HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 16 1993 PC Minutes3-16-93
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MARCH 16, 1993
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public
hearing on Tuesday, March 16, 1993, Meeting Room 7, County
Office Building, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those members
present were: Mr. Phil Grimm, Chairman; Mr. Walter Johnson,
Vice Chairman; Mr. William Nitchmann; Mr. Tom Jenkins; Mr.
Tom Blue; Ms. Ellen Andersen; and Ms. Babs Huckle. Other
officials present were: Mr. Wayne Cilimberg, Director of
Planning and Community Development; Mr. Ron Keeler, Chief of
Planning; Mr. Bill Fritz, Senior Planner; Ms. MaryJoy Scala,
Senior Planner; Ms. Yolanda Hipski, Planner; and Mr. Jim
Bowling, Deputy County Attorney.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:oo p.m. and
established that a quorum was present. The minutes of
February 18 and February 23 were approved as amended.
Mr. Cilimberg briefly reviewed actions taken at the March
10, 1993 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Addition to Moorman's River Agricultural/Forestal District -
Consists of two parcels totalling 156.953 acres on the east
side of Rt. 671 near Millington. The existing district
contains 10.922.14 acres.
Ms. Scala presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval.
There being no public or applicant comment, the matter was
placed before the Commission.
MOTION: Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Ms. Huckle, that the
Addition to Moorman's River Ag/Forestal District be
approved. The motion passed unanimously.
Addition to Kinloch Agricultural/Forestal District -
Consists of two parcels totalling 14.572 acres on the east
side of Rt. 231 near Cismont. The existing district
contains 1,650 acres.
Ms. Scala presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval.
There being no public or applicant comment, the matter was
placed before the Commission.
MOTION: Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Ms. Andersen, that
the Addition to the Kinloch Ag/Forestal District be
approved. The motion passed unanimously.
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Addition to Sugar Hollow Agricultural/Forestal District -
Consists of 20 parcels totalling 1,519.396 acres on the
north and south side of Rt. 614 at Sugar Hollow and on the
east and west sides of Rt. 810 at Rt. 811. The existing
district contains 3,269.69 acres.
Ms. Scala presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval.
There being no applicant or public comment, the matter was
placed before the Commission.
MOTION: Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Ms. Huckle, that the
Addition to the Sugar Hollow Ag/Forestal District be
approved. The motion passed unanimously.
Withdrawal from Ivy Creek Agricultural/Forestal District -
Consists of one 55.17 acre parcel on the north side of
Barracks Road (Rt. 654). The existing district consists of
578.03 acres.
Ms. Scala presented the staff report. Because of the unique
circumstances of the situation, staff was recommending
approval of the request for withdrawal. The report
explained: "The proposed Rt. 29 Bypass route (Alternative
10) for the western bypass of Route 29 was altered due to
the location of the Ivy Creek District and (as a result) the
current alignment is proposed to take seven dwellings in
Montvue Subdivision and adversely affect 22 dwellings. The
alignment through the Kalergis property will not take any
Montvue houses but will still affect the subdivision by its
proximity."
The owner of the property, Mr. David Kalergis, addressed the
Commission and requested that the Commission approve the
request.
Mr. James Rovenack, President of the Montvue Homeowner's
Association, addressed the Commission and expressed support
for the request. (He read a letter of support for the
request from Mr. Donald Holdren.) He expressed disagreement
with the number of "displacements" reported in the staff
report. It was his understanding that the "blue" option
would result in 10 displacements; the "orange" option in 7
displacements; and the "green" option in 1 displacement (but
this option was not considered viable by VDOT).
There being no further comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
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MOTION: Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Mr. Nitchmann, that
the request for Withdrawal from the ivy Creek Ag/Forestal
District be approved.
Discussion:
Ms. Huckle stressed that this was a unique situation and
should not set a precedent for future withdrawals from
ag/forestal districts.
VOTE: The motion for approval passed unanimously.
