HomeMy Public PortalAbout05 04 17 PC MinutesThe Town of Leesburg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2017
The Leesburg Planning Commission met on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in the Town Council
Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Staff members present included Susan
Berry -Hill, Rich Klusek, Shelby Caputo, and Karen Cicalese.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by Vice Chair Robinson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioners Babbin, Barnes, Kidder, Lanham, Robinson, and Walker
Absent: Chairman Welsh Chamblin
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Commissioner Barnes
Second: Commissioner Kidder
Vote: 6-0-1 (Welsh Chamblin absent)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 16, 2017
Motion: Commissioner Kidder
Second: Commissioner Lanham
Vote: 6-0-1 (Welsh Chamblin absent)
DISCLOSURE OF MEETINGS
None
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
None
PETITIONERS
None
PUBLIC HEARING
None
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
None
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ZONING
None
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
None
SRTC REPORT
None
STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bike Network Update — Susan Berry Hill, Director, Department of Planning and Zoning
Ms. Berry -Hill began her presentation with a brief history noting that this was initially brought to
the Planning Commission on July 2, 2015 by Dennis Kruse, a member of Bike Loudoun, who
made a presentation that addressed bikeway planning and strategies. At that meeting, the
Commission unanimously voted to send a recommendation to Town Council to initiate a Town
Plan amendment to accommodate the creation of a connective bikeway. Mr. Kruse delivered the
same presentation to Town Council on September 8, 2015. Council did not provide specific
recommendations, however, the Town Manager directed the Departments of Public Works and
Parks and Recreation to provide additional signage on existing trails.
Ms. Berry -Hill informed the Commission that in April of 2017, as the result of a joint effort
between Bike Loudoun and the Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department, over 10 miles of
share -use path, bike lanes and share the road routes, connecting to the W&OD Trail, were
designated as the Leesburg Bike Trail Network. The trails, known as the Blue Trail and Green
Trail, are not new and represent the formulation of existing trails into a dedicated network.
These newly dedicated trail segments of the network are shared -use paths, marked by distinctive
trail signs at intervals along each route. The Blue Trail extends 5.5 miles and begins at the
W&OD Trail in Tuscarora Creek Park and ends near the entrance to Balls Bluff Park. The Green
Trail extends for 2.6 miles and also begins at the W&OD Trail near Fox Ridge Park and ends at
the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and North King Street.
Ms. Berry -Hill noted that the Town Plan supports a safe, convenient, continuous, comfortable
and aesthetically pleasing transportation environment that promotes bicycling and walking as
legitimate alternatives to the single occupant vehicle. Additional Town Plan Goals also support
this type of trail and include:
• The commitment to providing a local bicycle environment that serves both recreational
and functional trip purposes, including on -street improvements for direct connections
between complimentary land uses and multi -use path system for recreational purposes
consistent with the Twenty Year Parks, Recreation, Open Space Trails and Greenways
Master Plan.
• Emphasis within the CIP to provide pedestrian improvements that connect public parks,
schools, the W&OD Trail, the C&O Canal Path, and the Town's residential areas.
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Resubmission of a grant application for federal transportation enhancement funds to
provide a multi -use path connection between the W&OD Rail Trail and the C&O Canal
Trail via White's Ferry.
Ms. Berry -Hill explained that the federal transportation enhancement fund grant was included in
Loudoun County's Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan and was aimed at providing continuous connectivity
between communities in Loudoun County. The Town goal was aimed at building on to this
ISTEA grant money, however this particular grant no longer exists. Research needs to be done
to identify other potential sources of grant money for this purpose.
Ms. Berry — Hill concluded her presentation and noted that the discussion tonight should focus
on whether the Commission wanted to pursue any additional Town Plan Policies or updates to
the Town Plan to address bicycle network planning.
Vice Chair Robinson solicited questions and comments from the Planning Commission
members.
Commissioner Babbin asked if the plan to provide continuous connectivity between communities
in Loudoun County was still valid as funds are no longer available. Ms. Berry Hill responded
that she felt there was still a desire to make that connection to White's Ferry to utilize the rural
roads in Maryland. It is still in the County's Bike and Pedestrian Plan and it is aspirational if
Leesburg wants to be a part of trying to help with that connection through Leesburg. She
explained that she had not had the opportunity to find out what ISTEA grants have evolved into.
