Agenda - 05-28-1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 developer and after he has met all the conditions, plans are sent to the State for approval before approval by the Town Board. Mr. Johnson noted that the Town Board fully endorses this project. George Horton, applicant, stated that he is a developer of residential property and that he moved to Hillsborough from New Jersey in June 1984. He has been working with Sylvia Price and all of the people involved and wants to develop this unique property in a way so that as much as possible will be preserved. He is aware of the traffic problem and has hired Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. of Raleigh to do a traffic analysis and report of potential traffic problems. At the present time, it is not known just what the'market is and flexibility is needed to present to potential customers building designs to fit their needs. He continued that he felt the only way the site could be developed is through a rezoning. He sees extreme difficulties in trying to adhere to a Planned Development. The development would be a multiple of buildings. He also is aware that sewer service could be a problem, but sewer lines could not be brought to the site until Horton is sure he has a project. The traffic problems would vary due to the types of industry locating in the project. Mr. Horton expressed desire to have quality development, preserving as much of the site as possible. Rufus Colter, planner for Mr. Horton, expressed the thought that the industrial park concept prevailing throughout the project is what is desired by the applicant. He felt this type development would sustain the high value of the site and be profitable to the Town of Hillsborough. Planning Board Chair Gordon reminded citizens that the issue seems to be whether to go for straight rezoning or planned development. She explained the differences in the two approaches. Lynn Moredock, of NC Museum of Science, spoke regarding plant rescue and requested that the pond site be preserved for the sake of the wildlife area around it. Michael Drown expressed concerns regarding traffic and basic supply of water for the area. He also had concerns with buffer zones. He noted that Mr. Horton had gone out of his way to meet approval of local residents and listen to their concerns. Drown also expressed the desire for a Planned Development. Mayor Sheffield spoke in support of the Horton rezoning for the Town Board by reading the recommendation from the Board. (A copy of the descriptive narr- ative is in the permanent agenda file in the office of the Clerk to the Board.) He noted he would be in favor of Planned Development only if the desired flexibility can be retained for the Industrial Park. He felt straight rezoning was the best way to go and that the water/sewer extension is under control. Traffic needs to be addressed and DOT assistance can help stay ahead of this problem. He expressed confidence in Mr. Horton to provide and assure a high quality development. Nelson Butts owns property adjoining the Horton track and he feels more confident in the kind of project Mr. Horton is proposing than others he has seen. Traffic, in his opinion, is a major problem. Sylvia Price, Economic Development Commission Director, reviewed the reasons for which the Board of County Commissioners created the EDC. The EDC was given the mission to provide job opportunities for the citizens of Orange County and to expand the tax base. This can be done in three ways: (1) help existing firms; (2) encourage new start-ups; and (3) attract suitable firms of the right type to move into Orange County and give us the diversification of new jobs we need. To do all, three, even to help existing firms which have outgrown their existing locations, you need a place to put them. First, the planning process has identified sites as suitable for this type of development. The Land Use Plan guides me in determining where I would look for a suitable site. Second, you need good access, particularly interstate access. The firms want it and you do not need to funnel traffic through back •