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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-07 Public Hearing NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WILMINGTON-NEWPAGE 459 HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington City Council held a Public Hearing on the Wilmington-New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan on Tuesday, September 7, 1999, at 5:00 p.m. in the Wilmington City Council Chambers, 102 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present were: Commissioner Buzz Birzenieks; Commissioner Ted Davis, Jr.; Commissioner Charles R. Howell; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer; Chairman William A. Caster; County Manager, Allen O’Neal; County Attorney, Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. City Council Members present were: Mayor Hamilton E. Hicks, Jr.; Mayor Pro Tem Katherine B. Moore; and Council Members Frank S. Conlon; J. C. Hearne, II; James L. Quinn, III; Harper Peterson; Charlie Rivenbark; City Manager, Mary M. Gornto; City Attorney, Tom Pollard; and City Clerk, Penelope Spicer-Sidbury. Chairman Caster and Mayor Hicks called their respective boards to order and welcomed everyone present. Mayor Hicks requested Mr. John Jefferies, Chairman of the Steering Committee, to comment on the recommended plan. Mr. Jefferies informed the governing bodies that updating of the Comprehensive Plan had been a long journey for the Steering Committee with assistance from many citizens and various organizations. Mr. Jefferies presented an article from a magazine published in Charleston, South Carolina, entitled, Putting the Park Back in the Parkway. The Glen McConnell Parkway that runs parallel to Highway 61 above West Ashley has opened up the largest portion of undeveloped land within the corporate limits of Charleston, South Carolina. This land contains a hospital, TV Studio, WalMart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, subdivision, and 99-acre park. Each building isolated from the other, with no connecting streets or pedestrian accesses. As a result, each trip to and from these destinations requires entering the parkway. As this area is built out with another high school, an apartment complex, and a 4,000 home subdivision, the parkway will eventually be overwhelmed by traffic. Parallel roads and endless stoplights will become necessary, and it will be similar to the Savannah Highway. What began as a parkway will become a sprawl way, and it is important to note that this type of development could occur along Smith Creek Parkway. To divert this problem, the City of Charleston and Conservation League, with funding from the SCC grant and Charleston Harbor project, sponsored a 3-day planning workshop to chart a different course from the Glen McConnell Parkway. The workshop brought together developers, residents, City and Conservation League Staff to establish a more efficient land use pattern that will be respectful and sustaining of neighborhoods, pedestrians, bike traffic and scenic views. The enthusiasm of the residents and willingness of the land owners and developers was inspiring. Together the participants discussed ways to reconfigure the transportation system, link different uses along the parkway, and orient future development to better serve the adjacent neighborhoods. The participants learned that an inter-connected system of community roads could be created to shorten the distances between destinations. The traffic volume will be lowered, the speed limits will be reduced, and on-street parking will be allowed. This action will make the streets more pleasing and safe for pedestrians and bicycles. The Charleston City Planning Administrator predicts that six workshops will create more coherent plans resulting in more enduring neighborhoods in the future. This planning objective will be made a standard operating procedure throughout the City of Charleston. Mr. Jefferies advised that a scenario of this type could be planned for Wilmington and New Hanover County as the area continues to grow. He said the Comprehensive Plan being presented this afternoon has incorporated many of these thoughts. Workshops have been held with design charettes NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WILMINGTON-NEWPAGE 460 HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 and professional guidance has been received from persons outside the area. The City of Wilmington and New Hanover County have an opportunity to become a leader in the State of North Carolina for the type of development that is being implemented in Charleston. Governor Hunt is appointing a Smart Growth Committee that will be composed of representatives from many segments throughout the State of North Carolina. Wilmington and New Hanover County could become the example used by this Committee to show how things can happen in other communities. In closing, Mr. Jefferies requested both governing bodies to adopt the Wilmington-New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan, which will allow the community to take a step in the right direction and show leadership throughout the State. Chairman Caster expressed appreciation to Mr. Jefferies for taking the time to assume the responsibility of chairing the Steering Committee which lasted for a number of months. Chairman Caster requested Mr. Bob Warwick, Chairman of the Community Growth Planning Team, to comment on the recommended plan. Mr. Warwick advised that the Community Growth Planning Team has endorsed the proposed Comprehensive Plan for Wilmington and New Hanover County. This team represents over 90 