Commissioner Babbin asked if the plan was to do a shared —use pass along Route 15 North. Ms.
Berry -Hill replied that she believed that was what was in the County Plan.
Commissioner Babbin asked Ms. Berry -Hill if she knew the cost associated with the updated
signage. Ms. Berry -Hill responded that she did not know, but would follow up and get that
information to the Commission.
Commissioner Babbin asked if the Designated Bike Trail Map was available to the public.
Karen Cicalese, Commissioner Clerk, replied that the map was on the Town of Leesburg website
in the Parks and Recreation page.
Commissioner Lanham asked if the Designated Bike Trail Map was the comprehensive map for
the Town. Ms. Berry -Hill responded that it was.
Mr. Lanham suggested that other areas in Town be considered. Ms. Berry -Hill commented that
she agreed that more could be done. The 2 new trails address Mr. Kruse's overarching
recommendations. He had proposed other networks but did not know how comprehensive they
were.
Commissioner Kidder asked the Planning Commission to support her on an issue causing her
concern. In February, the Commission reviewed the CIP and one of the recommendations made
to Council regarded the Plaza Street Sidewalk. The Commission recommended adding options
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May 4, 2017 Minutes
that would not involve tree removal to ensure ambiance and temperature. This particular project
is in the Future Plans of the CIP and she would like the Commission to alert Council, the
Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC), The Tree Commission, and Public Works of the
need to look for alternatives that won't require removal of the trees noting that said solution
might impact the bike lane on Plaza Street.
Commissioner Babbin commented that she had mixed feelings on this issue as the Town had
recently spent a lot of money to put in the bike lane striping and markings and the street is very
wide in that area. A sidewalk is necessary in this area and she has expressed concerns in the past
about the need to maintain our existing sidewalks before adding new ones. She would support
Commissioner Kidder's request with the condition that provisions for snow removal and
sidewalk maintenance be included.
Commissioner Lanham noted his agreement and suggested the alternative of not building the
sidewalk thereby eliminating the need for tree removal.
Commissioner Barnes commented that bicyclist safety be considered when proposing
alternatives.
After further discussion on alternatives Ms. Berry Hill agreed to follow up with Public Works
regarding the sidewalk issue mentioned by Commissioner Kidder and Commissioner Babbin
offered to take some pictures of the area and bring to the next meeting to discuss alternatives.
Vice Chair Robinson summarized that staff will return with the signage cost and pictures of
alternatives such as a serpentine sidewalk. This will be placed on the agenda for May 18tH
East Market Street Small Area Plan Update — Rich Klusek, Sr. Planner
Ms. Berry -Hill introduced Mr. Klusek, Sr. Planner, and explained that he is heading the East
Market Street Small Area Plan Project.
Mr. Klusek explained that this project is now known as the Eastern Gateway District Small Area
Plan largely due to the feedback received at the beginning of this process. His presentation
focused on the project purpose, existing conditions, survey information, preliminary timeline and
next steps.
Mr. Klusek explained that 2 districts currently exist in Leesburg, the Old and Historic District
and the Crescent Design District. This project will create a third district to be known as the
Eastern Gateway District. Route 7/East Market Street runs thru the center of the proposed
district with Fort Evans Road to the north, Russell Branch Parkway, Tuscarora Creek and the
W&OD Trail to the south, the Bypass to the west and Crosstrail Boulevard/River Creek Parkway
to the east. This area is approximately 1.7 miles long and 1.1 miles wide totaling approximately
1,134 acres and much is occupied by road right-of-way.
Mr. Klusek addressed the project purpose and rationale. A project charter was outlined for this
project that outlined 4 key goals:
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• Address changing office trends
• Consider appropriate Residential Unit Types
• Create a vision
• Create a Streets Plan
This small area plan will also address proffer legislation, provide economic development
opportunities, consider how different parts of the Town fit together, proactive planning, and
make Leesburg a great place. Desired outcomes from this process include the creation of a land
use vision, creation of design guidelines, "buy -in" from the community, stakeholders, Planning
Commission, Town Council and staff, and the creation of a marketing tool.
