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The Town of Lees6urg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
The Leesburg Planning Commission met on Thursday, June 1, 2017 in the Lower Level of
Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Staff members present included
Susan Berry -Hill, Brian Boucher, Tom Scofield, and Karen Cicalese.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:07 pm by Chairman Welsh Chamblin
ROLL CALL
Planning Commission Members Present:
Chairman Welsh Chamblin, Commissioners Babbin, Barnes, Kidder, Lanham, Walker, and
Robinson.
BAR Members Present: Vice Chair Goodson, Board Members Koochagian, Minchew,
Roberts, and Skinner
Absent: Chairman Reimers and Board Member Kiley
Chairman Welsh thanked the H-2 Work Group members and invited staff to make their
presentation of the group's draft recommendations.
Tom Scofield, Preservation Planner gave his presentation as follows:
I. Background & Overview of Town Council Direction
On March 8, 2016 Town Council proposed a repeal of the H-2 Corridor Overlay
District as it was felt that it had been generally ineffective in creating quality
architectural building design and added complexity to the land development review
process. In September of 2016, both the Planning Commission and the BAR voted
unanimously against the repeal of the H-2 Overlay District without some other form of
architectural control in place. On October 11, 2016 Town Council adopted Resolution
No. 2016-136 which directed the formation of a Planning Commission/BAR Joint
Committee to develop recommendations on how to improve or replace the H-2
Corridor Design Guidelines, consider improved guidelines or a replacement design
tool in the context of the East Market Street Small Area Plan, take stakeholder input to
improve/replace the guidelines, explore ways to streamline the design review process
for projects in the H-2 Overlay District, and report back to Council with their
recommendations before June 30, 2017.
II. 2009 H-2 Steering Committee Recommendations and Discussion
The recommended changes included specific objectives for the H-2 Corridor program.
These objectives were to clarify goals, strengthen language, streamline review process,
The 2 -own of Leesburg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
create an identity, recognize character of different corridors, address streetscape, apply
to all uses, foster human scale, promote quality building design, and promote quality
site design.
III. Presentation of the 2017 Work Group Draft Recommendations and Discussion
The following areas were recommended for addition:
Edwards Ferry Road — Approximately fifty contiguous historic resources currently
located outside the H-1 on the western end of Edwards Ferry Road and the Balls Bluff
Battlefield National Historic Landscape District on the eastern end. Edwards Ferry
Road is considered to be an approach to the Old & Historic District.
West Market Street — Approximately 10 contiguous historic resources currently
outside the H-1, the remaining 20 properties are not recognized as historic resources,
and this is also an approach to the Old & Historic District.
Five Corridor Segments were studied and the following recommendations were made
by corridor segment.
West Market Street Vicinity
Rename the corridor "West Market Street Gateway District" (G-5 overlay) to reflect
the character of this approach to the Old & Historic District.
Draw the boundary line of the new overlay district to incorporate only structures and
land parcels, or portions thereof, directly related to the revised regulations and
guidelines.
Designate the following eligible properties to become part of the H-1 Overlay Old &
Historic District as directed by the Town Plan:
• Five (5) primary, contributing resources and associated necessary structures as
documented by architectural survey along the north side of West Market
Street.
• Four (4) primary, contributing resources and associated necessary structures as
documented by architectural survey along the east side of Wilson Avenue.
• One (1) primary, non-contributing resource at the northeast corner of Fairview
Avenue and West Market Street — a significant location that will demark the
rT'he 2 -own of Lees6urg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
edge of the historic district from the west.
Architectural Control — Residential Uses:
• Exclude existing, principal residential structures outside of the proposed expansion of
the H-1 Overlay: Old & Historic District from areas of architectural control.
• Include the first 50 feet of developed land parcels that front along West Market Street
in areas of architectural control to manage the appearance of sheds, fences, walls, and
other appurtenances along the public right of way.
Architectural Control — Non-residential Uses:
• Include the existing institutional use (church) in the area of architectural control
incorporating the entire lot within its boundary.
• Include vacant land and common areas in the area of architectural control.
Prepare and adopt a master plan for the improvement of the public right-of-way along West
Market Street that addresses a traffic calming strategy, a gateway entrance feature at the Town
limits, maintenance of the urban cross-section on the north side (curb, gutter, and sidewalk)
and the rural cross-section on the south side with a wide shoulder added, tree street
management and understory plantings, human -scale street lighting, and bicycle traffic. It was
also recommended that existing overhead utilities be buried and a study be performed
regarding the possibility of constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Market Street and
Morven Park Road.