SP-93-06 Thomas -Cato. Inc. (applicant) GreenbrieftSquare
Limited Partnership (owner] - Petition to amend SP-91-43 to
allow food and alcohol sales at a billiard center
[24.2.2(1)]. Property, described as Tax Map 61W-Section 1,
Block A, parcel 5, is Greenbrier Square and is located on
the north side of Greenbrier Drive just west of Rt. 29 in
the Charlottesville Magisterial District. This site is
zoned HC, Highway Commercial [proffered] and is located in a
designated growth area (Neighborhood 1) and recommended for
Community Service.
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Staff made no
recommendation but offered conditions of approval should the
Commission and Board choose to approve the petition.
Mr. Johnson asked staff to clarify the current status of the
establishment's food service. Mr. Fritz explained that the
anticipated improvements included a snack bar and alcohol
sales. He confirmed that the existing permit allows the
sale of food. Mr. Johnson wondered if the sale of food on
the property had been a consideration when the parking
requirements were determined. Mr. Fritz stated it was the
Zoning Department's role to establish parking standards. He
also confirmed that the food issue is not presently before
the Commission, and was one that would be addressed on a
case -by -case basis for future tenants. Mr. Fritz also
confirmed that the staff's statement to "allow food and
alcohol" was "overly descriptive." He clarified: "The
request is to amend condition No. 2 of SP-91-43 to remove
the restriction on the sale of alcohol."
Ms. Huckle asked what type of alcoholic beverages were in
question --only beer, or also wine and mixed drinks? Mr.
Fritz deferred to the applicant. He noted also that the ABC
license would control what could be sold.
Mr. Blue noted that it was his impression that the ABC Board
would control this and would take into consideration issues
such as public safety and welfare. He noted: "I fail to
understand why the Planning Commission is involved in this
when the issue is only whether or not they can serve
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alcohol. It is not involving parking, etc." Mr. Fritz
explained that a specific condition of the original special
permit had prohibited the sale of alcohol and must,
therefore, be amended if such sale is to be permitted. Mr.
Blue questioned why it had been an issue at that time, i.e.
"why did the Planning Commission get involved and on what
basis?" Mr. Fritz recalled that the applicant had offered
to make that limitation and thus it had been included "to
remove that possible concern." Mr. Keeler explained further
that a similar question had been tried in the courts in
another locality and it had been ruled that "just because
the ABC issues a license does not prohibit the locality from
exercising its police power as granted by the Zoning
ordinance." Mr. Keeler added: "If the Commission and the
Board would like to leave that issue to the ABC Board in the
future, staff would like to know that so that it doesn't get
addressed in future applications."
Mr. Blue noted: "I'd like to go on record as saying that as
a Planning Commissioner,I feel that this is not within my
realm of responsibility. I think that perhaps the Police
and the Board of Supervisors may have something to say about
this, but I fail to see where we do."
Ms. Huckle felt it was a safety and welfare issue. She
noted that there is a lack of adequate parking for this site
and "cooperative parking" between sites will be required.
She felt this could invite conflict between persons whose
judgment might be impaired by alcohol.
The applicant, Mr. Jim Cato, addressed the Commission. His
comments and answers to Commission questions included the
following:
--only beer will be sold; no wine or mixed drinks.
--No definitive plans have been drawn for the snack bar
but there is room in the back of the facility which can be
arranged to accommodate the food service. No beer will be
allowed around the billard tables.
--It is envisioned that food and beer sales will begin
at noon.
The Chairman invited public comment.
Mr. Brian Bickers and Mr. Mike dePhillips expressed support
for the proposal. They described a very nice, well -run
facility. Mr. Bickers stated he has never experienced any
parking problems. They also described the owners as very
responsible persons who can be trusted to address any
problems which might occur.
There being no further public comment, the matter was placed
before the Commission.
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Mr. Blue stated he would abstain from voting on this
request, not because he disapproved, but because he wanted
to make the point that "I don't think it's any of our
business."
MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, that
SP-93-06 for Thomas -Cato, Inc. (applicant) Greenbrier Square
Limited partnership (owner) be recommended to the Board of
Supervisors for approval subject to the following
conditions:
1. Use shall be limited to 380 Greenbrier Drive.
2. The sale of alcohol shall require reapproval two years
after the date of Board of Supervisors approval of this
permit.
