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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-86August 26, 1986 ~~~~ Minutes of the Joint Public Hearing of the Pulaski Town Council and the Town Planning Commission held August 26, 1986, at 7:00 p.m., at the Pulaski Middle School. There were present: Mayor Gary C. Hancock, presiding Councilmembers: John A. Johnston,. Robert N. Glenn, James M. Neblett, James R. Neighbors, Ira S. Crawford, Mary Lou Copenhaver, W. H. Schrader, Andrew L. Graham Planning Commission Members: Dr. A. W. Anneski, Chairman, William T. Smith, Jr. Roy T. Rives, W. H. Schrader, Roy D'Ardenne, Michael J. Barbour Also present: Frank Terwilliger, Town Attorney D. E. McKeever, Town Manager Anne Burgess, Assistant to the Town Manager Ruth A. Harrell, Clerk of Council Grace Bowers, Clerk of Planning Commission Visitors: Dee Lindsey and Pierre Thomas of the news media Approximately 200 area citizens REZONING Public The invocation was given by Councilman Johnston. Hearing Mayor Hancock advised the purpose of the public hearing was to gather public comments on a proposal to rezone from Residence R-1 and R-2 to Business B-2, 30 acres of land located at Memorial Drive and Route 11 in the Town of Pulaski. Mayor Hancock further listed rules governing the meeting. Those persons wishing to speak were requested to pre-register at auditorium door; limit remarks to five minutes; speakers were requested to go to microphones provided and identify themselves by name, and any citizen not registered that wanted to speak was requested to speak after ::hose speakers that are pre-registered. Mayor Hancock stated we were here tonight on the request of Horne Properties to rezone this property. John Lindop, Horne Properties, Inc., identified the major citizen objections to a shopping center in this area. These being depreciation of neighboring property, present shopping centers not kept in the best of condition, and another shopping center was not needed in this area. As a developer and working in real estate field, he has found that within 12-18 months after similar projects completed, the surrounding properties not only maintained their value, but increased considerably in value in most instances. He further read from leases of major tenants which controls what they do with the property in question, i. e. cannot be used for bowling alley, skating rink, theatre, bar, amusement purposes, carnival, meeting hall, sporting events, professional offices only, sale or repair of cars, video or game parlors, pool halls, etc. Mr. Horne has letters of intent from four companies with each having assets in excess of $100 million dollars. Horne Properties personally intend to put seven million dollars into this community. They feel Pulaski is capable of supporting another facility such as this. They don't ask for cheap land or tax breaks and consider themselves an industry. This facility will provide between 200 and 400 jobs.It will also provide somewhere in the region of $300,000 a year in added monies for our tax base. Mr. Lindop asked for approval of this center on behalf of the common good of many people who are not here tonight, and also for the silent majority because the majority of people who do feel as though this center would do some good, are not here. They voted for you and they are asking you to look after their interest. He further stated center would have tenants like Parks Belk, Peoples Drug Store, Ingles Foods. He felt we have to use the land for its best and highest use and this is it$ best and highest use at this time. He had a phone call a few weeks ago from a local developer who asked if he ;would 8 ~~4 August 26, 1986 trade properties with him and move to Dublin. He advised him no, his tenants were not interested in going to Dublin; they want to be here in Pulaski. The developer from Dublin wanted to put up apartments on this property under a HUD grant. The highest and best use for this land is a shopping center. The only other thing that could possibly make it pay is high-rise apartments. Mr. James Chaffin, spokesperson for Pulaski Presbyterian Church in American stated those people for the shopping center neither live in the area, or near the ar They do not want to see a shopping center built on this land as when they purchased their land, it was a verbal understanding it would be used for residential building purposes. Further, the people employed would be part-time employees. Shopping Center would be surrounded by trash, loud noises, smoke and dust. The greed and business of the almighty dollar here seems to rule out the rights of the citizens. Their rights are going to be destroyed. He urged Council not to vote to rezone this property. Mrs. Ann Montgomery, 2009 Lee Highway, spoke in opposition of rezoning this land as homes were purchased with confidence that it would remain a residential area. Zoning is to protect the area. from intrusion by outsiders with power and money. A great deal of time and care has been invested in these homes. They have seen residential areas in Town already destroyed by shopping centers. They know that money is the issue and have been told that the Town will profit greatly. That is a matter of conjecture and manipulation of statistical data. Horne Properties, those who sell the land, suppliers and builders will profit. Mr. J. C. Montgomery, 2009 Lee Highway, opposed the rezoning of this land. There is no business around this property. If this one tract is rezoned, others will ask be rezoned. Three downtown businesses have advised they are ready and have signed u to move to new shopping center. He stated it was bad business to close the downtown and good business to keep some businesses downtown. Mrs. Romona T. O'Dell, 1317 Peppers Ferry Road,. stated she had been from Bogle Tires to Roses Store and a total of 260 people are employed. Half of these employees are part-time people. She did not feel a new shopping center could employ more people with fewer stores. She stated she was informed Peppers Ferry Road would be widened to make a service entrance and felt the only way it could be widened would be with the condemnation of the Raymond Graveley