HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-28-1999 Public Hearing
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139
MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING
September 28, 1999
PRESENT:
Mayor Horace Johnson, Commissioners Ken Chavious, Frances Dancy, Evelyn
Lloyd, Catherine Martin, and Richard Simpson. Planning Board members Pam
Blue-Thompson, Jim Boericke, Richard Bradford, Joel Brinkley, Cathy Carroll,
David Daniel, Chris Quinn, and Bryant Warren. Staff present were Town
Manager Eric Peterson, Finance Director Sherry Carter, and Planning Director
Margaret Hauth.
About fifty interested citizens
PUBLIC:
Mayor Horace Johnson read the Public Charge.
ITEM # 1.
Mayor Horace H. Johnson, Sr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ITEM #2.
Receive citizen comment on the $3.0 Million Installment Financing Agreement
for the Second Financing of the Reservoir Project.
There were no public comments.
ITEM #3.
Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for
Approval of a Financing Agreement Authorized by North Carolina General
Statute 160A-20.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Lloyd, seconded by Commissioner Dancy, the Board
moved to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Approval of a
Financing Agreement Authorized by North Carolina General Statute 160A-20 as presented by a
vote of 5-0. The motion was declared passed.
ITEM #4: Boots Elam, designer for Corbin Downs gave a presentation on the proposed
development. He walked members through the site plan, indicating proposed uses. He also
touched on issues raised at previous meetings and noted the following: the development will
provide a middle school site to the Board of Education off-site of the Board's choosing, a school
impact fee totaling $950 will be paid at time of building permit issuance for all residential units
in the development, the 100' perimeter is intact, the lots in Stagecoach Run that are covered by
restrictive covenants will not be included in Corbin Downs, road improvements will be made
along the owned frontage, only two pods will require town solid waste service, and three traffic
signals will be installed. Elam noted that the developer would be meeting with Orange
Community Housing to discuss affordable housing options.
Peterson briefly highlighted the financial analysis. He noted that the Town operates two
separate funds, one supported by property tax revenues, and one supported by water and sewer
revenues. He noted that the development appears to provide a positive cash flow in the water
funds, while there is an initial deficient in the general fund. Peterson noted the possible use of
impact fees for annexed projects to offset the expected deficit in the general fund. Hauth briefly
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9/28/99, page 2
Susan Bellinger spoke in opposition to the annexation. She noted concerns about schools and traffic and
potential tax increases for current residents to fund this project. She noted this is a good development for
somewhere else. Beth Bellinger spoke in opposition. She detailed current problems at Orange High School
caused by overcrowding and asked the boards to turn down the project.
Martin Brown, resident of Stagecoach Run, asked for a meeting with the developers to discuss the restrictive
covenants on some of the lots, because their research indicates 8 lots are in the subdivision, not four.
Beverly Payne spoke in opposition to the project. She noted the size is not in-keeping with Hillsborough.
She asked the Board to take care of the areas and problems we already have before expanding the city. She
noted the need for a traffic signal at Faucette Mill Road, which should be installed before the ones proposed
her. Hauth noted that the signal requested should be installed by the end of October.
Mary Terry, adjacent owner, spoke in opposition to the project. She noted that she owns property adjacent
and has no desire to have apartments so close to her. She asked that the developer install a privacy fence
along the boundary to protect her pasture animals.
Jennifer Miller spoke in opposition to the project. She noted that it is too big for Hillsborough and you can't
really control a development of this size once it has started. John Delconte spoke in opposition to the
project. He noted that the costs to the environment have not been considered.
Bill Benson, Stagecoach Run, expressed concern about a road stub-out into the subdivision. Hauth noted
that it is being provided in case the Stagecoach Run streets are ever made public, at which time a connection
would be reasonable.
Alma Bates spoke in opposition to the project. She noted her concerns about traffic when Churton Street is
already congested. She asked the Board to take care of current residents first.
Maureen Berman spoke in opposition to the project. She asked the members to carefully consider the long-
term impact of this development on the town and how this small town would change.
Daniel Shatz, Stagecoach Run, spoke in opposition to the project. He echoed concerns by his neighbors and
concerns for ground water quality created by the development.
Laura Cotterman spoke in opposition to the project. She noted her concerns about special environmental
aspects of the land to be developed. She noted publications by the Triangle Land Conservancy detailing
these issues.
Barry Jacobs, private citizen, spoke, He thanked the Town for providing a longer, more open, and detailed
public process. He noted his concerns regarding traffic, open space, internal relationships of land uses (need
for more), enforcement of developer promises, and the impact this development will have on community
values.
Corrine Balseous spoke in opposition to the project. She noted her concern about the magnitude of the
project.
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- Mary Jane Andreas spoke in opposition to the project. She noted that this development would radically alter
the nature of Hillsborough. Elizabeth Miller spoke in opposition to the project. She noted that her concerns
are with traffic.
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9/28/99, page 3
John Hunter noted his concern with the amount of recreation land in the development. He said that the
county is woefully behind and noted that the area proposed will not satisfy the development's needs, let
along addressing the backlog.
Anne Beers spoke in opposition to the project. She read a statement from Allen Gurganus, also opposed,
who could not attend the meeting.
Clyde McPherson spoke. He noted he was unsure of many of the development's details and asked the board
to consider the impacts carefully.
Tom Tiemann spoke in favor of the development. He noted that the town has additional control when a
development is master planned like this one is rather than small, piecemeal developments that he has
observed over the years as a member of the Board of Adjustment.
Brad Gumble spoke and thanked the board for provided this additional time for review. He expressed
. concern about the projected budget deficit.
- Todd Mailer noted his concern about the use of national averages for projected school students and property
values. He asked that more local figures be used.
Mayor Johnson solicited comments and questions from Board members. Quinn asked about affordable
housing and whether it can be provided on site. Elam said the developer will work with Orange Community
Housing and at this time he doesn't know what kind of project they are looking for. Brinkley asked about
school student projections and whether those figures would be redone. Elam said he now has the figures
adopted by Orange County and will use them. Daniel asked about a road connection to Beckett's Ridge.
Elam said he is still trying to negotiate that with Centex Homes. Daniel also asked for a map showing just
the pedestrian connections in the development. Daniel passed around a map showing this development laid
over the historic district street pattern to see if a stronger grid pattern is possible. Bradford expressed
concern about the long-term economics of this project. He asked the developer to provide a rationale for the
phasing plan so critical points can be found, discussed and understood by both parties.
There being no further public comments, the Mayor closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting at 9:00
PM.
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Respectfully submitted,
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Margaret A. Hauth
Secretary