1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:04,000 So you're all in the right spot. 2 00:00:04,000 --> 00:00:14,000 So good evening. My name is Chad Goreley. I am the chairman of the Gastonia Planning Commission. On behalf of the commission, I would like to welcome you to today's meeting. I will now call the September 3rd 20 26 meeting of the Gastonia Planning Commission to order. If you plan to address the commission in favor or in opposition this evening, please sign the appropriate sign in sheet on the table outside the door. 3 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:28,000 Item 1, roll call sound check. 4 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:29,000 Commissioners, 5 00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,000 go around the room now asking, 6 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:37,000 state your name and if you had any calls or contacts. We'll start from my left. 7 00:00:37,000 --> 00:00:41,800 Meghan Mason, Chapman, no calls, no contacts, ward 6. 8 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:45,400 Julie Coffee, ward 5, 3 contacts. 9 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:51,000 Jeff Howell, ward 3, no contacts. 10 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:56,000 Carl Harris, ward 4, no contacts. Deanna Murphy, ward 2, no contacts. 11 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:59,000 Juan Garcia, large, number 1, no contact. 12 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:06,000 Chad Goreley, ward 1, no contacts. Hereby declare a quorum for the meeting. 13 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:15,000 Item 3, 3 a, approval of August 6 20 26 meeting minutes. Are there any corrections or additions to the August 6 20 26 meeting minutes? 14 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:20,000 Hearing none, is there a motion to adopt the meeting minutes as submitted and or revised? 15 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:21,000 Motion. 16 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:24,000 A motion. Is there a 2nd? 2nd. 2nd. 17 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:29,000 All those in favor of motion, please raise your right hand. 18 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:31,000 Motion carries. 19 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:35,000 Rules of procedure. 20 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:40,000 Before we begin the public hearings, let me 1st explain the procedures that will be followed. 21 00:01:40,000 --> 00:01:50,000 A time limitation policy is used to conduct the meeting. Generally, we ask that opponents and proponents limit their total time to a total of 20 minutes, distributing this time to 2 to 3 minutes per speaker. Time will be available for rebuttals if needed. 22 00:01:52,000 --> 00:02:02,000 At any time following the opening of the public hearing, the Planning Commission may consider continuing the hearing to a later meeting or in order that sufficient information may be obtained for the commission to make a decision. 23 00:02:02,000 --> 00:02:11,000 Following the hearing, the planning commission will consider action on the request. The commission may take action this evening or delay an action to another meeting. 24 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:21,000 Actions of the planning commission for rezonings may include granting the item requested, granting granting the request request with a reduction in the area requested, granting a more restrictive rezoning than the 1 requested, or denying the request. 25 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:32,000 If the decision of the planning commission for rezonings is by 0.75 vote, no 1 appeals our decision, then the decision of this body shall rest as final action. 26 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:40,000 On the other hand, if our vote is by less than 0.75, then the case will automatically go into the city council for a new hearing and their consideration. 27 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:47,000 Also, regardless of how the planning commission voted, if anyone appeals our decision, the case will go on to city council for a new hearing and final action. 28 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:57,000 Any such appeal must be filed with the city manager or city planning office by 5 PM on Friday, September 18th 20 26 unless otherwise noted at the beginning of the hearing. 29 00:02:57,000 --> 00:03:07,000 Notice of any potential or required hearing before the city council was given with notice of the hearing. Therefore, no separate notification will be made if there is a city council hearing. If you would like to be notified of any appeal hearing before the city council, call or email the planning department. 30 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,000 Item item 4. 31 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:22,600 Item 4 a public hearing the Grove at Airport Road file number 2 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 8. 32 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:27,000 Subject hearing involves a request to rezone approximately 4.65 33 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:34,000 acres from RS 12 single family residential minimum 12000 square foot lots to RS 8, 34 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:41,000 conditional district, single family residential minimum 8000 square feet lots conditional zoning district. The subject properties are located 35 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:49,000 at 4 40 Airport Road and 4 50 Airport Road and are owned by the Development Solutions Group LLC. 36 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:54,000 I'd like to recognize Veronica Bateson, AICP senior planner for staff's presentation. 37 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:56,000 Thank you, chair. 38 00:03:56,000 --> 00:04:03,000 As he stated, the owner is Development Solutions Group and the applicant is Kent Olson. 39 00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:09,000 These 2 parcels are located at 4 40 and 4 50 Airport Road for a total of 4.65 40 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:12,600 acres and are located within Ward 3. 41 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:23,000 The request is to rezone both parcels from the current RS 12 to r s 8 conditional to facilitate the development of 13 dwelling 2 family commonly known as duplexes, 42 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:28,000 which will result in 26 units in total. 43 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:33,000 Here, you can see an aerial overview of the properties. 44 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:37,000 And this is the rezoning site plan that is proposed for tonight. 45 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:41,000 It includes elements such as front loaded with shared driveway, 46 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:45,000 and here is an enhanced view of the rendering 47 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:50,000 as well as a sand filter due to its proximity to the airport. 