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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVA199800028 Review Comments 1998-11-04 Page 1 10/27/98 VA 98-28 STAFF PERSON: Amelia McCulley PUBLIC HEARING: November 4, 1998 STAFF REPORT VA 98-28 2"d Variance Proposal OWNER/APPLICANT: Frances Gravitt (owner); Greg and Helen Hudson (applicants) T/A Cismont Market TAX MAP/PARCEL: 65 / 12C ZONING: RA, Rural Areas and EC, Entrance Corridor ACREAGE: about 6.3 acres LOCATION: On the west side of the intersection of Routes 22 and 231 at Cismont TECHNICAL REQUEST AND EXPLANATION: This is a different request than VA 98-18: the canopy is presently proposed on the north side of the building and not along the road frontage. In addition, no signage is proposed on the canopy. No sign variances are necessary. The previous variance was denied. The applicants have since met with neighbors in an effort to receive input and find a compromise. At the time of this writing, they have not reached a mutually agreeable solution. The applicants propose to erect a 26 ft x 26 ft canopy that will be 14 '/2 feet tall. They are proposing a freestanding canopy which will have a non-illuminated fascia of the standard Exxon red color. By this application, they are requesting a variance for the location of the canopy; however, the present proposal involves less of a variance than the previous request. They are again requesting a variance of Section 10.4, Area and Bulk Regulations, in order to decrease the front setback from 75 feet to 52 feet. This is a variance of 23 feet. Previously, a variance of 74 feet was requested to allow the canopy to be constructed 1 foot from the front property line at Routes 22 and 231 . The current request also decreases the number of fuel pumps from 2 to 1 . RELEVANT HISTORY: The Cismont Market building was built prior to zoning in Albemarle. It has served several uses over the years. • ZMA 80-25 Reilly requested rezoning from Al to B1 and was denied by the Board of Supervisors. • VA 80-53 Reilly was requested to decrease the front setback. The files are incomplete and the full request, report and action are not available. Page 2 10/27/98 VA 98-28 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFYING CONDITIONS: (Some of this description is repeated from the previous variance request, VA 98-18.) This property is within the Southwest Mountains Historic District, which is a state designation. In addition, this district is on the National Register of Historic places and is one of the largest, measuring approximately 30,000 acres. It is located on Route 22/231, a Virginia Scenic By-Way. Grace Episcopal Church, a Virginia Historic Landmark, is located about 1/2 mile east of this site. It is surrounded by an Agricultural Forestal district and at least 500 acres that are under conservation easement. The site is designated within the County Open Space Plan. This improvement project is planned to be concurrent with the replacement of underground storage tanks required by December, 1998. The tank replacement is beyond the applicants' control and serves the public health and safety. The construction of a canopy is not a mandated improvement. Most if not all businesses involving fuel sales are choosing to build canopies. As the Board is aware, staff has typically recommended denial of canopy requests. The Board in prior requests has not considered a canopy to be merely a convenience; it is treated as a business necessity. (Please note that the maximum lighting spillover from the canopy or any source onsite can not be varied. Therefore with the minimal setback proposed, it is imperative that the applicant pursue lighting which could meet the ordinance, prior to further commitments on the canopy.) The site has enjoyed this use for many years. The location of the existing development on the property constrains the location of an improvement such as this canopy. There is very little distance between the front of the store and the front property line. In fact, the right-of-way runs through the front planting island. The septic field is apparently located on the north side of the building. Within a short distance behind the store, the ground rises up such that a substantial amount of cut and grading will be required to actively use this area. APPLICANT'S JUSTIFICATION AND STAFF COMMENT: Page 3 10/27/98 VA 98-28 A review of the variance criteria is as follows: Necessary Finding Number One: Hardship The applicant comments that the variance is necessary: • Undue hardship does exist if we are unable to erect this canopy. Exxon will not continue to brand our store if we do not meet their requirements of providing this canopy. Without the support of the national brand gasoline, we will loose 70% of our gasoline customers. • 650 of our customers have signed a petition stating they support this request. Replacement of the tanks is mandated and must happen. However, staff continues to find that canopies are not necessary for reasonable use of property. Should the Board find a canopy to be necessary, staff recommends that the canopy be located so as to require the least amount of variance, to comply with the setback to the greatest degree possible. The proposal to move the pumps from the front to the side is a large improvement. It will improve the visual quality as well as provide better circulation onto and around the site. Staff suggests that consideration be given to a location further towards the rear of the property. However, we are aware that the design of the existing store and concerns about safety may not lend itself towards moving the pumps further back. In summary, staff concludes: The applicant has not provided evidence that the strict application of the ordinance would produce undue hardship. Necessary Finding Number Two: Uniqueness of Hardship The applicant notes: • Shadwell Store located 6 miles from our store in the same rural area and on the same scenic byway does have a canopy. • Seven Eleven, Exxon and Amoco have canopies in Gordonsville 9 miles away. We are the only convenience store in the entire county that has not been approved for this request. Page 4 10/27/98 VA 98-28 It is staffs opinion that this not a unique situation. The State mandate has put many country stores in the position of making upgrades, including adding canopies. Because most are located so close to the front property line, most have required variances. The Board has recognized that this is a recurring situation and has