HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 01 77 PC MinutesN_
February 1, 1977
The Albemarle County Planning Commission conducted a meeting on Tuesday,
February 1, 1977, 7:30 p.m., County Courthouse, Charlottesville, Virginia, to
consider a series of public hearings. Those members present were David W. Carr,
Chairman; William Roy Barksdale; Kurt M. Gloeckner; Dr. James W. Moore; Mrs. Joan
Graves; Paul M. Peatross; Col. William R. Washington; Leslie Jones; and Mrs. Opal
David, ex-Officio. Absent was Peter Easter, Vice -Chairman.
Other officials present were Robert W. Tucker, Jr., Director of Planning;
Ronald S. Keeler, Assistant Director of Planning; Carlos Montenegro, Planner;
J. Benjamin Dick, Zoning Administrator; and Frederick W. Payne, Deputy County
Attorney.
Mr. Carr established that a quorum as present and called the meeting to
order.
Minutes of January 25, 1977 were deferred until a later meeting in the
interest of time.
Mr. Carr stated that the first item of business dealt with a letter which
each Commissioner had received and information which each Commissioner had received
from the County Attorney's office. Further information had been received from the
Commonwealth's Attorney in reference to this matter. He stated that he first wanted
to address if anyone has any questions regarding this and if the Commission is ready
to proceed with SP-98-76.
Mr. Peatross stated that he had read the material and he personally had no
problems. He stated that what had been presented to him as far as hearing the
matter that night, as opposed to deferring it to another meeting, if that was what
the chairman meant in the way of discussion. Mr. Peatross said that he had read
what the County Attorney and the Commonwealth's Attorney had said, and he had no
problems with proceeding that night, though he did note he did not know how the
other Commission members felt. He said that he was not involved with the matter
when litigation was considered.
Mr. Jones said that he felt the same way.
Dr. Moore asked if Mr. Payne had any elaboration of what Mr. St. John had
said.
Mr. Payne said that there are really two questions, and Mr. St. John, County
Attorney, has set these out. One is if the Commission has a legal conflict of interests
and the other is each Commissioner's own view, if any Commissioner feels inhibited
in giving fair consideration to this matter. He said that the first question has
been answered. An opinion from the Attorney for the Commonwealth has been received
on this, saying that no conflict of interests, under the Virginia statute, exists,
in his opinion. and it is clearly not the bar to anyone's participation in this
hearing. If, on the other hand, each Commissioner decides that he cannot give fair
consideration to this request, for this or any other reason, the Commissioner would be
justified in disqualifying himself.
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Mr. Payne further stated that he has been named as a potential defendant,
and he said that he feels no such inhibition. He said that any advice that he
would be called upon to give the Commission would be untainted, either way. He
said that he felt no personal infringement, though he could speak for no one else.
Dr. Moore asked to what extent the opinion of the Commonwealth's Attorney
has stength in terms of personal protection for individual members of the Commission.
Mr. Payne stated that it protects the Commissioners and if it is later
challenged (if an individual does not disqualify himself because of his possible
involvement in this litigation, and he stressed possible involvement, since he was
not aware of any Commission member or staff member having been named as a defendant
and he was unaware of anyone having been served as a party) he felt each Commissioner
would be protected from any liability under the Conflict of Interests Act in that the
opinion of the Commonweath's Attorney had been sought. He stated that this opinion
had been that the Commissioners could participate, and he felt the Commission is
insulated to that extent.
Mr. Peatross stated that he felt each Commission member has the right to
rely upon that opinion. He said as a Commission member, he intended to rely upon
the advice of the Commonwealth's Attorney. He said that he felt this would be acting
in good faith. He said he had no reason, as a Commission member, not to rely on
the opinion of the Commonwealth's Attorney.
Mrs. Graves asked if there were any problem with the re -numbering of this
special use permit. She said that she wanted to clarify that the Commission is
speaking to an amendment to the previous special use permit. She said that she
wanted to make sure that this was not anything more than an amendment to Special
Use Permit 537. She asked if in the past amendments had been assigned numbers other
than the original special use permit number.
Mr. Tucker said that amendments to other planned communities have been
assigned new numbers rather than the original special permit number.
Mrs. Graves asked if it is clear that this is an amendment to another special
use permit and not a new special use permit.
Mr. Tucker stated that this is correct.
Mr. Carr said that since there were no more questions regarding the opinions
of the County Attorney and the Commonwealth's Attorney, Mr. Lindstrom had requested
that he be heard prior to any further comments reference this matter (SP-98-87).
