HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 07 1995a PC MinutesV9
5:15 Work Session 11-7-95
WORK SESSION
November 7, 1995 - 515
Present: Commissioners - Blue, Imhoff, Nitchmann, Dotson, Huckle,
Vaughan and Jenkins
Staff - Lilley, Cilimberg, White, Higgins
Topic: Capital Improvements Program/1996 - 2001
Ms. Roxanne White explained the process which had been followed by the Technical
Review Committee in its review and prioritization of the CIP projects. She explained the
format used in the presentation of the requests. She said all projects requested were
funded.
Commission questions and concerns on individual projects were as follows:
Hydraulic Road Sidewalks - Ms. Vaughan asked about the $25,000 figure. Ms. White
explained the project cost has been reduced.
County Technology Upgrade - Ms. Imhoff asked if there was any possibility there will be
"more and better funding" for GIS included in this project. She said the description on
page 24 did not seem to mention the GIS system nor any plans to assist the Planning
and Community Development Department in analyzing information. Ms. White said that
need is recognized and "hopefully, that is a planned project." Ms. Imhoff said she
would attend the Board meeting to stress the importance of the GIS system being
available to the Planning Department.
Ivy Road/Bypass Streetlights and the Greenbrier/Hydraulic Road Streetlights - Ms.
Imhoff recalled Commission discussions about the importance of having streetlights
which are shielded and are respectful of the Observatory. She wanted it to be a part of
the record that the County is asking the development community to used shielded
streetlights. She thought it was important for this to be mentioned now because
shielded lights may be more expensive.
Fire and Rescue Projects - Ms. Huckle called attention to the statement which said "if
the stations are not funded, response times will rise and the number of no -response
calls will continue to increase." She asked for an explanation of what is meant by "no-
response calls." Ms. White did not know the number of no -response calls. Ms. Huckle
/ VF-
M
5:15 Work Session 11-7-95
suggested if the Fire Department did not respond to every fender -bender, they might be
able to respond to all other calls.
North Rt. 29 Landscaping (pg. 40) - Ms. Huckle said"this appears to be much more
expensive than she had understood it would be. She recalled a figure of $10,000 to
$15,000 vs. $101,000 which is shown here: She pointed out that the 250 Bypass
through the City was landscaped by private funds. Mr. Cilimberg said there has been a
commitment from the business community for half the amount t$50,000), making the
County cost $51,000. Ms. Imhoff suggested the County consider contracting with the
City for landscaping projects. (Ms. Higgins said this has been discussed with the City
and they are not interested.) Ms. Imhoff pointed out that there have been staff changes
in the City and she suggested the idea could be brought up again.
Swimming Beach Playground Equipment (page 51) - Ms. Huckle thought this project
was "amazing," i.e. "a sandbox that is going to cost $30,000." Ms. White explained that
the amount will cover sandboxes and other play structures within the sandbox area at
three different locations. Ms. Huckle thought tax dollars could be better spent. Mr. Blue
agreed the explanation could be clearer.
Keene Landfill (page 70) - Ms. Huckle thought this had been planned for a couple of
years ago and now it is moved to fiscal year'98. Ms. Higgins said money had been
pulled from this project for other projects in the past but data is being gathered. She
said the money shown is for "corrective action." The magnitude of corrective action is
not known at this time. Ms. Huckle thought this project, which is to protect groundwater,
was more urgent than the '98 schedule indicates. Ms. Higgins described the work that
has been on'this project to date. Mr. Jenkins pointed out that even when the current
set of DEQ regulations have been met, new ones are being developed which will have
to be met.
County Land Athletic Field Study (pg. 66) - Ms. Imhoff asked why this was not an "in-
house" assessment. She thought a study to determine recreational needs, by an
outside consultant, was hard to justify given the fact that the County has Planning and
Recreation staff.
Mr. Dotson thought it was very surprising that all the projects submitted were able to be
funded. He thought departments might not be looking far enough in the future and
might only be requesting projects they feel have a good chance of being funded.
