HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 13 1993 PC Minutes7-13-93
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JULY 13, 1993
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public
hearing on Tuesday, July 13, 1993, Auditorium, 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; and Mr. George St.
John, County Attorney.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and
established that a quorum was present. The minutes of June
29, 1993 were approved as submitted.
SP 93-19 John Alford was unanimously deferred to August 3,
1993 (at the request of staff).
Moore's Lumber Major Site Plan Amendment was unanimously
deferred to July 20, 1993 at the request of the applicant.
ZMA-92-14 Wendell Wood - Proposal to rezone approximately 57
acres from RA, Rural Areas to R-15, Residential (proffered)
on property, described as Tax Map 32, Parcels 50, 53, 54,
55, and 56 located on the east side of Rt. 606 approximately
0.6 miles south of Rt. 649. (The following additional
parcels are affected by the proposed road network: Tax Map
32, Parcels 44, 45., 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D and 42E and Tax Map
46, parcel 5 to remain zoned RA, Rural Areas, but with
proffers.) The site is in the Rivanna Magisterial District
and is located in a designated growth area (Community of
Hollymead) recommended for High Density Residential (10.01 -
34 dwelling units per acre). Deferred from the June 29,
1993 Commission Meeting.
AND
5P-93-13 United Land Corporation - Proposal to establish a
mobile home park [24.2(10)] on approximately 57 acres
currently zoned RA, Rural Areas. (ZMA-92-14 is pending on
this site.) Property, described as Tax Map 32, parcels 50,
53, 54, 55 and 56, is located on the east side of Rt. 606
approximately 0.6 miles south of Rt. 649 in the Rivanna
Magisterial District. This site is located in a designated
growth area (Community of Hollymead) recommended for High
Density Residential (10.01-34 dwelling units per acre.)
Deferred from the June 29, 1993 Commission Meeting.
7-13-93
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Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. It was staff's
position that the "favorable factors (of the request)
warrent approval of the rezoning and special use permit with
acceptance of relevant proffers...."
Mr. Fritz added a 9th condition to the recommended
conditions for the special permit: "Provision of access to
TM 32, Parcel 46."
Mr. Johnson questioned the accuracy of the Ordinance
citations in the staff report. Mr. Fritz explained that the
numbers for the park and the sales had possibly been
interchanged.
Mr. Johnson asked why the figures quoted for school
enrollment were different from those found in several
letters which had been received. He asked: "What is the
source of these estimates; are they uniquely applicable and
historically accurate?" Mr. Fritz explained that the
multipliers used are the same as those used by the Education
Department. Historically, he stated "sometimes our figures
are high." He concluded: "We have no information that we
should not be using these numbers." He added, however:
"These multipliers do take into account the fact that
multipliers for mobile homes are higher than they are for
garden apartments, for example."
Referring to the fact that the property is currently located
in the Hollymead school district, Mr. Johnson asked about
the projected growth for this school. Mr. Fritz could not
answer this question. Mr. Cilimberg interjected that
Hollymead is currently over capacity.
In response to Mr. Johnson's request, Mr. Fritz pointed out
the location of Road A on the plan. Mr. Johnson asked if it
would connect to Rt. 29 ultimately. Mr. Fritz explained
that possibility has been discussed and the possibility of
such a connection at some future time has not been
abandoned. Mr. Cilimberg added: "Any routing of that road
will be part of the consideration of the balance of that
property for rezoning."
Regarding the roads, Mr. Fritz explained that all roads
within the development will be private (except for Road A).
Mr. Johnson asked for an explanation of the justification
for private roads. Mr. Keeler explained that a special
section of the Zoning Ordinance applies to mobile home parks
which includes road standards.
There was a discussion as to the method for determining if a
mobile home meets the accoustical performance standards.
Mr. Fritz explained that the Inspections Department has a
method for making this determination. Later in the meeting
Mr. Wood explained that the burden will be on the
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manufacturer of the mobile home to prove to the Zoning
Administrator that the unit meets the performance standards.
Units that cannot pass the test will not be allowed in the
park. (Mr. Johnson called attention to a letter from
Oakwood Mobile Homes dated July 2 which stated that their
homes would not be able to meet the noise standards. Mr.
Wood stated that Mr. Bob Provost had told him the opposite,
i.e. that Oakwood Mobile Homes do meet the standards, though
the manufacturer feels that the tests are unnecessary.)
Mr. Johnson noted that the proffers do not limit the
proposal to 236 units. Mr. Fritz acknowledged this and
stated: "That number may rise,or fall as final engineering
is done." Mr. Fritz noted, however, that based on density
and minimum lot size, he did not think more than 236 units
was feasible. Mr. Johnson estimated that "mathematically"
it would be possible to achieve double the number of units
proposed. Mr. Fritz pointed out that areas used for roads,
setbacks, recreation, etc. must be factored in.
