The Blowing Rock Planning and Zoning Board met on Thursday, January 17, 2002. Chairperson Susie Greene called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Ron Oberle, Jim West, Mary Greene, George Snyder, and Cobb Milner. Members absent were Marianne Clawson, Paul Peterson, and Walter Green. Staff present were Don Holycross, Town Manager, Kevin Rothrock, Planning Director, and Sonya Long, Administrative Assistant.

Mr. West made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 20, 2001 meeting, seconded by Mr. Snyder. All were in favor of the motion.

Chairman Greene asked that everyone read the first eight (8) items under Recreational and Cultural Resources and then they would review each one individually.

4. Recreational and Cultural Resources

The Board recommended that the language underlined be added.

2. The Board recommended that this item be deleted.

3. The Board recommended the addition of the following statement.

The Board recommended striking through "seasonal."

6. Prepare a feasibility current study of the need for a recreation center/pool complex.

The Board recommended the language underlined be added.

7. Establish Continue the moratorium on any further construction of buildings in Memorial Park so as to preserve the park as a "Town Square" and as a focal point of beauty, openness, and ambiance.

The Board recommended the language underlined be added.

8. Park land should be preserved so that the natural scenic beauty of the Town is protected. Trees should be protected from adverse affects of heavy foot traffic in Memorial Park.

The Board recommended the following statement for item number nine (9).

11. Tie the Glen Burney Trail to the Cone Estate and National Park Service "Mountain to the Sea" Trail system.

The Board recommended forwarding this item to Town Council as written.

12. Develop mini parks throughout Town to serve the recreational needs of various residential neighborhoods.

The Board recommended deleting this item.

13. Establish a local land conservation organization (or affiliate with an existing organization) to acquire and manage rural open space.

The Board recommended deleting this item.

14. Future park development and open spaces shall be planned to provide for the rational and equitable distribution of recreation and open space opportunities within the planning area. Public facilities shall be provided to address the unmet needs of area residents lacking access to private recreational facilities.

12. In determining future sites for park, recreation, and open space facilities, multiple objectives for natural area conservation, visual enhancement, promotion of cultural and historic preservation, watershed, and flood prone area protection shall be considered.

17. While emphasizing programs that serve the unmet needs of the greatest number of people, the Town shall strive to meet the needs of specific population subgroups, including, particularly, teenagers, the elderly, and the physically challenged.

The Board recommended deleting this item.

18. Implement an open space network designed to protect the natural environment, provide opportunities for active and passive recreation, separate incompatible uses, protect scenic views, and provide continuous linkages among neighborhoods.

The Board recommended deleting this item.

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January Minutes cont.

 

 

19. Now number two (2).
20. Preserve open space in residential developments through the application of conservation development principles.

The Board recommended deleting this item.

21. Develop a five-year recreation plan, giving added attention to programs for the youth and year-round residents.

The Board recommended deleting items one (1) through four (4) and renumbering five (5) through nine (9).

1. The Town shall protect and enhance a high quality of life, image, cultural amenities, and natural beauty as the most effective, long-term component of an economic development strategy.

The Board recommended forwarding this item to the Town Council as written.

2. The benefits of economic development projects shall be considered in balance with special concern for environmental quality issues.

3. The Town shall encourage the development of a well-balanced tourism trade as a primary element of the area’s economic future. Investments in service, facilities, and proper growth management and ordinance reviews shall be employed in furtherance of this object.

The Board recommended forwarding this item to the Town Council as written.

4. Wise development of the tourism potential of the area’s architectural, historical, scenic and natural resources shall be encouraged.

The Board recommended forwarding this item to the Town Council as written.

5. Develop and maintain commercial uses that are compatible with the character and scale of Blowing Rock. Develop and maintain the downtown, as a pedestrian-oriented focal point for the community’s commercial and retail needs.

The Board recommended forwarding this item to the Town Council as written.

Mr. Rothrock stated that at one time there was some discussion of lots in town, which may be zoned improperly, sometimes creating non-conforming uses. He used Canyon’s Restaurant and the Green Park Inn as examples. Mr. West added to that list Stories Carpet and Dock Side Ira’s.

Mr. Green commented that he had a client that could be affected by this discussion, Mr. and Mrs. Silver. They own a home located off of Morris Street and is currently zoned R6M. Mr. and Mrs. Silver have tried several times to get the property rezoned. He asked for clarification from staff on what the regulations would be if the house were destroyed, what could his clients rebuild. He asked that if the Board were to consider rezoning improperly zoned lots that this particular piece of property be added to that list.

Chairman Greene asked that the Board receive the Town attorney’s opinion before they proceed with forwarding this item to Town Council. She asked the Board to be looking at other properties that might fall into this category and they would discuss it at the February meeting.

Mr. West pointed out that the only reason Stories Carpet and Dock Side Ira’s was not looked at during the rezoning of all R6 properties was that they did not fall into a R6 Zoning District.

Mr. Oberle made a motion this item be tabled until an opinion was received from the Town Attorney and the Board did further research, seconded by Mr. West. All were in favor of the motion.

With no further business, Mr. Oberle made a motion to adjourn at 8:33 p.m., seconded by Mr. West. All were in favor of the motion.

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