requested that staff initiate a zoning text amendment. As far as staff is aware, if this is denied, it will be the first application denied. Please keep two things in mind: variances are not precedent setting and it is important to review the variances against all 3 criteria. Most of the other canopies which were approved are on major roads in more developed areas and on commercially-zoned property. This situation is not a unique hardship. Hence, staff concludes: The applicant has not provided evidence that such hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the same zoning district and the same vicinity. Necessary Finding Number Three: Impact on Character of the Area The applicant offers: • The placement of the canopy to the right side of the store and 53 feet from the VDOT marker will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property. • The landowners that have a direct line of sight have approved the request. • The 26' x 26' canopy will not change the character of the district. The historical, rural and agricultural aspect of the area establishes a context or character relevant to this criterion. Staff is of the opinion that some canopy designs could have a detrimental impact on the character of the area. If a canopy variance is approved, in staff opinion it should be limited to a canopy of design, materials and color that are deemed to be compatible with adjacent property and the character of the area. Staff will not attempt to review what is appropriate in terms of color and design and we suggest that the Board of Zoning Appeals. It is staff's opinion that: The applicant has not provided evidence that the authorization of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and that the character of the district will not be changed by the granting of the variance. Page 5 10/27/98 VA 98-28 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff has received a letter of objection from a neighbor directly across the street from the Cismont Market. She is concerned about the negative impact on the character of the area. Again, staff has consistently recommended denial of variance setback requests for canopies; however, the Board of Zoning Appeals has supported them. We will be studying the issue in the near future and may propose a zoning text amendment to provide for them. As we approach the deadline for underground tank replacement, these requests may decrease significantly. Should the Board find cause to approve this request, staff recommends the following conditions: 1 . ARB approval of the canopy materials colors and design such that it will not be detrimental to adjacent properties or the character of the district. 2. Compliance with the maximum lighting spillover of 1/2 foot-candle. 3. This variance is for the structure requested only. Any addition will require amendment to this variance. 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C'FOR MAXIMUM LENGTHS IN 1-• VARIOUS STATES•50.-0" 8.55'0" VARIOI FATES-65'-0" MOST USED MOST USED TRACTOR TRACTOR / / / rNZ / WIDTH-0'-O" x F ♦ 20'-O" TO 20'O" � 20'-O" TO 20-O" / ♦ l LENGTH-17'•6"TO 45'-O" 2 -O 7 Lr /�SEMITRAILER a TRUCK TRACTOR FULL TRAILER,SEMITRAILER O TRUCK TRACTOR Turning radius of tractors and semitrailer depends on turning radius of tractor(50'- NOT PERMITTED IN THE FOL LOWING STATES 0"practical minimum for long combinations) Ala., Conn., Fla, La, Mass, Me, Minn, N.0, N Y, Pa, R I.,S C.,Tenn, Va, Vt, W.Va.,Washington D C,Wisc MAX. LENGTH STATES MAXIMUM LENGTH STATES 50'-0" Oregon,Washington D.C. 55'-0" Ga.,Miss.,N.H.,N.J. 55'-0" Ala., Ark, Conn., Del, Fla,Ga., Haw, ;II, Inc Iowa, — Kans., Ky, Mass., Md., Me., Mich, Minn, klis., Mo., 60-0" Iowa N.C., N.H.,N.J.,N.Y.,Ohio,Okla.,Pa,R I,S C,Tenn, 65'-0" Alaska, Ariz., Ark., Calif.,Colo., Del., Haw., Idaho, Ill, Texas,Va.,Vt.,W.Va.,Wisc. Ind., Kans., Ky., Md., Mich., Mo., Mont., N.D., N.M., 60'-0" Alaska,Calif., Idaho,La,Mont.,N.D.,Neb,Utah,Wash Neb,Ohio,Okla.,Ore.,S.D.,Texas,Utah,Wash,Wyom 65'-0" Ariz,Colo.,N H.,S.D.,Wyom. 70'-0" Nev. , 70'-0" Nev. 14'-II 3/ie" TO IS'-35/1e" 5'-74_" TO LENGTH 17'-0" TO 35,0" WDTH B'-O" ' ♦ „ # N Z W x - H /a OO O Qii I ii❑ �� - I N --u u—n COIN Irr\7�`!� III I1) r�� \'% Q9 i II "'�� I 0'-43/4" TO L5•-O„TO, 11,-9" TO 21•-0" I A 1 11 5'-43/4" f 10- 7/2 A=FRONT-4'-tO" TO 6'-8/4" A=REAR-5'-O" TO 6'-0''0" DELIVERY TRUCK VAN TYPE TRUCK I I i/ as I \\\ I / s e \ 2.5' .-i -- i`— — — \\ PATH OF L /\ ,i i /h ::4 / a? \\OVERHANG --_ PATH OF RIGHT `\__.__ -i REAR SIDE i / \\ \� \\ is I h APPROX 66• \ II PATH OF 'VQMiti / 3 \ Qi I /f \ 11 LEFT %r aOi AR 3 \ \\ m 1 m// MIN PRACTICAL (11 /FRONT /r I `0 qC rrC`FS' O. \\ \\ Y WWm mlI WW Ii TURNING RADIUS \\ j WHEEL m '' / Q( ��O \ \` in ur'-W I TURNING RADIUS TO \ fff"'I ' / LR \ N CENTERPOINT OF LEFT \ I ti/j\,C \ I N FRONT WHEEL I II / �---\—yIIin on I '1 /-SINGLE UNIT - PATH OF LEFT \tI im"�mITRUCKY I PATH OF RIGHT-1 ��\50FT SEMITRAILER I I - dl REAR SIDE I I iy I COMBINATION I I I} n In - PATH OF OVERHANG ( B I I it I li 1 I I 1 l f I o' �.} I SINGLE UNIT TRUCK MINIMUM SEMITRAILER COMBINATION MINIMUM PRACTICAL TURNING RADIUS PRACTICAL TURNING RADIUS V.Peruchietti;Gitfels&Rossetti,Inc.;Detroit,Michigan The Operations Council,American Trucking Associations,Inc.,Washington,D C el ,idlAt rtlik.t' -Ti.,0 ocdczt CISMONT 'MARKET 8 DELI - :. SITE PLAN ocro -1z 14 IctckS _ SCALE -0- 3/6" :-.• 0' _ . . . &REG i-40.scew .. . . I - 1 I I / I I . I / j _--r 1 7-i7 / , •4, ,..1 _1,_1 .../ , 1 . , . . r ,..,---•• ••::-.---5- -.., ,.- . / . . x . . / • .., . . . , . . . 50, •:r ti T . .„,,-- : 1 \1 ._. ,, .... -_, ./ ....„ 1 i .• , . , ..., , ... ,..• ,_,. . • .. . tx .... . . .. 1 .elz osehie • I ' 1 V \ .; , ' ., .---- .,z-•-•,..,. —0.--.:----- ' .'i / SiestS \ ,.. w V/w 1. •„ kl \PA,/ Not4E N. ul ,I ,..- -' -1.--.-..-...,-........- , 1 ILe ROw , . 4 4,'' . A .F.T 2_2 • RI .., . ( ArneM$ e4 - C ISMONT MARKET 8 DELI _ 6 HOU C k4 0 ( +c 11-114 d f 4,.,,- /....... R(,e SITE PLA\t\1 �y ` oc-ro DER 4 , \ Q B e Ad4 4T0K- ru(44Pt SCALE 3/8" = VD/ — o - ---aft)- °v M. t4,xxt24 e GAG- I-4vjso1,1 p ct.GGk.A tot 44,1 c /2,t- G , i.., (..1t_eut eiocittutT ti (3,,,r ,rtz„ L4 \ ._ , ._ . \ ....- 1 - .. 1 -: , ` • � � � , , - 1 // ..t 30/ 1 ,r III/ ---- . ' i It ,•i -.I; - -1 . }. _ T" , J i t t ,,... v S - SLe:PN M krrSLOSG'NE . +• • I / I 4 EK%on1 ' 1 / /� SIC:14 \ _ _ .l .' r n�} , ...ay H. Row -- 'PIW ?11014E •.N%,.pl‘ . • •It—_._.