Therefore, he did not think the fact that all the projects can be funded means that all
capital needs are being met. He suggested that the next CIP process might include a
"front piece" which says "what we think we are going to be doing in terms of growth and
revenues and costs in the future years and (says) we'll have these kinds of demands
and this is what we think we can afford." In terms of trying to direct growth, he recalled
some of Mr. Nitchmann's suggestions that "we should at least be thinking about
WA
5:15 Work Session 11-7-95 3
whether there is some way we should be providing some of the public facilities to draw
growth to certain areas." Mr. Dotson also thought it would be helpful to have a
"consolidated summary," which incorporates all the projects. He suggested a map
showing the location of projects would be helpful in the -future, including a five-year
map showing what has been done in the last five years.
Ms. Imhoff said James City County is being very aggressive in using their CIP and
funding it heavily for road improvements in order to direct growth in areas they want it to
go, including building collector roads and making road connections long before these
projects would show up on VDOT's list.
In response to Ms. Imhoff's comments, Mr. Cilimberg said: "We've taken some shots at
that in the past and it's been Deep-Sixed. I guess some of the agencies that might be
proposing to do that five years out and beyond have just gotten to the point that they
focus on what they think absolute needs are going to be and I think there needs to be a
message that's sent to broaden what you're thinking, to meet the County's ability to
accommodate and make growth areas attractive. There are a lot of projects we could
have put in_ here that we may have put here in the past, if that was politically feasible,
but we seem to be, from a political standpoint, focusing on a particular level of per $100
real estate tax rate and revenues for the future that just aren't going to pay for those
sort of things. ... If that's something this Planning Commission feels strongly about,
having looked at the Comp Plan and knowing what your focus is for the next five years
to try to do, the in -fill ideas, etc., that message needs to be sent on to the Board and it
needs to be tied to Capital Improvements planning for the future."
Mr. Nitchmann explained how the current process had evolved over the past few years,
it being the result of a desire "to be more focused and to make sure that the requests
made by the departments are not wish lists." He did not think these wish lists should be
included as part of the CIP program, but perhaps they could be included as an
addendum with the statement that "we, as a Planning Commission or Staff, feel, if we
are going to accomplish the visions of the County, this is what it is really going to cost."
If there is extra money, the Board could then look at that list and decide if other projects
could be funded. He did not want to see the process "take a step backwards" by asking
departments to submit all the requests they were submitting at one time.
Mr. Dotson approved of the more streamlined CIP document, but he thought an
introductory section would be helpful which says: "This is where we're going, how we're
doing, what the need is, what our ability is --now do these projects in that context."
Long Term Debt (pg. 78) - Ms. Huckle asked why the debt rises 83% when the
population is projected to rise only 10%. Ms. White explained the debt is going up, over
the next five years, because of the new high school (a $25,000,000 project).
5:15 Work Session 11-7-95 4
149✓
Ms. Higgins brought the Commission up-to-date on the work on a Consolidated
Stormwater Ordinance.
Mr. Nitchmann asked why the Community Recreation Facilities, which he assumed
were in the new high school, were separate from the new high school funding. Mr.
Cilimberg explained: "We have, for the last several years, separated recreational
facilities that are to serve the community and district park purposes, from those facilities
that are absolutely required as part of the high school itself."
Also referring to the new high school, Mr. Nitchmann asked who will determine what the
road will ultimately be. Ms. Higgins said the road was originally planned to be "an
urban collector road --a four -lane divided road." That description has been used in the
CIP for the last five years. Ms. Higgins said new studies have been done and she
intends to present a proposal to downgrade the road to a three -lane cross section. She
compared it to "something like a Berkmar Drive but a rural section." She said this
change could potentially cut one-half million from the cost of the road. Mr. Nitchmann
asked if there was any chance of working with VDOT to have Rt. 20 widened to a four -
lane highway up to the school. Ms. Imhoff pointed out that the proposed Land Use Plan
calls for some urban density development and floating commercial areas in this area.
