Minutes 03/11/1975 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 11. 1975 75-112 The following letter received from the Director of Planning was presented: "At its regular monthly meeting on 4 March 1975, the Planning Commission received a report from Urban Analyst Winston Pearson on projected City plans for our coordinated-system- atic codes enforcement program. The Commission resolved to endorse the following incremental program pursuant to the format for this municipal activity dated 2 April 1974. COORDINATED-SYSTEMATIC GODES ENFORCEMENT EFFORT CAVALIER MANOR Involved is the area west of Victory Boulevard and Gust Lane and south of the railroad in Hattonsville (to the Chesapeake line) and approximately 2,500 dwelling units in which reside 11,000 people. This proposal was developed by the City Manager's Workable Program Coordination Committee as part of our long-term commitment." Motion of Mr. Barnes and seconded by Mr. Elliott, to concur in the recommendation of the Planning.Commission; that the City Manager furnish a map of the city as to code enforce- ment; what has been done in the past; a schedule be furnished to'City Council on what needs to be done to be available at the Public Hearing of April 7, 1975, and that Mr. Moore be request to appear, was adopted by unanimous vote. 75-113 ~ "At its regular monthly meeting on 4 March 1975, the Planning Commission re- solved to mecommend approval of the following street closure petition, subject to retention of utility easements defined as necessary by the Department-of Engineering. STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION S-75-2: RODMAN AVENUE Petition of J. B. McCready, A. C. Boatwright and M. G. Whitehurst by Attorney Eugene White to close Rodman Avenue between High Street and the railroad (Seaboard Coastline) tracks at what would be Princeton Place extended (The Department of Engineering placqd markers to show just where this paper street is located The Engineering Department has indicated no opposition to the closure provided a twelve foot easement is retained along the sanitary sewer located in the bed of this street. A report from the traffic Engineer rejected any possible future connection of Rodman Avenue over the railroad tracks to provide a street leading directly to High Street at Maryview Hospital. Portsmouth Gas Company has two lines in the bed of this street which must be protected with utility easements. Public hearing evidence indicates interest on the part nearby merchants operating on High Street and Western Branch Boulevard. Generally, ghey are thought of as two little groups, back-to-back, operating independently as a High Street business strip and as a Western Branch Boulevard business strip. This street closure petition, hinting at potential commercial intensification, paves the way for thought on what might be done to weld the two business groups together. Obviously, the adhesive element would involve Princeton Place improvements ~public) and parking lot, store entrance improvements (private). Ribbon busi- ness strips along major automotive arterials remain a topic of concern, and the CommSssion has dealt with it on many occasions in various areas of Portsmouth. The Commission author- ized a 'study to define this situation, estimate what might be needed to overcome obvious problems or attain objective related to alleviating them, and suggest a format in which merchants and municipal officials could mutually harness their energies and program mutually beneficial improvements." Letter received from the Director of Planning. Motion of Mr. Wentz and seconded by Mr. Barnes, the matter be referred to the City Attorney for proper handling, was adopted by unanimous vote. 75-114 The following letter received from Director of Planning was read: "At its regular monthly meeting on 4 March 1975, the City Planning Commission resolved to recommend approval of ar~ised set of plans for a group housing project referred to as "COACH HOUSE APARTMENTS" on documents prepared by Yates and Berkley Associates, architects, and by Hassell & Folkes, surveyors and engineers. The Commission finds that overall this proposal for a group housing project does meet the requirements and standards prescribed for development in the Residential R-75 zoning district and that the site plan for this four acre dog-leg lot not served directly by an public street represents the culmination of a considera~joint study by the applicant and municipal officials as to what housing development seems mutually beneficial: (a) The proposal is compatible with its surrounding environmen~ and located in the Portsmouth Boulevard development corridor where it seems desirable to encourage multi-family housing; and (b) The site plan provides adequate open spaces and areas for recreation for the contemplated 54 resident families; and Cc) While the proposed traffic circulation system may in the minds of some leave much to be desired, it does appear adequate under terms of this proposa~if (1) the applicant and his successors maintain signs at the ends of Sacony Street and Powell Street indicating entry upon a private dirveway, (2) if the curbs along this driveway are painted yellow and "no parking"signs provided and maintained by the firm owning and operating the apartment complex which ~s responsible for maintenance of this driveway for public safety purposes to satisfaction of t~e City Manager's ~ffice, (3) if a five foot strip is deeded to the City and im- proved so as to extend Haysom Street on its east side between Portsmouth Boulevard and Powell Street, (4) if the 24' private driveway adjacent to Powell Street allows adequate access to Powell Street residents, and (5) if the owner agrees to a possible future dedication of this stretch of driveway ~6m~widening Po~ell Street [if) when the City is confronted with a proposal for private redevelop-