Agenda - 02-21-1995 - IX-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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With regard to the two parcels not included as part of this node, Commissioner Willhoit feels there is no justification for including these two parcels. The Planning Staff will look at these two areas and make a recommendation. C. BLACK WALNUT FARM - PRELIMINARY PLAN Planner Mary Willis presented for approval the Preliminary Plan for Black Walnut Farm. This property is located on the east side of Baldwin Road at the intersection of Baldwin and St. Mary's Road in Eno Township. The area proposed for development is 44.3 acres with 25 lots. Access to the property is from Baldwin Road. A public road is proposed to serve the subdivision. There are two historic properties, Maple Hill Farm and Sunnyside, which will be affected by this subdivision. Other concerns voiced by the neighborhood include the increased traffic that will be generated and the density of the subdivision. The applicant has talked with DOT about the realignment of Baldwin Road and Lawrence Road but no commitment has been received. PUBLIC COMMENTS Stewart Barbour asked that the Board reject Black Walnut until the boundary dispute is settled. He states that there are three boundary disputes -- one with Barbour, one with Baldwin and one with Hollandsworths. His other main concern is that this subdivision will adversely impact the two immediately adjoining historic sites -- Maple Hill Farm and Sunnyside. He feels the integrity of these two sites should be maintained for their obvious tourism value as well as for their wide recognition as important cultural links with the past. He asked that the awkward dog-leg from Lawrence Road to Baldwin Road be adjusted with future traffic problems in mind. Laura Baldwin clarified that her house is Sunnyside and is adjacent to the road on the proposal. The right-of-way will come within 12 feet of her chimney. She would like for the road to be moved over at least 80 feet . The Department of Transportation has not agreed to move the road or to pave it. She feels that 25 homes in a rural historic area is too dense. She asked that the Board consider the remainder of the property and the total development. She would like to see a plan for St. Mary's Road which will include cluster development and open space to maintain the rural historic area. This subdivision is something they don't want to see happen in a rural historic area of Orange County. Stephen W. Roberts, developer, distributed a map showing the realignment of Baldwin Road and Lawrence Road. He does not have a commitment but is willing to continue pursuing this issue with DOT. He plans to provide housing ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 in price. He asked the County Commissioners to help him negotiate an agreement with the Department of Transportation. He did meet with the neighbors and heard their concerns. He said that Mr. Barbour's concerns have nothing to do with this property. He is willing to meet with Mr. Barbour and compromise and give within reason wherever Barbour says the property line should. With regard to this subdivision, Mr. Roberts feels the road should not be an issue and it should be approved using the dirt road as is. After a discussion of these issues, a motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to table this item to give staff time to talk with the Department of Transportation and resolve the issue of the road and the realignment with Lawrence Road. VOTE: AYES, 3; NOS, 2 (Commissioners Crowther and Halkiotis)