Planning Commission

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 28, 2025 6:30 PM Supplementary Meeting You may view and listen to the meeting in its entirety by going to the Planning Commission page on the City’s website: https://www.regionalwebtv.com/fredpc The agenda, staff report and associated documents are also available on the Planning Commission page: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/241/Planning-Commission MEMBERS CITY STAFF David Durham , Chair Mike Craig, Director Carey Whitehead, Vice-Chairman Kate Schwartz, Principal Planner – Historic Resources Dugan Caswell, Secretary & Urban Design Thomas Johnson Josh Crump, Principal Planner Mary-Margaret Marshall Tanagra Cafferky, Administrative Assistant Jane McDonald 1. CALL TO ORDER [00:00:40] Chair Durham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers and explained meeting procedures for the public. Members of the public were invited to attend or access this meeting by public access television Cox Channel 84, Verizon Channel 42, or online at https://www.regionalwebtv.com/fredpc. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM There were six members (one member absent) in attendance of the meeting at the call to order. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. Ms. Whitehead moved to approve the agenda, Mr. Caswell seconded. Motion passed 6-0. 5. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL POLICIES, ORDINANCES, OR APPLICATIONS None. 6. DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR DISCLOSURES OF CONTACT None. 7. OLD BUSINESS  None. 8. PUBLIC HEARING – Continued [00:08:54] (Attachment) A. Fredericksburg Forward Comprehensive Plan Update: Mr. Crump reviewed the Fredericksburg Forward Comprehensive Plan including the updated Area 5 Small Area Plan that was now part of the application package. He reviewed an updated tool to better communicate how the transportation network dovetailed with the vision for walkable centers. Mr. Durham discussed the five-year comprehensive planning cycle and incorporating that cycle into the future Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Durham opened the public hearing for public comment and invited the public to come to the lectern and state their name and address for public record. Mark Bradley, 150 Riverside Pkwy, Fbg, VA 22406, spoke about the vision in the Fredericksburg Forward document and utilizing a strategic asset management program for the capital improvements included in it. Danae Peckler, 1410 Prince Edward St, Fbg, VA 22401 (on behalf of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.) spoke about preservation and its inclusion in the plan as well as in the public survey summary. Comment included discussion of an executive summary, an action plan, naturally occurring affordable housing, and other programs geared towards maintaining existing buildings. Jessica Cuyala, 508 Winchester St, Fbg, VA 22401 spoke about walkability and bike-ability in the city. Comment included the bike bus to Hugh Mercer Elementary School, as well as the positive effects multi-modal potential have on community and the environment. Ian Finlayson, 1105 Great Oaks Lane, Fbg, VA 22401 spoke about connectivity, walkability, and bike-ability in the city. Mr. Durham closed the public hearing. Mr. Durham asked the Dais for any questions. Mr. Johnson discussed financial reserve studies and asset management programs. Discussion included their application to other entities like Home Ownership Associations and public capital improvements planning. Ms. McDonald discussed the historic nature of Fredericksburg as well as walkability and bikeability. Ms. Marshall discussed the process and the quality of the document. Ms. Whitehead discussed housing and the continued conversation about housing envisioned in the plan. She also discussed multi-modal mobility, the historic nature of the City, and the strategic nature of the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Whitehead recommended approval of the Comprehensive Plan to the City Council and Ms. Marshall seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0 with one member absent. 9. OTHER BUSINESS None. 10. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT [00:40:08] Mr. Durham asked if there were any members of the public in council chambers who would like to make a comment on any topics relevant to the Planning Commission. Jay Brock, 612 Lewis Street, Fbg VA 22401 spoke about the 1500 Gateway Boulevard site and preserving that as a wooded open space. Danae Peckler, 1410 Prince Edward St, Fbg, VA 22401 (on behalf of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.) spoke about Capital Improvements Planning, operational and maintenance budgeting, archaeological resources, and parks and open space. Mr. Durham asked if there were any electronically submitted comments on any topics relevant to the Planning Commission. There were none. Discussion followed including the 1500 Gateway Boulevard site, the amount of land for the City appropriate for different types of development, and City acquisition of private property. 11. ADOPTION OF MINUTES None. 12. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS A. Chairman Comments None. B. Commissioner Comments None. 13. PLANNING DIRECTOR COMMENTS [00:50:12] Mr. Craig noted:  the effort the Planning Commission put into the Comprehensive Plan process;  Postponement of the review of the proposed data center project on the 1500 Gateway Boulevard site;  Update on Mis Ojos restaurant;  FXBG FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 28, 2025 What's New Since May 14th: • One additional public comment received after the May 14th hearing • Fredericksburg Forward document updated to include Area 5 components. • On Pg 11(5)-2 under “Commercial Outlook” Bullet #5, language was changed to “Opportunities for neighborhood serving commercial uses exist and should be focused on adaptive reuse, particularly within the Village Transition Area.” • On Pg 11(5)-15 in Implementation section under “Regulations” the following recommendation was removed: “Review the Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District and determine its appropriateness along College Avenue.” What is a Comprehensive Plan? • Long-term policy guiding document envisioned by its citizens and community stakeholders • Guides funding, project prioritization, grant eligibility • Enabled and required by Code of Virginia How is FXBG's Comp Plan unique? The plan emphasizes:  Systems-Based Approach  Walkable Centers and Corridors  Implementable and Trackable  Complementary Framework FXBG FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN  Comprehensive Planning Process Joint Work Session Public Hearing w/ Project w/ City Council Planning Commission Kick-Off June 11 May 14 & 28 April 10th Present Final Draft Integrate Recent February 26, 2025 Planning Input October 2024 May/June July/Aug/Sept Oct/Nov Dec/Jan/Feb Mar/Apr 2025 Prepare& Refine StoryMap – Ongoing Open Survey, 20+ public engagement sessions Tour, Updated Public Hearing w/ Database Report to Planning City Council Commission Draft & Refine the Prepare Final Draft June/July Joint Work w/ PC & May 8th Vision Statement December-February CC Joint Work Session September March 26 w/ Planning Prepare Draft Comp Planning Commission Commission Plan Chapters Comp Plan June 12 November Work Sessions April 9 & 23 Comp Plan Timeline Planning Commission City Council Public Hearing & Public Hearing & Potential Potential Adoption Recommendation June 24, 2025 May 28, 2025