—,---- ''_alio e ,- r _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _i G`� 1 VDor MislutikCi.ir" , t V :i 2.z • RT I 231 act--; i/2,11 , L„ ID' The following letters have been received in reference to VA-98-28 for Cismont Market: 1. Letter of objection from Eric N. Chafin, Spruce Hill dated 11-1-98 received 11-4-98 2. Letter of objection from Marguerite B. Holmes, Keswick Farm dated 11-2-98 received 11-4-98 3. Letter of objection from Jim & Norma Ballheim dated 11-2-98 received 11-4-98 4. Letter of objection from 17 property owners in the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District dated 10-30-98 and received 11-4-98 5. Letter of objection from Southwest Mountains Coalition received 11-4-98 with attachments of Henry J. Browne Canopy Renditions and Article from The Daily Progress dated 10-30-98 received 11-4-98 6. Letter dated 10-30-98 from The Keswick Garden Club requesting that a copy of their letter of 8-2-98 letter of objection regarding the Cismont Canopy request for variance (VA-98-18) be included in the current variance file (VA- 98-28), received 11-4-98. 7. Petition of 81 names opposing the construction of this canopy and to urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28 received 11-4-98. 8. Letter of objection from John Imbrie dated 11-2-98 9. Letter of objection from Piedmont Environmental Council dated 10-30-98, received 11-2-98 10.Postcard of objection received from Sally Carle, Cismont, VA 11 .Letter of objection dated 10-26-98 from Donald G. Chester, an adjacent property owner. 12.Letter of objection from John P. Moore dated 11-2-98. 13.Letter of objection from Preservation Alliance of Virginia dated 11-2-98 signed by Kat Imoff, Executive Director 14.Letter of objection from Alletta Bell of Southern Cross Farm dated 11-2-98 " Spruce Hill" P.O. Box 211 Keswick, VA 22947 November 1, 1998 Ms. Amelia McCulley Department of Building Code and Zoning Services 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 Re: Cismont Market VA 98-28 I am commenting on the request for the above variance, and wish to note that I strongly recommend that this variance be denied. The scenic road of Rte. 231/22 is one of the ten most scenic By-Ways. It would be a disservice to defile the beauty of this area by granting the variance request. Further, this would not be an appropriate response to those landholders who granted conservation easements to the people of Virginia to support the beauty of this area. This would add a discordant note to the community. Further, the Board should note that the canopies cited by applicant in Gordonsville are not comparable because that intersection is already developed and has shopping centers located immediately both to the north and south of the Gordonsville intersection. The Shadwell location is on heavily traveled Rte. 250 and located adjacent to the Luck Stone quarry. Also, the Cismont Store location is on a curved intersection (Rte. 22 and Rte. 231) which is currently a dangerous one. The proposed canopy would complicate traffic flow. The variance request, if granted, would increase the dangerous nature of the intersection by adding to congestion and driver distraction. Truck traffic especially would create significant danger, as there does not appear to be adequate turning radius on the property to accommodate normal truck turning radius. A truck which backed out on Rte. 231/22 would be a lethal weapon. It is important that this variance not be granted. The denial of the previous variance request should be sustained by denial of this variance request. Thank you for your consideration. [� — Sincerely, C —C�n � �7 I �,�r� 0 i i 4 a • Eric N. Chafin •Jlj i NOV ( ; BUILDING CODE&ZONING SERVICES NOV-04-98 WED 07 : 13 M- I . F 1804^^-,4054 P. 01 Marguerite B. Holmes Keswick Farm P.O.Box 239 Keswick, VA 22947 Ms. Amelia Mc Culley Department of Building Code and Zoning Services 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 2 Nov. 1998 Dear Ms. McCulley and Members of The Board of Zoning Appeals, I would like to add my voice to the significant shout heard all along Route 22 to deny a variance to the Cismont Store. As a resident of Route 22 in Keswick, I know first hand the impact of modern incongruous commercial structures on scenic roads and rural landscapes. The entrance to Route 22 from Route 250 has one such canopy and everyday I am reminded of its lack of continuity with its surroundings. Please lees not repeat that same error and instead deny the Cismont Store a variance to construct a canopy. In doing so,you will maintain the rural character of a significantly historic road that in many ways would be recognized by Jefferson today. Sincerely, ilea/WM-6- CA Marguerite B. Holmes 11-W.7-37-7—Hv II 1 � NOV 4 1998 i 1 II 1 EILDI?''G CODE&ZON'NG SERERJ ' VICES /1/117/4/?-/f (/;)7)Zafee:t- (1() /61/IX ai(I' /d/ ' 174(11/1 ///t 7D "•. Clet4217/7e. 7()- t°Yady 0, Adtht,/ 1 ,gozva%. 07/7/ gfiz /kill/7,1/1:P W4sik;?:,} er2,7 I#LoAr7170tfig/a/detilaX77(Wci 11)/1)01-Z4 71/d/aeneit Aide/mil pLa, aiewi itti7/`14- nod p>ii- dta A9-4/.041 Agep,i,e/Ii., 77. A ried /67 i-I-Ak.57 ) y�; all 1-41J (Vie- ,,�.� yh4t,cAr5 �a!�a.�, ��,e,� , � w. �x7�.�i/�� l�f', CL�% �, ot'ly & 9 7 mid: - �Le. �o 4e-aire-f� G,nyit& 411-Q1-A- 1941`11-6 .G-ekto-t�i^,)74:1 l� r - l�'/IA'1'� ,�d/1,�C�i-y'c.� (�,,l�tti�� /ti2, I1m1Ydi' �a� /ezei, t,Z; frty �gffplU�lt'�it2uo,4:evo 9-pvit a/Pr/a/wit ot „ge,„,477, "77 ad n7r1, 4 1993 , . 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Iii .,4 afte.e, fri/i.__a/0-4/t 741.4o1-01 /1,,,d-- ,. 4 1998 ---—aa<c sr:reir-c . • -9; - /4 Rit 016111 eildi /27/1171y (53a* XP7-77144& 1;(7"-LO 7167171114-• 2r/t/(E 11.11',72t; Z/41:4411t(01,:› ,emu. Avv lad O1M4t �,4,e/h S6.14,10 '/4/1 aleukrAi 7{-9 /14d/it) ei,;74 //azto.,:y. /24464) e-deez, aedirfrit /%12 ozietA a/tzlei. lie-%‘,Le- aim leid€41,he:4174 *41&52.111 #1-44 &44tia1491, "(e4 ,7124)74,//i)yed- - .17L, /t/z/zzei,E.i iihe/ Lcd,gar /vicedijeze /p/tro,71.(4) 7/6 Aezeiltet/ loa/Itg thal-2m ileKW 41- frfi*Pl. 4 1///ba//1/11 t) idte, g'Xt /4:41 4! ela /Ve2;/- ` ///')i /i / le 9 7-0 A/4-(A /4.1) 791 ye,6), 713-3 , ,,z7yry 419578 .. 