48 00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:59,000 It also features a divided median entrance and sidewalk both throughout the complex as well as on the current street. 49 00:04:59,000 --> 00:05:06,000 The rezoning site plan also features common open space in 2 locations and tree save. 50 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:10,000 Here you will see the elevations and renderings that are proposed. 51 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:20,000 Note that there is no vinyl siding. It will be fiber cement with stone or brick accents on approximately 0.333 of the front elevation, and garage doors will feature glass elements. 52 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:32,000 The conditions can be found in your packet, but for those in the audience, I will take the time tonight to read them out. Condition 1 is for the development to be generally consistent with the attached site plan. 53 00:05:34,000 --> 00:05:44,000 2 is for street cross sections, access points, parking, sidewalks, and other required road improvements to be finalized during the preliminary plat and subdivision review processes. 54 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:54,000 Condition 3 is that the developers shall provide on-site storm water management to be reviewed and finalized during the site plan review process. 55 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:59,000 And condition 4 is that additional review of access points parking driveway locations 56 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:09,000 and internal drive aisles will be required during the site plan review and the final approval will be granted by TRC which is our technical review committee. Please note that the technical review committee has already provided preliminary approval of this site plan that you see before you tonight. 57 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:22,000 Condition number 5 is that tree save requirement in the code of ordinances section 20 dash 41 58 00:06:22,000 --> 00:06:30,000 shall be met utilizing a combination of alternative methods replanting and or fee in lieu to be reviewed and finalized 59 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:38,000 during the site plan review process. Please note that the applicant is meeting the tree safe requirement with the site plan and therefore 60 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:41,000 they have met this requirement. 61 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:51,000 Condition 6 is construction shall be generally consistent with the character and details as depicted in the submitted elevations and architectural standards of 8.1 0.177 62 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:58,000 is that in no instant shall the zoning conditions exempt a project from other development requirements. 63 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:06,000 For those in the audience, that means that this plan must maintain compliance with the UDO and these conditions are in addition to that. 64 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:14,000 And number 8 is where notes or depictions on the site may conflict with conditions the conditions shall govern. 65 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:20,000 Here you will see the public hearing sign that staff has placed on the property 66 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:25,000 and it is consistent with the 2050 future place type. 67 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:33,000 This location is designated as district which allows for up to 35 percent residential use. 68 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:39,000 Staff has found that this district has a residential use of 12.21 69 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:44,000 percent and the total of these parcels contributes to the overall 1.27 70 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,000 residential use. 71 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:57,000 A neighborhood meeting was held on June 3rd 20 26 at the Gastonia Community Church and there were 16 attendees. 72 00:07:57,000 --> 00:08:00,000 Staff has received multiple communication 73 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:04,000 after the time that this report was finalized. 74 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:12,000 To date, staff has received 8 oppositions to this request. 2 were via email, which I will pass out after this presentation. 75 00:08:12,000 --> 00:08:17,000 5 were via phone call, and 1 was both in person with a follow-up email. 76 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:27,000 There are also multiple people here tonight to speak as well. The main items of note that were discussed with me were traffic concerns, including impacting schools and local business, 77 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:38,000 the addition of 52 cars and what this would cause to the current traffic, the dead end street for turning around, and potential trespassing with 4 wheelers and dirt bikes, which would also lease lead to an impact in noise, concerns for safety of children nearby, 78 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:50,000 as well as impacts to wildlife as this is currently a wooded area. 79 00:08:50,000 --> 00:09:00,000 Staff does recommend approval as presented based upon the provided site plan conditions and the consistency with the 2050 comprehensive plan. 80 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:04,000 Therefore, Planning Commission is asked to make a motion. 81 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:06,000 You may either approve, 82 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:09,000 which is what the staff recommendation is. 83 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:11,400 You may also deny. 84 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:22,000 And I will say, there any questions for staff at this point? But I would like to interject with the applicant is not here tonight. He had an emergency and is unable to attend, and he is unable to send representation. 85 00:09:26,000 --> 00:09:34,000 I just spoke with him on the phone and he did state that he is comfortable with this being heard tonight and did not want it to be continued. 86 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:37,000 However, he would like me to relay to the commission 87 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:40,000 that he has made concessions 88 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:47,000 during the 1st neighborhood meeting and has sold land and reduced his total proposal. 89 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:53,000 And he has also worked very hard to work with the neighbors as well. 90 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:56,000 Are there any questions for staff? Thank you, Veronica. 91 00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:58,400 Any questions for staff? 