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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201100038 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2011-04-19O$��OF ALgF,� �'IRGINZP COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, North Wing Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596 Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4126 MEMORANDUM TO: Gerald Gatobu FROM: Margaret Maliszewski RE: ARB201100038 and SP201100008: Catholic Diocese (AT &T) DATE: April 19, 2011 Based on the 3/30/2011 balloon test, I have the following comments on the AT &T telecommunications facility proposed for the Catholic Diocese site. Regarding the ground equipment The fenced compound is expected to be clearly visible from the road. A more distant location with more dense vegetative screening in place would be appropriate for the Entrance Corridor. In the proposed location, additional screening should be provided due to the appearance of the lease area and the proximity to the road. The proposed American Holly and the Burford Holly are not expected to sufficiently mitigate the appearance of the fenced compound. If the fenced compound is to remain in the proposed location, the following planting recommendations are provided: • Burford Holly can grow to 8 -12' high and 5 -10' wide. Seven are proposed to be planted at 18" high near the entrance. A mixed planting of trees and shrubs is recommended for this area instead, to screen the ground equipment from southbound views and to break up the view of the pole that will be visible at the entrance to the site. The Burford Holly could be one of the shrub species provided. • American Holly can grow to 35 -50' tall and 15 -25' wide. Six are proposed at 13/4" caliper between the site and the road. The American Holly is a slow growing tree and, in time, the lower part of the tree may not offer screening. A mix of tall shrubs is recommended in this location instead. Mature height should reach the height of the fenced compound and the equipment cabinet. • All proposed trees and shrubs should be located such that the landscaping maintains a fully integrated appearance throughout the site. Shrub planting height should not be less than 30 ". Tree planting size should be such that the trees provide some immediate impact. Given the condition of the site (existing trees, shrubs, undergrowth, utilities, etc.) and the proximity of the lease area to the Entrance Corridor, the assistance of a landscape architect should be considered. We would be happy to consider any different or additional recommendations of the landscape designer. Regarding the siting of the pole The balloon test revealed that the proposed siting of the facility would allow the pole to be visible, at intervals, a distance of approximately 1.5 miles along Route 20, from Dyers Mill Lane on the north to the vicinity of 7534 Scottsville Road (TMP 130 -18) at the south. Traveling southbound, the view of the pole changes from a very distant view above the trees at Dyers Mill Lane, to the pole in the trees in the vicinity of Totier Creek Farm, Maple Hill Farms and Langhorne Road, to a nearly clear view of the pole at the entrance drive to the church. Traveling northbound, the pole was visible above the trees just north of 7534 Scottsville Road, then was hidden by the wooded area along Route 20, then was visible again above the trees at the entrance drive to the Scottsville pool and on to the site. The balloon test was conducted when the trees were still without leaves; consequently, the summertime view of the pole is expected to be better mitigated than was the view at the balloon test. A siting of the pole that provides better mitigation during the months of the year when the leaves are off the trees would be more appropriate for the Entrance Corridor, but the summertime view is expected to be sufficiently minimized.