3. Hours of operation shall be limited to:
Monday - Thursday 10:000 a.m. to 12 midnight
Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Sunday 12 noon to 10:00 p.m.
NOTE: A fourth condition was suggested by staff and agreed
to by Mr. Nitchmann and Mr. Jenkins after further
discussion.
4. Co-operative parking is permitted in accordance with
Section 4.12.4.
Discussion:
Ms. Huckle asked if it was the intent to limit the sales to
beer only. Mr. Nitchmann stated he would be in favor of it
being both beer and wine, but if the applicant chose to have
beer only, he would "go along with what the applicant
wishes."
Regarding the issue of cooperative parking, Mr. Johnson
stated he was not convinced the Zoning Administrator had
performed more than a cursory review of this situation. He
noted that the co-operative parking under consideration was
"a block to a block and a half apart." He questioned, given
the distance to the parking areas, whether cooperative
parking was really practical. He questioned whether, in the
absence of co-operative parking arrangements, there would be
sufficient parking to permit the sale of food on the
premises. Based on this question about adequate parking, he
wondered if alcohol sales should be allowed if it should be
determined that food sales are not allowed. He concluded
that he could not support the motion as stated, but he would
support "a reconsideration of the application for beer and
wine once the serving of food was authorized and in being,
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both by the owner and parking was authorized and identified
by the Zoning Administrator."
It was determined that the sale of food is already
authorized for the use. Mr. Johnson acknowledged this but
added: "But don't they have to go to the Zoning
Administrator for the additional parking spots in order to
exercise that right?" Mr. Fritz responded: "If the Zoning
Administrator determines that a zoning clearance is
required, then there would have to be verification of
adequate parking." Mr. Cilimberg did not know if that
question had ever been asked of the Zoning Administrator,
i.e. will the sale of food require more parking spaces? Mr.
Bowling pointed out that the analysis made by the Zoning
Administrator was the same as it is for any change in a
permitted use.
Mr. Johnson asked: "They could go ahead and serve food now,
irrespective?" Mr. Bowling replied: "That's my
understanding from what the staff tells me. But this is the
same analysis the Zoning Administrator goes through whenever
there is a change in a particular use, which may be a matter
of right in a commercial area which has certain parking
requirements."
Mr. Grimm felt there may be a need for observation of the
situation by the Zoning Administrator to determine whether
there would be a change in needed parking. He felt this was
best left in the hands of the Zoning Administrator.
Mr. Johnson agreed, but noted: "But if it's not allowed and
in the meantime we authorize or the Board authorizes
liquor --I think the food and the beverages go together, in
my estimation."
Ms. Andersen asked why Mr. Johnson found co-operative
parking so objectionable. Mr. Johnson explained that he did
not found it objectionable provided the parking is
physically located so that it actually is cooperative.
Mr. Nitchmann stated he felt the Zoning Administrator would
have been aware of any complaints which would have been made
about parking. He did not think approval of this request
would result in any large increase in the facility's
business.
Mr. Nitchmann expressed no objection to the addition of the
condition related to co-operative parking (as stated in the
motion). (Mr. Jenkins, who had seconded the motion,
expressed no objection to the addition of the condition.)
Mr. Grimm stated he could support the motion. He felt the
request was appropriate for this type of activity.
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Ms. Huckle stated she would have no objection to the request
if she could be convinced there would be no problems with
parking. She had contacted adjacent businesses and found there were concerns
about co-operative parking.
VOTE: The motion passed (4:2:1) with Commissioners
Andersen, Grimm, Jenkins, and Nitchmann voting for the
motion; Commissioners Johnson and Huckle voting against; and
Mr. Blue abstaining.
SP-93-04 Gordon Zimmerman, Jr. (applicant) Raymond Spradlin
(owner) - Petition to establish a church on 6.3 acres zoned
RA, Rural Areas [10.2.2(35)]. Property, described as Tax
Map 115, parcel 11E, is located on the west side of
Jefferson's Mill Road (Rt. 618) approximately 2.1 miles
south of Rolling Road (Rt. 620) in the Scottsville
Magisterial District. This site is not located within a
designated growth area (Rural Area 4).