Mr. Johnson asked about the timing of recreational
facilities. Mr. Fritz explained that staff would ensure
that the required recreational facilities would be installed
at the proper times, with each phase of development.
In response to Mr. Johnson's question about open space, Mr.
Fritz explained that there are requirements for recreation
areas and setback, but there are no other specific open
space requirements.
Ms. Huckle questioned who would be the participants in a
road maintenance agreement (referred to in Condion No. 4).
Mr. Fritz explained this would apply if part of the property
were to be sold to another owner. He confirmed that owners
of the mobile homes (who will be renting the lots) will not
be required to participate in a road maintenance agreement
unless it is included as a part of the rent for the lot.
Regarding the recreational requirements, Mr. Fritz explained
that those are described in the Zoning Ordinance.
Ms. Andersen asked why staff would be approving a road
maintenance agreement. She was of the impression that the
County did not get involved in private agreements. Mr.
Fritz explained that this is to ensure that there are
provisions for the maintenance of the roads if the property
is sold. He added that is the same as it would be for any
other type of development. Mr. Keeler added that the County
would not be a party to such an agreement and the terms of
the agreement are enforceable between the parties to the
agreement.
Mr. Jenkins noted that the press (radio) had reported that
this area had been added to the Broadus Wood school
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district. Mr. Cilimberg clarified that this was under
consideration by the School Board but the change has not yet
gone to public hearing.
The applicant was represented by Mr. Wendall Wood. His
comments included the following:
--Since the time of its inception, the proposal has
decreased from 300 units to 230 units, and increased by 7
acres.
--4 units/acre is approximately 1/3 the capacity of a
townhouse development.
--A 50 foot setback from the property line will be
required. (He felt this was "overly burdensome" in trying
to provide affordable housing.)
--The property is served by public sewer.
--The applicant would like for the road from Rt. 606 to
go through to Rt. 29 and is willing to build the road.
This proposal anticipates that that roadway will be
addressed at the time the commercial development on the
front is proposed. The Comp Plan amendment was written in
such a way that the development of the commercial frontage
on Rt. 29 could not be developed until at least 100 spaces
in the mobile home park have been developed.
--The applicant will be responsible for the management
of the property. (He has owned and operated the same type
development in Verona, Va for 27 years.)
--It is�anticipated the development will be at capacity
in 3 years.
--The development has been designed to accommodate
(predominately) single -wide mobile homes.
--A full-time resident manager will be present on the
site at all times.
--The applicant's experience shows no evidence there
are more school age children with this type development than
with any other kind.
The applicant's engineer, Mr. Tom Muncaster, offered to
answer questions.
The Chairman invited public comment.
The following persons spoke in favor of the proposal: Ms.
Virginia Butram (Deerwood); Mr. Bob Corey (Earlysville
Forest); Mr. Reuben Clark (representing the Piedmont
Environmental Council); Mr. Tim Lindstrom; Mr. Tom Zito.
Their reasons for support included the following:
--It is a good, partial answer to a persistent
problem--i.e. it will provide decent, affordable housing.
--The proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan.
--The property is "relatively isolated" from other
types of development.
--The property is served by public utilitites.
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--This part of the county is well -suited for
development. It is close to good transportation and is also
Close to major, future and present, employment centers.
--The development will increase employment
opportunitites.
--An alternative way to reach the airport is needed.
--Denial would result in increased pressure to develop
rural areas.
--"It is not good policy for the County to ignor those
who work here but cannot afford the average house, and trust
that they will live in some other county." (Clark)
--The applicant's other development of this type
(Verona, Va.) has existed for 20 years and proven to be a
very satisfactory community.
The following persons were opposed to the proposal: Ms.
Lisa Harmon (Earlysville Forest); Mr. William Sipe (Rt.
743); Ms. Karen Strickland (Mill Run); Kathy Stephenson; Ms.
Nancy Hauseman (Broadus-Wood parent); Ms. Billie Kayser
(Earlysville Forest); Ms. Reesey Modney; Ms. Lucille Miller.
Reasons for opposition included:
--Increased traffic on Rt. 743, a high-speed,
dangerous, heavily travelled road.
--Adverse impact on Broadus Wood Elementary School
caused by overcrowding.
--Skepticism that the projected number of school -age
children was accurate.
--Proposed density is too great. There was a feeling
that there was potential for more than the 235 proposed
units proposed.
--Property's location within the airport noise impact
area could result in harm to children's health as a result
of the excessive noise and airplane exhaust.