92 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:06,800 Has a TIA been done for this? I 93 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:09,000 don't. 94 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:19,000 TIA is not required because of the threshold. Okay. So the number of units does not trigger the TI requirement. Okay. And the other question I had is, 95 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:20,000 about 96 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:22,000 is there a tree save? 97 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:24,000 Yes, they are providing 0.7 98 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:27,000 acres of tree save. I 99 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:30,400 will flip through here 100 00:10:32,000 --> 00:10:34,000 right 101 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:36,000 there. Okay. 102 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:39,000 And 103 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:47,600 that can be found on attachment d in your packet. Thanks. 104 00:10:56,000 --> 00:11:00,200 Are there any further questions for staff? 105 00:11:01,000 --> 00:11:03,000 Thank you, Veronica. 106 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:21,000 Commissioners currently we do not have anybody signed up for this item as she heard from staff that the applicant cannot be present due to emergency however there are 107 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:24,600 10 folks signed up against this item. 108 00:11:26,000 --> 00:11:28,000 As you heard in my 109 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:38,000 my 1st spiel there that we try to condense the time down to 20 minutes. So, what I would like to do is go through each name here to ask if you still would like to speak. So we'll have a proper number and how we can divide that time up equally amongst you. 110 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:41,000 Sheila, 111 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:42,000 Sheila 112 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:48,000 Everhart? Yes, present. You'd like to still speak? Yes, please. Thank you, ma'am. 113 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:58,000 Bob Edwards? Yes, sir. Let me get through these for we're get we let me state that. We're get go through and make sure everybody will speak so we can appropriate the time because some of you may want you know, we see some couples on here. You might wanna speak as 1. So we'll get the time to divide up equally as we can. Mister Edwards, you say you still want to speak? Yes, sir. Thank you. 114 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:09,000 Samantha McCants. 115 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:19,000 You still wanna speak? Okay, thank you. 116 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,000 Emma Freeman. 117 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:30,000 She did not wanna speak. Yeah. 118 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:32,000 Thank you, miss Freeman. 119 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:34,000 Chris Freeman. 120 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:37,000 Yes. 121 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:39,000 Thank you. 122 00:12:39,000 --> 00:12:42,000 Ellis Smith? Yes. Thank you. 123 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:51,000 I'm having trouble reading his last name. Jim. Freeman. Freeman. Another Freeman. 124 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:53,000 Thank you. 125 00:12:54,000 --> 00:12:56,000 John Freeman? Yes. 126 00:12:57,000 --> 00:12:59,000 Thank you. 127 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:06,000 Robert starts with an h. Can't read the handwriting. 128 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:08,000 It looks like Hawkins. 129 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:13,000 You still want to speak, sir? Yes, sir. Thank you. 130 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:15,000 Dottie Murphy? 131 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:17,000 Yes, Thank you. 132 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:22,200 Alright. Somebody do some math for me. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 133 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:47,400 Can I write it? 134 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:03,200 So the math's not mathing equally. 2.25. 135 00:14:04,000 --> 00:14:14,000 So, I'll use my authority to grant 3 minutes per speaker. That should be plenty. Just keep in mind, keep it to 3 minutes if you can, please. There'll be a it'll be it's on the clock up here. You'll see 3 lights up there like red light, caution light, green light. Caution means you're getting close and red means you've gone over and you'll need to discontinue speaking. 136 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:25,000 Anybody understand? 137 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:29,000 Thank you. I'd like to call Sheila 138 00:14:29,000 --> 00:14:31,000 Everhart. 139 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:33,000 Did it. I can read handwriting. 140 00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:42,000 Good evening. Thank you. If you would state your name and your address for the record, please. Yes. I'm Sheila Everhart, and I reside at 17 80 Gaston Day School Road. 141 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:49,000 I've been asked to attend, and if it's permitted, I would like to read a letter from our house of representative, 142 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:50,000 Donnie Loftus 143 00:14:50,000 --> 00:14:54,000 Absolutely. That he has written in regards to this. 144 00:14:54,000 --> 00:15:01,000 He writes to share some information of the possible rezoning request for 2 parcels of approximately 4.65 145 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:10,000 acres located at 4 40 and 4 50 Airport Road. And I think we are a thorough understanding of what's gonna happen 146 00:15:10,000 --> 00:15:20,000 at this location. He says, and he reiterates what everything has been said by miss Veronica about the 59 units down to current 26 147 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:25,000 reports, 148 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:29,800 public outcry of this being planned, extremely busy. 149 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:36,000 There's no doubt that affordable housing needs to be here in Gastonia and across North Carolina. 150 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:38,400 However, cramming 26 duplexes and 4.65 151 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:42,000 acres will negate 152 00:15:43,000 --> 00:15:50,000 negately impact a quiet community by trying to leverage as much profit as possible. 153 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:59,000 And I skip on in time in essence of time. Additionally, current zoning is an r s 12, which has been explained, 154 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:01,000 and it will bring into 155 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:03,000 and reduce 156 00:16:03,000 --> 00:16:13,000 the lot size to approximately 12000 square feet. This zoning designation is typically intended for low density residential development. 