Orange County NC Website
1 <br /> 2 15 <br /> PUBLIC CObZ ENTS <br /> Gloria Fraley, member of Stop Overcrowding Schools (SOS) , said that while <br /> this is a small area of land this is a reminder again that when it comes to <br /> school overcrowding, each drop is too much. The bucket is overflowing and <br /> they will either need to build a bigger bucket or lose more water. She <br /> does not want to lose a child. She asked if this rezoning is really worth <br /> it . Since a plan to correct the overcrowding has not yet been adopted and <br /> implemented, she asked if rezoning to a higher density is really necessary <br /> and wise to do at this time. She asked that the governing boards make the <br /> right decision for all of the community. <br /> Donald Godwin who requested this rezoning said that during the year <br /> long process they thought that this property was in a Transitional II zoning <br /> area instead of Transitional I . The density on this property will consist <br /> of 15 to 18 units . This is the last remaining Transitional I tract on <br /> Rogers Road with everything north of this area transitional II . <br /> Nancy Salmon who lives in the Highlands development downhill from the <br /> property said she is against this request. Her motivation is primarily <br /> personal. She fears that her house will be flooded by stormwater runoff <br /> from the property in question. Her lot has a large flat side yard bounded <br /> at the far edge by a drainage gully which leads to a pipe culvert that runs <br /> under the road. If the culvert was not there or blocked, Claymore Road <br /> would act as a nine or ten foot dam to the flow of stormwater runoff. In <br /> the late summer of 1993 after Highland Meadows was paved and drainage <br /> ditches were constructed, a very heavy rain caused their side yard to be <br /> covered almost entirely by water. They have talked with the engineer of the <br /> Highland and Highland Meadows developments about how the drainage channel <br /> can be reworked to provide a greater runoff capacity and greater protection <br /> for their home, but so far no changes have been made. She invited the <br /> members of the governing boards to her home to see the situation. She asked <br /> for stormwater protection for the homes down the hill from this proposed <br /> development. On behalf of the schools and S .O.S. she is against any <br /> increase in residential density. She realizes that this proposal is not for <br /> a lot more houses. However, since the school are over capacity for existing <br /> residents, she sees no excuse for increased residential densities of any <br /> size. She said that the lots in the Highlands are approximately 1/2 acre <br /> lots. In answer to a question from Bill Waddell, Ms. Salmon said that the <br /> only suggestions made to divert the stormwater is to have a wider and deeper <br /> channel. The flooding is caused by the speed of the runoff which is <br /> affected by impervious surfaces, clearing, etc. They have,- lived there three <br /> years and the flooding started with the development of Highland Meadows. <br /> Mr. Godwin said that in talking with staff about this proposed <br /> development, there are no perennial streams of any type on this property or <br /> any channels of any sort except possibly in the lower area which they intend <br /> to provide a buffer in their final plan. They have not reached the stage of <br /> doing any engineering. This is purely a rezoning at this time. He does <br /> understand Ms. Salmon' s concern. There is an older structure on the <br /> property which a number of neighbors are afraid of because of the children. <br /> He will donate this house or remove it from the property. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit asked about the provision of water and sewer and <br /> was told by Roy Wiliford that the OWASA line goes behind the low area where <br /> the pump station is located. OWASA will be running a sewer line out to <br />