Mr. Lindstrom addressed the Commission (see attached comments).
Mr. Paul Stacy, Acting President of Citizen's for Albemarle Inc. also addressed
the Commission (see attached comments).
Mr. Benjamin Dick, Zoning Administrator, stated that the County Executive
had given him permission to speak to the Planning Commission on behalf of the
Planning Staff and the Zoning Department. He stated that that date (February 1, 1977)
there was an article in The Daily Progress by Peter Bacque which said that the
"Uohn Doe" defendants were specifically named. He stated that he believed it
was Churchill who stated that "the press is the force of state for which we rely on
to protect our liberties and our rights". He said that he knows Peter Bacque is a reporter
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I am here representing Citizens for Albemarle and Albemarle
Taxpayers Association.
As their representative I urge you to defer action upon
the Evergreen application that is before you tonight. I urge
this because it is absolutely necessary that this application be
viewed on its merits and its merits alone. It must not be
considered as a way out of the maze of law suits that have been
brought in this community.
I do not believe that if you honestly assess your own
feelings about this application that you can act upon it. I say
this because the web of litigation and the threat of person -mil
suit and financial loss created by the present circumstances
in this community mean that you cannot help but act upon this
application without substantial concern .for the effect which
your actions may have upon you in a very personal and financial
way.
I am reluctant to say these things because by underlining
the threat I fear that you may consider me to be a part of the
threat, and I do not mean to be so at all. But I have been asked
to speak of these matters by clients who have been greatly con-
cerned about the effect of development upon the co,�Lrunity°s
water quality and upon their own tax burden, and I honestly
believe that the suits brought by Mr. Fleming have mace it
impossible for you to objectively consider these problems. And
you must give them objective consideration if you are to fulfill
your obligations to the community.
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Specifically, Virginia Code Section 2.1-352 requires
that any official who feels that his action on a particular
matter may affect him in a "material financial way" must dis-
qualify himself from acting on that matter. With a $5,000,000
law suit having been brought against a number of local citizens
which also names as additional defendant or defendants one or
more county officials for their action specifically relating
to the proposed development, I cannot see how .any one of you
can say that your actions on the Evergreen application to be
presented could not affect you in a material financial way.
Irrespective of this statute, I believe that the funda-
mental principles of representative government and its abhorrence
for a conflict of interest place a heavy burden upon each of
you to assess -the effects of these suits upon your independent
judgement, and your ability to act in the best interests of the
public health, safety and welfare.
Because each of you is equally threatened, I do not believe
that this commission has any alternative except to defer action.
until such time as this conflict between personal interest and
public duty has been removed.
Please understand. that I do not wish to set a precedent
that will hamper government in the future. I believe that the
suits brought by Mr. Fleming and -the actions of Judge Turk
have clouded traditional concepts of legislative immunity and
created a unique-; circumstance. Until the doctrine of immunity
has been clarified, as it inevitably must be at the conclusion
of the pending suits, I request that action be d.efe.r_red.' When
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questions now surrounding this doctrine have been clarified
NW then you will at least know what, in reality, your liability
is.
Furthermore, I do not believe that a deferral of action
implies weakness. Rather, I believe it demonstrates that the
commission cannot and will not act under threat, direct or
implied.
The truth of the matter is that your paramount responsi-
bility is to act upon the merits, and only the merits of the
matters before you. Actions taken as a demonstration of courage
or to avoid hardship are absolutely improper here, for they
have nothing to do with the merits of the proposal.
So please,each of you ask yourself before you act
"What truly will be the basis for my action?" If the basis
is an impartial and realistic analysis of the proposal, then
you have a responsibility and duty to act. But if the basis
is concern as to whether you will be named in James Fleming'_s_
$5,000,000 lawsuit, then it is equally your legal duty and
responsibility to defer action.
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TO: Albemarle County Planning Commission
FROM: Paul Stacy, Acting President
Citizen's For Albemarle Inc.
RE: SP-98-76 as an amendment to SP-537
DATE: February 1, 1977
Mr. Chairman and members of the Planning Commission. My name is Paul Stacy and
I am the Acting President of Citizens For Albemarle Inc. On behalf of our organiza-
tion, I would like to make the following statement concerning Mr. Fleming's appear-
ance before you tonight.
