BC 1997 05 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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306 Adopted this 19 day of May, 1997. /s/ Sue B. Casper Sue B. Casper, Chairman Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: /s/ Frankie F. Bonds Frankie Bonds Clerk to the Board Residential Buildin~ Permit Moratorium - Public Hearing - 8:00 P.M. Mr. Clifton gave a brief overview of the recommendations of the Alternative Revenue Sources Task Force related to school funding, specifically the proposed legislation to allow the people in Cabarrus County to vote on a local option sales tax and a one percent land transfer tax. Local boards have endorsed the proposed legislation; however, the General Assembly has held up its approval. Therefore, the Board at its meeting on April 21 had directed staff to pursue other options. Mr. Jonathan Marshall, Planning Services Director, presented information regarding alternatives concerning a moratorium on residential building permits. He presented the following proposed ordinances for the Board's consideration: (1) An Ordinance to Temporarily Cease Issuance of Residential Building Permits in Cabarrus County; and (2) An Ordinance to Suspend Approval of Residential Projects in Cabarrus County. There was discussion by the Board regarding the rapid growth in the county and the need for the community and local boards to work together to find the best solutions for the problems associated with that growth. Chairman Gasper opened the public hearing at 8:15 P.M. concerning building moratoria options. She asked that individuals limit their comments to two minutes and group representatives to three and one-half minutes. Mr. Bill Dover, representing the Central Carolinas Association of Realtors, acknowledged the Board's difficult task in providing adequate funding for the schools. He advised that the Realtors support the proposed local option sales tax, but do not support a land transfer tax. Mr. Bill Yandell of Richberg, South Carolina and President of the Cabarrus County Homebuilder's Association, spoke in opposition to a moratorium on residential building permits. He stated the Homebuilders support a local option 'one cent sales tax as a means to meet school funding needs but do not support a land transfer tax. Mr. Yandell questioned the overall development plan for the County and suggested the consolidation of county and municipal services as well as the implementation of year round schools to save money. He expressed concern about the economic impact that the proposed moratorium would have on Cabarrus County and asked the Board to consider a period of 90 days to bring all parties together and come up with a solution to the problem. Mr. Chris Sinclair of the North Carolina Manufactured Housing Institute opposed the moratorium and expressed concern regarding its impact on moderate income housing. He'called for a sound land use plan and a long range planning process as a means to address growth and prepare for it. Ms. Emmy Lou Pharr spoke in opposition to a moratorium on residential building. Mr. Jimmy Kee spoke in support of a moratorium. He stated a moratorium of 60-90 days would not put anyone out of work but would help to slow growth. Mr. David Austin, real estate developer, opposed a moratorium. He stated it would not be fair to those persons in building related businesses. Mr. Jim Rutledge of the Kannapolis Real Estate Agency opposed a moratorium. He expressed concern about the impact of a moratorium on builders/developers who have considerable resources invested in subdivision developments.