HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUB201200091 Review Comments Preliminary Plat 2013-02-19*-&A
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
Memorandum
To: Megan Yaniglos, Planning
Michael Koslow, Engineering
From: Glenn Brooks, County Engineer
Date: 19 Feb 2013
Subject: Cascadia variations (SUB201200091 & SDP201200046)
The letter of 28 January from Dominion Engineering requesting variations in the layout of Cascadia has
been reviewed.
Variation #1: To vary the street layout
These variations appear to be improvements to the street designs, allowing more public streets and more
frontage.
The variation request does not mention the safety issue at the intersection of Backwater Alley and Delphi
Lane. I understand this to be the primary reason for making Backwater Alley a 1 -way alley. It is not
reasonable to expect the 1 -way restriction to be obeyed for the lots close to Delphi Lane. In addition to
what is proposed, my suggestion is to address the safety issue more directly with a sight distance easement.
If VDOT allows the entrance with the sight distance deficiency, then the 1 -way option should go with
signage and traffic calming on Delphi Lane.
Variation #2: To allow public maintenance of various streets
Public streets are preferred. I have no objections.
Variation #3: To allow variations to the front and rear yard setbacks.
Please refer to the overlot grading driveway grades request which went to the Board in January. It is
important to maintain at least 7' from the garage to the edge of the street. The request to allow a 3' setback
does not indicate the distance from the garage to the street.
Variation #4: To vary the street sections for Delphi Drive and provide new street sections for the
townhouse lots.
I am not comfortable with reducing the street width on the initial portion of Delphi Drive. This area will
have on- street parking, and queuing when special functions occur at the daycare. Planting strips and street
trees will also enhance pedestrian safety and benefit the neighborhood connecting to the trail in Fontana. It
is likely the Fontana homeowners would be amenable to these things when they have taken over ownership
of the common areas from Mr. Nichols.
It is unclear how drainage is to function on Backwater Alley, so final details of the pavement cross - section
and edge treatment should be left up to final plans. Typically there will need to be a concrete curb or edge
drain.
Albemarle County Community Development
Engineering Review comments
Page 2 of 2
For the purposes of these variations, the street sections provided have more detail than is necessary. These
variations make no approvals of pavement or base depths or materials, and width measurements are subject
to change by VDOT or Subdivision Ordinance requirements.
h1c: EI variations GEB Cascadia.doc