The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutZMA201900008 Correspondence 2021-06-07 (7)NqVz(R__T Steven W. BlaineAuthorUserl (434)220-6831 sblaine@woodsrogers.com June 7, 2021 HAND DELIVERED Mr. Cameron Langille Senior Planner II, Planning County of Albemarle Community Development Department 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 ROGERS YS AT LAW Re: Applicant's Response ZN1A 201900008 Rio Point (Formerly Parkway Place) Dear Cameron: This letter will serve as the applicant's response to your Memorandum dated May 14, 2021 forwarding the staffs comments to the ZMA request. The responses below correspond to the numbered comments contained in your memo, and the related correspondence that your forwarded with your memo. Together with this letter, our response includes: i) revised Traffic Impact Analysis, dated May 24, 2021 (TIA); ii) revised project application plan, (the "Application Plan") prepared by The Timmons Group, comprised of a Cover Sheet (Sheet 0), the Site Layout Plan (Sheet 1), Notes (Sheet 2), Grading Plan (Sheet 3), and Frontage Improvements (Sheet 4), dated April 2, 2021, last revised June 4, 2021; iii) revised Proffers, dated June 7, 2021 (red -lined to show changes from the previous draft reviewed by staff, together with a clean version) ("Proffers"); and iv) revised Project Narrative, dated June 7, 2021 (red -lined to show changes from the previous draft reviewed by staff, together with a clean version). General Application Comments: 1. The enclosed Proffers have been revised to refer to the plans prepared by the Timmons Group and submitted with this response —defined as the Application Plan, above. In accordance with Albemarle County Ordinance Section 18-33.4, the combined plans are defined as the "Application Plan' and are referred to in the various planning documents using this definition. Any illustrative exhibits used for presentation are not to be deemed included as part of the Application Plan. 2. We are in receipt of the proposed housing policy update. The applicant's principal, Chris Henry has met with Ms. Pethia to discuss the County's policy and the contributions that this project will make to enhance affordable housing in the community. (2844201-1, 121567-00004-03)( P.O. Box 2496, Charlottesville, VA 22902 123 Fast Main Street, 5th Floor, Charlottesville VA 22902 P (434) 220-6831 . Cell (804) 248-8715 www.woodsrogers.com Charlottesville . Lynchburg . Richmond . Roanoke June 7, 2021 Page 2 3. The correct area for dedication of public right-of-way is 0.82 acres. The Project Narrative and Proffers have been revised to reflect this. 4. Please see the attached letter from Michael Bailey of Ramey Kemp Associates. It should be pointed out that the difference in lane queuing at the worst time of day, in the P.M. peak hour, was 26 feet (1,325' for the no -build, without improvements scenario vs. 1,351' for the build, without improvements scenario). This equates to approximately two car lengths. The essential point that the TIA reveals however is that with the proposed roundabout, those queuing delays improve dramatically: (292' vs. 1,325'and 318' vs. 1,351' respectively). 5. See attached letter from Michael Bailey. It also should be pointed out that the that delay times for the left turn movements exiting the site are comparable to the delay times currently experienced by motorists at the Rio Road/Dunlora intersection and in particular the west -bound left turn movement (57.2 seconds, existing and 138.3 seconds under the no -build without improvements scenario vs. 55 seconds for the eastbound left turn movement exiting the site). In the opinion of the traffic engineer who prepared the TIA, there is no indication from this data that suggests a greater likelihood of motorists taking undue risks to get out between traffic at this entrance. 6. See Mr. Bailey's letter attached. 7. The technical revisions to the TIA requested have been made and are discussed more fully below. Section 18-33.18(B) Application Plan Comments: 1. The roundabout concept showing storage and lane configuration is depicted on Sheet 4 of the Application Plan. The final design of the roundabout has not been completed by VDOT so this aspect of the concept is for illustrative purposes only. The road improvements to be made by the Applicant are also shown on Sheet 4 of the Application Plan. 2. The proposed public access for use of the trailhead park is shown on Sheet 1 of the Application Plan. 3. All of the area breakdowns have been moved to Sheet 2 of the Application Plan due to space restrictions on Sheet 1. 4. The greenway area depicted on the Application Plan that lies outside of the existing greenway easement is intended to be dedicated. This has also been updated on the area breakdown on Sheet 2. 