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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 31 82 PC MinutesAugust 31, 1982 The Albemarle County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Tuesday, August 31, 1982, 7:30 p.m., Meeting Room #7, Main Lobby, Second Floor, County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those members present were Mrs. Norma Diehl, Chairman, Mr. David Bowerman, Vice -Chairman, Mr. James R. Skove, Mr. Allen Kindrick, Mr. Corwith Davis, Jr., Mr. Tim Michel, and Mr. Richard Cogan. Other officials present were Mr. Keith Mabe, Principal Planner, Mr. Robert W. Tucker, Jr. Director of Planning, Mr. Ronald S. Keeler, Assistant Director of Planning, Mr. William Norris, Watershed Official and Mr. Frederick W. Payne, Deputy County Attorney. Absent from the meeting was Mrs. Ellen V. Nash, ex-officio. After establishing that a quorum was present, Mrs. Diehl called the meeting to order. The minutes of January 26, 1983, February 2, 1982, February 23, 1982 (with correction), and March 16, 1982 were approved. Mrs. Diehl noted for the benefit of the public that the Commission would be reviewing the Comprehensive Plan at tonight's meeting. She noted that copies of the Plan are available for $3.00. CPA-82-1. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors adopted a Resolution of Intent on August 11, 1982, to amend the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan by addition of a new map showing the area proposed for a water supply reservoir on Buck Mountain Creek and language related to such reservoir. Mr. Keeler presented the staff report. Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Norris, Watershed Official, if he had any comment. Mr. Norris stated that the Rivanna Board, City Council, and Board of Supervisiors have agreed that this is the land area needed to protect the future impoundment, but pointed out that there is a monetary disagreement as to who will pay for this. He pointed out that once the Board of Supervisors and the City Council have resolved their differences, Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority can proceed with the final phase (i.e. individual property which might be affected. He pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan needs to be amended to show this impoundment area. With no comment from the public, Mrs. Diehl stated that this matter was before the Commission. Mr. Keeler pointed out that the buffer area will be different than what is currently shown in the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the maps as well as the text of the Comprehensive Plan has been changed. Mr. Michel asked if the County will purchase the retention pond site at this time. Mr. Keeler stated that the retention sites will be purchased when it is appropriate to construct them. Mr. Keeler pointed out that the reservoir will not be built in the near future. Mr. Skove moved to recommend approval of the amendments to the map and text of the Comprehensive Plan relating to the proposed Buck Mountain Reservoir as presented by Planning staff. Mr. Bowerman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. DISCUSSION: Mr. Keeler noted that the Board of Supervisors will review these amendments on October 6, 1982. Community Development Block Grant - Application by Albemarle County for CDBG funds for housing rehabilitation in several strategy areas. Mr. Keith Mabe, Principal Planner, stated that both the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commision is conducting public hearings to solicit public input. He asked that the public sign in if they are interested in the CDBG grant as this needs to be kept on file. Mr. Mabe stated that the Planning staff has prepared a summary of a proposed application from Albemarle County for a local CDBG and one that is a regional project. He noted that these are two separate projects, the intent of both is for housing rehabilitation in the County. Mr. Mabe summarized the Housing Rehabilitation Program, noting that the local proposal contains the following facets: 19 -.9X1 fir•. • Total grant proposal of $500,000. He noted that Albemarle County as is other counties in the State, is limited to $700,000.00 to apply. • 55 units to be rehabilitated. • Rehabilitation efforts will be directed at major projects (units without plumbing and other structural problems). • Average cost of rehabilitation project estimated at $9,000-$10,000. • $6,000 will be utilized from State grant monies. • $4,000 will be leveraged (increasing the value of the grant monies by the utilization of similar and compatible monies; i.e., local monies, volunteer efforts, family contribution, other grant programs such as Farmers Home, and the Charlottesville Housing Foundation Loan Fund). • Two or three strategy areas which are designated in the revised Comprehensive Plan have been utilized to target rehabilitation efforts (development of a strategic program such as this is a top priority of the State and will receive maximum points during the review process). • The grant program will be administered by AHIP with assistance provided by the Planning Department. Mr. Mabe noted that the three strategy areas have been designated as: • Old Dominion - Esmont Porters area; • Boonesville - Montfair area; • Woodridge - Blenheim area. Mr. Mabe stated that this summarizes the housing rehabilitation program and noted that he would respond to questions. Mr. Skove stated that the Regional Application for a Community Improvement Grant to The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, was prepared in his office, therefore he will have to disqualify himself. Ms. Jane Saunier, representing Thomas Jefferson Planning District, stated that the intent of the Regional application is to provide the shared responsibility of local governments within the region to maintain and add to the existing housing stock by eliminatiing substandard housing through the improvement of residential properties. She noted that this will be done by providing a revolving loan fund accessible to low and moderate income households. She noted that with the exception of Albemarle County, the work to be done will be bid to private sector contractors. In Albemarle County, the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program will supervise and execute the rehabilitation. 