157 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:15,000 Rezoning these parcels 158 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:17,000 to RS8CD 159 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:27,000 refers to the residential single family district that allows for minimum lot size of 8000 square feet and needs additionally zoned as a conditional 160 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:30,000 district. 161 00:16:31,000 --> 00:16:33,000 Moving on in this letter, 162 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:43,000 Mr. Loeffless says, In measuring the RS 12 square feet as it relates to a typical measurement, it would measure approximately 1 point 163 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:45,000 hundred and 164 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:47,000 9.59 165 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:50,000 feet square. When measuring the RS8 166 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:54,000 CD square feet as it relates to a typical measurement, 167 00:16:54,000 --> 00:17:04,000 it would measure approximately 88 feet. It is apparent that this proposed change would fit the new standard by some developers to gram as many units as possible to maximize the return 168 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:09,000 on this investment. 169 00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:11,000 I respectfully request 170 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:18,000 that this application be denied and that the current r s 12 zoning remain in place. 171 00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:24,000 Please consider this correspondence with the planning commission members before their meeting scheduled 172 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:25,000 tonight. 173 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:27,000 Thank you, Donnie Loftus. 174 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:29,000 He is a neighbor of mine. 175 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:39,000 I know I know that this is very hard, and we hear all the time you can't fight city hall. We hear all the time, well this this happened to me in my neighborhood, yada yada. 176 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:45,000 I'm over my time. You made efficient use of your time. You did a good job. 177 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:49,000 I just I just appeal to this board, 178 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:51,000 to the commissioners, 179 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:52,000 that visit 180 00:17:52,000 --> 00:17:56,000 this road. Go down to Airport Road. 181 00:17:56,000 --> 00:18:00,000 Look to see what is in that area. 182 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:02,000 It's not that. 183 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,000 We oppose 184 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:07,000 this rezoning. Thank you. Any questions for speaker? 185 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:09,000 Thank you ma'am. 186 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:11,000 Thank you. 187 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:16,000 Mister Bob Edwards. 188 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:27,000 Good evening, sir. State your name and address for the record. Yes. Good afternoon. My name is Bob Edwards. My address is 17 80 Gaston Day School Road. 189 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:30,000 Thank goodness for the air conditioning. 190 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:37,000 So I am addressing you this very hot afternoon regarding the possible rezoning 191 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:41,000 request for the 2 parcels of land on Airport Road. 192 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:45,800 I began commuting from Charlotte to Gaston County, 193 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:47,000 Gastonia 194 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:48,000 back in 19 70. 195 00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:53,000 I attended Gaston Tech that was before it became Gaston College 196 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:55,000 majoring in electronics engineering. 197 00:18:55,000 --> 00:19:05,000 After graduating and beginning my professional career, I was able to purchase 1 piece of property in Gaston County where I've remained as a permanent resident since 19 81. 198 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:15,000 If I do the math correctly, that makes me a resident for 45 years. You know, where does the time go? 199 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:19,000 I enjoy the community and lifestyle which we reside in 200 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:25,600 being single family homes with attached garages, some with unattached garages, 201 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:30,000 whether there is any space inside to put the car or not. 202 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:36,000 Most of us have the yards to fertilize and groom with room for the kids to run-in the yard. 203 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:38,000 And of course the leaves to fall 204 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:42,000 that we have to take care of. 205 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:48,000 And almost forgot the taxes. Yes, we pay taxes. We pay a lot of taxes. I 206 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:49,000 say 207 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,000 all of this 208 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:55,000 because we are a single family residential community 209 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:56,000 for at least 210 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:57,000 1 211 00:19:57,000 --> 00:19:59,000 mile 212 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:01,000 around Airport Road. 213 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:03,000 There are no other 214 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:06,000 multifamily homes that we are aware of. 215 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:09,600 Airport Road is a 0.5 mile long 216 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:12,400 dead end single lane 217 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:17,600 with 1 business, 1 church, and several homes. 218 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:28,000 Airport Road connects to the busy Gastonia School Road within less than 100 yards of the entrance to Gaston Day School. 