Planning Commission

February 16 2000

AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON FEBRUARY 16, 2000 IN THE BOARD ROOM (#327) THIRD FLOOR, COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

Mr. Martin, Chair, called the meeting to order and Don Linkous, Secretary, established the presence of a quorum.

Present:James Martin, Chair

Harry Neumann, Vice-Chair

Don Linkous, Secretary

Richard Daub, Member

Ray Alcorn, Member

Charlie Elgin, Member

John Muffo, Board of Supervisors Liaison

Joe Powers, Staff

Meghan Dorsett, Staff

Kelly Boyers, Staff

Phyllis Conner, Planning Department Secretary

Absent:Kathryn Brennan, Member

Joe Draper, Member

Michael Ewing, Member

Malvin Wells, Member

Mr. Martin opened the Public Address Session.

There being no speakers, Mr. Martin closed the Public Address Session.

None

1. Todd and Paige Walters T/A Valley Landscaping, Inc. request for a Special Use Permit (portion of Tax Parcel No. 68-A-9A) to allow a Garden Center on 3.45 acres near the intersection of Lusters Gate Road (SR 723) and Den Hill Road (SR 603) in the Mt. Tabor Magisterial District. The property lies in an area designated Rural in the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Johnny Hawley (Bobby J. Hawley, Jr) (Agent: Gay and Keesee, Inc.) request to rezone 1.69 acres (Tax Parcel No. 66-A-89,66-A-93C,66-A-90) from A-1 (Agriculture) to PMR (Planned Mobile Home Residential) and a Special Use Permit to allow an expansion of an existing mobile home park from 30 lots to 45 lots, located at 601 Merrimac, Forest Park Mobile Home Park in the Price's Fork Magisterial District. The property lies in an area designated Planned Development in the Comprehensive Plan.

Meghan Dorsett introduced, Melissa Lamb, Matthew Schrag and Daliah Macon, Radford University students, who were present to make a presentation on the Coal Mining Heritage Park projects they are working on. Dr. Mary LaLone, Radford University, was also present. Melissa Lamb reported on their last semester and this year semester projects. She stated that they are looking for grants to develop the park. Matthew Schrag reported on the projects and goals he is working on. He stated that their class is working to bring together the New River Valley Community not just the Merrimac area into the Coal Mining Heritage Park. Daliah Macon reported on projects that will bring family and younger generations to the Coal Mining Park.

Meghan Dorsett stated that they are looking for grants to fund these projects. Mr. Neumann asked how many acres would be in the park? Ms. Dorsett stated that there are thirty (30) acres currently owned by the county.. She said parking is proposed where the collection site is now located. Discussion followed.

Mr. Powers invited Commission members to attend the March 2^nd, 7:00 p.m. at the Merrimac Pentecostal Holiness Church's Fellowship Hall meeting.

Mr. Alcorn reported on the 177 Corridor public meeting held on February 2^nd . Mr. Neumann stated that many people attended the meeting and they are interested in future meetings.

Mr. Powers showed members a sketch of the Underwood property indicating the 21 acres proposed for rezoning. Mr. Powers stated there is low density in the area and all residences will be on well and septic system. Mr. Alcorn stated that even though there are no utilities available now, this area is ideal for residential. Since the proposed use is less intensive than that shown in the Comprehensive Plan for the 177 Corridor, the proposed zoning to Rural Residential is compatible with the Plan. Mr. Elgin stated that the property is on a gradual slope down below I-81. Discussion followed.

Mr. Martin appointed Michael Ewing Liaision to the Christiansburg Planning Commission and Kathryn Brennan, Liaision to the Montgomery County School Board.

Mr. Powers reported that changes had been made to the Board of Supervisors Public Hearings. The Board will now let the County Administrator schedule their public hearings so they may be held in the same month as the Planning Commission's public hearing. The rezoning and special use permit process currently takes three to four months to complete. The rezoning and special use permit process would be expedited by one full month by the change.

None

Mr. Neumann reported that Special Use Permit on Clingent Square, Turner Street and Prices Fork to allow financial institution and apartments were items discussed at the February 1^st public hearing. He reported that the long-range Planning Committee met on February 10^th to discuss the National Forest preliminary plans, property to enlarge the wilderness area, Blacksburg Compensation Plan and Communications Tower new technology were items discussed at their meeting.

None.

Mr. Alcorn reported that Jerry Higgins was appointed Chair for year 2000. Invitation for Economic Development Commission's participation in the Comprehensive Plan was renewed. Falling Branch program, foreign exports and report on Rowe Furniture Co. were items discussed.

Mr. Daub reported that the Riner Wastewater Treatment Plan expansion, election of officers and the Don Smith request to connect to Blacksburg Water and Sewer lines were items discussed at their meeting.

None.

Mr. Linkous reported that Blaine Keesee met with them for the final approval of the Elliston-Lafayette Park. The County pool construction, Plum Creek Park and Jim Lucas Recreation area were other items discussed at their meeting.

Mr. Parker stated that a Community meeting would be held February 23^rd at the Blacksburg Library for citizens to express their desire for the future use of the 12+ acre parcel conveyed to Montgomery County by Appalachian Power Company.

Mr. Powers reported that three applicants had been interviewed for the Zoning Administrator position. A decision will soon be made for the top candidate.

On motion by Don Linkous, seconded by Ray Alcorn and unanimously carried, there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.