MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE MAYOR
AND COUNCIL OF
THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL, MONDAY, MAY 21,
1990, 7:30 P.M.
Mayor pro‑Tem
Preston called the hearing to order.
Council Members Julie
Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Herzenberg, Arthur Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson
were in attendance. Mayor Howes, Council Member Alan Rimer and Council Member
James C. Wallace were absent excused.
Also in attendance
were Assistant to the Mayor Lisa Price, Interim Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal,
Assistant Town Manager Florentine Miller, Public Safety Director Cal Horton,
Planning Director Roger Waldon, Assistant to the Attorney Richard Sharpless, and
Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
noted that this evening's hearing was the second public hearing to be held in
the Council's new chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Preston said that the new chamber,
particularly the seating arrangement, was a vast improvement over the former
chamber. Mayor Pro Tem Preston said that the staff was attempting to correct
sound amplification problems in the new chamber.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
requested that speakers be as concise as possible in making their remarks.
Cameron‑McCauley
Historic District and Conservation District
Planning Director
Roger Waldon noted that the Town staff would be recommending that two of the
proposals before the Council this evening be denied. Mr. Waldon reviewed the
Council's previous consideration of the Cameron‑McCauley Historic
District proposal. Mr. Waldon said that the staff had sought to achieve a
compromise solution concerning the Cameron‑McCauley area. Mr. Waldon
stated that no single consensus solution had yet emerged from discussions. Mr.
Waldon noted that the Town staff was recommending that the proposal for Cameron‑McCauley
historic district designation not be pursued at this time.
Mr. Waldon noted that
the Cameron‑McCauley area had met the threshold requirements for
designation as a historic district. Mr. Waldon said that a variety of
mechanisms other than historic districts were available to preserve homes in
the area. Mr. Waldon stated that opposition to district formation was
significant enough to recommend against formation of an historic district.
Historic District
Chairperson Lillyan Page noted that there had been a great deal of opposition
to the formation of the Town's present historic district. Ms. Page stressed that the Historic District
Commission works with individuals to obtain certificates of
appropriateness. Ms. Page said that
only two certificates of appropriateness had been denied in recent times. Ms. Page stated that the Historic District
Commission unanimously recommended that the Cameron-McCauley area, with the
exception of the power plant, be designated as an historic district.
Mr. Waldon stated
that Planning Board Chairperson Bruce Guild was unable to attend this evening's
hearing due to a family emergency. Mr. Waldon noted that the Planning Board had
numerous discussions and made several motions concerning possible formation of
an historic district. Mr. Waldon said that the Planning Board had been unable
to make a positive recommendation to the Council concerning formation of an
historic district.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
inquired whether the Planning Board had considered varying boundaries for the
proposed district. Mr. Waldon said yes. Council Member Andresen inquired
whether the staff had examined the redrawing of proposed district lines. Mr.
Waldon noted that the Historic District Commission had proposed such an
alternative, but the staff had not attempted to redraw district lines. Ms.
Loewenthal noted that her preliminary recommendation was the district not be
established.
William C. Fischer, a
Pittsboro resident, said he had grown up on, and raised his children on,
McCauley Street. Mr. Fischer said he found it unsettling that residents of a
historic district would have to get permission to paint their own homes. Mayor
Pro Tem Preston noted that the Historic District Commission does not review the
color of paint on individual homes.
Dr. George Steele,
representing Neighbors for a Cameron‑McCauley Historic District, said
that the Cameron‑McCauley neighborhood deserved protection. Dr. Steele
said he was concerned about the recommendation for denial of district
formation. Dr. Steele said that owners of over half of the assessed property in
the area had signed a petition favoring formation of an historic district. Dr.
Steele said he favored designation of the area as an historic district.
Dan Murphy, a
resident of the Town's current historic district, expressed concern about the
Town's ability to regulate homeowner's decisions concerning changes in property
appearance. Mr. Murphy added that a board of ten persons, the Historic District
Commission, could determine the desirability of changes to individual
properties.
Margaret Taylor,
President of the Chapel Hill Alliance of Neighborhoods, read a letter from Mr.
