HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 25 84 PC MinutesSeptember 25, 1984
The Albemarle County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Tuesday,
September 25, 1984, Meeting Room 7, County Office Building, Charlottesville,
Virginia. Those members present were: Mr. David Bowerman, Chairman; Mr.
Richard Cogan, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Richard Gould; Mr. James Skove; Mr. Harry
Wilkerson; Mr. Tim Michel; Ms. Norma Diehl; and Ms. Patricia Cooke. Other
officials present were: Mr. James Donnelly, Director of Planning and Community
Development; Mr. Ronald Keeler, Chief of Planning; Ms. Amelia McCulley,
Planner; Ms. Mary Joy Scala, Senior Planner, Ms. Marcia Joseph, Planner; and
Mr. Frederick Payne, Deputy County Attorney.
Mr. Bowerman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m, after establishing that a
quorum was present.
Mr. Bowerman stated that approval of the September 11, 1984 minutes would be
deferred until October 2, 1984.
SP-84-57 OTIC REALTY SERVICE CORPORATION (UNOGEN)- Pharmaceutical laboratory
and production facility to be located in the existing Tull building. Located
on the south side of Route 738 near Ivy on 9.67 acres zoned LI, Light
Industry. Tax Map 58, parcel 37C (part of). Samuel Miller
Magisterial District.
Ms. Mary Joy Scala gave the staff report.
At the end of Ms. Scala's report she stated that Mr. Keeler had just learned
from David Papenfuse, a School Board member, that the School Board has no
objections to the UNOGEN proposal.
In addition to her report, Ms. Scala added that the State Health Department
had shown concern regarding the quantities of cell cultures and culture
medium being disposed of via septic tank drain field and it was their feeling
that should the amounts to be disposed of ever exceed a few gallons per day
an aerobic unit would be needed for pretreatment prior to discharge into the
absorption field. Ms. Scala said she could anticipate there might be a need
for the applicant to apply for this aerobic system sometime in the future.
She added that an opinion from the State Water Control Board had not been
obtained, and it was her belief that they would have the final authority
since they regulate industrial waste.
Mr. Cogan asked for clarification as to whether or not staff was requesting
a site plan from the applicant.
Ms. Scala said a complete site plan was not being requested, but that a
sketch was needed showing that adequate parking was available to the facility.
She added that staff wanted to insure that the vegetative buffer would remain
in place.
Mr. Gould, referring to Dr. Macrina's letter of August 21, 1984 to Dr. Woodward,
asked for clarification of the "exemptions" from NIH regulations which were
referred to in said letter.
Ms. Scala said she did not feel this to be of concern to staff since it dealt
with laboratory procedures.
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September 25, 1984 Page 2
Mr. Bowerman asked for comments from the applicant.
mr. Fred Landess, representing the applicant, addressed the Commission.
He stated several authorities in regard to this matter were present at the
meeting and,available to answer questions. Mr. Landess stated that,
according to his understanding of the Ordinance, a special permit was
not really needed in this matter since, by matter of right, the applicant's
Proposal fell within all the criteria stated in the Ordinance. He felt the
only possible reason a'special permit might -be needed revolved around
the term "laboratory" since medical or pharmaceutical laboratories did
require a special use permit. However, he interpreted that to mean facilities
which were strictly laboratories, not a manufacturing facility which had
a laboratory as an ancillary part.
Dr. Michael Woodward, Staff Scientist for UNOGEN, addressed the Commission.
He stated there were no biological hazards involved in this type.of work
since the bacteria to be used will not grow in human or animal intestines,
He stressed that scientific research has proven this to be true. He stated
UNOGEN's procedures would exceed the guidelines recommended by the Federal
and State regulatory agencies. In answer to Mr..Gould's former.question
regarding exemptions, Dr. Woodward stated i'NIOGEN falls into a classification
known as PI Containment Levels which means that not more than 10 liters
at a time of bacteria culture media can be processed. He stated UNNOGE\'s
containment facilities would exceed that and they would not have to go beyond
the P1 level. Dr. Woodward further stated that all hazardous chemicals or
potentially hazardous chemicals would not pose a threat to the surrounding
community because: (1) UNOGEN uses rigorous safety and containment
procedures --locked, explosion -proof cabinets with different chemicals being
stored apart from one another; (2) The amounts of chemicals used are very
small. In regard to testing of well -water, he stated UNOGENN would have
no objections.to doing this since the quality of the water was also very
critical to their operation. He stated there would be no problem with
the hazardous waste pick-ups being made outside of school hours and at low
traffic use times. Dr. Woodward stated that radioactive isotopes would be used
at the facility, but only infrequently and when absolutely necessary, and
in very small amounts. He stated their use is strictly regulated by the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission and UNOGEN is currently trying to obtain.a
license from the NRC.to use these isotopes. He stressed that no product
that UNTOGEN sells would have radio -active isotopes in it. Again he noted
that regular safety and containment procedures would be followed in the
use of these isotopes. In case of a spill, he stated spill -kits would be
in each lab with monitoring equipment on hand. He pointed out that the
research labs would not have floor drains (eliminates the possibility of
these going into the septic system). He stated that CH2M Hill is currently
processing an application to go to the State Water Control Board
concerning what UNOGEN will be allowed to put into the septic system. He
added that L'`OGEN is in contact with Mr. Cortez and that he is certain they will
be able to satisfy Mr. Cortez's requirements concerning fire regulations.