organizations involving over 200 hundred people that have been involved in planning over the past three years. The members of the team do not agree with every detail of the Comprehensive Plan, but the team does agree with the principle and direction of the plan. The team understands that an effort of this type requires compromise to accommodate all citizens of the community. A great deal of effort has been given by a large cross-section of individuals in the community who have been involved with the development of the plan. The efforts of the Steering Committee and assistance provided by City and County staff are appreciated. Mr. Warwick noted that as the area moves forward in planning for the growth of our community, there will be a need to provide mixed use neighborhoods to help alleviate congestion on our roadways and streets. In many communities, mixed use neighborhoods have provided retail and office uses along with residential development within close proximity to each other. This has reduced the number of trips that residents make on primary roads. In New Hanover County, there are areas that stay congested. Future planning must provide a way to keep people from having to use the primary roads for daily needs. Neighborhood retail can be made attractive and it can enhance the value and livability of a community. Some areas across the country have performed a great job in blending mixed uses, such as Hilton Head, South Carolina. It is difficult to know where retail, offices, and residential uses are located. This can be done in our area by working together as a community. In closing, Mr. Warwick said the Comprehensive Plan presented is a workable plan and it can add value to the community in future years. He requested both governing bodies to adopt the plan. Mayor Hicks expressed appreciation to Mr. Warwick for his work and comments on the proposed plan. Mayor Hicks opened the Public Hearing and requested any persons speaking to limit their comments. Mr. Carlton Fisher, representing the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors, advised that he spent the last year and a half working on the Comprehensive Plan. He expressed appreciation to the governing bodies for asking the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors to appoint a member to serve on the Steering Committee. He advised that the Association of Realtors was in support of certain sections of the plan, opposed to other sections, and agreed to compromise on many issues. In closing, Mr. Fisher said the Realtors Association supports the Comprehensive Plan, and he offered to answer any questions. Ms. Tracy E. Skrabal, representing the conservation community, expressed appreciation to NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WILMINGTON-NEWPAGE 461 HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 the governing bodies for an opportunity to participate in this process, which is a new approach to updating the Comprehensive Plan. Hopefully, this process will provide a model to be used by other counties throughout the state. Ms. Skrabal commented on this not being a perfect plan and stated that many sides with different opinions came together in preparing the document. No group was able to get every item desired. This is a good plan that is an improvement over the 1993 plan. She encouraged the governing bodies to approve the plan as presented, and stated her measure of success will be if each project in the future is in compliance to the Comprehensive Plan, which means the plan has become a working document. In closing, Ms. Skrabal commented on the Unified Development Ordinance process which is underway and stated this will be a ground breaking event for CAMA counties. She, again, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Steering Committee and said she looks forward to working on the Unified Development Ordinance process. Mayor Hicks expressed appreciation to Ms. Skrabal for her wise counsel and advice during the process. Mr. Bob DeYoung, a resident of the City of Wilmington and architectural designer, read an article written by David Childs, the architect renovating Penn Station in New York, regarding the need for a sense of space. He stressed the importance of preserving our natural resources with preservation of our wetlands and local spaces in the downtown area as referenced by the 20/20 Vision Plan. The community needs public spaces as done in Charleston, South Carolina. Mr. Tom Grady, a native of Wilmington, requested the governing bodies to consider the future of Wilmington and New Hanover County when deciding on the Comprehensive Plan. In order to preserve a future for our children, our resources must be preserved. He expressed concern for the legacy being left for our children as a result of uncontrolled growth, a reduction of wildlife habitat, flooding/drainage problems, higher taxes, polluted water, traffic headaches, and an overcrowded school system. Some communities have recognized the correlation between growth and public education. When the schools reach a pre-determined level of overcrowding, new permitting is halted until the School System has had time to meet the demands. The well being of our children comes first, and the actions being taken will have a bearing on our children. To control growth, protect wetlands, and protect our wildlife habitat will better insure a clean, prosperous livable community for future generations. The City and County should not make the same mistakes as done in other parts of the country and later have to deal with the consequences. Some states are attempting to rebuild wetlands. It