MINUTES OF THE

 

January 15, 2004

 

Planning & Zoning Commission

 

Members Present:  John Atwood, Chairman, and members Chris Brownawell, Linda Cheezum and Dan Swann.

 

Members Absent: None.

 

Staff Present:  Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner, Zach Smith, GIS Analyst and Stacie Sauca, Planning Secretary.

 

Staff Absent:   None.

 

Mr. Atwood called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 1:00 p.m.  The first item of business was the approval of the December 18th minutes.  Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the November minutes.

 

The first item discussed was a 5,201 square foot Bob Evans Restaurant.  The applicant’s agent, Ryan Showalter, explained they are requesting to build 155 seat restaurant on a 1.928 acre track of land which is owned by Gannon Family Limited Partnership.  The proposed landscaping and parking requirements are incompliance with the Zoning Ordinance.  Proposed architecture is brick.  Access is limited to one entrance from Commons Drive and one entrance from Sunflower Drive. Access is denied from Route 50.  Applicant is proposing 3 signs on the building and one free standing sign which are all permitted per the Zoning Ordinance.  Mr. Brownawell was concerned with the number of signs.  Mr. Swann was unhappy with the color brick proposed for the building.  Mrs. Cheezum felt that building still represented corporate architecture.  Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Atwood the Commission voted 2-2 (Mrs. Cheezum and Mr. Swann) opposed to approve the site plan as submitted. 

 

The nest item discussed was the Talbot Family Support Center requesting site plan review for a 4,320 square foot day care center and playground.     Applicant proposes to building a 3,600 square foot daycare building which will replace the hospital daycare center located on Adkins Avenue.  Structure will be located on two small parcels directly behind the Neighborhood Service Center with access from Vine Street.  The applicant’s agent, Ryan Showalter explained that the property and the adjacent parking lot are owned by the Hospital.   Access would be via a one way drop off zone with 3 onsite parking spaces.  Mr. Glass, Town Engineer was concerned with the traffic circulation at the site and would like to see lighting which would be on all hours

 

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of the night not just censored lighting.  Proposed building would be modular with a flat roof.  The playground area would be 5,400 square feet which will be fenced. The Storm Water Management issued will be resolved with the Town Engineer. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to accept the site plan and make a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  The application was conditioned on traffic/circulation, and Storm Water Management issues being resolved with the Town Engineer. 

 

The next application discussed was the Dudrow Farm requesting PMR (Planned Major Retail) review for a new shopping center.  Sandy McAlister, representing the applicant indicated that once again they were submitting a request for a PMR shopping center on the Dudrow Farm.  The project for the most part is identical to the site plans previously reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. Mr. McAlister stated that the changes included a reconfiguration of the commercial core into one 100,000 square foot plus building which is to be divided into 4 or 5 smaller retail stores.  Additionally, the number of access to the site from route 322 had been reduced to one.   He also stated that there would be no grocery on this site.  It was determined by the Commission that it was not necessary for a full presentation of the project.  Upon motion of Mrs. Cheezum seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the PMR request and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Town Council.  

 

The Commission discussed an item from staff concerning architectural review for Fishing Cove Builders.  Joanne Baker, with Torchio Architects explained the architectural changes to the Commission.  Ms. Baker asked the Commission in the event the developer decides to construct the building at 38’ instead of the required 35’ they make a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the architectural rendering and make a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals in the event developer decides to construct building to 38’ instead of 35’. 

 

Another item from staff was Patriot Square requesting an amendment to the previously approved architecture. This issue was tabled at your December Planning Commission meeting.  AT that time the developer was to prepare a plat indicating proposed changes.  Mr. Hamilton indicated he had discussed the changes with the Town Engineer who suggested additional changes regarding

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the revision to parking area and sidewalks.   The Commission discussed briefly the history and affordability of this project and suggested that the Council might take action of insure affordability.  Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the site plan and new architecture proposed and forward to the Town Council.  Technical issues are to worked out with the Town Planner and Town Engineer. 

 

Mr. Sid Campen and Carol Aberzeezee representing Londonderry Retirement Community explained a plan to expand the Londonderry Retirement Community requiring annexation of adjacent lands on Easton Point.  No action was taken as this was a discussion item only. 

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m. by motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum.

 

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Stacie M. Sauca

                                                                        Planning Secretary