Mr. Bowerman asked for comments from the public.
X.s. Beth Seltzer, a resident of Ivy, addressed the Commission. She first
submitted a petition to the Commission, on which she had obtained several
signatures, opposing the UNOGEN proposal. She stated her feeling that,
no matter how well intentioned and safety conscious UNOGEN may be, there
September 25, 1954 Page 3
is always the chance for error. She referred to examples given by Sheriff Bailey
at a meeting held the previous week regarding chemical spills in the area and
radio -active bags found along the side of the road. She stated concern in regard
to pollution of the ground water and the safety of the children at Murray Hill
School (next to the proposed site) should such an error occur. She also stated
concern as to the future expansion of the facility or a different use coming
into being. She further stated concern regarding the company which UNOGEN
will employ to remove their hazardous wastes, since many of these companies
have been cited for being u nsafe.A major concern in this regard was what type
of hazardous materials would already be present on the truck when it makes its
pick-up at UNOGEN. She pointed out that these trucks would be traveling
through a residential community on roads that were already heavily traveled.
She pointed out the site would not have suitable access to Rt. 250 and all
trucking must pass through residential neighborhoods. She concluded by stating
her feeling that no company should be allowed that pose any risks to the
watershed and surrounding well water.
Ms. Leslie Reed, an Ivy resident,addressed the Commission Ms. Reed stated she
had obtained information on American Recovery Company, the company UNOGEN had
proposed to remove their hazardous wastes, which shows that company to be under
criminal investigation in Maryland for numerous violations. She said this shows
this company to be careless in the treatment of the wastes and she added some
of the violations involved relate to transport. She added that said company
has had three explosions on their site due to having chemicals present which
had not been allowed and also because of incorrect handling of incompatible
wastes. She said EPA had referred to this company as being "sloppy." She said
she had Confronted UNOGEN with this information and they had not been aware
of this history regarding American Recovery Company. She stated her concern
that UNOGEN had not researched the record of the company more thoroughly since
this was such an important aspect of this matter. She stated that, although
UNOGEN has not yet contracted with American Recovery, there is no assurance
that they will not do so, or that they will not contract with a company that .
may have a similar safety record. She stated her agreement with the recommendation
that the pick-up trucks not be allowed during school hours, but she did feel
this could not be enforced.
Mr. Russell Seltzer, an Ivy resident, addressed the Commission. He stated
concern in regard to the future expansion of the business. -He added his
belief that this proposal was Clearly in opposition to the Comprehensive
Plan and the down zoning of the Ivy area. Mr. Seltzer felt that even though
the examination and testing of well water may be a nobel undertaking,
once well water is contaminated, it is too late. Though this testing would
protect the residents by keeping them from drinking the water were it to
become contaminated, the property would then be worthless. He felt that
recent history has shown that once water becomes contaminated, it is almost
a "forever" type of situation. He felt that the testing of the well water
was just not a sufficient. restriction in regard to the protection of properties.
He also stated concern as to where the water would come from to meet Mr.
Cortez's requirement for 1,500 GPM necessary for fire protection.
Mr. Payne entered the meeting at this point.
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September 25, 1984 Page .4.
Mr. Seltzer continued, stating he would like for the actual times that
waste pick-ups would be allowed to be stated clearly, days, hours, etc. He
also felt that L'NOGEN should be required to post some sort of security bond
which would insure against..property damage .to residents, said bond being
nonrefundable for several years after the company's dissolution. He concluded
by stating he ,was against this proposal..'
Ms. Terra McLaughlin, an Ivy resident, addressed..the Commission. She stated
that, as a parent, she is concerned about the hazardous wastes since she
will have a child at Murray Hill School. She did not feel that the residents
should have to carry the burden for this company.
There being no further public -comment, the matter was placed, before the
Commission..