As you know, Citizen's For Albemarle Inc. has, from the outset, strongly op-
posed Mr. Fleming's Evergreen project in close proximity to the South Fork Rivanna
Resevoir.. Our continued opposition to this development has always b�:on based on the
premis that no major housing development should be permitLe' where it might prove
to have a detrimental effect on the routine maintenance of a public-?rinking
supply system. In tha absence of verifiable evidence to the contras:;, 0�1r position
remains unchanged.
We have opposed this project in the past. I am here before you tonight to atate
emphatically our continued opposition to the Evergreen project in its present loca-
tion. And I will further state that, in the future, we shall continue to adamantly
oppose anyone who seeks to compromise the public's intcrest for the private gain
of a few.
However, in recent months, the prospect of legitimate public opposition appear-
ing before this or any local governmental body has been "chilled." 111r. Fleming, in
seeking to achieve his goals, has decided to bulldoze everyone in Alb•�marle County
into silent submission by filing personal liability lawsuits against 5 private coun-
ty citizens who have been publicly identified as opposing 114.s project. That he has
done so on the specious grounds of racial discrimination is as ridiculous as it is in-
accurate and merits no further comment from me.
(over)
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But what I am truly concerned about here tonight is an issue which transcends
this specific case. And that is the integrity of citizen participation in the
functioning of their government. With a $5,000,000 lawsuit pending against
4 private county citizens, I would like to ask each of you the following ques-
tion: Who in Albemarle County now feels free to exercise his or her rights to par-
ticipate in the processes of local government, without harrassment, knowing fully
that he or she may be personally sued as a result of that participation? Who in
Albemarle County is unwary enough to tread into that Catch-22?
If I may take the liberty of answering my own question, my simple reply is -
no one. To substantiate this answer, I will state that, when I polled the govern-
ing body of Citizens For Albemarle Inc. concerning my appearance here tonight,
fully one-half of those to whom I spoke expressed their fear that they might be
sued as a result of consenting to my appearance.
In light of this and out of concern for the rest of Albemarle County's citi-
zenry, I. ask that you here tonight defer any action on Mr. Fleming's request until
such time as these personal liability lawsuits are ultimately adjudicated. In asking
for a deferral, I ask that you consider with respect and sensitivity, the integrity
of the processes of our local government and the spirit out of which the concept
of public hearings has been established - a concept which Mr. Flemirg's lawsuits
have both jeapordized and made mockery of. Thank you.
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Res e tfull '
P ul'+'tacy, Acting Presij� ent
Citizens For Albemarle Znc.
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of skill and integrity, but Mr. Dick said that he believes Mr. Bacque has received
information which is both in error and plainly wrong. Mr. Dick stated that he is
asking that the press and newsmedia, since this is the only forum with which "we"
have to defend our rights, to respond to their ethical responsibility "by helping
our good names be brought to the proper light." Mr. Dick further stated that "while
we have not read the depositions from which Mr. Lindstrom's letter was drawn,
or purportedly the article was written, the staff members are fairly convinced
from our own investigative efforts, that Mr. Fleming has been misquoted out of
context. I, personally, was not in the County at the time, am not a part of a
conspiracy, nor do I wish to be. We feel that government officials must be able
to handle a fair comment on their actions because we are government officials, but
there is nothing in the lawbooks or the rules of human conduct that says because
we are public officials that we must remain indifferent and quiet to reckless and
negligent statements concerning their good name. We therefore ask that the news media,
both the wire service and the news media, protect our good names and give the same
space it gave today to get to the truth. For we are certain that the information
relied upon and Mr. Lindstrom, who has told us that it was heresay, is incorrect.
Thank you."
Mr. Fleming stated that in reference to Mr. Lindstrom's letter dated
January 26 from Mr. Lindstrom to Mr. Carr and Mr. St. John, and a copy of which
was sent to Judge Turk, is a typical letter of malice. He said that he could read
no truth in that letter whatsoever.
Mr. Carr told the Commission that it had heard what Mr. Lindstrom has had
to say, what Mr. Stacy has had to say, and he asked if the Commission had any questions.
Mr. Peatross said that he had a question. He said that he wished to ask
Mr. Lindstrom, if he, as a Commission member, has a conflict of interests here
in being able to sit impartially. He said that he wished to give Mr. Lindstrom
some factual background. Mr. Peatross stated that he came on the Commission in
January, 1976, and he said that he, as a Commission member, has not considered
anything with reference to Mr. Fleming's application. Thus Mr. Peatross asked if
Mr. Lindstrom were addressing his comments to him, and suggesting that he might have
a conflict because he might be named in a suit. Mr. Peatross said that he did not
know how he could be since he has never taken any action on Mr. Fleming's application
in any form. Mr. Peatross said that he wanted to give Mr. Lindstrom the opportunity
to express any conflict he felt he(Mr. Peatross) might have, in light of that in order
to understand Mr. Lindstrom's objection.
