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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_02-16-94_Meeting_MinutesMEETING MINUTES OF THE FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Held in the Board Room of the Old Frederick County Court House in Winchester, Virginia on February 16, 1994. PRESENT: Planning Commissioners present were: James W. Golladay, Jr., Chairman; Marjorie H. Copenhaver, Back Creek District; Todd D. Shenk, Gainesboro District; S. Blaine Wilson, Shawnee District; Roger L. Thomas, Opequon District; Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., Stonewall District; George L. Romine, Citizen at Large; John H. Light, Stonewall District; Robert A. Morris, Shawnee District; Robert M. Sager, Board Liaison; and Vincent Dibenedetto, Winchester City Liaison ABSENT: Ronald W. Carper, Gainesboro District; John R. Marker, Vice Chairman /Back Creek District Planning Staff present were: Robert W. Watkins, Director /Secretary; W. Wayne Miller, Zoning Administrator; and Kris C. Tierney, Deputy Planning Director. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Golladay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. INTRODUCTION OF CHARLES S DEHAVEN JR NEWLY APPOINTED STONEWALL REPRESENTATIVE Chairman Golladay introduced Mr. Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., the newly appointed Commissioner representing the Stonewall District. INTRODUCTION OF VINCENT DIBENEDETTO NEWLY APPOINTED WINCHESTER CITY LIAISON Chairman Golladay introduced Mr. Vincent DiBenedetto, the newly appointed liaison from the City of Winchester. 3771 2 MINUTES OF JANUARY 5 1994 Upon motion made by Mr. Romine and seconded by Mr. Wilson, the minutes of January 5, 1994 were unanimously approved as presented. BIMONTHLY REPORT Chairman Golladay accepted the Bimonthly Report for the Commission's information. COMMITTEE REPORTS Comprehensive Plans & Programs Subcommittee (CP &PS) - 2/14/94 Mtg_ Mrs. Copenhaver reported that the CP &PS discussed the sewage problem in the community centers of Round Hill, Clearbrook, and Brucetown. They also discussed the suggested alternative solutions. Economic Development Commission (EDC) Mr. Romine reported that the EDC will hold a planning retreat on March 5, 1994 to discuss a variety of issues. Transportation Committee - 2/1/94 Mtg Mr. Sager reported that the Transportation Committee reviewed the Frederick County Primary Road Improvement Plan and the proposed National Highway System Plan as recommended by VDOT. He said that both plans will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for review. 3772 Report from the City_ of Winchester Mr. DeBennedetto reported that the City is looking into extending Jubal Early Drive west out of Meadowbranch to Route 37. He added that the City is also reviewing a site plan for a McDonalds restaurant along the Route 50 Corridor, near the hospital. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Discussion with Mr. Charles C. Maddox, Jr., of G. W. Clifford & Associates, regarding a proposed rezoning of 59 acres from RA (Rural Areas) to M1 (Light Industrial). This property is located on the west side of route 11, across from the intersection of Route 664 (Stephenson Road), in the Stonewall District. Chairman Golladay stated he would not participate in discussion of this matter because he and the applicant are first cousins. Charles W. Maddox, Jr., engineer with G. W. Clifford & Associates, presented the proposal to the Commission and showed slides of the area. He said there was a definite trend towards non- single family uses in this area. In describing the site, Mr. Maddox stated there was no central sewer here and only three septic field disposal sites were available. He said that a wet industry could not locate here and the Health Department has limited the site to 200 employees. Some of the concerns raised by the Commission were: 1) the possible pollution of the numerous springs in the area and subsequently, the aquifers, by salts, oils, lubricants, gasoline, and /or kerosene from truck parking lot areas should be addressed; 2) traffic control issues would need to be addressed because of the additional traffic that would be generated on Route 11; and 3) the proposed site would need to be attractive, presentable, and well - landscaped because of its location across from the visitors center on the I -SI corridor. The Commissioners felt that a rezoning would be acceptable, if their concerns were adequately addressed. Discussion with Matt McHale, Realtor with Colony Realty, regarding a proposed rezoning of 2.5 acres from B3 (Industrial Transition) to B2 (Business General). This property is located on the east side of Welltown Road, north of the intersection with Route 11, in the Stonewall District. Matt McHale, Realtor with Colony Realty, came forward to answer questions from 3773 0 the Commission concerning a proposed rezoning of 2.5 acres of the Negley property situated on Route 661 (Welltown Road), behind the Days Inn and Econol-odge. There were some questions on comments received from the Frederick County Fire Marshal. Mr. McHale said that the fire marshal had concerns about a water source. Mr. McHale said that Perry Engineering was contracted to drill under the road to bring the water across the road. He said that a fire hydrant was also available. The Commissioners had no problems with the rezoning, however, it was noted that the site plan would not be approved unless the County Fire Code was met. Discussion regarding the proposed National Highway System as recommended by the Virginia Department of Transportation Mr. Tierney stated that Frederick County has received information pertaining to the proposed National Highway System (NHS). He said the NHS is a new major funding category and program required under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. He said that this program requires each state to create a system of primary roads that will provide principal connections internally, as well as principal connections with bordering states. Each state is allotted a specific amount of road mileage that will qualify for the NHS. Mr. Tierney said that funding for roads that are part of the NHS is based on an 80% Federal(20% State match. Mr. Tierney presented a map that detailed the proposed NHS as developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). He said that roads within Frederick County that are considered part of this plan include Interstate 81, Route 522 (North Frederick Pike) North of Winchester, Route 37 West of Winchester, Route 7 (Berryville Pike) East of Winchester, and Route 55 (Wardensville Pike). He said that all other primary roads within Frederick County would fall under the Surface Transportation Program (STP) for funding. Mr. Tierney further stated the Frederick County Transportation Committee considered this plan during their regular meeting of February 1, 1994. He said that the Transportation Committee recommended that all roads proposed as Frederick County's component of this plan be included as part of the NHS, with the exception of Route 55, based on the resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors pertaining to Corridor H. He said that the Transportation Committee was concerned that projects in our district would suffer if the money for the 20% match for upgrades came out of the Staunton District budget and not the general state fund. The Commissioners agreed with the Transportation Committee's recommendation not to include Route 55 as part of the NHS. 3774 5 Upon motion made by Mr. Thomas and seconded by Mr. Light, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously recommend to the Board of Supervisors that all roads proposed as Frederick County's component, with the exception of Route 55, be included as part of the NHS. The Planning Commission felt it was inappropriate to include Route 55, based on the resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors pertaining to Corridor H. The Planning Commission also felt that the 20% funding match required under the NHS Program would create an unnecessary burden upon the Staunton District. 1993 ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Watkins presented the Commission with the 1993 Frederick County Department of Planning and Development Annual Report. Mr. Watkins said that the report contains information concerning the state of the County, current planning issues, development and land use proposals that were approved, and planning progress during the previous year. He said that this document is used as part of the Comprehensive Plan review process. Mr. Watkins reviewed some of the highlights of the report with the Commission. Chairman Golladay accepted the report for the Commission's information. 1994 WORK PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Mr. Watkins said that the work program for the 1994 -95 fiscal year would be submitted to the Board of Supervisors in March. Mr. Watkins presented information and discussed the work that is currently underway in the current year work program. Mr. Watkins requested that commissioners let the staff know if there were any other areas they wished the planning staff to pursue for the upcoming year. 3775 ri ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert W. Watkins, Secretary _/_ ► n 3776