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2021-04-05 Regular MeetingNEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 ASSEMBLY BOOK 35 PAGE 45 The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on April 5, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice -Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pastor Gayle Tabor, Church on Tap, provided the invocation and Commissioner Zapple led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Vice -Chair Hays, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSENT AGENDA Adoption of Resolution Recognizing the Efforts of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation through the Leadership Wilmington Program — Governing Body The Commissioners adopted a resolution recognizing the efforts of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation through the Leadership Wilmington program. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 2.1. Adoption of a Resolution to Award Bid for the Purchase of Twenty (20) EO Tech PVS-31 Night Vision Goggles to Deseta Realty Group in the Amount of $229,960 — Sheriff's Office The Commissioners adopted the resolution to award the bid to Deseta Realty Group, Inc. in the amount of $229,960 for the purchase of twenty (20) EO Tech PVS-31 Night Vision Goggles. The purchase of the EO Tech PVS-31 Night Vision Goggles is included in the Sheriff's Office FY 20-21 budget and will be paid using funds from the 2020 Port Security Grant. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 2.2. Second Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Edwards Rentals dba Rent -A -John — County Attorney The Commissioners approved and authorized a solid waste franchise award to Edwards Rentals dba Rent - A -John. The first reading was unanimously approved on March 15, 2021. The company will provide Certificates of Insurance, agree to not bring outside waste into the County and to haul all waste to a County designated facility, if required by law. A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the legal department. Second Reading: Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Green Coast Containers LLC — County Attorney The Commissioners approved and authorized a solid waste franchise award to Green Coast Containers LLC. The first reading was unanimously approved on March 15, 2021. The company will provide Certificates of Insurance, agree to not bring outside waste into the County and to haul all waste to a County designated facility, if required by law. A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the legal department. Approval of the First Reading of Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Cape Fear Hauling LLC — County Attorney The Commissioners approved the first reading of a solid waste franchise to be granted to Edwards Rentals dba Rent -A -John. Pursuant to Section 44.55, the applicant has provided information about his business organization, equipment, personnel, and fiscal responsibility. The Environmental Management Director has no objections to the franchise request. The renewal franchise period would run for seven years. A second reading is required. A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the legal department. Approval of the First Reading of Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Total Joe's Cleaning Inc. — County Attorney The Commissioners approved the first reading of a solid waste franchise to be granted to Total Joe's Cleaning Inc. Pursuant to Section 44.55, the applicant has provided information about his business organization, equipment, personnel, and fiscal responsibility. The Environmental Management Director has no objections to the franchise request. The renewal franchise period would run for seven years. A second reading is required. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 46 A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the legal department. Approval of the First Reading of Approval of Solid Waste Franchise for Turtletrash LLC — County Attorney The Commissioners approved the first reading of a solid waste franchise to be granted to Turtletrash LLC. Pursuant to Section 44.55, the applicant has provided information about his business organization, equipment, personnel, and fiscal responsibility. The Environmental Management Director has no objections to the franchise request. The renewal franchise period would run for seven years. A second reading is required. A copy of the franchise agreement is available for review in the legal department. Adoption of Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation — Health and Human Services The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 2.3. Approval of Seven Donations for Accession into the Museum's Permanent Collection — Museum The Commissioners approved the accession of seven donations of regional artifacts into the Cape Fear Museum's Permanent Collection. The objects presented have passed this scrutiny and were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at their meeting on March 17, 2021. Approval of February 2021 Tax Collection Reports — Tax Department The Commissioners accepted the tax collection reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of February 2021. Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 2.4. REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS PRESENTATION AND RATIFICATION OF BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE FISCAL YEAR 2021 ADULT DRUG COURT AND VETERANS TREATMENT COURT DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION J.H. Corpening, II, Chief District Court Judge, Fifth Judicial District, New Hanover and Pender Counties provided an overview of the 2021 Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) Discretionary Grant Program Grant as follows: • New Hanover County Veterans Treatment Court: Leaving No Veteran Behind: • Veterans Treatment Court: • Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) are innovative problem -solving courts that focus on substance abuse and mental health problems specifically shared throughout the veteran community. • Half of all veterans in prison (48%) and jail (55%) have been diagnosed by a mental health professional with a mental disorder (Bureau of Justice Statistics 2015). • Specialized mental health and drug treatment dockets have proven successful at decreasing recidivism in communities who adopt problem -solving courts (McNiel and Binder 2007). • Compared to traditional criminal justice system processing, treatment and other investment costs averaged $1,392 lower per problem -solving court participant. Reduced recidivism and other long-term program outcomes resulted in public savings of $6,744 on average per participant (Finigan, Carey, and Cox 2007). • How Veterans Courts Differ from Traditional Drug Courts: • Utilizing evidence -based practices, VTCB differ from Drug Courts in that they draw on the shared experiences and bonds forged while in service to help participants overcome mental health and substance use addictions. • VTCs offer a "Veteran Mentor" component which pairs participants with other veterans from the community who serve as volunteer mentors and advocates for the participants. • The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veteran Justice Outreach Specialists (VJO) are federally mandated positions within the VA assigned to specific districts and can assist participants with VA related claims, issues, and appointments. • Stakeholders and the VTC Team include: Judge, District Attorney, Defense Attorney, Program Coordinator, Probation/Parole/Community Corrections, Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, New Hanover County Veterans Services, Veteran Mentor Coordinator, law enforcement, and community substance use and mental health providers • Judge: • The Judge is the leader of the VTC Team • Ongoing judicial interaction with each Veteran participant is essential and increases the likelihood that a Veteran will remain in treatment and improves the chances for sobriety and law-abiding behavior • Ongoing judicial supervision also communicates to Veterans that someone in authority cares about them and is closely watching them as they progress throughout the program NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 BOOK 35 PAGE 47 • VTC judges are specially trained and knowledgeable of problem -solving court interventions and mental health and substance use treatment to the benefit of the community and VTC participants Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys: • Using a non -adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights • Once a Veteran is accepted into the VTC program, the attorneys' focus should shift from the merits of the underlying or pending case to the Veterans' recovery and law-abiding behavior • The attorneys assist the VTC Team in decisions of acceptance, denial, promotions, sanctions, and ensuring the protection of key Constitutional rights • A collaborative approach in place of an adversarial one lets VTC participants know that the entire Team is working with them towards their road to recovery and increases chances of participant success • Program Coordinator: • The Program Coordinator is the liaison between partner agencies and the Court, and facilitates communication between team members • The Program Coordinator screens prospective VTC participants for program eligibility and prepares the documents for enrollment into the program • The Program Coordinator also keeps records of the VTC participants' progress, prepares the court docket, tracks sanctions and incentives, and facilitates team meetings • The Program Coordinator is also responsible for collecting performance and outcome data and preparing statistical reports • Probation/Parole/Community Corrections and Law Enforcement: • Community Supervision Officers monitor VTC participants in the community to ensure compliance with court -mandated conditions • To ensure public safety and help reduce recidivism, Community Supervision Officers provide drug and alcohol testing, conduct home or employment visits, and enforce curfews and travel restrictions • Community Supervision Officers also assist the team by helping VTC participants find and access appropriate community resources • The VA and County Veteran Services: • The VA mandates and assigns Veteran Justice Outreach Specialists ("VJOs") to certain geographic areas • VJOs serve on the VTC Team and are able to assist eligible Veterans with access to mental health and substance abuse services when clinically indicated, and other VA services and benefits as appropriate within Veterans Health Administration (VHA). VJO's refer out to Veterans Service Offices for claims assistance. • County Veterans Services are a key strategic and collaborative partner of the VTC Team offering a wide range of services to veterans, service members, and their families. They work to assist veterans with completing VA claims and obtaining, retaining, or reinstating numerous benefits offered by federal, state, and local government. • The VJO and NHC Veterans Services work in conjunction to provide the Veteran the most resources and opportunities in their journey to recovery • Veteran Mentors: In addition to providing camaraderie and vet to vet support, mentors assist with housing, employment, transportation, disability compensation claims, contesting discharge status, and connecting veteran participants with services available to them at the local, state, and federal level. • The Veteran Mentor Coordinator is a volunteer position who recruits and manages a team of veteran mentors and represents his or her mentors at VTC Team meetings • The