Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/12/2021 - Planning Commission - Minutes - RegularPlanning Commission Meeting MINUTES Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 7:00 PM Salem Civic Center, Community Room, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held after due and proper notice in the Community Room, Salem Civic Center, 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, Virginia, at 7:00 p.m., on May 12, 2021. Notice of such hearing was published in the April 29, and May 6, 2021, issues of the "Salem Times Register", a newspaper published and having general circulation in the City. All adjacent property owners were notified via the U. S. Postal Service. The Commission, constituting a legal quorum, presided together with Jim H. Guynn, Jr., City Attorney; James E. Taliaferro, II, City Manager and Executive Secretary, Charles Van Allman, Director of Community Development; Benjamin W. Tripp, City Planner; and Mary Ellen Wines, Zoning Administrator; and the following business was transacted: Chair Daulton called the hearing to order at 7:00p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Consent Agenda A. Minutes Consider acceptance of the minutes from the April 14, 2021, work session and regular meeting. Reid Garst motioned to accept the minutes from the April 14, 2021. Jackson Beamer seconded the motion. Ayes: Beamer, Conner, Daulton, Garst Absent: King 4. New Business A. Special Exception Permit Hold public hearing to consider the request of Scott A. Boggs, property owner, for the issuance of a Special Exception Permit to allow retail sales on the property located at 407 East Burwell Street (Tax Map # 120-1-5). STAFF REPORT Staff noted the following: the subject property consists a single parcel located at the corner of East Burwell Street and Thompson Memorial Drive (Northbound), east of the intersection with South College Avenue. The size is approximately 0.1 acres and is currently occupied by a two-story single- family residence. The applicant is requesting a Special Exception Permit to allow retail sales as part of their fly-fishing outfitter business. The retail sales would be one component, with the outfitter also offering lessons and guided trips. Retail items include related equipment such as clothing and fishing gear. areas of the building that are not used by the outfitter will remain professional offices. Scott Boggs, property owner, appeared before the Commission. He stated that he purchased the property in December and his initial intent was to have office space in the building, but since the property is zoned commercial, he felt like it would be a good idea to place a fly shop in the building. When he applied for a business license for the fly shop, he discovered that the property was zoning incorrectly. He stated that the fly shop is basically set up and ready to go. Jeremy Carter will be running the business for him who is a local resident and has ties to the property. He is requesting a special exception permit to allow the business on the property. He stated it would be a retail fly shop that would sell beginner, intermediate, and advance fly- fishing equipment manufactured by Patagonia, Howard Brothers, and Sims as well as others. The second layer of the business will be the outfitter where there are special, private places for customers to be taken to go fishing, hunting activities, etc. He stated they want to work with the community, and he feels that this business would be a viable entity for the City of Salem. Member Reid questioned the number of retail customers that is expected each day. Mr. Boggs stated that he is hoping between 25-35 customers a day, but the spring and mild weather would be the busy season for the business. Member Conner questioned what the hours of operation would be. Mr. Boggs stated that they are still trying to determine the best hours of operation, but feel that 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday for the retail sales portion. The outfitting portion of the business would be 24/7 depending on the demand. A discussion was held regarding fishing locations, type of lures used, etc. Member Reid inquired how parking for customers would be addressed. Mr. Boggs stated that there are 10 spaces on the property, and approximately 6 available spaces on the street for a total of 16 spaces. He also owns the lots next to the property and can turn them into additional parking if needed. Duane Smith, 462 Patricia Drive, appeared before the Commission and stated that he owns the adjacent property that abuts through the yard. He stated that he supports the proposed business. As no one else appeared before the board to speak on the matter, Chair Daulton closed the public hearing. Reid Garst motioned to issue a special exception permit to allow retail sales on the property located at 407 East Main Street. Neil Conner seconded the motion. Ayes: Beamer, Conner, Daulton, Garst Absent: King B. Amendment to the City Code Hold public hearing to consider amending Chapter 106, Zoning, Article III Use & Design Standards, Section 106-308 pertaining to office uses, and Article VI, Definitions and Use Types, Section 106-602, Use Types, Section 106-602.5 Civic Use Types and 106-602.7 Office Use Types, pertaining to guidance services, medical offices/clinic, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA. STAFF REPORT Staff noted the following: as a result of the public input during community meetings regarding the downtown plan, offices were removed as a use from the ground floor in certain areas of the downtown business district. These areas include properties fronting on Main Street, between Thompson Memorial Drive to Academy Street, College Avenue, between Clay Street and Thompson Memorial Drive, and North Market Street. It has become apparent that a few properties at the west end of Main Street do not have the downtown character. They do not have storefront facades and the buildings do not abut the sidewalk. For that reason, a proposed text amendment to eliminate this area from the restriction is proposed. In September 2010 in response to methadone clinics and various other drug therapy facilities, the specific use of outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinic was created in the zoning ordinance. As the differing types of therapy have evolved over the last several years it has become apparent that this definition no longer fits. In order to help meet the needs of the valley’s community, it is proposed that clinics that do not dispense or administer medication as part of counseling and therapy be considered a guidance service. Clinics that do dispense and administer medication shall remain classified as an outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinic. Mary Ellen Wines, Zoning Administrator, appeared before the Commission to discuss the changes. She stated that the areas listed in the staff report as well as on the southside of Main Street from Cherry Alley west, and on the north side of Main Street on the west side of Charlotte's Webb west