Minutes 01-23-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 1. Reduce the width of the MTC from 100 feet to 50 feet in width, specifically beginning at the intersection of Old NC Highway86 with the Interstate 40 on-ramp, extending approximately 2,000 feet east. This will allow for development of necessary utility infrastructure, internal roadways, parking areas, stormwater features, etc. in support of the project. STAFF COMMENT: The total area encumbered by the MTC Buffer in District 2 is 308,200 square feet (3,082 feet of linear frontage along Interstate 40 multiplied by the standard MTC Buffer width of 100 feet). Approximately 154,100 square feet of MTC Buffer could be ‘cleared’ per Section 6.6.4 (A) of the UDO (i.e. 50% of the buffer). The applicant is proposing to reduce the MTC Buffer from 100 feet to 50 feet for approximately 2,000 linear feet; reducing the required buffer by 100,000 square feet (2,000 feet of linear frontage along Interstate 40 multiplied by the 50 feet MTC Buffer reduction) Further clearing, as discussed herein, is proposed with said areas to be re-vegetated. 2. The remaining 1,082 linear feet of Interstate frontage will have an MTC Buffer width of 100 feet STAFF COMMENT: This area includes property encumbered by an existing 150 feet wide utility easement (i.e. overhead power lines). Foliage within this easement has already been eliminated. 3. Within the 2,000 linear feet of reduced MTC Buffer area, the applicant is proposing to create 1,100 linear feet of visual breaks for the project. These areas would be re-landscaped with ‘low-growth landscaping’ to a width of 50 feet including shrubs achieving a height of 4 to 6 feet and canopy trees achieving a height of no more than 12 feet. 4. The applicant indicated during the December 18, 2017 Planning Board meeting that a 100 foot wide land use buffer shall be maintained along the southern boundary of District 2, exclusive of the utility easement, to provide additional noise and visual buffer(s) for the project. Discussion of this condition occurred at both the December 18, 2017and January 10, 2018 Planning Board meetings resulting in the following recommendation: i. A 100-foot wide land use buffer shall be established/preserved along the southern boundary of District 2. ii. Clearing of the MTC buffer be allowed as requested by the applicant and recommended for approval by Planning Department staff. iii. Re-vegetation of visual breaks shall be required as proposed by the applicant and recommended for approval by Planning Department staff.