--Dangerous intersection at airport (606/649).
--Nightime lights from the development can interfer
with aircraft visibility.
--Location of the property on an entrance corridor.
The following persons voiced neither support nor opposition,
but did express concerns about the proposal: Ms. Ann
Messina; Mr. George Delegano.
--A lack of balance, county -wide, in providing housing
and services for low-income households.
--Caution that "we are not building a facility which is
taking advantage of those who have the fewest choices in our
community and are the most vulnerable to exploitation."
(Delegano)
--Need for assurance that the infrastructure (roads,
schools) will be adequate and in place as needed.
--Need for assurance that this development will provide
"an environment that people will be happy to call home."
Mr. Craig Vandecastle, speaking for Willy Birckhead (TM32
Parcel 46), asked that provision for access to the
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Brickhead property be assured. He suggested there was also
some question about a setback in relation to this property.
He also questioned whether the applicant will be able to get
the right-of-way necessary to install a proper turn lane.
(Mr. Grimm addressed these comments: "Both those items you
bring up are conditions of the special use permit and if, in
fact, they cannot be met, then this project would not go
through.")
Mr. Tim Lindstrom asked: "Given the uncertainty about
meeting several key conditions on the special permit, if the
zoning map amendment is approved and subsequently the
special permit conditions can't, be met, what happens to the
zoning map amendment? Is there any way of ensuring that the
affordable housing function of this action is followed
through?" Mr. St. John replied: "If that happens, what
you'll have is a piece of land that can't be used for the
purpose that we're talking about tonight. You've got some
statements in this staff report from the Airport Authority
which cast a lot of doubt on the very question you're
talking about. ... If that happens, what you're going to
have is a 50-acre piece of land zoned R-15 which can't be
used in accordance with this proffer but it's sitting there
with by -right R-15 zoning. The question here is whether the
Commission and Board of Supervisors want it to sit there and
be used for some other R-15 purpose. If they do, that's
fine. But if they don't, and if the only reason for the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment and for this rezoning are to
fulfill this proffer about a manufactured home park and that
falls through, the only way to eliminate the R-15 zoning is
for Mr. Wood to proffer that if the mobile home park cannot
be built, the R-15 zoning will revert back to its present
zoning. ... and you can't put such a condition on it over
the objection of the applicant. The only way to accomplish
that would be for the applicant to proffer. You're right,
the present proffer does not do this. ... If this question
is a concern to you and it's a concern to the Board of
Supervisors, it ought to be resolved before you deal with
the ZMA ... because it will be too late to deal with it once
the rezoning has passed."
Mr. Lindstrom clarified that the PEC supports this proposal
but "wouldn't support an R-15 development unless it was
providing the affordable housing that we are concerned about
here."
Mr. Johnson noted that the property would retain the R-15
zoning after the mobile home use ceases (15 years as
provided in the applicant's proffer).
Mr. Wood made the following statement and proffer: "I'm
under the impression that, by proffer, the only thirty` we
could do is build a mobile home park. That's what I think I
proffered, but, to cut through that, I am willing to proffer
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that if I can't get the entrance permit the land would
revert back. I'm willing to add that to my proffer."
Mr. St. John: "That would totally solve the problem that
Mr. Lindstrom has raised...."
It was clarified that the property would revert back to the
current zoning of RA.
Mr. Lindstrom added: "That would address the concern I
raised. The only thing I would add is that there are other
conditions here which may not be met. I'm not questioning
what you've said, bit it's still uncertain. One of them is
whether the mobile home meets the AIA standards for noise.
Can you get any mobile homes which will meet that?" He
noted that was the same type issue.
Ms. Andersen asked Mr. Wood: "So would your proffer cover
that as well?" (Mr. Wood replied affirmatively.)
In answer to a question from a member of the public as to
why this proposal was being "rushed" through before all the
outstanding questions have been answered, Mr. Grimm
explained that the conditions of the special permit will
ensure that all outstanding issues have been satisfactorily
addressed or the development will not be able to proceed.
Mr. Nitchmann added that this proposal has been in the
making for some time and it received considerable publicity
at the time the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (dealing with
this property) was under consideration. He wondered why the
public had not gotten involved in the process and made their
objections known at that time. (The citizen who raised the
question expressed.a feeling of having been "betrayed" by
the local government. She also expressed frustration that
the copy of the Comprehensive Plan which she had recently
purchased did not reflect the amendment related to this
property. Ms. Huckle suggested that she return the Plan to
the County for a refund of her expense.)
Mr. St. John also commented on the sequence of the approval
process.