219 00:20:29,000 --> 00:20:33,000 As we all know, Gaston Day School Road is already 220 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:38,000 busting at the seams with traffic conditions that are almost intolerable, 221 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:39,000 almost impossible 222 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,000 at morning commutes, 223 00:20:41,000 --> 00:20:43,000 school opening times, 224 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:48,000 school closing times, and the commutes home from work. 225 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:49,000 Gastonia Road 226 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:55,000 is a popular cut through from the connecting Franklin Boulevard area 227 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:59,200 to multiple home developments and Union Road. 228 00:21:00,000 --> 00:21:01,000 EMS, 229 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:03,400 fire, police are already 230 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:10,000 very active on Gastonia School Road, especially around Gastonia School. 231 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:12,000 Excessive traffic 232 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:18,000 at this intersection of Airport Road and Gaston Day School Road will 233 00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:22,200 negatively affect the safety of our children. 234 00:21:23,000 --> 00:21:27,200 Traffic pattern analysis will show you that 235 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:30,000 safety 236 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:33,600 of our children should be considered. 237 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:41,000 The zoning request for 4 40 and 4 50 Road Airport Road. Excuse me, Edgerton. Your time's expired. 238 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:43,000 Yes, sir. 239 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:45,000 We therefore respectfully 240 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:46,000 request 241 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:49,000 that the request for zoning change 242 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,000 be denied 243 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:53,000 and that we retain 244 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:55,000 the zoning that is compatible 245 00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:56,000 with the established 246 00:21:56,000 --> 00:22:01,000 neighborhood. Thank you, judge. Thank you, mister Edwards. Any questions from mister Edwards? 247 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:03,000 Thank you, sir. 248 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:20,000 You're Emma. Already had you already had you not speaking. You're 249 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:22,000 Samantha. 250 00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:30,000 You're give them so combine between y'all. You're give them 6 more You're 251 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:31,000 gonna give 252 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:36,000 somebody else wanna use 3 give him 3 and somebody else wanna use 3? 253 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:38,000 What's 254 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:39,000 your name? Murphy. Murphy? 255 00:22:39,000 --> 00:22:43,200 Okay. Remind me, you get 6 minutes. How 256 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:48,000 many minutes you up to now? The meter's running. 257 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:50,000 My goodness. 258 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:52,000 Go for it. 259 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:54,000 You got 9 minutes. 260 00:22:54,000 --> 00:22:58,000 Well, I I hope I don't need that long. So 261 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:01,000 Samantha When does my time start, sir? Now. 262 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:11,000 Now. Thank you very much. The rezoning request for 4 4 0 and 4 5 0 Airport Road is in reference to 2 parcels of land located at the end of this airport road. 263 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:16,000 The purpose of the request by Kent Olson and 264 00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:18,000 Development Solutions 265 00:23:18,000 --> 00:23:20,000 Group 266 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:22,000 is to construct 26 267 00:23:23,000 --> 00:23:24,000 high density 268 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:26,000 duplex 269 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:28,000 units. 270 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:32,000 A complex of this size will generate an additional 271 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:33,000 minimal 272 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:35,000 52 vehicles, 273 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:36,000 automobiles 274 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:41,400 that add to the traffic congestion in this area. 275 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:50,000 This doesn't even take into account the potential for Amazon deliveries, FedEx, UPS, Grubhub, Grubhub door, 276 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:56,000 Domino's, Pizza Hut, and what's gonna happen when we get Uber? 277 00:23:56,000 --> 00:24:02,000 The industrial business located at 1 0 9 Airport Road will be negatively affected 278 00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:05,000 by the addition of congestion and traffic 279 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:07,400 associated with this development. 280 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:11,000 The utility infrastructure 281 00:24:11,000 --> 00:24:14,600 on Airport Road will not accommodate 282 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,400 this type of development. 283 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:21,000 The electric supplier, Rutherford Electric, 284 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:22,000 struggles 285 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:24,000 to maintain 286 00:24:24,000 --> 00:24:26,000 continuous power 287 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:28,000 with the existing customers 288 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:31,000 and industry on Airport Road. 289 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:40,000 We have several from JF Heat Treating, the industrial corporation on that road present this evening. 290 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:42,000 If Ken Olson 291 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:45,000 would be willing to build 1 home 292 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:47,000 on each of the 2 lots 293 00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:49,400 as single family homes, 294 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:54,800 they would be graciously accepted into the community. 295 00:24:55,000 --> 00:24:58,000 We're not asking the city to prevent 296 00:24:58,000 --> 00:24:59,000 reasonable 297 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:02,000 residential use of the property. 