Subject:
Title
Work Session on updated concept plans for amendments to both the Conditional Use Permit and the site plan for Green Hedges School, located at 415 Windover Ave NW
Body
OVERVIEW:
Green Hedges School has requested a Planning Commission work session to discuss updated concept plans related to proposed amendments to its Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
The proposed updated plan includes:
• Construction of a new academic building to replace the Rice Arts Center
• Interior renovations and a future addition to Kilmer Hall
• New athletic field and playgrounds
• Reconfigured parking areas (increasing from 56 to 60 spaces)
• Installation of bike parking and new sidewalks along Windover Avenue
• Landscaping enhancements
• Enrollment increase from 190 to 225 students
• Increase in staff from 42 to 50 employees.
The changes will be implemented in two phases, with final details of the physical changes subject to civil engineering design.
Green Hedges School and its representatives have informed staff that the updates are the school’s attempt to respond to comments heard at prior work sessions with the Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review, and from community members and staff. The school seeks further input before finalizing its formal application.
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
Green Hedges School is located in northwest Vienna on a 4.3-acre property (187,268 sq. ft.) along Windover Ave NW. The site, zoned RS-12.5 (Residential - Single-Unit, 12,500 sq. ft.), consists of multiple parcels previously used as single-family residences. The campus includes several buildings: Kilmer House (administrative center), the Rice Arts Center, an educational garden, and Kilmer Hall.
The property is primarily surrounded by single-family residential homes (RS-12.5), except for a 190-foot portion of the Vienna Commons townhouse development (zoned RMU) along Nutley Street NW, directly across from the school’s entrance.
Green Hedges School is currently approved for up to 190 students (per its CUP as approved in 1985) and 42 full-time employees (per its CUP as approved in 2017). Below is a timeline of Town approvals related to the school.
Timeline of Town Approvals:
March 21, 1955
Town Council approves request by Green Hedges School to begin operations in Vienna.
August 24, 1964
Request - New addition for school
Action - Approved with restrictions for adequate off-street parking, and horseshoe drive (enrollment at 80)
May 17, 1978
Request - Increase enrollment from 80 to 120 students
Action - Approved with restrictions for parking lot screening and addition of speed humps on entrance to Nutley Street NW
June 17, 1981
Request - Use of 427 Windover Avenue NW for additional classroom and storage space
Action - Approved for ages 8 through 14 and for storage purposes
May 15, 1985
Request - Multi-purpose room to rear of 415 Windover Avenue NW
Action - Approved with construction completed by May 1987 and increase enrollment from 120 to 190 students
July 17, 1986
Request - Clarification on condition
Action - Condition clarified to state “construction from May 15, 1985 to be underway by May 1987, Certificate of Occupancy issued March 2, 1988
May 22, 1996 through December 15, 1997
Request - Green Hedges presents master plan for a classroom addition along with certain parking lot and driveway improvements
Action - Original master plan is withdrawn after neighborhood opposition and 4-4 tie on motion by Planning Commission on June 26, 1996. Revised plan provides space for 4,108 square feet of new classroom space and the former Kilmer home is brought into the plan. PC recommends approval of the CUP and site plan modification on December 9, 1997; Mayor and Town Council approve same on December 15, 1997.
November 3, 1997
Request - consolidation plat approval
Action - The Mayor decides not to sign consolidation plat (administrative action) and asks that Town Council approve the plat before his approval. This action occurs prior to consideration of site plan modification and CUP requests.
September 20, 2000
Request - Athletic field (6,750 square feet) along SE property line
Action - Planning Commission recommended approval on August 23, 2000; Board of Zoning Appeals approved on September 20, 2000
March 21, 2007
Request - Underground recreational facility and other improvements
Action - Planning Commission recommended approval on February 28, 2007; Board of Zoning Appeals approved on March 22, 2007
March 15, 2017
Request - Incorporate newly acquired single-family residential lot into site for an educational garden and additional parking spaces and increase number of allowed full-time employees from 37 to 42 FTE
Action - Planning Commission recommend approval on February 22, 2017; Board of Zoning Appeals approved on March 15, 2017
ATTACHMENTS:
1 - Memo to Planning Commission Re Project Updates
2 - Existing Conditions
3 - Phase 1 Concept
4 - Phase 2 Concept