homes. If a 30 acre field is covered with asphalt, you have a temperature rise in the community. Businesses in residential area is hazard- ous to children. If this area. must be zoned, let it be R-1 permanently. She further asked Mr. Lindop, did they have the option on all the land shown on the plat that will be involved in the building of the shopping center. She advised they have an .easement on her land and she has never talked with them. Mr. Patrick L. O'Dell, 1317 Peppers Ferry Road, opposed to shopping center. He felt store moving into shopping center from elsewhere in Town would take the same he with them and felt it would not help employment any. Also, Peppers Ferry .is already bad situation and this will cause a greater problem. He stated cost to the Town wou be $75,000 for a new traffic control light and felt cost would be higher as they must do something to Peppers Ferry Road in the near future. Mr. N. E. Saunders, 1234 Collins Drive, advised the majority of people in Pulaski do not want the shopping center. If he thought the shopping center was beneficial to the Town, that he could forego his personal feelings about it. He did not feel we would create any new jobs; we may succeed in relocating some jobs. As far as the economic benefit of taxes derived, if three businesses in downtown relocate, he can't see how this will increase our taxes. It is just taking it from one location to another. As a member of the silent majority that was not there to speak tonight who have been August 26, 1986 ~~~ reported to support this in their silence, he asked if it was really in the best interest our community to vote in the affirmative for this rezoning and asked that they do not. He wondered if efforts on Mr. McKeever's part has been at the direction of Council and if so, he would like to see Council direct his efforts towards securing a wider industrial base for the Town. Mr. Clyde Hanks, 2019 Lee Highway, stated he had paid taxes in Pulaski since 1939. In paying taxes, it is a little harder to pay when you are retired. He further stated this is the third time this area has come up for rezoning, and the last two times Council and Planning Commission refused to rezone it. This land is beautiful residential land and there is plenty of land in the Town of Pulaski that they can build on. He is opposed to putting a shopping center on this land. If shopping center is later sold and conditions set by the developer do not have to be met.He stated he had voted for everyone on Council and now he expects their vote for him. Mrs. Louise Settle, Pleasant Hill Drive, opposed the rezoning as it would ruin 1 existing neighborhood, and we have too many empty buildings. now. The trend today is more careful planning. Town officials, planners and citizens all over Virginia are interested in luring people to the area. A few short-term service jobs will not fit the pattern of need in Pulaski. Industry is the answer. They realize this is a process and the Town has to act accordingly. She urged support from the Town Council and the Planning Commission in this very serious matter. Mr. Pat Kirkland, 40 Camper Street, presented petitions containing 98 additional signatures opposing the rezoning of this property, bringing total signatures to 1,161. concerned citizens. He stated current zoning within the Town and their area was the main reason why they chose to locate and buy a new home. He felt net gain of 200-300 new jobs is not a full truth. Key personnel jobs related to the center will no doubt be filled by out of town people. The Town has spent $175,000 revitalizing downtown; has the Town changed its mind or big bucks talking again. This was not his idea of the American way. Mayor Hancock instructed the Clerk of Council to receive and file these petitions along with the other petitions. Ms. Helen Rogers, 2015 Lee Highway, stated she had owned property in this area for 39 years, and was opposed to the shopping center as it would devalue their property. In looking down the road, she sees a dead shopping center, stores closed and boarded up. Mr. John Bolen, Pleasant Hill Drive, stated he had seen all shopping centers in Town built. Further stated there was no shopping center that would enhance or add to a residential neighborhood. To allow this change in zoning which amounts to spot zoning will be the first of a domino effect that will set in. Requested that this request to rezone be refused. Mr. J. B. Warner, Oakhurst Ave., opposed rezoning. Mr. Warner gave a brief history of the building of Memorial Drive. The purpose of this highway was fast, safe, efficient transportation from Bob White Blvd. to Route 11. Past rezoning requests have been denied. Zoning Ordinance was adopted December 1, 1965, and this area zoned R-1 residential. He felt zoning should remain R-1. Mr. Joe Weddle, 1201 Memorial Drive, advised he was opposed to rezoning of this property as people have put life savings into their homes in this area. He felt home values would be adversely affected should shopping center be built. He urged Council~~to protect this residential area. Mr. Ralph Grubb, 210 Sunset Drive, stated there is no need for another shopping center, especially in this area. The shopping center offers no more than we already have. His property deed shows 33.3 acres of land and purchased with restrictions of single dwelling units, no less than 1500 sq. ft. of living area and zoned R-1. 