HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 07 84 PC MinutesAugust 7, 1984
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday,
August 7, 1984, Meeting Room 7, County Office Building, Charlottesville,
Virginia. Those members present were: Mr. David Bowerman, Chairman; Mr.
,Tames Skove; Mr. Richard Cogan; Mr. Harry Wilkerson; and Mr. Tim Michel.
Other officials present were: Ms. Katherine Imhoff, Chief of Community
Development; Mr. Ron Keeler, Chief of Planning; Mr. James Donnelly,
Director of Planning and Community Development; and Mr. Fred Payne,
Deputy County. Attorney. Absent: Commissioners Diehl and Gould.
The Chairman called the meeting to order and established that a quorum was
present.
CPA-84-8 - Resolution of Intent to amend the Albemarle County Comprehensive
Plan 1982-2002 to recommend commercial office development for specified areas
of Rio Road as opposed to residential development (both medium and low density
residential). The area under consideration is located on the north side of
Rt. 631 (Rio Road), east of the existing Putt -Putt golf course and west of
Rt. 652 (Old Brook Road); to the north it is bounded by the Raintree Sub-
division. Approximately 9.5 acres are involved.
Ms. Imhoff gave the staff report.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Mr. Bowerman felt this was an appropriate use for this area.
Mr. Skove agreed and moved that CPA-84-8, to amend the Albemarle County
Comprehensive Plan 1982-2002 to recommend commercial office development for
specified areas of Rio Road as opposed to residential development (on the
north side of Rt. 631, Rio Road, east of the existing Putt -Putt golf course
and west of Rt. 652, Old Brook Road), be recommended to the Board of Super-
visors for approval.
Mr. Wilkerson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
ZMA-84-18 Randolph D. Wade - Request to rezone approximately 2.7 acres from
R-10 Residential to CO Commercial Office. Property is located on the north
side of Rio Road approximately 0.4 mile east of Rt. 29 North. Tax Map 61,
parcels 124A and 124B. Charlottesville Magisterial District.
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report. Staff recommended approval.
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
Mr. R.D. Wade -was present but offered no additional comment.
August 7, 1984
Page 2
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Echols (representing the Highway Department) if the
issues involving the single entrance had been resolved. Mr. Echols responded
nega vely. He said it was the Highway Department's recommendation that it
I d teneficial to limit "his" access to the road to the townhouses.
Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Wade if that was his intention. Mr. Wade responded that
he felt this was "practical and reasonable." He noted that he did not have
a specific plan in mind at this time, but it seemed reasonable.
Mr. Skove asked if all three of these parcels could have separate accesses
to Rio Road. Mr. Keeler explained that would be for the Commission to determine
at the time site plans were submitted for the parcels. He added, however, that
it would be better if this issue could be decided at this stage, i.e. the
rezoning. Mr. Skove asked how this could be accomplished. Mr. Keeler explained
that "Mr. Wade would have to offer that in writing."
Mr. Echols added that access was conceivable for all three parcels, but "they
would have to build their own turn lanes, etc."
Mr. Keeler added that the property that was already zoned CO had restricted
access to the townhouse road at the time of the subdivision plat.
Mr. Keeler explained that if the Commission wished, they could defer this
request to allow the applicant time to consider submitting a written offer
Lu restrict the parcels to one access, or .the applicant could make such an
offer before the Board hearing..
There was a brief discussion concerning whether to defer the request or to
deny it and advise the Board that the Commission could have acted favorably
had the applicant proffered to restrict access. The Chairman asked the
applicant his preference.
Mr. Wade asked if the Commission could take action based on a "verbal offer."
-Mr. Bowerman felt that would be against Commission policy. lie asked 'Mr.
Payne to comment. Mr. Payne stated it could not be considered in proper
form unless it was submitted to the Board in writing prior to the Board's
public hearing. However, he added that if Mr. Wade stated for the record
that it was his intention to make such a proffer, the Commission could
recommend the rezoning subject to the "proffer being perfected in due course."
Mr. Wade stated, "I as -willing to go on record accepting that tonight if that
would expedite your action."
Mr. Skove moved that ZMA--84-18 for Randolph D. Wade be recommended to the Board
of Supervisors for approval,with the understanding that the applicant will
submit a written proffer to the Board before the Board's review of the
request.
.Mr. Cogan seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
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August 7, 1984
Page 3
SP-84-45 Christian Missionary'& Alliance Church - Request to establish a
church in accordance with Section 14.2.2.2.12. Property consisting of 4.654
acres zoned R-2 Residential, is located on the north side of Rio Road
(Rt. 631) and houses Merridale School. Tax Map 61, Parcel 127. Charlottes-
ville Magisterial District.
Mr. Payne noted that he had represented this client at one time and therefore
he was excusing himself from participating in this discussion.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report. Staff recommended approval subject to
one condition.
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
The applicant was represented by Mr. Mike Quesenberry who offered no additional
comment.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Mr. Michel stated staff had addressed his only concern (access) and, therefore,
he moved that SP-84-45 for Christian Missionary & Alliance Church be recom-
mended to the Board of Supervisors for approval subject to the following
condition:
1. Access restricted to Old Brook Road (Rt. 652).
Mr. Skove seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Echols why a turn lane is not required in this
case, i.e. at the intersection of Rio Road and Old Brook Road. Mr.
Echols explained that a turn lane could not be constructed because the
public roads are too close together.
There was a brief discussion of the design plans for the roadway in this
area.
The Commission expressed serious concerns about the problems with
Rio Road in this area. However, Mr. Bowerman stated he had no problems
with the other aspects of the application.