Mr. Lindstrom said that he did not think that the past, or persons who had
nothing to do with the matters alleged in the suit, has much to do with
whether he has been made a party defendant. Because of that belief on his part, and
because of what he has inferred from reliable sources to be Mr. Fleming's testimony,
in depositions just last week, "I do believe that everyone who sits in a County position,
of any sort, specifically this body here, does face a possibility - and he said that he
wanted to stress that, possibility - of liability; liability of having to obtain an
attorney, legal fees, etc. to defend action that might be brought against him. The fact
that this has been done with respect to this request to the Board of Supervisors, which
mostly was elected after most of the transactions with this particular application.
Mr. Lindstrom stated that this indicated to him that even though certain Commissioners
have not had anything to do with Mr. Fleming's previous applications may have nothing to
do with each Commissioner finding himself in a lawsuit, perhaps subject to liability.
Because of that, he said that he wishedto stress that each Commissioner is subject to that
challenge. The possibility is very real and he urged that each Commissioner assess in his
own mind, since this is the way conflict of interests has to be dealt with. He said that
each Commissioner must assess in his mind if he is ready to deal with that, or if he
will be concerned about it when time for a decision comes.
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Mr. Lindstrom said that if he were in the place of the Commission he would have
a rough time straining out personal considerations from public considerations.
Mr. Peatross said that is true every time the Commission holds a meeting
on Tuesday night.
Mr. Lindstrom said that is not true, especially in light of the past history
that has been created by Mr. Fleming.
Mr. Peatross said that he had no personal knowledge of past history and said that
was why he had asked if Mr. Lindstrom had any objections to his sitting on the Commission.
Mr. Peatross said that he had had no dealings with this matter before, other than what
he has read in the newspapers. He said that every time he walks in here he could be
sued for something he does now and in the future. He asked if Mr. Lindstrom's objection
is to something he has considered in the past.
Mr. Lindstrom replied that he was talking about the doctrine of legislative
immunity which has stood pretty well in the past as a bar to this sort of liability.
But it has been highly clouded with respect to Mr. Fleming's earlier suit. At the time
of most of these transactions, most individuals to later become involved were not
government officials, but that did not seem to affect their liability in the eyes of the
courts or in the eyes of their attorney. Mr. Lindstrom felt that that history, which
the Commission must be aware of, and the $5 million suit which the Commission must be
aware of, and the other suits of Mr. Fleming which the Commission must be aware of,
put a heavy burden on each Commissioner. However, he said that he did not want anyone
to think that he was questioning anyone's integrity, but he said that he was trying to
point out it puts a very serious question as to whether the Commission can act without
regard to the possibility of liability under a $5 million law suit which is on the
books and in view of past actions of the applicant, and in view of the response that.40)
the Courts have had, and all that history which is a matter of public record. He said
that if the Commission feels as though this is not a matter of personal influence
on each member, then the Commission has a duty to go ahead and act. He said that if
he were in that position, he would find it difficult to act, to sieve off all that personal
impact.
Mr. Peatross said that if he had that feeling he would agree with Mr. Lindstrom.
He said that he could not come in here every Tuesday night and feel like he might be
sued for something that he did. He said that if that were the case nothing would ever
be done, and the Commission could not function and go forth with the business before
it.
Mr. Lindstrom said that the circumstances surrounding this application, in view
of the challenge that has been given to legislative immunity, and the real and recent
developments in this County, and the applicant's naming of a "John Doe" makes it very
much different from any other application before the Commission. The applicant has
brought a suit in which he has not named specifically any member of this organization
but he has implied that a County official, or officials - one or more - has acted
in conspiracy against him and he has not seen fit to delineate who it might be. This
is what makes this different from other matters the Commission might have before it.
Dr. Moore questioned Mr. Payne about the extent members of the Commission
are already named in this "John Doe" designation in this suit.
Mr. Payne said that as he understands the basis of Mr. Lindstrom's letter,
the suit names as a party - and he said that he has not read the pleadings -
"John Doe" an unnamed, one or more, county officials. And in answer to
the question of depositions, Mr. Payne said that he has not read the depositions.