makes more sense economically and logically to preserve rather than rebuild. Many communities have learned about the heat and water absorbing value of trees. Some places have taken action to plant new trees in downtown areas and require a reserved open space in new subdivisions. Building too near the water and over former wetlands causes hardships to families that purchase the homes and further pollutes the waterway. The value of trees, wetlands, natural areas, wildlife, floodplains, forest and clean water is becoming more evident. If we do not protect these natural resources, there will be a serious crisis for our immediate and extended future. As adults, we must look at the mistakes made in Wilmington and New Hanover County to correct the errors of the past. In closing, Mr. Grady requested the governing bodies to adopt the Comprehensive Plan as presented to preserve our county for future generations. Ms. Sue Hayes, President of the New Hanover County League of Women Voters, advised that approximately 12 members of the League of Women Voters served on various committees that prepared the Comprehensive Plan. The League of Women Voters strongly supports adoption of the plan by the Wilmington City Council and New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. The plan represents sound development policies and procedures that should be used daily when governing bodies are rendering decisions. The League also supports the development of a Unified Development Ordinance, which will provide one document to be used by both governing bodies. With adoption of a Unified Development Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, the governing bodies will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that further growth will take place in a manner that will preserve the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WILMINGTON-NEWPAGE 462 HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 quality of life in our area. Mr. Tom Mitchell, representing the Residents of Old Wilmington, congratulated the persons involved in the development of the Comprehensive Plan, which is an excellent document. The protection given to residential neighborhoods in the plan and the recommendation regarding historic preservation is very much appreciated. The Residents of Old Wilmington endorse and recommend adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. There is one concern, in Technical Report 8 under Figure 18, on Page 30 regarding the fact that the historic district is not a residential neighborhood. The Residents of Old Wilmington will vigorously resist any attempt to convert the historic district residential from a residential neighborhood into a mixed area. There is no need for intrusion of mixed uses in the historic district. The Residents of Old Wilmington will be alert to any attempt to dilute the character of existing residential neighborhoods in the City and County such as Sunset Park, Carolina Heights, Forest Hills, Pine Valley, College Acres, Echo Farms, Landfall, etc. by introducing non-residential uses in these areas. Hopefully, there will be no cases of the new urbanism to existing neighborhoods. In closing, Mr. Mitchell reiterated the endorsement and support of the Comprehensive Plan by the Residents of Old Wilmington, Inc. He urged the governing bodies to adopt the report. Ms. Jacqueline Mardan expressed appreciation to those who had given time, effort and thought to update the Comprehensive Plan. She urged the governing bodies to adopt the plan and stressed the importance of writing a Unified Development Ordinance to further address the concerns of the citizens. Mr. Ken Davis expressed two concerns about the Comprehensive Plan: (1) economic development and its effect on the African American community, especially in bringing businesses and opportunities to depressed areas; and (2) the movement of the historic district north and how dwellings will be maintained on the north side that have a particular interest to African Americans. He requested that consideration be given to these issues in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Bob Parr, a resident of Middle Sound, expressed appreciation to the people who have given of their time and effort to work on the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that one major problem with the plan was the development of conservation overlays in the county. The strictest zoning in the plan is R-15, which is adequate for the City of Wilmington, but not for the headwaters of tidal creeks throughout the county. UNC-W studies, supported by New Hanover County, show that changing zoning from R-20 to R-15 will increase the amount of impervious surface and decrease the quality of water. If the R-20 zoning is changed in Middle Sound, Porters Neck, and other conservation areas, the retention ponds will not function and the increase in density will create more impervious surface, which will decrease the water quality. Mr. Parr informed both governing bodies that the economy of New Hanover County is dependent on clean water, not on how many people live here or how many car lots or restaurants come into the area. He requested the governing bodies to allow the R-20 zoning to remain in place for conservation areas to protect the headwaters and shore waters throughout the county. Curtis Wright urged both governing bodies to adopt the Comprehensive Plan and use it at all times. He stressed the importance of not placing this plan on the shelf, and he encouraged all residents to become involved in individual neighborhood plans so plans can be developed to meet the needs of the various