The Work Session of the Stafford County Planning Commission of March 22, 2006 was called to order by Chairman William Cook at 5:30 p.m. in Board of Supervisors Chamber of the Stafford County Administration Center.

Members Present: Cook, Pitzel, DiPeppe, Rhodes, Kirby, Carlone, and Mitchell

Members Absent:

Staff Present: Harvey, Zuraf, Gregor, Blackwell, Knighting, and Merryman

DECLARATIONS AND DISQUALIFICAITON:

None

Presentation:

Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD)

Joan Salvati, Division Director, Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department (CBLAD) gave a power point presentation on the history and background for the Chesapeake Bay Act. She stated the definition of RPA – “Land at or near the shoreline that has an intrinsic water quality value. She discussed activities permitted in RPA, Buffer Management, permitted development or redevelopment and floor control.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. RC2501259; Reclassification – Widewater Heights - A proposed reclassification from R-4, Manufactured Home Zoning District to B-2, Urban Commercial Zoning District on Assessor's Parcel 13-37 consisting of 12.18 acres, located on the south side of Telegraph Road approximately 1,000 feet east of Jefferson Davis Highway within the Griffis-Widewater Election District. The Comprehensive Plan recommends the property for Urban Commercial and Light Industrial uses. The Urban Commercial designation would allow development of commercial retail and office uses and the Light Industrial designation would allow light industrial, light manufacturing and office uses. (Referred back to Planning Commission by Board of Supervisors) (Scheduled for March 22, 2006 Work Session)

Bob Burr, Worman Development, stated they have some proffers that may be more acceptable to the rezoning request.

Mr. Di Peppe stated he would like staff to respond to their recommendation for denial due to problems with the RPA and the concerns for some of the uses the applicant has suggested.

Mr. Harvey stated that on December 7, 2005, staff recommended to deny the application request. He stated staff has been working with the applicant to address some of the concerns but the applicant has no definite plans for the property. He stated in that case staff tries to work with the applicant concerning proffers that would delete uses the applicant may not want or the Planning Commission may not want to see. He stated this was an attempt to come to a middle ground. He stated in this case the applicant has not addressed all of staff’s concerns due to the wetlands on Telegraph Road.

Mr. Mitchell asked if the applicant would be using metal facades.

Mr. Burr stated there would be no metal facades. He stated their goal was to make the project compatible with surrounding structures, which are vinyl.

Mrs. Carlone stated her concerns about the environmental aspects in the proffers.

Mr. Burr acknowledged the wetlands areas and stated based on the RPA if there are areas that should not be built on he would comply.

Mr. Harvey stated the property does not have direct road frontage.

Mrs. Kirby stated she would like to comprise with the applicant, but there are still items that have not been addressed, such as the environmental issues, building materials and deletion on uses. She stated a list was provided to the applicant and based on those issues she could not support the application at this time.

Mr. Cook asked why the items were not addressed.

Mr. Burr stated he had not seen the list.

Mrs. Kirby made a motion for denial of application. Mr. Pitzel seconded. The motion for denial of the application passed 4-3.

Presentation:

Jim McMath - Stafford Citizens for a Sustainable Future

Comprehensive Planning – A New Approach

Jim McMath of the Stafford Citizens for a Sustainable Future gave a power point presentation. He stated the group would like to help preserve and enhance the quality of community life through the planning process. He commented on offering a new approach to Planning by 1) leaving the county in a sound fiscal condition; 2) protecting and preserve the county’s ecology; 3) making possible an efficient traffic system; and 4) promoting beneficial social and economic change.

He stated state law allows localities to determine population through the Comprehensive Plan and discussed issues such as build out analysis, preserving ecology, and the location where growth takes place. He suggested making efficient use of highways for those who have to commute. He stated there were two major projects and the major impact they would have on the way we live and work in Stafford were the town centers and the proposed Hospital. He suggested combining housing, shopping and working locations in close proximity. He stated in short it leads Stafford County to a sustainable future.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

______________________________
William Cook
Chairman