5. Notes 2, 5 and 6 have been removed as requested. (2844201-1, 121567-00004-03) June 7, 2021 Page 3 6. The minimum recreational facilities required by Section 4.16 are being provided in a table on Sheet 2. The Applicant does not anticipate using step -backs on the buildings at the proposed heights. 8. A legend has been added to Sheet 3. 9. The notes on Sheet 2 have been edited to address the Zoning Division comments to the architectural notes. Proffers: 1. The changes requested regarding Proffer 1(b) have been made. The 180 days has been reduced to 90 days. Does the County intend to request the funds no sooner than five (5) years from the approval? Perhaps "no later than" was intended by the comment. 2. The requested change was made to Proffer 1 (c). 3. Note 4 on Sheet 2 has been revised to address this request. 4. Proffer 2 (d) was revised to reflect that the application for a subdivision would have to be made within 90 days of the County's request and the dedication would occur within 30 days of the subdivision approval. 5. References to the Charlottesville Area Transit have been removed. PlanninE Pedestrian Orientation. The Application Plan now reflects the width of the shared use path. See Sheets 1 and 4. Mixture of Housing Types and Affordability. As stated above, the applicant has met with the affordable housing coordinator. Interconnected Streets and Transportation Networks. See responses to General comments 3 — 7 above and the comments below regarding the TIA. Multimodal Transportation Opportunities. Sheet 4 of the Application Plan provides more detail on the roundabout concept as it may relate to the project's road improvement and shared use path, but the roundabout design itself has not been completed so this aspect of the concept is for illustrative purposes only. (2844201-1, 121567-00004-03) June 7, 2021 Page 4 Buildings of Human Scale. It was not the intent of the applicant to suggest that single buildings would occupy the full footprints shown. Zoning Application Plan The proposed road improvements are depicted on Sheet 4 of the Application Plan. Sheet 1 The open space chart has been moved to the Sheet 2. Sheet 2 The requested changes to the Notes on Sheet 2 have been made. Sheet 3 A legend has been added to the Grading Plan (Sheet 3). Proffers The changes to the proffers have been made as requested and as noted above. In Proffer 3, the minimum standards are referenced as "a shelter, a rest bench, pedestrian access, and signage all in accordance with minimum standards consistent with similar existing public transit stops located within the County". Transportation Planner Comments Please see Mr. Bailey's letter attached. ARB Comments. It was not the intent of the applicant to suggest that single buildings would occupy the full footprints shown. Engineering Comments - The Walking Radius Exhibit is for illustrative purposes only. There was no intent to suggest that access exists where private property may be involved. -- The notes on the stormwater management facilities certainly can be addressed in the site plan, WPONSMP process. Fire Rescue Comments. The recommendations will be addressed and/or incorporated at the site plan review stage. (2844201-1, 121567-00004-03) June 7, 2021 Page 5 Virginia Department of Transportation 1. a. The signal timing has been adjusted in the revised TIA. No material change in the outcomes has resulted from this adjustment. b. The requested changes to the TIA have been made. No material change in the outcomes has resulted from this adjustment. c. The adjustments for the two requested intersections have made. No material change in the outcomes has resulted from this adjustment. d. The timing of the proposed roundabout is noted. 2. The distances between the identified entrances have been noted on the Application Plan. 3. The applicant acknowledges that final designs must conform with the identified Appendices within the VDOT Road Design Manual. Parks 1 c. Please refer to the changes to Note 9 on the Application plan. 2 b. The greenway area depicted on the Application Plan that lies outside of the existing greenway easement is intended to be dedicated. Housing Poticv As stated above, the applicant's principal, Chris Henry has met with Ms. Pethia to discuss the County's policy and the contributions that this project will make to enhance affordable housing. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions. WOODS ROGERS PLC Steven W. Blaine Steven W. Blaine (2844201-1, 121567-00004-03) June 7, 2021 Page 6 cc: Mr. Chris Henry Mr. Kevin Miller Mr. Craig Kotarski Mr. Michael Bailey (2844201-1, 121567-00004-03)