PC_08-04-93_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
August 4, 1993.
PRESENT: Planning Commissioners present were: James W. Golladay, Jr., Chairman; John
R. Marker, Vice Chairman /Back Creek District; S. Blaine Wilson, Shawnee
District; Roger L. Thomas, Opequon District; Manuel C. DeHaven, Stonewall
District; Robert Morris, Shawnee District; Marjorie H. Copenhaver, Back Creek
District; Todd D. Shenk, Gainesboro District; John H. Light, Stonewall District;
George L. Romine, Citizen at Large; and Beverly J. Sherwood, Board Liaison.
ABSENT: Ronald W. Carper, Gainesboro District
Planning Staff present were: Kris C. Tierney, Deputy Director; W. Wayne
Miller, Zoning Administrator; and Lanny C. Bise, II, Planner I.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Golladay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES - JULY 7. 1993
Upon motion made by Mr. Marker and seconded by Mr. Light, the minutes of
July 7, 1993, were unanimously approved as presented.
BIMONTHLY REPORT
Chairman Golladay accepted the Bimonthly Report for the Commission's
information
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
Comprehensive Plans & Programs Subcommittee (CP &PS)
Mrs. Copenhaver reported that the committee would meet next Monday, August
9, 1993.
Development Review and Regulations Subcommittee (DR &RS) - 7/27/93
Mr. Thomas reported that the committee discussed revisions to the development
review fee schedule. Mr. Thomas said the revisions seem to be logical and reasonable and that
the fees need to be more in line with the actual cost of processing CUP's and Variances. The
committee also discussed allowable gross density in the Residential Performance district. Mr.
Thomas said the committee will continue discussions on this item at their next couple of
meetings.
Mr. Golladay commented that, in his opinion, one or two sentences in the intent
paragraph would correct the problem.
Sanitation Authority - 7/21/93
Mrs. Copenhaver reported that the Sanitation Authority has taken bids on the
elevated water storage tank on Route 642. She said that the water tank will help water pressure
in the Route 642 area.
Transportation Committee - 8/2/93
Mr. Thomas reported that the committee met with citizens concerned about the
limited sight distance caused by the vertical curvature at the intersections of Double Church
Road and Grim Road, and Woods Mill Road. Mr. Thomas said VDOT intends to look at the
roads and take some survey information to determine what improvements can be made.
Frederick Co. /Stephens City Joint Planning Committee - 7/26/93
Mrs. Copenhaver noted that a summary of the Corridor Planning Public Meetings
had been distributed among the Commissioners. Mrs. Copenhaver said comments at the meeting
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were varied and that the turnout had been good.
SUBDIVISIONS
Subdivision Application #006 -93 of Pioneer Heights - Section H for 116 single family lots.
This property is located one mile east of Winchester on the east side of Greenwood Road
(Route 656) and the south side of Berryville Pike (Route 7) in the Shawnee District.
VINKINI
Mr. Miller stated that the proposed subdivision was for 116 lots for single family
dwellings. Mr. Miller told the Commission that the concerns regarding the park areas had been
addressed during a recent meeting with the developer, a representative from the Parks and
Recreation Department, and himself. The developer presented a plan for recreational facilities
that was acceptable to all.
Mr. Thomas asked Mr. Miller to explain the Inspection Department's comments
regarding the engineer's report on compaction. Mr. Miller explained that due to fill that was
occurring on lots 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 217, 218, 219, 220, and 221, the engineer has stated
that he will require site plans and compaction testing on these particular lots.
Mr. Bruce Edens, of Greenway, Inc., was present to address the Commission.
Mr. Edens told the Commission that this is the last section of Pioneer Heights and is located
behind the existing Section I. Mr. Edens noted that there are three streets of Section I that have
not yet been constructed. He said that this may add to the confusion as to how the streets tie
in together and is the reason the park area in Section I has not been completed. An acceptable
plan for the park area has been developed and all the other comments have been addressed.
Mr. Wilson asked Mr. Edens if Artillery Road goes all the way back to Valley
Mill Road and Mr. Edens explained that it may eventually, but it is not connected at the present
time.
Mr. Thomas asked Mr. Edens about the requirement for compaction reports on
the aforementioned lots. Mr. Edens said that a site visit was conducted by himself, the
developer, and Ed Strawsnyder, County Engineer, and that they plan to repeat the site visit
before any building permits are issued.
Mr. Thomas asked Mr. Edens if the sewer line had already been placed in the fill
between lots 197, 198, 221 and 220. Mr. Edens explained that the line had been placed under
the fill, below the actual fill area in accordance with Sanitation Authority standards. Mr. Edens
said no houses will be built above the line.
