Commission disapproves of four Matoaca rezonings
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Lisa Billings / Chesterfield Observer Planning commissioners declined to recommend four rezoning cases last week due to road issues at the intersection of Genito and Otterdale roads.

On 4-0 votes last week, the Chesterfield Planning Commission declined to recommend four separate residential rezonings in the northwest quadrant of Genito and Otterdale roads. Chairman Russ Gulley was absent from those votes that totaled 230 single-family lots.

Matoaca Commissioner Wayne Bass chided Andy Scherzer, executive vice president of Balzer & Associates, the firm representing three of the cases, for turning in late proffers.

"We've been talking about these cases for about two years, and the afternoon the cases are to be heard, you offer new proffers," complained Bass. "That is unacceptable."

Scherzer, who practices regularly before the commission, seemed startled and for each of his three cases asked for a 30-day deferral. Granting the deferrals is normally routine, particularly since no one from the public showed up to object to the rezonings.

The four cases were tied together at the request of the county because the intersection of Genito and Otterdale is considered to be "dangerous." Though the applicants are proffering the maximum road proffers, it's not enough money to realign the intersection and make other road improvements. The planning department opposed the rezonings because the county transportation department said the proposals "fail to adequately address the impact of the development on area roads." That department wants the developers to keep the road proffer money and make the road improvements themselves.

"Just improving the intersection is not enough," said Bass.

"I understand Mr. Bass' indignation," replied Scherzer. "The homebuilding industry is really stressed right now, and there's no way to get any more meat off the bone."

In presenting the fourth case, Attorney Carrie Coyner was more feisty, objecting to the same treatment as Scherzer for her client's rezoning. She pointed out the applicants agreed to pay full cash road proffers and yet were being denied a positive recommendation to the board.

"No one should be held hostage to a problem that is bigger than their case," Coyner argued. "Each of you [the commissioners] knows it is impossible with those cases to rebuild Otterdale Road."

Bass said he planned to recommend to Matoaca Supervisor Marleen Durfee that the county board send the cases back to the commission for further review when the supervisors consider the cases.

Centralia Station

After holding a community meeting, attorney John Easter is optimistic a compromise can be worked out that would allow Centralia Station to be built with 112 single-family homes. Last month, the commission deleted a stub road from Wellington Farms, which is adjacent to the proposed community of Centralia Station, forcing Wilton Development Corporation to reduce the number of homes from 151. The county requires two roads of access for more than 50 homes

As currently envisioned, Centralia Station would have only one entrance from Centralia Road plus a second entrance/exit through Wellington Farms for fire/EMS emergencies only. Easter said the county has used the emergency option before.

Last month, the president of Wellington Farms also complained about the possibility of declining property values because, as previously proposed, Centralia Station would have had 151 homes on 83 acres, causing lot sizes to be much smaller.

More industrial recommended

The commission unanimously recommended 167 acres on Bermuda Hundred Road next to the CSX railroad tracks be rezoned to heavy industrial. Speaking for the applicant, Jim Daniels said a 70-foot buffer will be maintained from the nearby Homeacres subdivision.

Clifton Hamner of Weingarten Realty, a next-door neighborhood of the site, opposed the rezoning, saying he is concerned about some of the uses that would be permitted, including smelting and some types of manufacturing.

"I feel the rezoning will increase your property values," Bermuda Commissioner Sam Hassen told him.

Boathouse Restaurant

At the request of the Boathouse Restaurant and the Gardens at Sunday Park, the commission deferred a decision until Nov. 18 on whether those businesses will be allowed to have live music outside of their establishments. The restaurant and gardens are both located on the Swift Creek Reservoir and have asked for a special use permit, so they can have bands or DJs play music outdoors. Currently, live entertainment is only allowed inside. The Brandermill Community Association (BCA) supported the deferral.

Many nearby residents think the music would disturb their quiet neighborhood.

KPC Properties, owner of the restaurant and gardens, is also appealing a fine levied by the county zoning department because those businesses allegedly have insufficient parking. There has been a long-time dispute between KPC and the adjacent Brandermill Church over parking, and the BCA and the county government have participated in those discussions.

Other actions

The commission unanimously recommended the board of supervisors approve another three-year extension of a permit for Christian Life Worship Center to operate from a heavy industrial area. The church holds services in an existing office/warehouse building at Old Stage and Osborne roads. The planning staff recommended denial of the request, saying it isn't a compatible use for the zoning.

A business operating from a private garage at 17825 Willowynde Road was recommended for continued operation. Suzanne Duley has run the process serving, juvenile transport, private investigation and executive protection services "for a couple of years" without the required conditional use permit. Ten neighbors supported her business by signing a petition, and no one spoke in opposition to continuing the business there.