Mr. Cogan determined that comment still had not been obtained from the
State Water Control Board and only partial comment had been secured from
the Health Department.
In response to Mr. Bowerman's question as to how many additional pick-ups
would be needed in case the State Water Control Board.disallowed.the applicant's
proposal to dispose of some of these materials, Dr. Woodward stated that
while a slightlylarger storage area might be needed, no extra truck trips
would be needed (twice yearly would still be sufficient). He pointed out
that the Health Department has said that.the material is safe to go into
a septic system.
In response to Ms. Diehls' question as to the disposal of glacial acetic acid
and various alcohols:' Dr. Woodward stated that glacial acetic acid would not be
dumped into the septic system. He explained that any acid solution must
first be neutralized until they become a material that is acceptable for
disposal into a septic system (e.g,., acetic acid would become a salt). He
added if any acid solution could not be neutralized, it would be hauled
away. Concerning the disposal of alcohols, he said they would be disposed
of in low concentrations so as to be metabolizable by the bacteria that
would be currently in existence in the septic system. It was determined
that this type of disposal would account fok approximately 4%-5% of the.
total volume of waste per day.
In response to Mr. [tiilkerson's question regarding the information that
had beer. presented tonight on American Recovery Company, Dr. Woodward
stated that he was very interested in the information. He added that he
had checked with other institutions inthe area which use this company
and had found these institutions to be satisfied with said company's
performance. He said he,. too, had found this information very distressing
and that UNOGEN was looking into the possibility of using two other
companies. He stated no .contract with American Recovery was in existence.
He admitted .that a thorough background check had not been made by.L`OGEN,
but stated that they had checked with UVA and Piedmont Virginia Community
College (users of American Recovery }. These two sources had reported
no problems with the company.
In response to Mr. Wilkerson's question regarding the training and qualifications
of employees of UrtiOGEN, Dr. Woodward stated that he was the current laboratory
supervisor and that all persons employed would be quite competent and well -
trained.
September 25, 1984
Page 5.
In regard to Ms. Diehl`s question regarding fire protection requirements, Dr.
Woodward stated that he had spoken with Mr. Cortez at length and that a chemical -based
sprinkler system would be installed (a water -based system would destroy. the
equipment). He said that Mr. Cortez had indicated that such a system, which
meets NFPA regulations, would be satisfactory and no pond would be needed on
the premise. Dr. Woodward pointed out that this type of chemical system would
insure that a fire would be contained within the building. He also pointed
out that the building was well buffered from the surrounding community.
Mr. Ia.ndess added that if a sprinkler system covered the entire facility, then,
as he understood it, a huge quantity of water from outside would not be required.
Mr. Cogan addressed Mr. Payne to make him aware of Mr. Landess` statement
at the beginning of the meeting regarding his feeling that a special permit was not
actually needed in this case. Mr. Payne indicated understanding.
Ms. Scala, referring to recommendation No. 8 in the staff report, stated if any
change were made in the use of the facility, the applicant would have to
secure approval once again, including any change in the physical building.
In response to Mr. Bowerman's question reaarding the quarterly testing of the
wells, Ms. Scala indicated she was unsure as to who would receive these reports.
Ms. Cooke asked Dr. Woodward if the proposed testing of the water was to be
done for the benefit of UNOGEN (to insure the water quality met their needs)
or for the benefit of the residents (to insure its safeness). Dr. Woodward
responded that it would be tested for both reasons.
Mr. Cogan pointed out that the hazards associated with this type of facility
are of more of an unknown nature to the public, thus making them more frightening.
He further stated that both the Light Industrial Statement of Intent and the
Comprehensive Plan Industrial Standards recommend the use of public utilities.
He stated he agreed with that recommendation and thought this to be the main
issue in this case. He expressed concern about the various types of monitoring
that would be necessary in this type of operation. Mr. Cogan also stated
his feeling that the applicant should have researched the background of the
hauling company, American Recovery, more thoroughly, since this information
seemed to have been fairly easy to obtain. He felt if something of that
importance could be overlooked, other things could be overlooked also. He
added that no matter how well-intentioned UNOGEN might be, there is always
the potential for human error. Mr. Cogan said that there is a place in
Albemarle County for this particular use, but he felt it should be where
public utilities are available and better road conditions exist. He said he
felt this particular facility would be better suited for use as a warehouse
or something of that nature.
Ms. Diehl stated that the very nature of this operation would ensure a sterile
environment and precise handling of materials. She also pointed out that
small quantities of materials would be used. She stated she could support the
special permit with the conditions of staff.
Mr. Skove stated that even though he agreed with a former comment that this
type of activity was not appropriate for the watershed, he felt he must go
along with the experts and that he would support the special permit with the
conditions of staff.
