MINUTES OF THE STRASBURG PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008, AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE TOWN HALL.

Planning Commissioners present:  Chairperson Smith, Commissioners Cromer, Davis, Dean, Kepler, and Terndrup.  Absent:  Council Member Whittle.  Others present:  Planner Amos.

Ø      Fairfield Inn Entrance Corridor Sign Review

Justin Spence, representing the applicant:  Mr. Spence explained the changes he had made from last month’s presentation.  They are proposing removing the sign at the back of the hotel and bringing the monument sign down to Code size, but they would like to have 30” channel letters on the back; the other sides of the building would have signs.

Planner Amos said the channel letters would be less abrasive than regular signs.  For clarification, Chairperson Smith asked which side of the building would have the channel letters and Mr. Spence said it would be the side facing Ms. Neal’s property.  Also, the sign facing the battlefield, or the southeast side of the building would be removed. 

Ms. Carolyn Stalnaker said there are interstate signs advertising the property and so she wonders why the signs are needed.  She thinks there are only two reasons to visit Strasburg and that is for the historic value and the rural setting.  She questioned the intrusion of the light on the battlefield property, her property, and the UCC property.  She thought the property would only be allowed to have the monument style sign.  Chairperson Smith explained to Ms. Stalnaker where the signs would actually be. 

This will be placed on the regular agenda.

Ø      Ramada Inn – Entrance Corridor Review

Planner Amos said she had requested the rendition be in color and examples of the materials to be used shown, but the drawing included in the packets was all she had received. 

The consensus of the Commission was they did not feel this was appropriate for the entrance corridor.  Planner Amos said the Fire Department was in the process of reviewing the site plan and she feels they will have many comments on this.

This will be added to the regular agenda so that comments and reasons can be given if the Commission denies the proposal.

Ø      Sine Rezoning

This property was approved for annexation in 2006 and brought into the Town on 2007.  The zoning would be the same as what is currently in the area (R2).  The trees in the back of the property would remain to alleviate the concerns voiced at the annexation on how close the houses would be to the homes in Madison Heights.

Chairperson Smith questioned some wording of the proffers.  Mr. Sine will work will work with Planner Amos on this.  Chairperson Smith would like the back setback to be stated. 

Commissioner Kepler said he is in agreement with VDOT’s site distance and he thinks there will be some sort of a shared driveway.  He thinks the houses will actually be closer to the homes in Madison Heights than thought, but thinks it will be best to have the better safety of the road and to retain the historic house on the property. 

Chairperson Smith questioned the proffer of the sidewalks and the comment on the “Certificate of Occupancy” and if the old house is kept, then a certificate will not be needed and he would like it to be stated the sidewalk would be extended in front of the old house.

A discussion on the monetary donation to the Fire and Rescue Departments was discussed.  It is best if the donation can be given directly to the departments because then it can be used as a tax break.

Commissioner Davis asked about the requirements for the sidewalks in a residential area.  Planner Amos said the distance is 2’ between the sidewalks and the road. 

This will be added to the regular agenda pending the changes to the proffers.

Ø      Christina’s Minor Subdivision

Planner Amos said they are asking to subdivide one large lot into three individual lots.  All of the property is currently zoned C-1.  The property in question is where the Christina’s Restaurant is presently located, along with the ice cream trailer, and the lot where the former rock shop was located (building burnt earlier in the year).

Commissioner Kepler said he does not remember having a minor subdivision ordinance listed and so it is not a quick and easy way to make the subdivision.  Other comments made by Commissioner Kepler include:

1. Easements are unclear and need to be more concise --- 20’ joint use access easement for which lots; 20’ parking easement for which lots; non-descript 20’ easement (on east side) for what lots. 
2. Need to show adjoining property zoning designation.
3. Where is the road entrance from King Street and how does it align with joint use access easement?
4. Is there adequate parking on site or through shared easements to provide the restaurant with enough parking?
5. Better define or draw the 20’ joint use access easement --- missing line and dimensions to show overlap of lot 2 and 3 lines.
6. Better define or draw 20’ non-descript easement to show accurate overlap of lot 3, 1, and Gochenour’s property.
7. Utility easements for future lot 3 development?
8. Use of lot 3?  Will need site plan and meet all current regulations.

Donna Willis, real estate manager for the property:  Have had an offer on the restaurant and they need to divide the property with parking.  Commissioner Kepler explained his concerns to Ms. Willis and she said she will get this cleaned up.  Commissioner Kepler said his other concern was with the parking and that there would be enough parking for the restaurant.  Ms. Willis said she will take care of this and asked what the parking requirements are for the building which Planner Amos explained. 

Ms. Willis asked when approval could be granted and Chairperson Smith said if the corrections were made on the plan then it would be voted on by the Commission at the end of June and the Town Council could vote on July 8.  Commissioner Kepler is to give a copy of his comments to Planner Amos so she can discuss these further with Ms. Willis.

Council Member Terndrup asked if when all three lots are built out, making a left turn out of the lot will become an issue.  Commissioner Cromer said there should be enough room to make it one way in and one way out; you would not want to have three individual entrances.  More discussion followed on this. 

Ms. Willis asked if it might be better to just divide it into two lots.  Chairperson Smith said this would help solve the problems, but there may be a solution to it even if it is divided into three lots.  Commissioner Kepler explained how the entrances could be changed to accommodate the three lots.  Planner Amos will discuss the ideas with VDOT on Friday, June 13.

This will be added to the regular agenda.

Ø      Sign Ordinance

Chairperson Smith explained the ordinance had been looked at by the Commission and sent to the Ordinance Committee. 

Commissioner Kepler said he is still of the opinion that individual subdivision signs should not be allowed as this is all the Town of Strasburg. 

Commissioner Kepler said there is nothing in the ordinance about lit signs facing the National Park.  Planner Amos said something about towers on buildings should be added.  Commissioner Cromer asked what would happen if a church would want to build with a high steeple.  Commissioner Terndrup said she feels the tower issue is an important thing to look at.

This will be voted on at the June 24 meeting. 

In other business:

Ø      Planner Amos said she sent an email asking for those who are interested in taking courses to let her know before the June 24 meeting.

Ø      Planning Commission pay will be mailed tomorrow.

Ø      Council Member Terndrup asked about the land use from the town boundaries to the County line.  Planner Amos said Mr. Herd will be discussing this.

Ø      Commissioner Davis asked about the article in the NVD on the proposed shopping center.  The Council minutes will be sent to the County.  Planner Amos said the comments from the Planning Commission and the Town Council were sent to the County.  The County will still be addressing comments.  The Planning Commission comments did not go before the Town Council. 

Council Member Terndrup asked if the rezoning was discussed on the details of the development or on the merits of the developments.  The Commission acted on much of the comments by email.  

Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.