BC 2007 07 23 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 23, 2007 (Regular Meeting) Page 995 decision on the Administration Building and Housing Unit will have a tremendous impact on the community. He asked the Board to preserve Concord's beauty. Kathleen Rothwell, resident of 575 Dogwood Street in Concord, stated she is no longer comfortable walking downtown because of the jail construction project; she no longer visits the library because of the police presence there; and she no longer drives downtown because there is not enough parking. She also asked the Board to change the size the jail. Stephanie Olson, resident of 70 Washington Lane in Concord, commented on the sounds coming from the jail construction site and the proximity of a school bus stop to the jail. She asked the Board to reconsider building a smaller jail for immediate needs and construct a larger facility in another more suitable location. Allison Kitfield of 192 Union Street, North, in Concord, spoke on behalf of Beth Rogers of 627 Union Street South in Concord, who was running late. She said she and her family moved to Concord because of the small town ambiance. She commented on the lack of large jails in other downtown historic communities, no review by the Historic Commission, the affect the jail has on home sales in the area and security issues. Jerry Goodman, resident of 94 Louise Drive in Concord, commented on the amount of water inmates use compared to residential users and the impact the jail will have on the water and sewer system. He also commented on other possible locations for the jail. Martha Sommer, resident of 195 Union Street North in Concord, reported the County's population has boomed requiring more schools, the North Carolina Research Campus needs funding, the jail's costs have spiraled and Philip Morris, the County's largest employer is leaving. She said it is time to evaluate major expenditures to determine their efficiency. She asked the Board to plan a more efficient, more economical and a more long-term jail solution and to choose a site out of downtown Concord. Hope Jordan, resident of 159 Union Street South in Concord, reported she is a Realtor who currently has her home on the market. She further reported she has been unable to sell her home because of the jail project and asked the Board to relocate the jail to protect the community and property values. Kathleen Hannon, resident of 161 Union Street North in Concord, spoke in opposition to the downtown jail project and commented on the number of lockdowns at her children's school. She asked the Board to reconsider the location of the downtown jail. Thomas Necessary, resident of 91 Union Street North in Concord, reported his family moved to Concord a couple of months ago. He expressed concern for his children's safety with a jail located five blocks from his home. Alex Rankin, resident of 3795 Rankin Road, stated he has consistently been on record for keeping the jail and Sheriff's Office in downtown Concord. He commented on the positive affect the Jail and Courthouse has on downtown businesses. He urged the Board to postpone consideration of any compromise until after the N.C. Court of Appeals hears the case in September. Gene Ligon, resident of 99 Spencer Avenue in Concord, expressed support for the current jail project and commented how much safer Concord is now compared to how it was 19 years ago. He also expressed concern for the safety of law enforcement personnel who are working in overcrowded conditions. Archie Smith, resident of 6590 Hwy 73 East in Mt. Pleasant, reported his family's request for a refund of zoning appeal fees was rejected based on a new policy recommended by the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Commission and adopted by the Board of Commissioners. He reviewed the new policy, read an excerpt from a letter from the Commerce Director dated July 17, 2007 concerning his refund request and read an excerpt from the May 17, 2007 P&Z minutes. In closing, he asked who made the decision to deny his refund request and what the justification was. Jerry Williamson, resident of 92 Marsh Avenue in Concord, apologized for wrongly accusing Commissioner Juba of improprieties related to the selection of Turner Construction Company as the Construction Manager at Risk