She cautioned: "Be careful when you are downgrading these roads that you don't find
yourself not following the Comprehensive Plan. I don't think we are talking about a rural
section any longer. We are, hopefully, creating a community which is part of the urban
area down there. She envisioned a roadway with "curb and gutter and sidewalks on
both sides." She hoped the Comprehensive Plan would be more detailed about how we
want things to look and function.
The was a discussion as to whether or not the Commission would hold a public hearing
on the CIP. Ms. White said the Board will likely hold its own public hearing. It was
decided the Commission would schedule a public hearing on the CIP on November
28th, with the meeting to begin at 6:00 p.m.
The work session ended at 6:45 p.m.
on
11-14-95
,%W NOVEMBER 14, 1995
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday,
November 14, 1995, Room 7, County Office Building, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those
members present were: Ms. Babs Huckle; Mr. Tom Blue, Chair; Mr. Bill Nitchmann;
Vice Chair; Mr. Bruce Dotson; and Ms. Monica Vaughan. Other officials present were:
Mr. David Benish, Chief of Community Development; Mr. Bill Fritz, Senior Planner; and
Mr. Greg Kamptner, Assistant County Attorney. Absent: Commissioners Imhoff and
Jenkins.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and a quorum was established. The
minutes of the October 31, 1995 Work Session were unanimously approved as
submitted.
CONSENT AGENDA
SDP-95-082 Barclay Place Expansion Site Plan - Request for Modification of Section
4.12.3.3 to allow for off -site parking.
`AW MOTION: Ms. Huckle moved, seconded by Mr. Nitchmann, that the Consent Agenda
be adopted. The motion passed unanimously.
M
SP-95-31 Wendell Wood - Petition to establish outdoor storage and display of autos on
11.3 acres, zoned HC, Highway Commercial and EC, Entrance Corridor Overlay
District. [30.6.3.2b] Property, described as Tax Map 32, in the Rivanna Magisterial
District. This is the location of the Maupin Store. This is recommended for Regional
Service in the Community of Hollymead. This item was referred back to the Planning
Commission by the Board of Supervisors for Commission Action.
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions.
Based on the fact that the ARB has approved this proposal, the feeling that the use is
appropriate for the site, and with the conditions proposed by staff, Mr. Nitchmann said
he could recommend approval of the request.
MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved that SP-95-31 for Wendell Wood be recommended to
the Board of Supervisors for approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Remove existing signage from the site.
/ -'!Z7/
11-14-95 2
1�ftw 2. Construct a berm topped with screening trees between the entrance corridor on the
southern most part of the parking area. The parking in this area shall be screened from
the entrance corridor.
M
cm
3. ARB approval of landscape location, sizes and species type. Trees are to be large
street trees (3 1 /2" caliper).
4. No elevated vehicle display.
5. The lighting shall be directed down onto the site with the source of the light shielded
from view from the entrance corridor.
6. No attention getting devices shall be attached to any vehicle or structure on the site.
This shall prohibit the use of balloons, spinners, streamers and the like.
7. A certificate of appropriateness shall be required prior to approval of the site plan.
8. Lighting of the site shall be limited to between the hours of 10 am and 9 pm.
9. Remove the gas pumps from the current location. Reestablishment of the gas
pumps shall be permitted subject to site plan approval and approval by the ARB.
10. Vehicle sales and display shall be limited to the parking area shown on Attachment
D.
Discussion:
Ms. Huckle thought this action "did not make sense" since the Commission had
recommended denial of the ZMA previously. She concluded: "So I couldn't support
this. If the Board wants to approve the whole thing I am sure they will do so."
Mr. Dotson commented: "I would just explain the spirit of my second (to the motion). If
the Board decides to approve the Zoning Map Amendment, then I think these are
appropriate conditions for the special permit.
Mr. Nitchmann agreed, saying it was in that same spirit that he had offered the motion
for approval.
