PC_10-02-91_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
October 2, 1991.
PRESENT: Pinning Commissioners present were: James W. Golladay, Jr., Chairman;
Beverly Sherwood, Vice Chairman; S. Blaine Wilson, Shawnee District; Manual
C. DeHaven, Stonewall District; Marjorie H. Copenhaver, Citizen at Large; Todd
D. Shenk, Citizen at Large; Roger L. Thomas, Citizen at Large; Kenneth Y.
Stiles, Board Liaison; and James Barnett, City Liaison.
Planning Staff present were: Robert W. Watkins, Secretary; W. Wayne Miller
ABSENT: John Marker, Back Creek District; Carl M. McDonald, Gainesboro District;
George L. Romine, Citizen at Large
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Golladay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF MR TODD D SHENK CITIZEN AT LARGE FROM
GAINESBORO DISTRICT
Chairman Golladay welcomed Mr. Todd D. Shenk, the new Citizen at Large
representative from Gainesboro District. Mr. Shenk replaced Mr. Douglas Rinker, who had
resigned.
INTRODUCTION OF MS FRANCES D STANLEY PLANNER I
Mr. Watkins introduced Ms. Frances D. Stanley, the Planning Department's newly
hired Planner 1.
MINUTES
Upon motion made by Mr. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. Sherwood,.. the
minutes of September 4, 1991 were unanimously approved as presented.
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BIMONTHLY REPORT
Chairman Golladay accepted the Bimonthly Report for the Commission's
information.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON ROUTE 37 AND ROUTE 647
Mr. Thomas asked that the Planning Commission request that V DOT take a second
look at the locations of two of the sets of traffic lights on Route 37 and 647. Two sets are
incorrectly located. They are located after the intersection instead of either in the intersection
or before the intersection and are causing a great deal of confusion.
Mr. Watkins suggested that this go before the Transportation Committee first and
then to the Planning Commission.
SITE PLANS
Discussion regarding Site Plan #020 -91 for the Youth Development Center for youth .
meeting facilities. This property is located at the intersection of Shawnee Drive and
Battaile Drive in the Shawnee District.
Mr. Watkins said that the staff is requesting authority to administratively approve
this site plan. Mr. Watkins noted that the Board of Supervisors is contributing to this project.
This project will be located in both the City and the County.
Mr. Jim Barnett, Winchester City Liaison, said that the City Commission
recommended to Council a slight rewriting of the ordinance for the B2 District in order to permit
the activities planned.
The consensus of the Commission was for the staff to proceed with administrative
review and approval.
SUBDIVISIONS
Subdivision Application of West Brooke Road (southern end) to complete the connection
to Park Center Drive, on the north, in the Stonewall District.
Action - Approved
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Mr. Miller stated that this subdivision is for the remaining portion of West Brooke
Road that will extend from Brooke Road on the south to the portion near the Kraft General
Foods plant on the north that was previously approved. He said that this will complete the
connection to Park Center Drive on the north. Mr. Miller said that this will be a dedicated road
and will be constructed to VDOT standards for entry into the state's secondary system.
Mr. Whitney Wagner, one of the owners of the Fort Collier Industrial Park, was
available to answer questions from the Commission.
Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mr. Wilson,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
approve the subdivision application for West Brooke Road (southern end) in the Fort Collier
Industrial Park, between the intersection of Brooke Road (Route 1322) and the end of existing
dedication (Property LD. #540000A000081). This subdivision will complete the connection to
Park Center Drive, on the north, in the Stonewall District.
Subdivision Application for Lot 42 of the Fort Collier Industrial Park. This property is
located northeast on West Brooke Road in the Stonewall District.
Action - Approved
Mr. Miller said that this subdivision is in conformance with the approved master
development plan. He said that the lot is located just south of the General Foods property and
fronts on West Brooke Road. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the county
engineer's comments, to provide a drainage easement to delineate the limits of the relocated
stream, be addressed.
Mr. Whitney Wagner, one of the owners of the Fort Collier Industrial Park, was
available to answer questions from the commission.
Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mr. Wilson,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
approve the subdivision application for Lot 42 of the Fort Collier Industrial Park. This property
is located just south of the General Foods property, fronting on West Brooke Road, and is
identified by property identification number 54000OA0000081 in the Stonewall District. This
approval is given with the condition that comments from the County Engineer will be addressed.
MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLANS
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Revised Master Development Plan #004 -91 for Fort Collier Industrial Park and the
Subdivision Application of a 73.350 acre parcel for the Hershey Pasta Group plant facility
in the Stonewall District_
Action - Approved
Mr. Miller introduced Mr. Edward G. Buchan, the project manager and engineer
for Hershey Foods, and Mr. Steve Holzinger, the Hershey staff counsel.
Mr. Miller said that the master plan for Fort Collier is being revised to show the
elimination of the intersection of Brooke Road and Park Center Drive. He said that this is
required since the Hershey Pasta Group property will eliminate the need for this intersection.
He said that Brooke Road will terminate at the Hershey property on the south and Park Center
Drive will terminate at the Hershey property on the west. Mr. Miller said that this will give
access to the Hershey property from two directions and will have minimal impact on the
development of the remainder of the industrial park.
Mr. Miller reported that the subdivision is for a 73.350 acre parcel to establish
the tract where the Hershey Pasta Group will be building their facilities. He said that the
proposed subdivision meets the requirements of the subdivision ordinance and will be in
conformance with the proposed revised master development plan.
Mr. Whitney Wagner, one of the owners of the Fort Collier Industrial Park, said
that the first phase of the facility is a 180,000 square foot plant. The warehouse, to store the
pasta, will be 350,000 square feet. The third phase will be a 15,000 square foot mill.
Mr. Wagner pointed out the existing and proposed rail locations.
Mr. Shenk had questions on wastewater handling at the site. Mr. Ed Buchan,
Hershey Food's Project Manager, felt that, based on their other plants, the affluent will not be
a problem with the existing sewer; however, they are looking at the situation.
Mr. Stiles commented that the Service Authority currently has agreements with
the City and the County Sanitation Authority, pursuant to Federal regulations and the Clean
Water Act, that before sewage can be accepted for the sewage treatment plant from industrial
users, it will be pre - treated, if necessary, so that it is essentially household waste.
Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mr. Thomas,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
recommend approval of Revised Master Development Plan #004 -91 of Fort Collier Industrial
Park, located north of Winchester and south of I -81, and the Subdivision Application of the
Hershey Property for the Hershey Pasta Group facilities. This property is identified as number
840000A0000081 in the Stonewall District. It was also the consensus of the Commission that
the staff would administratively review and approve the site plan for the Hershey facilities.
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Conditional Use Permit #010 -91 of John Edward Murtagh for a Cottage Occupation for
an In -Home Consultant's Office and employing one person. This property is located in
Shen -Pool Farms Subdivision on Old Bufflick Road, property identification number
770000200000F0, in the Shawnee District.
Action - Approved
Mr. Miller said that the location of the residence is in a rural subdivision
consisting of five -acre lots and there should be no impact on the neighborhood. Staff
recommended approval with conditions.
Mr. John Edward Murtagh, the applicant, was present to answer questions.
There was no public comment.
Upon motion made by Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Thomas,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
approve Conditional Use Permit #010 -91 of John Edward Murtagh for a Cottage Occupation /In-
Home Consultant's Office with one employee, with the following conditions:
1. This permit will be reviewed and renewed annually.
2. Increase in the intensity of the use or expansion of the facility for the use, will require
a new conditional use permit.
Conditional Use Permit #011 -91 of Larry L. Earbart for a public garage for truck repair
service and no body repair. This property is located on Route 629, property
identification number 740000A000010F, in the Back Creek District.
Action - Approved
Mr. Miller said that the building in which the applicant will be doing truck repair
is located behind his residence and is screened on two sides by mature orchards and on one side
by woodland. Mr. Miller said that the facility would not be visible from any other residence and
should not change the character of the area.
Mr. Larry L. Earhart, the applicant, went over each of the conditions with the
staff and Commission. Mr. Earhart asked if this permit applied to either him or his wife
repairing their own personal vehicles or equipment on their property at any time of the day.
