Minutes 05-23-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ordinance and with the requirements of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. As I indicated, the applicant is proposing to extend and modify existing water and sewer facilities to not only handle this particular development project, but to allow for future connectivity. We are recommending a larger sewer line to be installed on Tinnin Road. Further, we believe that the applicant's objective in terms of replacing the existing 3" inch water line, which is totally inadequate to provide fire suppression services, addresses a lot of the concerns that staff has about development in that area in general and will address existing public safety concerns that we already had identified. With respect to dealing with stormwater and drainage issues, you will note on the site plan, the applicant is proposing multiple stormwater drainage systems which they indicate will be green facilities including rain gardens or bio-retention areas. They are fully aware that that they are going to have to obtain a stormwater permit from the State in accordance with Neuse River Basin Regulations and they will be held to the Neuse River requirements that are currently being imposed by the State of North Carolina. Brian Crawford arrived at 7:31 PM. With respect to the landscaped area surrounding the perimeter of this property, staff is comfortable with the proposed modification given the arguments contained within the application. We believe that the reduction of the buffer is consistent with surrounding residential development and actually helps foster more of a neighborhood feel rather than treat this project as a separate residential entity. We believe and find that this project is consistent with existing water and sewer boundary map requirements in terms of its location to water and sewer services. Staff believes that the proposed density is consistent and acceptable for the area, given existing development in terms of the size of existing lots, as well as the size of existing residences, and we find the proposed modifications to the zoning setback requirements are reasonable, based on the proposed development of the site. With respect to conditions, I will remind the Board that in the past, staff has provided a preliminary set of conditions in order to begin a dialogue with the applicant prior to a public hearing. We are recommending several conditions in the areas of utility line installation with respect to size of lines, and the cadence for their review and approval. We are recommending some revisions dealing with access management, the installation and maintenance of landscaping, and the scheduled construction of roadways to the individual housing that is being proposed. The applicant will respond formally as recommendations are continued to be made by County Commissioners, Planning Board members, and staff. One note at this juncture, in Attachment 3 in initial conversations with the applicant's engineering firm, there was discussion on extension of water lines to a system within the Ashwick and Richmond Hills subdivisions. And while the applicant has expressed a willingness to review the feasibility of connecting water lines with Richmond Hills, they would like me to point out, that connection to the Ashwick subdivision is not possible given current lot configurations and ownership issues and that such a requirement would more than likely necessitate them seeking public assistance to fund the connection. What staff is recommending this evening is that you receive this application, you conduct the Public Hearing and accept public, BOCC, and Planning Board sworn testimony on this application, and then refer this matter to the Planning Board with a request that a recommendation be returned to the Board of County Commissioners in time for the September 20, 2011 regular meeting, and that you adjourn this hearing until the September 20, 2011