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September 25, 1984
Page 6
Air. Gould stated that, given the recommendations of staff, and considering
the openness with which the applicant had presented the application, he
could support the special permit.
Mr. Wilkerson, stating he could support the special permit, moved. that SP-84-57
be approved with the recommendations as outlined by staff.
Air. Bowerman asked that recommendation.No. 5, regarding the testing of wells,
be amended to include "and an interpretation of the results of said testing
shall be made available to the School Board and the Planning staff."
It was also determined.that the second option under recommendation No. 3
was preferable. .
It was determined that recommendation No. 11, regarding the pick-up of waste
materials, be amended to include "including busing hours before and after school."
Dr. Woodward indicated that iJNOGEN'would be glad to schedule these twice yearly
pick-ups during school vacation periods.
Mr. Wilkerson restated his motion and moved that SP-84--57,.Otic Realty Services
Corporation (UNOGEN), be approved with the recommendations as outlined by
staff and as amended as noted. Air. Gould seconded the :notion.
The special permit was approved with Mr. Wilkerson, Mr'. Bowerman, Ms. Diehl,
Mr. Gould, Mr. Michel and Mr. Skove voting in favor and Mr. Cogan voting
against. It was scheduled to be heard by the Board of Supervisors on October
3, 1984. .
The meeting recessed at this time (9:00 p.m.). Mr. Gould left the meeting
at this point.
The meeting reconvened at 9:20 p.m.
THORNLEY PRELIMINARY PLAT - Located on the east side of Route 729, adjacent to
the south of the University of Virginia ?airport at Milton. Proposal to create
four lots ranging in size from 6.2 to 25.0 acres to be served by a private
road. Zoned RA, Rural Areas. Tax Map 93, parcel 58. Scottsville Magisterial
District.
)1r. Keeler gave the staff report.
Mr. Tom Gale, representing the applicant, stated it was the applicant's
desire that the Commission consider approving a private road.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed.before the Commission.
Mr. Skove stated he did not feel he could make an exception in this case and
would prefer that a public road be approved.
Mr. Cogan asked for clarification as to why this would be an exception if
the private road requirements were met.
September 25, 1984
Page 7
Mr. Skove, reading from the staff report, stated "private roads are intended
to be the exception."
In response to Mr. Michel's request, Mr. Keeler reviewed the five cases where
private roads may be permitted: (1) Where all lots are five acres or greater;
(2) Where only two lots are involved in the subdivision and the road serves
only those two lots (a state road is not allowed until there are three lots);
(3) For non-agricultural and non-residential uses (e.g. the road around the
edge of Fashion Square Mall is a private road); (4) In growth areas for uses
other than single-family dwellings (e.g. townhouse -type developments where a
public road would consume a lot of land); and (5) Family division. He
added that the Subdivision Ordinance states that the Planning Commission may
authorize a private road in one of the above -stated cases. He confirmed
that this had been done before.
Mr. Bowerman stated that the issue of public vs. private roads keeps coming up.
He added that public roads are the norm in almost every area of the state with
the exception of Albemarle County. He stated that in the past few years
most applications in the rural areas have been for private roads with no
apparent need for the private road other than the economics and the cost of
building a public road. He reminded the Commission that the Private Road
Ordinance that was recently adopted was an attempt to limit the use of private
roads to those situations where there existed clearly definable reasons for
a private road. He stated, in this case, he did not see a clearly demonstrated
need for a private road. He said that in many cases, these private roads
must eventually be accepted into the county or state system because of their
high maintenance cost.
Mr. Cogan asked if it would be possible to move the location of the road to a
place that would be acceptable to the Highway Department and if no such
place existed, then, at that time, the Commission would consider approving
a private road.
Ms. Diehl moved that the Thornley Preliminary Plat be approved with the
conditions as outlined by staff and amended as follows: The second option
(a.) under No. 1, ,dealing with a private road, be eliminated and the first
option (a.) be approved with the following addition "...and all lots to
enter only on the new road"; and recommendation No. 1 (d.) be amended to
read as follows "Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation approval
of road plans and entrance permit, including entrance location and sight distance
and drainage plans and computations." Mr. Cogan seconded the motion.
The Thornley Preliminary Plat was unanimously approved.
LOCUST HILL FINAL PLAT - Located on the north side of Route 678, approximately
1/2 mile north of Route 250 west, north of Ivy. Proposal to create five
lots ranging in size from 2.516 acres to 5.017 acres, served by a proposed
public road. Zoned RA, Rural Areas. Tax Map 58, parcel 84. Samuel 14iller
Magisterial District.
