Agenda - 12-01-2008 - 4a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

7 ` 1 referring to the May 2008 Talbert & Bright report for the University, this report is a working 2 document and any specific facts on positive economic impacts are lacking. She said that the 3 report is essentially a marketing tool to sell a product by the aviation industry. Lastly, Orange 4 County Voice is concerned that the Airport Authority will attempt to bypass Orange County's 5 regulatory authority. 6 Marilee McTigue was also representing Orange County Voice. She said that, in 7 anticipation of the airport siting request, Orange County Voice asks that the Board of County 8 Commissioners initiate a study of Orange County zoning and land use ordinances to determine 9 whether they sufficiently protect our watersheds and other protected natural resources and 10 whether they are suitable, given our population growth. She said that the County's zoning 11 related to airport siting is over 20 years old and preceded Cane Creek Reservoir and other 12 watershed protection obligations. The population is growing quickly, and there is a fear that the 13 natural resources are not sufficiently protected. Orange County Voice asks that the Board of 14 County Commissioners consider requiring full rezoning rather than special use permits in order 15 to site an airport anywhere in the County. This designation would offer more protection of 16 natural resources. She asked the County Commissioners to act quickly. 17 Tara Nichols said that she is an attorney representing Lattisville Grove Missionary 18 Baptist Church on Jimmy Ed Road in Hurdle Mills. She spoke about the issue with the ball field 19 lighting. She said that Mrs. Shields indicated that when she bought her property she intended 20 to live in a rural environment. She said that this area is still rural. The ball field lights are part of 21 the church's ball field that was built according to and in compliance with the rules and the 22 regulations of the County's zoning department. There were some minor adjustments that 23 needed to be made, and as soon as the church was made aware of those, it has been working 24 with the staff to take care of those problems. Regarding the issue about the lights being on 25 past 9 p.m., she said that the lights have not been on past 9:30 p.m. and nowhere near 11:00, 26 which is the official time that they are not supposed to be on. She said that the ball field, the 27 church, and everything that the church is doing is being done to create an opportunity for that 28 area and that rural community to have things that are not in this area already such as the ball 29 field. The original building of the church was across the street and the church bought property 30 and moved across the street in the same vicinity. She said that any problem that Mrs. Shields 31 has with the church, the church is willing to work with her. She said that the lighting was 32 installed according to the rules and regulations of the County. There are some minor 33 adjustments to be made to be in total compliance. 34 Commissioner Carey asked how long the church has been there and it was answered 35 that it has been there over 125 years. Pastor George Crews said that he is willing to work with 36 Mrs. Shields or anyone else in the community. He said that the lights have not been on past 37 9:30 p.m. and there has not been a game at the church yet because the field is not finished. 38 His opinion is that this is just an opposition to the ball field. 39 40 Jay Bryan is Chair of the Orange County Planning Board. He said that at the last Planning 41 Board meeting, the Planning Board discussed, upon the request of a citizen, the issue of the 42 airport and its location. It was not on the agenda, but it was allowed. As a result of the 43 discussion, there was a motion made by the Planning Board. He read the statement: 44 45 "The Planning Board resolves that the prospect of an airport in Orange County has 46 significant implications for the citizenry and for the quality of our drinking water and the quality 47 of our environment, and that we advise the Board of Commissioners that we believe it's 48 important to have the Planning Board and staff look at what the regulatory regime is as to 49 airports in the County and to offer recommendations to you within the next 12 months." 50