Agenda - 08-21-2007-6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. How will buffering and transitioning of existing, and possible future, nonresidential development be accomplished to avoid impacts on existing, and possible future, low- density residential development within the area? 4. How will the County address noise levels generated by the Speedway and possible future reopening of the go-kart track? 5. What types of additional nonresidential land uses are to be considered for the area and how will their impact be mitigated? 6. What additional traffic related issues would be generated by potentially allowing for additional nonresidential development? 7. How will allowing for additional development within the area affect the existing groundwater public water supply and how will existing, and future, residential developments be protected from the increase in groundwater demand? 8. What will be done to protect the environmental integrity of the Flat River and Little River Watershed Overlay districts? 9. What ancillary impacts will be generated in Person and Durham Counties as a result of potentially allowing for additional development in the area? Four planning principles contained in the Task Force Report include: 1. Preservation and protection of the rural character and nature of the area; 2. Minimization of negative impacts on natural systems/environmentally sensitive areas; 3. Restrict growth and development so that it complements the rural character and lifestyles; and 4. Maintenance of present service levels for existing infrastructure. Traditional rezoning and special use permit processes were not felt to afford the community and Task Force sufficient protection and assurances of maintaining a rural lifestyle and character, and the Task Force suggests a zoning overlay entitled Rural Economic Development Area (REDA) be created to facilitate bringing the nonconforming activities into compliance. The Draft Small Area Plan was presented at the May 21 Quarterly Public Hearing. Comments were received from three speakers. Task Force members Karen Barrows and Bruce Peters expressed concern about damage to wells from blasting, noise and traffic impacts, impacts of additional development, rights of property owners, and increased air pollution from non- residential uses in the area. Melvin Stanley spoke on behalf of Orange County Speedway emphasizing they were a legal non-conforming operation. He expressed concern about representation of speedway representatives on the committee early in the process and the impacts of potential regulatory changes discussed by the committee. He closed by asking if there would be a list of potentially permissible uses. Commissioner Jacobs suggested a word change on goal #5 on page 28. He suggested "Air quality issues shall be an integral part of any future permit reviewed within the Study Area." The BOCC referred the NC Highway 57 Speedway Area Small Area Plan to the Economic Development Commission and Planning Board and for review and recommendation. The Economic Development Commission considered the Small Area Plan at their meeting on June 14, 2007 and voted unanimously "to recommend the Plan be forwarded for approval by the Board of County Commissioners."