HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201600033 Correspondence Initial Site Plan 2016-12-02 Sr'
Johnathan Newberry
From: David Benish
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2016 4:41 PM
To: Elaine Echols
Cc: Megan Yaniglos;Johnathan Newberry
Subject: FW:Old Trail
Just a FYI.
Original Message
From: Donna Canady [mailto:donna.canady@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2016 2:48 PM
To:Ann Mallek<amallek@albemarle.org>; Brad Sheffield <bsheffield@albemarle.org>; Claudette Borgersen
<cborgersen@albemarle.org>; Diantha McKeel<dmckeel@albemarle.org>; Greg Kamptner
<GKamptne@albemarle.org>; Liz Palmer<Ipalmer@albemarle.org>; Norman Dill<ndill@albemarle.org>; Rick Randolph
<rrandolph@albemarle.org>;Tom Foley<tfoley@albemarle.org>;Travis Morris<tmorris2@albemarle.org>; David
Benish<DBENISH@albemarle.org>
Subject:Old Trail
Mr. Benish and Albemarle County Board of Supervisors,
Please do not approve an 183-unit apartment building in Old Trail in Crozet! Getting out of Old Trail and onto 250 in the
morning is already very backed up. Many children also walk to school along Old Trail Drive. Please do not add 183-366
more cars to Old Trail Drive.
In addition to the logistical and safety issues this would exacerbate, please consider the impact building an apartment
complex would have on the other property values in Old Trail!!!
The first few years OT existed, people fell in love with the striking mountain views,the many beautiful walking trails,the
creeks,the green spaces(as in lower Ballard). People were willing to pay a fortune for land in OT(even compared to
land prices in adjacent neighborhoods in Crozet) because of the beauty of the neighborhood.
Now the mountain views are being obstructed. There are warning signs of prosecution if you walk on many of the trails,
and each new"phase of development" is more congested and claustrophobic(except for Creekside 3). The newer
phases of development have much less green space and less/no?space for guest parking. So guess where everyone in
the congested areas of the neighborhood love to come and poop their dogs?!! The once-beautiful green space in lower
Ballard (where you thought your children would run and play) is a dog toilet for the whole neighborhood!
How would you feel if you paid $500,000 or$800,000 for a house in Old Trail (a huge portion of which was the price of
the land) and a few years later, many of the reasons you moved there are dwindling? The green space in front of your
house (which used to host neighborhood camp-outs and Friday evening gatherings) is now used as a dog toilet by people
who evidently don't have yards. The beautiful mountain views are being obstructed by 3-story townhomes and now
apartment complexes. And you are prohibited from walking on maty of the walking trails due to construction,
construction,construction.
I implore you to reconsider permitting this apartment complex from being built in Old Trail. Please also consider limiting
ALL future construction in Old Trail. Why are we turning this into NoVa? Many people escaped places like NoVa or New
Jersey to come here because it was such a nicer environment. Let's keep it that way.
Sincerely,
(MO 140111)
Donna Canady
Sent from my iPhone
2
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Johnathan Newberry
From: Mark Graham
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2016 8:47 AM
To: responsibleleadr@aol.com
Cc: Andrew Gast-Bray;Johnathan Newberry; Elaine Echols
Subject: RE: Concerns About the 183-Unit Apartment Complex Planned for Old Trail
Hi Terry,
Yes, I very much remember you and still appreciate all the great work in helping us.
With respect to the referenced application, I have not reviewed it with staff, but will do so this week. That said, I must
caution that JT is an experienced and very professional planner. I am confident he is properly evaluating this application
within the regulatory framework and he seldom makes mistakes. As you no doubt remember from your work with us,
Virginia is a Dillon Rule State and we have no authority that is not given to us by the State. Site plans are a "by-right"
activity,which means if it adequately addresses the ordinance requirements, it must be approved. These are not
discretionary issues, but simply a question of whether this application satisfies the minimum required. I suspect I'll find
that your concerns are legitimate, but beyond our authority to address. However, I appreciate you sharing your
concerns and agree we should verify we aren't missing anything. I'll let you know what I find.
Thanks,
Mark B Graham, P.E.
Director of Community Development
Albemarle County,Virginia
From: responsibleleadr@aol.com [mailto:responsibleleadr@aol.com]
Sent:Wednesday, November 16, 2016 7:33 AM
To: Mark Graham<mgraham@albemarle.org>
Cc:Andrew Gast-Bray<agastbray@albemarle.org>;Johnathan Newberry<jnewberry@albemarle.org>; Elaine Echols
<EECHOLS@albemarle.org>
Subject:Concerns About the 183-Unit Apartment Complex Planned for Old Trail
Dear Mark,
I am hoping you remember me from my work with your staff some years ago on the quality assessment
project. I enjoyed that opportunity and still remember how dedicated you are your staff are.
