Minutes 03-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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20 Craig Benedict said there are a lot of moving parts, and he is uncertain. He said it will be at least 2019. Commissioner Marcoplos said he appreciate s the short and long term work being done to keep this process moving forward. Commissioner McKee asked if sewer and water is being explored in the area, to increase the density. Craig Benedict said there will be no land use changes, and density may be collapsed from a 78-acre parcel to a certain limited area. He said 3 options will be considered: sustain normal septic systems; a new innovative system; and public water and sewer as a last resort. Commissioner McKee says he thinks all available options should be explored. He said density may be able to be more increased by going to sewer and water, and avoid many of the problems associated with any and all septic systems. Commissioner Jacobs said he understands and appreciates the commitment to getting this brought forward in June, but suggested that the Board of County Commissioners could have a special meeting over the summer, if needed, to keep the issue moving forward. He suggested that there may be a possibility to look at something different at Millhouse Road due to the rural buffer, though extending water and sewer into the rural buffer should be a last resort. He said it is important to communicate the BOCC’s intentions clearly with the public. He said the BOCC has no desire to destroy the rural buffer, and it does not plan to turn the entire Millhouse Road property into a mobile home park. Craig Benedict said 8-10 acres will be used, and the desire is to pursue well and septic, with water and sewer extension being the last resort. Commissioner Price asked if areas beyond Chapel Hill/Carrboro are being considered. Sherrill Hampton said the entire County is being considered. Commissioner Price asked if there are school-aged children involved. Sherrill Hampton said one of the three families, who are working with the County, has children, and staff has learned that one family, who is not working with the County, also has children. She said staff is working with both school districts to work out these complications. PUBLIC COMMENT Josh Kirchner, a resident at 6806 Millhouse Road, commended the Board of County Commissioners for all of its efforts, and said he feels for the families. He said he has concerns about changing the zoning at the Millhouse Road site to accommodate higher density, and the addition of a mobile home park. He said the original owner of this land intended for it to be used as a park, and sold it to the County for this reason. He said the County is now considering using it as a park and high-density housing, which he finds to be disingenuous. He said he has concerns about water quality and septic, and has asked for a map, but has not been given one. He said he has been told this will be developed as far from his property as possible, but that would locate it next to the abandoned landfill, which raises concerns about radioactive residue in wells. He said this puts these residents, who are already disadvantaged, in a suspect situation. He said he does not like the idea of manufactured housing, but is fine with the idea of densely built housing with sewer and water. Delores Bailey, Empowerment Executive Director, said her organization recently spoke with the Homestead Mobile Home community, and the residents are distraught about where they will live. She said she appreciates the foresight of the Board of County Commissioners to face these situations; and believes these are positive solutions to the problem. Sarah Geer, Empowerment Board of Directors, said she appreciates the opportunity to participate in this process. She said manufactured housing is a new area for Empowerment, but their experience can address this situation. Claudia Yerena is a mediator between the Homestead community and the County. She thanked the BOCC for its efforts on behalf of these residents, and said the County is the only hope the residents have.