HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201800031 Staff Report 2022-01-21COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Parks & Recreation Department
401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Telephone (434) 296-5844 1 Fax (434) 293-0299
To: Tim Culpepper, Vice President, Robinson Development Group;
Alan Franklin, PE, Alan Franklin PE LLC
CC: Andy Reitelbach, Senior Planner, Community Development Department —
Lead Reviewer for SDP201800031 (Rivanna Village Phase 2);
Bob Crickenberger, Director, Parks & Recreation Department
From: Tim Padalino, AICP, Chief of Parks Planning, Parks & Recreation Department
Date: January 21, 2022
Subject: Updated ACPR Review Comments for SDP201800031— Rivanna Village
Phase 2 Final Site Plan (Received Electronically January 13, 2022)
Note: Revised to include additional comments ll.n, ll.o, ll.p, and ll.q
ACPR staff have completed our review of updated materials for SDP201800031 (received
electronically via email on Thursday, January 13, 2022) relative to the Action Letter, Proffer
Statement, and Code of Development for ZMA201300012, and relative to the comment response
letter (received January 13, 2022). Our updated review comments and review status are provided
below.
Please contact ACPR staff to discuss any of the following review comments, and/or any other
details relating to the proffered amenities at Rivanna Village and the corresponding "final park
plan" that must be approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation prior to final site plan
approval, as required by Section 8 of the Code of Development (COD). Thank you for your
previous coordination and revisions; and thank you in advance for continued coordination and
resolution of the following ACPR review comments.
ACPR Review Status: Requested Changes
Updated ACPR Review Comments (1/21/2022):
1. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Prior to final site plan approval the
Director of Parks and Recreation is required to approve a park plan, which shall ensure
amenities provided meet the needs of the County and satisfy the rezoning. Final:
Comment still relevant. Dan Mahon provided the applicant comments on the park plan.
Pending revisions of the final site plan to address these review comments. Rev 1.
Comment still relevant. Please work with Parks and Recreation to receive an approved
park plan and ensure the site plan matches. Rev 2. Comment still relevant. Please work
with Parks and Recreation to finalize an approved park plan and ensure the site plan
matches. See Parks and Recreation comments #2 through #5 provided below. Rev 3.
Comment still relevant. Please work with Parks and Recreation to finalize an approved
park plan and ensure the site plan matches.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment # 1: Comment has been partially addressed, but remains in
effect and partially unresolve. Please see following detailed comments specifying
particular details to resolve through further coordination and revision. Please continue
collaborating with Parks and Recreation to complete an approved final park plan, and
make any corresponding revisions to the final site plan (SDP201800031) to ensure total
consistency.
Response:
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #1: Comment remains in effect; see detailed
comments, below.
2. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Park Master Planning. The two
playground areas shall be combined into a single large playground. Ensure this
playground area is ADA accessible with ramps. Also, revise the age groups served by the
entire playground to be ages 2-12. Rev 3. Please work with Parks and Recreation to
finalize an approved park plan and revise the site plan to ensure it matches.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment 42: Comment has been partially resolved, but remains in
effect and partially unresolved.
ACPR acknowledges partial resolution of this prior review comment: the playground
areas have been combined to serve 2 — 12 year old users and combined into one area of
the Community Park; and ADA accommodations (such as curb cuts and concrete ramps
with appropriate maximum grades) have been specified.
Per meeting discussion on 12/3/2021, applicant and ACPR will continue to coordinate to
specify ACPR-preferred equipment and materials for the playground area that is mutually
acceptable. (See comment # 11)
Response: Added notes at proposed playground that the developer would purchase and
install play equipment preferred by ACPR. Alternately, we could go ahead and specify
something if ACPR can provide data.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #2: Additional notes acknowledged — thank you.
ACPR staff have contacted our existing playground vendor (All Recreation),
provided them with copies of the most recent version of the site plan, and requested
assistance with identifying playground design and equipment options. Our
representative with All-Rec (Mr. Eric White) or ACPR staff will provide data and
options for review and discussion.
3. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Park Master Planning. Revise the
multipurpose lawn, the lawn, the playgrounds, the pavilion areas, and the playing field to
be ADA accessible. Rev 3. work with Parks and Recreation to finalize an approved park
plan and revise the site plan to ensure it matches.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment 43: ACPR acknowledges partial resolution of this prior
review comment: the specific features/areas identified above appear to have been revised
to achieve ADA compliance.
To further improve universal access and accommodate park visitors with varying
abilities, please finalize the layout of the 6' asphalt trail, identify the final proposed
grades/elevations, and revise where necessary to achieve ADA compliance to the greatest
extent possible.