Mr. Blue agreed.
The motion for approval passed (4:1) with Commissioner Huckle casting the dissenting
vote.
/ S-,2-.,,
05
11-14-95
3
ZMA-95-04 University of Virginia Real Estate Foundation -
Petition to rezone approximately 525 acres from RA, Rural Areas, PD-IP, Planned
Development Industrial Park, and LI, Light Industrial to PD-IP, Planned Development
Industrial Park. Staff was requesting a deferral due to an error in the public notice.
The Chairman invited public comment. None was offered.
MOTION: Ms. Huckle moved, seconded by Mr. Nitchmann, that ZMA-95-04 for the
University of Virginia Real Estate Foundation, be deferred to November 28, 1995.
The motion passed unanimously.
ZMA-95-07 Rio Associates - Petition to amend ZMA-88-06 in order to modify proffers
limiting vehicle trip generation. Property, described as Tax Map 45, parcel 109 is
located on the west side of Rt. 29 between Rt. 29 and Berkmar Drive in the Rio
Magisterial District. This site is recommended for Regional Service in Neighborhood 1.
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. The report concluded: "Staff opinion is that due to
changes in circumstance since the original rezoning, the use of total trip limits is
inappropriate. The use of a level of service to determine permitted development is
superior to total trip limits as it allows for a detailed analysis of the impact of a
development on the transportation network. Staff opinion is that this request is
consistent with the intent of the original proffer which was designed to limit impacts. In
addition, this rezoning, with the proffers of the applicant, is consistent with the intent of
the Zoning Ordinance to minimize congestion in the public streets, provide for a
convenient community and provide for adequate transportation. Based on the above,
staff recommends approval subject to acceptance of the applicant's proffers."
Mr. Fritz explained further: "Development from this property will not result in an impact
below a level of service C on any of the adjacent roadways. This is a technique we are
going to be investigating, not only for this application but for future applications up and
down Rt. 29. We are recommending approval of that as the most appropriate approach
for dealing with traffic from this site."
In response to Ms. Huckle's question, Mr. Fritz listed the following methods which can
be used to improve the level of service of a road:
--The addition of a traffic signal.
--The addition of traffic lanes.
--The addition of turn lanes.
--The use of 'double -lefts.'
� �3
11-14-95 4
V%r Ms. Huckle asked when a traffic signal might be added. Mr. Fritz responded: "Under
this proffer and with this site plan, at the time the final site plan is approved there would
be a bond posted for the location of the traffic signal and then the bond would be called
by VDOT or the County, or the traffic signal would be put in at the request of VDOT and
the County." He said this is a common technique. He stressed that the traffic signal
cannot be located on public roads until such time as VDOT allows it to be located.
Ms. Huckle said she is very familiar with the area and she feels a traffic signal is very
much needed, at the present time, at the entrance to Kroger. Mr. Fritz confirmed there
would be an entrance to Lowe's opposite the entrance to Kroger's. Mr. Fritz pointed out
that in the application which follows on the agenda, the applicant--Lowe's--has agreed
to locate a traffic signal at that intersection if requested by VDOT. That would be
consistent with the applicant's proffer in this rezoning application.
In response to Mr. Dotson's question, Mr. Fritz confirmed this application does not
address the impact of Lowe's on Rt. 29. Mr. Fritz explained: "Physically, there is no
connection between the two and can't be because of topographic considerations." He
said, however, that the proffer does address traffic on Woodbrook Drive. Mr. Dotson
asked if previous proffers had addressed Woodbrook Drive or Rt. 29. Mr. Fritz
responded: "It was a raw count (prior to improvements to Rt. 29). The site could not
generate more than 4,432 vehicle trips today. At the time the rezoning was approved
1%W the only road that existed which could be impacted, was Rt. 29. It is because of road
improvements in the area--Berkmar Drive, Woodbrook Drive and Rt. 29--that makes
that number no longer valid." Staff feels, after discussions with VDOT, the most
appropriate way to deal with this request, and in future cases, is to use a level of
service calculation as opposed to a raw number calculation. Applicants will prepare a
traffic study which will determine the level of service, and VDOT will then accept or
reject that determination.