1 October 30, 1998 Ms. Amelia McCulley, Zoning Administrator Department of Building Code and Zoning Services 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 Dear Ms. McCulley: We believe it is the responsibility of everyone owning land and doing business in the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District to work together to protect this special place, an area Thomas Jefferson referred to as "the Eden of the United States." We are doing our part. We have given up most of the development potential on thousands of acres we own in the District, much of it along Virginia Byway 22/231. We have committed our land to farming, forestry and open space, not just for a decade or two, but for all time. We carried out this commitment by placing permanent conservation easements on our property. The attached maps show colored in green the land placed under easement in this area. In many cases, these properties can be subdivided into parcels no less than 100 acres in size. Commercial development is strictly prohibited. We have dedicated these easements to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation which will insure the land remains protected as it passes through the hands of future owners. This is one of the very few places in the country where landowners have made this level of commitment to conservation. Thanks to these easements, this scenic and historic landscape will remain unaltered for the enjoyment and edification of future generations of Virginians. We ask that you respect this commitment in your consideration for the Cismont Market request for a variance. We have reviewed the canopy they are proposing and find it more suited to a busy urban corridor than to this scenic rural byway. The Cismont Market is a good neighbor and provides a service to the local community. We would like to be able to support their perceived need for a canopy and are confident that Exxon has the resources to design a canopy which will complement the landscape, the architecture of the existing store and the hundreds of nearby historic buildings in the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District. This request for a variance is from a country store in a rural area, not a commercially zoned gas station/convenience store. Further it adjoins land that is under permanent conservation easement. Please help us insure that this wonderful place remains unspoiled by denying this request for a variance. NOV 4 1998 I WILDING CODE &Z3`,:;r,. �r.1y Sincerely, 4./„;_im,.,_ & urn BaJ_lheim c:72 Janice Aron Robert Aron te-1211-A-A- Ciket,(..A.49 hik. Ellen Frampton _ Elizabeth Lewis Cr—e...s.1 ,........52 ....,ji........____‘..„, r,_ Reuben Hitchcock _f_E -r is�.,f -- Pegg Au gust s___—— __8 ,s___ _. , ,... '• Hal Young la George ::::: , , Robert ��(-- "t, el_ 7) 1 4, — Evelyn Droge n r !fir N `e14 NOV 4 1998 ,�,'1 { I .!e C 1 &Z ZONING SFZVICc_i _ sir:. —_.i • Sincerely, R„I,_.Shaw_Kennedy \c\ \\.' /••\ AnEelica Kilham y V Jessica Lindstrom • Yy` , Tim Lindstrom C. 7¢ - Margareta Douglas Joan Standish Ji ; NOV 4 1998 r a i 1 i l!flri ' r•^. 9 Southwest Mountains Coalition NOV 4 199$ Post Office Box 2 • - , Keswick, Virginia 22947 EtlltDi :� = Amelia McCulley Zoning Administrator Department of Building Codes and Zoning Services 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 November 2, 1998 Re: Cismont Market Canopy Dear Ms. McCulley: Thank you for all the work you and your staff have once again put into evaluating the request for a variance for a canopy at the Cisrnont Market. We are pleased that your unbiased evaluation has resulted in a recommendation to deny this request for a variance. As residents of the Southwest Mountains Historic District we believe this district deserves all of the protection the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan provide to Historic Districts and Rural Areas. As you have pointed out, this request for a variance clearly does not meet any of the criteria necessary for granting a variance: 1. Hardship approaching confiscation as distinguished from a special privilege or convenience; and 2. That such hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the zoning district; and 3. The granting of the variance will not be of substantial detriment to the adjacent property and the character of the area. We feel that a further very important reason to deny this request is the property location at the intersection of two twisting, t irning hilly roads. Anything done at this intersection to create more of a distraction will only make it more hazardous This road moves a large volume of traffic. Residents have wade many attempts over the years to get the speed limit lowered to 35 mph through this area and to restrict heavy truck traffic. However, VdoT has not been responsive and it remains legal to drive through this intersection at 55 mph. To our knowledge, at least one truck has found its way onto the site after not quite making the curve. This past week, the State Police stopped trucks within a halt mile of the Cismont Market and found 40 of them overweight or with safety violations. Additionally more than 100 traffic citiation were issued during this 2 day period. We do not need to see anything done that will create additional distraction at this location. A nearly 700 square foot canopy over 17 feet high with associated lighting would certainly be a distraction. A group consisting of adjoining property owners and other neighbors in the Southwest Mountains Historic District have spent many hours since the September Board of Zoning Appeals meeting trying to work out a canopy design and site improvements that would relate to the character of the area. Factors that we considered were: 1. Limiting its size, 2. Relating the design of the canopy to the design of the existing building, 3. Using building materials that complement the materials on the existing building, they should be materials that are indigenous to the area, and are commonly used within the district, 4. Limiting the number of fixtures and the intensity of the lighting proposed on the site, this should include the canopy lighting, the parking area lighting, the lighting on the signs and any other internally or externally lit objects on the site. At the September BZA meeting we presented several examples of possible canopy concepts conceived by preeminent architect Henry Browne. We left that meeting, at which the Board unanimously turned down the"trade mark" canopy design with the sense that the Board would look favorable on a future application for a canopy of this design. Over the past two months we have had many discussions amongst ourselves, with the Hudsons and with the oil company representatives. The result has been that the Hudsons have not been willing to move off the same design they submitted in September. Their explanation to us is that if they do the"trade mark" design, Exxon will give them a rebate on incremental