HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUB201300043 Request of Modification, Variance, Waiver 2013-03-26 COLLINS E r,r, 200 GARRETT ST, SUITE K CHARLOTTESVILLE VA 22902
434.293.3719 PH 434.293.2813 FX
44. www.collins-engineering.com■
/�'/ ^ h ejv"v'ti
June
Christopher Perez
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
Current Development
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville,VA 22902
RE: Waiver Request for a variation of the sidewalk and planting strips—Briarwood commercial lots—
SUB2013-43
Dear Christopher Perez,
I'm writing to request a waiver by the Board of Supervisors for the reduction in width of the planting strips
along the private commercial road from 6' in width to 3' in width. The waiver request is consistent with
sections 14-201.1 and 14-422 of the Albemarle County Subdivision Ordinance,and the reduction of the
planting strip is consistent with the existing and proposed public streets in the Briarwood Development. All
the existing and proposed public streets within the Briarwood Development have a 3' planting/utility strip with
street trees on the back side of the sidewalk. We are proposing the same for the private street through the
commercial property. Street trees will be installed on the back side of the sidewalk where the trees can be
installed and they are not in conflict with any retaining walls. The reduction of the planting strip is mainly due
to the topography of the property and the site limitations. With the extreme variations of the topography
across the site,additional space is necessary for grading and tying in the proposed lots and commercial
development into the streets. Street trees will still be provided in a planting strip area on the back side of the
sidewalk to maintain the urban characteristics of the streets.
In addition to the reduction of the planting strip,we are requesting a waiver to remove the sidewalks along
Briarwood drive between the private commercial road and Route 29. VDOT has requested that these(2)
sidewalks be removed as to not encourage pedestrians to walk toward Route 29. The design of the road will
maintain a graded are for the sidewalks if they were to be constructed in the future. Right of way will be
maintained on the north side of Briarwood Drive and an easement will be established on the south side of
Briarwood Drive for the construction of the sidewalks,if the County wants them to be installed.
We ask that staff and the Board of Supervisors grant the waiver and authorization for the reduction of the
planting strips from 6'to 3' along the private commercial streets to match the existing and proposed public
streets within the development and the waiver to remove the sidewalk along the entrance portion of Briarwood
Drive as requested by VDOT. The principles of design and planning of the Development are better met with
the proposed waiver requests,and these modifications will be consistent with staff requests and the existing
design of the development.
Thank you for considering this request.
Regards,
Scott Collins,PE