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2008-12-01 Regular Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 495 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Monday, December 1, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, NC. Members present were: Chairman Robert G. Greer; Vice-Chairman William A. Caster; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner William A. Kopp; Commissioner Nancy H. Pritchett; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult; and County Manager Bruce T. Shell. Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Patricia A. Melvin, International Embassy of Holiness Church, gave the invocation. Commissioner Kopp led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Greer requested a motion to approve the minutes of the following meetings: Agenda Review Meeting held on November 6, 2008 Regular Session Meeting held on November 10, 2008 Closed Session Meeting held on November 10, 2008 Board of Equalization and Review Meeting held on November 14, 2008 Chairman Greer requested a motion to approve the minutes as presented by the Clerk to the Board. Motion : Vice-Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Pritchett, to approve the minutes as presented by the Clerk to the Board. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION TO COMMISSIONERS PRITCHETT AND KOPP Sheriff Sid Causey presented a plaque of appreciation to Commissioners Pritchett and Kopp in recognition of their service to New Hanover County. Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, presented a plaque to Commissioners Pritchett and Kopp in recognition of their service to New Hanover County. He expressed appreciation to them for the time and effort given to serve in this capacity and for the outstanding manner in which they had served the citizens of New Hanover County. Commissioners Pritchett and Kopp expressed appreciation to their fellow members of the Board and County staff stating that it has been an honor to work with them and serve the citizens of New Hanover County. OATHS OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED Representative Daniel F. McComas administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr. District Court Judge James H. Faison administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr. Resident Superior Court Judge Jay D. Hockenbury administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Jason R. Thompson. District Court Judge James H. Faison administered the Oath of Office to Register of Deeds Jennifer Hardison MacNeish. Copies of the Oaths of Office are hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 25.1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE ENSUING YEAR Members present were: Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner William A. Caster; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner Robert G. Greer; Commissioner Jason R. Thompson; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult; and County Manager Bruce T. Shell. County Attorney Copley opened the floor to receive nominations for Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Barfield nominated Commissioner Davis for Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Thompson seconded the nomination. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Copley declared the nominations closed. Vote: The Board voted unanimously to elect Commissioner Davis to serve as Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 496 County Attorney Copley opened the floor to receive nominations for Vice-Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Barfield nominated Commissioner Thompson for Vice-Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for the ensuing year. Commissioner Davis seconded the nomination. There being no further nominations, County Attorney Copley declared the nominations closed. Vote: The Board voted unanimously to elect Commissioner Thompson to serve as Vice-Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for the ensuing year. BREAK Attorney Copley called for a break from 6:36 p.m. until 6:58 p.m. BOARD SEATED FOR 2008-2009 Members present were: Chairman Ted Davis, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Jason R. Thompson; Commissioner Robert G. Greer; Commissioner William A. Caster; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; Clerk to the Board Sheila L. Schult; and County Manager Bruce T. Shell. RECOGNITION OF HOGGARD HIGH SCHOOL AS A ?STORMREADY SUPPORTER? Emergency Management Director Warren Lee introduced Steve Pfaff, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Wilmington office of the National Weather Service. Mr. Pfaff recognized Hoggard High School student Nicholas Younghaus. Mr. Younghaus is credited with spearheading the ?StormReady Supporter? program at Hoggard High School making it the first high school in the nation to receive ?StormReady Supporter? designation. Mr. Pfaff presented the ?StormReady Supporter? sign to Mr. Younghaus. On behalf of the Board, Chairman Davis congratulated Mr. Younghaus and Hoggard High School on this achievement and designation. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chairman Davis asked if any member of the Board would like to remove or discuss any item on the Consent Agenda. Hearing no comments, Chairman Davis called for a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Motion: Vice-Chairman Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Adoption of Bond Approval Resolution ? Legal Department The Commissioners, pursuant to General Statute 58-72-20, adopted the resolution verifying the surety bond coverage for the Finance Officer, Sheriff, Register of Deeds, and Tax Collector is adequate coverage and in full force and effect. A copy of the bond approval document is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 25.2. Approval of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Easements ? Legal Department The Commissioners, at the request of The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, as property owner, and the New Hanover County Airport Authority, as tenant, approved executing easements for a requested sewer force main. The Airport has approved the location and conditions under which the utilities are to be installed and operated. The following easements were approved: Contract 09-0177 Contract 09-0178 Contract 09-0179 Contract 09-0180 Copies of the contracts are available for review in the Legal Department. Approval of Items to be Deaccessioned from the Cape Fear Museum Collection ? Cape Fear Museum The Commissioners, at the request of Cape Fear Museum Curator, Director, Collections Committee, and Advisory Board approved the list of items to be deaccessioned as presented. Approval of the Electronic Records System Policy for New Hanover County Sheriff's Office Management Records in Accordance with the North Carolina Retention and Disposition Schedule - Sheriff's Office The Commissioners approved the Electronic Records System Policy for New Hanover County Sheriff's Office in accordance with the North Carolina Retention and Disposition Schedule. This procedure allows for NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 497 document preservation and access during a critical incident such as a hurricane and eliminates the constraints of space and paper document storage. Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendment ? Budget Department The Commissioners adopted Budget Ordinance Amendment 09-091 - Health Department for fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. A copy of the budget ordinance amendment is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XXXI, Page 25.3. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS APPROVAL TO NAME AN UNNAMED MEETING ROOM AT THE NORTHEAST LIBRARY THE DAVID M. PAYNTER ROOM Commissioner Greer reported that the Library Advisory Board has requested that the large, unnamed meeting room at the Northeast Library be named in honor of retired Library Director, David M. Paynter. Chairman Davis asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Greer, to name the large, unnamed meeting room at the Northeast Library in honor of retired Library Director David M. Paynter. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. APPROVAL TO AMEND LINC, INC. LEASE AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 222 DIVISION DRIVE Assistant County Manager Chris Coudriet presented the request by LINC, Inc. to amend the current ten- year lease with two ten-year renewals at the option of the lessee to a straight thirty-year lease for the property located at 222 Division Drive. LINC, Inc. is requesting the amendment to the lease so that they can secure a $310,436 loan from the Federal Home Loan Bank to aid with renovations of the property. The thirty-year lease would match the amortization period of the loan. Funding from the City of Wilmington in the amount of $550,000 and from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency in the amount of $500,000 has been secured. Staff recommends the following conditions be included in the lease amendment: ? Failure to operate the property as transitional housing for recently released inmates released from custody of the State shall constitute a default; ? Property lease is for sum of $1.00 per year; ? Failure to satisfy all debt and other financial obligations by the lessee shall constitute default; and ? The County reserves the right to approve any sublease or lease assignment. Frankie Roberts, LINC, Inc. requested the Board approve the request highlighting the success of their transitional program for recently released inmates reporting that only 6% of the individuals they served last year returned to prison. Commissioner Greer and Chairman Davis voiced their concerns of tying-up county property in a lease for thirty years. Chairman Davis requested direction from the Board. Motion : Commissioner Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the lease amendment to LINC, Inc. for a thirty-year lease for the property located at 222 Division Drive as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED 3 TO 2. Chairman Davis and Commissioner Greer voted in opposition. A copy of the lease agreement is available for review in the Legal Department. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY ATLANTIS HOLDINGS AND OTHERS TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 29 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON CAROLINA BEACH ROAD FROM CD(B-1) AND R-15 TO CD(B-1) AND CD(B-2) (Z-891, 11/08) Chairman Davis opened the Public Hearing and announced that the special use process requires a quasi- judicial hearing; therefore, the Clerk to the Board must swear in any person wishing to testify. He requested all persons who signed in to speak or who want to present testimony to step forward to be sworn in. The following persons were sworn in: Jane Daughtridge Chris O?Keefe Ken Shanklin Matt Nichols Howard Capps NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 498 John Hayes Tim Russell Richard Powers Erik Graf John Davenport Matthew DiGioia Senior Planner Jane Daughtridge reported that Shanklin and Nichols, LLP, on behalf of Atlantis Holdings and others, are requesting to rezone approximately 29 acres of property located on Carolina Beach Road from CD(B-1) and R-15 to CD(B-1) and CD(B-2) at Belle Meade Plaza. The current CD(B-1) zoning was approved in December 2005. The change to CD(B-2) would allow a limited range of retail, office and residential uses and would add Movie Theater as an allowable use in the CD(B-2) portion of the project and presented a slide overview of the request. Planning Director Chris O?Keefe reported that the subject property is located in the southern portion of the county and accessed from Carolina Beach Road, an arterial roadway. Traffic counts in the area show about 15% increase in average daily traffic between 2004 and 2006. Carolina Beach Road has a 2007 Level of Service of E, meaning the road is operating at its design capacity. The property is located about a mile from the Monkey Junction commercial area. The northern boundary lies along the jurisdictional line with the City of Wilmington. Much of the surrounding area is zoned for residential use. Colonial Grande Apartments border the property inside the City jurisdiction. Belle Meade Plantation subdivision is developing to the north. A personal care/independent living facility has also been approved to the east. Southeast of the site is scattered residential acreage, with Silver Lake Baptist Church adjacent. Across Carolina Beach Road is the Silva Terra Subdivision, the Moose Lodge and County EMS facility. In 2005 under case number Z-821, a 24 acre site was zoned Conditional (B-1) for a neighborhood business mixed use proposal with about 290,500 square feet of space in 18 two-story buildings to be used for a limited range of office, retail and residential uses listed on the approved site plan. Movie theaters, hotel/motel, convenience stores and automobile service stations were expressly disallowed in the 2005 conditional district special use permit. Conditional districts are designed for firm development proposals and require site specific plans to be approved as special use permits, thus providing maximum protection and predictability. This rezoning petition proposes three changes to the currently approved project: 1. Approximately 12 acres currently zoned CD(B-1) and extending southeasterly along Carolina Beach Road from St. Andrews Drive is proposed to be rezoned to CD(B-2) for the purpose of mixed use development that would include a movie theater. The remaining uses would be limited to the same B- 1 list as currently approved. 2. Approximately 13 acres would remain zoned CD(B-1) including the original list of uses, but the site plan would be redesigned. 3. Approximately 4.5 acres currently zoned R-15 would be rezoned to CD(B-1) and would be added to the redesigned site plan noted above and subject to the same limited list of uses. The proposed changes would increase the acreage for this project but would reduce overall square footage of the currently approved development from 290,536 to 280,971 square feet and the number of buildings from 18 to 15. No other change in the list of approved uses has been proposed by the applicant other than addition of a 2,626- seat movie theater. The 2005 approval required addition of collector streets with interconnectivity to Pine Hollow Drive and Saint Andrews Drive. This interconnectivity provides substantial circulation options for motorists accessing or exiting the shopping area. NCDOT required a traffic signal and additional improvements to satisfy congestion management for the 2005 proposal and most of those improvements have been installed. An updated Traffic Impact Analysis indicated that turn lanes will be required at the right-in/right-out driveway on Carolina Beach Road for the CD(B-2) portion and also internal turn lanes exiting the parking lots onto Matteo Drive. Several policies in the 2006 Land Use Plan support properly sited mixed use development that through design can lessen dependence on the automobile and reduce vehicle miles traveled on our roadways. The application did not provide an estimate of a future residential population. Proximate to Belle Meade, Johnson Farms and other residential communities would make this location favorable for reducing automobile trip demand. The project is located within the area under consideration for annexation by the city. No comments have been received from the City at this time. The subject property has signalized access to the US 421/Carolina Beach Road arterial and interconnectivity to public streets feeding into 17th Street Extension and South College Road. New and existing development in this vicinity will be served by the goods and services proposed. For this reason, staff recommends approval. Director O?Keefe read the