North Ding Street Vicinity
Rename the corridor "North King Street Gateway District (G-4 Overlay) to reflect the
character of this approach to the Old & Historic District.
For residential properties draw the boundary line of the new overlay district to incorporate
only structures and land parcels, or portions thereof, directly regulated by the revised
regulations and guidelines,
For institutional properties, maintain the boundary at 500 feet from the road centerline.
Designate the following eligible properties to become part of the H-1 Overlay: Old & Historic
The Town of Lees5urg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
District as directed by the Town Plan:
Five (5) primary, contributing resources and associated accessory structures as documented by
architectural survey on the west side of North King Street.
Four (4) contributing resources associated with the former Babson estate as documented by
architectural survey on the east side of North King Street.
One (1) primary, non-contributing resource on the north side of Union Street located on the
same land as the historically significant African-American school building.
Architectural Control --Residential Uses:
• 1=1xcludc existing, principal residential structures outside of the proposed
expansion of the H-1 Overlay: Old & Historic District from areas of
architectural control.
* Include the first 10 feet of eleven (11) developed land parcels that front
along North King Street in areas of architectural control to manage the
appearance of fences, walls and other appurtenances along the public right -
of. -way.
Include a portion to be determined of the undeveloped O'Connor Tract to screen and
minimize appearance of new residences and ensure corridor integrity and preservation
of view sheds.
Architectural Control- Non-residential Uses:
• Include the existing institutional use (church) in the area of architectural control
incorporating the existing portion within its boundary.
• Include common areas abutting the highway and 500 feet of Ida Lee Park, school
facilities, and the cemetery in the area of architectural control.
Prepare and adopt a master plan for the improvement of the public right-of-way along North
King Street that addresses the maintenance of the urban cross-section south of Oakcrest
Manor Drive (curb, gutter and sidewalk) and the rural cross-section with multi -use trail and
wide shoulder north of Oakcrest Manor Drive, street trees, understory plantings, and other
features consistent with the Journey Through Hallowed Ground landscape palette, human-
mor• :-ens
Tfie town of Leesburg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
scale street lighting, and street furniture, bus shelter and waysides along road and trail. It
was also recommended to bury the existing overhead utilities and a study be performed
regarding the possibility of adding a sidewalk on the west side of the road.
South King Street Vicinity
Rename the corridor "South King Street Gateway District" (G-3 Overlay) to reflect the
character of this approach to the Old & Historic District.
Draw the boundary line of the new overlay district to incorporate only the structures and
land parcels, or portions thereof, directly regulated by the revised regulations and
guidelines.
Designate "Waverly" at 604 South King Street to become part of the H-1 Overlay: Old &
Historic District as directed by the Town Plan.
Conduct a historic architectural survey of the fourteen (14) properties in the current H-2
District located between First Street, SW and Davis Avenue, SW. If some are determined to
be contributing historic resources than designation for inclusion in the 1-1-1 Overlay District
should be considered. For the structures not deemed as contributing, some level of
architectural control should be considered.
Architectural Control — Residential Uses
• Exclude existing, principal residential structures outside ofthe proposed
expansion of the H-1 Overlay: Old & Historic District from areas of
architectural control.
• Include the first 10 feet of twelve (12) developed land parcels that front along
South King Street in areas of architectural control to manage the appearance of
fences, walls and other appurtenances along the public right-of-way.
• Include the undeveloped 3 -acre tract at the end of Madison Court to screen and
minimize appearance of new residences and ensure corridor integrity
Architectural Control — Non-residential Uses
Include the following:
• Greenway Farm Neighborhood Retail Convenience Center (PRN);
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The Town of Lees5urg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
• Meadowbrook Commercial property at the intersection of S. King Street
and Evergreen Mill Road (proposed B-3)
+ Westpark Golf Club (R -E and B-3)
South Gateway Business Condos (B-2)
Prepare and adopt a master plan for the improvement of the public right-of-way along South
King Street that addresses the maintenance of the urban cross-section throughout (curb, gutter
and sidewalk) maintenance and connection of a continuous pedestrian sidewalk or trail on the
west side of the road, street trees, understory plantings, and other features consistent with the
Journey Through Hallowed Ground landscape palette, human- scale, street lighting, and
Street furniture, bus shelter and waysides along road and trail. It was also recommended to
bury the existing overhead utilities and a study be performed regarding the possibility of
adding a sidewalk on the east side of the road.
Edwards Ferry Road Gateway District (G-2 Overlay)
There are properties in this area that the Town Plan has identified as historic and these would
be added to the H-1 district.
