Orange County NC Website
May 4 '00 17:34 P.01 37 <br />Lucy Harber <br />3520 Moonlight Drive <br />Chapel Hill, NC 27516 <br />919- 929 -8520 <br />May 4, 2000 <br />Tina Moon <br />Orange County Department of Planning <br />Fax 0 644-3002 <br />Ms. Moon: <br />Thank you for speaking with me this afternoon regarding the proposed Nine Gates Subdivision. I <br />most likely will not be able to attend the meeting tonight so I thought I'd use this letter to convey <br />some of my concerns. <br />My overwhelming concern is that the proposed development sets a precedent that will <br />permanently alter the character of the neighborhood in which we live. My husband and I have <br />been living in the 'Turkey Run subdivision for over 13 years and have grown to appmciate the <br />rural and woodsy character of our surroundings. Excluding the Mel Oaks subdivision (which is an <br />anomaly), viost of the homes, those along Jones Ferry Road and adjoining neighborhoods, are on <br />large wooded lots. I had presumed that local ordinancecensuiediprotected this way of life. Every <br />day I look forward to leaving the bypass, crossing the lake and checking out the horses in the <br />pasture on my trek home. <br />Although the proposed development is set back from the road, I'm concerned that future <br />development of adjoining property will assume the characteristics of the new development. From <br />the developer's description, I envision huge "Cary- esquer homes on relatively small lots, cleared <br />Of trees to make way for the septic systems necessary to accommodate five bedroom, four bath <br />houses with paved drives. <br />My other concern is that of the proposed changes to the road. The proposed left -turn lane sounds <br />as though it might be a bit excessive. I can appreciate the board's interest in ensuring the safety <br />of residents and passers -by but I fear that the proposed renovation may be a little overbuilt (along <br />the scale of what occurred at the Calavandcr intersection). There are more dangerous <br />intersections along Jones Ferry Road (i.e., at Damascus Church) that could use the efforts of the <br />DOT. I suppose it all boils down to the carrying capacity of the road. When is this capacity <br />exceeded? And what are the long -range plans for moving cars, trucks and bikes safely? <br />Perhaps it's time to look at wbether the ordinances are ample to protect the way of life that <br />attracted my neighbors and I to this part of the county in the first place- I can appreciate that <br />change is necessary but I think that we should work together to ensure that Orange County <br />remains a desirable place to be. <br />Respectfully. <br />d 10— <br />p-j�, <br />Lucy Herber <br />