"Mr. Fleming stated that "John Doe" may be one or more of the following persons:
and he enumerated members of this Commission, Mr. Tucker and Mr. Dick, Mrs. Scala
and myself, Mr. St. John, and a number of other people." To this point, no pleading
has been served on any of those people Mr. Payne, said,to his knowledge. "I did not
understand from that deposition that Mr. Fleming intended to name any of those people
as parties specifically, but rather that those were examples of the people who might
be subsumed under the term 'John Doe'." Mr. Payne said that he does not consider that any
of those people is presently a party to that lawsuit, and certainly none of those
parties (to his knowledge) has been served. He said that he certainly has not been
served.
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Dr. Moore said that in response to what Mr. Peatross had said, if the Commission
acts on this tonight, we automatically become part of the whole thing, in a sense.I/
He asked if this were not correct, since the Commission has then taken part in this
particular development.
Mr. Payne said that this is true.
Mr. Keeler said that he had something he wished to add. Mr. Keeler said that
the letter from Mr. Lindstrom had been received by the staff on Wednesday. He said
that Mr. Lindstrom was not present at the depositions. That same day Mr. Dick spoke
with Jay Swett, an attorney who was present. Mr. Swett indicated to Mr. Dick that he
was not in agreement with Mr. Lindstrom's letter, in total agreement that is. He did
not say what he agreed with and what he didn't agree with. On Wednesday that staff
attempted to contact both Mr. Lindstrom and Mr. Swett and both were apparently out of town.
Friday morning Mr. Swett called Mr. Keeler and told him on the phone that he would be
prepared to state to the Planning Commission that the content of Mr. Lindstrom's letter
as to what transpired in the depositions was accurrate. That afternoon, and in the
meantime Mr. Dick had spoken to Mr. Fleming and gotten a different interpretation,
Mr. Lindstrom came to our office and spoke to Mr. Tucker and him, and indicated to
them that he substantively agreed with what Mr. Fleming had stated had transpired at
the deposition, which is different to what is presented in the letter.
Mr. Lindstrom stated that he stands behind his letter. He stated that the
depositions, which he has had an opportunity to read a preliminary transcript from,
indicated as possible defendants the people named in his letter. Mr. Lindstrom
said in substance that is what he feels he had stated to Mr. Keeler. He said that he
did not know what Mr. Fleming had said though.
Mr. Carr told Mr. Payne that it might be in the interest of some of the
members of the Commission to go into the jury room in executive session to see what
some views are. He asked Mr. Payne if the Commission is at liberty to do that, if the
Commission chooses to do that.
Mr. Payne said that the Freedom of Information Act, which is the controlling
body of law on this, provides a Section 2.1-344 that executive sessions are permissible:
"Executive or closed meetings may be held for the following purposes" and Number 6
of those is "Consultation with legal counsel, briefings by staff members, consultants,
or attorneys pertaining to actual or potential litigation or other legal matters
within the jurisdiction of the public body." So since this is a matter of actual or
potential litigation, depending upon how one looks at it, Mr. Payne felt it would be
lawful for the Commission to adjourn into executive session to discuss the matter.
Mr. Carr asked if the Commission wished to do that, to discuss the matter
with Mr. Payne in light of what has been said during the meeting.
Mr. Gloeckner and Dr. Moore felt that it would be a good idea to have such
an executive session.
Mr. Peatross said that he wished to state for the record that he had
no problem with staying "out here" and not adjourni-ng to executive session, though
he said that he is neutral on the matter.
Mr. Barksdale felt the same way that Mr. Peatross did, however he said
that if everyone wanted an executive session, he would go.
Mr. Gloeckner moved that the Commission adjourn to executive session.
Mr. Payne asked Mr. Gloeckner if in this motion he meant to discuss
potential or actual litigation.
Mr. Gloeckner said that he moved that the Commission adjourn to executive
session to discuss possible or actual litigation, and to get advice from the attorney.
Dr. Moore seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, with no
furtherdiscussion.
The Commission adjourned to the jury room.
The Commission returned to the courtroom, and Mr. Peatross moved that the Commissiol
return to public session after being in executive session. Mr. Gloeckner seconded this
motion, which carried unanimously, with no discussion.
