BC 2000 06 26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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492 concerns about increased crime in the area and the safety of the children. In summary, Mr. Irvin said the people of the community want to save Odell School and do not want Moss Farms rezoned. Commissioner Carpenter submitted for the record the signed petitions and a videotape of the area that had been given to her by Mr. Irvin. Mr. Jack Rankin of 4435 Rankin Road stated he was glad the proposed property swap had been withdrawn and Odell School could stay in the community. He stated in his opinion Mr. Don Clickner's report on June 8th was biased and contained only negative comments. According to Mr. Rankin, the school has many good qualities that were not mentioned by Mr. Clickner. Mr. Stephen Taylor of 2811 Jim'Johnson Road thanked Mr. Burkett for withdrawing the proposal for the Odell School property. However, he expressed concern about the land that Mr. Burkett is donating as a school site. He discussed environmental issues regarding that property, stating it is in the floodplain and is borderline wetlands. Mr. Taylor reported an independent testing laboratory in Charlotte had tested the water quality of that section of Rocky River and found the coliform level at the bridge on Harris Road to be 115, which he stated borders on severe pollution. He stated the river will flood at some time and expressed concerns about the need for mosquito abatement and the potential situation where children cannot go outside to play due to flooding. Further, he reported he had paid an environmental firm to test the soil on property next to the existing Odell School. Mr. Taylor said the firm found the ground at three and one half feet to be solid enough to build anything on. Finally, he addressed the value of the Odell School property because of its "corner" location and also the importance of trees to the atmosphere. Ms. Janet Fitzpatrick of 9521 Davidson Highway objected to the rezoning. She cited concerns about the high volume of traffic on Highway 73, increased traffic congestion, the difficulty in crossing the road to get to her mailbox, the debris falling from the dump trucks traveling Highway 73 and the dumping of trash by motorists turning around in her yard. Mr. Tom Schmitt addressed the adequacy of school facilities, stating the proposed replacement for the Odell Elementary School would not add to school capacity. He suggested that no other developments be approved without plans for building schools. Finally, he stated in his opinion the County should aim for better than ~break even" with any proposed land swap. Mr. Burkett responded to several issues raised during the public hearing. He said he had never proposed a property swap and had planned to pay for the Odell property in cash and other services. Also, he advised that the ballfields at the new school would be built above floodplain. There was no one else present to address the Board, and Chairman Fennel closed the public hearing. There was discussion by the Board regarding the desire to save Odell School and the possibility of appointing a committee of community residents to look at future potential uses of the facility. The Board also discussed the requested rezoning and issues concerning the proposed development. Arguments in support of the proposed project included the reduction in the number of planned residential units, Mr. Burkett's efforts to address concerns of the community and mitigate the impact of the development, the proposed contribution of $1,199.00 per dwelling unit to address school adequacy and traffic issues and the thoroughness of Mr. Burkett's plans to develop a "village" that will put recreation, schools, shopping and homes together. Reasons against the proposed project included traffic concerns and the uncertainty as to when the Highway 73 road improvements will be made. Other issues of concern included potential flooding problems at the new school site, the safety of children traveling Harris Road and the opposition to the proposed project by residents of the Odell Community. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Barnhart, seconded by Commissioner Privette with Commissioners Barnhart and Privette and Chairman Fennel voting for and Commissioners Carpenter and Casper voting against, the Board approved Petition C00-02(R) by Robert Burkett to rezone approximately 446 acres of property from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential Special Use (approximately 403 acres) and General Commercial (approximately 43 acres) with the conditions as set forth by Mr. Burkett, including the donation of 62 acres for school site, sewer connection work, relocation of existing structures on school site, engineering and surveying services, road improvements, 2.9 acres for County right-of-way acquisition and contribution