19 Ms. Saunier stated that she would answer any questions or concerns the Commission may have. With no comment from the public, Mrs. Diehl stated that this matter was before the Commission. Mrs. Diehl ascertained that the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) works with owner occupied housing. Mrs. Diehl asked how the priorities were established for each area. Mr. Mabe stated that attention is being directed towards homes with no plumbing and homes with plumbing but sub -standard. He stated that the priorities that are established are in keeping with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Mabe noted that if the County were to receive the grant, AHIP would establish a priority list. He noted that there is, at present, a waiting list for home improvements. Mr. Mabe emphasized that the application for this grant has be be submitted by September 17, he noted that the staff is asking for input from the Commission and then the Board of Supervisors has to authorize staff to apply for the grant. Mr. Mabe noted that it is important in preparing the grant applications to identify the stragedy areas that you hope to make an impact on. Mr. Davis asked what percentage of the grant money would be put into a loan fund. Mr. Mabe stated that staff is still working on the actual percentage, but noted that at the time your application for a loan is reviewed by the bank, the amount of subsidies or interest is based on the amount of income. Mr. Mabe stated that if the grant money is received, it will have to be used in the above mentioned stragedy area. He noted that Albemarle County, which supports AHIP, will continue its rehabilitation program in other parts of the County. Mr. Mabe noted that both the Community Development Block Grant and the Regional Grant would be reviewed by the State. Mr. Mabe noted that the County should apply for both loans as this gives you leverage. He noted that the the grants are basically grant programs with leveraging efforts and a loan fund that may be directed to different incomes. 19 14/s Mr. Davis stated that the money from these grants would be used primarily for rehabilitation of low income housing. Mr. Mabe noted that there are State guidelines which direct the use of the grant money. Mr. Kindrick made a motion to recommend approval of the Albemarle County Community Development Block Grant as well as the Regional Applicant for a Community Improvement Block. Air. Michel seconded the motion for approval of these grants to the Board of Supervisors. DISCUSSION: Mr. Davis asked who evaluates the concerns/needs in trying to determine that certain goals are addressed. Mr. Tucker stated that the State reviewes these grants, pointing out that the staff is unaware of the priorities or elements used in the review process. CONCENSUS: THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DIRECT THE PLANNING STAFF TO PURSUE BOTH GRANT APPLICATIONS. WORK SESSION: a) Final review of the revised, updated Comprehensive Plan. Discussion of public hearing dates and distribution of copies of the plan and summary. Mr. Mabe stated that basically the philosophy of the Comprehensive Plan has not changed, but noted the changes in format, graphics, emphasis on housing and social needs, etc. He pointed out that the Plan at present, does not include the transportation plan, as the CATS Study has not yet been approved. He noted that this will be included once the CATS plan has been approved. Mr. Mabe stated that he would respond to any questions or concerns the Commission may have. Mr. Mabe noted that the Commission had expressed concern regarding the population projections. He noted that these projections are in keeping with the 1981 report prepared by the State. Mr. Skove stated that he felt the density in Neighborhood 2 should be limited, noting the improvements which are needed. He also stated that in the Crozet area, the density will change once the Crozet Interceptor is completed. He pointed out that if the lower density is accepted for this area (Crozet) this would entail changes in the zoning map, therefore, he felt the density should be in keeping with the upcoming changes in the area. Mrs. Diehl stated that the detailed maps included in the Comprehensive Plan will be of substantial help. Mr. Bowerman suggested minor text changes, which included updating charts, residential acreage figures and clarification of population figures. Mr. Skove asked if the Planning staff was recommending that a mobile home park be established in the Crozet area. Mr. Mabe stated that this is not a recommendation, but pointed out that if a mobile home park were established, there would be guidelines established. Mr. Mabe reiterated that the plan is available in the Planning Department. for $3.00. He pointed out that the plans will be available for purchase at the public hearing. He also noted that the Daily Progress will be running an article on the Comprehensive Plan. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY DECIDED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1982. OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Michel stated his concern regarding the planned commercial property on Pantops. He asked if the staff had any suggestions for this area which would help the Commission in their review of this property. Mr. Tucker stated that the way the Zoning Ordinance is worded places burden on property owners that are not under common ownership. He noted that he felt this section of the Zoning Ordinance may have to be revised. Mr. Tucker noted that the Pantops Office Building Site Plan has been appealed to the Board of Supervisors. He pointed out that the applicant, if he chooses, could request a commercial office zoning on the three tracts of land, having only one entrance. Mr. Tucker stated that, in his opinion, each parcel could have one entrance, providing sight distance could be obtained and substantial road frontage, without jeopardizing traffic integrity on Rt. 250E. He noted that in order to do this, the Zoning Ordinance would have to be amended. :11C Mr. Payne stated that the PDMC zoning for this area could remain as is, but noted that the Zoning Ordinance or the zoning map could be amended. Mr. Tucker noted that the Planning Commission amended the Subdivision Ordinance to allow them to review any division within the urban area communities. Mrs. Diehl presented to the members of the Commission a rough draft of the report relating to the Soil Erosion Ordinance. She pointed out that this report will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on September 15, 1982. Mr. Payne noted that Section 1.B. (of this report) states: "a facilitator should be present to act as a citizen resource person." He pointed out that the Commission may want to consider having all relevent staff members trained in this regard. Mr. Payne also noted that Section l.D. should be changed to read: • There is an abundance of information regarding County Ordinances among various members of construction industry. Therefore, the County should develop. Mrs. Diehl pointed out that Section 3 of this report deals with enforcement and stated that this section should be reviewed carefully. Mr. Davis stated that he would like more time to review this report before making a recommendation. THE COMMISSION DECIDED TO ALLOW TIME ON THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING TO REVIEW THIS REPORT. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. em Ro ert W. Tucker, Jr. - cretary