Agenda - 03-10-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

12 large property owners who would be willing to build on only two-acres or possibly five acre lots and this would reduce problems. Melvin Parrish stated he felt more people are better served by a one 1 acre minimum lot size requirement. He indicated that he felt the two acre minimum lot size requirement was unfair to many residents of the County. He felt there would be sufficient open space since much of the land in the Rural Buffer would not perk. Jeff Collins stated he was the Conservation Chair of the Sierra Club and that the club was in favor of the two acre minimum lot size requirement. He expressed the feeling that there had been much public input. He indicated he felt the Joint Planning Agreement was a plan that would manage growth in a wise way. He stated that he was also against the extension of public water and sewer into the Rural Buffer. Brad Walters stated he is the owner of a nonconforming lot in the Rural Buffer. He expressed concern for those who wished to pass land on to children but would be unable to due to legalities as presented by the County Attorney. He expressed approval of the recommendation to not extend water and sewer into the Rural Buffer. He felt that was essential to maintain the buffer. Mr. Walters asked Mr. Collins the percentage of the 38, 000 acres which would not perk. Collins responded that information is not available. Commissioner Marshall noted that that information would be very difficult to obtain. Mr. Walters continued that he felt a bond issue would the best way to acquire open space and parkland. Nick Tennyson stated he is president of the Homebuilder's Association of Durham/Chapel Hill. He indicated he felt that one acre lots are needed in order that housing can be provided. Ruth Williams opposed the two acre minimum lot size requirement. Mrs. W. M. Burnette indicated opposition to the two acre minimum lot size requirement. Carl Walters indicated the farmers in the Rural Buffer had not been spoken to about the recommendations for the area. He noted that Mapleview Farm had received national recognition. He stated there were three contiguous farms totaling 1000 acres. If Carrboro and Chapel Hill really need open a Rural Buffer/open space, how much are they willing to pay for it? He suggested that if we want things to stay agricultural/open, that it be left in the hands of the farmers who know how to protect it. Mr. Walters stated that a 15% slope is not reasonable. He noted the state of Maine has encouraged farmers to preserve level areas and clear slopes. No one has come up with a number of acres greater than 15% and unperkable. Mr. Walters asked that if that number of acres plus several full-time dairy farms (Cheeks, Hogan, Dodson & Cates) , is considered, just how much land is left to develop? Walters stated he did not feel enough information was available to "put anything down in concrete" . If the desire is to preserve farmlands for open space, let's give some incentives that are more than just suggestions.