Ms. Pamela Murray asked if there were any time limits for
meeting the conditions of approval. Mr. Keeler explained
that the applicant has 2 years (from the date of approval of
the special permit) to commence construction. Mr. Jenkins
pointed out that the County has no control over approvals
from the FAA or VDOT.
There being no further public comment, the matter was placed
before the Commission.
In answer to Ms. Huckle's request, Mr. Keeler used a map to
point out the boundaries of the airport overlay district and
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noise impact area, including the residential subdivisions
which lie within these areas. Mr. Keeler was unable to
answer the question as to whether or not newer model mobile
homes would be more likely to meet the sound requirements
than would older models.
Mr. Johnson felt R-15 zoning was "inappropriate." He
pointed out that at the end of fifteen years (the
applicant's proffer for the life of the mobile home park)
the property could be developed at 4 or 5 times the
population density of the mobile home park. He felt 11R-6
would be more appropriate at this stage of the game."
Mr. St. John noted that the Comprehensive Plan establishes
this property as a "high density residential area." He
explained that R-6 is medium density and therefore an R-6
designation would be incompatible with the Comp Plan
recommendation. (Mr. Cilimberg confirmed that high density
is defined as 10.1 units/acre and above and the minimum
density which will accommodate the lot sizes proposed by Mr -
Wood is R-10.)
Mr. Blue recalled (though he was not certain) that the
request for R-15 had been on the recommendation of staff.
Mr. Johnson acknowledged that Mr. St. John was "technically
correct," but noted that given the public concern about the
density, he stated that it would be easier to increase the
density at a later time than to decrease it.
Mr. Jenkins reminded Mr. Johnson that the applicant has
proffered that if all the conditions cannot be met then the
property will revert back to RA. (Mr. Johnson indicated
that due to the bad acoustics in the auditorium he had
misunderstood the applicant's intent.)
Mr. Grimm interpreted that the property would remain at R-15
after year fifteen. Mr. Cilimberg confirmed: "It would
remain at R-15."
Ms. Huckle asked: "Even with the proffer Mr. Wood has just
made?"
Mr. Cilimberg: "Yes. That covers any inability to develop
the mobile home park in the period in which this special use
permit is applicable. Once the mobile home park is
developed --he's guaranteed 15 years --and at the end of the
15 years it would be R-15 zoning."
Ms. Huckle: "But if he is unable to develop the mobile home
park?"
Mr. Cilimberg: "It will go to RA."
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Ms. Huckle: "And even after 15 years it would still be RA?"
Mr. Cilimberg: "That's right."
Mr. Johnson expressed concern that with R-15 the property
could, by right, be developed with "individual detached
homes with lots sizes down to just barely over 2,000 square
feet with no requirements for open space or recreational
areas."
Mr. St. John advised: "I think it is in the Commission's
Power to make amendments to this, but I would recommend
that, first of all Mr. Wood's proffers have eliminated this
concern that Mr. Lindstrom raised and that I had, and then I
would recommend that we deal with what's before us and not
come up with some new density.
Ms. Huckle made the following statement: "When I first
looked at this I felt it was totally premature because the
necessary information was not available as to whether the
easements would be given by the Airport Authority and by the
FAA and also whether trailers which would meet the noise
standards were even available. I'm still concerned about
these things, but I have a lot of other concerns which I
would like to mention to you. Obviously this is a win -win
situation for the applicant --he gets income from the land
while he waits 15 years for a more profitable use and he
will sell new trailers to the residents. For the residents
of the trailer park it will be a lose -lose situation. They
will be required to provide noise -proof models, if they are
available. The cost of these trailers meeting these
standards plus the rent of the parking
places...$120/month...I'm not sure that this constitutes
low-cost housing. For the residents of the trailer park,
they will not only have that expense, and even if their
trailers do not permit all the noise to come in, what about
the children playing outdoors? They are not only going to
have the noise to contend with, but this park is located at
the end of the runway (where planes often for sit awaiting
takeoff) and expelling exhaust gases. If Mr. Wood builds
this park, he has the option, after 15 years, to have a
better offer that would make more money, therefore some
other use and these people would have to be relocated. (She
recalled relocation difficulties which were experienced some
years past when a small city trailer park had been closed.)
For the County it also is a lose -lose situation. The
County will be forced to provide schools for hundreds of
children but the taxes paid by the mobile home residents
will be a small fraction of the taxes paid by permanent
homes. The Board of Supervisors will doubtless be plagued
by numerous phone calls of complaints by residents and
should there be a traffic accident the County may be sued
for damages for allowing residents in an Airport Overlay
Zone. I reference the letter from the Airport Authority.
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Last, but maybe most important, there has been much talk.