8 ~ 3'~ August 26, 1986 asked Council and Planning Commission how they could justify over ruling the previous denials to rezone this property and how they could control the cancerous growth of commercialization in a residential area. Mr. Bryce Surface, 2208 Marshall Street, stated he opposed rezoning this property. Mr. Bill Goggin, 2205 Marshall St., opposed rezoning, stating homes were built in this area because it was zoned R-1. If you change the zoning,. there will be a hot dog stand on the end of Memorial Drive before it is over with. Mr. Daniel Tolbert, Jr., 608 Hickory Ave., opposed to rezoning of this land for reasons already stated and also due to the increased traffic it will create. Mr. Royce Rosenbaum, 1320 Grove Drive, opposed to rezoning due to the heavy tra is and it is unsafe for children. The Town would also have to pay to put sewer and water to the center and water pressure is now low. We also have enough empty store buildings in Town now. He further did not feel it would create full time jobs, it would be part- time employees. Mrs. Beverly Ratcliffe, 2001 Lee Highway, opposed any rezoning from residential area to commercial and wished this could be resolved so we do not have to go through this every few years. Mr. Robert Aker, 1597 Holyfield Drive, opposed to rezoning. Mr. Ernest Hudson, Jr., 165 Prince Ave., stated he had been trying to get Council to put a shopping center on Dora Highway for the past five years. He opposed a shopping center on Memorial Drive; wanting it close to where he lives. Mr. Don Chrisman stated he would like Horne Properties to take their helicopters, their paid people, and take them someplace else. Mrs. Betty S. King, 2401 Pleasant Hill Drive, opposed rezoning this property. One of the biggest selling jobs for this center is that so much money is going out o town and if we have a shopping center, people will stay here. People are going out of town to shop at Penneys's, Heironimus, Miller & Rhodes, etc. Store of this type locate in malls where you have to have a potential buying population of 200,000 people. He Lindop offers us stores like we already have. It will mean a larger amount of stores fighting for the same amount of money. Some stores will be unable to stay in business causing empty stores and more unemployed people. Mr. Claud Kirkland, English Forest Road, advised there has been a lot of facts and information put out relative to the need for additional tax revenues and to some degree, this has gotten into an economic situation. There has been references to the fact that it appears the Town of Pulaski is heading toward a retirement center. Mr. Kirland is retired and hopes to continue a great deal to the Town of Pulaski. Information given indicates that 177 of our population are retired and it is projected that 227 of our populations will be retired within the next few years. Indications have been that retired people do not contribute much to the economic well being of the Town. He took exception to this. Retired persons purchase everything that working people purchase. Within the Town limits, 132 people are on the tax relief program on real estate taxe and if these people paid full amount it would add $4,725 to the tax income. If 227 retired, it will add 39 more people who may be eligible for tax relief, and this will take another $1,300 away from the Town's income. If we increase our population of retired people that it is not an issue that should be mixed up in a matter of zoning. Mr. Howard Sadler, 1004 Prospect Ave., stated Town Council is considering this request in reaction to Horne Properties and not in response to a well thought out and organized plan for the growth of our community. These gentlemen are professional developers and their interest in our community is only as long as the profit and loss statements will hold up. One of Council's responsibilities is to protect our fundamental rights of private property ownership. The issue is not necessarily August 26, 1986 V~•J'~ [1 with the shopping center, but the right of citizens to be able to purchase property in a zoned area and keep it there. The question before Council and the Planning Commission is whether your obligation to the citizens of this Town to protect their property interest is worth more to them than the almighty buck. Ms. Janice Burkam stated she had moved to Pulaski in January. She stated she had seen big developers just wait to see if they could wear people down. They think they can with their money. People in the community have twice before said that they did not want this, but you keep insisting that they do. I am opposed. Mr. Robert Hughes, resident of the County, reminded Council and Planning Commission of Maple Shade Inn, and look at it now. Doodle Dust Hill., go look at it now. Let's keep our units on Doodle Dust Hill; not in residential areas and distract from the beauty of the Town. Mr. Bob Hines, Newbern Road, stated he was employed by the City of Radford. He stated he was for the shopping center and he has spoken to a lot of people who are for the shopping center. He has seen an administration in the Town that has really been enthusiastic about economic development and they have really put forth an effort to try to get industry into Pulaski, new businesses in Pulaski. He did not claim to be an expert on economic development, zoning, shopping centers. He stated he trusted whatever decision is made. He saw economic development in Pulaski as being at a standstill. He felt the shopping center would be an excellent start that would attract industry, and industry would attract more businesses. He felt it would be a good effort for the Town of Pulaski to head in the right direction for economic development. Ms. Nancy Talley, Collins Drive, stated she lived in a newer neighborhood of the Town, and was opposed to the mall since it would be in her neighborhood. If the Town keeps tearing up their subdivisions, you will have everyone living in Dublin or in the County. Mrs. Duncan stated she was against the shopping center because we do not meet it. Pulaski will become a small dump. Ms. Judy Childress, Hopkins. Drive, has purchased home on Hopkins Drive as it is a beautiful residential area. She is opposed to rezoning. Mayor Hancock, on behalf of the Town Council, thanked citizens for attending and participating in this meeting. At .8:33 p.m. on motion made by Councilman Neblett, seconded by Councilman Neighbors, and carried, public hearing adjourned. Dr. Anneski advised they had spent many hours listening to pros and cons. He further thanked people for attending and Planning Commission and Town Attorney feel this is too important a decision to make as a hasty decision. We are going to defer this to our committee meeting on Thursday, August 28, to go into further discussion and give back a formal presentation to Council, either at that time or shortly after that time. ATTEST: APP VED: ''J /ji~ Mayor Clerk of Council