Veteran Mentor Coordinator attends team meetings so that there is a buffer and level of trust built between individual mentors and their participants Community Health Providers: Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse providers can offer insights, clinical recommendations, and additional services to those who may not be eligible for certain VA benefits Providers and therapists from the community can offer insights and recommendations when it comes to a Veteran's journey through recovery • Funding: • The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) offers an Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program to implement and enhance drug and veterans court services • Implementation grants are available to eligible jurisdictions that are ready to implement and/or launch an evidence -based veterans treatment court that provides critical treatment services, case management and coordination, judicial supervision, sanctions and incentive services, and other key resources such as transitional housing, relapse prevention, and employment that can reduce recidivism. • BJA discretionary grants are awarded in the amount of $500,000.00 with a 48 -month duration • 80 awards are available nationwide and are guaranteed for 48 -months NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 BOOK 35 PAGE 48 • This solicitation requires a 25% cash or in-kind match • BJA may provide additional funding in future years through continuation awards made through this grant • BJA grants are sequential • Additional funding and training are offered by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and Justice for Vets • By the Numbers: • A special thanks to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, the New Hanover Countyjail, and Community Corrections for their assistance in data collection • Data collected from the New Hanover County Jail since October 2020 suggests an average of 17.5 veterans are arrested and booked into the county jail each month • There are currently 89 military veterans on probation in New Hanover County, 33 of which had a violation staffing within the last year (making them eligible for a VTC program, if available) • These numbers suggest that as many as 243 veterans are arrested, booked, or violate probation in New Hanover County per year: • If only a fraction of those Veterans were eligible for VTC, it shows a need for a veteran - specific court intervention program in the County Community Support: • New Hanover County is home to more than 15,000 veterans and welcomes hundreds more annually from Camp Lejeune, NC and around the country for our historic downtown and pristine beaches • Veterans have laid their health, safety, and lives on the line for our country and our community • A Veterans Treatment Court would work to serve those who serve while reducing recidivism and saving the community and taxpayers thousands of dollars annually per successful VTC participant • Resources: • https://ni4.o4p.gov/topics/articles/do-drug-courts-work-findings-drug-court-research • https://ni4.oep.gov/library/publications/impact-mature-drug-court-over-10-years-operation- recidivism-and-costs-final • https://justiceforvets.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/The-Ten-Key-Components-of- Veterans-Treatm ent-Courts. pdf • https://justiceforvets.org/resource/dispatch-from-the-front-lines-state-departments-of- veterans-affairs/ • https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/O-BJA-2021-46003. pdf In response to Board questions, Judge Corpening stated he has not determined yet which judge(s) will handle these courts. Several judges are interested. In response to Board questions, Community Justice Services Director Chris Preston stated the type of in- kind match that would be allowed in the grant are professional and technical support. The financial piece is data collection, data management, even human resources functions, which is even before getting to the supplies and physical housing of the position, which could be utilized but there is more than enough to make up that match requirement. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple, to ratify the Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2021 Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program application. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CAPE FEAR REALTORS UPDATE ON THE HOUSING MARKET Cape Fear Realtors President Tom Gale stated that Cape Fear REALTORS' (CFR) has over 3,100 members and is the largest realtor association in southeastern North Carolina. Its members cover five counties and work in both residential and commercial real estate, along with appraisers, inspectors, and others that support the industry. Its economic impact on the community is roughly 15% of total economic output in this area. This update is a recap of 2020, to look at what is coming and to offer to the County its support in working collaboratively to make sure that this is the ideal place to live, work, learn and play. 2020 was a challenging year and as the pandemic unfolded last Spring, it was critical to our economy that real estate professionals be able to continue to serve as essential workers. With the Board's support, Governor Cooper acknowledged the importance of the industry to the state's economy and enabled it to close $8 billion in residential transactions that were in the pipeline for some 52,000 families statewide as the shut -down was underway. As other industries did, the way business was done was modified to continue to operate with a safety -first mentality. Last month, CFR and the Wilmington -Cape Fear Home Builders Association hosted the chief economists of the National Association of Home Builders and National Association of REALTORS as the keynote speakers at the annual housing and construction forecast. Mr. Gale noted that he has provided the Board with copies of the 2020 housing market report. The report will show that what the news outlets are reporting about the hot real estate market are real. Inventory is low and demand has outstripped supply in this area. Regardless of price point, multiple NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 49 offers are the norm, and the only question is how far above asking price to offer. For each buyer that gets an accepted offer, there or often a dozen more buyers that miss out. People want to live in this region, which is great, and no one can blame them. However, there is a need to make sure the rapid growth that has been anticipated for years happens in a sustainable manner. While this growth provides an opportunity for more higher wage jobs, an improved quality of life for all residents, and for greater diversity, it also brings forth challenges. He noted that CFR and its members are partners with the County in working collaboratively on key areas: • Protecting Property Owner Rights • Promoting Housing Availability and Affordability • Ensuring Economic Vitality • Building Better Communities Sensibly Mr. Gale expressed appreciation to the Board for appointing him to the Joint City/County Workforce Housing Advisory Committee and stated that one of the most pressing policy areas that realtors share as a priority with the County is the availability of affordable housing. CFR has access to powerful resources through the National Association of REALTORS including grants like the "Smart Growth Grant" and other Fair Housing Initiatives. The "Smart Growth Grant" is designed to engage in local land -use, growth, and transportation issues with both stakeholders and elected officials. This resource could fund community planning sessions, develop growth analytics, or provide additional studies and reports for the County. Additionally, the "Housing Opportunity Grant" provides up to $10,000 to help new projects or enhance existing efforts to address affordable housing. CFR looks forward to partnering with the County, nonprofit housing organizations, local employers, and others with this funding mechanism to reach a large audience. Tools such as these allow CFR to play a critical role in ensuring that these challenges are turned into opportunities with great outcomes. CFR also works with its advocates at NC REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS on addressing other issues that impact this area like flood insurance and beach renourishment. NC REALTORS has the Homeowners Alliance that is free to join and helps to get the word to members and homeowners that a stand can be taken to support helpful legislation. CFR also leads the fight against issues such as 30% insurance rate hikes that are not based on historical claim payout data and are especially burdensome on homeowners, tenants, and housing affordability in this region. Mr. Gale concluded his update stating that CFR is here to assist the County and thanked the Board for the opportunity to provide the update. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Gale for the update. PRESENTATION: NEW HANOVER COUNTY/CITY OF WILMINGTON WORKFORCE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE HOUSING STUDY New Hanover County/City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee (WHAC) Chair David Spetrino stated that consultants selected by WHAC to develop a comprehensive study of the County's housing needs. Stephen Sills, PhD., University of North Carolina Greensboro, Center for Housing and Community Studies, will present the findings of the Public Opinion Study; and Patrick M. Bowen, Bowen National Research, will present the Housing Needs Assessment. Stephen Sills, PhD., University of North Carolina Greensboro, Center for Housing and Community Studies presented the findings of the Public Opinion Study as follows: Affordable and Workforce Housing — A Public Opinion Study for New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington: • Overview: Information was sought on perspectives, and insights from advocates, activists, builders and developers, planners, realtors, other researchers, lawyers, residents, and housing service providers: • 24 key informant interviews • 5 focus groups with 35 total participants, and • 1,463 responses to a community survey • "Wilmington is a highly desirable place...": "It's no secret that our region's population is growing very rapidly,"said one. Some specific numbers were offered io support that genera! expectation. "We're 2jil supposed to grow our city population by 50 % in the —_ next 20 years,"said one person with connections in —_ the business world. Another told us the city's projection "shows the city growing by 00,000 people in the nett iwen(y-five years." •cx ssxseo xa im.o i a o iso iso : a x1 2.. 