Bob Stipe, who was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Taylor stated that Mr. Stipe was an attorney degreed in city
planning, who had previously served on the faculty of the Institute of
Government and as director of the State's Division of Archives and Natural History. Ms. Taylor said that Mr. Stipe had also
served on the National Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Directors. Mr. Stipe said that the Town staff
recommendation to deny the historic district was too simple an answer to a
complex issue. Mr. Stipe noted that making a recommendation based on popularity
was wrong. Mr. Stipe's statement noted that historic district formation had
been reinforced by several court decisions. Mr. Stipe stated that anticipated
problems with district guidelines had been exaggerated. Mr. Stipe noted that he
had been the originator of the conservation district concept and stated his
opinion that a conservation district was not appropriate for the Cameron‑McCauley
area. Mr. Stipe said failing to amend the zoning atlas to permit historic
district formation would send the wrong message to area residents.
Dr. Jim Dobbins said
that examples of unacceptable items had been outlined at a historic district
educational meeting. Dr. Robbins said that aluminum siding and "four
seasons" rooms had been cited as examples of unacceptable home
improvements. Dr. Robbins said he was proud of the Old Salem historic‑district
in Winston‑Salem. Dr. Dobbins said he opposed the formation of a Cameron‑McCauley
historic district, since it would be degrading for individual property owners
to seek permission to make improvements to their own property. Dr. Dobbins
urged the Council not to adopt a historic district in the area.
Don McChesney said he
had resided in the Cameron‑McCauley neighborhood since 1968. Mr.
McChesney said he supported the formation of an historic district. Mr. McChesney
said a variety of residents live in the neighborhood. Mr. McChesney said the
formation of a conservation district would not be as effective as designation
of the area as an historic district. Noting that the State Division of Archives
and Natural History had recommended formation of the district, Mr. McChesney
urged the Council to follow through on this recommendation.
Steve Dobbins said he
resided in the Cameron‑McCauley area. Mr. Dobbins noted that individual
property owners have financial responsibility for maintaining their own
properties. Mr. Dobbins said that the necessary threshold for formation of a
historic district had not been met. Mr. Dobbins said that the guideline
prohibiting the use of aluminum siding appeared to be an unfair restriction.
Mr. Dobbins stated that the formation of the district was not needed to address
a specific threat or problem. Mr. Dobbins requested that the Council not place
undue burdens on area residents.
Jim Webb said he was
serving his third term on the Town's Historic District Commission. Mr. Webb noted that Mr. Stipe had been one
of his students at the University. Mr.
Webb said he could not improve on Mr. Stipe's earlier statement. Mr. Webb said that the Historic District
Commission did its best to assist property owners with certificates of
appropriateness applications.
Gene Swecker,
Associate Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Management at the University, said
that the University had been a good steward of its properties over the years.
Mr. Swecker stated that the inclusion of University properties in the historic
district was not useful. Mr. Swecker requested that the Council not include any
University property in a proposed historic district.
Elizabeth Johnson
said she had resided in Chapel Hill since 1968. Ms. Johnson said she resided at
the corner of Pittsboro Street and University Drive. Ms. Johnson said she was
overwhelmed by the diversity and charm of the Cameron‑McCauley
neighborhood. Ms. Johnson said the formation of a historic district was a good idea.
John Sanders, 1107
Sourwood Drive, said he had been a resident of the Town for thirty‑two
years. Mr. Sanders also noted that he serves as the Chairperson of the
University Buildings and Grounds Committee. Mr. Sanders said the nature and
function of the University boiler plant and the Carolina Inn would require
externally visible changes in the future. Mr. Sanders said the University had
been a responsible custodian of its historic properties. Mr. Sanders requested
that the Council exclude University properties from any proposed historic
district.
Keith Burridge said
he strongly supported the formation of a Cameron‑McCauley historic
district. Dr. Burridge said the designation would help to preserve and protect
the neighborhood. Dr. Burridge expressed concern that five homes on Pittsboro
Street had been demolished during the past year. Dr. Burridge suggested that a
compromise could be reached by formulating less stringent historic district
guidelines. Dr. Burridge also suggested redrawing the proposed historic
district boundaries. Dr. Burridge requested that his statement and proposed
revised district boundary map be included in the record of the hearing. Both
are on file in the Town Clerk's Office.
Shirley Clapham, a
resident property owner of Cameron Avenue, said she was speaking on behalf of
those who had signed a petition protesting the formation of a historic
district. Ms. Clapham noted that many residents of the protest petition were
long‑time residents of the neighborhood. M$. Clapham said that the
proposed historic district was composed of many different neighborhoods. Ms.