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval subject to conditions.
The applicant was represented by Mr. Gordon Zimmerman. He
asked the Commission to approve the request.
The Chairman invited public comment.
Ms. Pauline Zimmerman expressed support for the proposal.
She stated that she had contacted adjacent landowners and
found no opposition.
There being no further comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, that
SP-93-04 for Gordon Zimmerman (applicant) and Raymond
Spradlin (owner) be recommended to the Board of Supervisors
for approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Administrative approval of the site plan.
2. This permit is for worship related activities only. Any
future or expanded uses, including day care, shall require
an additional special use permit.
3. Seating capacity shall not exceed a maximum of 150
people or such lesser number as determined by the adequacy
of the septic system.
VOTE: The motion passed unanimously.
SP-93-05 University of Virginia Real Estate Foundation -
Proposal to construct a telephone substation on 53.5 acres
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zoned CO, Commercial Office and EC, Entrance Corridor
[23.2.2(3)]. Property, described as Tax Map 76, Parcels 17B
and 17B1, is located on the south side of Fontaine Avenue
approximately 0.3 miles east of the bypass. Access to the
substation will be on Rt. 782. This site is located in the
Samuel Miller Magisterial District and is located in a
designated growth area (Neighborhood 6) and recommended for
Community Service.
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval subject to conditions.
The applicant was represented by Mr. Rick Wooster. He
offered to answer questions. He stated the structure would
be similar to the one at Forest Lakes.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
MOTION: Mr. Blue moved, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, that
SP-93-05 for University of Virginia Real Estate Foundation
be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval
subject to the following conditions:
1. Staff approval of site plan to include landscape plan.
2. Restroom facilities shall be connected to public
utilities.
3. All equipment, maintenance gear, and the like to be
stored within the building. No outside storage of any kind
shall be permitted.
4. Structure shall be similar in design to the existing
Centel Substation located in Forest Lakes, and shall be
located approximately as shown on the attached sketch
initialled WDF dated 3/2/93.
VOTE: The motion passed unanimously.
SUB-93-012 Maple Ridge Preliminary Plat - Proposal to create
five lots averaging 2.87 acres and a 23.5 acre residue to be
served by a private road. Property, described as Tax Map
62, Parcel 75, is located on the east side of Rocky Hollow
Road (Route 769) approximately 3/4 of a mile east of Stony
Point Road (Route 20 North). Zoned RA, Rural Areas in the
Rivanna Magisterial District. This property is not located
in a designated growth area (Rural Area 2).
Ms. Hipski presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval subject to conditions.
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Mr. Blue stated he would abstain from discussion and voting
on this item because of a possible conflict of interests.
(His family is an adjoining property owner.)
The applicant was represented by Mr. Greg Baldwin. He
offered to answer questions.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
MOTION: Ms. Huckle moved, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, that the
Maple Ridge Preliminary Plat be approved subject to the
following conditions:
1. The final plat shall not be submitted for signature nor
shall it be signed until the following conditions are met:
a. Department of Engineering approval of grading and
drainage plans and calculations;
b. Department of Engineering approval of road and
associated drainage plans and calculations;
c. Department of Engineering approval of stormwater
detention plans and calculations;
d. Department of Engineering issuance of an Erosion
Control Plan;
e. Staff approval of road maintenance agreement;
f. Health Department approval.
2. Administrative approval of final plat.
VOTE: The motion passed (6:0:1) with Mr. Blue abstaining.
Mr. Johnson noted that once again a 50 foot right-of-way has
been required to serve 5 or 6 lots, whereas a State road,
with a traffic count of 200, only requires a 40 foot
right-of-way. He concluded: "Here again, we are requiring
more land to be devoted to a non-servicable item."
Mr. Johnson also asked that VDOT be asked to present (either
in person at the Commission, or in writing) its
justification for not allowing mountainous terrain standards
in Albemarle County.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Blue requested that individual staff reports be stapled
separately.