Ms. Amelia McCulley gave the staff report.
September 25, 1984
Page 8
Mr. Roger Ray, representing the applicant, stated there was no problems
with the conditions of approval as recommended by staff.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Mr. ?Michel moved to approve the Locust Hill Final Plat with the recommendations
as outlined by staff. Mr. Wilkerson.seconded the motion.
Ms. Diehl commented that generally before a final plat comes before the
Commission, more.of the conditions of approval have already been. met.
The Locust Hill Final Plat was unanimously approved.
OLLIE FITZGERALD, LOTS 6 and 7 FINAL FLAT - Located on the west side of Route 660,
adjacent to Fairgrove Subdivision. Proposal to create one 5.31 acre parcel and
one 5.42 acre parcel served by a private road, with access to lot 5. Zoned RA,
Rural Areas. Tax 'Map 30, parcel 24. Rivanna Magisterial District..
Ms. McCulley gave the staff report.
In response to Ms. Diehl's question concerning how many lots were currently being
servedby this current entrance, Ms. McCulley explained that there are .three.
lots, but one lot has its own entrance.
Mr. :Morris Foster, representing the applicant, gave a brief history of the
road, and stated the applicant felt the tract could be put to better use with
the division into two parcels.
Mr. Bowerman asked for public comment.
Mr. James Mergner, an adjoining property owner,addressed the Commission. He
stated he had no objections to the division of.the property but that he
was concerned about the runoff from the road onto Lot 14., He stated that
staff had addressed his concerns in their recommendations. He stated it
was his desire that the existing conditions would not be aggravated by
a new road.
There being..no further comment the scatter was placed before the Commission.
mr. Skove moved that the 011ie Fitzgerald, Lots 6 and 7 Final Plat be approved
with the conditions as outlined by staff. Mr. Cogan seconded the motion.
The 011ie Fitzgerald Final Plat was unanimously approved.
SANDRA LLOYD PRELIMINARY PLAT - Located on the east side of Barracks Road
between the intersections of Rickey Road and Bennington Road. Proposal to
create four (4) lots, average lot size 11,867 square feet from a 1.090
acre parcel, to serve a single family house and a triplex. Zoned R-4,.
Residential. Tax Map 61K, parcel 8-A-12. Charlottesville Magisterial
District.
Ms. :McCulley gave the staff report.
September 25, 1984 Page 9
In response to Mr. Bowerman's inquiry, 14s. McCulley stated the lot size of
Lot C to be 3,580 square feet.
In response to Mr. Cogan's question, Mr. Payne stated there was nothing in
the Ordinance to preclude a driveway going to lots 12B, C and D.
Mr. Payne pointed out the request was not actually a waiver since the
Ordinance contemplates this approval if it is determined that this arrangement
is superior in terms of general public interest. He said the alternative
to allowing this private road would be multiple separate entrances.
Mr. Michel commented on the fact that Lot 12C was very small (being only 20
feet wide).
Mr. Payne explained that the Zoning Administrator (two or three years previously)
determined the Ordinance to permit this situation. (Mr. Michel noted this
was one-half the size that the City would allow.) Mr. Payne said he did not
necessarily see this as being wrong, if the alternative would be to make it
a condominium. He added if single-family dwellings exist that do not impose
a minimum lot size, it would be necessary to keep very careful records in
case of future development. He said that was what Ms. McCulley was concerned
about with Lot 12A and he, too, felt this presented a significant problem.
Mr. Bowerman asked for comment from the applicant.
Mr. Morris Foster, representing the applicant, addressed the Commission.
He pointed out the reason for not using a typical type of driveway
was so that the trees could be preserved. He also stated that with any type
of attached housing the lot size would be dictated by the particular width
of such housing. He stated the proposal was a good use for the site.
In response to Mr. Bowerman's question, Mr. Foster said that consideration
had been given to rotating the building, but this would be difficult to
do and still preserve all the large trees.
Mr. Bowerman asked for public comment.
Mr. Gaston Fornes, a resident of Canturbury Hills, addressed the Commission.
He indicated opposition to the small size of the lots being proposed.
He also voiced concern as to the increased traffic problems, this being
a very dangerous intersection. (Ms. McCulley clarified for Mr. Fornes that
only three additional units were being proposed.) He also indicated -opposition
to having additional rental units in this area.
Mr. Grant Woodford, a resident of Rickey Road, addressed the Commission.
He stated his opposition to the proposal because he felt it would devalue
his property.
Mr. Arthur Stubbs, a.resident of Bennington Road, expressed his opposition
to the plan because he felt it would devalue his property.