This project was originally justified as providing low-cost
housing and there has been much talk in an editorial or two
criticizing those opposing this use as treating low and
moderate -income families as second class citizens. To the
contrary, I feel that those who support this use are saying,
in effect, 'Let's put low and moderate income priced housing
under the flight path. Those people don't deserve anything
better . "'
Mr. Nitchmann made the following statement: "Last October
when this was before us, I viewed it at that time that this
was an opportunity for us not to put low cost housing in,
but affordable housing. I think that was the issue at the
time. I don't know the difference between low cost and
affordable, it depends on your income level, I guess. The
question of --here's a group of individual who can't afford
to go out an purchase a home in Albemarle with an average
house costing $120,000-$130,000. But we're not going to
give them the right to be able to move into decent, clean,
livable housing in, yes, an area that may not be the most
desirable area within the county. However, when we looked
at this we realized that the infrastructure was in place
(utilities, etc.) to support this. I believe we also knew
at that time that, yes, there were some problems with the
roads, but that's an issue in this county no matter where we
build or what we build. Roads always come up; no matter
what we're talking about roads are always unsafe which is
starting to concern me because it means one of two
things ---one, either VDOT doesn't care --or secondly, we as
taxpayers aren't willing to pay the taxes necessary to bring
the roads up to a safe standard. I would probably guess
that it's the latter rather than the former. In regard to
the noise level, I think that anbody that moves into that is
moving into it, unless they are retired, as a temporary
basis as a means of being able to afford a decent place to
live, to be able to put money aside for a downpayment for a
better situation than they might be in in a mobile home
park. I am personally familiar with mobile home park
living. ... I think the issue of what type of people live in
mobile home parks, at least in my opinion, is a moot issue
which I don't even think should be discussed because I think
you'll end up with people in this mobile home park that will
be on different echelons of income levels because that may
be their preference of the way they wish to live. On the
other hand, it's going to give people the opportunity to
save the funds necessary to meet the 5% or 10% downpayment
that it takes to buy a home. I believe we were also alert,
when we made this Comprehensive Plan amendment, in regard to
the school issue and I justified it in my mind that we have
a school board made up of very intelligent, alert
individuals that have the best interests at heart regarding
the education of children. I feel they are going to take
all issues into consideration ... and they're going to do
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everything with public input. Again, it comes down to we
can have the best educational system in the United States or
we can have the poorest. It all depends on us as citizens
and how much we are willing to pay for it out of our own
pockets, which again comes to the issue of taxes. Growth is
inevitable in this county .... It is inevitable in any county
around this country. I believe we are trying to take
advantage of what we have in place in regard to
infrastructure in trying to, at least, address an issue that
has been a problem in this county for a long, long time and
that's one of permitting the people that work for the
county, our policemen, our firemen, our teachers, the
first-time homeowners, the guy that just got a job at
General Electric, to live within this county in a location
and in a type of home that, I believe, they can be proud of.
Owning something means that you have equity in it. If you
own something, like the individuals will who will move into
this park, I believe that they will take good care of it. I
also believe the applicant... is going to wish to operate
this in a manner that's going to be beneficial.... What he
does with his property in 15 or 20 years is his business and
it's not up to us to say whether a developer or any
individual is trying to line his pockets or not line his
pockets. That's not the issue before us. I can back this
recommendation, especially with the additional proffer ... I
can give this my 100% support."
Mr. Blue made the following statement: "Last fall I voted
against this change in the Comprehensive Plan because at
that time I didn't think that the additional affordable
housing, which I was in favor of, was worth the tradeoff of
having the additional commercial land on the west side of
Rt. 29 which was not proposed in the Comprehensive Plan. I
have since changed my mind. I still don't think a mobile
home park, nice as it is, is going to completely solve the
affordable housing problem in this county, but it is a step
in the right direction and I think it is definitely worth
it. I believe we have addressed the issues pretty
thoroughly and I think the additional proffer that Mr. Wood
made certainly takes care of one of the most serious issues,
i.e. if the Airport Authority doesn't grant the easement or
VDOT doesn't approve the entrance and the mobile home park
is disallowed for that reason, the land will revert back to
RA ..... 11
MOTION: Mr. Blue moved that ZMA-92-14 for Wendell Wood be
recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval subject
to acceptance of the applicant's proffers, including the
additional proffer made by the applicant verbally earlier in
the meeting (as recorded previously in this record). Mr.
Nitchmann seconded the motion.
Discussion:
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Mr. Johnson asked if it was appropriate that proffer no. 2,
related to entrances on Rt. 29, be attached to this request
since the entrances were not located on this property.