Mr. Johnson called attention to County employment
statistics, noting that employment dropped 17.9% in 1990-91
and 12.9% in 1991-92 (among major employers).
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Mr. Johnson called attention to a letter from Kobby Hoffman,
dated March 8 (related to the affordable housing issue). He
felt the letter should be "taken under our direct
consideration." It was decided this letter would be
addressed further during consideration of the Building Code.
Mr. Johnson also called attention to a letter from Mr. Embry
which noted "complications" associated with accessory
apartments.
Ms. Huckle called attention to a document published by the
Dept. of Economic Development/Division of Industrial
Development which described the Community Certification
Program.
NEW BUSINESS
Easement/Entrance into Comdial: Site Plan Amendment -
Proposal to establish an entrance on Commonwealth Drive from
Comdial property and to close existing entrances to Rt. 29N
in conjunction with improvements to Rt. 29N.
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report. He explained that
because an objection had been raised to the modification,
the matter was referred to the Planning Commission. The
report concluded: "Staff would recommend that the Planning
Commission determine the most suitable access in terms of
safety to this site in accord with Section 32.7.2 of the
Zoning Ordinance."
The applicant was represented by Keith Johnstone.
Significant comments and answers to Commission questions
included the following:
--The business is high-tech, non-polluting, and makes
very few demands on the social service network of the County
or the City.
--This proposed modification is the result of the 29N
expansion plans which called for a "curving road for trucks
to access the shipping docks at an 18 degree grade." The
applicant felt this was "excessive."
--The County and VDOT were not aware of the existence
of this easement at the time the 29N plans were developed.
--Discussions had led to a "mutual agreement that a
tradeoff could be made whereby we would relinquish our 29N
access in excchange for developing the Commonwealth
( entrance) . 11
--"We are voluntarily closing the 29N access though it
does cause some hardship to us but we believe it is
something we can live with."
--Four of five semi -trailers serve the site daily. At
particularly busy periods (end of a month or a quarter),
that number may increase to 10 or 12. Most truck traffic is
alit
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between 4 and 8 p.m. (NOTE: He later stated that most truck
traffic occurs between 3 p.m. and 6 or 7 p.m..)
--Without the Commonwealth entrance, all trucks would
have to enter from Greenbrier Drive as the Peyton Drive
entrance is unacceptable. The Greenbrier entrance would
cause the trucks to cross the pedestrian walkways and make
several turns. The trucks would also have to leave by
Greenbrier and some would make left turns, which would cause
further congestions to an "already bad road."
--If a truck were to break down and block the access to
Greenbrier, there would be no emergency access to the plant.
--Once work on Rt. 29 begins, there will be an increase
in traffic on Commonwealth.
--If the Rt. 29 entrances are closed, "trucks will be
on Commonwealth whether they come in on Greenbrier or not."
--The proposed easement was part of the applicant's
original property and was shown on the original site plan
and pre -dates any development on Commonwealth.
--Peyton Drive is currently used as an access to the
employee parking lot. It does not connect back to
Greenbrier as the connection was blocked.
--The Peyton Drive access is not acceptable for truck
traffic because "the trucks would be competing with employee
traffic and would be operating against traffic since they
would be arriving, generally, at the same times employees
would be leaving." He did not think the concerns could be
addressed through rearrangement of the parking lot.
--The new entrance on Commonwealth will be truck
traffic only. "We have no plans at all for any other use
but trucks, but I can't conclude that sometime down the road
that might change. But we have no plans to have anything
but trucks use that entrance." A small fence is envisioned
to keep casual traffic off the road.
--The applicant feels this is the best solution of a
bad situation and will work with the County to resolve the
issue to everyone's satisfaction.
The Chairman invited public comment.
Mr. John dePasquale, representing the VDOT, addressed the
Commission. He distributed information on the safety of the
Rt. 29 area in the vicinity of the Comdial entrances. He
described VDOT's plans for closing the entrances and made
the following comments:
--The project to close the northern entrance will begin
in July and "this entrance, at this time, will be proposed
at 18% which creates an extremely difficult turning movement
for any large vehicle coming into this area."
--The remaining Comdial entrances will be unaffected by
this project.