I am writing to describe a significant problem that I believe exists with regard to the proposed 183-unit
apartment complex now in the planning stages for Old Trail in Western Albemarle. My understanding is that
the preliminary Site Plan has been approved by your office.
The letter below, which I sent and which appeared in the Crozet Gazette's November issue, describes the
problem -that this project will have a major impact on traffic, schools, and child safety but that these
concerns are not adequately addressed by the site plan.
I would add to this letter one other point. Given the size of this apartment complex, there will undoubtedly
be many children among its residents. Yet the plan for the complex includes no playground area and scant
usable green space of any kind. It appears that copses of trees can be counted on as meeting the green space
requirement, even though such areas are totally inaccessible for recreational use. Indeed, all of Old Trail has
1
only one small toddler playground (located in Upper Ballard, far from the apartment complex and across a
heavily trafficked road). Still further, the county park in Old Trail remains a project without capital funding and
is years away from development.
I am writing in the hope that you will look into this matter and address these concerns- before it is too late.
Thank you,
Terry Newell
5624 Upland Drive
Crozet, VA
To the Editor: Apartments Have Traffic Impacts, Too
Posted on 11/04/16
Apartments Have Traffic Impacts,Too
I noted with interest the October article on the proposed Adelaide development. Some of the chief concerns
expressed by those who spoke to the Board of Supervisors on October 7th concerned the impact of the proposed
development on Route 250 traffic and local schools, as well as the lack of sidewalks to handle foot traffic.
Yet a much larger project is currently going through the County Planning Office that is drawing no
such attention or concern. A proposal for a 183-unit apartment complex on Old Trail Drive has passed the
Initial Site Review. The plan does not call for any widening of Old Trail Drive and does not consider the impact
of the large number of cars this complex will generate on either the ability to get out of Old Trail or on Route
250 traffic. Nor has there been any review of the impact of this large project on the local schools. The proposal
also contains no provision for sidewalks on either side of Old Trail Drive for the many children who already
walk on the grass(or snow in winter) to get to these schools.
As a resident of Old Trail, I urge our county officials, the Crozet Community Advisory Committee, and local
residents to consider this project much more carefully and push for changes before it degrades the quality of life
in this "new urbanism" community, which the developer so proudly claims as a model for others to follow.
Terry Newell
Crozet
2
fir.?
Johnathan Newberry
From: Denise Wilcox <dawwilcox@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday,July 03, 2016 9:29 AM
To: Johnathan Newberry; ann.malleck@gmail.com; Denise Wilcox
Subject: Old Trail
Mr. Newberry and Ms. Malleck,
My husband and I moved to Old Trail one year ago. We not only chose a house in which to reside; we chose a
community. That includes the plans for development that were presented to us when we purchased.
Tall apartment buildings across the street were NOT in those plans. Creating green spaces,walking trails and
sidewalks,parking in front of our home were in the plans.
Please do not allow this developer to deviate so drastically from the plans presented to us in the spring of 2014
when we purchased.
Thank you for your assistance with these critically important issues in Old Trail,my home and my community.
Denise W. Wilcox
3020 Glen Valley Drive
Crozet, VA 22932
1
er` Nord
Johnathan Newberry
From: Kim Whitler <kawhitler@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday,July 02, 2016 1:31 PM
To: Johnathan Newberry
Subject: Fwd: Concerns re: proposed building plan (SDP201600033 Old Trail Village Blocks 5, 20,
and 21)
As a resident of Old Trail Village who lives directly across from the construction contained in SDP201600033, I would like
to submit comments for consideration by the Site Review Committee prior to and at its meeting date on July 7, 2016.
1. Lack of Green Space: the site plan shows only three small buffer areas but absolutely no green space within the
apartment complex itself. It is all buildings and parking lots. This seems out of character for the look and feel of Old
Trail. Considering that many apartment residents may be families with young children, there is neither grass nor a
playground in the site plan. Children have no place to congregate, risking them playing in parking lots. How does this site
plan meet the requirements of the"new urbanism"concept? Please recall that there is still no county park in Old Trail and
only one small playground, nearly a mile from the apartment complex.
2. Sidewalks Insufficient: the site plan shows sidewalks, but the sidewalk along Old Trail Drive ends at the end of the
seven single-family attached units. This means that all the children who walk to school along Old Trail Drive have no
sidewalk to get them to Route 250 where they can cross to go to school. The developer should extend this sidewalk to
Route 250. (Note: he has still not done this on the east side of Old Trail Drive either, despite promising to do
so.) Further, the site plan appears to show removal of a large portion of the existing sidewalk on south side of Golf
Drive. Why? This would appear to require those trying to walk to the Village Center from that part of the complex to find
another way to safely do this. Consider maintaining this stretch of sidewalk.