Mr. Cilimberg responded: " Under ZMA-92-14's advertisement,
we included these parcels as being effected by any potential
road network. So they were part of the advertisement for
the Zoning Map Amendment and, for that reason, we felt the
proffer regarding future entrances on those parcels was
appropriate."
Mr. St. John added: "Your question is whether or not you
can make proffers on a different piece of land from the land
that is subject to the rezoning before you. Yes, you can."
Mr. Grimm stated he could support the motion because he felt
this is an attempt to address the problem of the lack of
affordable housing. He felt the issues which were raised
were "subordinate" to the need for affordable housing.
Mr. Nitchmann asked for a clarification of the additional
proffer the applicant had offered earlier in the meeting.
Mr. St. John felt the statement made by Mr. Wood could not
be improved upon. He stated: "You can get it right off the
tape and put it in writing." Mr. Nitchmann asked: "And
that did cover if for any reason the mobile home park could
not be built; it would revert back to RA?" (Though Mr.
Grimm indicated that was accurate, there was no other reply,
either from the applicant or Mr. St. John, to Mr.
Nitchmann's statement.)
Mr. Cilimberg stated that staff would confer with Mr. St.
John on Wednesday..and secure a written proffer from the
applicant prior to the Wednesday Board meeting. He stated
he felt the intent of the proffer had been clearly
established.
Ms. Andersen stated that though she felt the arguments
presented were valid, her vote on the motion would be the
result of having weighed not only those arguments, but also
other issues which the Commission has been dealing with over
the past year.
In answer to Ms. Andersen's question about the map, Mr.
Cilimberg explained it was an "application plan map" and
though three entrances on Rt. 29 are shown, the actual
location of those entrances have not yet been determined.
He confirmed that the balance of the property will also need
to be rezoned prior to its development.
The previously stated motion for approval passed (6:1) with
Commissioner Huckle casting the dissenting vote.
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7-13--93 13
Mr. Johnson expressed the feeling that the Commission should
review the final site plan. He also suggested that a
condition be added to assure the maintenance of the entire
property.
Mr. St. John suggested that condition No. 4 be amended so as
to require a maintenance agreement if the property is
divided at some future time. Regarding Mr. Johnson's
suggestion that there be an agreement for lot maintenance,
etc., he stated he did not think that type of requirement
was customary and would be difficult for the Zoning
Administrator to enforce. Mr. Cilimberg added that there
are some requirements, such as,landscaping, which have to be
met.
It was decided "at such time as the property may be
subdivided" would be added at the end of Condition No. 4.
MOTION: Mr. Johnson moved that SP-93-13 for United Land
Corporation be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for
approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Deletion/relocation of all lots within 50 feet of an
adjacent parcel.
2. Planning Commission approval of final site plan.
3. Staff approval of all mobile home units proposed for
location within the mobile home park to ensure compliance
with the acoustical performance standards of Section 30.2.5.
4. Staff approval of private road maintenance agreements at
such time as the property may be subdivided.
5. Maintenance of recreation facilities shall be the
responsibility of the property owner in accord with Section y
4.16.3.2.
6. No direct connection to Route 29 shall be made without
amendment of this permit.
7. Provision of a conventional "T" intersection with Route
606 constructed in accordance with Virginia Department of
Transportation requirements. Access is shown on a plan
initialled WDF dated 7/8/93.
8. No plan of development shall be submitted for review
until the necessary easements and/or right-of-way
acquisition for the Route 606 entrance have been obtained.
9. Provision of access to TM 32, Parcel 46.
Mr. Nitchmann seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
/00
7-13-93 14
ZMA-93-06 United Land Corporation - Proposal to rezone 7.9
acres from RA, Rural Areas to HC, Highway Commercial
(proffered) on property described as Tax Map 32, Parcels 43
and 43A located on the west side of Rt. 29 approximately 600
feet south of Timberwood Blvd. (The following additional
parcels are affected by the proposed road network: Tax Map
32, Parcels 44, 45, 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D and 42E and Tax Map
46, parcel 5 to remain zoned RA, Rural Areas, but with
proffers). This site is in the Rivanna Magisterial District
and is located in a designated growth area (Community of
Hollymead) recommended for Regional Service. Deferred from
the June 29, 1993 Commission meeting.
AND
SP-93-14 United Land Corporation - Proposal to establish
outdoor storage and display and sales of mobile homes
(30.6.3.2(6 & 7)] on 7.9 acres zoned RA, Rural Areas and EC,
Entrance Corridor (ZMA-93-06 is pending on this site).
Property, described as Tax Map 32, Parcels 43 and 43A, is
located on the west side of Rt. 29 approximately 600 feet
south of Timberwood Blvd. in the Rivanna Magisterial
District. This site is located in a designated growth area
(Community of Hollymead) recommended for Regional Service.