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Chairman Golladay replied that it did not. Chairman Golladay told Mr. Earhart that he could
repair his personal vehicles at any time, as long as he did not become a nuisance to the
neighbors.
There was no public comment.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Copenhaver and seconded by Mrs. Sherwood,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit #011 -91 of Larry L. Earhart for a public garage
for truck repair service with no body repair, with the following conditions:
1. This permit will be reviewed and renewed annually.
2. All repair work shall take place entirely within an enclosed structure.
3. All exterior storage of parts and equipment shall be screened from view of surrounding
properties.
4. No inoperative vehicles will be stored on the property.
5. The number of vehicles awaiting repair shall be limited to a maximum of five.
6. Increase in the use or expansion of the building will require a new conditional use permit.
7. The BOCA Building Code and the Fire Prevention Code will be complied with at all
times.
Rezoning Application #007 -91 of Paul Negley to rezone 8.94 acres in the Stonewall
District from B -2 (Business General) to B -3 (Industrial Transition)
Action - Approved
Mr. Watkins said that the site is located between retail and industrial areas to the
rear of an interchange commercial area. He said that the site may be considered to be ideal for
industrial transition zoning and no adverse impacts were anticipated. The staff recommendations
were for approval.
Mr. Watkins read a letter from Mr. John R. Pritchard, III, Vice President/General
Counsel for Winchester North, Inc., the owner of the Econo Lodge motel which is located on
adjacent property. Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mr. Wilson, the letter
was made a part of the record by unanimous vote (letter appears at end of minutes).
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Mr. Matt McHale, representing Mr. Paul Negley, said that the portion of the
property near the railroad tracks and Blue Flame will be the site of Mr. Negley's construction/
excavation office.
The commissioners and staff discussed buffer and screening requirements between
the B2 and B3 zoning districts. The commissioners felt that the proposed business could
potentially require diesel truck traffic in and out of the site during early morning hours and truck
and machinery repair on the site, which may disturb hotel guests. They felt that the potential
noise factor and the outside storage of construction equipment would have to be addressed at the
site plan stage.
Mr. McHale said that Mr. Negley is willing to work with the commissioners and
staff to put in a berm or whatever is necessary to provide the proper screening and buffering.
There were no public comments.
Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mrs. Copenhaver,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby unanimously
recommend approval of Rezoning Application #007 -91 of Paul Negley to rezone 8.94 acres from
B2 (Business General) to B3 (Industrial Transition). This property is located on Route 661,
behind Days Inn and Econo Lodge, just north of U.S. Route 11, and is identified with property
I.D. #430000A0000520 in the Stonewall District.
An ordinance to revise all portions of Chapter 18, Subdivision Ordinance, of the
Frederick County Code
Action - Approved
Mr. Watkins said that the intention of this ordinance is to better clarify and specify
the subdivision process than is done in the current ordinance. He said that this ordinance
attempts to clarify the administrative aspects, the definitions, the terminology, and in particular,
to improve the standards for how a subdivision is carried out. Mr. Watkins said that this latest
version of the subdivision ordinance was revised to reflect comments received from the Top of
Virginia Building Association and Supervisor Harrington Smith, Jr. Mr. Watkins reviewed each
of the following revised sections with the Commission: Streets Prior to State Acceptance;
Sidewalks and Pedestrian Walkways; Sinkhole Protection; and Monuments and Markers.
Mr. Watkins also noted that at previous meetings, some improved language in
sections 4 -2 -2.2 and 4 -6 -6.1 was agreed upon, but was inadvertently left out and needs to be
included in the ordinance as agreed. Mr. Watkins went over those sections with the
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Chairman Golladay called for public comment and the following person came
Mr. Charles Maddox, speaking for the Top of Virginia Home Builders
iciation, had two major concerns with the proposed ordinance. Addressing the first issue,
Maddox said that under the proposed ordinance, the traditional lot subdivision with 15,000
re foot or greater lot size can be built with roadside ditches; whereas the cluster subdivision
15,000 square foof or less lot size will need curb and gutter. Mr. Maddox felt that the
is traditional development should have curb and gutter, not the cluster development. He felt
the cluster design should be free -form and suburban in nature.
