Montgomery County

Planning Commission Minutes

17 June 1998

AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON JUNE 17, 1998 AT THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING, 210 S. PEPPER STREET, COMMUNITY ROOM, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

Mr. Wells, Chair, called the meeting to order and Ms. Brennan, Secretary, established the presence of a quorum.

Mr. Wells opened the public address session.

Mr. Mark Stewart addressed the Commission on his request to rezone approximately 5 acres, Tax Parcels Nos. 104-A-27A and 28, 104-4-45 and 46 from A-1(Agriculture) to GB (General Business), located at 2875 and 2827 Barn Road, Riner Magisterial District. He stated that if changes were not drastically being made in the area that he would not have requested a rezoning. His rezoning request to (GB) General Business will be in keeping with the proposed changes. His property cannot be used for residential anymore.

Mr. Tom Roberts, Anderson & Associates addressed the Commission on the Radford Hospital project. He said that the Radford Planning Commission stated at their April 20th meeting that they were not aware of the April 8th Montgomery County Planning Commission meeting and were opposed to a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Mr. Roberts addressed the Radford Commission concerns. He stated that the Stewarts have asked to restrict their rezoning for medical facilities only. Mr. Gary Gibson, Public Service Authority (PSA) said no commitments have been made for Water and Sewer for that area until the hospital is completed.

Mr. Alcorn called attention to the fact that the Commission had made a motion, second and unanimously carried to go into a Work Session. The Public Address session was opened through error and correction should be made before continuing with the agenda.

Mr. Wells closed the Public Address session.

Ms. Brennan read the following correspondence addressed to Malvin Wells, Planning Commission Chairperson.

"I was unable to attend the Planning Commission Meeting on May 13, however would like to voice my concerns regarding the Comprehensive Plan of the Falling Branch Community.

Having removed the forest which protected our subdivision from the noise and air pollution from the interstate highway, I am requesting that trees be planted along the new roadway to block the additional noise and pollution resulting from the traffic exiting and entering the access roads which now run directly along the subdivision boundaries. Before the forest was removed the noise from the interstate was absorbed through the forest, with that cover now removed, as I lay in bed at night I hear tractor-trailers roar as if they were coming up my driveway. Recently, there have been several instances where I was awaken during the night and thought they were in my yard, what a strange awakening in the middle of the night.

I realize with construction there are inconveniences, however Falling Branch Road is a traffic hazard as the sides of the road are washed out and there are very little shoulders along the road. The heavy rains have washed out the shoulder area and sides of the road resulting in several traffic accidents. The edges of the road need to be repaired to provide safe access to the Falling Branch area. Recently many instances have occurred where large dump trucks, construction vehicles and school buses have run me off the road, where are you to go - to the edge and have the tires slip open along the roadway or over the bank. This situation poses a dangerous situation for the school children, senior citizens and residents of the Falling Branch area.

I realize that Montgomery County is focused on growth and expansion but with these goals in mind, I feel you must take care of the persons homes and communities in which you are invading with this expansion. We chose the Falling Branch area homesite trusting we would be out of the traffic zone, only to have it invade our community. As a tax paying citizen of the County, I feel that you must consider our safety and environmental interest as a part of the process.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. The favor of a reply would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Kemvia J. Adams"

Minutes of the May 20, 1998 meeting were pulled from the agenda for corrections.

1. Appalachian Power Company (Agent: L.D. Price, Land Management Supervisor) request to rezone 6.57 acres; Tax Parcel No. 54-A-4 from R-2 (Residential) to A-1 (Agricultural). Property is located near the southerly terminus of Shelor Land and west of Crestwood Drive in the Mt. Tabor Magisterial District.

Mr. Scott reviewed the map zoned Industrial and explained the parcels requested to be rezoned by Turman Lumber Company. Mr. Gary Gibson, PSA, made a presentation on the proposed sewer connections and capacity for that area. Discussion followed concerning the PSA lines proposed for the new hospital.

Mr. Scott explained that the issue for discussion was the Turman Lumber Company rezoning request and the possible Comprehensive Plan Amendment which could include Turman Lumber Company property and surrounding properties to be served by public water and sewer. He asked members to decide if they wish to consider the properties to become industrial or remain agricultural.