SP-98-76. JAMES N. FLEMING, FLAMENCO ENTERPRISES, has petitioned the
Board of Supervisors to amend SP-537 ( a special use permit for a
Planned Unit Developemnt ). The 114.2 acres involved is zoned A-1
Agricultural and is located on the west side of Route 743 ( Hydraulic
Road ). County Tax Map 45, Parcels 8 and 19, Jack Jouett Magisterial
District.
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report. He noted for the benefit of
the Commission that there is an approved plan for County Tax Map 45, Parcels 8 and 19,
and this (SP-98-76) is a request to amend an approved plan. Excluded from this
amendment is Parcel 18, which is not under this applicant's ownership. Parcel 18
will remain under the conditions of the original special use permit ( SP-537 ).
Mr. Steve Phillips, engineer, representing the applicant, stated that he
is requesting the waiver of two conditions of approval. He asked that parking
within 100 feet of residences not be required. Mr. Phillips requested this in
order to keep the plan aesthetically pleasing and for security reasons. The other
waiver requested was the commercial size designation. He asked that the commercial
area be increased to 2.0 acres in order to accommodate commercial offices.
Mr. Thomas Albro, representing Mr. and Mrs. Bedford Moore, stated that
the Moores consider this to be a better plan than what was originally approved,
but noted they remain concerned about the environment and aesthetics of the area.
Mr. Robert Humphris, representing the Albemarle Taxpayers, noted his concern
for the watershed area. He questioned the elimination of the sedimentation basin.
He asked if the Betz study finds it to be necessary to protect the reservoir, is
there room in the amended plan to locate it.
Mr. Matt Rittberg recommended that the Commission table the matter until
the BETZ study is completed and until litigation is completed.
individually
After these comments from the public, the Commission/addressed each
condition recommended by the staff.
When it addressed the parking space distance from each appurtenant dwelling
unit, Mr. Payne told the Commission that this is not something that can be addressed
by the Commission. If a waiver of this condition is desired, it must be sought from
the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The Commission amended the commercial area from 1.5 acres to 1.8 acres of
land, including parking areas, but exclusive of internal access roads.
Discussion on the 100 foot buffer of common open space along the property
line of Shack Mountain was discussed. Though shown on the schematic plan, it was
noted that since this is a preliminary, the Commission must address at this time
if the buffer will be required or if it will not be required. It was the consensus
of the Commission, and the recommendation of the staff, that this condition addressing
the buffer to the historic landmark remain in the conditions of approval for SP-98-76.
The Commission advised the staff to obtain a definite position from the
School Board about any reservation of property from this project for a school site
prior to the public hearing on SP-98-76 before the Board of Supervisors.
In order to have the entire area of the Planned Unit Development cohesive,
it was decided that the condition addressing final approval of the Albemarle County
Service Authority of the complete water and sewer plans including plans for the proposed
connections to the existing water and sewer lines, and the condition addressing the
fact that the pump and force main shall be adequately sized to serve all units in
Evergreen Planned Community including those units shown on Parcel 18 under SP-537
and appropriate water and sewer line easements shall be provided to serve Parcel 18,
should remain conditions of approval for SP-98-76.
When questioned by Mr. Carr about the elimination of the sedimentation basin,
Mr. Keeler stated that condition #10 would cover this if it is later found to be
necessary.
Dr. Mog�ebnoted his concern about the commercial use on this road, since
}here appears/adequate commerical zoning in the area, as well as existing commercial
use to serve the area, including the new development. He said that he is afraid the
small amount of commercial area will further clutter the road in that area and cause
further traffic congestion on what is already an inadequate road.
Mr. Barksdale favored the commercial area - 1.8 acres - since commercial
areas have always been included in planned unit developments.
Mrs. Graves stated that if the commercial area is to serve only this particular
development, it should be located deeper within the development.
Mr. Barksdale moved that the Commission recommend to the Board of Supervisors
that the request for SP-98-76 and the preliminary plan be approved subject to the
following conditions:
1. Approval is for 260 townhouse units. In the final approval process, open space
is to be dedicated proportional to the number of units approved (13,664 square
feet of open space per dwelling unit);
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2. Specification of improvements proposed ( including park and playground furniture )
for the areas indicated as tot lots and recreation. Include the additional
tot lot recommended by the staff near Route 657. A tabulation of acreages
in tot lots and other recreational areas shall be presented to the Planning
Commission prior to final plan approvals;