Mr. Cogan moved that SP-84-45 for Christian Missionary & Alliance Church
be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval. (It was pointed
out that a motion was already on the floor.)
The Chairman called for a vote on the previously -stated motion for approval.
The motion passed unanimously.
The matter was to be heard by the Board on October 15, 1988.
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August 7, 1984 Page 4
SP-84-43 Robert & Elizabeth Wilson (Little Keswick School, Inc.) - Request
to expand Little Keswick School in accordance with Section 10.2.2.5, property
consisting of 1.19 acres zoned Rural Areas, located north side of Rt. 731,
approximately 300 feet southwest of Rt. 22. Tax Map 80, parcel 112.
Rivanna Magisterial District.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report. The report concluded: "Staff cannot
recommend favorably on this request due to safety concerns." The report
explained that sight distance was inadequate.
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
The applicant, Mr. Robert Wilson, addressed the Commission. He stated the
entrance has been in use for over 100 years and he did not understand why
there was concern at this point.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
It was determined.this section was paved, though south of the entrance
is gravel.
:sir. Wilson added that he had removed several trees at the recommendation of
the Highway Department in order to improve sight distance. He also stated
he had widened the road at his own expense.
It was determined the average speed was 25-30 mph in the vicinity of the
house.
Mr. Wilson stated he would not be increasing enrollment from the present
total of 26.
Mr. Wilson stated there had been no traffic problems since the establishment
of the school in 1963. Mr. Wilson further explained that the three students
who would be housed in the dwelling were already enrolled in the school, but
would now be staying overnight, thus the need for the special permit. He
also explained that most of the traffic between the two school buildings
would be pedestrian traffic, i.e. students accompanied by a teacher.
Mr. Skove stated the proposal did not appear to be a significant change
from the present use of the property.
Mr. Cogan stated that though he would like to go along with the Highway
Departments recommendation, the school has been in existence with basically
the same use for a number of years, apparently without problems. He felt
that with the proper signage installed and a crosswalk the safety factor
would be improved. He could not envision any high-speed traffic on this
road.
It was ascertained the Highway Department would�lesponsible for installation
of signs and a crosswalk. Mr. Echols, representing the Highway Department,
stated, however, that he felt there was no need for a crosswalk because of
the low volume of use. He added that signs already exist for the Fire House.
Mr. Bowerman suggested a "School Crossing" sign. Mr. Echols stated this
would be an "international" type sign with pictures rather than words.
August 7, 1984
Page 5
Mr. Cogan felt a School Crossing sign would have more impact than the
Fire House sign.
Mr. Keeler felt it would be valuable to install a crosswalk because it would
establish a location where the children can cross and become accustomed to
that one particular place. He agreed with Mr. Echols that a crosswalk in a
rural location would not slow traffic but it would establish a location where
pedestrians have better sight distance. Mr.. Keeler also explained
a misunderstanding of the applicant's application. He stated that he
had been under the impression that the students using the main school would
also be crossing the street to use this building, i.e. this classroom
would be available to all 26 students. He pointed out that Mr. Wilson
had indicated that was not the case, and actually only three students would
be crossing, twice a day.
Mr. Keeler agreed this would reduce staff's concern, but he stated he still
felt crossing should occur where pedestrians have the maximum sight distance
in either direction.
It was determined the Commission would make a recommendation to the
Highway Department regarding the installation of a crosswalk and sign.
Mr. Skove moved that SP-84-43 for Robert & Elizabeth Wilson (Little Keswick
School) be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
Mr. Wilkerson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
It was agreed that a school crossing sign would be a necessary adjunct to
the use. Mr. Bowerman also agreed with Mr. Keeler's position regarding the
crosswalk.
Mr. Cogan suggested that the applicant locate the pedestrian walkways on
each side of the property so that they would lead to the crosswalk. It was
determined only those three.children residing in the dwelling would .be using
the crosswalk, and the children who would reside in the dwelling would
always be around the age of 14. (Mr. Wilson explained that the school has
two additional dormitories.) It was also determined that a teacher would
always be crossing with the children.
Mr. Wilkerson felt a crosswalk was not needed for such a small number,
particularly since a teacher would always accompany the children.
Mr. Michel agreed with Mr. Wilkerson regarding the crosswalk. He stated
he would be satisfied with a sign.
Mr. Skove moved that staff request that the Highway Department install
a School Crossing sign at this location.
Mr. Wilkerson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
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August 7, 1984
Page 6
Sherwood Farms Final Plat - Request for administrative approval of expired
plat.
The applicant had requested deferral of this item.
Mr. Skove moved, seconded by Mr. Wilkerson, that the Sherwood Farms Final
Plat be deferred to August 21, 1984. The motion passed unanimously.
Madison Park Office Condominium Site Plan, Section 3 & 4 - Request for extension
of site plan approval. Zoned CO, Commercial Office. Jack Jouett Magisterial
District. Tax Map 60, Parcel 24A.
This item had been withdrawn.
Mr. Wilkerson moved, seconded by Mr. Skove that the applicant's request for
withdrawal be accepted. The motion passed unanimously.
Miscellaneous
Mr. Donnelly reported that a position had been approved for Recording
Secretary for the Commission and the position would be filled shortly.
:fir. Skove moved that the Uommission adjourn to Executive Session to discuss
litigation matters, and also a personnel matter.
Mr. Wilkerson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. The regular meeting
reconvened at 9:05 and adjourned at 9:10.
Recorded by: Janice Wi11s
Transcribed by: Deloris Sessoms, July, 1988