Additionally, ACPR staff recommends considering the potential benefits of specifying an
8' asphalt trail instead of a 6' width. Recent project management activities for similar
improvements in County Parks have revealed that 8' asphalt paths are actually less
expensive than 6' asphalt paths (per linear foot, on average), due to the particular details
of the installation methods and machines/equipment for each. At the same time, ACPR
staff also recognize that specifying a wider path may create unintended consequences
relating to grading, stormwater management, or other project details, and defer to the
applicant on the final width of the proposed 6' asphalt path.
Response: Our preference would be stick with the 6' wide asphalt trail at this point. Our
site contractor already has a contract with S.L. Williamson, who has equipment to install
6' wide paved trails, so in this case an increase in width would create a cost increase.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #3: Additional details and developer's preferences
are acknowledged and accepted. Comment resolved — thank you.
4. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Park Master Planning. Discontinue
the playground's shredded rubbed surface and replace with ADA approved double
shredded mulch. Rev 3. Playground equipment area to be surfaced with a Pour -in -Place,
Rubber Mats/Tiles. Please work with Parks and Recreation to finalize an approved park
plan and revise the site plan to ensure it matches.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment 44: ACPR acknowledges resolution of this prior review
comment; thank you for revising the plan to specify a Poured -In -Place Rubber Surface.
Response: No action required.
5. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Park Master Planning. Label all
fence types throughout the park. Rev 3. Modify the type of fencing to Black vinyl coated,
omit the option for the fence to be green. Additionally, provide the gauge of fencing. This
item shall be fully addressed on the Final Park Plan and the final site plan.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment #5: ACPR acknowledges prior revisions relating to the
proposed "9-gauge black vinyl -coated fence."
However, upon further review, ACPR staff has identified chain link fence as a potential
safety hazard. The Parks Superintendent requests use of the same fencing material as is
currently in place at the Crozet Park Dog Park (Alumi-Guard "Flat Top"), and will assist
with specifications and product details for desired fencing. (See comment #11)
Response: Fence specification revised as requested. Please note that one section of fence
adjacent to the quarry pond is still specified as 8' chain link.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #5: ACPR staff acknowledges a misunderstanding on
our part — and upon further review, has determined that the previously -specified
"9-gauge black vinyl -coated [chain link] fence" is appropriate and acceptable for
the Dogwoods Bark Park As such, ACPR accepts that material specification for use
around the perimeter of the dog park amenity, and apologizes for our
misunderstanding.
Additionally, ACPR does not object to the 8' fence height for the section of fencing
adjacent to the quarry pond.
However, upon further review, and due to the playground's proximity to Lazy
Branch Lane and Village Park Avenue, ACPR staff have identified the need for the
playground to be enclosed for safety purposes. It is at this location that ACPR staff
requests the inclusion of the "Alumi-Guard Flat Top" fencing identified in the
previous comment letter.
Therefore, please revise Sheet 69 (and other applicable sheets, as may be necessary)
to include such "Alumi-Guard Flat Top" fencing around the perimeter of the
playground, and please include gates at both ends of the 9' wide concrete walkway
in the playground area. If helpful or necessary, ACPR staff can provide additional
assistance with product details for the specific requested fencing material.
6. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Park Master Planning. The
playground layout on Sheet 69, is a carryover and needs to be revised to match what is
proposed in the playground.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment 46: ACPR acknowledges resolution of this prior review
comment. Thank you.
Response: No action required.
7. [COD Sec 7.1, 4.12]: The proposed phasing is not approvable because all of the required
parking spaces for the park use are not provided in the first phase (Phase 2A).
Additionally, half of a guest space is located in Phase 2A, which is truly required for
phase 2B. Revise the phasing to include all required parking for the use.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment 47: ACPR acknowledges resolution of this prior review
comment: a total of 108 parking spaces will be provided across all sub -phases of Phase 2,
utilizing on -street parking spaces located within 500' (or less) of the Community Park.
This would meet (exceed) the required number of parking spaces for the Community
Park in Phase 2 (107, per the "Phase 2 Parking Requirement" table in the "Project Data"
portion of Sheet 2). Thank you for identifying parking spaces that meet this requirement
with a "#P" icon.
Response: No action required.
8. [COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Park Master Planning. Dog Park Rev
3. Provide drinking fountain at the dog park site for park users and pets. Please work with
Parks and Recreation to finalize an approved park plan and revise the site plan to ensure
it matches.
12/8/2021 Update to Comment #8: Comment has been partially resolved, but remains in
effect and partially unresolved.