Ms. Katherine Ayers, a resident of Bennington Road, expressed her opposition
because of increased traffic problems and devaluation of property.
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September 25, 1984.
Page 10
There being.no further public comment the matter was placed before the
Commission.
Mr. Bowerman stated that although the zoning is R4, allowing 4 units per
acre, he felt that putting a triplex in this location would be out of
character. He felt that the particular layout of this lot was too
intensive and that he did not feel he could support the application
even though it did meet Ordinance requirements.
:GIs. Diehl stated she felt this to be an exaggerated increase in density
and she could anticipate that this might set a precedent for in --filling.
She also asked if the existing private driveway which the VDH&T had
recommended be upgraded were the one that is shown of if the one shown
is a relocation. It was determined that the existing driveway exists
where shown. She agreed with Mr. Bowerman that she ,could not support
the application.
Mr. Cogan stated he did not feel it was the intention of the R4 to cram
three dwelling units onto Mess than.1/2 acre of.land.
Mr. Cogan moved that the Sandra Lloyd Preliminary Plat be denied because
of the unusual lot sizes not being conducive to the surrounding area
and because of the over -intensification of the land.
Mr. Payne .stated it would be difficult to consider this an "odd -shaped
lot" because the Ordinance so specifically contemplates subdivision of
land to provide for townhouses.
Mr. Cogan stated that if.a reason were needed to deny this, then the
Commission did not have.to grant the double frontage.
Mr. Bowerman asked for a second to fir. Cogan's motion to deny. Mr.
Cogan then withdrew his motion.
Mr. Bowerman stated that although this proposal might meet the letter
of the law, it does not meet the spirit of the law because the density
on the half -acre would be much in excess of the four dwelling units
per acre allowed. (Mr. Michel pointed out this would be creating.R6.)
Mr. Bowerman said this was not what was expected in an existing sub-
division.
Mr. Cogan pointed out that a private road would not normally be permitted
in this area, but the Commission was being asked to do this because it
was more feasible than putting in four driveways -given the configuration
of the lots.
Mr. Keeler, reading from the Ordinance, stated "Private roads are intended
to promote sensitivity towards the natural characteristics of the site and
encourage subdivision consistent and harmonious with the surrounding
development."
Mr. Cogan, agreeing with this, said he could not approve a private road and
he would not approve four driveways.
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September 25, 1984 Page 11
Mr. Payne, in response to Ms. Diehl's request, quoted the statement of
intent of the R4 as follows: "This district, hereafter referred to as
R4, is created to establish a Plan Implementation Zone that: provides for
compact, medium -density, single-family development in planned residential areas
having a high degree of supporting public facilities and utilities within
community areas and the urban area, permits a variety of housing types;
provides incentives for clustering of development and provision of locational,
environmental, and development amenities. R4 districts may be permitted within
community and urban area locations designated on the comprehensive plan in
proximity to supporting facilities, and where water and sewerage utility
services are available or to be available within two years of rezoning
application date."
In response to Ms. Diehl's question as to how this area came to be zoned R4,
Mr. Payne stated that the density of the subdivision approximates four units
per acre.
Mr. Cogan again moved to deny approval of the Lloyd Preliminary Plat based
on the over -intensification of the land and also because the Commission
does not recognize private roads in an R4 district in the urban area and
because of the safety factor involved in allowing four entrances onto
Bennington Road. Ms. Diehl seconded the motion.
Mr. Foster addressed the Commission, stating that he felt it was incorrect
to say that private roads were not allowed in the R4 district since most
all townhouse projects have private roads. He also stated that the elimination
of the private road would not necessarily mean there would have to be four
driveways onto Bennington Road.
Mr. Cogan agreed that such roads did exist, but they were not laid out the
way this one was.
Mr. Keeler stated this was not one of the five areas stated where private
roads might be permitted, adding that private roads in the growth areas
are for dwellings other than single-family detached. He said the mixing
of single-family and single-family attached in this instance makes this
a special case. He confirmed, in response to Mr. Cogan's inquiry, that
this was discretionary.
Mr. Skove, Ms Diehl and Mr. Wilkerson stated they could not support a motion
to deny.
The motion to deny approval of the Lloyd Preliminary Plat was defeated with
Mr. Bowerman and Mr. Cogan voting in favor, and Mr. Wilkerson, Ms.'Diehl,
Mr. Michel and Mr. Skove voting against.
Mr. Skove moved to approve the Lloyd Preliminary Plat with the conditions
as outlined by staff. Ms. Diehl seconded the motion with the addition
of recommendation 1. (h): All trees as shown on Plat will be maintained
and any trees damaged during construction will be replaced with similar
trees.
