Montgomery County

Planning Commission Minutes

13 October 1999

AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON OCTOBER 13, 1999 IN COURTROOM B, THIRD FLOOR, COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

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

Present: Malvin Wells, Chair

Joe Draper, Vice-Chair

Kathryn Brennan, Secretary

Richard Daub, Member

Mr. Wells opened the public hearing on the Bernard L. Ross and Victoria J. Taylor Rezoning and Special Use Permit request.

Meghan Dorsett showed a video of the area. Mr. Scott stated that he had recently received one item of correspondence from Robert F. Smith and distributed copies to members for their review.

Bernard Ross, applicant, addressed the Commission. He stated that he proposed to re-establish Yellow Sulphur Springs as a destination resort. He said he plans to operate a health spa with recreational facilities and overnight lodging (approximately 40 rooms). He said a restaurant and farm market will also be opened and a residential subdivision of 35 lots is planned for the southern end of the property. They propose to restore the cottages to their original use as overnight lodging facilities. The hotel would be used as a restaurant, and the bowling alley would be re-opened as a bowling alley. He said no historic structures would be destroyed. This project will create 125 high quality service jobs. Mr. Ross said he intends to fulfil the project by December of next year.

Mr. Wells asked for comments from the public.

Pamela Evans, 2995 Yellow Sulphur Road , spoke. She stated that she does support the project but is concerned over the road being inadequate. She said she hopes the green space will be reserved. She said she is also concerned about the density and increased traffic.

Mitzie Vernon, VA Tech Faculty member, spoke. She stated that she is currently renting a house in the area. She said she does support this request but concerned over preserving the landscape. She does not wish any tree removal because they are sound buffers from the existing quarry.

There being no further comments, Mr. Wells closed the public hearing on the Bernard L. Ross and Victoria J. Taylor Rezoning and Special Use Permit request.

Meghan showed a video of the area.

Steve Phillips, Public Facility Director, addressed the Commission. He stated that the Elliston Park development would be what area residents desire. Soccer, baseball, horseshoe, rest room facilities, picnic area and parking for 50 vehicles are planned for the development of the park.

Mr. Wells asked for comments from the public.

Mr. RL Stverak, CEO, South Star Corporation, spoke. He stated that his major concerns are as follows:

1. No parking on Enterprise Drive-parking would interfere with truck traffic as well as employee access;
2. No parking on South Star property-our insurance would not accommodate;
3. No public use of South Star dumpster; it is fully utilized;
4. No depositing of foreign matter on South Star property.

Mr. Stverak stated that they do think the use of the land is of benefit to the community, and hope that the county will be able to properly manage the area.

There being no further comments, Mr. Wells closed the public hearing on the 2232 Review - Elliston Park Development.

Steve Phillips spoke. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission plans a bath house expansion and renovation of restroom facilities of the Frog Pond. He said this expansion and renovation would be an asset to the Recreation Department and County facilities.

Mr. Wells asked for comments from the public.

Victoria Taylor spoke. She stated that she loves the Frog Pond. She said many concerns with the existing operation are addressed in this new plan. This entire plan meets the needs of families in Montgomery County.

There being no further comments, Mr. Wells closed the public hearing on the 2232 Review - Bath House Expansion/Renovation.

Mr. Wells opened the Public Address session. There being no speakers, Mr. Wells closed the Public Address session.

On motion by Don Linkous, seconded by Joe Draper and unanimously carried, the agenda was approved as distributed.

Mr. Wells introduced Charlie Elgin, the new Planning Commission member.

Mr. Alcorn asked about state tax benefits for historic preservation? Mr. Gibson Worsham, adjacent historic landowner, stated that restoration that meets the requirements of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources would qualify for tax credits. Mr. Alcorn asked if a new traffic count could be obtained from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)? Mr. Scott stated that he would contact VDOT for a new traffic count. Mr. Alcorn inquired about the water and sewer for this project. Mr. Ross stated that PSA water service is available at Jennelle Road, approximately 0.3 mile from the property. Extension of water service to the Springs should not be difficult. Extension of sewer service will be more difficult. Mr. Ross stated that Anderson & Associates is making a study of this service to be presented to PSA. Mr. Alcorn asked if grant money is available for utilities? Mr. Ross stated that they have discussed this issue with the PSA and PSA has authorized funds for a preliminary engineering study. Mr. Alcorn expressed concern over the traffic issue. Mr. Ross stated that he met with Mr. Jones, VDOT, and road improvements will be made to bring the road up to current standards. Mr. Ross said these improvements would have to be completed by the time their development is completed.

