Minutes 03-10-2020 Business Meeting

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15 residents were not aware of these restrictions on their lots, pertaining to the raising water levels. He said, as the Planning Department approved all existing buildings, no existing building, regardless of date, should be labeled as non-conforming. He said homeowners should have the freedom to identify a septic repair area in the future, to prevent their homes from being phased out, due to a failed leach field, if that were to occur. He said he has worked hard on his house, and sees this amendment as negatively affecting his investment. Dean Barnes said she lives on Governor Hunt Street, and if her water or septic tank were to be affected in the future, she does think this would negatively impact her property. She said she would like to know why Jordan Properties were approved for sale, knowing this change would be coming. James Kennedy said he also lives on Governor Hunt Street, and he previously served on the boundary review board and board of equalization. He said Michael Harvey is lying, and property values are based on what people will pay, as well as comparables. He said if people hear that properties have restrictions, specifically water restrictions, the property values will go down, as will the community at large. Ann Roberts said Michael Harvey said there would not be any hardships, but she received a letter that her property (which she has only owned for 4 months) would be condemned and she would only receive its tax value, which is much less than what it is worth. She said this is her home, in an established neighborhood, and she does not want to see it condemned. Scott Atkins said the reservoir butts up against his property, where he has lived for 16 years. He said he is 6 years away from having his mortgage paid off. He said his septic tank does not fall within the qualified distance, and he does not want his house condemned. He said he would like to know the restrictions that exist because of the reservoir, and asked if he can hunt or fish near it. He said he unaware of the rules. Calvin Parrish said he is worried, and wants to know why the properties were sold knowing it was going to be condemned, due to the expansion of the reservoir. He said it is unfair and unjust to kick people out of their homes. Commissioner McKee asked if Michael Harvey would address some of the public comments. Michael Harvey said neither the County, nor the Town of Hillsborough, have sent out letters condemning any properties. He said a member of the community has stirred up a lot of sentiment without first gathering the facts. He said the Town of Hillsborough has already secured all the necessary property for the reservoir expansion, and the County is not condemning any properties. Commissioner McKee asked if Michael Harvey could speak to the issue of septic tanks being too close. Michael Harvey said the neighborhood in question has lots that were established prior to 1997, meaning they qualify for existing lots, as well as existing development, and if septic systems have to be replaced, they will benefit from the current regulatory standards that say they can be replaced. Commissioner McKee referred to the map, and said the setbacks completely encompass several of these lots of Governor Hunt Road. Michael Harvey said this subdivision was created before the reservoir boundary was set, so it would qualify for an existing lot, as well as existing development. Commissioner McKee referred to a lot that is completely encompassed by the two setbacks, and asked, if the septic failed, would the property owner be able to fix the problem. Michael Harvey said County staff would help find a way to replace the septic on the property because it qualifies as an existing lot. Commissioner McKee said even if that new septic field was within 150-foot boundary.