Mr. Klusek discussed the advantages and disadvantages of existing conditions on this site and
include Route 7, pedestrian connectivity, and the W&OD Trail. The roadway network created
by East Market Street and Battlefield Parkway divides the area into 4 quadrants. The northeast
quadrant contains the Potomac Station development, the Potomac Marketplace development,
Tolbert Elementary School, Harper Park Middle School, Meadows Farm Nursery, and the Amish
Outlet. The northwest quadrant contains the Leesburg Outlet Mall and the Forestier property,
one of last remaining large vacant tracts of land within the Town, the Consignment Store, and the
Sycamore Hill residential development. The southwest quadrant contains multiple uses and has
an overall light industrial look and feel. The southeast quadrant contains the Village at
Leesburg, the Lowes development which has some development potential, the Town Sewage
Treatment Plant, and Town Maintenance Garage.
Mr. Klusek discussed the neighborhood edges that are located in this area noting their
importance as they really limit connectivity between the different quadrants. Edges create visual
barriers as well as a barriers to connectivity. These edges include the Route 7/Bypass Corridor,
Russell Branch Parkway, Battlefield Parkway, Fort Evans Road, Potomac Station Drive,
Tuscarora Creek and property edges. Staff has created a Thirty Year Land Use Objective
consisting of 4 categories:
• Evolve — the use may evolve into something else over a thirty year period
• Create — generally undeveloped and something will be created on those properties over
the next thirty years
• Maintain — residential communities or recently built development will most likely not be
replaced over the next thirty years
• Enhance — presents opportunity to do something more with that land
Mr. Klusek explained that a Leesburg Listens Survey was part of the public outreach program for
this project. The results of the survey indicated that the majority wanted mixed use, however,
there is not agreement on what that is. The primary land use should be recreation and retail.
Most consider East Market Street as a gateway in to the Downtown and therefore architecture is
important and most favored a traditional design.
Staff has prepared a draft timeline for this project. In April, a plan outline was drafted, data gaps
were identified, and questions for the public and stakeholders were prepared. In May, the
Planning Commission and Town Council will be briefed, stakeholder meetings will occur, a
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public meeting will be scheduled, and work will continue on drafting the plan. The public
meeting or meetings will be held in June. Stakeholder discussions will continue in July and
August, additional Council and Planning Commission briefings will be held, and the first plan
draft will be completed. Another public meeting/open house will be scheduled in September, the
plan draft will be finalized in October and presented to the Planning Commission in November.
Mr. Klusek explained that some of the questions staff has prepared for the public focus on the
types of mixed use and why it is preferred. Other questions include whether or not density is
acceptable, if the area should be pedestrian or auto oriented and lastly, what should the Town do
to help.
Mr. Klusek ended his presentation noting that staff was looking forward to working with the
Commission on this project and welcomed their comments and suggestions.
Commissioner Kidder commented that many feel that the eastern gateway into Town was the
worst in terms of architecture, outlook, walkability, etc. however, she is fairly optimistic that in
thirty years we will be looking at something much different and improved.
Commissioner Babbin expressed concern that there is too much reliance on public comment as
the public tends to focus on what is in vogue at the time and not on long term planning. She
suggested keeping the East Market Plan open and flexible to attract the best developers to this
area.
Mr. Klusek responded that there is a need to get "buy -in" from everybody. It needs to be the
residents, the Planning Commission, Council, and most importantly, the developers as they are
the ones who will invest and build. This is why the stakeholder piece is so critical.
Commissioner Lanham asked how many respondents the survey had.
Mr. Klusek responded that it approximately 160 and was not as many as he would have liked.
Commissioner Lanham stated that he shared Commissioner Babbin's concern regarding a plan
that could potentially become too restrictive.
Commissioner Barnes stated that the Town needs a plan to show developers what is envisioned
for this area.
Commissioner Kidder stated that she agreed with Commissioner Barnes about the need for a plan
for this area.
Vice Chair Robinson commented that she thought that mixed use places such as Reston,
Loudoun One, and Village at Leesburg have large areas for events which may be why people
like that type of mixed use center.