M
Mr. Dotson asked if is possible that this request could result in the "degrading of traffic
on 29 North," even though the traffic on Woodbrook Drive will be at a level C service.
Mr. Fritz replied: "Yes it could if you are just increasing the total number of vehicle trips.
It could have an impact on the Rt. 29/Woodbrook intersection." He could not predict the
level of impact.
Mr. Fritz confirmed this ZMA is triggered by the application which will follow --the Lowe's
Preliminary Site Plan.
The applicant was represented by Mr. James Hill. He supported the "level of service"
approach to traffic analysis. He said: "We do a traffic study (to determine) what we
think the property will generate, and we go from there and do what has to be done to
help enhance the traffic flow."
/s-4
11-14-95
i4aw Mr. Hill explained a "solution" has been sought for this 1.5 acres for five years. (Mr.
Fritz described the property as "that small piece of land that lies between the miniature
golf course and Kegler's.)
Mr. Blue clarified: "So if Lowe's proceeds with this building expansion, and the zoning
is not changed on this small piece of property, this little rectangle would have no use."
Mr. Fritz confirmed the accuracy of Mr. Blue's statement.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Mr. Dotson asked about the square footage of the present Lowe's vs. that which is
proposed for the new building. Mr. Fritz replied: "Proposed is 164,000 square feet,
existing is 80,000 square feet." Mr. Dotson concluded: "So it could generate roughly
double the traffic." Mr. Dotson said: "So what we're saying here is not that there won't
be an increase in traffic, but that the traffic, at least on Woodbrook, won't degrade the
road below a level C, which many people find acceptable." Mr. Fritz responded:
"Exactly. That's the minimum level of service for new entrances or crossovers that
VDOT strives for in all cases." Mr. Dotson said: "We're not saying there won't be
additional traffic on Rt. 29 as a result of the Lowe's expansion; there very likely will be."
Mr. Fritz responded: "Yes." Mr. Dotson continued: "And we're saying that when the
small parcel develops, it will not degrade the level of service on Rt. 29 from whatever
"` it's established to be. You suspect it'll be a D." Mr. Fritz responded: "Correct."
Ms. Huckle said the staff report clearly says: "The issue is not the number of trips
generated from the site, but the impact to the entrances on the public road network."
She repeated that she feels there is already a serious problem at the Kroger access to
Woodbrook, particularly for traffic exiting the site wanting to turn left. She hoped
something will be done quickly about the addition of a traffic signal at this location.
MOTION: Ms. Huckle moved, seconded by Mr. Nitchmann, that ZMA-95-07 for Rio
Associates be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval subject to
acceptance of the applicant's proffers.
The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Dotson commented: "I do think in approving this we are allowing significantly more
traffic in the area than the previous conditions would allow."
Lowe's of Charlottesville Preliminary Site Plan - Proposal to construct a 164,800
square foot building on 22.13 acres zoned HC, Highway Commercial and EC, Entrance
Corridor Overlay District. Property, described as Tax Map 45, Parcels 93A, 109 and
109D, is located in the northwest corner of the intersection of Route 29 and Woodbrook
11-14-95 6
Drive in the Rio Magisterial District. This site is recommended for Regional Service in
Neighborhood 1.
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Planning Commission Review was required
because of the need for three modifications: (1) 4.2.3 - To allow for activity on critical
slopes; (2) 4.12.7.2a - To allow fewer loading spaces than required; and (3) 4.12.3.4b
- To allow for parking more than 500 feet from the entrance. Staff recommended
approval of all three modifications.
Mr. Fritz said the applicant has met twice with the ARB. There are issues which have
not yet been resolved, but none are design -related issues and it appears those issues
can be worked out.
