Agenda - 02-22-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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14 requirement would be a taking of land without due process and compensation. He expressed concern with the loss of privacy and noted that he knew of no landowners in favor of the greenway portion of the Master Recreation and Parks Plan and asked that the Board not adopt that portion of the Plan. Lloyd Wentler, Bingham Township, indicated that he felt it is not sufficient for this Board to say that it will not use the power of eminent domain to acquire land for greenways and asked that it be put into writing within the Plan that the power of eminent domain will not be used. He indicated that he felt the discontent and hostility that would be created by the money being spent for the greenways would far outweigh the intent or good that would be created. Chair Marshall suggested and indicated that the Planning Board Chair was in agreement that a set of policy statements could be written and made as a preamble to the Plan and adopted as apart of the Plan to address those concerns regarding eminent domain. Pearson Stewart, Chapel Hill resident, expressed support for the principles of the district parks, community parks and pools. He indicated he had attended the Hillsborough informational meeting and received the impression from the presentation that the greenways portion of the Plan was indeed a long-range plan (ten, twenty, thirty years) , and he expressed support for that time frame noting that at this time Orange County does not need the greenways . He continued that with the growth he anticipates for the County, the need for the greenways will be great. He noted that the County must be prepared to accept complete responsibility for the maintenance of the parks as well as the greenways system. He addressed the concerns of privacy and security noting that he felt very strongly that a greenway system, which is well- maintained, works to prevent such problems from occurring. He felt that the greenways would be more used by adjacent property owners than those students from Chapel Hill. He indicated he lives- adjacent to two greenways which are in constant use and in a twenty-eight year period, he had only experienced one instance of improper use of the greenway. David Baird, Jr. , Cheeks Township resident, asked of Commissioner Hartwell if he was willing to donate land for greenways and Commissioner Hartwell seemed to be in agreement. Mr. Baird indicated he felt all questions had been raised and that he was opposed to the greenways proposals. He suggested that land be purchased from Duke University for the creation of one large park and that all other aspects of the Plan be dropped.