2001-04-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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75 improvements. Ms. Richards expressed concern that the retaining wall would obscure businesses and the length of the ramps would have impacts on access to businesses. Mr. Appleyard said the interchange was made tighter and left turn lanes and excessive turning radii were removed. Mr. Appleyard said that access to some businesses would change, but access would be better with signage schemes. Mr. Appleyard said the proposal will provide better and more attractive access to pedestrians and bicycles. Ms. Richards said we need to be careful not to impact City businesses given the proposed Sperry development. Mr. Toscano said he thinks something has to be done at that intersection, but he cannot see why the proposal is different from VDOT's previous model. Mr. Toscano said he cannot believe it will really encourage pedestrians. Mr. Toscano said he feels the only way to deal with that intersection is to have the City and County plan all four comers with joint planning with the involvement of the businesses. Mr. Cox expressed concern that there is no vehicle for further study of this intersection. Mr. Lynch said he feels the numbers may need to be run again given the proposed Sperry development, but Mr. Appleyard said the consultant did not feel that would make a big difference. Ms. Richard said we have to overcome VDOT's inertia on this. PRESENTATION: SPERRY DEVELOPMENT TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, explained that a conceptual land use amendment has been submitted to the City for 1,711,984 square foot development of the Sperry property. Mr. Tolbert said that the scope of the traffic study is being discussed, and as many as 43,000 vehicles cOuld be generated per day. A joint City and County Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for April 24th to discuss the proposal. Mr. Cox said he is encouraged that the Planning Commissions are having a joint meeting. Mr. Cox asked if the Western Bypass will be factored into the traffic study. Mr. Tolbert said it has not been factored in, but has been requested by the City. Mr. Caravati said he feels it would be foolhardy not to study the Western Bypass and Hydraulic Intersection. Responding to a question from Mr. Cox about the magnitude of the development, Mr. Tolbert said that County staff have indicated it could be the size of Fashion Square Mall, Albemarle Shopping Center, and Rio Hill Shopping Center combined. Mr. Cox said he has not seen included the expectation that two other quadrants of the intersection could be redeveloped, and said he hopes the Planning Commission will put the issue of what total development will mean for transportation planning. Ms. Richards asked what mechanism there will be for continued involvement by the City Planning Commission, and Mr. Tolbert said that will be discussed at their joint meeting. Ms. Richards said she feels this is the perfect opportunity to set in motion a process with the Planning Commissions for regular comprehensive planning for boundaries. Mr. Cox said he agrees with Ms. Richards and thinks this is a good case study to redraw boundaries to work on jointly.