Deferred from the June 29, 1993 Commission meeting.
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Staff was
recommending approval of the requests, contingent upon the
approval of the rezoning and special permit for the mobile
home park.
Mr. Fritz explained that a special permit is required for
the mobile home sales because it involves outdoor storage
and display.
The applicant, Mr. Wendall Wood, offered to answer
Commission questions. He pointed out that the ARB feels the
use is acceptable and thinks it can be adequately screened.
In answer to Ms. Huckle's question, he stated that the units
would be able to be moved directly to the park without
having to go onto Rt. 29. In answer to Mr. Nitchmann's
question, he stated the road connecting the sales to the
park will be a gravel road and will not be a convenient
route and therefore he did not think unauthorized usage
would be a problem. He noted that the road could be used as
an emergency route in the event Rt. 606 was blocked. (Mr.
Cilimberg added that this type of road is often controlled
with a gate.)
The Chairman invited public comment.
Mr. Tim Lindstrom, representing Piedmont Environmental
Council, addressed the Commission. He stated: "I don't
think we have an objection to this particular use on this
1®®
7-13-93 15
site except for concern that the Comprehensive Plan
amendment was very carefully designed to assure that we
didn't have piecemeal development of this rather large
50-acre tract of commercial.... We wanted to be sure that
the mobile home park was well under way before any
commercial rezoning would occur because that was the
incentive to see that the park got done. Secondly, we
didn't want more strip, piecemeal commercial development on
29 which is why there is supposed to be a master plan. My
only concern is... if the reason that is OK is because it is
directly related to the mobile home park, I think there are
a lot of other commercially uses that would be equally,
arguably, directly related. People from all over the
country can buy a mobile home park at this particular sales
and display. There is no restriction, nor should there be,
that it is only available to the people in the park.
(Likewise) there are other places the people in this park
can buy their mobile homes. ... I am just concerned that
this not, somehow, establish a precedent. I think you
retain a lot of discretion on this so I don't think it is
necessarily a legal issue, but just as a principle I think
that it would be a shame to see this sort of disintegrate
into a number of small separate applications, rather than
following a master plan. ... I'm just concerned that we not
lose site of this very carefully worded amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan."
Mr. Blue asked: "I take it that the Piedmont Environmental
Council is opposing this particular (proposal)."
Mr. Lindstrom: "That's correct." In response to Mr. Blue's
question Mr. Lindstrom stated he was speaking for the PEC,
but NOT for the Architectural Review Board (of which he is a
member). Mr. Blue asked if his position on the ARB ever
presented a problem with his position with PEC. Mr.
Lindstrom replied: "Nape."
There being no further public comment, the matter was placed
before the Commission.
Mr. Fritz clarified that the property is limited (by the
proffer) to its existing use (a store) or mobile homes
sales.
Mr. Fritz interpreted that it was PEC's position that "you
shouldn't approve this unless you have a plan for the whole
regional service at the same time." He explained that if
the Commission wanted to support that position it would
recommend denial of the request.
Mr. Blue interpreted that it was staff's feeling that the
proposal was beneficial because it would allow persons in
the mobile home park to purchase their mobile home and move
it directly to the site without having to be on Rt. 29.
/D,Q
7-13-93 16
Mr. Fritz commented: "We can see a direct connection
between a mobile home sales center for a 236 mobile home
park." Mr. Blue stated: "And you think that overcomes the
objection of not seeing the whole thing at one time, if I
understand it correctly." Mr. Fritz replied: "Right.
That's our recommendation." Mr. Cilimberg added that staff
felt this was "very unique." He pointed out that the staff
report stated there would be no more commercial development
approved without the overall plan.
Mr. Johnson pointed out that this is the same situation as
the previous two items --the commercial development cannot
take place until after 100 units are signed up in the mobile
home park --so what happens to the ZMA if the mobile home
park cannot go forward. He asked: "Does it stay HC or
would it go back to RA?" Mr. Fritz explained: "It would
stay HC, but it would be limited to the existing use that's
there now (grocery store and gasoline sales). Nothing would
change." He added that one of the applicant's proffers
states that "the site plan for the mobile home sales lot
will not be signed until the site plan for a minimum of 100
mobile home units is signed."
MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved that ZMA-93-06 for United Land
Corporation be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for
approval subject to acceptance of the applicant's proffers.
Mr. Jenkins seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Ms. Andersen asked if, after having heard the Commission's
discussion, the PEC's position remained the same. Mr.
Lindstrom replied: "I am personally satisfied with the
discussion, but I can't speak for my Board."
Mr. Grimm stated he would support the motion.