--"The more direct route would be for the proposed
entrance off of Commonwealth; it's a straight shot down to
the loading bay."
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--The projected volume of traffic on Commonwealth Drive
is 12,700 vehicles/day, 10% of which represents truck and
bus traffic. The current level of service on the road is an
acceptable level "C," and it will remain a C if this
entrance is allowed.
--The benefit of closing the northern entrance is that
it will remove two points of conflict: "As a semi -trailer
is trying to make this movement, they are going to have to
belly -out (?) to get up this entrance. In addition to the
18% grade, they are going to have slow down and they
certainly won't make this turn from that right -most lane.
They tend to have to swing out and when they do they will be
coming into the second and possibly the third lane. With
the amount of traffic coming down 29, that's not a very safe
condition. They same holds true if they were to come out
this entrance if this was to remain open. They've got an
18% grade they are going to shoot down out of and cross one
lane, two, possibly three lanes before they can actually
make that movement out." [Ms. Johnson was skeptical that
this was truly an alternative, i.e. "would VODT approve an
entry for trucks with an 18% grade and a turnout such as
described?" Mr. dePasquale responded: "This is certainly
not an ideal condition. Under the situation we have, we
would look where to find an alternate -type solution. Mr.
Johnson interpreted: "In other words, that's not even a
viable situation; an alternate has to be invoked when you
make your changes." Mr. dePasquale: "If there's a better
solution to the problem, we would have to consider that."
--"The bus turnout will allow a bus to pull into this
area and not create a point of conflict for traffic if it's
off the main thoroughfare."
--The pavement design of Commonwealth is adequate to
support this additional use.
--VDOT feels that any hazard being created on
Commonwealth is negligible in comparison to that which is
being offset on Rt. 29.
Ms. Tammy Kaufmann, Site Manager for Hunter's Creek
apartments, addressed the Commission and expressed concern
about pedestrian safety. She called attention to the large
number of children in the area. She did not think the
proposed landscaping would have much effect in screening the
residences from the road, nor would it address the noise
issue. She concluded that her main concern was to keep the
semi -trailers out of the residential neighborhood (off
Commonwealth).
Mr. Bob Cross, a property owner on Commonwealth Drive,
addressed the Commission. He expressed concern about
Commonwealth being open to even more traffic in the future
and effect on property values.
Mr. Johnstone again stated that Comdial does not feel Peyton
Drive is an alternative for the truck traffic.
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Mr. Nitchmann suggested an alternative: "Has anyone looked
at taking this entrance and coming in from 29 past that bus
lane and putting a de -acceleration lane that ramped up the
side of the hill and then possibly having the exit out of
that building come down in the same way so that, in other
words, you've got a 'wish -bone' there on 29?" Mr.
dePasquale indicated he understood Mr. Nitchmann's
suggestion, but noted: "you're still going to have to get
up to that elevation and I venture to say that (the grade)
is still going to be pretty excessive." (Mr. Roosevelt
added that the new highway was going to be lowered to match
the northbound lanes, so the incline from the highway will
be greater than it would be today.) Mr. dePasquale admitted
that the suggestion made by Mr. Nitchmann had not been
studied.
Mr. Blue concluded that VDOT did not feel the safety issue
on Commonwealth was as grave as residents of the area
believe it to be.
In response to Mr. Blue's question, Mr. Cilimberg explained
that this request could have been handled administratively
as a site plan amendment, but because public concern was
expressed, it was brought to the Commission. Mr. Blue noted
that in most circumstances VDOT is considered to be the
expert on issues of traffic safety. He added, however,
that it appears that VDOT has not studied the option
described by Mr. Nitchmann to see if it is technically
feasible. He didn't know if it was proper for the
Commission to request that VDOT make such a study, or "does
it just boil down to the issue of whether we want to
consider the safety on the access to 29 more important than
the safety on Commonwealth?"
Mr. Johnson felt such a study could properly be requested.
