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Home My WebLink About12 09 1997 PC Minutes12-9-97 M December 9, 1997 The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday, December 9, 1997, in the Albemarle County Office Building, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those members present were: Mr. Jared Loewenstein, Chair; Mr. David Tice, Vice Chair; Ms. Babs Huckle; Mr. Bill Nitchmann; Mr. Bruce Dotson; and Ms. Hilda Lee -Washington. Other officials present were: Mr. Ron Keeler, Chief of Planning; Mr. Eric Morrisette, Planner; Mr. Jack Kelsey, Chief of Engineering; and Mr. Greg Kamptner, Assistant County Attorney. Absent: Commissioner Finley. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and a quorum was established. The minutes of the November 18th meeting were unanimously approved as amended. The Consent Agenda item, the Blue Goose Site Plan Extension Request, which appeared on the Tentative Agenda, was removed from the agenda prior to the meeting. SP 97-53 Tandem Friends School Math/Science Building Special Use Permit Request - [13.2.2.5 of the Zoning Ordinance] Request to allow for an institutional math/science building of approximately 14,000 gross square feet to be constructed on 24.5 acres zoned R-1, Rural Areas. This request seeks to expand the permit enrollment of student and staff from 200 to 260 total. Property, described as Tax Map 91, Parcel 2A, is located on the northwest corner of the newly constructed Monticello High School Connector Road and Route 20 South, on the existing Tandem School campus. This property is located within the Scottsville Magisterial District and is recommended for Institutional Use in Neighborhood 4. AND SDP 97-129 Tandem Friends School Math/Science Building Preliminary Site Plan - Proposal to construct a math and science building of approximately 14,000 gross square feet (with associated parking), on 24.5 acres, currently zoned R-1, Residential. Mr. Morrisette presented the staff report. Staff recommended approval of both items, subject to conditions. Staff also recommended approval of a waiver of Section 4.2.3.2 to allow grading on critical slopes. 2 _� im'V;tl M Ms. Huckle asked Mr. Kelsey to explain Item B in Attachment F (memo from Andre Williams to Mr. Morrisette dated 26 November). Mr. Kelsey explained that a previous submittal had used a "C" factor of .7 for stormwater calculations. Item B is to make sure that same runoff coefficient is still consistent, "that the assumption they used is still valid." Ms. Huckle recalled there had been public concerns about flooding. Mr. Kelsey said a downstream resident had been concerned about a potential increase in runoff. Stormwater calculations have been required to make sure if there is any increase in runoff it will be controlled. These calculations are part of the final review process. The applicant was represented by Mr. Don Powers, Assistant Head of Finance and Operations for Tandem School. He explained the request is to increase enrollment from 200 to 260, including students and staff, and to build a new math/science building. He confirmed that all the buildings will be connected to public water and sewer. It is planned that connection, to both water and sewer, will take place within the next 4 months. (He noted that this proposed building will be built on top of the existing drainfields.) Connection to public utilities is independent of this current request. He estimated the maximum enrollment will be approximately 220, which includes 30-40 staff members. The new building will make room for the increased enrollment. There are no present plans to enlarge further. Mr. Ethan Miller, Chairman of the Tandem Board, said it is hoped construction can begin in April or May of 1998, if funds are available. If funds are not available, construction may be delayed for a year. Mr. Tice asked if existing recreational facilities are sufficient to handle the increased enrollment. Mr. Powers said property has been purchased to expand the soccer fields. He said: "We have enough recreation facilities to handle the students. " A new gym is almost complete. There is not enough space for a track, but it is hoped arrangements can be made to share facilities at other locations. There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission. Mr. Nitchmann said Tandem has always been a good neighbor. This increase will provide more space for those families who prefer a private school setting. MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved, Ms. Huckle seconded, that SP 97-53 for Tandem Friends School Math/Science Building be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval, subject to the following conditions: 1. The new facility will be located approximately as shown on the attached site layout (Attachment C). 2. Total school enrollment and on -site staffing shall be limited to 260 persons. 3� 12-9-97 3. Additional buildings or increase in total enrollment/staffing must be authorized by a new special permit. 4. The new facility shall connect to public water and sewer. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Keeler asked if the Commission would amend its action to show clearly that "the limitations do not apply to the athletic fields," so that there are no misunderstandings later. No objections were raised and both Mr. Nitchmann and Ms. Huckle agreed to amend the motion to state that the limitations will not apply to the athletic fields. No other commissioners raised any objection to this amendment to the motion. MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved, Ms. Washington seconded, that the Preliminary Site Plan be approved subject to the following conditions, and that a waiver of Section 4.2.3.2, Critical Slopes, be approved: 1. The Planning Department shall not accept submittal of the final site plan for final signature until tentative approvals for the following conditions have been obtained. The final site plan shall not be signed until the following conditions are met: a. Planning Department approval of a Landscape Plan; b. Engineering Department approval to include: 1. The plan must be signed, sealed, and dated; 2. Approval of grading and drainage plans and computations. Provide confirmation that the weighed "C" value (0.70), assumed in the "Stormwater Management Report" for the Gymnasium/Fieldhouse, is still a valid assumption based on the proposed development; 3. Virginia Department of Transportation approval of plans and drainage; and, 4. Approval of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. c. Albemarle County Service Authority approval of Final water line construction plans. d. Building Codes and Zoning Services approval to include: 1. Provide all curb cuts and prepared walkways that are necessary for an accessible route to the proposed building; and 2. Approval of SP 97-053. e. Fire and Rescue approval to include: 1. The reinforced turf fire vehicle access travelway width must be a minimum of 18 feet. 2. The travelway must be marked along its entire length in a manner that will designate its location so that obstruction will not be 2� 12-9-97 placed within the area. The owner shall maintain this area free of N.•, snow and ice at all times; and 3. The entrance to the travelway along the existing paved road shall be signed "NO PARKING. EMERGENCY ACCESS". The motion passed unanimously. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Keeler briefly summarized actions taken by the Board of Supervisors at their December 3rd meeting. Mr. Kamptner called the Commission's attention to some information about new cellular technology which came to him through a wireless newsletter. New developments include: --Dual polarization (Cellular): The use of this technology requires smaller and less expensive towers. --Black Box (PCS): Called "Prime Site," developed by a company in Finland. Box is 2' x less than 1.5' x 6". Some information says the boxes can be placed on the ground and other information says they can be mounted on telephone poles. --(Cellular) Technology not described, but sites are being considered which are only 30 feet high. Mr. Kamptner said it appears cellular technology will be moving away from the need for tall towers within the next couple of years. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. WP M V. Wayne, ilimberg, S c ry 36