BC 2003 02 10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

February 10, 2003 Page 41 Transportation Join Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - Prepare Transportation Plan · Make Safety Enhancements Where Necessary - Widen Narrow Roads - Intersection Improvements · Protect Existing and Future Transportation Facilities - Highway Widening for Better Access to Employment Areas - Protect US 52 Rail Corridor for Employment Uses - Review Driveway Spacing Requirements - Reserve Right-of-Way for Future Road Projects Mr. Rusty Drye, President of the Eastern Cabarrus citizens Organization, spoke in favor of the Eastern Area Plan. He stated he had been involved in the development of the Plan and asked for the Board's support of the Plan to preserve farmland in that area of the county. Mr. Lewis Cress, President of the Cabarrus County Cattlemen's Association, supported the proposed Plan and commented on the citizen input that had gone into the development of the Plan. He stated in his opinion that the area should be left very much as it is now. Mr. John A. Suther, President of St. John's Grange and landowner, stated support of the proposed Plan. He commended the Planning staff for their work in getting citizens involved in the development of the Plan. Also, Mr. Suther commented on the lack of infrastructure in the area, specifically the narrow roads and one-lane bridges. He encouraged the Board to adopt the Plan, stating it is the best solution at this time. Mayor Troy Barnhardt of the Town of Mt. Pleasant reported that the Town Board has adopted the proposed Eastern Area Plan. He described it as a tool for effective management for growth and development in that area of the county and asked for adoption by the Board of Commissioners. Chairman Freeman then opened the meeting for public input. Mrs. Karen Cobb, resident of Irish Woods Drive, asked if the new Plan would take the place of an overlay district that had at one time been planned for her community. She also questioned the placement of manufactured homes in a community rather than stick-built homes. Mr. Lentz advised that staff would evaluate the overlay district to see if it is still needed. He stated that modular homes would not be prohibited but explained that greater design standards and lower density would help to mitigate some of the concerns about manufactured housing. Further, Mr. Lentz pointed out that governmental entities could not restrict modular homes that are built to State Building Code. Mr. Stowe Cobb, resident of Irish Woods Drive, stated he does not want to see the type of development and growth in eastern Cabarrus County that has occurred in the western side of the county. He spoke in support of maintaining the countryside with streams and farms. Mr. Robert Shinn of Georgeville expressed concern that there are no plans to put water and sewer in that area. He stated that residents of the Georgeville community need water and sewer and in his opinion there should be a better way to control growth rather than denying water and sewer to those who need it. Mr. Bobby Krimminger, resident of Mt. Pleasant Road, also stated the need for ~good drinking water" in that area of the county. Mr. Lentz responded to a number of questions by the Board. He stated the Plan, if adopted, is only the first step in the process and would be used to develop proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance that would be required to accomplish any of goals, such as reduced density, of the Plan. These changes would require public hearings and action by the Board. Other issues addressed by Mr. Lentz included the division of property to allow the construction of homes by family members, the difference between conventional and cluster development and the conditional use process. Ms. sifford responded to questions regarding the possibility of applying for a Community Development Block Grant to provide water to the Georgeville area. She explained the County could submit only one grant application at a time.