298 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:04,000 We realize 299 00:25:04,000 --> 00:25:08,000 the owner's right to develop it under appropriate 300 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:10,000 zoning. 301 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:12,000 Our objection 302 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:14,000 is to the increasing 303 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:15,000 of the density 304 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:17,000 to approximately 26 homes 305 00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:20,000 on 4.6 acres 306 00:25:21,000 --> 00:25:24,000 when the surrounding area is substantially 307 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:26,000 less dense, 308 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:29,000 meaning R-twelve. 309 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:33,000 However, it's very evident in our minds 310 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:36,600 that the purpose of this request 311 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:39,000 for the rezoning 312 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:41,000 is directed 313 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:46,000 at cramming as many units into a 4.6 acre plot 314 00:25:46,000 --> 00:25:49,000 of land to maximize profits 315 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:52,000 for an out of town 316 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:53,000 land development 317 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:55,000 corporation 318 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:56,000 at the expense 319 00:25:56,000 --> 00:25:58,000 of Gastonia 320 00:25:58,000 --> 00:26:00,000 citizens. 321 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:02,000 Once again, 322 00:26:02,000 --> 00:26:04,000 we therefore respectfully 323 00:26:05,000 --> 00:26:07,000 request 324 00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:09,000 that this request 325 00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:11,000 for zoning change 326 00:26:11,000 --> 00:26:13,000 be denied 327 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:15,000 and that we retain 328 00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:18,000 the zoning that is compatible 329 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:19,000 with the established 330 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:21,000 neighborhoods. 331 00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:24,000 We thank you very much. 332 00:26:24,000 --> 00:26:26,000 I'm still grinning. 333 00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:32,000 Thank you, mister Edwards. Yes, sir. Thank you. Any more questions? Any questions for mister Edwards? I I have a question. 334 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:34,400 Mister Edwards? Yes, sir. 335 00:26:35,000 --> 00:26:39,000 Thanks. Yes, sir. The to your knowledge, do you know of any opposition 336 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:41,400 from Gastonia Community Church? 337 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:49,000 The response that I received from the church was that they wish to become neutral or stay neutral. 338 00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:51,000 K. 339 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,000 Thank you. 340 00:26:54,000 --> 00:27:04,000 I mean, it's it's a church. They they wish to be neutral with their congregation. K. Thank you. Yes, sir. Now that was speaking of the pastor and the upper management of the church. K. Any 341 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:08,000 further questions? 342 00:27:10,000 --> 00:27:13,600 Thank you, Mr. Edwards. Yes, sir. 343 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:20,000 Moving on down the list. 344 00:27:20,000 --> 00:27:22,000 Ellis Smith. 345 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:34,000 Good evening, State your name and address for the record, please. Okay. Name is Ellis Smith, and closest home to the airport is at 61 21 Rosemore Lane off of New Hope Road. 346 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:45,000 And the main address is I just built the new hangar over at the airport, so I'm operating an airplane out of the airport. So I'm gonna give you an airport perspective or a pilot's perspective. 347 00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:49,000 By trade, I'm a professional engineer. 348 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:55,000 So for the the hangar, did all of the plans and construction and all of that. I know that airport pretty good now. 349 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:58,000 And I've been flying out of it for a couple years. 350 00:27:58,000 --> 00:28:05,000 And so 1 concern I'd have with this project, and I'm just getting up to speed on it here, so I'm not I don't know all the details. 351 00:28:05,000 --> 00:28:10,000 But I can tell you there's no fence on that side of the runway, and we're talking a runway. 352 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:15,000 I'm coming in at 100 knots usually on landing in that runway. 353 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:20,000 The when I touch down, it's from here to that parking lot from where the these houses would be. 354 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:24,000 And so I'm always concerned about animals. 355 00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:34,000 We'll have the usual deer or wild turkey because there's no fence back there. Right? That's scary enough. I can't imagine small children running around the this this development. This is probably a starter home development, it looks like. So now we're all gonna be terrified of kids 356 00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:43,000 on that runway. 357 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:53,000 So you need to be thinking about a fence, and that that airport is not ready for this next to it. So if the airport were maybe upgraded at some point, you might have to pull this off. But I'd be really concerned from a safety perspective. 358 00:28:56,000 --> 00:29:06,000 And 1 thing that's happening in the industry is you're seeing a lot of planes come in to Gastonia, that's gonna expand over the next few years. So for 1 thing, they're bringing in turboprops more now because a lot of that stuff's getting pushed out of Charlotte and Concord. 359 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:21,000 They they come in even faster, and I've just got a single engine plane. I cannot you cannot stop 1 of those planes. If there was a kid near that that runway, you cannot stop it. There's nothing you can do. 360 00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:32,000 So I would be extremely cautious. I'm not sure if you've had engineers looking at this from a safety review, but I'd be extremely careful just from a common sense viewpoint and from a pilot. And I'm always concerned when I'm touching down on that dark runway at Gastonia. And I fly out of there every week, all the time. I fly the plane personally, 361 00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:51,000 and I have other people flying my plane as well. So we we always talk about the lighting, and it's dim. It's already dim, but the lighting isn't gonna save you. If there's a dog or a cat or a kid on that runway, they're gonna get hit, 362 00:29:56,000 --> 00:30:06,000 and it's not gonna be pretty when that happens. This airport does not have any fencing on that side of the runway, and it's so close. I don't know if you guys have been out there, but I'd encourage you, before you vote on this, go stand on these lots and just walk to the center line of that runway because it is right there. 