volumes of gasoline sold, If they go with any other design, they lose the"potential" to recover some of their cost. We feel the Hudsons are asking for an exception to extremely clear zoning regulations that would not even allow the existing business were it not grandfathered, without a willingness to shoulder any of the cost themselves. Again, they are trying to claim hardship in a case that is purely a financial convenience to themselves They seem to think it is of no concern that the adjacent property owner who has permanently given up the development rights on his farm will most assuredly suffer financially if this country store is allowed to become in essence, an urban gasoline station/convenience store. We are again attaching the examples of canopy concepts by Mr. Browne that we continue to feel are in keeping with the character of the area. We feel the following are paramount in defining this area: • The 22/231 corridor has been designated as a Virginia Byway by the Commonwealth and they are shown as such on the official state road map. • The Southwest Mountains Historic District surrounds the site. This 30,000 acre district is recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. • The landowners within this district and some adjacent to the site have placed thousands of acres under permanent easement, assuring that is area will remain undeveloped. Exxon has very faithfully reflected the character of the area in other locations throughout the country. It is important to our community that we not reflect the character of an interstate road way, an urban or suburban setting. The area is rural and of historic significance, and any canopy erected on the site should reflect its setting. Sincerely, The Southwest Mountains coalition Attachments: Henry J. Browne Canopy Renditions Article from October 30, 1998 Daily Progress I' o'i 4 1998 CODE&Z3°liNG SERvi ES ..►c�iw..- ...-v.� w'F�+.•J-..-+..-�1�, .. .�rv.-- _ _.-�. _ ti.+tir^- v ���.!•.�.-.-....ti wJ.M�•J'�-.W'..�t-..-..�•r. ,J.r.•.r .�.... THE DAILY PROGRESS Charlottesville,Va., Friday,October 30, 1998: -I among ticket targets ,. Trucks By JOSH BARNEY The sting stemmed in part from' Daily Progress staff writer efforts•by state Sen. Emily Couric. Albemarle police sta.— Couric,D-Charlottesvillo,has been . Police doled out more than 100 tioned at.radar check- monitoring the traffic load on traffic citations — along with 40 Route 22 and Route 231 since overweight-truck violations---dur- - points in the eastern part meeting with community mem- ing an intensive series of traffic , of the County issued the- • bers,law enforcement officials and ' ' stops conducted in Albeidarle brlsinesspeople in the spring of County on Wednesday and&Thurs- ' traffic citatiofls to drivers 1996. day,officials said. fOf S edln , im ro er tWe are committed to finding , Albemarle police stationed at g improper lasting solutions that will bring radar checkpoints in the eastern equipment and other law about some positive changes for part of the county issued the traffic motorists and residents along this 'r.' citations to drivers for speeding, .'infractions. very busy roadway,'Couric said. improper equipment and other law Catlin praised an effort by infractions,said Lee Catlin,county Klockner l entaplast of America spokeswoman. than'perrnitted by the state, said Inc., located off Route 231 in Gor- . "The numbers (of tickets] give Sgt. Richard Martin of the Albe- donsvllle,to direct the truck traffic you a sense of how much traffic is • merle County Police Department. that serves it to roadways other going through that very rural One of the trucks stopped was than Route•22 and Route 231. area,'Catlin said. determined to be 16,000 pounds Harry J.G. vanBeek, president ' In addition to the speed traps, over its legal load limit of 80,000 of Kl ckner,has mandated for the . Albemarle officers and the Virginia pounds,he said. past two years that the 70 trucks State Police, along with officials Martin was unable,however,to that work out of Kl&ckner's truck- from the Virginia Department of provide information about the dri- ing company in Orange County use • Transportation, used portable ver of the vehicle or his company. alternate roadways, such as U.S. scales to weigh more than 130 trac- Drivers or owners of trucks . 15,Catlin said. tor-trailers during stops along determined to be carrying too lie has done a very outstanding Route 22,Route 231 and U.S.250.. much weight will face,fines based job of re-routing traffic onto roads They determined that roughly on how many pounds they exceed- that are more capable of handling •40 were carrying a heaviet load. ed their limit,Catlin said. it,'she said. \ , 'I ' NoV 4 1998 i L`_�I L___________I E��' PU11_D17,1G CODE&ZO ;ING SERVICES 7"-----1/ 3S 9W ,7 ..;,,,,.„, .----. -•,..71 .- ,.........„..... •.„..p..........„..., ' r - i___ • , • r- 2661 V sTti 4.1 i Aft 1,0 . . 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N/ / . i . , i ....„......•411> INci•[ P -?_ [1 \l, 1_ ' J l '--`---- ' N O" 4 1998 rI III 9 -_..:iN('- Sri?;1I{`CS 1 October 30, 1998 a Amelia McCulley Department of Building Code and Zoning Services 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 Dear Ms. McCulley, We are requesting that you include a copy of our letter of August 2, 1998, regarding the Cismont Canopy request for a variance (VA98-18) in the current variance file (VA98-28) . Please make sure that the Zoning Board receives this letter as it reflects our position on (VA98-28) . Thank you. Sincerely, m,. Keswick Garden Club i, NOV 4 1998 �'l)iLQi:'4 , • • Amelia McCulley, Zoning Administrator County Office Building 4l0 McIntire Road ;r '1 n"' Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 August 2, 1998 1 Hi! 4 1998 Re: Variance Request for Cismont Store w I IK f E'UILGv..: D,: Q: t, ;rI Dear Ms. McCulley: The Keswick Garden Club(representing thirty residents of the local community)voted unanimously at our last meeting that you recommend denial of the variance application for the proposed canopy and signage for the Cismont Store. We are greatly concerned that the proposed canopy and signage would be detrimental to the scenic, rural character of the Cismont Keswick area. Much effort has gone into creating and maintaining the rural character of the Southwest Mountains area where the proposed canopy and signage are to be located. The Southwest Mountains Historic District is on the National Register of historic places, is designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark, and the site of the proposed canopy and signage is on Routes 22 and 231,a designated Scenic—By--Way. Also the site of the proposed canopy and signage is located in the midst of some four thousand acres in the Cismont—Keswick area that are under conservation easement. Landowners of this area have willingly given permanent easements, giving up the development rights on their land in order to protect and enhance the rural character of the area. It seems incongruous to place a canopy and signage of this nature in an area where such effort has been exerted to maintain the rural integrity. In closing we would like to express our approval of the appearance of the Cismont Store as it exists today. The efforts that the current store owners and operators have made to make their neighborhood enterprise attractive, pleasant and well run are appreciated by all. Many improvements to the store property have been made in the recent past that are an addition to the appearance of our community. We understand Mr. Hudson's position as a businessman and the need to replace the existing gas tanks,but the Cismont Store is a part of the rural community and would not even be allowed to exist as it is, under current zoning Therefore, we believe that it is imperative that the design of any canopy and signage be in keeping with this landscape and the architecture of the existing store. Therefore, we ask that you deny the variance for the Cismont Store canopy and signage for the above mentioned reasons. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, p .E.74.4427 .� C)/e_c4._/ Keswick, Virginia 22947 !U 1 ' NOV 4 1998 WG COOL Z .�r=� CU1LD • We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Na • e Address ..01/ , 62(‘ArkL- / 114Q - „A __ _. ' AG1.4L &ja.,L __t_Qcet*CthAelPfikAl C,,,,, ,I;u2DL_%_.-, ,,,, ,e..Ad 0_itt )&el___aez___ - -- -- -S A. t G ,�i,, ... 1&"19 :: ck.A.A.A.A.4 cg• ibe.A.A...... el-whfrAt4- 14;k___ _ _ - •,r _LciitheQ,._ \rz Ot cxk -k--VAR4.11-4c.74.s. - / , ' %or b'---- 441..0pe wood 7,171m ,_ G_er-- - 0,12_,m.k...„__ . _-- ,.41, ,)_ Se,(..-0. ery14- r-ciA,..,-, eiiimin Pl PI \1'7 In' IiJr1-VLL7 ' g/t /4fl2/V ir NOV 4 1998 L, BUILDING CODER 7^"';t'(1 CrRvIrr� • We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name Address -'iptv-r_Z.v(s,____ 7S (cD tT#.- 616( a,f1&,s.d, ff_, Par ,K,,c0,,k(i)zz. /1,10/4_JI./- ___1 -`2-21- NOV 4 1998 ' ,li'^i"'. COD[&ZON N( SFRVIrES • We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name Address 110 1 4/1/01. , /from, .691/-6-6J4 _12131 4--1)7'‘ 14' A-41 l•cJyi 4 1998 �. '.� • We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name Address �JYIN aNg_ 24/.41 -Q). cv, V. _3(,ticL7k4Z _ 22 C(D ve,-,/i/ 4— �� �/ , iN 2zc2 �sc�it4f . grtv-- f - dam /5 '� /3/3 / J64a-EY° lam . 2 27 rl _jr R z Z 1° 13 3 V W aeba igc)-,22 p, Rc /3S" _66.6144,A Va_.rz-q"3.7 iiL a3L P42), 17.7 g - ./gear---- J o ,pa, 630 40s ck'aa94 \'It Nov 4 1998 ,. 1 !� —n'" &ZONING SFRV%C�S. We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name Address ,,z1 A _____5_ 6., _alfzei ., 03.,,ted_Xtioade IA1 f �! 6.4ce .7` 6 G1�'(/ /e 04-4 �ziede e c I LL rub Q _ 1.61(64) /II: 7/jellt 2_XIALU-IteL VP-6 LU-.4C :• Q r„ 4 1998 ;,; nnn� F 7O NG SFRV'I( S We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name l Address } f , r � am-- 1Zfi.2 2-3 L C-107 • e. le, 2 z4 kitosvcker_vr-A-, N- 1° -fr- 24, Ke#Lai ck 163-, � / 2_2 - Yq. _ ac,t •a-.5 ' ��) LI FJL '! Nov 41998 Tj ['IRMO CODE& • • We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name Address A_ C---_1_14_ 21ze:eiLaZeiV&L IroL41271aden_574-1-1 _.1:?erlij_.(r-t C7/14//4---- ---,:?"-ea /c-- eltAli_6-(SS_./Cir42t7_011.5 Mie* , Pla,r,t, 3 453..eiloc., ---ctian_ 2/22-teaka /_ L), - 0"2-- _ ,/ Cis r - -z/ (4-n A JAI& . . __ _ I _1- 144/it-efilAtiax29W ' r 1 ;11 41998 'Li ;a+5 .....„.......,,......, 1 lit DING CODE&ZONING SERVICES We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name s Address p �r}'1A,°11 1.�•�,�, �- ) G'.1 � _2a 1u.L. 46l21�� ,60/diti •If '' 401: ((6Z-662-6() _e-<,()L4)-/ck, ,. .L pr ,_ _ _d . ' erVirkk.,________ 0,441,61--_C'14w1.14,1•Alaw -E,-. 4 AIL F-4,„ _ ?.y.,.4_ - , teelek.e.24.__4°, --./ it .,-- , -,--- w,68,4tc, lys/ . , _ , /7 0 _eij,-,-- ( . . , .„...A......:I. zo..., :4,...., _L,......_&__rx:#.,, - - 0; .- _ _ _,,,,ews t-i 6k4-6 --- --YC\ 1 07 -' k -- --- - /4 , Lc� 'i We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. • Name Address Rt,:ie5 hie A931 - 7 --- Qjoa _/Y) • 6,5wicK, - _&L 0 0nso WS U1LLE id. VKL)1 - 1 'I nn- F 7 SNVlCSS We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. Name Address 1111 f eTE-Z3/r Ktv/ L/4 4 el P ete-_,4Z 3_/ Z-14_t_ (/4 4 1993 �- CUILDING CODE .4 . We live on Route 22/231 , one of the ten most beautiful roads in the country, according to Scenic America. Along this road lies the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, a landscape of national significance. Local residents have spent hundreds of hours insuring that the special qualities of Route 22/231 and the Historic District received the respect and the recognition they deserve. The trademark canopy proposed at Cismont Market undermines that effort. For this reason, we oppose the construction of this canopy and urge the Board of Zoning Appeals to deny VA-98-28. N . e Address ,›A o_v. ��z,z �,O :�o �3 t z2sAtk-, A4/.422 /Aou 36-.90_z_ v_..zzotti_}..1_ _ 41_62 e 3 ‘t 5a-A C IA l , Cl1ILDI G CODE&Z7°:!^:G SERV!M To: Board of Zoning Appeals From: John imbrie, 3500 Louisa Rd (Rt 22) , Keswick VA 22947 I am writing to comment on the request to allow a canopy at the gas station on route 231, Cismont. I do not see the point of granting any waivers to the operator of this gas station. While it may help the operator out, it will be at the expense of everyone else in the area. We all love our scenic road through the Keswick country and it would be a shame to allow such modern conventions as lit gas station canopies. The zoning ordinances are there to protect the character of the area and they should not be waived just to make someone's operation slightly more profitable. Sincerely, John Imbrie r„,\-- ty .1 .„.,___:--- ,,,--- l TOTAL P.01 Cdfair Piedmont Environmental Council I Ea NOt Protecting the Enuironinenl is Everybody's Business ! 