Clapham said many of the problems of the Cameron‑McCauley area were not
design‑related. Ms. Clapham requested that the Council permit individuals
to continue with their own creativity by voting no on the historic district
proposal.
Baird Grimson, 407
Ransom Street, said he supported the formation of a Cameron/McCauley historic
district. Mr. Grimson said that
approximately twice as many owners had signed in favor of a district than those
who opposed district formation. Mr.
Grimson urged the Council to have the foresight to vote for a historic
district.
Alice Ingram said
that historic districts are an outmoded planning tool. Ms. Ingram said that
zoning regulations were needed to preserve the Cameron‑McCauley area. Ms.
Ingram said three major issues face the neighborhood in the future: maintenance
of neighborhood character, building height restrictions, and the widening or
extension of Pittsboro Street.
Dr. Art Aylsworth, a
resident of Browbridge Lane, said his property was not included in the proposed
historic district boundary. Dr. Aylsworth said this non‑inclusion was his
only problem with the proposed designation. Dr. Aylsworth said he agreed with
Dr. Burridge's earlier comments concerning the neighborhood's unique character.
Dr. Aylsworth said Town residents had done an excellent job of preserving the
beauty and character of the community. Dr. Aylsworth said he hoped that the
Council would adopt the district with new boundaries. Alternatively, Dr.
Aylsworth requested that properties adjoining the district boundary be given
the option of inclusion.
Ed Cockrell, a
resident of the West Cameron Avenue area, said he had resided in Town for over
fourteen years. Mr. Cockrell said he favored adoption of Resolution B. Mr.
Cockrell said he wanted to see better sidewalks, cleaner streets, better
traffic flow on Ransom Street, and improved cleanliness of fraternities in the
area.
Claire Vaughn,
president of the Chapel Hill Preservation Society, said the Cameron‑McCauley
neighborhood was worthy of protection. Ms. Vaughn noted that contributions
given to the Preservation Society on behalf of sorority and fraternity
renovations would have covenants attached. Ms. Vaughn urged the Council to work
with the Preservation Society in making the Cameron‑McCauley area worthy
as a historic district.
Kenneth Putnam said
he had been a Town resident since 1944, said there was nothing historic about
his residence at 3 Putnam Court. Mr. Putnam noted that he had been on the
Town's Board of Aldermen during the 1950's. Mr. Putnam said he opposed the
imposition of unnecessary regulation on Town residents. Mr. Putnam said he
hoped that the Council could work out a positive solution other than the
formation of a historic district.
Pauline Grimson, 407
Ransom Street, said that Chapel Hill is an attractive and unique
community. Ms. Grimson said she enjoyed
being within walking distance of the University and the downtown area. Ms. Grimson said that the recently compiled
historical significant study demonstrated the historical significance of the
neighborhood.
Isabelle Lewis, a
resident of Mallette Street since 1956, said a petition to designate the
Cameron/McCauley area had been initiated in 1976. Ms. Lewis said the real question before the Council was whether
or not to act to preserve the Cameron‑McCauley neighborhood. Ms, Lewis
said the neighborhood is pedestrian‑oriented, convenient, beautiful and
neighborly. Ms. Lewis said the creation of a historic district would help the
Town reach some of its goals in the Town's Comprehensive Plan.
Helen Urquhart, 426
West Cameron Avenue, said she supported the formation of an historic district.
Ms. Urquhart added her vigorous opposition to conservation districts or other
alternatives to historic districts. Ms. Urquhart expressed concern that Town
planners had been unable to adequately identify significant differences between
historic districts and their alternatives. Ms. Urquhart said that the first two
neighborhood information meetings should have been planned in conjunction with
neighborhood residents, prior to the hiring of a historic preservation
consultant. Ms. Urquhart noted that some neighborhood residents had elected not
to sign either petition, since they could not obtain definitive answers to
their questions.
Richard Mann, a
resident of University Drive, said he supported the formation of the proposed
historic district.
