Agenda - 06-01-1999 - 9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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.i Strayhorn expressed agreement with statements made by Brooks and Walters. He noted his main concern that the surrounding community is treated well. Mars Hill Baptist Church has been there a long time and deserves every consideration that the developer can give them. He continued that other properties along NC 57 are in large tracts and has been in the families for many generations and the owners are struggling to hold on to their land. Someday, they may also want/need to sell and he was concerned that the same options be available to them. He expressed appreciation that the developer seems to be striving to build a bond with the church and the community. He also had concerns with the road network and that it seemed there was no way to go but through Hillsborough. Katz expressed concern with the rate of change in Orange County and the serious consequences to the quality of life that it may not allow it to remain such a nice place to live. Barrows, responding to Brooks' and Walters' comments, stated that if a developer purchases land, they will develop it. The landowner has his profit, he has already sold it. The problem is with the intensity. She continued that she felt developing at one unit per acre or less would be fine. Her concerns were also with the increased traffic and overcrowding of the schools. Walters stated that if people wanted open space, she felt they missed the best opportunity for the County when they voted down Purchase of Development Rights. That is the reason she continued to express concern for the landowner. Strayhorn noted that the biggest plus would probably be if it was incorporated into Hillsborough's city limits. Most cities can furnish services to high density better than counties. Michael Edwards, owner of the property, stated that the property was purchased as an investment with no definite plans for development. he was approached by the school system. They had indicated to him that they had a contract on property for which they would be paying $5,000 per acre plus all of the expenses for extension of water and sewer and the road expenses. They had also indicated that the site was farther from town and not the most desirable location. They had asked if he would consider a cooperative situation that would be beneficial to the school board and the property owners. The results of their discussion was an agreement to donate a minimum of eighteen acres for a school plus a minimum of half the costs of water and sewer and road construction. There are advantages to both sides in such an agreement. Mr. Edwards continued that he is not trying to take advantage of the system and he has a good understanding of what happens when development comes in. Mr. Edwards continued that he fully intends to work with the school system and the County to meet the requirements. He indicated he was also willing to work with Mars Hill Baptist Church to donate land that would assist them in expansion of the church facilities.