The June 2024 meeting of the) Wise County Planning Commission was held on June 27, 2024, in the boardroom of the! Education Center at the Wise County School Board on Lake Street in Wise as a joint hearing with the Wise County Board of Supervisors.  Vice Chair Ed Roop opened the public hearing at 6 pm.  Roll Call: Those Present: Ed Roop, Vice-Chair Joseph Morton J. Fred Tate Tim Boardwine Duane Miller Gene Vanover Jr. Michael Hatfield Others Present:  Those Absent: Richard Houchins, Chairman Martha Jett, Secretary  James D. McEirath, Wise Co. Zoning Administrator Michael Abbott, Council to the Planning Commission Natasha Lee, Assistant to the Planning Commission  Agenda:  Michael Hatfield made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Duane Miller  seconded the motion, All voted aye, no one opposed. Motion carries, the June 27, 2024, agenda is approved.  Minutes: one opposed.  J.F Fred Tate made a motion to approve that the minutes of the May 20, 2024, meeting be approved as presented, Gene Vanover Jr. seconded the motion. All voted aye, no  The May 2024 minutes are approved as submitted. Vice Chair Ed Roop opened the public hearing.  Case No: PC24-04  Justin Gonzales of 282 Roscoe Fitz Rd was present to speak on behalf of Land Star. Land Stari is requesting a rezoning to construct duplexes for student housing on Parcel #050140, citing issues with current housing offered by UVAI Wise. He stated with setbacks in place, they would be able to place 28 units which would lower the overall density. Gonzales addressed the previous attempt to develop the property by saying the previous plan was not buildable with current cost. He then mentioned Virginia variance is far more than he has seen with others ini the 2018 building code and mentioned he believed this to be a way to be neighborly. He then stated the company is asking for the 50' setback to be reduced to 20' as the duplexes would be short term rentals for the college, and they intend to stagger bedroom windows for privacy. The utilities will be underground and an easement for stormwater is addressed within their building plan. Land Star intends to work with the county and VDOT for any traffic-related concerns. Joe Kiser of 111 Varner St spoke on behalf of UVA Wise, Kiser stated UVA is growing at al record speed and needs housing. The college has more students enrolled than they have beds for even after Increasing the bed count from 155 to 642, Kiser noted that the college wishes to partner with Land Star because going through the state takes too long. Kiser noted there would be a need for housing for notj just students, but also  employees of the college.    Gonzales then stepped upi to the podium for a final time to say Land Star is aiming to have this complete by September to increase enrollment and noted that without student housing, the student body will spill into the town and take housing from the residents of J. Fred Tate had additional questions for Gonzales. Tate had concerns about the setbacks and number of units being placed by September. Gonzales informed the setbacks would only be beiween units and would not impact the Justice Center. Gonzales then confirmed there would be 14 units to start the project. Tate asked for clarification on existing structures and the entrance to the properly. Gonzales said Land Star would be buying the existing buildings and the current entrance off Bear Creek would be used until Patriot is upgraded. Tate then asked Gonzales to confirm the size of the units to which Gonzales replied there would be a total of 20,000 sq ft with 50 1 story Michael Hatfield made a motion to approve rezoning and variance subject to fire Code compliance and VDOT approval. Morton seconded the motion.. All present voted  Wise.  units, Each unit will have 3 beds and 2 baths.  aye, no one opposed. Motion carries. ATTEST:  There being no additional business, Vice Chair Roop adjourned the meeting.  Secretary  Chair