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Vice Chair Robinson asked why this was coming before the Planning Commission at such a late
date. Mr. Klusek responded that the Commission is welcome to participate throughout the
process and he would welcome their feedback and comments as they move forward.
Ms. Berry -Hill explained that one of the next steps to be taken in May was individual meetings
with property owner/stakeholders and staff could come back to the Commission in June with
what they heard at these meetings and get their feedback. Another opportunity for involvement
will be the public meeting in June which will be open to everyone in the community to get some
input on the plan and staff would like to have the Commission help shape that meeting.
Economic Development Steering Committee — Selection of 2 members to serve on
Committee
Ms. Berry -Hill informed the Commission that an updated, revised resolution had been emailed to
the Commission members. The one in the packet had not been updated as the Council Clerk had
not finished the minutes and changes needed to be made. The key change was that it was
changed from stating that the Planning Commission Chair would serve as the Chair of this
committee to the Planning Commission Chair or their designee would serve as the Chair of this
committee.
Council Member Campbell came forward and explained that he had spoken with Chairman
Welsh Chamblin about her availability, his ideas, involving the Planning Commission in looking
at the Comprehensive Plan and the process involved. He also spoke with staff and other
colleagues about the Main Street Project. He stated that he felt, comprehensively, that they were
looking at too many different pieces and this would be a good opportunity to review the
Comprehensive Plan particularly the section that focuses on Economic Development. He
thought that this would be an appropriate time to call together a different group to review this
section as it related to the Town. There are pockets of economic development within the Town
and it is important to determine how the Town can help all these economic centers to be healthy
and survive. He felt it was important to have Town Council members involved at the beginning
as a part of the process and not just doing a review at the end of the process. The initial
resolution to form this committee, consisting of 2 non-voting Council members, 1 Economic
Development Commission member and 2 Planning Commission members had language that
designated the Planning Commission Chairman as Chair of this committee. In speaking with
Chairman Welsh Chamblin he learned that she would not be available to Chair this committee
which prompted changing the resolution to add the language "or their designee".
Vice Chair Robinson noted that this was a very compressed time frame and reminded the
members to consider vacation plans, etc. before volunteering to serve on this committee. She
also wished to have a volunteer to be an alternate member.
Commissioner Babbin noted that she had sent an email to Vice Chairman Robinson indicating
her interest to volunteer as Chair. She also noted that Commissioner Lanham would like to
volunteer to be on the committee. Additionally, she nominated Commissioner Walker as an
alternate member.
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Commissioner Kidder volunteered to be an alternate.
Commissioner Babbin was voted Committee Chair by a vote of 6-0-1 (Welsh Chamblin absent)
Commissioner Lanham was voted to be a member of the committee by a 6-0-1 vote. (Welsh
Chamblin absent)
There was a tie between Commissioner Walker and Commissioner Kidder as the alternate
member and it was determined to vote on the alternate member at the next meeting when a full
quorum is present.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Robinson proposed a motion to add a discussion item to the next meeting agenda
on initiating work sessions that will provide a review of applications before they come before the
Commission at a public hearing.
Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion.
The motion was approved by a 6-0-1 vote (Welsh Chamblin absent)
Commissioner Robinson proposed a motion to add a discussion at a future meeting on the
concept of removing the B-1 from the H-1 District to create a form based code zoning that would
alleviate a number of impediments to development in the Old and Historic District.
Ms. Berry -Hill explained that form based code is a type of zoning that emphasizes the
relationship of the buildings to the public roads and sidewalks. The emphasis is on creating a
public entity that is rich with opportunities for gatherings and visually rich. It allows for any
type of uses deemed appropriate as the emphasis isnot on the uses but rather how the buildings
relate to the public space. The goal is to be as specific in the ordinance as possible with respect
to where the buildings will be located and not require a legislative action to establish that. The
Town has a hybrid from based code in the Crescent Design District. She clarified that what Vice
Chair Robinson was suggesting was substituting the B-1 district with form based code
downtown. This would involve establishing a new form based, code district for the Downtown
which would replace the B-1 District.
There were a number of concerns expressed by the Planning Commission members and after
further discussion the motion died as it failed to get a second.
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ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm
Appr, ved by:
0A C,
ar n Cicalese, Commission Clerk Gigi iri on, Vice Chair