ACPR acknowledges partial resolution of this prior review comment: Sheet 70 has been
revised to include a yard hydrant served by a F water service line. However, upon
further review, ACPR staff are requesting the following additional revisions relating to
the dog park:
a.) Inclusion of a second hydrant inside the fenced -in (off leash) portion of the dog park,
utilizing a "self -closing" style hydrant;
Response: Second hydrant added.
b.) Creation of physically -separated sub -areas within the overall off -leash dog area, with
one area designated for dogs weighing less than 20 pounds and the other area
designated for dogs weighing 20 pounds or more; and
Response: A separated sub -area off -leash area was added and noted for dogs less than
20 pounds.
c.) Removal of "Double seed or" from "Dogwoods Bark Park' annotation on sheet 70,
since grass is not a sufficiently durable surface material for dog parks. Response:
"Double seed or" removed and wood mulch surface specified.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #8: ACPR acknowledges recent revisions — thank you
for incorporating the requested materials, features, and details. However, upon
further review, the following additional minor review comments have been
identified:
d.) Please also include a self -closing style dog watering hydrant within the sub -area
designated for dogs less than 20 pounds (similar to how such equipment was
9.
added to the sub -area designated for dogs greater than 20 pounds).
e.) Please provide product details for the self -closing style dog watering hydrants
and also for the nearby yard hydrant.
[ZMA201300012 Proffer #6; COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Please
provide specifications or other details relating to the proposed "Span" located in the 10'
asphalt path, as shown and annotated on Sheet 70.
Response: Note added to describe the proposed span. We are planning to re -use the
Conex shipping racks that are currently being used on site for temporary stream crossing
for the construction equipment. They are 8' wide by 20' long so they are plenty long
enough to span the small stream but it would take two of them, secured side by side to
provide 16' width for a maintenance vehicle. The ends of the Conex would be buried into
the existing ground on either side of the stream and bed on a gravel bed. They are very
secure and very stout. They are strong enough for a tank. It is hard to explain and hard to
draw but I am working on it. I've attached some pictures below of what they look like
and I will send along a picture of them installed in the field, on -site as soon as I can get
back out there. It would be nice if this information can satisfy your comment understand
you might need more info. I will continue to work on it while you review this iteration.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #9: ACPR acknowledges partial resolution of this
prior review comment — thank you for additional information and details. ACPR
has no objection with the proposed use of two (2) 8'x20' Conex shipping racks.
However, please note that depending on the height of the span(s) relative to the
surrounding grade, stream banks, and stream, hand railings may be required.
Please confirm with the Albemarle County Building Official and/or other
appropriate Community Development Department staff. Thank you.
10. [ZMA201300012 Proffer #6, COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: ACPR
acknowledges the "Recreation Plan Summary" note on Sheet 5, which describes the dog
park areas as a "wooded knoll" that "will receive a slight manicuring of its understory."
ACPR also acknowledges the Landscape Plan on Sheets 57-59, which show the dog park
as being within an "existing wooded area to be preserved." ACPR strongly supports the
plans to ensure the dog park is wooded, for the safety and enjoyment of canine and
human visitors.
However, if land disturbance or other development activity results in the substantial loss
of proposed tree canopy in the dog park area, ACPR requests the planting of shade trees
along the southern and western boundaries of the dog park, and the purchase and
installation of a small shade shelter inside the dog park.
In such a scenario, all such shade trees shall be planted outside the dog park fence,
meeting all spacing and minimum caliper requirements, and consisting of tree species
reviewed and approved by ACPR staff; and the shade feature shall be specified in
consultation with, and approval by, ACPR staff. (See comment # 11, as may be
applicable)
Response: More notes added to address this concern.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #10: ACPR acknowledges resolution of this prior
review comment — thank you.
11. [ZMA201300012 Proffer #6; COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: ACPR
acknowledges the "Recreation Plan Summary" note on Sheet 5, which highlights
previous and ongoing coordination between applicant and ACPR regarding the
Recreational Concept Plan and the corresponding Final Site Plan (and required "Final
Park Plan").
As discussed during the 12/3/2021 meeting, and as required by the Proffers and Code of
Development, ACPR staff remain available to coordinate on the review and
selection/approval of material specifications for the following park features and
equipment:
Response: More notes added to the plan to address some of these items. Also see attached
pdf showing what the Developer is prepared to install. The pdf(s) are from a notebook of
information previously compiled and shared with ACPR (I think).
1/21/2022 Update to Comment 911: ACPR acknowledges additional information
about proposed features and equipment, as well as associated explanations of the
developer's objectives and priorities for each ("Park Data.pdf"). Thank you.
After ACPR review of these proposed materials and equipment, we have
determined that some are acceptable, but have identified several review comments
and request revisions and alternatives as follows (please see updated list, below).
In general, all specified equipment, materials, and features must be commercial
grade and include a warranty for repair or replacement.
Additionally, ACPR recommends identifying a manufacturer and/or product line
that includes multiple amenities (pavilions, benches, bike racks, waste bins, etc.), so
as to achieve greater consistency in style and material among the various park
features/equipment. However, it is not necessary to comprehensively achieve
perfect/total consistency among all features/equipment, and this approach is only a
recommendation (and not a requirement).