Mr. Johnson stated he would not support the motion because
he felt this type of use was totally inappropriate for an
entry corridor, particularly this close to the community,
and it also was incompatible with the character of the
district.
The motion for approval passed (4:3) with Commissioners
Grimm, Blue, Jenkins and Nitchmann voting in favor and
Commissioners Andersen, Huckle and Johnson voting against.
SP-93-14 United Land Corporation
It was determined that the site plan would be approved
administratively (unless called up before the Commission)
and the ARB would also have to approve the plan.
/03
7-13-93 17
Mr. Blue felt Mr. Johnson's argument was a good one. He
asked staff to comment. Mr. Cilimberg replied: "Regional
Service, which is the designation on the front and Rt. 29,
implies all commercial uses, of which mobile home sales are
a part. The entrance corridor concerns, we think, should be
addressed by the SP as to whether or not it is appropriate.
The ARB has determined that it can be appropriately
accommodated. You have to decide whether you agree with
that or not."
MOTION: Mr. Nitchmann moved that SP-93-14 for United Land
Corporation be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for
approval.
Mr. Jenkins seconded the motion which passed (4:3) with
Commissioner Blue, Grimm, Jenkins and Nitchmann voting in
favor and Commissioners Andersen, Huckle and Johnson voting
against.
SP-93-03 Stuart Birckhead - Petition to establish visible
outdoor storage and display of modular buildings within the
Entrance Corridor Overlay District [30.6.3.2(b)], 0.4752
acres zoned PD-SC Planned Development Shopping Center.
Property, described as Tax Map 78, Parcel 17D(2), is located
within the Pantops Shopping Center between First Virginia
Bank and Taco Bell. This site is located in the Rivanna
Magisterial District and is located in a designated growth
area (N3).
Mr. Keeler presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval subject to conditions.
Referring to the statement in the staff report which stated
that "...since this is now requested as a permanent use,
staff will require the parking spaces be paved." Mr. Johnson
questioned why this was necessary given the small scale of
the use.
Mr. Blue wondered if allowing gravel parking would cause
problems with other parking proposals. (He cited as an
example the current Moore's proposal.) Mr. Keeler did not
feel the two were comparable because Moore's is a
considerably different situation.
In answer to Ms. Huckle's question regarding limitation on
the number of sheds allowed on the site, Mr. Keeler
explained that would be determined by what is approved on
the plan.
The applicant, Mr. Birckhead, addressed the Commission. He
explained that this is a "sideline" business for him and
thus the reason most business will be conducted from his
home.
/O V
7--13-93 18
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
MOTION: Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Ms. Andersen, that
SP-93-03 for Stuart Birckhead be recommended to the Board of
Supervisors for approval subject to the following conditions
and including the recommendation that there be no
requirement for paving of the parking space:
1. No items shall be located as to interfere with sight
distance of Route 1116 (Riverbend Drive).
2. There shall be no occupancy of any shed or any on --site
sales.
3. Tax Map 78, Parcel 17D(2) shall not be manned by an
employee nor shall an office area be established.
4. The business owner shall, at all times, have an approved
home occupation permit for shed sales from the County. This
approval shall not include the storage and/or display of
these structures at the home.
5. Administrative approval of a site plan waiver to include
Architectural Review Board issuance of a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
The motion for approval passed unanimously.
Comprehensive Plan Review Survey,
Mr. Nitchmann indicated support for the survey, provided the
Commission would have the opportunity to review the
questions prior to instigation of the survey.
Mr. Johnson expressed support for a survey, but voiced some
concerns. (See Attachment 1.) He felt this was a very
complex process and he questioned the possibility that it
could be commenced within 6 weeks. He felt questions should
be more than Yes or No/True or False; they should include
"alternatives." He felt a 6 month time schedule would be
more realistic.
Mr. Blue expressed support for the idea "if the Supervisors
are willing to foot the cost and we get a chance to review
the questions."
Mr. Johnson questioned the productivity (based on past
experience) of the Commission's review of the questions. He
suggested a more efficient plan might be for a
representative of the Commission, the Board, staff, and the
consultant, to develop the questions. (Staff and other
Commissioners agreed that was a good suggestion.)
/OS
7-13-93
19
MOTION: Mr. Johnson moved, seconded by Ms. Andersen, that
the Commission endorse the idea to conduct a survey and the
community visioning ideas, "contingent upon acceptable
definition and formulation."
Ms. Huckle was uncertain of the meaning of "community
visioning."
The motion passed (6:1) with Commissioner Jenkins casting
the dissenting vote.
Mr. Jenkins explained he had a lot of reservations about the
idea.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
11:10 p.m.
DB
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