Agenda - 08-19-1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 049 JPA DRAFT MINUTES 4-17-86 PAGE 10 use, Carrboro has planned for us a hundred acre industrial park, a possible 100, 000 square foot shopping center and high density urban housing to raise this nodes population by 12,000 in the next twenty years. Roy Williford, Carrboro Council members and Planning Board members confirmed that this is an annexation strategy and why. Mr. Davenport's answer sheet states clearly that this is to 'anchor' Carrboro's tax base plus the notion of developing blue collar jobs. We've never had much of a blue collar climate here and I doubt we need one since a) we have the lowest unemployment rate by county in North Carolina and b) as the planners own answer sheet states 'the jobs in the Research Triangle Park area and Chapel Hill are creating the growth. So the job argument is weak meaning that pretty much for the purpose of Carrboro's fiscal enhancement, Calvander must undergo a devastating transformation. ' North Carrboro, yes the time has come for us to raise our voices. I like Mr. Davenport's assertion. that the planners advised the elected officials on the. effect of particular growth strategies or goals. But is there an elected official here, County or Carrboro, who claims personal sponsorship for this industrial park high density annexation package. The numerous Aldermen and Planning Board members I have spoken with identify this with Carrboro's Planning Staff alone. In no way am I critizing the diligence and creativity of Carrboro's Planning Staff. These maps are carefully detailed. Perhaps an industrial park is a good idea. But lets put it in a place where it does not devastate people's homes and heritage. This area has long been known as a pat of butter in a sea of grits. Let's not rashly turn our backs on the history of the community we cherish. Let's have I 40's impact on us be beneficial not just to developers and urban tax bases but to the great majority of those of us in southern Orange County who like where we live for what it is today not just for what we can get out of it tomorrow." Nat Smith, resident on Pine Street in Carrboro began his statement noting that he felt the residents of Carrboro do have a stake in what is being proposed for the Calvander area. He noted that he enjoyed bicycling in the Calvander area and that many other residents of Carrboro derive much pleasure out of Calvander remaining as it is. He continued noting there was retail space available at Willow Creek and Plantation Plaza and he could not see the need to create more office and retail space. Jerry Koontz, resident of Barrington Hills, Carrboro, noting he is speaking in opposition to the rezoning