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Ted Abernathy stated that development will probably not happen in this area for another ten <br />years or more. What they are trying to do is to put safeguards in this area by using the guidelines for <br />Economic Development Districts. This zoning would restrict subdivisions in this area. <br />Planning Board Member Renee Price asked if the support in this area is mostly to leave it <br />residential or to designate it as an Economic Development District. Ted Abernathy said that when the <br />County was doing Comprehensive Land Use Planning, it was decided that some land needed to be set aside <br />for non-residential uses and this area was chosen. It is near an interstate and close to water and sewer <br />which makes it a prime area for non-residential use. <br />Planning Board Member S.A.M. Brooks said that she supports this type of planning and feels <br />that these areas will eventually attract industry. She feels that the only reason there is not industrial growth <br />in this area is the unavailability of water and sewer. She feels the County needs to pursue providing these <br />services. <br />Commissioner Willhoit stated that the County has limited land designated for commercial and <br />industrial purposes and that this is a strategic location along an interstate. Residential development would <br />preempt long-range planning because residential development can go in without public water and sewer. <br />The County has the ability to extend the Efland sewer line to this area and he supports moving ahead with <br />this project. The same situation exists with the Economic Development District at Old NC86. <br />Joan Jobsis asked about the timeline for the availability of water and sewer into this area. <br />Paul Thames indicated that they have looked at a basic sewer design. However, no easements or <br />construction plans have been done. John Link stated that there are ways to partner with private business, <br />primarily through the State's economic development block grant process. Another issue is whether or not <br />the County wants to make the Efland sewer system economically feasible. Right now the fees would not <br />provide enough monies to expand the system. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT <br />OWEN ALLISON spoke in support of the Economic Development District. He owns property in this <br />area and wants to develop it in such a way as to attract a business that would provide good jobs for local <br />citizens. His intention is to attract business that would "pay a living wage" to its employees. <br />DAVID PERMAR asked that the area where the Amoco Station is located on Buckhorn Road be <br />excluded from the plan. He is concerned about the impact the Economic Development District would have on <br />making renovations. He supports an Economic Development District but not for services such as motels, <br />restaurants and those types of businesses. He suggested moving another 500 feet down Buckhorn Road <br />and excluding a little more area close to the interchange that would not be included in the Economic <br />Development District. The other alternative would be to reduce the setback along Buckhorn Road to 50 feet <br />which it already is and let service station type uses be permitted as a matter of right. He noted that most <br />uses would have to go through a special use permit process. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to refer <br />this item to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners <br />no sooner than August 5, 1996. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />3. Zoning Atlas Amendments <br />(a) Z-2-96 Neal and Betty Tapp <br />Planner Eddie Kirk outlined the information as included in the agenda. The property <br />proposed to be rezoned is approximately 4.8 acres out of a 28.46 acre tract. It is bounded by 1-40 to the west <br />and Mill House Road to the east and is located at the north intersection of these two roads. The 28.46 acre <br />tract is currently zoned NC-2. The applicant proposes to rezone approximately 4.8 acres of the tract to RB <br />(Rural Buffer). <br />Commissioner Gordon asked why they want the rezoning and Eddie Kirk said that the <br />applicant has indicated his intention to apply for a Class B Special Use Permit for a communications tower. <br />However, the staff has not received an application. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT <br />JERRY EATMAN spoke on behalf of the applicant. He stated that this application is <br />consistent in all respects with the code. Mr. Tapp has been approach by a company to buy this property for a <br />communication tower, though the project is not guaranteed.