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1996 and it has been in operation since then. There were same conditions of approval and all of these <br />were met. Part of the renewal process is an analysis of the site to evaluate if the project has stayed in <br />compliance for the last six years. He referred to page 45, which is the staff analysis. There was another <br />greenhouse added to the property aver the years, and if the Board sa chooses to renew this special use <br />permit, the applicant has stated that they will obtain the necessary building permits to be sure the <br />structure meets the building code. The staff is suggesting that all structures that have not been permitted <br />be permitted appropriately. There was one additional condition regarding a pedestrian scenic walkway <br />along Nancy Hill Creek because of its proximity to Churton Grave. He suggested that this condition not <br />be included at this time. He feels that there can be further discussion with adjacent property owners to <br />evaluate the continuation of public access trails. If at some point in the future there is a need for these <br />pedestrian walkways, it can be considered at that time. Staff is recommending that the similar <br />conditions imposed in 1996 be re-instituted for this property and that the condition regarding the <br />pedestrian walkway be deleted from the recommendation and that this item be forwarded to the Planning <br />Board far decision and recommendation by February 5, 2002 and returned back to the Board of County <br />Commissioners no later than February 12, 2002. <br />Questions from Board of County Commissioners <br />Commissioner Gordon pointed out that this is an existing development and the house <br />has been there a long time and the walkway is very close to the existing house. She feels that there <br />should be some consideration given to the fact that the house has been there a long time and the use <br />already exists. She said that there would be a disruption if the pedestrian walkway were added as <br />proposed. <br />Public Comment <br />Jim Boericke, 153 West Margaret Lane, spoke in support of Reba and Rases and said <br />that this is truly a business that should be encouraged. This is a unique and wonderful place. It is an <br />asset to the County. He feels that this type of business fits really well in an AR zoning environment. <br />There is law traffic volume, na noise, no smells and it is a type of business that fits in this kind of <br />neighborhood. He said that as Orange County is striving to preserve open space and the appearance of <br />open space, this kind of business in this setting meets the requirement by providing a viable, economical <br />alternative that preserves open space. He said that this establishment is really an asset that we should <br />strive to maintain. <br />Laura Baldwin presented pictures of her establishment. She said that her business is an <br />unusual business. The business is at a private home which was a farm. She wanted to keep her land as <br />it was because she is not a farmer. They want Reba and Roses to remain true to the county and <br />environment and still be allowed to support a viable business. They have grown to 25 employees aver <br />the last six years. They sell everything from art from local artists and international artists to plants that <br />are grown on the property and plants that are nat. She understands that there are boxes (categories) <br />that they must fit into, but Reba and Roses does not fit into any of the County's boxes. The property is <br />actually split into 2 parcels. Reba and Roses sits on the 40 acres and her home sits on the 16 acres. <br />This is not a normal development or business. They need the flexibility to grow. Coming to the Board <br />every six years for renewal and approval to grow puts a damper on a small business that struggles every <br />day. She is asking the County Commissioners to think of a new category to put them into so they can <br />grow and so that they will know what they can do. She is against the public walkway because of privacy <br />and security issues. <br />Commissioner Brawn made reference to the 40 acres and asked if it is in use value <br />program and Laura Baldwin did not know. Commissioner Brown said that you could build farm structures <br />using the bona fide farming designation. <br />