Agenda - 02-23-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rm 19 Mayor James Porto of Carrboro , reminded those present that Carrboro residents are citizens of Orange County and that between Carrboro and Chapel Hill, they make up two-thirds of the citizens of Orange County which is near 45,000 people. This fact needs to be remembered when one speaks of representation. He stated that his Board endorses the 13 point plan presented. Mayor Porto continued, stating that Carrboro's growth strategy over the years has not been one of unbridled growth. He noted that Carrboro recognizes they cannot develop very intensely in the watershed, but they can develop there at a price. He noted that Carrboro was the first jurisdiction in the State to have a watershed ordinance of such magnitude. He noted that Carrboro had downzoned the watershed area to about what the County is trying to achieve for the rural buffer area. He indicated Carrboro's watershed ordinance is a model ordinance for many other jurisdictions. He stated that if Carrboro is to remain a viable community in the future (40 to 50 years from now) it must have a direction in which it can grow logically, orderly and not rapidly or rampantly; the only available area is to the north. He indicated that the only way to assure that one's land is not sold or developed in later years by dependents is public dedication. He felt this is a fact. In referring to the land swap and statements from the public regarding annexation, Mayor Porto stated that Carrboro could not annex for six years unless it is a voluntary annexation. He noted also that there are certain density requirements which must be met for annexation that cannot be met by Calvander. Thus, it does not mean annexation will take place anytime in the near future. What it does mean is that when the dependents of Calvander residents sell the land and petition the Board for rezoning, then Carrboro's Board would hear the case instead of the County Commissioners. Another concern is that there is no place in southern Orange County for businessmen who wish to expand or offer more services to the County. Mayor Porto noted that statistics now show that Orange County residents are going to Durham County to shop and buy services since there are no places for expansion in Orange County. This means a lot of Orange County money is leaving the county. Mayor Porto stated that he and Carrboro have tried very hard to balance out the individual rights of property owners with the interests of the whole community. He noted that a balance had to be found seven years ago when the area was downzoned to accommodate the watershed. A balance must be found which most meets the needs of all County residents. Mr. Bob Peck expressed sympathy with the residents of Calvander. He also indicated he could understand and appreciate the position of Carrboro where they are practically landlocked unless some provision is made for them to grow. He noted that OWASA has two responsibilities--that of providing water and sewer to answer the needs for growth of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County, and the responsibility of protecting the watershed. He spoke in favor of the swap because it would take the pressure off development in the watershed and put that same pressure into