The streetscape master plan would include Edwards Ferry Road and Plaza Street as there is
high pedestrian traffic in that area as well as a number of very nice trees.
Historically Edwards Ferry Road has been a highly traveled, highly used gateway and
there is a substantial amount of historic fabric here. Edwards Ferry Road represents,
the most intact example of the evolution of residential construction in the Town.
A portion of the Balls Bluff National Historic Landmark District lies within this proposed
district and there are a lot of land conservation easements in this area.
There are 3 very unique character identity areas along Edwards Ferry Road and this area
displays a cross-section in time.
The proposed gateway district would be a way to protect this area in terms of
redevelopment, both residential and commercial.
East Market Street Gateway District (G-1 Overlay)
Town Staff is working on a small area plan for this area.
The Town of Lees6urg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
There are a lot of proffered H-2 developments in this vicinity, along East Market Street, and
include the outlet mall, Potomac Station, Village at Leesburg, Brown's Motor Cars, and the
Leegate parcel.
There are 2 historic resources, the old stone Harper House and Carradoc Hall.
The small area plan will do more to form the ideas behind zoning changes and land use.
The streetscape masterplan will be different in this area as there is no pedestrian traffic and
will be much more about landscaping improvements. A cohesive plan could create a sense of
arrival.
Traffic corridors will be studied in more detail in the small area plan process.
The small area plan will address proffer legislation as the Town can accept proffers for
residential development within small area plan areas.
A number of economic opportunities exist.
Rebooting the design guidelines in some way to address the character of this corridor. These
guidelines will be much more robust that the other corridors.
Transportation network connectivity will be addressed for cars and bicyclists.
This area can be used as a marketing tool to attract developers to the Town.
There is a setback of 100 feet for buildings and it was felt that this setback should apply to
other things such as parking to allow a wider area for plantings; thereby creating
character and a sense of place.
Traffic calming measures will not be the same as the other corridors and will help to create a
sense of arrival.
IV. Summary of Recommendations
The 2009 H-2 Committee recommendations for revising H-2 design guidelines were
summarized as follows:
Clarity goals
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Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
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June 1, 2017
Create identity
Foster human scale
Recognize character of different corridors
Promote quality building design
Promote quality site design
Address streetscape
Strengthen language
Apply to all uses
Form Base Code
The committee will review these recommendations and determine their validity at their
next meeting.
The 2017 Work Group recommendations were similar but more specific and include the
following;
Establishment of different corridors
Recognize the character of each corridor
Foster a human scale utilizing streetscaping
Address building and site design
Rejected architectural controls for single family detached homes in these corridors
Other project rationale included addressing proffer legislation, provide economic
development opportunities, consideration of how different parts of the Town fit
together, proactive planning, and making Leesburg a great place,
The desired outcomes included creating a land use vision, development of design
guidelines, getting "buy -in" from community, stakeholders, Planning Commission,
Town Council, and staff, and the creation of a marketing tool.
There was concern expressed regarding complexity, spot zoning, re -development of
Edwards Ferry Road, expansion of the H-1, and the legality of requiring property
owners not currently in the H-1 to become part of the H-1 and therefore subject to more
stringent guidelines.
The Planning Commission did a straw poll to determine if the Commission would like
to discuss these recommendations at the June 15th meeting to determine if they wanted
to support the Work Group' recommendations. The majority of Commission members
did not want to have additional discussion at the June 15th meeting.
The (Town of Leesburg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission/BAR Joint Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2017
Upcoming June 26, 2017 Town Council Meeting
Role of the Joint Committee in Presentation to Council:
It was determined that the committee will be meeting at least once, prior to going
before Town Council with their recommendations, to consider recommendations and
concerns expressed at this meeting and to formulate their final recommendations.
Final Report Format — This will be somewhat truncated as it was felt that Council will
not need the same level of detail discussed at this meeting.
V. Other
Chairman Welsh Chamblin informed the Planning Commission members that they
had one additional business item to discuss as the Montfair applicant has requested an
extension for action to September 21, 2017.
Commissioner Robinson moved to extend the action date on the Montfair Town Plan
Amendment TLTA-2014-0002 and Rezoning Application TLZM-2014-0009 to
December 31, 2017.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Walker and carried by a vote of 7-0.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin noted that there was nothing on the agenda for the June
15, 2017 meeting and it was determined that the meeting on June 15th would be
cancelled unless something came up in the interim.
ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:24 pm
Approved by: .
.'/ K 1ren Cicalese, Commission Clerk
4ndsay Wel hamblin, Chair