9 Percent Change in Population: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 —Wilmington ---New Hans.. —NOM Carolina—H.it,d States 6046 BOOK 35 PAGE 50 11X A IM 2046 • "We have a lot of folk who are moving here in retirement...": • "They sell their homes up there for a nice pretty penny, and then they come down here and buy up another house, and that house is probably twice what they had for half the amount of money." • "...we are a cheap place to live if you have New York City pensions." • $293,000: Median listing price • $166: Median price/square foot • $283,000: Median sold price • Satisfaction with Current Housing Condition by Income: d0R 2.1 • Homeownership is unreachable for most in service and middle-class jobs and rents are also often unaffordable: • "I think 60, over 60% of our community workers are in the hospitality field, so we've got bartenders, wait staff, hotel workers, from the front desk to the cleaning crew," said one participant. • "There is a disconnect certainly between what people make and what is affordable housing in this community," said an informant. • "Even our teachers and police can't afford to live in New Hanover County," said one community leader, "so most of them are living in some of the rural areas outside and commuting in." • "...a disappearance of naturally occurring affordable housing.": • "A lot of our middle-income, low-income housing is disappearing," said one administrator. "What we don't have," said a businessman, "is houses under $200,000 for our labor force." Added a local resident, "It's harder and harder for people to own a home here, and land is running out." • "It's not like the builders aren't filling these homes ... they can find people willing to pay that. The problem is, people are saying it prices out not just your low wage earners, but your mid-range, your teachers, nurses, police officers who are sort of the fabric of your community." • Survey results: • Feel the housing situation is getting worse: 66% • Would like to move but cannot find affordable options: 23% • Residents Worry about Cost of Housing: 64% • Renters are Cost Burdened: 50% • Challenges for Finding Affordable and Quality Housing: ,1=L'E FY EHL`'; d=VE.2 -A LL E N GI I I) Finding ago Nahle. gaali ty housing fv a family YG , with lwaminimumwage name earn r�fbr2shra -gam $2s000 4 . rr.hrg amrdh�, awry rerd m�rq aet Fridr®afbr�b�, anfly M1arzing fs mung �W6 wfaarej�ler�ig lfe g labor Force. F ip aMb W. wityh rgFur a Emil y"& chide.—Wily "k —O50 n aals. rrrd �a alarmt�.amih lw��e wvuclv�. —ansa Fndg aibNable, gaaity hursnrg to xsirrelthenz. a FMag afbrtlabp gmlity Fomirg forafanily M I SW rII IIIIIIIIIII-g_r j�2lfi rior arra earner or aboN 59,ayea. s.—he7 s Very`OOEE45E Oi0 chal.lging 35 Challenging • Displacement, Gentrification, Homelessness: • Gentrification resulting from up -scaling of urban neighborhoods has brought upheaval to minority communities: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 BOOK 35 PAGE 51 • One informant explained, "I think it's going to continue to be a lot of demand for housing and we're certainly seeing gentrification in the inner city, and pressure around people who have, especially African-American communities who have been here being displaced." • Another agreed, "Downtown itself is gentrifying just as fast as it can, but one of the neighborhoods that borders the downtown is the low and very low-income neighborhood with high concentrations of minorities." • "We should be building duplexes, quadraplexes, and townhomes. That's the missing middle piece that I'm so passionate about." • "12 units, 24 units probably max. Something that can fit within the character of existing neighborhoods that can work as infill. More density, we're going to have to have more density, but not these huge 300 -unit things, we don't have room, we don't have any place to put them." • Build, build, build: • Build more, build smaller, and build more densely located units to lower costs • Survey results: • Believe affordable housing is necessary for regional economy: 93% • Should be top priority for the City and County Governments: 87% • Support ADUs as one solution to providing more housing: 80% • Agree that affordable housing has positive impact on economy: 80% • Support for Affordable Housing Policies: (1=0efinitely Would Not: 4=13efinilely Would) in Nev Hanory Coury irc Ldiy Me Cily d WilrniW: 1 Arabs plxal in rranl«unx�r� e one xfhvM1aWs and exislirg �urtan arcasl N -. na.uxs'garemmm�!...6.1, va=M1 asla.ns rd gm's piaridetl Ly4e x.16 lural guremmm"? naremres Feicre vsax mingnnep wy er nedcdapmm�ai�lx I, in your neigM1mrxmd� r I Aalincluda'aaeswry Lousiig'h. e.. mo sui .g nylh',sg s, t I-- W-9 Wn 3.01 na le sla dishes mired imm�x negM1horhmda li<., IcwnM1omes ani ayaA oleo lain rs "'I 1ra.uses vaae6 Yam .fres of Garan 9 mert oxo ].9 „'. na.uxs Apo � -dog zmally u,itr or R9a ' u ng las espmvir eamrtmialswvsmveeuniAstrperave? "I na.indudes axes Eri clungenralEN.neM1wsng ,�2 ".. _J 2.59 LxFhxsxpxp x+°°'I "�"" zs za zs z.a s 1s rsa ye wai'd"I, • Build Everywhere: • Survey, focus group, and interview respondents all said there needs to be more building of housing everywhere throughout the county. • "It's reasonable to spread it throughout the city," said one person. • The strongest response from survey respondents was that low income and workforce housing needed to be built in all areas. • Informants agreed, "across the city is what we're shooting for." • Another said, "Anywhere you can get away with it." New Hanover County, NC New Hanover County, NC �I �µ Top 1: Low -Inco.¢ Housing {Ho.Apwnars) Tep 3'. LewJncoma Neuslnp (Reinert) �2 GREENMRO �` GREENSQ QWO NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 New Hanover County, NC A New Hanover County, NC A Tp 3: Motlerate Income Housing tHomeownerst TOR 3: Motlerate Income Heusing (RenlersI �1 �1 �2 GREENSBORO a 13 New Hanover County NC A New Hanover County NC A BOOK 35 PAGE 52 3: snomtl — amitl EHomeowne-Pa: noun Hae aeHe eRemen, . 11111GREENSBORO =z GREEHSe GRG • Resistance and NIMBYism: • Survey results: • Feel affordable housing in their area would increase traffic: 78% • Feel affordable housing in their area would decrease property values: 46% • Feel affordable housing in their area would increase crime: 33% • Comments: • "A lot of people just don't agree with building affordable housing." • "People are fired up about the density." • "They'll fight you anywhere. When there is some sort of variance, rezoning or something, then there's public opposition." Covid-19: • "With COVID and the pandemic," one person said, "people are not able to work their service industry jobs." • The pandemic placed an unwelcome burden on renters - 54.7% of renters had experienced an impact from COVID-19 compared to 15.6% of homeowners • None -the -less, realtors were forecasting pretty solid growth despite the pandemic and said more desirable place to be after COVID." that "Wilmington will probably come out of this as a Housing Preferences Change Due Homeowner Renter to COVID-19 :0 I would prefer to be an owner 11.3% 39.9% right now I would prefer to be in a single 16.3% 34.6% family home now I would prefer living closer to my 25.0% 10.1% family I am afraid I may be evicted, or my home might be foreclosed upon 10.0% 6.6% due to COVID-19 I would prefer to live now in more 28.8% 5.3% scarcely populated neighborhoods I would prefer neighborhoods where health care facilities are 3.8% 2.6% more accessible I would prefer to be renting now 5.0% 0.9% • Funding: • Nearly all interviewees' suggestions demonstrated that financial incentives were needed. • Builders concurred, expressing the point that they cannot provide affordable housing without incentives. • Money for infrastructure improvements, especially to build -out water and sewer utilities will help ease the housing shortage in the county and encourage new growth. • Ideas such as a housing trust fund, a penny tax to fund housing, and affordable housing bonds were all proposed. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 BOOK 35 PAGE 53 Survey results: • Supportive of an affordable housing bond: 78% • Supportive of using proceeds from sale of hospital to fund affordable housing projects: 70% • Supportive of using state and federal funding sources: 82% New Hanover County, NC agree r serengiy agree Agree 151rongty Agree GREENS -0 M 7 �py GREENMR0 • Recommendations: Advocacy and Educational Outreach: • Strong public support for development of workforce and affordable housing, as well as pockets of mistrust and resistance have been identified • Public engagement and education should address myths and stereotypes and promote informed public policymaking • The Workforce Housing Advisory Committee should have primary responsibility for the development, communication, and implementation of recommendations and development of an action plan • A Workforce and Affordable Housing Master Plan and timetable should be prepared • Continued City and County engagement will be needed • Land Use Recommendations: • Zoning ordinances give rise to divisive approval proceedings for workforce and affordable development • Amendments should provide for higher density residential development by right • The City of Wilmington should target available infill sites in disinvested neighborhoods • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations should be tailored to affordable neighborhoods with infrastructure capacity • Extending the reach of infrastructure in the County would encourage new construction relieving pressure elsewhere • The City and County should incentivize development of affordable housing and the set- aside of affordable units in market-based projects Programmatic Recommendations: • Down payment assistance is an effective tool to combat rising home prices and dwindling opportunities • The City of Wilmington Home Ownership Pool program has been popular and should be expanded. Use geographic bonuses to target neighborhoods where need is greatest. • Likewise, low- and moderate -income homeowners' inability to keep up with maintenance and repair needs can lead to dispossession • The Rehabilitation Loan Program has been able to help homeowners stay in their homes and keep homes affordable and should be expanded • Funding Recommendations: • The Housing Plan should set a target for the total Housing Plan budget to be raised and expended over the plan period, and a target for the total number of new affordable housing units, repairs, and rehabilitation home loans, etc. • Survey data show public support for public investment in workforce and affordable housing, but less support for increased taxes • The City and County should consider bond issues, a tool used with great effect by the other great cities of North Carolina • Bond proceeds and other public funds may be used to fund a revolving loan program that would support the construction of affordable housing, home repairs, development incentives, and the other programs referred to here Commissioner Barfield thanked WHAC for putting the survey together. Many cities have the issue of having a large portion of citizens who cannot afford to live in the city they work and drive 35 to 40 miles to their jobs due to the lack of affordable housing and that is being seen here in this community. One of the key items in the study was to find ways to incentivize developers. He hears repeatedly about what developers cannot do because of legislation. However, legislation can be changed to find ways to reduce the impact fees somewhat to make housing NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 54 more affordable. While a lot of discussion centers around workforce housing, there is another population in this community that rents rooms, not houses or apartments, week to week. That part of the discussion has never really been held, but there are many here that are trying to figure out where to sleep each week, not every month or every year. That is also a need in this community. When "affordable housing" is heard, some people do not want it in their backyard because they think it will increase crime. He wonders why they think that and for him, he thinks that typically the first thing that people think first when they hear "affordable housing" is about black people and public housing. The two have nothing to do with affordable housing. Affordable housing is housing that does not exceed 30% of a person's income. The planning item on tonight's agenda is concerning a proposed affordable housing project and there will be people who attend the meeting and will say they do not want it in that location. For him, the underlying message is "we don't want them here" or "we don't want them in our neighborhood because they are going to increase crime." "Them" are people's children, people that work in this county government, those people that are teaching our children, but he has not seen many teachers or firefighters that have increased crime anywhere. It is the perception that is here. Over the years of serving as a County Commissioner he has listened to people speak before the Board and it can be seen the people's lack of knowledge and understanding or ignorance in regarding to making sure that everyone has somewhere to lay their head. Commissioner Barfield further stated in the 23 years he has been a realtor it is amazing how prices have continued to increase. His biggest concern is how to keep Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) and UNCW graduates in this community when they cannot afford to live here. He thanked the WHAC for its efforts on the survey and is glad that the County and City have come together to bring forward this report. However, it is time to make sure that the report is utilized, and ways are found to implement the change that is needed in this community. Commissioner Zapple stated that he echoes many of Commissioners Barfield's comments. He thanked staff and the WHAC members for their work on this matter. One area where he would like to have more information is around the funding recommendations. He hopes there will be more specific, detailed information forthcoming about what has been done in similar cities as far as funding as there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Without sustainable financing, there is no way to really address the problem and start moving the needle. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that she has heard what Commissioner Barfield has said about teachers. She agrees that she thinks something needs to be done to increase teacher pay. As discussed during the April 1" agenda review meeting, a conversation was held with members of the New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Foust about their intention to spend down their fund balance to make sure that all of school employees are paid at least a minimum of $15 per hour. Patrick M. Bowen, Bowen National Research, presented the Housing Needs Assessment as follows: • Wilmington and New Hanover County Housing Needs Assessment: Scope of Work: • Established Study Areas: • Primary Study Area (PSA): Wilmington • Secondary Study Area (SSA): balance of County • County Study Area (CSA): New Hanover County, NC • Demographic and Economic Analysis: • Population, household, and income trends through 2025 • 10 Years of economic and employment trends • In-depth interviews with local economic development representatives • Housing Supply Analysis: • Rental housing survey (multifamily apartments and non -conventional rentals) • For -sale housing, both historical sales and active listings • Senior care housing (nursing homes, assisted living, etc.) • Other Housing Market Factors: • Public schools, higher education, community attributes • Public transportation, commuter data and migration patterns • Residential blight, qualified opportunity zones and regional competitiveness • Special needs populations (homeless, ex -offenders, and elderly) • Housing Gap Estimates: provided estimated number of housing units needed by tenure and income • Conclusions: provided action plan with possible housing strategies Overall Population and Household Demographic Trends: • New Hanover County's rate of population and household growth has outpaced the state over the past 10 years; A trend that is expected to continue through 2025: • Population: county population base will experience growth between 2020 and 2025: 18,888 people (7.9%); Wilmington: 8,959; Balance of County: 9,929 NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 Population Trends (2000-2025] 025A ■554 ■CSA North Carolira BOOK 35 PAGE 55 4ee% aee% ee% c.c xeosolo 2oCo -2cm 232-2315 Households:• Households: over 8,000 households will be added in the County during the next five years (8.0%); Wilmington: 4,127; Balance of County: 3,931 Household Growth Trends (2000.2025) 0Ps4 ■SSA ■C54 North Carvllna 40.0% z_.o% Zee% 1- e% ee% s. c% C. C% 2C 0 20 2010-2020 2020-2025 • Projected Household Growth by Age: • Mirroring national trends, New Hanover County is expected to experience notable growth among aging millennials (ages 35 to 44) and seniors (ages 65 and older) between 2020 and 2025 Chanee In H.—hnld Heads br Aee 12020.2025] ■&S4 ■SS4 2S3e MM id 3Sde 5164 49 6116 2. 0 2S 1. 101 • Shares of Households by Income and Tenure (2020): • Majority (60.6%) of current (2020) renter households in PSA have incomes below $40,000; while distribution of households in SSA are distributed more evenly Share of Renter Households by Income [20201 ■'SA ■SSA -.4 2v-v?d 15-0?0 10-0?0 5096 . 0.416 e510,[CC 5_]k- 5_]k- Sa]kSSC455]k- 55]k- a1ii:=ii•a • Owner households by income distribution very similar between PSA and SSA, with majority among households earning above $60,000 Share of Owner Households by Income 120201 ■ =SA ■ SSA s0-0% 4 _O% 30-0% 20-0% 10-096 m g m m w a�6 : EhiL,r $Iv,v00 $10k- $mk- 5a0k- 540k- $wk- $Wk--1Cv.CCv4 $19,999 $29,999 59,999 519,999 $59,994 $99,999 • Projected Renter Household Growth by Income and Size: • Virtually all renter household income segments are projected to grow, leading to a need for a variety of product by affordability level Renter Households by Income (2020-2025) ■ PSA ■ SSA <520,90O 2 $20k-$29,999 m ff" �. $30k-$39,999 KIP61M $40k-$49,999 -13,MMMMMMF1" $50k-$59,999' T, '� $60k-$99,999 � 1 $100,000+ • � ', -100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 • Growth is expected to occur among households earning above $60,000 annually, leading to need for high-end product • Growth by size is expected to increase demand for smaller unit types (studio to 2 -bedroom), though large -family growth will require larger units NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 BOOK 35 PAGE 56 Change in Renter Household Size [2020-20251 ■ CSA ■ North Carolina 10.0% 146 9.0% 1,321 812 5.0% 271 4.0% 2.0% J 0.195 0. D9E hkik, I -Person 2 -Persons 3 -Persons 4 -Persons 5-Per3ons • Projected Owner Household Growth by Income and Size: • Most owner household income segments projected to grow, though majority of owner growth expected to occur among higher income households (above $100,000) Change in Owner Households bV Income (2020-2025) ■ PSA ■ SSA x$20,000 '� 19 $20k-$29,999 7 22 $30k-$39,999 `2251 $40k-$49,999 x350 $50k-$59,999 JIM9 255 $60k-$99,999 411 $100,000+ -25'� 0 250 500 750 1,0CG 1,25C 1,500 1,75 2,000 2,250 • Most household sizes expected to increase, though 1- and 2 -person HH growth (some from empty nesters) will increase demand for smaller units, possibly condominiums Change In Persons per Owner Household (2020-2025) ■ CS7 ■ North Carollna s :a 2,455 545 • Housing Quality, Conditions and Affordability: NEW HANOVER COUNTY HOUSING BY THE NUMBERS .. 2a .aa RENTER COST BURDEN 11, Wilmirvplon:lA 6�5 OWNER COST -AR� - BURDEN Wilmi,glen. 9a4 �^"" Wiimmgro :6527 • Other Housing Factors: drive -times; commuting, public transit, opportunity zones; employment; special needs; blight; public schools, higher education; and regional analysis • Multifamily Rental Housing Overview: • 17,381 multifamily rental units surveyed in the County within 108 projects • 711 vacant units county -wide; Surveyed properties are 95.9% occupied (PSA: 95.7% vs. SSA: 97.1%) • While most vacancies are among market -rate supply, additional units will be needed to meet growth • 13 of the 17 tax credit projects maintain a wait list of up to 150 households • Only eight vacant subsidized units identified, resulting in very low 0.5% vacancy rate; most properties with wait lists; approximately 2,321 people on waiting list for housing vouchers �.. �.... �.... �............................................................................................................................................................... PSA(Wdnm Project Type Pcojecfs gton) Total Unifs Vacant Units 01— Rate m®©lel SSA (Balance Project Type Projects of Total Units County) Vacant Units Occupancy Market -rate 12 2,398 77 96.916 T— Credit 4 239 1 0 ]L.-' Total 16 2,637 9'.I°, • Non -Conventional Rentals: • Non -conventional rentals consist of houses, duplexes, mobile homes, etc. • Non -conventional rentals are operating with minimum availability and relatively high rents • Of the available non -conventional rentals there is a vacancy rate of just 0.7%, with most rents above $1,500 (requiring household income of at least $60,000) NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 Medlan Rent 1 51,650 1 51,595 1 • For -Sale Housing • Supply Overview: • 21,681 homes sold in County between 2016 and 2020 • Median sales price in PSA $248,000 vs. $270,000 in SSA • 931 homes available in County • Median list price in PSA and SSA nearly identical $399,000 BOOK 35 PAGE 57 • Historical Trends: • For -sale market metrics are reflective of a high level of demand • Median price of homes sold within the CSA increased at an average annual rate of 5.2% • Based on ACS data, the median household income increased 5.8% between 2016 and 2019, median home prices increased by 16.5% during this time. Growth in home prices outpacing income growth. • Largest share of sales at $300,000+ • Average number of days on market are low (PSA=62, SSA=68), reflective of high level of demand Annual Median Sales Price 12016-2D2D] -4--CSA -*-PSA O SSA Sas,000 Sxss,000 9 52�s, d 5xs,o0o O Sxs,o0z ;0 O :o lnl,mo $225,000 $2L5,000 2]_5 -7 ?7.5 X0_3 —D Sales HM.,y by Price ■PsA. ■SSA 6;000 S,WU 4,000 3,000 2,000 1000 SIl 66 0 flab $106k- =160k- 6-1- $26Ck- $300.>00- SA,9A 4145,555 i_99,A3 $2=9.999 529,m_ • Available Listings: • 931 homes available in County (PSA 354 vs. SSA 577) equates to 1.6% of supply (PSA 1.3%; SSA 1.8%) • Only 58 homes available (6.2%) priced < $200,000 has average day on market of < 67 days • Nearly three-quarters of listings priced at $300,000+ Available FarSele Housine by Price ■ PSA ■ SSA am 58 (Homes lm 64 73 so 0 0 17 ...............22 16 2� 2� 0 Up to $99,999 $100k- $150k- $200k- $150k- $300,OOM $149,999 $199,999 $209,999 $299,999 • Senior Care Housing Supply: • 21 facilities surveyed in the county, most adult care homes and nursing homes • County occupancy levels below national averages (CSA 85.2% vs. National 89.7%) • Covid-19 has adversely impacted occupancy of senior care housing • Large and growing base of seniors will increase demand for senior housing NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 Adult Caze Hames 8 642 ll9 si.