Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
8 <br />With regard to the two parcels not included as part of this node, <br />Commissioner Willhoit feels there is no justification for including these two <br />parcels. The Planning Staff will look at these two areas and make a <br />recommendation. <br />C. BLACK WALNOT FARM - PRELIMINARY PLAN <br />Planner Mary Willis presented for approval the Preliminary Plan for <br />Black Walnut Farm. This property is located on the east side of Baldwin Road <br />at the intersection of Baldwin and St. Mary's Road in Eno Township. The area <br />proposed for development is 44.3 acres with 25 lots. Access to the property <br />is from Baldwin Road. A public road is proposed to serve the subdivision. <br />There are two historic properties, Maple Hill Farm and Sunnyside, which will <br />be affected by this subdivision. Other concerns voiced by the neighborhood <br />include the increased traffic that will be generated and the density of the <br />subdivision. The applicant has talked with DOT about the realignment of <br />Baldwin Road and Lawrence Road but no commitment has been received. <br />PIIBLIC COMMENTS <br />Stewart Barbour asked that the Board reject Black Walnut until the <br />boundary dispute is settled. He states that there are three boundary disputes <br />-- one with Barbour, one with Baldwin and one with Hollandsworths. His other <br />main concern is that this subdivision will adversely impact the two <br />immediately adjoining historic sites -- Maple Hill Farm and Sunnyside. He <br />feels the integrity of these two sites should be maintained for their obvious <br />tourism value as well as for their wide recognition as important cultural <br />links with the past. He asked that the awkward dog-leg from Lawrence Road to <br />Baldwin Road be adjusted with future traffic problems in mind. <br />Laura Baldwin clarified that her house is Sunnyside and is adjacent <br />to the road on the proposal. The right-of-way will come within 12 feet of her <br />chimney. She would like for the road to be moved over at least 80 feet The <br />Department of Transportation has not agreed to move the road or to pave it. <br />She feels that 25 homes in a rural historic area is too dense. She asked that <br />the Board consider the remainder of the property and the total development. <br />She would like to see a plan for St. Mary's Road which will include cluster <br />development and open space to maintain the rural historic area. This <br />subdivision is something they don't want to see happen in a rural historic <br />area of Orange County. <br />Stephen W. Roberts, developer, distributed a map showing the <br />realignment of Baldwin Road and Lawrence Road. He does not have a commitment <br />but is willing to continue pursuing this issue with DOT. He plans to provide <br />housing ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 in price. He asked the County <br />Commissioners to help him negotiate an agreement with the Department of <br />Transportation. He did meet with the neighbors and heard their concerns. He <br />said that Mr. Harbour's concerns have nothing to do with this property. He <br />is willing to meet with Mr. Barbour and compromise and give within reason <br />wherever Barbour says the property line should. With regard to this <br />subdivision, Mr. Roberts feels the road should not be an issue and it should <br />be approved using the dirt road as is. <br />After a discussion of these issues, a motion was made by Commissioner <br />Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to table this item to give staff <br />time to talk with the Department of Transportation and resolve the issue of <br />the road and the realignment with Lawrence Road. <br />