3. No dwelling unit or parking area shall be located on slopes of 250 or greater.
The County Engineer may, after review of appropriate plans and after review of
the Betz Study, recommend revision of this condition prior to final plan approvals;
4. A 100-foot tree buffer of common open space shall be maintained along the property
line of Shack Mountain. No development is to take place within this buffer. All
other minimum building setbacks from adjacent properties are to be as required
under Section 2-7-9 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance;
5. No parking space shall be located further than 100 feet from its appurtenant dwelling
unit ( as required by Section 11-7-2(1) of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance;
6. Only those areas where a structure, utilities, streets, sidewalks, recreation
areas, pedestrian trails, parking areas, and debris basins are to be located
shall be disturbed; all other land shall remain in its natural state;
7. The commercial area is to be no greater than one and eight -tenths (1.8) acres
of land, including parking areas, but exclusive of internal access roads;
8. Construction of all internal streets is to comply to the recommendations of the
Virginia Department of Highways. No access to or from Route 657 will be permitted,
except for emergency vehicle use, until such time as the Highway Department
determines that Route 657 has been upgraded to the extent to safely accommodate
the increased traffic which would result from this development and from the
connection to Route 743. Dedication of right-of-way of twenty-five (25) feet from
the centerline along Routes 657 and 743 is required ( Section 18-8 of the Albemarle
County Lnad Subdivision and Development Ordinance ). Reservation, measured from
respective centerlines, shall be forty (40) feet along Route 657 and forty-five
(45) feet along Route 743 as indicated in the Comprehensive Plan. Improvement
of site distance and construction of turn lane on Route 743 to the specifications
of the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation;
9. All sidewalks adjacent to existing or proposed public roads shall be constructed
to design specifications of the Virginia Department of Highways. Sidewalks shall be
located as proposed on the plan except that the sidewalk along Cedar Drive shall be
located on the east side of the road. Sidewalks shall be constructed along the
frontage of Routes 657 and 743 in compliance with design standards of the Virginia
Department of Highways and in locations recommended by the Highway Department with
respect to future improvements to these roads;
10. Approval is contingent upon the County Engineer's final approval of the following:
a) construction specifications for all parking areas;
b) specifications for the sewage pump station access road (joint approval of
Albemarle County Service Authority Engineer required);
c) soil erosion and sedimentation control devices and overall storm drainage plan.
In the review of these items, the County Engineer shall be guided by the findings
and recommendations of the Betz Study;
11. Dedication of 1.3 acres to the Albemarle County School Board to be used in
conjunction with other property to be acquired as a school site, if desired by
the Albemarle County School Board. Density credit will be given for this property.
The location of this property shall be presented to the Planning Department and
School Board for approval;
12. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to provide all water and sewer
facilities including such off -site facilities as may be necessitated by this
development;
13. Approval is contingent upon the Albemarle County Service Authority's final
approval of the complete water and sewer plans including plans for the proposed
connections to the existing water and sewer lines;
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14. Approval is contingent upon the Albemarle County Service Authority's
acceptance of the following:
a) the dedication of water and sewer lines;
b) the dedication of the sewage pump station access road;
c) the responsibility of operation and maintenance of the sewage pump station;
15. Approval is contingent upon adequate available capacity at the Meadowcreek
Sewage Treatment Plant;
16. Comply with the following conditions submitted by the City of Charlottesville
concerning the gas pipeline easement:
a) the contours on the plan indicate some grading and excavation on the easement,
the plans for which have not been completed. These grading plans must be
available for reivew and approval by the City of Charlottesville prior to
commencement of the work;
b) reasonable ingress and egress to the full length of the forty foot easement
for maintenance and repair of the lines must be assured;
17. No dwelling unit, parking area, or recreational area is to be located within the
gas pipeline easement;
18. County Attorney's approval of any deed restrictions or homeowners' association
agreements;
19. No site plan or subdivision plat approval shall be given until the grading plan
for this property has been approved;
20. Fifty foot rights -of -way with appropriate drainage, construction, and slope easements
shall be dedicated at appropriate locations in order to provide access to Parcel 18.
The geometric designs of these rights -of -way are subject to Highway Department
approval;
21. The locations of and acreages in the various land uses, rights -of -way, and
pedestrian ways as indicated on the preliminary plan shall be adhered to, except
in respect to those changes necessitated by conditions of approval of this petition.
Submit two (2) copies of a revised plan reflecting conditions setforth in this
petition;
22. The pump and force main shall be adequately sized to serve all units in Evergreen
Planned Community including those units shown on Parcel 18 under SP-537 and
appropriate water and sewer line easements shall be provided to serve Parcel 18.
