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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 20 2011 PC MinutesMinutes ALBEMARLE COUNTY AND CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE Joint City/ County Planning Commission Meeting September 20, 2011 Albemarle County Commission Mr. Duane Zobrist, Chair Mr. Mac Lafferty Mr. Calvin Morris Ms. Linda Porterfield Mr. Edward Smith Mr. Don Franco Ms. Julia Monteith, Ex-Officio Charlottesville Planning Commission Ms. Gennie Keller, Chair Ms. Lisa Green Ms. Natasha Sienitsky Mr. Dan Rosensweig Mr. Kurt Keesecker Mr. David Neuman, Ex-Officio Mr. Michael Osteen (Absent) Mr. John Santoski (Absent) Albemarle County Staff: Ms. Elaine Echols, Principal Planner Charlottesville Staff: Ms. Missy Creasy, Planning Manager Call to Order Mr. Zobrist called the meeting to order for the County and Ms. Keller did so for the City at 5:30 p.m. Ms. Creasy opened the meeting by outlining the agenda for the meeting. The environmental goals would be discussed first, followed by a discussion of the "One" Map. Mr. Rosensweig noted that nothing in the City comprehensive plan discusses preserving open space within the County. He would like the City to develop goals that discuss preservation of open space in the County because that open space is just as important to the County as it is to the City. Ms. Keller would rather focus on regional links and not dilute the City's own environmental goals. Mr. Lafferty noted that topics such as climate protection, TMDL, and mountaintop protection also need attention. Mr. Franco suggested the County look at the City's environmental goals to assess the effectiveness of those goals. Paralleling what the City is doing will assist in protecting the waterways in both the City and County. Mr. Morris believes the Rivanna River should be discussed more in depth. The river serves as common ground for the City and County. ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - JOINT CITY/COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 1 SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 FINAL MINUTES Ms. Echols questioned both commissions on any lingering environmental issues to be aware of. Mr. Zobrist believes the shared benefit of the environment should be emphasized, but is curious on how the City and County can work together to address these goals. Mr. Lafferty believes air quality degradation needs to be addressed. Ms. Keller highlighted the exclusivity of the City goals. She wants the City to look into expanding the reach of their goals. Mr. Franco mentioned that goals do not protect resources, objectives, and policy do. He thought both the City and County should address the weaknesses in the plans. By addressing the weaknesses, the goals of balancing differing objectives can potentially be accomplished. Without further comment on the regional environmental goals, Ms. Creasy moved the discussion to sustainable development. Mr. Rosensweig thought the development goals focused more on buildings than sites. The goals are lofty and great, but don't hit the issue. Ms. Keller believed more focus should be placed on City/County borders where development of services may rise. *40W Mr. Zobrist asked what staff meant by "sustainable development." Ms. Creasy noted the definition would be left open so future conversations are not steered in one direction or the other. The discussion then transitioned into water quality goals. Mr. Franco thought it was interesting that the City did not have language that paralleled County goals given the common waterways. Mr. Zobrist desired to see some discussion on wells and the threat well digging in service areas has on the community water table. Ms. Porterfield made a point that the City and County cannot agree on water supply plans including how to conserve water. After comments relating to sustainable development had been made, Ms. Creasy transitioned the discussion to Trails. Mr. Lafferty noted that encouraging regional connectivity is very important. Ms. Green echoed Mr. Lafferty's assertion and encouraged the commissions to consider cyclists and the availability of trails that connect Forest Lakes to the City or Crozet to the City. Ms. Echols began the second portion of the meeting by introducing the regional land use goals. She noted that following a field study of City/County borders, staff agreed the land uses were ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - JOINT CITY/COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 FINAL MINUTES compatible. Two areas chosen for more discussion were the Rivanna River border, specifically where Pantops transitions into the City and the Woolen Mills City/ County border. Mr. Rosensweig was interested in studying the Rio Rd/Gasoline Alley location. He referenced the Torti Gallas study and how that had envisioned the Rio Rd/ Gasoline Alley area as mixed - use. Mr. Morris asked if there was any possibility of rezoning portions of River Road to make the area more compatible with the County. Ms. Keller highlighted the area between Barracks and Rio as areas projected for more growth. Ms. Porterfield wanted everyone to keep in mind the Village of Rivanna development area and how traffic from the east including the VOR, Lake Monticello and Zion Crossroads impacts Pantops. Following the discussion of land use, members from the public were able to speak. Bill Emory, resident of the Woolen Mills neighborhood, asked that the River Corridor be addressed, particularly the historic Darden Towe and Woolen Mills districts. Neil Williamson, representing the Free Enterprise Forum, was concerned about the politicization of some of the goals listed in the plan. He would like input from the City and County governing bodies to cast realism over some of the goals. Randy Salzman, resident of 10t' and Page neighborhood, asked that both Commissions consider greenways as transportation, not just recreation. Joint Meeting Adjournment: Mr. Zobrist moved to adjourn, Mr. Loach seconded. The meeting ended at 7 p.m. No formal action was taken. The joint meeting of the Planning Commissions was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. by Genevieve Keller — City Chair and Mr. Zobrist, County Chair. The next meeting of the Albemarle County Planning Commission will be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 27, 2010 at the County Office Building, Auditorium, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. C ' II V. Wayne Cilffnberg, Secretary (Submitted by Sharon Taylor, Clerk to Planning Commission & Planning Boards) ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - JOINT CITY/COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 3 SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 FINAL MINUTES