The Lloyd Preliminary Plat was approved with Ms. Diehl, Mr. Michel, Mr.
Skove and Mr. Wilkerson voting.in favor, and Mr. Cogan and Mr. Bowerman
voting against.
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September 25, 1984
Page 12
Mr. Bowerman noted that the Planning Commission would see the final plat.
FOUR SEASONS OFFICE - RETAIL CONDOMINIUMS - Located on the south side of Rio
Road (Route 631), adjacent to the intersection with Four Seasons Drive.,
in the Four Seasons PLD. Proposal to locate a 16,020 square foot, two story
building on .750 acres. Zoned Planned Unit Development. Tax Tap 61X(1),
Parcel 2B. Charlottesville Ma.gisterial.District.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report.
:sir. Edwards, representing the applicant, addressed the Commission. He stated
that while there was no problem with.most of the recommendations of staff, he
would prefer that No. 2 (a) be changed since some of the space might be
leased and some Night be sold. (-Mr. Payne pointed out that this was not
possible.) Mr. Edwards said he interpreted No. 2 (a) to be that if a
condominium was not created then occupancy of the building would not be
allowed.
Mr. .Edward Amato, part owner .of the property, addressed the Commission.
He stated concern that the original entranceway. into Four Seasons (as
referred to in staff recommendation 'No. 1 (a) had not been done correctly
originally, and he felt that expecting the applicant to upgrade this
entranceway was penalizing the applicant for something that should have.
been done originally. He also expressed concern over theparking easement
recommendation (No. 1 (e)). He further pointed out that the site plan
had been changed a lot since it was originally reviewed.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission.
Mr. Bowerman indicated concern in regard to available parking. He stated that
as additional uses came into being in the future, if no more parking space
were available, =developable land might be the result. He added that not
being aware of what these future uses might be, it was not possible to determine
the amount of parking that would be required. He felt staffs.attempt to deal
with this question now to be appropriate.
Mr. Echols, representing the Highway Department, responded to Mr. Bowerman's
question regarding the Highway Department's recommendations in this :natter.
He stated that the current entranceway had been there for some time and does
not meet current standards. The increased usage created by this current
proposal would necessitate the upgrading of this entrance. He added there
was nothing in the current Six -Year Plan for allocating of monies for improvement
of this section of Rio Road, although he noted there is some money for the
development of the road plans for that project, but said plans are very pre-
liminary.
-Mr. Skove stated he did not see much alternative, but to go with the Highway
Department's recommendations for the entrance.
Mr. reeler stated that one alternative had been discussed with the applicant --
closing the entrance.
It was noted that this entrance serves other through traffic and that the
Fire Department can use this entrance as it currently exists.
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September 25, 1984
Page 13
In summary, Mr. Keeler stated that were no definite plans for Rio Road at this time,
and he felt it was in the applicant's interest to consider the additional setback
line so that parking space would not be lost in the future. He added that
the Ordinance did not give the Commission the authority to consider preliminary
plans. He stated that this was an existing entrance and even though the Highway
Department has said it is inadequate, he did not think any additional permit
was required. He pointed out that the Highway Department has recommended if the
entrance is going to continue to be used, and with this additional use, it should
be upgraded. He said there were three options: (1) To close the entrance;
(2) To upgrade it; or (3) To ignore the Highway Department's recommendation.
In regard to recommendation 1. (f) concerning availability of parking space
for future development, Mr. Keeler stated that the other property owners involved
realize that some spaces within the right-of-way may be lost.
In response to Mr. Bowerman's question, Mr. Keeler confirmed that this particular
site does not support, with parking places, the proposed uses for condominium,
office and retail space, and that parking would have to be off site.
In reference to recommendation 2. (a), Mr. Bowerman asked how this might be
expressed in order to satisfy the applicants desire to have some flexibility
in the use of the property.
Mr. Payne stated this should read: Administrative approval of condominium
documents and plat if the developer desires to create condominium regimes.
Ms. Diehl moved for approval of Four Seasons Office - Retail Condominiums subject
to the following conditions:
1. A building permit will not be issued until the following
conditions have been met:
a. Upgrade entrance as recommended by Virginia Department
of Highways and Transportation including installation of
taper and turn lane, increased entrance width and removal
of traffic island:
b. Albemarle County Service Authority approval of maintenance
agreement with Rhew's Market for existing private sewer
lateral;
c. County Engineer approval of grading and drainage plans
including Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation
review of on -site drainage measures;
d. Issuance of an erosion control permit;
e. County Attorney approval of parking easement documents;
f. Written acknowledgement from all commercial property
owners that future development may be limited by parking
availability.
