Minutes 11-21-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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condition is less dense than the existing condition. I will mention something that you've heard already that came up today - a concern expressed by the adjacent property owner. On this slide, that property is in this area immediately west of the proposed baseball field. The concern, as we understand it -and we've had some conversation today and will have continuing conversation -the concern is regarding the proximity of the ball field to the property line. So we have looked at this issue today and do believe that there is an opportunity to take the ball field and to move it to the right, or in this -case, to the east to provide more separation between the ball field and the elements of the ball field like the batting cage and the dugout as a separation of the ball field to the property owner. So we believe there is that opportunity to work with this property owner to satisfy that concern. We eagerly embrace that opportunity.. In the next few weeks before the Planning Board meeting in January we expect to have those issues resolved and be able to report back. Thank you. I'll turn it back over to Joe Marian, who has a few concluding remarks. Joe Marian: I think Michael did introduce all of the written documents that have been supplied so far; but we would ask that the materials from the PowerPoint that you have as well as the testimony that has occurred or may yet occur be entered into the official record so that we have met those requirements. In closing, the only thing I will say is a little on a personal note. Both of my children went to Carolina Friends School and both went for 12 years. One is out of college and one is almost out of college. So I am here as a Friends School parent as well. I believe in their mission, and I believe in their results, and I believe that this expansion such as it is, even though it reduces density, is a wonderful opportunity for a wonderful school. So we appreciate your attention and I think we stand ready to answer questions from any source. Larry Wright: Commissioners, are there any comments? Board members? Mark Marcoplos: I'm curious about the baseball fields and the lights. Michael Harvey: As I have been informed and as I have testified to and as Mr. Whitaker has testified to, there are no proposals to erect outdoor sports field lights around the baseball field or any of the other athletic fields. I would consider that, if this is approved, a modification so that Carolina Friends School, if they ever wanted to erect such lights, they would have to come back before the Board and seek approval for those lights. As of right now, no, and there's also no plans for amplified PA system or any other similar announcement system around the ball field. Johnny Randall: I noticed in the information provided there were a number of what could be construed as invasive plant species on the site and there was some intention of removing these to the best extent possible. I wanted to contribute some information to the applicant concerning the property removal of such species (Mr. Randall handed the applicant a brochure). I'm familiar with a number of these plant,species, and sooner or later, some of these will take over the whole site. So perhaps eliminating these could become a service learning project for the local students. Andrea Rohrbacher: With respect to the footbridge to the performing arts center, are there adequate safety measures in place for an emergency evacuation? Tony Whitaker: Yes. The reason that we have the second entrance from Mt. Sinai Road is to provide that emergency/secondary access to the performing arts center in case something is needed on that side of the creek and emergency vehicles cannot otherwise get across the stream. That driveway will be 20 feet wide; it will meet fire department and state building code requirements for minimum width and surface conditions for means of access, means of