363 00:30:14,000 --> 00:30:19,000 And if I were a small kid, I'd play on that runway all day long if I could get away with it. You 364 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:27,000 know what? So it it is something to consider because it'll be on 6 o'clock news when it happens. And none of us pilots, we're all about safety. 365 00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:33,000 We're continually trying to make sure we're safe and we all work together, watch each other's backs. 366 00:30:33,000 --> 00:30:39,000 And I I can tell you everyone tries to do a good job, but there's nothing you could do about this 1. 367 00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:49,000 If if someone lands a plane on that dark runway at 8 o'clock at night or 9 o'clock at night, they're probably not even gonna know they hit the kid. So anyway. Thank you, sir. Yep. Thanks. Any questions for mister Smith? I have a question. 368 00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:54,000 Sir? Yeah. 369 00:30:54,000 --> 00:31:02,000 I'm just trying to understand what you were talking about looking at the aerial map. Yeah. So I'm it looks like the the the runway runs 370 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:04,000 pretty much parallel to the property. 371 00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:08,000 Right. A lot of trees in between. So is more of the concern 372 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:13,000 kids coming out through the woods or down the end of Airport Road onto the runway? 373 00:31:13,000 --> 00:31:23,000 I think it's a probability thing. So I'd be worried about children for sure and also pets. So if you bring this many people that close to that runway, your probability just dramatically increased of something happening. 374 00:31:27,000 --> 00:31:32,000 That's what my concern is. Does that answer your question? Well, there just appears to be a lot of trees 375 00:31:32,000 --> 00:31:42,000 between the the the property being developed and the the runway. There's trees, but, Jeff, I don't think there's any fencing down that side. There's a fence over on the main road, 376 00:31:42,000 --> 00:31:52,000 and that's nice. That's a pretty helpful fence. It's not very tall. You can just climb right over it, you know, and I've seen people doing that. But on that side where those houses are, no fence. There needs to be a 10 or 12 foot tall fence right there if you guys do this. Okay. Thank At least. 377 00:31:58,000 --> 00:32:03,000 Could I entertain any further questions for mister Smith? 378 00:32:03,000 --> 00:32:09,000 We can't sir, sir, you can't you can't speak. You have to sign up to speak. Sorry. 379 00:32:09,000 --> 00:32:11,000 No further question, mister Smith. 380 00:32:11,000 --> 00:32:14,000 Thank you, mister Smith. Thanks. 381 00:32:17,000 --> 00:32:20,600 Next will be mister Jim Freeman. 382 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:27,000 Name is Hey, mister Freeman. My name is Jimmy Freeman. 383 00:32:27,000 --> 00:32:31,000 I've been living in this area on these properties. 384 00:32:31,000 --> 00:32:39,000 Could you state your go ahead and state your address for us, please. Well, my shop address is 4 0 9 Airport Road. Thank you. 385 00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:42,000 I am part owner of the company. 386 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:45,000 I do see lots of problems 387 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,000 with the situation. 388 00:32:47,000 --> 00:32:53,000 Know we got a little bit of trees up there, and my concern was about the planes too. 389 00:32:53,000 --> 00:33:02,000 I have I've lived long enough to see planes crash there. You may not not have been here that long, 390 00:33:02,000 --> 00:33:04,000 And they can. 391 00:33:05,000 --> 00:33:12,000 And I see that housing development with more lights nearer to the airport 392 00:33:12,000 --> 00:33:15,000 can cause more problems for the aircraft. 393 00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:17,000 And 394 00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:24,000 growing up there, I know how easy it is for a kid to cut it want to cut across to the airport 395 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:26,000 and also run 396 00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:28,000 motorcycles or minibikes 397 00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:35,000 there. They hadn't in recent years, but they have in the past. 398 00:33:35,000 --> 00:33:37,000 And the animals, 399 00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:39,000 there's a lot in the area. 400 00:33:39,000 --> 00:33:42,000 The congestion part about it is 401 00:33:42,000 --> 00:33:44,000 we have 402 00:33:46,000 --> 00:33:47,000 about 403 00:33:47,000 --> 00:33:49,000 100 404 00:33:49,000 --> 00:33:51,000 well, we have over 405 00:33:51,000 --> 00:33:52,000 1000 customers 406 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:56,000 that come in and out of there, from tractor trailers 407 00:33:56,000 --> 00:34:01,000 every day, customers driving in there and out with heavy loads 408 00:34:01,000 --> 00:34:03,000 every day. 409 00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:05,000 And 410 00:34:05,000 --> 00:34:07,000 I see the traffic problem 411 00:34:07,000 --> 00:34:09,400 would be more hectic. 412 00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:12,400 The road will not 413 00:34:13,000 --> 00:34:20,000 stand for much more traffic on that road as a 1 actually a 1 lane road. 414 00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:25,000 You got expansion there where it would have to be widened 415 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:26,000 and everything, 416 00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:30,000 and that would be taking other people's property 417 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:33,000 for something that doesn't need to be. 418 00:34:33,000 --> 00:34:37,000 I didn't understand his profits and stuff, 419 00:34:37,000 --> 00:34:39,000 but I also 420 00:34:41,000 --> 00:34:48,200 I enjoy our space, family space all the way down through there. 421 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:53,000 A lot of the property belongs to part of my family. 422 00:34:53,000 --> 00:34:55,000 And so 423 00:34:56,000 --> 00:34:58,000 traffic is just a little bit too much 424 00:34:58,000 --> 00:35:00,000 and safety issues 425 00:35:02,000 --> 00:35:04,000 to be concerned. 