Orange County NC Website
6 <br /> Jones' behalf and waived the fee. He commended them for their initiative. He requested that <br /> the zoning be changed. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Crowther, to <br /> refer this item to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned no sooner than <br /> January 16, 1996. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 3. SPECIAL USE PERMITS <br /> (a) SUP(A)-1-95 Reba and Roses (Non-Residential Use-Historic Structure) <br /> The following people were sworn in to speak on this item: Mary Willis, Laura <br /> Baldwin, Jo Barbour, Stephen Roberts and John Hartwell. This item was presented by Planner <br /> Mary Willis to receive citizen comment on a Class A Special Use Permit Application for non- <br /> residential use of a historic structure. This Special Use Permit Application was submitted by <br /> Laura Baldwin allowing her to continue the operation of Reba And Roses gift and garden <br /> shop/greenhouse at 112 Baldwin Road. The business is located in a former farm building on a <br /> historic site known as Sunnyside. The non-residential use of the property is currently in <br /> violation of the Zoning Ordinance. However, non-residential use of historic structures is <br /> allowed with approval of a Special Use Permit. <br /> QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. <br /> None. <br /> QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD. <br /> A Planning Board member asked why the Special Use Permit was not requested several <br /> years ago. <br /> Mary Willis stated that when this business started it was simply a greenhouse and did <br /> not require a Special Use Permit. It has evolved into a business that does require a Special <br /> Use Permit. <br /> QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS. <br /> Mary Baldwin, owner of Reba and Roses, spoke in support of this request. She is <br /> committed to preserving the rural character or the area. She provides a place for local artists to <br /> display their work. She also sells products that fit in with the atmosphere of rural character. <br /> She distributed pictures of the greenhouse, the converted chicken house and surrounding land. <br /> She stated that this is a commercial enterprise and a labor of love. Their customers come to <br /> shop and to relax and visit. She requested that she be allowed to continue the business. <br /> Jo Barbour lives in the area of Reba and Roses and is a customer. It is a wonderful <br /> place to go and visit. She requested that this request be approved. She urged that the Board <br /> of Commissioners support cottage industries. <br /> Stephen Roberts indicated that he shares the property line and road with Reba and <br /> Roses. He felt that this business is not suitable for the area, however, he requested that the <br /> Commissioners approve the Special Use Permit with one condition. That condition would be <br />