findings of facts into the record for the companion Special Use Permit. At the Planning Board?s November 6, 2008 meeting, they voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the rezoning and the companion special use permit for this project. Several people spoke on this issue. One person NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 499 from the public spoke in opposition to adding the movie theater use because of its potential impact on traffic at off- peak hours through the Johnson Farms neighborhood. Five people from the Belle Meade or Johnson Farms neighborhoods did not oppose the theater but expressed concerns for current traffic conditions, primarily speeding, along Pine Hollow Drive and asked for remedies to these pre-existing problems. As a result, the Planning Board suggested additional conditions for off-site street improvements, which the applicant agreed to at the meeting. The conditions are as follows: 1. Improve roundabouts in Belle Meade Plantation subdivision by installing raised reflective devices to slow traffic. 2. Install 3-way stop at the intersection of Pine Hollow Drive and Split Rail Drive in the Johnson Farms subdivision. 3. Stripe standard bike lanes along Pine Hollow Drive in the Johnson Farms subdivision. 4. Improvements should meet NCDOT standards so that future acceptance for maintenance will not be compromised. Planning Director O?Keefe reported that they have received a petition from residents and property owners in opposition to the request. Chairman Davis asked if anyone from the public wished to speak in favor of the request. Attorney Matt Nichols on behalf of the Petitioner presented the request stating they are requesting to modify the current zoning to add a movie theatre. The request decreases the square footage of commercial development from 290,536; 18 buildings total to 280,971; 15 buildings total including a 14-screen movie theatre. All roadway connections and access points remain unaffected. John Hayes, representing the residents of Belle Meade Subdivision, spoke in favor of the request stating that the proposed commercial development will have a positive impact on their property values. Richard Powers, representing the Cambridge Heights Homeowners Association, spoke in favor of the request but voiced concerns about traffic. In response to Board questions, Attorney Nichols reported that the closest movie theatre to this location is located in Carolina Beach which offers a limited showing schedule. There are two others movie theaters located on Cinema Drive and in Mayfaire. Tim Russell, representing Silver Lake Baptist Church, spoke in favor of the request stating that the church congregation feels that the development will have a positive influence in the area. Chairman Davis asked if anyone from the public wished to speak in opposition to the request. Erik Graf, representing Pine Hollow Drive Homeowners, stated that they are not opposed to the movie theatre but had concerns about safety and traffic issues, that the development will negatively impact their property values and attract crime. If the Board approves the request, he requested the Board limit the access to Pine Hollow Drive. Chairman Davis asked if the Petitioner would like to offer rebuttal comments. John Davenport, Davenport Engineering, reported that in order to address the traffic and safety concerns the developer has agreed to the following: ? Improve the roundabouts in Belle Meade Plantation subdivision ? Install a 3-way stop at the intersection of Pine Hollow Drive and Split Rail Drive ? Install bike lanes along Pine Hollow Drive He continued reporting that generally theatres have approximately 200 cars within the entire peak hours with the majority of them exiting on Carolina Beach Road. In response to Board questions, Attorney Nichols stated that they agree with the findings of facts as presented and acknowledged that if the Board denies the request they will have to wait twelve months before they can resubmit a request. Chairman Davis asked if the opposition would like to offer rebuttal comments. Mr. Graff reiterated his concern that there will be an increase in traffic cutting through their subdivision and an increase in the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit. There being no further comments, Chairman Davis closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the Board. Motion : Vice-Chairman Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the request by Shanklin and Nichols, LLP, on behalf of Atlantis Holdings and others, to rezone approximately 29 acres of property NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 500 located on Carolina Beach Road from CD(B-1) and R-15 to CD(B-1) and CD(B-2) at Belle Meade Plaza finding that the request is: 1) consistent with the purposes and intent of the Urban Land Classification and the associated land use policies adopted in the 2006 Land Use Plan; and 2) reasonable and in the public interest to allow a movie theater and a limited range of B-1 uses as noted on site plan for the companion special use permit. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion : Vice-Chairman Thompson MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster, to approve the special use request by Shanklin and Nichols, LLP, on behalf of Atlantis Holdings and others, to locate a movie theatre at Belle Meade Plaza based on the evidence presented and the findings of facts concluding that: 1) the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved; 2) the use meets all required conditions and specifications of the Zoning Ordinance; 3) the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property or that the use is a public necessity; and 4) the location and character of the use if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in general conformity with the plan of development for New Hanover County with the following conditions: 1) improve roundabouts in Belle Meade Plantation subdivision by installing raised reflective devices to slow traffic; 2) install a three-way stop at the intersection of Pine Hollow Drive and Split Rail Drive in the Johnson Farms subdivision; 3)stripe standard bike lanes along Pine Hollow Drive in the Johnson Farms subdivision; and 4) improvements should meet NCDOT standards so that future acceptance for maintenance will not be compromised. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 4; MASONBORO; AND AREA 9B OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED December 5, 2005, is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 4, Page 85 and in Zoning Book II, Section 9B, Page 92. A copy of the order granting the Special Use Permit and listing the findings of facts is hereby incorporated as a part of the minutes and is contained in SUP Book IV, Page 23.1. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF REQUEST BY NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS TO MODIFY A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO INCREASE THE ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT THE DAYCARE LOCATED AT 4905 SOUTH COLLEGE ROAD (S-531M, 11/08) Chairman Davis opened the Public Hearing and announced that the special use process requires a quasi- judicial hearing; therefore, the Clerk to the Board must swear in any person wishing to testify. He requested all persons who signed in to speak or who want to present testimony to step forward to be sworn in. The following persons were sworn in: Jane Daughtridge Chris O?Keefe Tim Dominowski Senior Planner Jane Daughtridge reported that New Hanover County Schools is requesting to modify a special use permit at the daycare located at 4905 South College Road to increase the allowable number of children from 100 to 144 and presented a slide overview of the request. In July of 2005 the Board approved a special use permit for The Hope Child Care and Development Center at this location. The following conditions were attached to the permit: ? The gate located at the rear of the daycare facility and adjacent to Foxwood Lane will be utilized for emergency access purposes only. ? Operating hours for the daycare facility will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. ? The current NCDOT driveway permit will be revisited by DOT based on change of use. ? The daycare facility will be limited to 100 children. ? Lighting around the daycare facility will not be intrusive to adjoining property. Director O?Keefe read the findings of facts into the record and continued reporting that the New Hanover County School System recently acquired the property and is continuing to operate the facility as a preschool daycare. The school system has increased enrollment beyond the currently approved 100 children. The school system does not intend to construct or operate a family life center as indicated on the current site plan and are requesting the approved permit and site plan be amended. At the Planning Board?s November 6, 2008 meeting they voted 6 to 0 to recommend approval of the request carrying over the following three prior conditions: ? The gate located at the rear of the daycare facility and adjacent to Foxwood Lane will be utilized for emergency access purposes only. ? Operating hours for the daycare facility will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. ? Lighting around the daycare facility will not be intrusive to adjoining property. Chairman Davis asked if anyone from the public wished to speak in favor of or opposition to the request. Ms. Tim Dominowski, representing New Hanover County Schools Pre-K Center, spoke in favor of the request stating that they agree with the findings of facts and conditions as presented. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 501 There being no further comments, Chairman Davis closed the Public Hearing and requested direction from the Board. Motion : Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster, to approve the special use permit request by New Hanover County Schools increasing the allowable number of children from 100 to 144 at the Child Daycare Center located at 4905 South College Road based on the evidence presented and the findings of fact concluding that: 1) the use will not materially endanger the public health or safety if located and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved; 2) the use meets all required conditions and specifications of the Zoning Ordinance; 3) the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property or that the use is a public necessity; and 4) the location and character of the use if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in general conformity with the plan of development for New Hanover County with the following conditions: 1) the gate located at the rear of the daycare facility and adjacent to Foxwood Lane will be utilized for emergency access purposes only; 2) operating hours for the daycare facility will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and 3) lighting around the daycare facility will not be intrusive to adjoining property. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the order granting the Special Use Permit and listing the findings of fact is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in SUP Book IV, Page 23.2. BREAK Chairman Davis called for a break from 8:22 p.m. until 8:33 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING AND ACCEPTANCE OF CASTLE HAYNE COMMUNITY PLAN AS A GUIDE FOR DEVELOPMENT Senior Environmental Planner Shawn Ralston reported that in July 2007, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution declaring the Castle Hayne planning initiative a priority and directed Planning staff to work with the Castle Hayne community on this initiative. As a result, County staff and a task force of Castle Hayne community members and other interested parties worked together over the past year to create a draft plan. Citizen surveys and subcommittee groups identified issues and priorities for the community plan and recommendations for implementing the plan were formulated. At the Planning Board?s November 6, 2008 meeting, they voted unanimously to recommend approval and support for the Castle Hayne Plan. Planner Ralston highlighted the following issues and recommendations: ? Castle Hayne Commercial Corridor Aesthetic improvements to existing buildings o Water and sewer infrastructure o Commercial or mixed use projects with access from new collector streets o New zoning district o ? Transportation and Pedestrian Access Traffic and Roadway Improvements o Public Transportation o Pedestrian access o ? Water and Sewer Infrastructure Extension of infrastructure to the commercial corridor o Extension of water to areas with well contamination o Extension of infrastructure to all areas of Castle Hayne with the exception of Rural o Agricultural District ? Drainage and Storm Water Map drainage corridors o Pursue grant opportunities for stream restoration and drainage improvement o Drainage improvements to targeted areas o ? Environment Locate industries away from primary groundwater recharge area o Continue water quality monitoring program o Create watershed plan for Prince George Creek o Encourage a Heritage Tree Program o Protect the NE Cape Fear River floodplain o ? Parks and Recreation Improvements to existing parks o Recreation center in commercial corridor o Recreational opportunities for water resources o ? Community Enhancements Encourage cleanup of existing illegal dump sites, dilapidated housing, vacant lots o Encourage a community cleanup o Recommend community establish a farmers market in the commercial corridor o ? Housing Encourage mixed-use development in commercial corridor o Secure grant funding for housing improvement projects o Encourage workforce housing o Preserve rural residential district o NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31 REGULAR MEETING, DECEMBER 1, 2008 PAGE 502 Encourage Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development and Low Impact o Development with new housing projects In closing, the Castle Hayne Plan will guide decisions made by the Planning Board, County Commissioners, County staff and area agencies and be a tool for the community. The plan suggests a review be conducted every four years with associated implementation reports and adjustment of strategies. Staff is requesting the Board to accept the plan as a guide for development within the Castle Hayne planning area. Chairman Davis asked for comments from the audience. Tom Radewicz, Castle Hayne Steering Committee Chairman, spoke on the uniqueness of Castle Hayne and requested the Board unanimously endorse the plan as a tool for future development. Teresa James, Castle Hayne Steering Committee member, thanked staff for their work on the plan stating that the plan is a good step forward to be used as a foundation for future building. She requested the Board endorse the plan as a guide. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Davis closed the Public Hearing and asked for direction from the Board. Motion : Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Caster, to accept the Castle Hayne Plan as a guide for development within the Castle Hayne planning area. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A copy of the plan is available for review in the Planning Department and on the Planning Department?s website. Chairman Davis announced that time had been reserved to allow the public to present an item that was not listed on the regular agenda. He requested all persons speaking to limit their remarks to three minutes. No items were presented. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Davis requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion : Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to adjourn the meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Davis adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila L. Schult Clerk to the Board