Although ACPR has completed our review of all proposed features/equipment, we
need more time to identify preferred alternatives. Additional information will be
provided as quickly as possible; and ACPR staff remain available to coordinate
interactively on the identification and final selection of the following
features/equipment identified below:
a. Playground equipment (see note on plan) — ACPR staff will coordinate with the
County's existing playground equipment vendor (All Recreation) and the
developer to identify and review options, and to select playground equipment
that is mutually acceptable. See Updated Comment #2 (above).
b. Bike Racks (see attachment) —ACPR has no initial objections to this proposed
equipment ("Wave Style Bike Rack — 93" InGround Version" by
ParkTastic). However, ACPR requests additional product details /
specifications for review before accepting this option.
c. Benches (see attachment) — ACPR requests a different bench specification;
benches cannot have an aluminum seating surface.
d. Picnic Tables (see attachment) — ACPR has no initial objections to this
proposed equipment ("S' ADA-Compliant Aluminim Picnic Table — SKU
129-1219-1" by Park Warehouse, LLC). However, ACPR requests additional
product details / specifications for review before accepting this option, as the
materials for the seating and tabletop surfaces cannot be determined.
e. Grills (see attachment) -- ACPR requests a different grill specification; please
attempt to use "Pilot Rock Park Charcoal Grill with ADA Accommodations
— Model #ASW-20 B2" which is currently in use at other County Parks.
f. Fencing materials for dog park (see note on plan) — ACPR has determined that
the previously -specified "9-gauge black vinyl -coated [chain link] fence" is
appropriate and acceptable for the Dogwoods Bark Park. ACPR staff
apologizes for our misunderstanding. See Updated Comment #5 (above).
g. Surface materials for dog park (see note on plan) — ACPR acknowledges
resolution of this previous review comment through the specification of the
"3" of double shredded hardwood mulch" note on Sheet 70. Thank you.
h. Other dog park details (hydrant equipment and location; fencing, gates, or other
materials to create physical separation for different size dogs; and shade trees and
shade feature, if applicable) (see note on plan) — Thank you for addressing most
of these details on Sheet 70. However, please provide product details for
proposed self -closing style dog watering hydrants and yard hydrant. See
Updated Comment 98 (above).
i. Parcours stations / fitness equipment (see note on plan) — ACPR staff will
coordinate with the County's existing playground equipment vendor (All
Recreation) and the developer to identify and review options, and to select
playground equipment that is mutually acceptable.
j. Bathrooms (see attachment) — ACPR staff has identified concerns that the
proposed bathroom facility is more suitable for a regional park in a rural
setting, and requests additional coordination to identify alternative options
for joint review and discussion. Please note that the bathroom feature must
be plumbed.
k. Electrical service details for pavilions and bathrooms (see note on plan) — ACPR
staff has initiated coordination with Dominion Energy (via Ms. Anne Marie
A. Knight), and remains available to continue assisting with the planning and
implementation of electrical equipment and service.
1. Pavilions at Plaza/Green — ACPR staff has identified concerns with the
proposed pavilion, and requests additional coordination to identify
alternative options for joint review and discussion.
m. Pavilion near Dogwoods Bark Park -- ACPR staff finds this style of small
pavilion to be appropriate and attractive; however, staff have also identified
questions / concerns about the durability and wants to ensure that this
pavilion (and all other specified features/equipment) are commercial grade.
Therefore, ACPR requests additional product details / specifications for
review, in order to evaluate its suitability and determine if it is acceptable (or
determine if an alternative option will need to be identified and selected).
n. Water Fountain — ACPR staff requests an ADA-accessible water filling
station manufactured by Elkay.
o. Dog Waste Bin — ACPR staff has no objection and accepts this proposed
equipment ("Dogupot Dog Clean Up Waste Station" by Park Warehouse).
p. Kiosk — ACPR staff requests additional coordination to identify alternative
kiosk options for joint review and discussion.
q. Trash Can — ACPR staff requests additional coordination to identify
alternative trash can options for joint review and discussion, due to concerns
about maintenance issues with the specified product.
12. [ZMA201300012 Proffer #6; COD Sec 8 Open Space/Greenspace Preservation]: Please
provide information and general status updates on the proffered "Linear Park Areas,"
including details relating to planning/design/engineering, construction, and dedication.
Thank you.
Response: I've included Sheet 4 and 5 that shows the overall site phasing and linear
park/trail limits. Those linear park areas will be dedicated in accordance with the phasing
shown on Sheet 4.
1/21/2022 Update to Comment #12: ACPR acknowledges additional information
and developer's intentions to dedicate Linear Park Areas concurrently with future
phases of development. Thank you.