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Craig Benedict made reference to the findings of fact on pages 7-20. He went through the <br />conditions recommended by the Administration. The conditions are an pages 22-23. Regarding <br />the smart growth aspects, he said that the economic development sections of the County are <br />the highest intensity uses allowed. At this time, there are no residential uses planned in this <br />area. There are also public transportation opportunities that OPT is examining in this corridor. <br />The building is using a prototype design and day lighting, and this is also smart growth. <br />Administration recommends approval as soon as possible. <br />Chair Jacobs asked if there was any interest in making a decision tonight before it has been <br />referred back to the Planning Board for a recommendation. <br />Commissioner Carey said that this is the first he has heard that they could approve this tonight. <br />He asked about the timing and what impact it would have in referring it back to the Planning <br />Board. Craig Benedict said that referring it back to the Planning Board would not change any of <br />the evidence that has been submitted tonight. This could came back to the County <br />Commissioners later in June. <br />Chair Jacobs asked Superintendent Shirley Carraway about this. Dr. Carraway said that any <br />delay would hurt the school system. The changes have already delayed them to some extent <br />and any further delay would push them. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that he was not going to vote for this tonight because he sees <br />something between staff and the Planning Board that he does not like. He suggested bringing it <br />back before the Board breaks for the summer. He said that voting for this tonight would be <br />diminishing the role of the Planning Board. He would also like to see same photographs of this <br />site. He said that no one has brought up the safety issues of moving playing fields closer to the <br />roadways. There are many issues related to the traffic. <br />Chair Jacobs would like to refer this back to the Planning Board. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that as a farmer Planning Board chair, she would like to make sure <br />that this process is fixed so that the Planning Board cannot be bypassed in the Special Use <br />Permit process or any development process. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about the smart growth aspects of the school and what can be <br />done to take into account the public comment tonight. Also, the standard for a middle school is <br />22 acres and this is on 41 acres. The standard for an elementary school is 16 acres. She said <br />that if this is worked right, there could be an elementary school and a middle school. She <br />understands that na elementary school is needed right now, but it would be smart to think about. <br />She would like to make sure that this site is designed so that an elementary school could be put <br />here if needed. <br />Geof Gledhill suggested that the Board keep this public hearing open until whatever date the <br />Board decides. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that it would be nice if the two sites could be designed together. <br />Commissioner Brawn asked if this was a standard amount of athletic fields for a middle school. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that for years middle schools only had a baseball field. He said <br />that to be Title 9 compliant today, a softball field needs to be built for the women. <br />