Minutes 09-03-2019 Regular Meeting

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16 amendment rights, but really it only embraces the rights of those with whom it agrees. He said the first amendment specifically exists to prevent government from infringing on the freedom of Americans to speak freely and assemble peaceably. Latarndra Strong said she was the proud lead organizer of the rally this past Saturday, and she said the rally did her heart well. She said she also attended the prayer vigil on Sunday, and said members of the community took pictures of the group and license plates, and put them on social media. She said this was intimidating and instilled real fear. She said the KKK is clear on its intention towards her community. She said she is not a violent person, has never owned a gun or put her hands on anyone, but she has been called a communist and worse. She said people of color were terrified by the KKK showing up, and the BOCC has a responsibility to stop the nonsense about free speech, when there are violent organizations recruiting in this community. She said this is about terrorism, and she asked the Board to pass the proclamation and to do more. Commissioner Marcoplos said when people come into town with guns and threats, there is a clear difference between free speech and terrorist threats. He said the County has to protect people in the community, and it is easy to cite free speech, but the words spoken at the rally went beyond free speech. Commissioner Price said this Proclamation is good, but the BOCC needs to do more. She said Chair Rich spoke with the Commissioner in Caswell County, but she would like there to be a discussion in this County amongst local leaders. She said, of course, people are going to be intimidated, and many people of color were too afraid to even come to the event on Saturday. She said people of other faiths need to be added to the Proclamation, and she would also like to see language that says Orange County is making strides to be a diverse and inclusive community, because there is still a lot of work to be done. She said she feels that the proclamation needs to state where Orange County stands and what actions the County will take to promote unity and inclusiveness. Commissioner McKee said he grew up in the 1950s and 1960s knowing where the local KKK house was, and who some of the members were. He said in the 1970s and 1980s the tolerance of this nonsense was driven out or sent underground. He said regardless of where these protestors came from, he is certain there are some white robes hanging in closets in Orange County. He said the problem is that the community’s incentive to reject this nonsense seems to be waning, and the KKK seems to be more emboldened. He said anyone who would associate with this type of activity needs to be taken off the street by the Sheriff, but he is not sure if there is a way to do that. He said this is not a reasonable example of free speech. Commissioner Greene thanked all that were involved in the events on Saturday and Sunday. She said it is important to focus on unity. She said it is an aspiration to be unified, and she wants to know how she can be more helpful, as a white ally. Chair Rich said she was out of town all weekend, and she was there in her spirit. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Greene for the Board to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings a. Zoning Atlas Amendment for 6405 West Ten Road (PIN 9834-25-2573) – Rezone a 16.45 acre Parcel of Property to General Commercial (GC-4) The Board held a public hearing and considered action on a property owner-initiated amendment to the Zoning Atlas for a parcel of property within the Cheeks Township. Specifically, the applicant is requesting to rezone a 16.45 acre, split zoned, parcel of property: