Minutes 10/14/1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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- ,... ;;. f OCTOBER 14, 1980 TUESDAY 5. The recommended changes on the Land Use Map, as presented by Lanier Farm, Inc., and Whittle Family Trust, denoted those areas which Lanier Farm, Inc., and Whittle Family Trust believed to be developable within the foreseeable future. Those areas which were not felt to be reasonably developed were shown to be in a new classification, Open Space-Private. It was expressed by Jack Dodge, President of Lanier Farm, Inc., that it would be appropriate to retain these open spaces in private ownership and, while they were deemed to be nondevelopable at the present time, these areas could be reconsidered in future years, based on the needs and requirements at that time. 6. Attorney Benjamin Gardner, representing Lanier Farm, Inc., stated for the City to prohibit Lanier Farm, Inc., from utilizing its property was unconstitutional and that the term Permanent Open Space would appear to be a prohibition against development and does not provide any manner for the City to obtain ownership and with compen- sation for the property. 7. The Planning Commission received two written statements against what was called rezoning and received three verbal comments from the public against these proposed changes. Chairman Ford, in a written statement handed to Planning Commission, was against the considered changes and felt that these tracts of land were developed as open space and buffer zones, and that no change should be made until it can be demonstrated satisfactorily to the City that a change of each specific area would be in the best interest to the City. 8. Under Virginia planning statutes the Comprehensive Plan is a summary of the long-range recommendations for the general development of the. area covered by the plan. It is a general guide only, but revisions in zoning classifications, subdivision plats and other planning actions should be in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. Therefore, it is reasonable that the present zoning map for the City of Martinsville may not be the same as future projected usages in the City shown on the proposed Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission respectfully submits the above recommendation for Council's further consideration. Appendix A LAND USE CATEGORIES (Revised for Open Space Categories as Approved by Planning Commission September 18, 1980) 1. Open Space: Open space in urban areas performs many functions and may be defined in many ways. It serves a greater purpose than that of providing play fields and picnic areas. In many instances undisturbed open space helps to reduce noise levels, lower temperatures, reduce dust, reduce glare, and just as importantly to provide habitats and pathways for animals and to provide an aesthetically enriched and pleasing environment. "