In addition to the applicant's willingness to provide a traffic signal at the westernmost
entrance on Woodbrook Drive, Mr. Fritz pointed out that the applicant also has agreed
to make the entrance which is closest to Rt. 29, a right -in -only entrance. This will be
an improvement to the existing situation.
Mr. Fritz answered the Commission's questions about possible traffic patterns on
Woodbrook Drive, parking area, landscaping, loading area, etc.
` Ms. Huckle asked if the loading area will be visible from Rt. 29. Mr. Fritz said the ARB
is considering that issue. The applicant is proposing a "block wall around the perimeter
of the site, designed to help screen this," and the ARB is reviewing that proposal.
Mr. Dotson said he was pleased to see the applicant is providing much more green
space at the highly visible corner on Rt. 29. He wondered if the applicant would
consider landscaping the area that is beyond the 500 feet. (The applicant explained
there is an existing drainage system in the area referred to by Mr. Dotson which the
applicant feels should not be disturbed.)
The applicant was represented by Lindsay McGrady and Mitch Franklin. In response to
Ms. Huckle's question, Mr. McGrady said the property drains into a detention basin
which is sized to accept drainage from this entire property. (Mr. Fritz pointed to the
location of the basin, at the end of Kegler Drive. He confirmed the calculations for the
basin had been based on the assumption of an 80% impervious area.) Mr. Nitchmann
asked if Lowe's has any other stores of this size. Mr. Franklin said the proposed store
is the "standard prototype." He said similar sized stores are located in Virginia Beach,
Newport News, and Roanoke. Mr. Nitchmann asked if the proposed amount of parking
was really necessary. Mr. Franklin responded affirmatively. Additional information
provided by the applicant, and answers to Commission questions, included:
--This store will have an additional 14,000 square foot expansion area and
"%W enough parking is being included at this time so that additional impervious area will not
11-14-95
�%kw have to be added in the future. A lot of parking spaces will be lost to the outdoor
storage area which is needed in the spring for garden material sales.
--The new store will offer 40,000 items, compared to 20,000 presently offered.
--Loading trucks are unloaded immediately and do not remain on the site.
Mr. Fritz explained a special use permit will be required for outdoor display of garden
items, if said area is visible from Rt. 29. If not visible from Rt. 29, outdoor display will
have to be reviewed as a site plan amendment.
Mr. Nitchmann expressed amazement at the proposed size of the store and the amount
of parking which the applicant feels is needed. He wondered if the County's parking
requirements need to be reviewed.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Ms. Vaughan asked for clarification of the total square footage. Mr. Fritz explained the
smaller number (130,000) is the area which will be heated and the larger number
(164,800) is the total area, which includes an unheated area used for garden display.
Ms. Huckle thought this was an incredibly large facility to serve an area the size of
Albemarle County.
Staff confirmed the Commission was to take action on the three modifications and the
Preliminary Site Plan.
Referring to the size of the facility, Mr. Nitchmann said this "has the potential to change
the community" in terms of the possibility of inviting other "super stores" to the area.
The applicant assured the Commission their intent was to provide better service to their
customers. Mr. McGrady said Lowe's is very glad to be a part of the Charlottesville
community and he did not feel it should be viewed any differently than Sam's or Wal-
Mart.
Ms. Huckle asked how much outdoor storage presently exists at Lowe's. Mr. McGrady
estimated there to be approximately 2 acres of outdoor storage area. Ms. Huckle
concluded: "So actually it may not be all that much bigger, it will just all be under roof."
Mr. Nitchmann encouraged the applicant, when dealing with construction and stocking
of this facility, to deal with in -state businesses as much as possible.
MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved that SDP-95-087, Lowe's of Charlottesville
Preliminary Site Plan be approved, subject to the following conditions, and including
approval of modification to 4.2.3 to allow for activity on critical slopes, 4.12.7.2a, to
allow fewer loading spaces than required, and 4.12.3.4b, to allow for parking more than
500 feet from the entrance:
/f;7%
11-14-95
1. The Planning Department shall not accept submittal of the final site plan for
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. Issuance of a certificate of appropriateness.
b. Building Official approval of barrier -free parking spaces.
c. All existing parcels are combined.
d. Planning Department approval of landscape plan.
e. Virginia Department of Transportation approval of drainage plans and
computations.
