconded the motion. Chairman Jones reminded them that each member must state the reason for the way they vote when the roll call vote is taken. The roll call vote was taken: Chairman Jones voted yes. He stated that he voted for it because it is a good use of a vacant building, and at some point it will put some tax dollars back into the town. He said it will be a way to keep something historical for people’s great grandchildren to see. Mr. Booth voted yes. He said he agrees with rezoning the property, and that he is totally in favor of this project for numerous reasons. He stated that he graduated from there a few years ago, like Mr. Forbes. Mr. Booth said it is a valuable piece of property and has a great view. He mentioned that it is too good of a piece of property to do anything else with it. Mr. Booth thinks the neighborhood will benefit from it and that the streets will be very well-maintained due to this project. He said, the sooner, the better for this project. Vice Chairman Liles also voted yes. He said he would like to echo both of previous commissioners’ comments. He stated that the Roland E. Cook School apartment renovation project is underway, and he said now the Town will have about 90 additional apartments on the other side of downtown. He said that downtown living is something that the Town has not had much of over the years. He feels that this will be a good jumpstart for the downtown economy, something not seen for years in the Town. He is hopeful that this will increase property values for the neighborhood. He also mentioned that the greenway will be coming to this area soon. He said that we will not see this ever again in our lifetime— two schools being converted into apartments at the same time in our area. He mentioned that he had toured the school recently. He jokingly said that the developers could probably even open it up for a week of tours to the public to make extra money for their project. Mr. Patterson voted yes. He said he approves of the renovation project. Mr. Patterson stated that he used to be the principal there, and he thinks this is a very good project. Ms. McMillan stated that the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the request will be forwarded to Town Council, and their public hearing will be held September 20, 2016, at 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION AND PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 PAGE 7 In other business, Vice Chairman Liles thanked the County staff for all they have done for the Town over the last three years including: the new library, turning the old library into a future Macado’s Restaurant, and now turning two former schools into future apartments. Chairman Jones let Mr. Booth know that the Commissioners’ thoughts are with him for his medical test taking place in the morning. There were was no other business; therefore, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Patterson and a second by Vice Chairman Liles. Respectfully Submitted, Anita McMillan Planning Commission Secretary