The second concern was the issue of affordable housing. Mr. Maddox said that
i a business perspective, he would recommend to his clients to use the single- family
tional design because they will be getting the same number of lots, they would not have to
Il curb and gutter, and will be able to sell the lots for less money. He said that when people
lots, seldom does curb and gutter make a difference to them.
Regarding Section 4 -2 -2.2 on interparcel connectors, Mr. Stiles inquired whether
should be language allowing the Planning Commission to waive the requirement that the
inuation of such streets be constructed where it would not be appropriate. ( It was suggested
in instances where the Commission would require them to be built, the language should be
r that if there are no lots fronting on the property line, it would be the requirement of the
on developing the next parcel of land to bring the street to state standards.
The Commission discussed the language on bonding and letters of credit with Mr.
Jay Kook, the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney.
Mr. Thomas felt the proposed subdivision ordinance encouraged developers to put
a little more thought and planning into subdivision layouts. Mr. Thomas talked about the
benefits of using street lights, sidewalks, curb and gutter in high density developments.
Chairman Golladay said that the proposed subdivision ordinance was not based on
performance, such as the RP District in the Zoning Ordinance, and he felt that it should be. Mr.
Golladay felt the proposed subdivision ordinance was too rigid and did not allow innovative
design. He said he preferred that a combination of requirements, based on width and lot size,
be used.
Mr. Stiles requested that the ordinance clarify who is responsible for installing and
paying for street lights. Mr. Stiles also felt it would be useful to require underground utilities
in new areas of development.
Upon motion made by Mr. DeHaven and seconded by Mr. Thomas,
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BE IT RESOLVED, That the Frederick County Planning Commission does hereby recommend
approval of the ordinance to revise all portions of Chapter 18, Subdivision Ordinance, of the
Frederick County Code.
The vote was as follows:
YES (TO APPROVES Copenhaver, Sherwood, DeHaven, Wilson, Shenk, Thomas
NO: Golladay
ADJOURNMENT
No further business remained to be discussed and the meeting adjourned at 9:30
p.m. by unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Watkins, Secretary
l
Ja es W. Golladay, Jr., tXalrman
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WINCHESTER NORTH, INC.
18041873 -0400
11841 CANON BOULEVARD
NEWPORT NEWS. VA 23606
September 27, 1991
Mr. Robert W. Watkins
Department of Planning and Development
County of Frederick
9 N. Loudoun Street
Winchester, Virginia 22601
Re: The Application of Paul L. Negley
Meeting Date: October 2, 1991. 7:30 p.m.
Dear Mr. Watkins:
My company, Winchester North Inc., owns the Econo Lodge motel on Route 11
North, adjacent to the subject parcel recently purchased by Mr. Negley. As
you know, both parcels are presently zoned B -2.
My concern with the rezoning of Mr. Negley's parcel is in regard to those
Permitted B -3 uses which would create excess noise and visual blight so as to
be disturbing to and incompatible with my motel use. I am concerned about any
uses allowed under B -3 which would have the potential to create excess truck
or machinery noise, particularly during evening and early morning hours when
my motel guests are trying to sleep. Obviously, I am also concerned about any
uses under B -3 which might create a visual blight such as the rear yard of an
auto repair shop. I believe my parcel is entitled to such protection.
A number of permitted uses under B -3 would be compatible with my business.
However, since your Commission does not have the authority to permit some B -3
uses while forbidding others, I feel I have no choice but to oppose the
rezoning for the reasons I have stated. I do not know what Mr. Negley's
intended use is, and it may be that his use would not be incompatible with a
motel operation. Uses which may be undertaken by land owners succeeding Mr.
Negley must be considered, however.
Should the issue arise, it is my request that the Commission require any
buffers and /or screens which are within its authority to impose.
ng , very much for your consideration, I remain
ly yours,
Pritchard, III
sident /General Counsel
Ili;12t7'irl,
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