BC 2009 10 19 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 19, 2009 (Regular Meeting) Page 1662 13. The County Manager may reject formal bids when deemed appropriate and in the best interest of Cabarrus County pursuant to G.S. 143- 129(a). 14. The County Manager may reduce revenue projections consistent with prevailing economic conditions, and also reduce expenditures correspondingly. (G) NEW BUSINESS (G-1) County Manager - Update on 2-85 Widening and Pitts School Road Realignment Options John Day, County Manager, directed the Board's attention to the following documents that were provided as supplemental information on the proposed realignment of Pitts School Road as part of the I-85 widening project: (1) Agricultural Advisory Board Draft Report dated October 15, 2009 supporting Alternative B; and (2) a draft letter of support to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) endorsing the findings of the Agricultural Advisory Board. He briefly reviewed Alternatives A and B, and described their impact on the Barbee farm. Commissioner Privette MOVED to express support for Alternative B by issuing a letter of support to NCDOT and to authorize the Chairman to execute the letter. Commissioner Carruth seconded the motion. Following a brief comment from Commissioner Carruth, the MOTION unanimously carried. The letter of support is as follows: October 19, 2009 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 Subject: TIP Number I-3803B - Proposed Widening of I-85 From I-485 Interchange to NC 73 Interchange Dear Mr. Thorpe: The transportation improvement project referenced above includes the realignment of Pitts School Road in Cabarrus County. Two alternative routes for this realignment are being considered; the first, known as Alternative A, is recommended by NCDOT staff. The second, known as Alternative B, is a shorter route that disturbs less acreage. Since both Alternatives A and B pass through farmland enrolled in the Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD), a public hearing was held by the Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board (ADAB) to gather information and report on the effects of the proposed realignments of Pitts School Road on the affected farms. The ADAB found the impacts of Alternative A significantly detrimental to the operation of the Barbee Farm, which has existed on the same site for over 100 years (ADAB report enclosed). The ADAB found Alternative B far less disruptive to farm operations and therefore offered its support to that route. The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners endorses the findings and recommendations of the ADAB found in the enclosed report. Further, in an effort to relieve the concerns of the Barbee family and the hundreds of concerned citizens in the region, the Board of Commissioners respectfully request the NCDOT to quickly select Alternative B as the proposed route for realignment of Pitts School Road. Should the need arise; please do not hesitate to contact me regarding this very important matter.