Agenda - 08-20-1996 - IX-C - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 20 • Commissioner Gordon asked about the reference to sewer disposal on page 65 of the agenda. Mary Willis explained that Buckhom Road forms the ridgeline as the boundary between the Haw Creek Watershed and the Upper Eno. All of the drainage within the district is suitable to be included in the Efland sewer system. Gravity Flow could accommodate all the corridors leading to one pump station which would pump up to Highway 70. County Engineer Paul Thames said that it would be less expensive to just develop the northern section and put in four or five pump stations. However, pump stations are mechanical and prone to failure. The overa*best design is to have one pump station with everything going to it by gravity which is not the cheapest cost initially. He noted they would hope to find industry with low water use. In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon about allowing residential development while waiting for this area to develop. Mary Willis said that allowing residential development of any large tract would defeat the purpose of the district. Ted Abernathy stated that development will probably not happen in this area for another ten years of more. What they are trying to do is to put safeguards in this area by using the guidelines for Economic Development Districts. This zoning would restrict subdivisions in this area. Planning Board Member Renee Price asked if the support in this area is mostly to leave it residential or to designate it as an Economic Development District. Ted Abernathy said that when the County was doing Comprehensive Land Use Planning, it was decided that some land needed to be set aside for non-residential uses and this area was chosen. It is near an interstate and close to water and sewer which make it a prime area for non-residential use. Planning Board Member SAM. Brooks said that she supports this type of planning and feels that these areas will eventually attract industry. She feels that the only reason there is not industrial growth in this area is the unavailability of water and sewer. She feels the County needs to pursue providing these services. Commissioner Wilhoit stated that the County has limited land designated for commercial and industrial purposes and this is a strategic location along an interstate. Residential development would preempt long-range planning because residential development can go in without public water and sewer. The County has the ability to extend the Efland sewer line to this area and he supports moving ahead with this project. This is the same situation with the Economic Development District at Old NC86. Joan Jobsis asked about the timeline for the availability of water and sewer into this area. Paul Thames indicated that they have looked at a basic sewer design. However, no easements or construction plans have been done. John Link stated that there are ways to partner with private business, primarily through the State's economic development block grant pro cess. Another issue is whether or not the County wants to make the Efland sewer system economically feasible. Right now the fees would not provide enough monies to expand the system. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT OWEN ALLMN spoke in support of the Economic Development District. He owns property in this area and wants to develop it in such a way as to attract a business that would provide good jobs for local cit¢ens. His intention is to attract business that would`pay a living wage"to its employees. DAVID PERMAR asked that the area where the Amoco Station is located on Buckhom Road be excluded from the plan. He is concerned about the impact the Economic Development District would have on making renovations. He supports an Economic Development District but not for services such as motels, restaurants and those types of businesses. He suggested moving another 500 feet down Suckhom Road and excluding a Me more area dose to the interchange that would not be included in the Economic Development OfstrieL The other alternadve would be to-reduce the setback along.Buckhom Road to 50 feet which it already is and let service station type uses be permitted as a matter of right. He noted that most uses would have to go through a special use permit process. A motion was made by Commissioner VVfllhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to refer this item to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners no sooner than August 5. 1996. VOTE: UNANIMOUS TOTAL P.02