Charlie Nelson said
the Town's character is quite unlike that of any other community. Mr. Nelson,
citing his attendance at a joint meeting of the Appearance Commission, Planning
Board and Town Council, said that a University official had chosen not to
respond to a question concerning the acquisition of property by the University
in the Cameron‑McCauley area. Mr. Nelson said many prominent members of
the community had voiced their support of the continued residential existence
of the Cameron‑McCauley neighborhood. Mr. Nelson urged the Council to
approve formation of a cameron‑McCauley historic district.
Hugh Mortashed said
he had written a letter to the Council and Historic District Commission expressing
his support of a historic district. Mr. Mortashed urged the Council to read his
letter of support.
Sue Field, 113 Kenan
Street, said she enthusiastically supported the formation of a historic
district. Ms. Field said the CameronMcCauley neighborhood is a charming area
worthy of preservation.
Scott Smith noted
that the local chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma had been established in 1856. Mr. Smith said that Phi Kappa Sigma had
contributed $2,700 to the American Diabetes Association this year. Mr. Smith added that the fraternity was
still in the process of receiving approval for funding of improvements to their
house. Mr. Smith said he supported the
formation of a historic district.
Helen Urquhart read a
letter from Dumock Maurice, 409 West Cameron Avenue, stating that nothing short
of historic district formation would prevent University and commercial
expansion in the future.
Mrs. Dimmick, the
owner of the Mallette‑Wilson House, built in 1845, urged the Council to
designate the area as a historic district. Ms. Dimmick said that very few homes
in the area are less than fifty years old.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
requested that a letter from Dr. Henry Clark be entered into the record of the
hearing. A copy of Dr. Clark's letter, supporting district formation, is
available in the Clerk's office.
Mark Carey, 9 St.
James Place, said he had moved back to Town in January. Mr. Carey said he
graduated from the University in 1962. Mr. Carey noted that he had lived in
Salisbury, North Carolina, where he served as a member of the Historic
Salisbury Foundation. Mr. Carey stated that eight historic districts had been
established in a community of 20,000 with the help of Mr. Bob Stipe. Mr. Carey
stated that approximately two thousand persons per year tour one of Salisbury's
historic areas. Mr. Carey said the establishment of a Cameron‑McCauley
historic district would be a wonderful asset for the Town.
Ruth Morris, 400
Ransom Street, said she was fortunate to live in the Pritchard House, one of
the most historic homes in Town. Ms. Morris said she had moved into an
apartment in the home in 1967, after having previously resided in Town from
1929 to 1939. Ms. Morris noted that the home was built in 1908. Ms. Morris said
she ardently supported the formation of an historic district in the area.
Charlotte Adams, a
Town resident since 1927, said she strongly supported formation of an historic
district. Ms. Adams stated that her home in the area was built in 1940.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
expressed appreciation for the comments by this evening's speakers. There were
no questions from the Council.
Ms. Loewenthal noted
that a protest petition opposing the formation of an historic district had been
received by the Town. Ms. Loewenthal stated that if the petition were found to
be valid, it would require seven Council votes, rather than five, to establish
a historic district. Ms. Loewenthal noted that the standing of the petition
would be determined prior to the Council's June 11th meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER
HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE
MANAGER AND ATTORNEY. THE MOTION WAS
ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0).
Closure of
Woodbine Drive
Engineering Director
George Small briefly described the circumstances leading to the recommended
closure of Woodbine Drive. Mr. Small noted that the potential for conflicting
turning movements in the area was quite high. Mr. Small noted that the initial
request for closure had been received from the Department of Transportation
over one year ago. Mr. Small stated that there was no consensus for the closure
of Woodbine Drive at that time.
Mr. Small noted that
the situation was revisited following the initiation of the u.s. 15‑501
Bypass project. Mr. Small said a recent twenty‑four hour traffic count on
Woodbine Drive had counted 233 vehicles. Mr. Small noted that the word
"permanently" should be removed from the Town Manager's preliminary
recommended resolution of closure. Mr. Small noted that the closure of the
right‑of‑way was not intended, since the Town did not propose to
abandon the underlying road right‑of‑way.
Council Member
Andresen inquired about the reason for not abandoning the easement. Mr. Small
said the only objective of the request was to preclude through traffic. Mr.
Small noted that there was no reason to abandon the right‑of‑way.