'G ��7p October 30, 1998 «1 4 Ms. Amelia McCulley, Zoning Administrator Department of Building Code and Zoning Services 401 McIntire Road Orange, Virginia 22960 Dear Ms. McCulley: We have reviewed Exxon's plans to place a canopy and new gasoline dispenser at the Cismont Store and find the design to be incompatible with the character of this area. This area is one of the most scenic and historic places in the country. The property in question lies along a Virginia Byway, in a rural historic district listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places and near thousands of acres protected by permanent conservation easements. The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) has worked for years to insure the protection of this significant landscape. With the support of residents and local government, PEC successfully petitioned the Commonwealth Transportation Board to designate Rt. 22/231 a Virginia Byway in 1986. A report prepared by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Historic Resources supported the designation, noting: Perhaps no other area in Piedmont Virginia has such a rich historical background as does eastern Albemarle and southern Orange counties. The region has been the home of two presidents as well as a dozen or more former governors, legislators, statesmen and other notable individuals from the pages of Virginia's and the nation's history. Route 22/231 has been one of the common threads that have tied all the various elements together. In 1994, Scenic America, a national organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., named Route 231 from Cismont to Sperryville one of America's Ten Most Outstanding Scenic Byways. A press release circulated by Scenic America praises the byway's "inspiring views of unspoiled farmland, picturesque historic landscapes, and towns and villages with 19th century architectural character." In 1989, PEC completed a study of the Southwest Mountains area and recommended that it be designated a rural historic district. That recommendation became reality in 1991 , due primarily to the dedication and support of area residents. P.O. Box 460 • Warrenton, Virginia • 20188 • 540-347-2334 • Fax 540-349-9003 1 1 1 1 Rose Hill Drive • Suite One • Charlottesville, Virginia • 22903 • 804-977-2033 • Fax 804-977-6306 The Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District is listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. It contains over 30,000 acres, and hundreds of historic buildings including one of the oldest houses in Albemarle County, a school where Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe were educated, several old mills, plantation complexes complete with dependencies and a host of important agricultural buildings. Given the pace of development in Albemarle, few places will remain rural over the next few decades. This may be one of those places, thanks to the stewardship of landowners who have given up permanently most of their development potential. Thousands of acres have been placed under conservation easement in the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District and more easements are in the pipeline. This protected landscape has been and will continue to be one of Albemarle's chief economic assets. Monticello, Montpelier and the 100,000-acre Rural Historic District linking them is becoming an international tourist attraction. That means more business for the Cismont Market and more gasoline sales for Texaco. We urge Exxon to work with local residents and design a canopy which is compatible with the historic structures and rural landscape of the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District. If a canopy cannot be designed which protects the safety of the public and the character of this rural historic district, then this site should remain as it has for years--without a canopy. Sincerely, Peter Hallock, Chairman Albemarle Board Piedmont Environmental Council 'FL advmad_ pzolomc2k0 aS� tli+�R GbiLiNncv-kt � � �' u ,uo,va. da 9A1',0-otc-L4 la- toQ OPC9 �th,m �z� Pi21aqNv� imkckla � „ , v k_ 4R-�g4� lLa,�12�d*A- 6.4 C�smary, t),1 Donal G. Chester 5381 Stony Point Pass Keswick, VA 22947 / _ 26— 9P A' r ,rzE ui� .� i c /ID Jh`c i4 u� ©w n� �✓�� CIS /�a.ti7" I1 r /ea.7- 0/IL) /72 ��y�t� w a2� se Lv 7 y v/�p osz� - 2 t Ai"'cam- 7-f.ti/ n44E , ,e v =5, -rl'-E f af0 ‘y' , S 7' L�' / AP, R- ) P �-�-e / ,Z r//rf L vC A S C/4 S /9) uJ4y 1 N '7'1I-r2 S 0 u>-A' * `zr Cr Xi/Sr-4 1)/J Talc 7� A ,i 5 714 e/2 / :. / • A g V 1, 6.i t")itj/J BLS ' us /`N, ,L �,r�L P« 'C Ur �' NHS !z- 6 vF",/ f/4-/C.e.-L LA. 1-- -•L 1 4 a 6 u- 0 v /L /77/1` LJ4 I�.3 47/1-ev (24.4P,E/1-t'Y 171Z, ' v P 0 s%z, Cx_i i S GU HA- u U o_ic ° 7 S b €. 1�/'F} Q . f Le sue fifes fie.•,r ✓+S 2i)1: , 1122 �3-- 8 I,, 6.- v1 /z 7-1c v Z J, v VA.0 John P. Moore 5899 Gordonsville Road Keswick, VA 22947 NOV 21998 i , Ms. Amelia McCauley Zoning Administrator Dept. of Building Code and Zoning Enforcement 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Subject: VA-98-28, Variance Proposal Dear Ms. McCauley: As I will be unable to attend the BZA meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 1998, I am submitting my written comments for the record regarding the subject Variance Proposal. State regulations and County rules concerning the definition and authorization of variances to the Zoning Ordinance are clear in their instructions to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The subject Variance Proposal does not meet the test of "unnecessary or unreasonable hardship to the property owner" with respect to the setback requirements of Section 10.4, Area and Bulk Regulations of the County Zoning Ordinance. The request fails on its own merits and for that reason should not be considered further, regardless of whether or not other supporting arguments against the proposal are favorably considered. I am extremely displeased to find out that the canopy at the Shadwell store was approved by the BZA under a variance request and I would further point to that case as perfect example of why similar requests should be denied. I am using this letter to formally request that you review the existing signage at the Shadwell store to determine whether it is currently in compliance with maximum sign area allowed for that use in that zone. There is a free-standing Citgo sign, signs on the canopy, the original sign on the roof of the store, logos on the pumps, large price signs on the pumps, and a plethora of other signs posted on the building itself, in addition to the lighted signs in the windows of the store. I am also requesting a review of the lighting on the canopy itself. The mercury vapor lights used on the underside of the canopy are visible to the naked eye and their brightness is extremely distracting t o drivers at a very dangerous intersection. I look forward to your reply. You may telephone me during the daytime at 295-4446. A written reply would be appreciated. Thank you. X.L.,.....