�"'� 90.?0io Nursine Homes 10 ?9�"* li5 80.5°-o gg.G°o T.W 1 21 1 1.819 329 85 2",'0 89.70.0 rall County: • Action Plan Recommendations: • Goal Setting: • Outline overall purpose • Establish housing production goals • Establish housing funding goals • Education and Outreach: • Identify and retain expertise to advise/lead housing initiatives • Identify and establish housing partnerships • Develop a housing education program • Learn from others • Develop a marketing plan to attract developers and investors • Housing Preservation and Development Tools: • Consider establishing a land bank • Explore creation of housing trust fund • Explore means of securing additional housing funds • Consider potential local zoning code changes • Monitor Market Metrics and Keep Community Informed: • Periodically assess key market data to adjust goals and priorities • Keep community informed and engaged in housing efforts Chair Olson-Boseman thanked WHAC and the consultants for the presentation. BOOK 35 PAGE 58 CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF LOCAL PLAN FOR AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher and Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Tim Buckland presented the following information on the local plan for funds received through the American Rescue Plan as follows: • American Rescue Plan - Investing in New Hanover County: • New Hanover County response to Covid-19: • AII-encompassing response • Testing, tracing, and vaccine distribution • Communication with the public and call center support • Managing gubernatorial and local orders • All while providing County services • Overview of the American Rescue Plan (ARP): • Passed by Congress and signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 • Provides direct federal aid to local governments • Funds will not pass through the N.C. General Assembly • No suballocation: City of Wilmington and beach communities will receive their own funds • New Hanover County to receive an estimated $45.4 million: • Funds are less restrictive than CARES Act: • Allowed use for revenue replacement • More allowed uses than strictly Covid response • Funding to arrive in two payments: • 50% no later than 60 days after the law was enacted (expected mid-May) • 50% no sooner than one year after the first payment • Details to be determined: expect proposed programs to begin no earlier than July 1 • Suggested programs are based on best reading of the law — awaiting guidance from U.S. Treasury • Must be spent by December 31, 2024 • In line with the Board's legislative priority for direct, federal aid NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 BOOK 35 PAGE 59 • Potential uses are infrastructure, revenue replacement, housing assistance, business assistance, nonprofit assistance, jobs programs, supporting schools, physical and mental health, and employee compensation: • Broadband Connectivity: • Two-year program to connect broadband internet to lower-income homes to address school -at-home needs exposed by the pandemic: $5,760,000 • Focused on households with school -aged children who qualify for food and nutrition services and/or Medicaid • Estimated service to about 8,000 households to close the affordability gap • Partner with service provider(s) by paying bills directly • Business and Nonprofit Assistance: • Business grants focused on the retail, service, leisure and hospitality sectors and childcare facilities: • $2.5 million in grants to businesses scaled in size based on number of employees • Partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau • Assistance to Nonprofits who saw revenue decline because of the pandemic: • $700,000 in grants to nonprofit entities impacted by the pandemic • Partnership with Cape Fear Collective • Providing Job Opportunities: • Unemployment soared to more than 15% at the height of the pandemic • Some recovery, but unemployment rate remains elevated • Jobs program providing six weeks of paid training and job placement assistance for up to 100 people: $250,000 • Social Enterprise program providing paid six-month internships for an additional 10 to 20 people with the goals of long-term employment and job skills development: $400,000 • Partnership with Step Up Wilmington • Housing Assistance: • Assistance for mortgages in arrears • Estimated nearly 460 homeowners behind at least 30 days and up to six months in arrears • Homeowners qualify by demonstrating ability to pay in the future • Estimated budget: $3 million • Separate from $7 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program • Physical and Mental Health: • Ensure each public school has access to at least one mental health counselor: $3,156,039 to fund 19 new positions • Establish mental health counselors and a mobile health outreach team at the Senior Resource Center: $332,215 • Establish two school nurse leads and a school nurse supervisor: $212,000 • Congregate site in the southern portion of the county operated by the Senior Resource Center and enhanced meal distribution at existing sites: $436,790 • Roll the costs into the county budget beginning 2023-24 • Infrastructure: • Pay for stormwater utility costs in the unincorporated county for FY 2021-22: $4,158,251 • Water and sewer extensions for Sidbury Road to support workforce housing development: $4,035,000 • Blue Clay Business Park water and sewer infrastructure to encourage business growth: $3.6 million • Emergency Management: • Reimburse nonprofit partners that provided non -congregate sheltering during the pandemic: $370,000 • Revise Emergency Operations Plan to reflect the updated structure and to ensure the plan addresses pandemic issues: $100,000 • Replenish PPE for potential future emergency events: $64,000 • Revenue Replacement: • Expressly authorized by the American Rescue Plan • Sales taxes: $3.2 million • Essential County Employees: • To recognize essential County employees who provided important public services, remained on the frontlines, and ensured residents received the help they needed at a critical time: • Bonus pool of $5,745,177, including fringes, for all employees that would be a fixed amount based on length of service during the pandemic and employment status • Enhanced bonus pool for employees engaged directly in vaccine distribution to compensate for long hours and dedication in vaccinating the community and saving lives: $450,000 • County employees continued to provide essential government services to residents during the pandemic and we are grateful • Reserves and Administration: NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 60 • For any future needs that the county should address: • Set aside for future projects allowed under funding guidelines: $4,660,366 • Potential for administrative needs beyond the capacity of current county employees: • Set aside five percent for administration: $2,270,000 Ms. Wurtzbacher concluded the presentation stating that what is being presented are very high-level ideas, which will continue to be refined if the Board approves the plan and details will also be added to it. However, none of the funds can be spent until staff brings back to the Board a budget amendment. The hope is by that time the Treasury will have issued its guidance which will help define the details of the various plans. A brief discussion was held about partnering with the NHCS' Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA - Tech) to provide graduates with the opportunity to work in the film and television industry and potentially use some of the ARP funds to start an apprentice program. The Board asked staff to explore the possibility of having SEA -Tech graduates fill some of the need in the local film industry. Vice -Chair Hays stated that this would be a way to use local resources to implement and enhance additional resources and make it a whole community event to create local jobs. It would also help get jobs into the communities that need the help the most and will help fix the housing problem faster and better than anything else. A brief discussion was held about multipurpose trails and how it is at the top of the community surveys the County issues every few years. Commissioner Zapple stated he feels using $2 million of the ARP funds would help tie together all the plans for the County's trail program and the City of Wilmington's Cross -City Trail rather than having the projects done in small pieces. A brief discussion was held about physical and mental health section of the proposed framework. Commissioner Zapple stated he would like to see a category added for children's mental health, specifically for the population of zero to 5 years of age. He feels there is a gap in that age range and mental health counselors are needed, focused through programs such as Smart Start, to help address many of the issues that have happened over the past year with local families and in the community. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that she fully agrees more trails are needed and knows that during the April 1" agenda review discussion was held on how these funds would probably not be allowed for that. However, County Manager Coudriet was directed to present the Board with a plan going forward and how to fund it. Again, she thinks everyone agrees with that as well as early childhood education. Also, she is not sure if there will be any age restriction that will keep SEA -Tech out so the partner might be Cape Fear Community College (CFCC). She asked Mr. Buckland to share with the Board the conversation he had with EUE/Screen Gems Executive Vice President Bill Vassar and Wilmington Film Commission, Inc. Director Johnny Griffin. She reported that Mr. Vassar had shared with her a deal had been signed to film a soap opera in the area. Mr. Buckland reported that at the request of Chair Olson-Boseman he met with Mr. Vassar and Mr. Griffin regarding the needs of the film and television industry. It was confirmed there is interest in a long-term sustainable training program, but they have also tried to identify something short term as well. Due to ramping up production, they do not have human beings to do the work. They also want the County to focus on diversity to get more minorities and women into those positions. They have both a short term, quick need, and they would like to discuss some form of long-term continuing partnership. Commissioner Barfield thanked County Manager Coudriet and staff for putting together the proposed framework and meeting with stakeholders in the community to make sure the County is meeting the needs of the entire community. Under the physical and mental health section and the funding of 19 new mental health counselor positions, he knows in past years when grant funds were used to fund positions it would be clearly stated to potential employees that the position may end if the grant funding ends. He did not hear that terminology being used in the presentation. $3.1 million is roughly a penny on the tax rate. If the Board's intent is to incorporate the 19 positions long-term, he thinks it is important to have those conversations around the County's budget as well. At the same time, it will be important to make sure the employees in those positions understand that the position may or may not be continuous. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Motion: Vice -Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the framework as presented for the local plan for American Rescue Plan funds. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY TERROIR DEVELOPMENT, LLC ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS, CHARLES R. CLAY, SR., AND THE ESSIE W. CLAY REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 5.12 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 4615 GORDON ROAD FROM R-15, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO (CZD) RMF -M, CONDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL MULTI -FAMILY MODERATE DENSITY DISTRICT, IN ORDER TO DEVELOP AN 84 -UNIT MULTI -FAMILY PROJECT (Z21-03) Chair Olson-Boseman opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation. Senior Planner Brad Schuler presented the request by Terroir Development, LLC on behalf of the property owners, Charles R. Clay, Sr., and the Essie W. Clay Revocable Living Trust, to rezone approximately 5.12 acres of land located at 4615 Gordon Road from R-15, Residential District, to (CZD) RMF -M, Conditional Residential Multi -Family NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 61 Moderate Density District, to develop an 84 -unit multi -family project. The subject site located adjacent to the interchange with Interstate 40 and a Buy Quick gas station. Access to the property is shared with the gas station and an existing storage facility. The property is currently an undeveloped and partially wooded tract of land. The most recent development approval for the site was in 2018 when a Special Use Permit (SUP) was issued for an indoor and outdoor recreation facility. However, that permit has since expired. The site is currently zoned R-15, which was established in the area in 1972. At the time, the purpose of the R-15 district was to ensure that housing served by private septic and well would be developed at low densities. Since that time, water and sewer services have become available to the surrounding area, making smaller lots and higher densities possible. Today what is generally seen are single-family subdivisions constructed in the R-15 district with lots ranging from 7,000 to 12,000 square feet, and homes ranging from one to three stories. Mr. Schuler then reviewed the zoning map noting that there have been two recent developments in the area that have received approval to exceed the maximum density of the R-15 district. The Landing at Lewis Creek Estates and Hawthorne developments include three-story multi -family structures. The Hawthorne project consists of 318 apartments. The buildings consist of 45 -foot -tall, three-story structures, with 24-30 units in each building. The Landing at Lewis Creek is approved for 192 apartments on about 9.5 acres of the site. The buildings are approved to be up to 40 -feet -tall and consist of 27 to 33 units. Mr. Shuler then reviewed slides the type of housing product envisioned for the requested multi -family district and two examples located in the Ogden area. He noted that the applicant also recently developed Bennett Village on Piner Road. Mr. Schuler reviewed the proposed concept plan for the property. master plan for the subject site. The proposal would allow for a maximum of 84 units, which equates to a density of about 16.4 dwelling units per acre. Those units would be included within three-story buildings with a max height of 45 feet. As with Bennett Village, the applicant is seeking Low -Income Housing Tax Credits through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency which would restrict the residents' incomes to under 80% of the area median income (AMI). In addition, 21 of the proposed units will be restricted to residents whose incomes are 30% or below AMI. Mr. Schuler reviewed the trip generation information noting that 84 apartments units are estimated to generate about 30 to 40 trips in the peak hours. The estimated trip generation is less than the recreation center approved for the site in 2018. The center was estimated to have generated around 50 to 60 trips during the peak hours. The estimated trips for the current proposal are an increase of about 15 to 25 trips than if the site was developed with a typical single-family subdivision under the current zoning. However, according to the applicant, residents who are earning 30% or less of the area median income (AMI) are typically seniors or persons with disabilities who generally drive outside of the peak hours. The estimated traffic generated from the site is under the 100 peak hour threshold that triggers the County's requirement for a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) to be conducted. Additionally, a TIA is not required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The site shares access with the Buy Quick gas station and adjacent storage lot. The proposal includes conditions that would require striping be added to the accessway to delineate two lanes of travel. This was a similar condition to one that was place on the recreation facility that was approved in 2018. Mr. Schuler reviewed an exhibit prepared by the applicant illustrating what the striping could look like, noting that the exhibit incorporated recommendations from NCDOT. It was also designed in accordance with the NC Fire Code, in that parking would be prohibited within the accessway, and no parking signs must be installed. The applicant is currently in discussion with the owner the Buy Quick to finalize the exact design of the striping so that it does not conflict with the gas station operations. The driveway connection to Gordon Road does not permit any left -out movements, as required by NCDOT. This requires motorist to take a right leaving the site and then if needed, to U-turn at the southbound ramp to College Road. The intersection at College Road was analyzed with the TIA conducted for The Landing at Lewis Creek Estates development and it was found that the intersection, with the proposed improvements, would result in the intersection operating at a level of service (LOS) D this year when The Lewis Creek Estates development is expected to be completed. As for planned NCDOT projects in the area, the Gordon Road widening project has been accelerated and is now scheduled to begin construction in 2024. While the exact design of that project is still being worked out by NCDOT, the widening of Gordon Road will result in the road having four lanes and a center median. In addition, a multi -use path is planned to be installed along the north side of the road. There are also plans to make improvements to College Road by converting certain intersections into interchanges, including at MLK Parkway and Kings Drive. That project is currently scheduled to begin in 2026. In addition to the Lewis Creek Estates development, there is one other townhouse project currently being constructed. Overall, there are still about 300 homes left to be built in the area. As for schools, based on a generalized historic generation rate, staff would estimate the proposal would result in approximately 18 additional students than what could have been generated under current zoning. However, affordable housing developments may be more likely to provide housing for families with school-age children, so the proposed rezoning may generate more students than what would be estimated using the historic generation rate. The recent facility needs survey prepared by the New Hanover County Schools staff indicated that with planned facility upgrades, combined with changes to student enrollment patterns, there will be adequate capacity district - wide over the next five to ten years if facility upgrades are funded. The proposal is also consistent with the County's goal of providing for complete communities. Specifically, the proposed development will increase the housing diversity of the area, provide housing at more affordable prices, NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 62 and its proximity to the Murrayville node which contain convenience needs, support services, and community facilities. As for compatibility, due to the location and surrounding development pattern, the property is less likely to be developed with low density housing as it is currently zoned. Again, the site is located next to Interstate 40 and will share access with an existing gas station. There have been other multi -family projects approved for the area, and the site itself was previously approved for a recreation facility which would have generated more traffic. Lastly, the Gordon Road project has been accelerated and now scheduled to begin 2024. The 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Comprehensive Plan) classifies the site as General Residential which is intended to provide for lower density housing (of about 8 units per acre or less). Because of this, the proposal is generally inconsistent with the recommendations for this classification. However, staff and the Planning Board are supportive of the proposed development as it is aligned with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan for providing affordable housing and creating complete communities. It is also aligned with the Comprehensive Plan's intent of providing an orderly transition of uses from higher intensity to lower intensity areas and it provides for a range of housing types in the area. The proposed multi -family housing is also consistent with the existing development pattern of the surrounding area. Mr. Schuler noted that in these cases, the County Commissioners can still approve a rezoning application that is found to be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The state statutes require that when this occurs that the future land use map included within the Comprehensive Plan be concurrently amended to a reflect the new zoning. If the rezoning is approved, it is staff and the Planning Board's recommendation to amend the classification for the subject site from General Residential to Community Mixed Use because the proposal is in line with the recommended density of that classification. It is also more appropriate for the area because single-family homes are less likely to be built adjacent to major thoroughfares, and because it would encourage development that would provide a buffer and serve as a transition to the existing single-family residences along Gordon Road. The Planning Board considered this application at its March 4, 2021 meeting and recommended approval of the application with conditions (5-0). While the Planning Board found it to be inconsistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because the project exceeds the density recommended for the General Residential place type. However, the Planning Board found approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the proposal would provide an appropriate transition from a major thoroughfare to existing single- family housing, is consistent with the development pattern of the surrounding properties and supports the County's goals of providing for a range of housing types and opportunities for households of different sizes and income levels. The development must be awarded Low -Income Housing Tax Credits through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. The Planning Board recommended amending the place type classification for the subject property to Community Mixed Use. The two conditions included with the approval are: • The development must be awarded Low -Income Housing Tax Credits through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. • Appropriate pavement markings shall be installed along the 60 -foot access easement from Gordon Road to the subject site to identify two lanes of travel. In addition, no parking shall be permitted within the easement and "no parking" signs shall be installed in accordance with the North Carolina Fire Code. In response to Board questions, Mr. Schuler confirmed that the previous SUP that was approved for the gym facility is the same shared road then as it is now. There was also the similar condition that the road would be improved with some striping to delineate two lanes of travel. Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Schuler for the presentation and invited the applicant to make remarks. Stephanie Norris with Terroir Development, LLC on behalf of the property owners, Charles R. Clay, Sr., and The Essie W. Clay Revocable Living Trust, stated she is an affordable housing developer, exclusively, with her mother and they also have a local property management firm that manages their properties. They have two existing communities in in New Hanover County. One is Lockwood Village on South College Road, which is a 60 -unit family property, and it has been in service for a little over six years. The second is Bennett Village, on Piner Road that has been recently completed and is fully leased. Some of the statistics the Board heard earlier about the need for affordable housing, and then the comments of, "If you build it, they will come" are accurate. For a 72 -unit complex, her company must limit lease signings to 12 units per day to manage the process. As to this project, Estrella Landing, while it is an unorthodox location, it is not an unheard-of situation to be sharing an access easement. It is an opportunity for New Hanover County to not only actively address affordable housing needs and but is an opportunity for the County to potentially win, not just 84 units of affordable housing, but also The Residence at Canopy Point which is another 72 units of senior housing that are in competition with her development for low-income housing tax credits this year. With the disaster recovery fund from Hurricane Florence, as those are still available the County could win two properties this year which would bring 156 units to this community, not just 84 or 72. She has already experienced this with a property she is developing in Craven County so she knows it can be done. As to the subject site, there is a significant amount of open space. There is approximately .70 acres of wetlands which have been delineated but have not been concurred to by the Corps of Engineers. The project may impact approximately .25 acres of the wetlands and of that, efforts have been made to strategically place the buildings, specifically Buildings One and Three. Building One is a 24 -unit building and Building Three is a 36 -unit building. Neither are adjacent to other residential properties but are adjacent to B-1 commercial area and open NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 63 space along the entrance to Hawthorne. Building Two, which is a 24 -unit building is adjacent to a currently vacant property that is zoned R-15, but more than likely it would not go residential and would become commercial as well. She and her team are trying to plan for the least amount of impact. The base flood elevation is 16 feet in this area. The proposed buildings will have a finished floor elevation of approximately 20 feet, which will likely provide the requirement for a retaining wall along the southern edge of the stormwater pond. She noted this is not unusual and are manageable conditions. Again, it is a vacant underutilized lot it and has an unorthodox entrance. As a reference point, Bennett Village is currently accessed through a joint access easement that will one day, probably have commercial development in front of it. The unusualness of this project is that it would be sharing the access with the convenience store. Regarding concerns expressed about bus stops, there are a couple of existing bus stops within about a mile of the site. However, there is a lot of transition happening with WAVE and she thinks the goal of WAVE is to provide more of an on -demand service in terms of busing. That does already exist with seniors and with people with disabilities and being able to get free service there. Although they do have a lot of residents that utilize the bus, the on -demand service may be a better program for them than currently walking to an existing bus stop. The Housing Finance Agency evaluated this site when she submitted the application, she and her team do a self -scoring, and they also confirmed that they scored perfectly. If the score is not perfect a developer might as well cancel their contract and look for something next year. With a perfect score for this project, she hopes that speaks volumes to their support of the site as well, even with regard to the point of access. Regarding the unit mix and income mix, there will be 13 one -bedrooms, 35 two -bedrooms, and 36 three - bedrooms that make-up the 84 units. The square footages of the units are comparable to market rate size properties. With respect to the income mix there will have 21 units that are specifically set aside for 30% AMI, which is roughly 25% of the total count. The rest will fall somewhere 30% and higher up to 60% and there will be residents that will probably really fall into the 40 or 50% AMI category, but those would be placed in a 60% unit. There are also 10 units that would be available for the 80% AMI, there is a possibility that two or three of the 10 units would be filled with someone at 60% AMI. That is an allowable opportunity as well. Lockwood Village and Bennett Village combined are 132 units and 30 days ago there was a wait list of 150 applicants for those units. Ms. Norris stated that there is a lot of approved senior affordable housing properties on the northern end of the County, and she likes that workforce housing is being provided for working families. However, there is a sizable number of seniors that choose to live in the family properties as well. Ms. Norris concluded her presentation stating that she is making this request because she wants to meet the need and tries to find sites every year. She feels this is the opportunity to try to make the most bang for the buck in terms of meeting true affordable housing needs. She reviewed slides of one of her existing communities and a 24 - unit building noting that the community amenities are modest to keep the rents low for an extended period of time. She hopes the Board sees the benefit of having the ownership and property management teams locally in this community. Her team does build a quality product and she does like that a person can stand on the street, in front of a building and cannot tell it is affordable housing, based on the building and construction material type. The development team agrees it is a logical transition between Hawthorne and the C -Store and hopes the Board will approve the request. In response to Board questions, Ms. Norris stated that in general the 30%, 60%, and 80% AMI apartments are spread out between the buildings throughout the entire property. As to the access easement adjacent to the convenience store, she has been in multiple conversations with the C -Store owner and his attorney as recently as today. She has also been in contact with the owner of the storage facility. All agree that the striping as referenced by Mr. Schuler will be modified to a degree, but the striping and "no parking" signs will stay in place. Those discussions are referenced in the hard copy of the email that was disbursed to the Board. She further confirmed she agrees with the two conditions that were recommended by the Planning Board. Chair Olson-Boseman announced that one person signed up to speak in opposition and no one signed up to speak in favor to the request and invited the speaker to make his comments. Steve Coggins with Rountree Losee LLP, representing Joe McKinney, spoke in opposition of the request with respect to this proposal, noting that he has had represented workforce housing proposals in other counties and knows the difficulties that are presented. In this case, the specific area under the Comprehensive Plan is designated as general residential. This was done in 2016 when Hawthorne Apartments was approved. It was taken into consideration and known at the time that there was dense housing that was approved for this area, and in the projects across the street in the Urban Mixed -Use area. He then reviewed the site overview slide noting that the red box represents the easement serving the site and two other tracts. The general residential area limit for this amount of acreage is eight dwelling units per acre. The proposal is for 16.4 dwelling units per an acre. To his knowledge, this is the most intense development that is proposed to exist on Gordon Road. Whereas the Hawthorne Apartments are at 7.72 dwelling units per acre and The Landing at Lewis Creek is at 5.15 dwelling units per acre. What is before the Board in this procedural context is also a unique conditional zoning district legal procedure where the Comprehensive Plan under the general statutes, enjoys a primacy that cannot be likely disregarded. It allows for the ability to impose conditions in the legislative context, as opposed to the quasi-judicial context. As a safeguard of that, the NC General Assembly specifically bound this Board to heavily consider the Comprehensive Plan and discarded only in the most unusual and compelling circumstances. He is pleased to hear that the applicant has been in contact with the other two lot owners because under the NC law on shared rights of NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 64 ingress and egress, temporary parking is an indispensable component of the rights of ingress and egress that are granted by this private easement that was created back in 1982 when the subject site was in the middle of nowhere. It is unknown what the purpose of the easement was at that time as it is not stated, but it is known that there could be subsequent owners that will contend that this particular use will constitute an impermissible burden on the easement and could lead to litigation. It should be noted that this location is squeezed between a busy area that is marked by the I-40 westbound ramp which is 308 feet away. From the east, it is 800 feet away from the Blount Road stoplight intersection that serves The Landing at Lewis Creek and is 319 feet away from Rosebay which serves the Hawthorne Apartments. It is 1,200 feet to the east of the turnaround which is accessed by going underneath I-40 and doing the turnaround that, before the construction of this project, is already marked at an LOS D. It is known with the addition these apartments when considering that there are other points in this area that already at LOS F with additional developments that have been approved at The Landing and Lewis Creek, over and above what was originally proposed. Given the growth in the area it is going to be a problem. As to the controlled access to the site, a driver can only turn right out, not left. There is a median for the leftover overs to go in. There is no close by bus stop or grocery store, nor any sidewalks, which he and his client believe is opposite of what is a complete community. Mr. Coggins reviewed various slides about the easement noting that temporary parking is part of the ingress and egress. He does not think anyone would ever concede it as an entrance to an 84 unit multifamily complex and he is not familiar with one where the ingress and egress serves as a major parking lot for a high retail, high vehicular convenience store. The easement hugs the required parking for that quick stop convenience store and is close to the carwash. The configuration is that a lot of vehicles will end up going all the way around the building. Mr. Coggins then reviewed the slide concerning the proposed access control noting that the shared access is not a public street and that it will be difficult to enforce the no parking restriction. If the subject site were a performance subdivision, it would be allowed a density increase from 2.5 to roughly 10 dwelling units per acre. In that context, the County ordinances would provide for the increased density, provided that the shared access met the specifications of a collector street. It would have to be designated as a public road, have NCDOT approval, have Community Mixed -Use status as opposed to General Residential status, and collector streets must have sidewalks. If that is what the County requires for 10 dwelling units per acre, he cannot see where it would not be required for a proposal of 16 dwelling units per acre. Mr. Coggins then reviewed how vehicles would ingress and egress the easement area. There are at least three lots that will benefit from the easement access, which are the applicant's, the convenience store, and the boat storage area. He noted that there must be binding agreements in which their rights of ingress and egress are waived. Mr. Coggins concluded by reviewing a slide comparing densities that are involved in the area noting that the proposed Community Mixed -Use has a maximum 15 dwelling units per acre and the proposal exceeds that limit at 16.4 dwelling units per acre. He then reviewed the densities of the nearby multifamily developments center. He noted that this information reflects the large concerns he has shared with the Board and expressed appreciation to address the Board. Chair Olson-Boseman announced that the applicant and speakers in opposition would be allowed time to make rebuttal comments. In applicant rebuttal, Stephanie Norris expressed appreciation for the concerns about parking within the easement and the activities that go on there. She believes that it is a private property agreement/arrangement that should be handled in that way and keep it as a private property owner situation. She reiterated that the hard copy of the email that was disbursed to the Board during this meeting and via email indicates the C -Store owner has no problems with enforcing/establishing a "no parking" element along the access easement and advising vendors to not park there. If she were to try to utilize the easement, it is not fair to her that they are parked there. She thinks it is a two-way street, quite literally, and it is also a private property issue. She understands that this is possibly not the Board's ideal situation in terms of where the proposed development is to be located. However, this is the County's opportunity to bring affordable housing to this community on a larger scale than it probably has the chance to do otherwise. She thinks this is a better benefit to the County than to worry about whether there is potentially somebody parked in an access easement. In opposition rebuttal, Mr. Coggins stated that notwithstanding the fact that there are less than 100 trips at the peak times, the Board nonetheless has the power under NCDOT policy to order a traffic study on this matter. The Board should deny the proposal, but if it did it should require a traffic impact study given the increased loads on the already stressed interchange as has been shown by multiple TIAs issued in this context. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman closed the public hearing and opened the floor to Board discussion. In response to Board questions, Mr. Schuler stated if the request is approved the easement will become the fire apparatus road as required in the NC fire code. The fire marshals then could cite any vehicles that are parked within the easement regardless of what is stated in the deeds of the easement access of all three parties. It is state law within the fire code that there is no parking within a fire apparatus access way. To his knowledge there has not been a discussion about a stop sign being put up for people coming out of the carwash and may be something that can be asked of the applicant. Pavement maintenance would be the responsibility of the property owners that utilize the access easement to probably maintain the access way. It is his understanding that the applicant is already in conversations with the owners of the gas station to start working on that agreement regarding maintenance and he believes they will have a maintenance agreement worked out. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 65 As to how the Comprehensive Plan can be overridden, Mr. Schuler explained that it is specifically stated in the state statutes that the Comprehensive Plan is a guiding document. It is not a zoning ordinance nor is it law that has to be met. It is stated that before the County Commissioners could say it was inconsistent with the plan and still approve the rezoning, the statutes have been updated within the last few years to say that in these cases when this occurs, the future land use map now must be updated to reflect the new zoning. It is specifically stated in the state statutes that a board of county commissioners can approve a rezoning that is inconsistent with Comprehensive Plan. In response to Board question, Mr. Schuler confirmed that the easement that is coming down is on private property and that it would be considered private access. He further confirmed that it would be incumbent upon with the owners that use that easement to agree to and then record a document that discusses the maintenance of that particular area. The last time a TIA was done for this area was for the Hawthorne Apartments project, which was approved in January or February of 2019. Commissioner Barfield stated that he thinks he has voted on both projects, the Hawthorne property as well as The Landing at Lewis Creek. He initially voted against the Landing at Lewis Creek because the TIA was not completed, but in subsequent renditions of what they are doing he voted to approve the additional units that were to be built. He is not concerned about traffic as NCDOT is fast tracking the widening of Gordon Road which will improve that issue. He thinks there is a significant need for affordable housing as has just been heard. He also knows there is a significant need for senior housing, as he has been searching himself for someone and most places have at least a year waitlist. As he asked earlier about the easement being approved with the last rezoning that was done for the gym facility. He knows that there was no opposition then to the easement and not much conversation around that either. As such, he is not really concerned about that. Vice -Chair Hays stated that she does believe that there are unusual and compelling circumstances here. Reports have been heard from the CFR President and the Joint WHAC about the need for greater density and more affordable housing. She stated she would make the motion to approve the rezoning request. Motion: Vice -Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the proposed rezoning to a Conditional RMF -M district as the Board finds it to be inconsistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because the project exceeds the density recommended for the General Residential place type. The Board finds that the approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the proposal would provide an appropriate transition from a major thoroughfare to existing single-family housing, is consistent with the development pattern of the surrounding properties and supports the County's goals of providing for a range of housing types and opportunities for households of different sizes and income levels. In accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes, the Board also approves the reclassification of the property from the General Residential place type to the Community Mixed Use place type. The Board finds the proposal is consistent with the recommended building types and densities of the Community Mixed Use classification. In addition, the Community Mixed Use classification would encourage the development of projects that would better serve as a transition between a major thoroughfare and single-family housing. The following two conditions are also included: • The development must be awarded Low -Income Housing Tax Credits through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Appropriate pavement markings shall be installed along the 60 -foot access easement from Gordon Road to the subject site to identify two lanes of travel. In addition, no parking shall be permitted within the easement and "no parking" signs shall be installed in accordance with the North Carolina Fire Code. Commissioner Zapple asked Vice -Chair Hays if she would consider amending the motion to include a stop sign or traffic warning sign at the exit of the carwash to prevent people pulling out into traffic. Vice -Chair Hays stated she thinks it was left generic enough because when looking at the plans there does not look to be an appropriate place to do that. She thinks they can put pavement markings there to say "Stop" instead of a stop sign because she thinks it is pretty wide open on that side. She also believes it says appropriate pavement markings shall be installed along there to identify two lanes, and that there is no parking within the easement. In response to questions, Ms. Norris stated that a stop sign would be installed for residents exiting. She presumes the entrance to the carwash would be from the access easement, turning left into it and would come out on the west side. Part of the reason the diagonals are in place is for people backing out of the parking spaces to the side of the building that are clearly outside of the access easement. It is mainly to catch their attention, so they are not just backing out into the parking lot, but rather into an active lane of travel. That is the reason for the diagonals, as well as to define that lane, as a driver goes by those parking spaces for people that are driving by. However, if that is in fact the exit side, which is opposite of what she was thinking in terms of how get into the carwash she would be happy to approach the owner and see if he could do a painted "Stop" pavement marking at that location. In response to Board questions, Mr. Schuler stated that if the site were within 500 -feet of the subject parcel, which it is, the owners of the Hawthorne Apartments would have received a mailing. Advertisement is also done on the website and through the sunshine list. The notifications for this would have gone out January or February. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman stated the requested amendment to the motion on the floor will not proceed as discussion clarified the signage and asked for a vote on the motion on the floor. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35 REGULAR MEETING, APRIL 5, 2021 PAGE 66 A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 8B OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTEDJULY 7, 1972 is hereby incorporated as part ofthe minutes and is contained in Zoning Book II, Section 8B, Page 84. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak on non -agenda items. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS Commissioner Barfield reported that Lenny Simpson who operates the One Love Tennis program recently suffered a stroke and asked the community to keep him in their prayers. Chair Olson-Boseman and the Board recognized the passing of Commissioner Zapple's mom, Jean Grivelle Zapple, who was 100 years of age. Lieutenant Jean Grivelle Zapple was the member of the first class of the U.S. Coast Guard women's Reserve, meaning she was in the first class of women who ever graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard. She was a trailblazer. She will be buried next to Commissioner Zapple's dad in Arlington National Cemetery soon. Commissioner Zapple expressed appreciation for the recognition of his mom. She was a tremendous mom, and he often says that the biggest gift she ever gave to the family was living to be 100 so that all his children, and all his children's children had an opportunity to develop a relationship with her. She was truly a gift to the entire family and for everyone who met her. She was a firm believer in education. That was literally driven into all the children, the family, and the grandchildren. She continued as a strong supporter of the AAUW, the American Association of University Women, which she supported with her own efforts and financially for over 50 years and was honored for that. She will be deeply missed not only by the family, but by many communities, both here and in Massachusetts. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kymberleigh G. Crowell Clerk to the Board Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting. The entire proceedings are available online at www.nhcgov.com.