The Blowing Rock Planning and Zoning Board met for the regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2003. Chairman Susie Greene called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Paul Peterson, Ron Oberle, Jim West, Bill Parker, Cobb Milner and David Cox. Members absent were Dennis Quinn, George Snyder and Albert Yount. Staff present were Scott Hildebran, Town Manager, Kevin Rothrock, Planning Director, Marion Rothrock, Town Engineer and Sonya Long, Administrative Assistant.

Mr. West made a motion to approve the January 2003 minutes as submitted, seconded by Mr. Oberle. All were in favor of the motion.

Mr. Rothrock stated Mr. Kent Tarbutton requested an amendment to the original conditional use permit for the Ponds Condominium project to construct a maintenance building. The proposed location of the 1560-foot maintenance building is at the southeast corner of the Ponds project, adjacent to Brooker Street. The property is zoned PUD-R6M, Multi family. The impervious area for the building and gravel driveway does not exceed the limits allowed by the original conditional use permit. The area chosen for the building is heavily vegetated with large trees and rhododendron. The 16-foot vegetated buffer between the building and the adjacent properties will remain intact and will provide sufficient buffering.

Mr. Milner pointed out that a fire hydrant was not shown on the site plan. Mr. Rothrock stated that there is an existing hydrant between the Summit and Adirondack building.

Mr. Tarbutton stated that the maintenance building had been on the original site plan but in a different location. The building will not be as visible in the new location.

Mr. Cox questioned the other maintenance buildings and if there was any way of combining some of those buildings, especially the one that can be seen from Highway 321. Mr. Tarbutton stated the intent was to tear down the one that can been seen from Highway 321.

Mr. Rothrock reported on the next draft policy and mission statement. The Board decided to discuss each item under "Transportation" individually.

Chairman Greene stated that the mission statement needed to be expanded on. The Board agreed. Mr. Rothrock stated he would work on the mission statement and they could review it again next month.

The following changes were made to the draft Comprehensive Plan.

1. Develop a balanced, multi-modal transportation system, (i.e. walking, biking, transit, park and ride, and vehicular traffic) that will enhance mobility for all citizens, reduce automobile dependence, and preserve/enhance the character of Blowing Rock.

Numbers 3 and 4 were omitted.

1. Federal and State Routes

Numbers 1, 2, and 6 were omitted.

1. The Route 321 Bypass, from South Main Street to North Main Street, should be improved to include curb and gutter, sidewalks, coach lights, landscaping, and proper DOT-standard driveway connections with curb stops to promote the village character and public safety. The Town should insist that the improvements be built to "parkway" standards, including landscaped medians, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street trees, decorative coach-style lights, and pedestrian tunnels. (This was numbers 3 and 4 combined).

2. Coordinate and synchronize all traffic lights to create a more efficient movement of traffic.

(Originally number 5)

3. Encourage sharing of driveway cuts along major streets and roads to allow these streets to serve primarily as safe traffic movement corridors or, alternatively, to maximize curb frontage for on-street parking. (Originally number 7)

2. Municipal Routes

1. Evaluate and update the Town’s transportation policies based on land use plans.

2. Update and maintain a street inventory that reflects the condition and maintenance needs of all Town streets.

3. Develop an official transportation map and include restrictions that would protect all future rights of way along designated transportation corridors.

4. Establish a site inspection calendar to continually monitor signs for repairs and replacement.

5. Connect all streets to adjacent developments and discourage cul-de-sacs.

Numbers 2, 6, 8-12 were omitted.

1. Parking and Shuttle System

1. Formally accept the findings of the Blowing Rock Parking Study, and promptly consider all recommendations.

Numbers 1 – 14 were omitted.

2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel

1. Tie the Glen Burney Trail to the Cone Estate and the "Mountains to the Sea" trail system.

2. Develop a sidewalk plan that promotes a safe, efficient, and convenient street and sidewalk system with pedestrian street crossings and signage for pedestrian traffic on primary streets. Create public facilities that encourage pedestrian and bicycle transportation.

3. Establish a greenway plan.

Numbers 1-5, 9-11, and 14-22 were omitted.

Chairman Greene reported that Mr. West, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. Oberle would be meeting with the Blowing Rock Advisory Appearance Commission on Wednesday, February 26^th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Town’s existing Tree Ordinance. The purpose of the meeting is to gather information on what changes the Commission would like to see and then report back to the Planning Board at the next meeting.

With no further business, Mr. Oberle made a motion to adjourn at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Mr. Parker. All were in favor of the motion.

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Chairman, Susie Greene Sonya Long, Administrative Assist.