„. Sincerely yours, f? Joh P. Moore, AICP IF . D• P-t21998 PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF VIRGINIA -"` 700 Hams Street Suite 106 Charlottesville,Virgmta 22903 November 2, 1998 (804)984-4484 FAX(804)984-5947 e-mail Amelia McCauley pav®vapreservation.org Zoning Administrator OFFICERS Albemarle County Department of Building Code and Zoning W Douglas Gilpin,Jr,AIA President 401 McEntire Road Megan Gallagher Vice President Charlottesville,22902 Lacy B Ward,Jr Secretary Addison B ThTreasureompsonr Dear Ms. McCauley: • Bessie B Carter Past President I am writing on behalf of some of our member organizations and individual TRUSTEES members, to send you information about the Southwest Mountains Rural William M Beck Historic District. I understand that a change to a gas station in Cismont is still Henry J Browne,AIA g Richard T Couture being considered. S Allen Chambers,Jr Junius R.Fishburne Linda Glidden John Paul Hanbury,FAIA For your information,the Preservation Alliance is a grass roots coalition of Peter Hunt E Renee Ingram 161 local and regional preservation organizations and more than 1000 Joseph F Johnston,Jr George A Kegley individual and corporate members. The Alliance works in partnership with Patriciay Leggett Ivor Ma r local groups and individuals throughout the Commonwealth to encourage the May Carter McConnell Kathenne T Mears protection,preservation and promotion of cultural, architectural, historic, and Sally G Oo dh�„ archaeological and the natural heritage of Virginia. One of the areas that we Mellor L.Parker Oliver 7 Pollard,III have been focusing research on this past year is Virginia's twelve rural Donna J Seifert historic districts. Charles H Sedheimer,Jr The community of Cismont is located in the heart of the 31,975-acre Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District. A rural historic district is one type of district recognized for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's cultural resources worthy of protection. Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District is the second largest district in Kat Imhoff Virginia. Located in Virginia's central Piedmont region and running along Executctor ReginaldN Jones both sides of the Southwest Mountains range,the Southwest Mountains Rural Reginald N Jones LegislatiAnne veTh Counsel Historic District encompasses approximately 31, 975 acres of northeastern ompson Administrative Assistant Albemarle County. The Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District is a remarkably unaltered and picturesque rural area. It has significant associations with historical figures in local, state, and national history; its historic buildings and structures retain considerable integrity; and its rural landscape has remained relatively unchanged despite recent development in surrounding areas. The district contains a broad range of eighteenth-and nineteenth-century architecture as well as early twentieth-century estates with grand manor houses evocative of the district's earlier history. Small rural settlements, each dominated by a railroad depot or country store, as well as more modest farms and rural lots where the traditional I-house or a bungalow may be evident, illustrates the evolution of the Virginia countryside from a plantation-dominated society to the more diverse rural community that characterizes the Southwest Mountains Rural District today. Today's agrarian landscape is dominated by pasture rather than field crops, and many areas that were planted previously are now in woodlands. Early road corridors, and curving country lane shaded by alleys of towering cedars and mature deciduous trees,together with fields delineated by old fence and cedar lines enhance the integrity of the district. The district has strong associations with several of the nation's early intellectual and political figures--including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Thomas Mann Randolph, and Nicholas Meriwether--who lived in or near the district and who maintained social, family, and business ties to the district residents. In addition the district has strong linkages with the adjacent Madison-Barbour Rural Historic District(which extends for a forty square mile area from the Orange-Albemarle line north to the town of Orange). The Southwest Mountains district serves as a geographic link between the historic residences of former United States presidents and friends Thomas Jefferson(Monticello) and James Madison(Montpelier in Madison-Barbour District) and lies partially within Monticello's viewshed. Together the two districts represent not only the broad influence of Madison and Jefferson on their agrarian society but also reflect the Virginia plantation legacy that survives in the many large estates and horse farms that still exist in the district. The district provides a visual as well as historical linkage with the agricultural society that played a vital role in the lives of the two former presidents and their neighbors and political associates. The County of Albemarle has recognized the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District in its comprehensive plan and other planning documents. We hope that any change made to the Cismont gas station will reflect the special historic and scenic qualities of this district. The current plans for the canopy do not, in my opinion,take into consideration the special character of this unique area. If we can be of assistance,please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, Kat Imhoff Executive Director 10'd 1Hlai ro : ,, /A�m �- Coy �, - A irh i'si-ethc\-- r'rt Qx s 04 -9 7- 9 - g A5" Arw, 'a_ /tic. C_L4i1 o ay3-, l eour j G ZjIal S 6_ L(Nt G@ol ?)1 orJ44- o 1, IA,Qd /4n/2-74ap__ a1abq 4 22_ J tAjou d tk- 4PAe 66 4 C i 6i,s or p o 7 7 - al AL e 1 s in? tJ ii'my 6 (9-4_7 ,a/aosa.l /61 Q Li in 3$ ' 0 ,3 i6,6. %ho3L T Lis ''0 6 wri it a / a»-/o E a.1� . c2 Q_ �akEp4(de_ th.) ezJAn-Mi.iyii4y. anti A qY./v.:a_ Q/t,46 . we_ OE r o f ?cid- c/ kip_ _3 184 7 S 71D a dreg h.5 E o uJz 6 c.60 4.s s in ez do cilL & Lt poi v- off s .haul d de .6. tiA6 &AV 1� innd a )�,� I V h . 6017) '.S fl iiiii, 7)/ e4,D k ,e0),-)SId 'L GQ. 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