THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD A WORK SESSION ON MAY 7, 2009 AT 6:30PM TO DISCUSS PLANNING DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS AND PROCEDURES.


Regular Public Hearing

Thursday, May 7, 2009

7:30 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
301 KING STREET, CITY HALL
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

The Alexandria Planning Commission docket
is subject to change. Planning and Zoning staff
can provide information on changes
that occur prior to the meeting.

Staff reports on each item are available
in the Department of Planning and Zoning.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to
vary the order of the meeting, if so announced.

Department of Planning and Zoning
301 King Street, City Hall, Room 2100
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
phone: (703) 746-4666

* * * * *


1. Call to Order.

The Planning Commission public hearing was called to order at 7:35 pm.

CONSENT CALENDAR:

AN ITEM ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR WILL BE HEARD ONLY IF SOMEONE
REQUESTS IT BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT DOCKET. ITEMS NOT
REMOVED WILL BE APPROVED OR RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL AS A
GROUP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING.


2. This item was moved to the regular agenda.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR.


ITEMS MOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR: 2. ENCROACHMENT#2009-0001
3500 GODDARD WAY
RETAINING WALL
Consideration of a request for an encroachment into the public right-of-way for a
retaining wall; zoned RB/Residential. Applicant: Duke Crossing, Inc.

ACTION: DEFERRED 7-0

NEW BUSINESS:

3. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2009-0011
106-108 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET
THE BURGER JOINT
Consideration of a request to operate a restaurant; zoned CG/Commercial General.
Applicant: The Burger Joint by M. Catharine Puskar, attorney

ACTION: RECOMMENDED APPROVAL w/amendments 7-0










4. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2009-0013
1623 FERN STREET
RESTAURANT
Consideration of a request to operate a restaurant and a parking reduction; zoned
CSL/Commercial Service Low.
Applicant: Culinary Concepts Corporation by Lawrence Ponzi

ACTION: RECOMMENDED APPROVAL 7-0



5. SPECIAL USE PERMIT #2009-0023
50 SOUTH PICKETT STREET
CAFE AURORA
Consideration of a request for an amendment to allow alcohol service at an existing
restaurant; zoned CG/Commercial General. Applicant: Dahab Beyne

ACTION: RECOMMENDED APPROVAL 7-0

6. SMALL BUSINESS ZONING CHECKLISTS
Consideration of a request to adopt administrative special use permit checklists.
Staff: Department of Planning and Zoning

ACTION: RECOMMENDED ADOPTION w/amendments 7-0


7. Consideration of approval of the Planning Commission minutes of the regular public
hearing of April 7, 2009.

ACTION: APPROVED WITHOUT OBJECTION 7-0


OTHER BUSINESS:

8. Gwen Wright, Development Division Chief , discussed the development process
improvements that having been taking place over several months and
improvements that are currently in progress.

As a continuation of the work session held prior to the public hearing, Kendra
Jacobs, Planning Commission Clerk, described the Planning Commission staff's
roles and responsibilities within the department.



Jill Schuap, Assistant City Attorney, presented the Planning Commission with a
memorandum dated May 5, 2009 and discussed the City Attorney's findings regarding
special use permits which do not include specific conditions limiting the size, hours and
manner of a business' operation.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

9. Administrative approvals: The following special use permits have been administratively
approved by the Department of Planning and Zoning:

SUP2009-0003
Location: 50 S. Pickett Street
Applicant: Dahab Beyene
Request: Amendment

SUP2009-0006
Location: 1470 B North Beauregard Street
Applicant: Baharuzzaman Syed
Request: Change of Ownership



10. Adjournment

The Planning Commission public hearing adjourned at 9:45 p.m.











Attendance:
Messrs. Wagner, Komoroske, Robinson, Jennings, Dunn, Ms. Fossum and Ms. Lyman.