AGENDA# 5a

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:      Response to Petition from the Coker Hills Neighborhood Association

 

DATE:            March 27, 2006

 

 

PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to a petition from the Coker Hills Neighborhood Association requesting financial assistance from the Town for costs related to notifying residents about the Neighborhood Conservation District process (please see Attachment 1). 

 

On March 15, 2006, this petition was withdrawn by the President of the Neighborhood Association.  We recommend that the Council take no action. 

 

BACKGROUND

 

On March 7, 2005, the President of the Coker Hills Neighborhood Association petitioned the Council for establishment of a Neighborhood Conservation District.  On March 29, 2005, the neighborhood submitted its formal petition with signatures from property owners to the Town Clerk.  On June 15, 2005, the Council authorized the Town Manager to contract for services with Clarion Associates to prepare Neighborhood Conservation Districts for the Coker Hills neighborhood as well as the Greenwood, Morgan Creek/Kings Mill and Pine Knolls neighborhoods.

 

Clarion Associates held three meetings for residents of the Coker Hills neighborhood to participate in the Neighborhood Conservation District process.  Clarion Associates presented summary reports to the Planning Board throughout the process.  Clarion also provided opportunity for residents to submit comments in writing or in person throughout the process.

 

The Planning Board is scheduled to consider the proposed Neighborhood Conservation District on March 21, 2006.  There will be a public hearing for all four Neighborhood Conservation Districts’ proposals on May 15, 2006. 

 

THE REQUEST

 

In a petition dated March 6, 2006, the President of the Coker Hills Neighborhood Association requested that the Council provide financial assistance for costs related to sending out notices and a survey to the neighborhood regarding the Neighborhood Conservation District process. 

 

DISCUSSION

 

In an email dated March 15, 2006, the president of the Neighborhood Association withdrew the petition that was presented to the Council on March 6, 2006 (please see Attachment 2). 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

The Coker Hills Neighborhood Association has withdrawn its petition.  We recommend that the Council take no action.

 

ATTACHMENTS

 

1.      March 6, 2006 Petition to the Town Council (p. 3).

2.      March 15, 2006 Correspondence from the Coker Hills Neighborhood Association (p. 4).