Blacksburg Planning Commission Meeting - September 1, 2020

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 6:32 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m. All seven commissioners were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Commission approved the minutes from July 7, 2020, and August 4, 2020 (7-0).
• Rezoning Cancellation and Rescheduling: The public hearing for RZN 20-0005/ORD 1941 (rezoning 40.34 acres at 1900 Toms Creek Road from RR-1 to PR) was cancelled for September 1, 2020, and rescheduled to October 6, 2020 (7-0).

Public Hearing

VAR 20-0001 – Subdivision Variance for Lee and Main Townhouse Subdivision

• Staff Presentation: Town Planner Emma Martin presented the request from Lee and Main Street LLC to eliminate required public utility easements (PUEs) centered on all interior and perimeter lot lines and to eliminate required dedication of open space for a 9-lot townhouse subdivision on 0.609 acres at 201 South Main Street, 103 and 105 Lee Street. Staff noted that the applicant proposed alternative PUE locations as shown in Exhibit A and that the site is constrained by an approved binding redevelopment plan and conditional use permit. Staff provided options for handling the fee in lieu of open space.
• Applicant Presentation: Laura Morillo of Draper Aden Associates, on behalf of the property owner, stated that residents have garage parking, most parking is for a restaurant tenant, and several parks are within walking distance. She argued that required PUEs would conflict with buildings and a retaining wall, and that stormwater management requirements are met.
• Public Comment: None.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioner Ford asked about a reduced fee in lieu of open space. Commissioner Rinehart inquired about PUE location if the variance was not approved. Commissioner Colley asked whether the PUE variance was driven by the subdivision layout. No public comment or applicant rebuttal occurred.

Key Outcomes

• Motion 1 – Eliminate PUEs: Approved 7-0 to eliminate required public utility easements centered on interior and perimeter lot lines, as proposed in Exhibit A. Commissioner Davis stated this would encourage micro-development; Commissioner Colley agreed it made sense if PUEs were not otherwise required.
• Motion 2 – Eliminate Open Space Dedication: Approved 7-0 to eliminate required dedication of open space.
• Motion 3 – Modify Fee in Lieu: Approved 7-0 to modify the fee in lieu of open space to $17,206.80 based on the residential portion of the development. Commissioners noted the decision was reasonable due to site constraints, staff analysis, and meeting the intent of the Subdivision Ordinance.

Unfinished Business

• Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Had not met.
• Historic or Design Review Board: No report.
• Montgomery County Planning Commission: Commissioner Jones reported on the latest meeting.
• Additional Items: None.

New Business

• Chair’s Report: None.
• Planning Director’s Report: None.
• Town Council Report: Commissioner Ford reported that Town Council approved RZN 20-0002 (Midtown Development at 501 South Main Street) with a modified Pattern Book, partly due to Planning Commission concerns. He also noted that the applicant for RZN 20-0004 (1709 Whipple Drive) modified their application after a Town Council Work Session.
• November Meeting Date: The Commission approved changing the November 2020 meeting from Tuesday, November 3rd (Election Day) to Thursday, November 5th (7-0).

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.