Planning
and Zoning Board Minutes
Thursday,
June 21, 2007
7:00 p.m.
The Blowing Rock Planning and Zoning Board
met on Thursday, June 21, 2007 for their regular scheduled meeting. Chairman
West called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present Ada Webster,
Nelda Miller, Albert Yount, Sue Sweeting, Web Alexander and Jim Steele. Ron
Mace was absent. Staff members present were Planning Director Kevin Rothrock,
Town Engineer Andy Lovingood and Administrative Assistant Sherrie Pitts.
Mr.
Steele made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr.
Yount. All members were in favor of the motion.
CUP
# 2007-02 Sprint/Nextel Antennas
Mr. Rothrock gave the staff report to the
board in reference to CUP # 2007-02. Telecom Site Management Inc. is requesting
a conditional use permit to locate three Sprint/Nextel commercial
telecommunications system antennas on the roof of
Mr. Yount asked what false brick was. Mr.
Rothrock advised that it was panels that simulate brick.
Mr. Rothrock commented on the photo board
brought in by the applicant, and that it showed using wooden fencing as cover
to hide the equipment housing.
The board discussed the housing for the
equipment and if fencing or brick would be more appropriate.
With no other questions of staff the floor
was opened to the applicant.
Mr. David Emory, with Chase Real Estate
Services, works with Sprint & Nextel and town planning offices to
coordinate work and sites. Mr. Emory advised that Nextel would not be
represented on this site. In regard to the privacy fence Sprint as standard
practice uses cabinets to house the equipment and uses a privacy fence to
shield them. To fit the character of the town he would recommend a brick wall
to hide the equipment. Mr. Emory said that in regard to the radio frequencies
he can provide FCC documentation to address that issue and the frequency that
Sprint uses is totally different and would not interfere with devices belonging
to area residents.
With no other questions of applicant the
floor was opened to the public.
Martha Thompson, resident, asked what keeps the
antennas from acting like lightning rods. She also wanted to know if competing
phone services would be allowed to put towers on the roof. Ms. Thompson asked
if Sprint would have easements with the hospital.
Mr. Emory commented that the antennas are grounded
to prevent damage and he believed the hospital building should be well grounded
as well. In reference to other phone providers they would have to present their
own case and come before the Town. Mr. Emory advised they did pay for easements
with the hospital.
With no other questions the public comment
period was closed.
Mr. Alexander made a motion to accept plans
as submitted with conditions:
Mr. Steele seconded the motion.
Ms. Sweeting asked to amend the motion to
include that frequencies do not interfere with the hospital systems.
Mr. Yount stated that he would like to see
the material proposed for the brick façade on the chimney, but allow staff and
the Town Manager to review the sample and forward the CUP on to Town Council if
approved. He also would like to hear what the Town Engineer’s thoughts were on
the towers.
Town Engineer Andy Lovingood commented that
the FCC does regulate the output and their application is extensive.
All members voted in favor of the motion.
Chairman West advised the board that two
months prior to this meeting the Planning Board had approved and passed the
draft ordinance to Town Council. Prior to going to Council new information was
presented and it is the board’s decision to consider additional information.
Mr. Alexander stated that it was fine on his part to revisit the ordinance. Mr.
Yount commented that he also was willing to reconsider the ordinance.
Mr. Yount made a motion to reconsider the
Tree and Landscape ordinance.
In favor of the motion Ms. Webster, Ms. Miller, Mr. Yount, Chairman West, Mr. Alexander
and Mr. Steele. Ms. Sweeting was opposed
to the motion. Motion passed.
Mr. Rothrock gave the staff report to the
board in reference to the Tree and Landscape Ordinance revisions. Prior to
presenting the landscape ordinance to Town Council for review and consideration
the planning office received a few additional suggestions and requested input
from the Planning Board.
There was discussion on the new information
that had been received and the draft ordinance.
Mr. Yount made a motion to add the definitions
to the draft Tree and Landscape ordinance. Ms. Webster seconded the motion. All members were in favor of the motion
with no further action or changes.
Mr. Yount asked if Mr. Rothrock could speak
about 120 Yonahlossee Rd. Mr. Rothrock commented that Town Council had ordered
a demolition of the former Cheeseburger’s restaurant building. This will
proceed as soon as three bids are received for demolition.
Mr. Steele made a motion to adjourn. Mr.
Yount seconded the motion. All
members were in favor.
With
no further business the Planning Board adjourned at 8:56 PM.
______________________________
______________________________
Jim
West, Chairman Sherrie
Pitts, Administrative Assistant