He added that another issue had been ignored, i.e. "the
effect on these properties of the truck traffic up until 8
or 10 p.m. and the interference of the truck traffic,
limited as it is, on Commonwealth." He concluded: "I would
be in favor of taking the position that as of now any exit
onto Commonwealth would be unacceptable with the assumption
that, based on Mr. Pasquale's comments, which are very
reasonable, that really no entry is going to be acceptable
on 29. It's back to the drawing boards to figure out
another way either through Peyton Place or through
Greenbrier, to get trucks and the automobile traffic in and
out of the area. It's up to them to design it; they're the
experts. But I don't think we can ignor the people who live
adjacent to the easement and along Commonwealth."
Mr. Blue agreed that it could not be ignored from a safety
standpoint. He pointed out, however, that all that
residential development took place after Comdial was in
existence and after the access was shown. He again noted
ago
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that VDOT is the safety expert and they are saying "That's
not a problem."
Mr. Jenkins questioned whether the Commission's input into
the traffic problems on Rt. 29 were "that significant." He
didn't see that there were many choices. He noted that
truck drivers have excellent driving records and felt there
would be very conscious of safety. He concluded that there
was no good alternative.
MOTION: Mr. Jenkins moved that the Comdial request for an
entrance on Commonwealth Drive, and the closing of existing
entrances to Rt. 29N, be approved. (Added later to this
motion was the stipulation that the Commonwealth entrance to
Comdial be used for truck traffic only.)
Ms. Huckle seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Ms. Huckle expressed regret at the effect this will have on
the lifestyles of those living on Commonwealth Drive, but
she noted that "their lifestyles have already been changed
by the fact that Commonwealth already goes all the way
through." She felt that the safety factor on Rt. 29 was
much the greater danger with the possibility of trucks
slowing down and making wide turns. Ms. Huckle recalled
Commission discussions in relation to supporting existing
area businesses.
Mr. Blue and Mr. Nitchmann expressed agreement with Ms.
Huckle.
Mr. Johnson stated he would not support the motion because
"the exit using Peyton Avenue as an access to Commonwealth
has not been adequately explored to my knowledge and that is
certainly preferable over going through the backyards of
people who live in those complexes." He noted that the
concern about the conflicts between cars and trucks centered
around only 5 - 10 trucks for a few hours a day. He
agreed that continuing the entrances on Rt. 29 was
undesirable.
In relation to Mr. Grimm's question, Mr. Johnstone explained
that use of Greenbrier was unsuitable for truck traffic
because (1) it would require that trucks cross two
pedestrian ramps; and (2) turning trucks would block
traffic on Greenbrier.
In answer to Ms. Andersen's question, he stated that it is
believed that 75% of trucks will be coming in on Hydraulic
and leaving on Hydraulic.
991
3-16-93
15
Ms. Huckle asked if the maker of the
was willing to add a condition that
entrance would be limited to trucks
responded: I certainly would.")
motion (Mr. Jenkins)
the Commonwealth
only. (Mr. Jenkins
Mr. Johnstone responded: "It's in our best interests to
keep trucks and cars separated. So we will have some method
of keeping trucks in their lanes and keeping cars out of
those lanes going into the loading docks." He indicated he
would prefer not to be tied to a condition because things
may change in the future. He concluded: "But we will
certainly give every consideration to keep cars out of that
access road." Ms. Huckle noted that the applicant could ask
to be relieved of the limitation at some future time.
Mr. Johnson noted that the information supplied the
Commission shows that there is already a mix of truck and
car traffic on the road and there is already significant
truck traffic out of the Greenbrier entrance.
It was Mr. Blue's understanding that the applicant's concern
was about mixing car and truck traffic on the property. Mr.
Johnstone explained that currently trucks come across the
visitor parking area, but not employee parking. He
explained that with the proposed modification, the visitor
parking area will be closed so that no cars will be present.
Mr. Grimm stated he could support the motion with the
limitation of truck traffic only "in that proposed
right-of-way."
The previously stated motion for approval passed (6:1) with
Commissioner Johnson casting the dissenting vote.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Johnson reported briefly on a meeting attended by
himself and Mr. Blue -of the Southern Charlottesville
Transportation Study Entry Corridor Plan.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
10:10 P.M.
DB
019A