Council Member Andresen inquired about the possibility of reopening the roadway
in the future. Mr. Small stated that the staff wished to leave as many options
as possible open in the future.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
inquired whether the Department of Transportation or neighborhood residents
had brought the matter to the Town's attention. Mr. Small added that residents
had contacted the Town after the beginning of Bypass construction. Mr. Small
noted that the construction of the Bypass would not be affected by the possible
closure of Woodbine Drive.
Council Member Werner
inquired whether the Department of Transportation had standards concerning the
proximity of service roads to other major roadways. Mr. Small said yes, noting
that if the construction of Dobbins Drive were to take place today, the
situation would be much different.
Marlene Droegmueller
said that the proposal for closure had been made by the Town Engineering
Department in August, 1988. Ms. Droegmueller noted that the construction of
Fordham Boulevard was more directly impacting individual residents than had
been originally anticipated. Ms. Droegmueller noted that more accidents were
occurring at the intersection of Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive due to
non-standard traffic maneuvers in the construction area. Ms. Droegmueller said traffic on Woodbine
Drive had increased greatly since the beginning of the Fordham Boulevard
project. Ms. Droegmueller urged members
of the Council to park at the intersection of Woodbine and Manning Drives to
study the traffic situation.
Ms. Loewenthal said
her preliminary recommendation was to close Woodbine Drive to traffic.
Bill Daniell, 908
Coker Drive, said his neighborhood would be adversely impacted by the closure
of Woodbine Drive. Mr. Daniell said he had originally signed a petition to
close Woodbine Drive, but after reflecting, it became clear that there would be
adverse traffic consequences along his street. Mr. Daniell expressed concern
that the closure of Woodbine Drive would result in traffic being funneled along
Coker Drive to reach Manning Drive. Mr. Daniell said that Coker Drive was not
designed as a traffic artery. Mr. Daniell said he was particularly concerned
about the safety of children in the area. Mr. Daniell said it was his
observation that there is not a traffic problem on Woodbine Drive at present.
Mr. Daniell suggested delaying the closure of Woodbine Drive until a traffic
problem arose. Mr. Daniell said he favored the creation of a buffer or sound
screening, but felt that the closure of woodbine to divert traffic was not fair
and equitable.
Danny Moffie, 904
Coker Drive, said his home is at the southwest corner of Woodbine and Coker
Drive. Mr. Moffie said his major concern was safety. Mr. Moffie said he had
seen two traffic accidents in the area within the last year. Mr. Moffie said
that if Woodbine Drive were closed, the problems would only be transferred
from Woodbine to Coker Drive.
Gretchen Vickery said
she sympathized with both points of view. Ms. Vickery noted that major trees
are located up to the right-of‑way on area streets. Ms. Vickery inquired
whether there were any alternatives to the closure of the roadway. Ms. Vickery
expressed concerned that some drivers were making illegal U‑turns along
the Bypass.
Ellen Ross, 904
Woodbine Drive, expressed concern that two drivers had made illegal U‑turns
in the vicinity of Woodbine Drive, almost colliding with her husband's vehicle.
Ms. Ross note? that there had been thirty‑five trucks on Woodbine Drive
during a one hour period earlier in the day. Ms. Ross expressed concern that
there was a dangerous traffic situation on Woodbine Drive.
Ms. Crisp, 806 Kings
Mill Road, requested that Woodbine Drive not be closed. Ms. Crisp noted that if
access were prevented from Woodbine Drive and the Botanical Garden, access to
Kings Mill Road residents would be very limited. Ms. Crisp urged the Council
not to close Woodbine Drive.
Gene Cole said he and
his wife had a contract to purchase the Ross home on Woodbine Drive. Mr. Cole said that the basic issue was
safety. Mr. Cole noted that he took
exception to an earlier remark that Woodbine Drive was safer for children than
Coker Drive.
Jim Johnston, 618
Morgan Creek Road, expressed concern that entry onto the Bypass was becoming
increasingly hazardous. Mr. Johnston
stated that Manning Drive was one of the few places were it was possible to
access the Bypass safely. Mr. Johnston suggested the installation of additional
traffic signals in the area. Mr. Johnston said that overall problems would not
be solved by the closure of Woodbine Drive.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
inquired whether alternatives to the closure of Woodbine Drive had been
explored. Mr. Small said the relocation of the intersection was not viable due
to property ownership considerations.