communities. Mayor Hicks closed the Public Hearing, and he asked if any members of the Board of County Commissioners or City Council would like to speak. Chairman Caster advised that he and Commissioner Birzenieks served as the Board’s representatives on the Steering Committee. He said after reading through the Comprehensive Plan, he would suggest using the term, sidewalk, instead of pedestrian facilities, and defining the term, infrastructure, some place in the plan to better clarify these items. Commissioner Birzenieks said he wanted to thank everyone, especially John Jefferies for the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WILMINGTON-NEWPAGE 463 HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 hard work and dedication given to update the plan. He complimented him for a job well done. Chairman Caster called for a motion to approve the Wilmington-New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan. Motion: Chairman Caster MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Birzenieks, to approve the Comprehensive Plan as presented. Upon vote the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mayor Hicks advised that he and Councilmember Harper Peterson represented the City on the Steering Committee. He commented on the time involved in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, and he suggested shortening the process in the future. He said the proposed plan was a good benchmark for the future, and he asked if there were any questions or comments from members of the City Council. Mayor Pro Tem Katherine Moore spoke in support of the Comprehensive Plan, and she stressed the importance of using the plan instead of placing it on a shelf. She expressed concern for economic development in depressed areas, particularly as the plan relates to Community Development Block Grant funds, and stated these monies have not been used to the best advantage for people living in depressed areas. She recommended addressing this issue more thoroughly in the plan. Mayor Pro Tem Moore stated when reviewing plan for housing, she was pleased to note the presence of revenue bonds to provide a means of home ownership. She stressed the importance of protecting our natural areas, providing economic opportunities for depressed areas, and continuing to provide housing in low income neighborhoods to keep people from moving out of the area. Councilmember Peterson expressed appreciation to John Jefferies for doing an excellent job in chairing the Steering Committee. He thanked Rob Gerlach, the facilitator, who held the committee together while receiving differences in opinions from diversified groups. He also expressed appreciation to Glenn Richardson for being a strong advocate of the charette process, which demonstrated that outside experts in land use planning can create a productive learning process that is well worth the money spent. Mayor Hicks called for a motion to approve the Wilmington-New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan. Motion: Mayor Hicks MOVED, SECONDED by Councilmember Conlon to approve the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Conlon stressed the importance of implementing the Comprehensive Plan, and he suggested appointing an oversight and coordinating committee, as done by the City with the Downtown Vision 20-20 Plan, to see that the plan is implemented and not placed on a shelf. He also complimented all persons involved for doing a great job in preparing the plan. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mayor Hicks said that the public should be pleased with both elected bodies unanimously approving the Comprehensive Plan, which is a benchmark for the future. He expressed appreciation to the many people that participated in the process, and thanked Rob Gerlach for performing an outstanding job. Councilwoman Moore asked the question where do we go from here as far as implementation is concerned. Mayor Hicks asked Planning Director Dexter Hayes to discuss the next step. Planning Director Hayes reported that Kathy Vinson, a member of the Coastal Resources Commission staff, advised him that a meeting was scheduled in Wilmington on November 18-19, 1999, for the Commission to approve the Comprehensive Plan. Once the plan is approved, this will be the last official act. Some of the implementation process is already underway since the Unified Development Ordinance Steering Committee is meeting twice a month. Progress is being made by NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 27 MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WILMINGTON-NEWPAGE 464 HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 the committee; however, this will be a lengthy process. It is hoped that unified development regulations governing all types of land development for the City and the County will be in place by next year. Chairman Caster asked if there were any questions for Director Hayes. He again thanked all the people who participated in the public forums that took place where the public was encouraged to voice their opinions. Chairman Caster requested a motion to adjourn. Motion: Commissioner Birzenieks MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Howell to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mayor Hicks requested a motion to adjourn. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Moore MOVED, SECONDED by Councilmember Conlon to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chairman Caster and Mayor Hicks adjourned their respective boards at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lucie F. Harrell Clerk to the Board