BC 2003 07 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 21, 2003 Page 189 we are formally requesting that NC Department of Transportation evaluate, design, and construct a cross-over located 1500 feet south of the reconfigured intersection of NC 49 and Old Airport. Secondly, we are requesting that a right-in/ right-out access be incorporated in the road design and construction approximately equidistance from Cold Springs Road and the realigned Old Airport Road. Further, that this second access point be permitted for temporary full cross-over during major events being held at the Arena. With the incorporation of these two access points, vehicular and pedestrian access and safety will be greatly improved near and around the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. Supportive technical documentation will continue to be coordinated with you as these improvements are further detailed by both the NCDOT Design Division and Cabarrus County. Thanking you in advance. Sincerely, /s/ Robert M. Freeman Chairman (F) NEW BUSINESS (F-l) Public Hearing to Consider an Increase in the Room Occupancy and Tourism Development Tax from Five Percent to Six Percent and Consideration of Ado~ti0n Of' Resolu6ion In6reasin~ the Room' O6cupancy ~a~ to Skx Percent - 6530 p.m. At 6:40 p.m., Chairman Freeman opened the public hearing to consider an increase in the hotel/motel occupancy tax from five percent to six percent. He asked that each speaker limit his/her comments to three minutes. The Notice of the Public Hearing was published in THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER (Cabarrus Neighbors) on July 6, 2003, and in THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE on July 7, 2003. Mr. Philip Smith, member of the Cabarrus Civic Foundation Corporation, presented an overview of efforts over a period of 20 years to build a convention center in Cabarrus County. Highlights included the formation of a 23-member Cabarrus Civic Foundation Corporation in 1984 to bring attention to the value of a convention center, a 1987 study that confirmed the need for such a facility and an updated comprehensive study in 1997 that reconfirmed the need for a convention center and included information on financing and recommended sites. Ms. Betty Thomas, member of the Civic Foundation Corporation, spoke in support of a convention center in Cabarrus County. She outlined such benefits as added jobs, increased revenue flow in the community and acting as a catalyst for more restaurants, hotels, stores and related facilities. Mr. Harold McEachern, member of the Civic Foundation Corporation, spoke in support of the proposed convention center and an increase in the occupancy tax. He stated a convention center would increase the tax base and provide jobs for residents. Mr. Irvin Newberry spoke in support of the proposed convention center and the increase in the occupancy tax. He cited a number of benefits to the County, including property taxes on the hotel to be built adjacent to the convention center by John Q. Hammons, new jobs, increased sales taxes and enhanced opportunities at the Arena and Events Center. Mr. Newton Fowler reviewed past efforts to locate a convention center in Cabarrus County and stated his support for an increase in the occupancy tax. He stated in his opinion a convention center would help the county stay competitive with other areas as well as improve the quality of life in the community. Mr. Roger Haas, resident of Kannapolis and member of the travel and tourism industry, supported the increase in the occupancy tax and the proposal to use a portion of those funds to help pay the debt service for a convention center. He stated the proposed facility would have a positive economic impact on Cabarrus County.