Virginia Department of Transportation approval of activity within the right-of-
way.
g. Engineering Department approval of grading and drainage plans and
computations.
h. Engineering Department approval of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
i. Engineering Department approval of plans and computations for retaining
walls 5' high and greater, measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall.
j. Provision of a traffic signal at the westernmost entrance on Woodbrook Drive if
required by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
k. Approval of ZMA 95-07.
'*4W Mr. Dotson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
WORK SESSION - Comprehensive Plan
Transportation Network Traffic
Mr. Benish presented a report on the potential traffic impacts of the proposed growth
expansion areas.
Commission comments:
Mr. Nitchmann thought the maps were not clear in terms of delineating the Scottsville
area.
Mr. Dotson thought it would be helpful to have current traffic volumes, for comparison
purposes. He also asked if staff could provide the data which would show "volume
capacity ratios or level of service." (Mr. Benish said staff could attempt to provide that
information.)
on
11-14-95 9
Mr. Nitchmann expressed a lack of understanding of the numbers for Rt. 20. Mr. Blue
agreed, explaining: 'That additional growth area really doesn't increase it very much,
yet the growth area that is already there increases it significantly."
Mr. Blue thought it would be helpful to look at Northern Virginia projections which were
made 20 years ago, to see how accurate those projections turned out to be.
Mr. Nitchmann expressed concern about the traffic situation on Rt. 250 East. He said
there is a serious problem there which is going to result in a major, multi -vehicle
accident some day. He said one of the main causes of the problems is school bus
traffic which causes traffic back-ups at peak traffic times. The problem will only get
worse as the population of these areas increase and the number of buses increases.
Ms. Huckle thought that parallel/service roads are a way to alleviate some of the traffic
problems. Mr. Benish said that a certain amount of "pre -planning" must take place so
that "you're in a posture to make the offers during a rezoning (to achieve) what you
want to get done." Mr. Nitchmann said the total picture needs to be looked at and
should not be done a spot at a time. He said: "It needs to be looked at in the broad
picture and maybe the County needs to invest some time and money to put in
infrastructure to handle properly the growth that's coming." Ms. Huckle said this should
be addressed in the Land Use Plan.
Ms. Huckle felt there should be a requirement for connections between neighborhoods
and internal service roads within neighborhoods. She felt the Comp Plan statement is
not strong enough. She said: "We need something that says its required."
Public comment:
John MacDonald (Forest Lakes) - He could not understand the numbers-- "58,300
coming down 29 South, 17,200 goes to Western Bypass, 29,000 go to Meadowcreek
Parkway and 32,600 continue." He said the equation did not make sense because he
thought the figures should add up to 58,300. He said Forest Lakes has done some
"actual surveys of traffic" in an effort to estimate how many Forest Lakes residents will
be using the Parkway. He said the Forest Lakes figures do not "square" with the staffs
figures, because it shows only 10% of Forest Lakes residents will use the
Meadowcreek Parkway. (Mr. Benish pointed out that the Parkway now has three
access points to developable areas: the area south of Forest Lakes, the Belvedere
property and Rt. 643. The Parkway is no longer limited access. He said the access
points explain why the figure is higher.) Mr. MacDonald also said the 30,000 figure on
Airport Road (caused by the UREF development) "certainly makes a case for the "Ws."
/S�I
11-14-95
We
Eddie Cleveland - He talked about how the number of vehicle trips on Airport Road are
effected by the present garage and car rental business. He suggested consideration be
given to imposing a tax on property which is sold. The revenue from this tax would then
be used to buy land which would remain in a natural state.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00.
E:
05
M
V. Wayn Ocilimber e tary