Mr. Gibson stated that water service to the areas is not a problem but sewer service would be a problem until ConnellyÕs Run is completed in 1999. Mr. Alcorn pointed out that this issue is related to the 177 Corridor and asked if it was correct that the Comprehensive Plan cannot be amended in the 177 Corridor area without approval of the Radford Planning Commission? Mr. Scott stated that was correct. He agreed that providing sewer service to the Turman Lumber area would reduce sewer capacity available in the 177 Corridor.

Discussion followed. Mr. Scott showed a map of the Corridor Plan and explained the commercial area and high-intensity for possible industrial. Mr. Neumann said he felt before any decision is made on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment areas, members need to know how much water and sewer capacity is available within the corridor. He said commercial area would consume quite a bit of sewer and water. Mr. Gibson stated that if a major industry located in the area, there would be a limited capacity for sewer until February, 1999.

Mr. Daub asked if Turman Lumber CompanyÕs present zoning would remain the same but their proposed rezoning request should not be approved if the Comprehensive Plan is not amended? Mr. Scott stated that was correct. Mr. Wells stated that a subcommittee on transportation and safety had been appointed. Sgt. Duffey, Virginia State Police, had made a report on safety hazards concerning exit ramps and Meadow Creek Road. Mr. Alcorn asked if this had been brought to Dan BrughÕs (VDOT) attention? He suggested that staff contact Mr. Brugh on this issue. Mr. Alcorn asked for a single map that would show the corridor boundary, water and sewer service areas, and possible highway improvements.

Mr. Scott stated that Mr. Ridpath, Radford Planning Commission, had requested that the joint meeting be delayed until September due to vacations being taken by their commission. Mr. Neumann expressed a desire to have this joint meeting sooner. Mr. Alcorn said he felt it would be fine to schedule the joint meeting in September. He said this would allow more data to be collected in July and August and staff could advise Radford Planning Commission information that had been gathered. Members recommended that the joint meeting be held the third Wednesday in September.

Mr. Alcorn stated that the commission needs maps that show the entire areas. Mr. Gibson stated that this could be done but would take a while. Mr. Alcorn suggested that the Water & Wastewater study be brought up to date. He said the Comprehensive Plan needs revising but the Zoning Ordinance needs to be revised first. Mr. Alcorn suggested that when the Zoning Ordinance has been revised and approved, the 177 Corridor needs to be dealt with and then amend the Water & Wastewater Study. Mr. Scott pointed out that simply incorporating the list of projects into the Comprehensive Plan without revising the land use plan would create serious internal inconsistencies. Mr. Draper stated that the Board of Supervisors had directed the Planning Commission to amend the Comprehensive Plan to include the 1993 Water and Wastewater Study and subsequent projects. He said he felt something needed to be done now. Mr. Gibson asked if an update of the present Water & Wastewater study would be helpful? Mr. Alcorn stated that it would.

Mr. Draper stated that Gary Gibson, PSA, is retiring June 30, 1998. Mr. Draper and all other Commission members wished him the Best of Luck.

Ms. Biggs reviewed with Planning Commission members the items that they recommended be taken back to the Board of Supervisors for discussion.

Ms. Biggs reported that Miners Park will be built by Public Facilities and then turned over to Parks & Recreation for their control.

Mr. Green reported that amendment to the town code of the zoning ordinance and approval of a rezoning request were items discussed at their meeting. He also reported that Michelle Lowe, Planning Commission member, had resigned from the commission and is moving to California.

Mr. Alcorn reported that approval of a rezoning request on Rt. 114 was one of the items on their agenda.

Mr. Alcorn stated that Fred Morton, Superintendent of Schools, was guest speaker on Education in general and school buildings. Revision of strategic plans, coordination of plans with PSA, Planning Commission and Comprehensive Plan were other items discussed at their meeting.

Mr. Daub reported that Route 177 sewer extension, RAAP hydraulic analysis, Bellview Massie sewer extension, Crestwood Subdivision water and sewer service, approval of sewer agreement for Auburn Hills Golf Course were items discussed at their meeting.

Mr. Ewing reported that school property for consolidated waste site was approved. Ms. Biggs reported that the Superintendent of schools passed his evaluation.

Mr. Linkous reported that the extended addition to Huckleberry Trail and relocation of green boxes were items discussed at their meeting.

Mr. Scott reported that Mr. Powers, Planning Director, was on vacation in Montana.

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