3. Lack of Setback: the buildings of this site plan front directly on Old Trail Drive. There is a sidewalk but , it appears,
no space for a significant buffer zone of trees and shrubbery to soften the impact of this complex and to serve as a noise
buffer for residents in the complex and across Old Trail Drive to the east. Nor do the entrances of the three entry roads
show any green space or plantings,just sections of cement . In short, the site plan looks like an urban complex of
buildings and pavement, very much out of character with the Old Trail concept, the"new urbanism,"and the marketing
material posted on the Old Trail website. Please add more buffering and plantings.
4. Traffic Flow: the 190 units in this plan will lead to considerable additional traffic on Old Trail Drive. Turning left onto
Old Trail Drive for residents in Blocks 20 and 21, as well turning left for current residents of Blocks on the east side of Old
Trail Drive could be difficult and hazardous. The additional traffic on Old Trail Drive, a two-lane road, will also be
considerable. The Site Development Plan or proffers should address how to deal with this increased traffic, such as
adding a center lane to Old Trail Drive, a stop light or merge lanes to ease traffic flow.
5. Location of Clubhouse: the location of a large clubhouse fronting Old Trail Drive also shows nothing to soften the
noise likely to be created by events held there. That noise will travel directly across Old Trail Drive, affecting those of us
who live in Blocks 11 and 12.
6. Size of Buildings: it appears from the site plan that three large buildings are included. Since 183 apartments are
planning, that equates to about 61 units per building. How tall must these building be to accommodate 61 apartments? Is
the maximum higher of other structures in Old Trail to be maintained (four floors)? If not, these apartment buildings will be
an eyesore as well as disrupting the character of Old Trail Village and obstructing views of the forest behind them.
7. Location of Apartment Buildings:When I purchased my home, I was assured that no such construction would be
built near our units. Rather, if apartment buildings were to be built, they would be located closer to 250. The combination
of significantly higher density building in such a concentrated area has the potential to decrease the quality of life(i.e.,
less safe, more congested, more noise, etc.)and ultimately reduce the resale value on our homes. I would strongly
encourage you to move the location of the apartment buildings closer to 250.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
1
Kimberly A.Whitler, Ph.D.
2
Nowe 'sire
Johnathan Newberry
From: responsibleleadr@aol.com
Sent: Thursday,June 30, 2016 6:45 PM
To: Johnathan Newberry
Subject: Re: Comments on SDP201600033 Old Trail Village Blocks 5, 20 and 21 -Initial Site
Development Plan
Jonathan,
Thank you. I am out of town that week, otherwise I would attend.
Terry
Original Message
From: Johnathan Newberry<jnewberry@albemarle.org>
To: responsibleleadr<responsibleleadr@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Jun 30, 2016 1:04 pm
Subject: RE: Comments on SDP201600033 Old Trail Village Blocks 5, 20 and 21 - Initial Site Development Plan
Thanks,Terry.
I have received your comments and they will be added to our review file. As a reminder,the Site Review Committee
meeting will be held in Room 320 on July 7th at 10:00am.This is not the typical space for this meeting... I believe Room
320 is up on the third floor.
J.T. Newberry
Senior Planner
County of Albemarle, Planning Division
434-296-5832, ext. 3270
From: responsibleleadr@aol.com [mailto:responsibleleadr@aol.com]
Sent: Monday,June 27, 2016 3:23 PM
To:Johnathan Newberry<inewberry@albemarle.org>
Subject: Comments on SDP201600033 Old Trail Village Blocks 5, 20 and 21- Initial Site Development Plan
As a resident of Old Trail Village who lives directly across from the construction contained in SDP201600033, I would like
to submit comments for consideration by the Site Review Committee prior to and at its meeting date on July 7, 2016.
1. Lack of Green Space: the site plan shows only three small buffer areas but absolutely no green space within the
apartment complex itself. It is all buildings and parking lots. This seems out of character for the look and feel of Old
Trail. Considering that many apartment residents may be families with young children, there is neither grass nor a
playground in the site plan. Children have no place to congregate, risking them playing in parking lots. How does this site
plan meet the requirements of the"new urbanism"concept? Please recall that there is still no county park in Old Trail and
only one small playground, nearly a mile from the apartment complex.
2. Sidewalks Insufficient: the site plan shows sidewalks, but the sidewalk along Old Trail Drive ends at the end of the
seven single-family attached units. This means that all the children who walk to school along Old Trail Drive have no
sidewalk to get them to Route 250 where they can cross to go to school. The developer should extend this sidewalk to
Route 250. (Note: he has still not done this on the east side of Old Trail Drive either, despite promising to do
so.) Further, the site plan appears to show removal of a large portion of the existing sidewalk on south side of Golf
Drive. Why? This would appear to require those trying to walk to the Village Center from that part of the complex to find
another way to safely do this. Consider maintaining this stretch of sidewalk.