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Upon motion made by Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Romine,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
approve Subdivision Application 1/006 -93 of Pioneer Heights, Section 1I, for 116 lots for single
family dwellings on 45.413 acres zoned RP, provided the applicant receives approval from all
review agencies and addresses all concerns and comments of the staff and Planning Commission.
This property is identified as PIN 55 -A -180.
OTHER
Discussion regarding a proposed road connection between Valley Mill Road (Rt. 659) and
Berryville Pike (Rt. 7).
Mr. Tierney told the Commission that this item is a result of the Board of
Supervisors tabling the Hillsdale Estates MDP at their meeting of June 9, 1993. The application
was tabled due to concerns about the increase of traffic on Valley Mill Road and the Route
7 /Valley Mill Road Intersection.
Mr. Charles E. Maddox, Jr., of G. W. Clifford & Associates, described the
proposed road as a connection from Valley Mill Road to Route 7 which would provide a
connection north and serve as the major collector as specified in the Comprehensive Plan for
Frederick County. Mr. Maddox said the road would then continue to the Redbud Run area and
ultimately to Route 11. Mr. Maddox stated that this road would tie into the road that was
planned and proffered during the Caleb Rezoning.
Mr. Maddox made the following observations regarding advantages to the
proposed road - it would allow the existing connection at Route 7 to be made a "one -way in ",
the volume of traffic should be significantly reduced immediately, the traffic control intersection
would be moved east, away from the Interstate 81 interchange, and stop lights would be
computer controlled improving the flow of traffic.
The Commissioners were concerned about how the County would acquire the
property and who would be responsible for construction of the road. They were also concerned
about the effected property owners and suggested a general meeting with all parties involved.
Mr. Thomas noted that the area involved is a very high density area and needs
a north /south collector road to get traffic onto Route 7.
Responding to a question from Mr. Thomas, Mr. Maddox estimated the cost of
the intersection to be $200,000, the cost of the road to be $200 per foot, and the storm drain is
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estimated to cost $90,000 for a total of approximately one half million dollars. This estimate
does not include land acquisition.
Mr. Shenk suggested that the Planning Commission send the proposal back to the
Planning Department for further study while awaiting comments from the State.
Mr. Light felt a time limit should be set for the Transportation Committee, the
Planning Department, and VDOT in order for action to be taken without too much delay.
Mr. Garrison, owner of property identified as 54 -A -111, was present to express
his displeasure with the project. Mr. Garrison stated that the project would not improve traffic
conditions on Valley Mill Road, but would only serve to enhance the property for builders.
Mr. Billy J. Tisinger, representing JENI Co., was present to address the
Commission. Mr. Tisinger stated that the Board's concerns with the road is a County problem.
Mr. Tisinger told the Commission that the Board has requested help in approaching a solution
to the problem and that Mr. Maddox conducted studies and prepared drawings of a possible
solution. Mr. Tisinger said they were offering one of many possible solutions. Mr. Tisinger
said he would like to see the master plan go back to the Board of Supervisors and the road
proposal be sent to the appropriate committee.
Mr. Thomas responded to Mr. Tisinger's comments by stating that the Zoning
Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan require the area's infrastructure be developed to the
point that it can handle the additional development. Mr. Thomas said that just because property
is zoned RP does not guarantee approval of a development if existing problems in the area are
ignored. Mr. Thomas said County taxpayers should not be burdened with infrastructure
improvements in order to accommodate development.
Upon motion made by Mr. Light and seconded by Morris, the Commission agreed
to send the proposal to the Board for informational purposes only, and that it be sent to the
Transportation Committee with direction from the Planning Department.
The vote to send the proposal to the Board of Supervisors was as follows: (Mr. Carper was
absent)
Yes: J. Golladay, J. Light, B. Wilson, R. Thomas, R. Morris, J. Light, G. Romine, M.
Copenhaver, T. Shenk
No: M. DeHaven
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DISCUSSION REGARDING A REZONING OF 28 ACRES FROM RA TO RP
PROPOSED BY JASBO, INC. AND FRED L. GLAIZE, III
Mr. Tierney told the Commission that the proposed rezoning involves 28 acres
on Double Church Road, south of Jamesway Plaza, in Stephens City. He said the intent would
be single family detached dwellings. Mr. Tierney said the property is bounded by RA and RP
(The Meadows) zoned land and is within the urban development area.