Mr. Jones seconded this motion.
The motion carried unanimously, with no further discussion.
SP-99-76. SHELTER ASSOCIATES has petitioned the Board of Supervisors
to locate a professional office on 0.88 acres zoned A-1 Agricultural.
Property is located on the east side of Route 601, just south of Free
Union. County Tax Map 29, Parcel 43, White Hall Magisterial District.
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report.
Mr. Carr noted that previously there was a special permit which had
been approved that would be later vacated. This is a request for a special permit
on a different piece of property in order to have outside storage.
Mr. Peatross moved approval of the request subject to the following conditions:
1. To be included in site plan approval for SP-100-76;
2. Removal of inoperative autos and debris to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator;
3. Approval of appropriate state and local agencies including Building Official and
Fire Marshal;
4. No retail sAles from the premises.
Mr. Barksdale seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 7-0-1, with
Mrs. Graves abstaining.
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SP-100-76. SHELTER ASSOCIATES has petitioned the Albemarle County
Board of Supervisors to locate a craft shop on 0.88 acres zoned A-1
Agricultural. Property is located on the east side of Route 601, just
south of Free Union. County Tax Map 29, Parcel 43, White Hall Magisterial
District.
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report, noting that this is in conjunction
with the just approved SP-99-76.
Mr. Barksdale moved approval of the request, after amending condition V ,
subject to the following conditions:
1. Approval of appropriate state and local agencies, including the Building Official
and Fire Marshal;
2. All woodworking is to take place within the existing warehouse or replacement
building;
3. No outside storage of materials;
4. Employees working in the building shall be limited to five (5) full-time
employees;
5. No retail sales from the premises;
6. A written statement requesting abandonment of SP-536 by both the applicant and
property owner;
7. Site Plan approval;
8. In the event the Zoning Administrator determines this use to be a nuisance to
the surrounding residential uses, he shall refer this petition to the Planning
Commission and Board of Supervisors for further review;
9. Removal of inoperative autos and debris to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Administrator.
Mr. Peatross seconded this motion, and the motion carried by a vote
of 7-0-1, with Mrs. Graves abstaining.
SP-102-76. WORRELL NEWSPAPERS has petitioned the Board of Supervisors
to locate an accessory dwelling accommodation on 50.5648 acres zoned
B-1. Property is lcoated on the south side of Route 250 east at Pantops
Mountain. County Tax Map 78, Parcel 20C, Scottsville and Rivanna Magisterial
Districts.
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report, noting that the staff recommended
approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Approval of appropriate state and local agencies;
2. Approval of Building Official and Fire Marshal.
The staff also noted that it recommended approval only because these accommodat-
ions are closely associated with the business operation of Worrell Newspapers.
Mr. Dennis Rooker, representing the applicant, stated that this is a rather
unique situation since the units that would be converted are located in the heart
of 52 acres and are surrounded by farmland. He did not feel this would set precedent
since every special use permit must be judged on its merits.
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Mr. Payne advised the Commission that in view of the definition of
accessory dwelling accommodation, only the proprietor or a bona fide employee
could live in this and they were not intended for transient occupants. He
said he viewed this to be in the nature of a private motel, with limited clientele.
He said that if the ordinance limits the use in this fashion, it would be inappropriate
for the Commission to alter this intent without amending the ordinance.
Mr. Peatross said that if there is any question here, the applicant should
request that the ordinance be amended to meet his needs.
Mrs. Graves said that if this special use permit is approved as requested,
she feels the use will later be abuses and there may later be attempts to make it
a use by right. She said that she only supported it in the first place since it was
a use by special permit.
Mr. Peatross moved, in view of the Commission's discussion that the
request be denied.
Mrs. Graves seconded this motion, with carried by a vote of 7-1, with
Col. Washington dissenting.
The Commission directed the staff to meet with the representatives from
Worrell and see what could be done about meeting their needs. The Commission said
they would support this in the form of a resolution of intent. It was suggested that this
be officially voted upon by the Commission.
Mr. Gloeckner moved this be carried out.
Mr. Peatross seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of 6-2, with
Mrs. Graves and Col. Washington dissenting.
(The motion later came back in the following manner: Amend the B-1 Business
District to provide for all uses which are provided for in the R-3 Residential General
Distirct.)
Since there was no further business, tjie meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.,Z.
W. Tucker, Jr. - Secre
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