Agenda - 08-24-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Class A Permits are required for larger projects where the impacts cover a much wider area. Commissioner Gordon asked if this entire area is in the open space area. Marvin Collins indicated that the lower portion of the project is not in the cooperative planning boundary and would not be in the open space area if it did exist. She asked if this was not in existence at all and if the proposal went through and the developers wanted to put something in the open;,; space, what would be allowed in that area. Marvin Collins noted that the way r:! the agreement is worded, in terms of the open space area, is that the Town of Hillsborough can extend public water and sewer to projects in the open space area if they are developed in accordance with one of the rural character strategies that are adopted. The closest strategy to the conceptual plan that the study committee is considering is the one with 1.74 units per acre -and 60% open space. Commissioner Gordon asked about the impact on the environment of maintaining a golf course. Mr. Cogswell stated that there have been many studies which have indicated that water leaving a golf course downhill is purer than the water that runs onto a golf course. He will provide a copy of the study to Commissioner Gordon. Marvin Collins stated that one of the things the staff has been discussing with the Rural Character Study Committee is the whole issue of golf courses and the potential impact that could result from the pesticides or insecticides or nutrients that come off of a golf course. Clemson University has been conducting studies for several years on these very impacts and even though there are not any standards set at this time, he is interested in their findings and how to mitigate those impacts. There have also been some recent articles, one of which he will provide copies for the Board, about a golf course that was designed in the Charleston, South Carolina area in conjunction with a natural area. The biggest complaint is about mosquitos because no pesticides are used. A typical golf course takes up about 150 acres. Marvin Collins noted that it will be April, 1993 when the Cooperative Area Land Use Plan is brought to public hearing. In answer to a question from Michael Drowns, Mr. Collins noted that as part of the Cooperative Planning Agreement, the staff position would be that this area be changed from transition to open space so that the project will stay within the County's jurisdiction. Mr. Drowns asked if the staff and the developer would be willing to take the position that, if this land use change is allowed, to put everything on hold until the Cooperative Agreement is reached and that area designated as open space. This would mean staying with the County which can handle the development. Mr. Collins stated that the reason for the request at this time is the concern of expiration of land options and the threat of losing the project. Commissioner Gordon asked what would happen if the Land Use Plan is changed and becomes a ten -year transition area and then no cooperative agreement is reached with Hillsborough. Mr. Collins stated that it could stay transition and would be the County's jurisdiction. If the County wanted