2. A certificate of occupancy will not be issued until the following
conditions have been met:
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September 25, 1984
Page 14
a. Administrative approval of condominium documents and :plat
if the developer desires to create condominium regimes,
b. Fire Official approval of fire protection measures;
c. Cash contribution to off -site stormwater detention facilities;
d. Staff -approval of landscape plan.
Mr. Wilkerson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
SOUTH PA'VTOPS OFFICE COMPLEX SITE.PLAN - Located on the south side of South
Pantops Drive, approximately 1/4 mile east of Riverbend Drive. Proposal to
locate a-6,100 square foot office building on a 32,181 square foot -parcel.
Zoned HC, Highway Commercial. Tax Map 78, parcel 1.5C. Rivanna Magisterial
District.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report.
Mr. Edwards, representing the applicant,.stated there were no problems with
the recommendations of staff..
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the Commission
Mr..Wilkers.on moved for approval of the South Pantops Office Complex Site Plan
subject to the following conditions:
1. A building permit will.not.be issued until the following conditions
have been met:
a. County Engineer approval of road and drainage plans and
computations for South Pantops Drive from Riverbend Drive to
State Farm Boulevard;
b. Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation approval
of road and drainage plans and computations for South
Pantops Drive from Riverbend Drive to State Farm Boulevard;
c. Issuance of an erosion control permit;
d. County Engineer approval of drainage and grading plans for
this site;
e. Albemarle County Service Authority approval of water and
sewer line plans and profiles;
f. Revise plan to.show no portion of any parking space
within 20' of right-of-way of South Pantops Drive. Revise
entrance to show radii of curvature at not less than 25';
g. Placement of guardrail as determined by County Engineer and
Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation;
h. Revise plan to show CG-11 as opposed to CG-l0A at entrance
as recommended by Virginia Department of Highways and
Transportation.
2. No certificate of occupancy will be issued until the following
conditions have been met:
a. Relocation of hydrant to reasonable satisfaction of Fire
Prevention Official;
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September 25, 1984
Page 15
b. Staff approval of landscape plan to include provisions
reflective of roadway landscape plan for Pantops area;
3. Administrative approval of final plat will not be given until,
in addition to other appropriate requirements of the Subdivision
Ordinance, the applicant has complied with the following:
a. Dedication of water and sewer line easements as may be re-
quired by the Albemarle County Service Authority;
b. Construction/bonding of South Pantops Drive from Riverbend
Drive to a point east of the site, mutually agreed upon
by the applicant and County Engineer. Provision/bonding
of a temporary turn around.
Mr. Michel seconded the motion which was approved unanimously.
Under OLD BUSINESS, Mr. Keeler stated that several months previously Woodbriar
Associates had requested approval of a subdivision plat and at that time there
was no available capacity at the Camelot Treatment Plant. (There was physical
capacity, but it had all been alloted to General Electric.) Mr. Wendall Wood,
representing Woodbriar, requested the Planning Commission to approve a plat
which would permit him to negotiate in order to obtain some of the capacity
that had been alloted to GE. Mr. Keeler stated that negotiations took place
and documents were signed in March under which GE allocated a certain amount
of capacity to Mr. Wood based on future actions. Mr. Keeler stated he refused
to sign a subdivision plat based on a promissory action of that nature and that
he would not sign the plat unless GE irrevocably assigned the capacity to
Woodbriar Associates. He stated Woodbriar had been given 22 weeks to perform
certain actions and it has now been more than 60 weeks and GE has now
requested that the Service Authority not permit Woodbriar Associates to use
any of that available capacity. He stated the Service Authority would
take this matter up on October 18. Mr. Keeler also noted that Mr. Wood
has paid the Service Authority for 26 connections.
Mr. Payne stated that since this was a private agreement between Mr. Wood
and GE, the only issue that the Planning staff need be concerned with is
whether the Service Authority takes the position that there are 26 connections
still irrevocably committed to this project. If not, then the capacity
belongs to someone else and there is no capacity for sewer for Woodbriar
and the Commission's conditions cannot be fulfilled.
Mr. Keeler stated he was bringing this before the Commission at GE's request.
Under NEW BUSINESS, Mr. Bowerman appointed himself, Ms. Diehl and Mr. Gould
to serve on the Comprehensive School Facilities Plan Steering Committee, and
stated the first meeting had been tentatively set for October 1 (no time has
been chosen).
Mr. Bowerman stated a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors was scheduled
' for November 7, 1984. 3:30 p.m.
There being no other new business, the mee 'ng adjour d at 11:45 p.m.
DS James R. Donnell Secretary
.Sad