HomeMy Public PortalAbout3.3.1998 Planning Board Minutes and AgendaAGENDA
PLANNING BOARD
Tuesday, March 3, 1998
6:30 p.m. Town Barn
ITEM #1: Consideration of additions to the agenda.
ITEM #2: Comments from the Chair.
• Committee Reports
• Town Board actions on public hearing items
ITEM #3: Approval of February 3 minutes.
ITEM #4: Continued discussion of English Hill subdivision for 36 lots between Buttonwood Drive
and Gwenn Road.
ITEM #5: Discussion of off -premises signs
ITEM #6: Continued discussion of requiring sidewalks and minimum right of way widths.
ITEM #7: Adjourn
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MINUTES
PLANNING BOARD
March 3, 1998
PRESENT: Richard Bradford, David Daniel, Jack Hughes, Louise Long, Pip Merrick, Chris Quinn
PUBLIC: Ken Chavious, Louie Callemyn, Jeff Peloquin, Malina King, Margaret Hauth
In the absence of the chair and vice -chair, the members agreed Bradford should conduct the
meeting. Bradford called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM.
ITEM #2: Hauth said that the Town Board approved the Barnes rezoning request but would have to vote
again on the Simpson request because a board member was absent. She added that they also
approved the text amendments, with the exception of the Holiday Inn Express request, with the
understanding that the Planning Board would have an alternative ready for the April public
hearing. She said the Parks and Recreation Board did not meet, the Board of Adjustment denied
a Conditional Use Permit for a day care center which did not submit plans meeting the ordinance
requirements and approved a site plan for an office building behind McDonalds, and the Vision
2010 update task force held its first meeting.
ITEM #3: Daniels moved to approve the minutes as written. Merrick seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous.
ITEM #4: Hauth introduced the continued discussion of the English Hill Preliminary Plan. Hughes asked
for an update on the changes since he was not at the last meeting. Callemyn said the road plans
have been submitted to NCDOT and the preliminary review was favorable. He noted that they
would like to see sight triangles acquired at the intersection with Gwenn, but they would probably
not be required. He noted that they had no problem with the oversized cul-de-sac ends.
Callemyn added that they designed the intersection of Nancy Drive and English Hill to have a
gentler curve than usual. He noted the lots have been re -arranged somewhat to create a detention
pond per the Town Engineer's review. The former lot had an odd shape and the previous open
space lot was found to have a perk site, so the two were swapped. He said they added additional
fire hydrant, per the Fire Department's comments. Finally, he noted that the soil and erosion
control plans have been submitted and the water extension contract is under consideration.
Merrick asked about a secondary access and why the utility easement cannot be used. Callemyn
referred to Peloquin's letter and explained that they researched all of the options, found some
impossible and weighed the costs and benefits of the remaining options and found them to be too
costly for the benefit. He noted that the utility easement will be improved as a gravel surface that
would be available for emergency use, but not for constant access. The members discussed this
as an option since their most compelling reason for requesting secondary access is for emergency
vehicles. They discussed maintenance and security options to ensure the easement does not
become a nuisance.
MOTION: Hughes moved to recommend approval of the preliminary plan with the conditions that the road
plans be approved by NCDOT, the water extension contract be executed with the Town, and that
a 25' wide gravel path be established on the easement opposite Ann Road for emergency use only.
The improved easement will have controlled entrances to limit its becoming a nuisance and will
be maintained by the homeowners association. Quinn seconded.
VOTE: 5-0 with Bradford abstaining.
3/3/98, page 2
ITEM #5: Hauth introduced the continued discussion of off -premises signs. She highlighted the changes
proposed text. The members discussed the pros and cons of allowing off premises signs. King
explained that 90% of their guests are drive-by traffic off the interstates and the lack of visibility
is significantly damaging their business. She added that their customers are complaining to the
corporate office about the lack of visibility. King noted that the company would be willing to
consider other alternatives like roof or pole signs if the Planning Board would allow those. The
Comfort Inn sign on 15-501 was discussed as a comparable circumstance. The members agreed
to do some research individually before the next meeting and come prepared to recommend new
text for public hearing.
ITEM #6: Hauth introduced the discussion of requiring sidewalks in new subdivisions. She noted the outline
of requirements from surrounding jurisdictions for reference. The members discussed the cost
implications of that proposal in great detail, alternatives to standard sidewalks, whether existing
areas would be retrofitted, and whether the town was willing and ready to accept the long-term
costs of an extension sidewalk system. Callemyn and Peloquin shared their concerns about
universally requiring sidewalks because of its impact of the cost of housing. Peloquin suggested
tying the requirement for sidewalks to density and the provision of public water and sewer.
Callemyn suggested considering other incentives, like allowing greater density, in return for
requiring sidewalks.
Bradford adjourned the meeting at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
MargarA A. Hauth, Secretary