1
3. Lack of Setback: the buildings of this site plan front directly on Old Trail Drive. There is a sidewalk but , it appears, no
space for a significant buffer zone of trees and shrubbery to soften the impact of this complex and to serve as a noise
buffer for residents in the complex and across Old Trail Drive to the east. Nor do the entrances of the three entry roads
show any green space or plantings,just sections of cement . In short, the site plan looks like an urban complex of
buildings and pavement, very much out of character with the Old Trail concept, the"new urbanism,"and the marketing
material posted on the Old Trail website (see attachment). Please add more buffering and plantings.
4. Traffic Flow: the 190 units in this plan will lead to considerable additional traffic on Old Trail Drive. Turning left onto Old
Trail Drive for residents in Blocks 20 and 21, as well turning left for current residents of Blocks on the east side of Old
Trail Drive could be difficult and hazardous. The additional traffic on Old Trail Drive, a two-lane road, will also be
considerable. The Site Development Plan or proffers should address how to deal with this increased traffic, such as
adding a center lane to Old Trail Drive, a stop light or merge lanes to ease traffic flow.
5. Location of Clubhouse: the location of a large clubhouse fronting Old Trail Drive also shows nothing to soften the noise
likely to be created by events held there. That noise will travel directly across Old Trail Drive, affecting those of us who
live in Blocks 11 and 12.
6. Size of Buildings: it appears from the site plan that three large buildings are included. Since 183 apartments are
planning, that equates to about 61 units per building. How tall must these building be to accommodate 61 apartments? Is
the maximum higher of other structures in Old Trail to be maintained (four floors)? If not, these apartment buildings will be
an eyesore as well as disrupting the character of Old Trail Village and obstructing views of the forest behind them.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Terry Newell
5624 Upland Drive
Crozet, VA
2
Johnathan Newberry
From: Justin Shimp, P.E. <justin@shimp-engineering.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 7:21 PM
To: Megan Yaniglos
Cc: Johnathan Newberry
Subject: Old Trail Blocks 5/20/21 Boundary
Hi Megan,
I've been meaning to call you on this topic-do you have a few minutes tomorrow for a quick call to discuss the
proposed change of property line from the center of the stream to the 50' buffer? (or approximately in that location?)
Thanks!
Justin Shimp, P.E.
434-953-6116
1
V V
Johnathan Newberry
From: Johnathan Newberry
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 6:31 PM
To: tercarnew@aol.com; cfowler1@cstone.net
Cc: Megan Yaniglos
Subject: RE: Question About Old Trail
Hi,
I'll try to answer your questions below in order:
1. Yes.The initial site plan under review is proposing apartments and townhouse units in this area.
2. Yes. Please use this link to access a copy of the initial site plan currently under review:
http://www.albemarle.org/weblink/search.aspx?dbid=3&searchcommand=%7b%5 CDD-
Planning%5d:%5bApplicationNumber%5d=%22SDP201600033%22%7d
3. Below is a GIS map that has highlighted in red the approximate area under review.
Thanks,
J.T. Newberry
Planner
County of Albemarle, Planning Division
434-296-5832, ext. 3270
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From: Megan Yaniglos
Sent:Thursday,June 23, 2016 8:26 AM
To:tercarnew@aol.com
Cc: cfowlerl@cstone.net;Johnathan Newberry<jnewberry@albemarle.org>
Subject: RE: Question About Old Trail
Good Morning,
I am not the lead reviewer for this site plan. I think there must have been a mix up when the notification letters
were sent out by our assistant, which the planners do not review. JT Newberry, copied on this email, is the
reviewer and will be able to answer your questions.
Thank you,
Megan Yaniglos, AICP
Principal Planner
Community Development Department
Planning Services
ph: 434.296.5832 ext. 3004
From:tercarnew@aol.com [mailto:tercarnew@aol.com]
I Sent:Wednesday,June 22, 2016 5:15 PM
To: Megan Yaniglos<myaniglos@albemarle.org>
2
Cc:cfowlerl@cstone.net UMW '`W
Subject: Question About Old Trail
Dear Meghan,
I received in the mail today a notice about SDP201600033 Old Trail Village Blocks 5, 20, and 21 - Initial Site
Development Plan. The proposal is for 183 multi-family units and 7 single-family attached units.
I am hoping you can help me answer a few questions:
1. Is this a proposal for apartment buildings? I ask because the developer, Dave Brockman, in all his meetings with
Old Trail residents has never indicated that apartments would be built in this area.
2. Is there a site plan map you can email me. I went in the GIS system but can only see where the site is, not what it
is proposed to look like.
3. Where, exactly, are blocks 5, 20, 21 in this large space southwest of the intersection of Gold Drive and Old Trail
Drive?
Thanks very much.
Terry
3