Mr. Linkous asked about the land that Robert F. Smith owns. Mr. Ross stated that he is currently working out an agreement with Mr. Smith on the usage and/or ownership of his property, approximately two acres at the Yellow Sulphur Springs Resort. He said he has a good relationship with Mr. Smith and hopes to get the Smith land to be used for a parking lot. Mr. Alcorn asked if there were any proposed building setbacks to preserve vegetation? Mr. Ross said not at the present time. Mr. Ross said his plan is to keep the beauty of area.

Mr. Neumann said he is concerned over the phasing of this development and open space. Mr. Scott stated that the 25% open space has been met and the commercial percentage was within the 10% limit. Mr. Scott stated that the phasing plan has not been submitted. All of the plan can be approved without phasing. Mr. Neumann said he couldn't see all the open space on the preliminary master plan. Mr. Scott said he would like more detailed description of open space. Ms. Brennan expressed her concern over the water and sewer. Mr. Ross said the project couldn't be completed without water and sewer.

Mr. Ross addressed the Commission on the preliminary plan. He said he did all he was supposed to do. He said they could meet open space. They plan to spread open space all through the property. The Homeowner's Association will maintain open space in the residential area. Mr. Ross said they would maintain the open space for the commercial area. Mr. Neumann stated that he still thinks there are details missing. Mr. Ross said they would do what is necessary to complete any details. Mr. Draper stated that he is overjoyed with someone doing an improvement of the historical site.

Mr. Wells stated that he would not participate in discussion or voting on this request due to a potential conflict of interest. He appointed Mr. Draper, Vice-Chair, to proceed with the meeting. Mike Ewing and Don Linkous stated they would not participate in discussion or voting due to a potential conflict of interest.

Ms. Brennan asked Mr. Phillips about the concerns of Mr. Stverak, South Star Corporation? Mr. Phillips addressed these issues. He stated that no parking would be designed on Enterprise Drive, only along the river. Mr. Powers stated that VDOT signs could prohibit parking. Mr. Neumann said these signs should be put up when the park is ready to be opened. Mr. Phillips said they would have an open trash facility so no use will be made of the South Star dumpster and no foreign matter will be deposited on the South Star property. He said they would work with Mr. Stverak to control his concerns. Mr. Phillips stated that the Elliston/Lafayette citizens want this park development and will take care of it. He said the Board of Supervisors would take care of the Elliston Fire Department property that has been set aside.

Mr. Alcorn asked about the Erosion and Sediment Control? Mr. Phillips stated that if more than 10,000 square feet is disturbed; they will have an Erosion and Control Plan. Mr. Scott stated that part of the property is in the floodway and part in the flood fringe. He said he would like to see more topo showing the floodway and floodplain. Mr. Phillips stated that he would get all this information. Mr. Alcorn suggested that future 2232 Reviews have generic guidelines.

Mr. Wells returned to chair the meeting.

Discussion followed.

Mr. Powers stated that Appalachian Power wishes to convey 12+ acre parcel to Montgomery County and 1+ acre parcel to the Town of Blacksburg without public road frontage. He said the County has not decided what they will do with their parcel. Mr. Powers said APCO said it would be up to the county to decide how the buffering is maintained.

Mr. Power introduced to the Commission the new planner, Kelly Boyers. He stated that the 12^th Annual Dinner Meeting of the Planning Commission in the New River Valley would be held on Wednesday, October 27^th. Any members wishing to attend please contact Phyllis Conner.

Mr. Neumann suggested that Commission members go to Appalachian Power Company parcel on a future site visit. Mr. Scott stated that when site visits are scheduled in that area, members can go.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

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