Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
128 <br /> 811 <br /> Planning Board Member Pilkey asked the width of the buffer on the Joppa <br /> Oaks side of the property. Mr, Cannity said that the buffer was only 60' wide <br /> in that area due to an access road to the Jones property that was granted prior <br /> to Piedmont's purchase of the property. <br /> Commissioner Gustaveson expressed concern regarding traffic safety at <br /> Joppa Oaks and at this site's proposed entrances. He cited Duke Power's <br /> widening of the road at the intersection of Homestead Road and NC 86 in Chapel <br /> Hill as an example that might be followed here. Mr. Cannity said the physical <br /> considerations on Piedmont's site and NC 86 were considerably different. At <br /> Duke Power the entrances are at the top of two hills, where vehicles could be <br /> below grade and not easily visible. Piedmont's site at NC 86 is flat with good <br /> sight distance in both directions. <br /> Commissioner Gustaveson stated that the design considerations were good at <br /> Joppa Oaks also He said he would like for the design people to address the <br /> question of traffic. Mr. Adams indicated that Piedmont was working with NC DOT <br /> on this problem. <br /> Mr. Cannity replied to Planning Board Member Shanklin that the ground elevation <br /> is 701' at its highest point and 631' at its lowest point in the northwest corner. <br /> Planning Board Member Shanklin asked what the height of the communications <br /> tower was. Lawrence Allen, a Piedmont engineer, stated that the tower would be <br /> between 200' and 250'. <br /> Commissioner Gustaveson said he wanted the record to note that he has serious <br /> reservations regarding the traffic safety at the proposed entrances. <br /> Commissioner Gustaveson suggested that prior to a final decision being made <br /> on this Permit that NC DOT should submit a proposal to address the traffic problem. <br /> Mr. Adams indicated that the public entrance was located so as to avoid steep <br /> • terrain on the site, resulting in the service entrance located in the buffer area. <br /> He added the office building was located on the crest of the site leaving the <br /> • <br /> • flatter terrain for the operations center. <br /> Commissioner Whitted inquired as to the current location of the communications <br /> • tower for Piedmont Power, Mr. Adams responded the tower is presently located in <br /> • southern Person County. The proposed site would become the regional headquarters <br /> • for Piedmont Power. <br /> • Commissioner Gustaveson asked if the site would contain all the warehousing <br /> • for Piedmont Power. Mr. Adams responded negatively noting that the center would <br /> • <br />