it is requested to remove the restriction of offices not being allowed on the ground floors of buildings fronting Main Street. In September 2010 in response to methadone clinics and various drug therapy facilities, the specific use of outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinic was created in the zoning ordinance. As the differing types of therapy have evolved over the last several years, it has become apparent that this definition no longer fits. In order to help meet the needs of the valley's community, it is proposed that clinics that do not dispense or administrator medication as part of counseling and therapy, be considered a guidance service. Clinics that do dispense and administer medication shall remain classified as an outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinic. Basically, if it is just a therapy-based counseling service regarding substance abuse, then it is considered a guidance service under definitions, but if medication is dispensed and administered as part of that therapy, it will remain an outpatient mental health clinic under definitions. Member Garst questioned if dispense means that drugs are on-site and will be handed out or given to the patient. Ms. Wines confirmed that dispense and administer meant that drugs would be on-site. Robert Pilkington, architect with and part owner of Balzer and Associates, appeared before the Commission and stated that he lives in Shawsville, Virginia, but does a lot of work in the City of Salem and is an architect of record for a number of properties directly facing Main Street in the Downtown Business District. A few are fairly recent, including the Ridenhour Building, the West Salem Lofts, MKB offices, Edward Jones office, and Corbin Confections. He stated that it is our belief as a design firm that a vibrant downtown has not only retail and restaurants, but businesses that pull people downtown for that as well. He stated that the current ordinance is geared toward retail and restaurants being on the ground floor facing Main Street in those particular areas which brings people after hours, but during the week, middle of the day, businesses such as doctors’ offices, dental offices, realtors, etc. bring people to downtown. He reiterated that he is in favor of the proposed changes. As no one else appeared before the Commission regarding the matter, Chair Daulton closed the public hearing. Reid Garst motioned to amend Chapter 106, Zoning, Article III Use & Design Standards, Section 106-308 pertaining to office uses, and Article VI, Definitions and Use Types, Section 106-602.5 Civic Use Types and 106- 602.7 Office Use Types, pertaining to guidance services, medical offices/clinic, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics, of the CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA. Jackson Beamer seconded the motion. Ayes: Beamer, Conner, Daulton, Garst Absent: King C. Salem Historic Registry Consider petition from MCLIP Properties, LLC, for inclusion in the Salem Historic Registry of the property located at 901 South Colorado Street and 110 7th Street (Tax Map # 184-4-8). Staff noted the following: The subject property consists of a single parcel of approximately 0.2 acres. It is located at the west side of South Colorado Street, on the southwest corner of the intersection with 7th Street. This request is to add the property to the Salem Historic Registry, which will recognize and help to preserve a surviving example of early 1900’s commercial architecture in this area. David McCray, 3330 Hollins Road, NE, Roanoke, appeared before the Commission representing the property owner. He stated he owns 50 percent of the property and is requesting that the property of 901 S. Colorado Street and 110 7th Street be included in the historic registry of the City of Salem. He stated the property at 901 S. Colorado Street is the former Hickson Lock and Key was located. He stated that their intent is to, as best they can, bring the property back to the way it looked when it was constructed. Based on the Sanborn Maps, we believe the building was constructed sometime between 1913 and 1922. He stated that they plan to remove the current siding and bring back the wood siding, re-do the metal roof on the exterior. On the inside there are molded ceilings and walls that would try to be restored, and try to put the building to a good, solid retail/office use. The upper level of the building was formerly an apartment, and we would like to be able to have a good retail/office space with the original look on the lower level and an apartment upstairs. To the rear of the building is a block building that we believe was constructed sometime prior to 1932 that has an apartment upstairs and is occupied as a beauty salon on the main level. He stated that other than renovating the apartment, they would leave that property somewhat the way it is. Chair Daulton questioned if he knew of what type of business would go into the building. Mr. McCray stated that they would renovate it as general retail/office space. What he would love to see would be some type of grocery store as that was what was originally in the building but is probably unlikely. He thinks some type of office-- insurance, real estate, etc. or any time of small retail business. He stated that they do not have anyone currently interested in the building and feel like the renovations need to be made to change the look of the property before a business will be interested in the space. Member Conner noted that the current zoning of the property would not allow for what is proposing. Mr. McCray stated that he is aware of the zoning restrictions and that is one of the reasons they would like to have it in the historic registry as there might be more leeway in use. As a LM use, he does not know what the property could be used for. Member Garst questioned if the owner has an architect, he is currently working with on the project. Mr. McCray stated that he does not currently have an architect hired but has worked with Balzer and Hill Studios in the past. Member Garst noted that there is plenty of parking available on the property. Robert Pilkington, Balzer and Associates, appeared before the Commission and stated that he has worked with Mr. McCray in the past. He stated that when they buy a piece of property, they turn the properties around and bring them back to life. He stated that he passes the property everyday on his way to work and feels that it is important to bring that type of property back to life. He supports the request as he feels the historic designation would help with a number of things. No other person(s) appeared related to the request. Neil Conner motioned to include 901 South Colorado Street and 110 7th Street, (Tax Map # 184-4-8) in the Salem Historic Registry. Jackson Beamer seconded the motion. Ayes: Beamer, Conner, Daulton, Garst Absent: King 5. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. Reid Garst motioned to adjourn. Jackson Beamer seconded the motion. Ayes: Beamer, Conner, Daulton, Garst Absent: Graves, King