Ms. Johnston, 618
Morgan Creek Road, inquired about the possibility of installing speed bumps in
the area. Mr. Small said he was not aware of speeding problems in the area. Mr.
Small added that State statutes prohibit the use of speed bumps on public
streets.
Council Member
Andresen requested that the staff address concerns of the potential closing of
Woodbine Drive in its follow‑up memorandum to the Council.
COUNCIL MEMBER
HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE
MANAGER AND ATTORNEY. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (6‑0).
SUP Application
for The Ballet School of Chapel Hill
Parties wishing to
present evidence were sworn. Ms. Loewenthal requested that the agenda item and
related attachments be entered into the record of the hearing. Mayor Pro Tem
Preston concurred with the request.
Planning Director
Roger Waldon noted that the application met all conditions except one. Mr.
Waldon said that the staff's request to save one large oak tree on the site
would make it impossible to meet buffering requirements. Mr. Waldon said the
Manager recommended that the request for a special use permit modification be
approved.
Gretchen Vickery, the
project applicant, said that evergreen and flowering vines would provide
adequate buffering. Ms. Vickery said she was delighted by the cooperation of
the Town staff on her proposal.
Mr. Waldon noted that
the Planning Board had recommended approval of the request for
modification. Ms. Loewenthal said her
preliminary recommendation was the adoption of Resolution A, approving the
request for modification.
Council Member Brown
inquired whether strategies to maximize energy resources had been discussed
with the applicant. Mr. Waldon said
such a request had not been made yet, but the applicant could be asked to
address this request. Ms. Vickery said the shading area of the building was
extraordinary. Ms. Vickery added that ceilings in the facility would be
approximately sixteen feet high.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
inquired whether Ms. Vickery accepted the conditions of approval outlined in
Resolution A. Ms. Vickery said yes.
COUNCIL MEMBER
HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE
MANAGER AND ATTORNEY. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (6‑0).
Request for Deadline Extension by
Greenfields
Parties wishing to
present evidence were sworn. Ms. Loewenthal requested that the agenda item and
related attachments be entered into the record of the hearing. Mayor Pro Tem
Preston concurred with the request.
Mr. Waldon said that
the Greenfields mixed‑use development project was originally approved by
the Town in 1985, with a completion time limit of June 30, 1989. Mr. Waldon
noted that one additional twelve month time limit extension was requested and
granted administratively. Mr. Waldon said there was no construction underway on
the site at present. Mr. Waldon noted that the Town Manager's preliminary
recommendation was to deny the request for a time limit extension. Mr. Waldon
stated that it was difficult to find that the project had proceeded with due
diligence. Mr. Waldon noted that the proposed floor area for the project would
exceed standards permitted by the Town's Development Ordinance.
David Swanson,
representing the applicant, said he had not attended the Planning Board meeting
at which the extension request was discussed. Mr. Swanson said that the Town
staff had initially recommended to the Planning Board that the time extension
request be approved.
Mr. Swanson
distributed a summary to the Council. outlining transactions concerning the
Greenfields project over the past few years. Mr. Swanson said that numerous
inquiries concerning the property had been received. Mr. Swanson said his
client was interested in selling the property and working with the Town. Mr. Swanson said that the ramifications for
the property owner were significant if the time extension request were
denied. Mr. Swanson noted that the
owner was willing to negotiate on some points of the conditions of project
approval.
Mr. Waldon noted that
the Planning Board had recommended that the request for time extension be
denied. Ms. Loewenthal said her
preliminary recommendation was the adoption of Resolution A, denying the
applicant's request.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
inquired about the consequences of denying the requested modification. Mr.
Waldon noted that the completion time limit expired on July 1, 1990. Mr. Waldon
added that the permit would still be alive, since the recorded special use
permit would encumber the land. Mr. Waldon said that building permits could not
be issued until the permit was modified or a new application were submitted.
Mayor Pro Tem Preston
requested a statement from Mr. Swanson concerning the proposed conditions of
approval. Mr. Swanson said he preferred that the request for a time limit
extension be granted.
COUNCIL MEMBER
HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN,
TO RECESS THE HEARING
TO JUNE 11TH AND REFER THE MATTER TO THE MANAGER AND ATTORNEY. THE MOTION WAS
ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (6‑0).
The hearing concluded
at 11:03 p.m.