Mr. Charles E. Maddox, Jr., of G. W. Clifford and Associates, was present to
represent the proposal. In relating background information, Mr. Maddox told the Commission
that the property fronts Route 641, a short distant to the stoplight at the intersection with Route
277, has sewer and water available, and has had a conceptual stormwater management plan
designed.
Concerns expressed by the Planning Commission included.the proposed density
of the project, whether or not there would be a Home Owners Association, and the possibility
of this causing a domino effect resulting in an increase in development in the area.
No action was taken by the Commission at this time.
DISCUSSION REGARDING A REZONING OF 1.05 ACRES FROM RA TO B2
PROPOSED BY GARY HUNT OF HUNTS CYCLE SHACK
Mr. Tierney told the Commission that Gary Hunt, of Hunts Cycle Shack, had
requested an informal discussion concerning a potential rezoning from RA (Rural Areas) to B2
(Business, General) located on the south side of Northwestern Pike (Route 50). Mr. Tierney
said that Mr. Hunt is currently operating under a CUP for the reestablishment of a non-
conforming use. The previous use of the property was for a resturant /bar, the current CUP is
for motorcycle sales and service. Mr. Hunt now wishes to sell cars in addition to the
motorcycles. Since automobile sales would be a more intense use the property would need to
be rezoned.
Mr. Hunt told the commission that he would only display a maximum of three to
five vehicles on this one acre lot.
Mr. Morris asked Mr. Hunt about the property to the rear of the cycle shop. Mr.
Hunt told the Commission that behind his lot is a steep bank and that much of the surrounding
property is unbuildable and not suitable for agricultural uses.
Mr. Thomas said that because of the unusual shape of the lot, its uses are limited
and it is unlikely that the property would be used for anything objectional.
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Mr. Golladay suggested that Mr. Hunt meet with the Planning Staff and prepare
a rezoning application for submittal.
No action was taken by the Commission at this time.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE WINCHESTER /FREDERICK COUNTY LABOR
MARKET AREA COMMUTING REPORT.
Mr. Bise told the Commission that this report compares information on
commuting trends from the 1980 and 1990 census information.
Mr. Bise summarized the report in stating that the area is experiencing an increase
in both in- commuting and out - commuting from all different areas. Mr. Bise said that as
evidenced by the increase in the workforce, the Winchester /Frederick County area is becoming
a hub of economic activities.
No action was taken by the Commission at this time.
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE VIRGINIA GROWTH STRATEGIES ACT
In accordance with a request made by the Commission at their July 21 st meeting,
staff prepared a resolution stating, in general, that they support the Virginia Growth Strategies
Act. However, the Commission also stated that they do not support portions of the draft act
which would require scrutiny of local planning efforts by state agencies. The resolution also
states that the Act needs to provide for improved coordination of planning at the regional level
and for improved tools that local governments can use to manage growth.
Upon motion made by Mr. Marker and seconded by Mr. Light,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission approved the Virginia
Growth Strategies Act as stated in the attached resolution.
The vote was as follows:
Yes (to approve): J. Golladay, J. Marker, M. Copenhaver, J. Light, R. Thomas, B. Wilson,
M. DeHaven, R. Morris, T. Shenk
No: G. Romine
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VIRGINIA GROWTH STRATEGIES ACT
RESOLUTION
At a regular meeting of the Frederick County Planning Commission, held on the 4th day
of August, 1993, in the Board Room of the Frederick County Court House on Loudoun
Street in Winchester, Virginia, it was duly moved and seconded that the following
resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the population of Frederick County, Virginia, is growing at a significant rate;
and
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Planning Commission is continuing to plan for well
managed growth in the community; and
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Planning Commission wishes to support the prerogatives
of the community to determine the most effective means to plan for and manage growth.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Frederick County Planning
Commission supports the proposals in the drafted Virginia Growth Strategies Act that would
provide for improved strategic planning at the statewide level and for improved coordination
among state agencies that are involved with growth issues.
FURTIIL+R BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Frederick County Planning Commission
does not support portions of the draft act which would require scrutiny of local planning efforts
by state agencies;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Act needs to provide for improved
coordination of planning at the regional level and for improved tools that local governments can
use to manage growth.
A COPY ATTEST
Robert W. Watkins
Planning Commission Secretary
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RESCHEDULING OF THE NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
As there was only one application pending for the next Planning Commission
meeting the Commission decided to meet on Monday, August 16, 1993, at 7:00 pm, prior the
Frederick County /Stephens City Joint Planning Committee meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
No further business remained to be discussed and the meeting adjourned at 9:15
p. m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert W' Secretary-
Jame W. Golladay, Jr., Char n
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