Planning and Zoning Board

 

Minutes

 

Thursday, November 17, 2005

 

 

The Blowing Rock Planning and Zoning Board met on Thursday, November 17, 2005.  Chairman Jim West called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Members present were Ron Mace, Cullie Tarleton, Doug Drury, Jim Steele, Sue Sweeting and Albert Yount. Staff members present were Planning Director Kevin Rothrock and Sherrie Pitts Administrative Assistant.

 

 

Mr. Tarleton made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Mace seconded the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion.

 

Chairman West opened the floor for discussion on the Big Box Ordinance study and asked about the request for Town Council to put a moratorium on large commercial buildings. Mr. Rothrock stated that Town Council did not discuss the issue, but there are no plans submitted at this time for review for large commercial buildings. Hopefully there will be something prepared for the Town Council meeting in December or for their retreat in January.

 

Mr. Rothrock advised the Board should think about including a traffic study requirement in the Conditional Use Permit application.

 

Chairman West brought up a discussion on bond issues and demolition verses reuse of buildings that are vacated.

 

Mr. Mace commented that the population does not encourage big retail stores, but he agreed with setting a size range limitation. Mr. Tarleton said that he also agreed with a range limitation.

 

With no further discussion on Big Box issues Chairman West opened discussion on the Comprehensive Plan Action agenda.

 

Ms. Sweeting stated that the subcommittee does want to reorganize and change some responsibility and supervision of tasks. The subcommittee also wants to reprioritize some of the actions.

 

Chairman West requested the Board receive a copy of the memo of understanding with the Department of Transportation on the widening of the 321 Bypass.

 

Ms. Sweeting commented that it would be good to see how downtown would be affected and how signage would be placed to help tourists.

 

Chairman West requested a completed list of accomplishments for the Board to review.

 

Mr. Rothrock gave updates on projects that had gone to Town Council.

 

 

 

With no other comments or questions Mr. Tarleton made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Yount seconded the motion.

 

Adjourn

 

With no further business, the Planning Board adjourned at 7:54 P.M.

 

 

__________________________________                _________________________________

Jim West, Chair                                                            Sherrie Pitts, Administrative Assistant