Agenda - 08-21-2001-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 to 11 lz 13 14 15 16 17 18 l9 20 zl 22 23 24 2s z6 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 ao 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 12 Chair Halkiotis asked how much land is involved across NC 57. Craig Benedict said that it is approximately one acre of land 75 feet wide through a portion of the property. It is an issue we have been discussing with the Department of Transportation to correct the situation. This is prevalent throughout the County. Chair Halkiotis said that he has a problem with (arcing the issue on this property. He wants to know if this is a fair process and the impact the taking of this right-of--way has on this property owner. He does not have a problem with asking DOT to pay for this land. He said that we need to do a better job of coordinating the County departments. Commissioner Gordon questions the taking of land without paying for it. She made reference to the 12-foot gravel drive and asked about the utility pole in the middle of this driveway. Craig Benedict said that when DOT looks at the final driveway permit, if there is a relocation of a utility pole, they would make these arrangements with the property owner. Commissioner Gordon would like more information on this issue. Betty Davidson, applicant for the Special Use Permit, said that the process has been daunting. She has tried to comply with the ordinance. She submitted a prepared statement of responses to the proposed eight conditions. Regarding condition #4, she feels that minimally she needs fire extinguishers and mobile escape ladders for anyone staying upstairs. Regarding condition #6, she has a question about the efficacy of solar- powered lighting. She would like to look into this to see if it would be enough light in order to see the sign. Regarding condition #7, which has to do with the dedication of the right-of- way, she does not accept this. She believes it is unreasonable and unacceptable. This is family and historic land and she thinks it is offensive and improper to give up this land without compensation or explanation of reason. She said that she is not creating a subdivision and should not be asked to comply with an article of an ordinance pertaining to another use. She has spent in excess of $6,000 in her attempts to comply with all provisions of the class A special use permit. She is paying taxes on the 1.17 acres. Also, regarding the recommendation to refer the application to the Historic Preservation Commission, she thinks this is a duplicative effort and is a very scary proposition after coming this far in the process. She proposes that this be done when an applicant first approaches the County. She also made reference to a letter to Craig Benedict regarding a waiver of land use buffer requirements. A partial waiver was granted in a return letter. She requests that the tree line be either eliminated or re-designated. One hundred feet measured perpendicular to the road an either side of the house would still pose a safety hazard and would alter the historic landscape. She thinks the Olive Branch Inn and Farm will offer a very unique rural experience. Commissioner Gordon feels that this is the sort of establishment we are trying to foster and she appreciates the applicant's efforts. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to refer the proposed Class A Special Use Permit to the: 1) Historic Preservation Commission to determine whether the proposed use maintains the historic character of the house and property as required in Section 8.8.24.b of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance. 2) Planning Board for a recommendation on the SUP to be returned to the Baard of County Commissioners no sooner than August 21, 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS NOTE: The items listed below were continued to an adjourned meeting for May 31 at 7:00 in the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 5. Orange Coun Subdivision Amendments