426 00:35:05,000 --> 00:35:12,000 He I know we know he tried to get another part, but he ended up selling the other part. 427 00:35:12,000 --> 00:35:18,000 And now he's trying to salvage the rest. We understand that. But he just made a bad choice 428 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:23,000 to me for where he wanted to try to develop. 429 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:26,000 And I thank you for 430 00:35:26,000 --> 00:35:32,000 Thank you, mister Freeman. Any questions for mister Freeman? Thank 431 00:35:32,000 --> 00:35:34,000 you, sir. 432 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:40,800 Next on the list is John Freeman. Yes. 433 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:46,000 I'm John Freeman, 126 John Freeman Lane, just off of the airport road. 434 00:35:46,000 --> 00:35:54,000 And I'm sorry for the interruption a while ago, but the gentleman made a good point. You mentioned that there was trees, 435 00:35:54,000 --> 00:35:56,000 forest along the 436 00:35:57,000 --> 00:36:05,000 runway and this development. But if I'm not mistaken, a lot of this has just been cleared, and it's become open range now. Sorry. If could address 437 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:14,000 this. I was well, I was directing it to Bob because Bob lives right on this same property. His his property faces the runway. 438 00:36:14,000 --> 00:36:24,000 And he mentioned it, and I have noticed too that it has been recently cleared. So this is an opening up for the wildlife and the the possibility of children in the future that could be out there playing. 439 00:36:27,000 --> 00:36:34,000 We've walked that property ourselves, like Jim said, that we've lived there over 60 years. 440 00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:38,000 We we know that property quite well. 441 00:36:38,000 --> 00:36:41,000 The other problem again, reiterating 442 00:36:41,000 --> 00:36:46,000 on the road, we actually paid to start having that road 443 00:36:46,000 --> 00:36:56,000 paved. It was a dirt road when we 1st started our business there, JF Heat Treating. So we paid for the the original entrance to that that airport road. 444 00:36:58,000 --> 00:37:00,000 The state later 445 00:37:00,000 --> 00:37:04,000 came in and added the additional pavement 446 00:37:04,000 --> 00:37:06,000 to connect the rest of the houses. 447 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:08,000 And we have water 448 00:37:08,000 --> 00:37:18,000 down to 1 of the 1st houses or residents on that street, including the church, I think, also has tapped into that line. So we don't have a lot of infrastructure 449 00:37:19,000 --> 00:37:20,000 there 450 00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:22,000 to 451 00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:25,600 maintain, I think, this additional 26 homes. 452 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:32,000 I was under the impression these were gonna be luxury homes and not just low income housing. 453 00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:35,000 So that to me is also a drawback. 454 00:37:35,000 --> 00:37:39,000 So, yes, I'm against the additional housing. 455 00:37:39,000 --> 00:37:42,000 I don't think it can maintain 456 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,000 the the 457 00:37:44,000 --> 00:37:48,000 roads. The road infrastructure we have now cannot maintain 458 00:37:48,000 --> 00:37:50,400 this additional add on. 459 00:37:51,000 --> 00:37:53,000 I'm done. Thank you, mister Freeman. 460 00:37:53,000 --> 00:37:56,000 Commissioners, you have any questions? 461 00:37:56,000 --> 00:38:01,000 Airport Ms. Freeman, come back to the podium, please. Airport Road is now 462 00:38:01,000 --> 00:38:03,000 state maintained, right? 463 00:38:03,000 --> 00:38:04,000 If 464 00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:08,000 it is, we haven't seen them in 40 years. 465 00:38:08,000 --> 00:38:09,000 I understand. 466 00:38:09,000 --> 00:38:10,000 So 467 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:14,800 I would just like to point out, and 468 00:38:15,000 --> 00:38:17,000 not that we're discussing 469 00:38:17,000 --> 00:38:20,000 that part of it, but your statement 470 00:38:20,000 --> 00:38:26,000 that these are low income housing. Well, that was what I heard stated from the previous But 471 00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:28,000 we don't make judgments 472 00:38:28,000 --> 00:38:37,000 based off of that. There's any number of reason why people might choose to live in a duplex. And I understand what you're saying. But 473 00:38:37,000 --> 00:38:39,000 affordable 474 00:38:39,000 --> 00:38:40,000 housing 475 00:38:40,000 --> 00:38:46,000 doesn't necessarily mean low income housing. Well, I sure can't afford the housing in this But just want make 476 00:38:46,000 --> 00:38:48,000 point clear. 477 00:38:49,000 --> 00:38:57,000 Yeah, I'd just like to go on further and compliment that statement that our responsibility here as commissioners is to evaluate the proper land use that's there. 478 00:38:57,000 --> 00:38:58,000 You know, 479 00:38:58,000 --> 00:39:08,000 you've mentioned local fire, EMS, 1st responders, all that. We're all concerned about that. We're all concerned about schools and everything but this body here is to take action on the proper land use of it so just to educate you guys a little bit but we certainly appreciate your concerns and bringing those up 480 00:39:15,000 --> 00:39:17,000 thank you 481 00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:20,000 And 482 00:39:20,000 --> 00:39:21,000 Robert, 483 00:39:21,000 --> 00:39:23,000 I guess it's Hawkins. 484 00:39:23,000 --> 00:39:25,000 Yep. 485 00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:29,000 2 for 2. 486 00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:43,000 Good evening, mister Hawkins. Can state your name and address for the record, please. My name is Robert Hawkins. I live at 18 40 Gaston Desch School Road. 487 00:39:43,000 --> 00:39:45,000 And 488 00:39:45,000 --> 00:39:50,000 I'm concerned more about the children that's gonna be living there 489 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:57,000 and the wildlife that we've got in there. I have deer that walks up in my yard at least twice a week. 490 00:39:57,000 --> 00:40:03,000 They don't pick the day I mean, I don't pick the days. They pick the days. And they eat our roses. 491 00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:12,000 And that's great. That's what I'm I like to see them. I also like to see the possums and the raccoons come through because they do their jobs too. 492 00:40:12,000 --> 00:40:13,000 We 493 00:40:13,000 --> 00:40:17,000 have a small pond in our yard 494 00:40:17,000 --> 00:40:19,000 that comes up to here, 495 00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:23,000 and that's deep enough for a little child this size 496 00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:26,000 or bigger that's wandering through the woods 497 00:40:26,000 --> 00:40:28,000 to find. 498 00:40:28,000 --> 00:40:31,000 I don't wanna have to put a fence around that pond. 499 00:40:31,000 --> 00:40:35,000 Wildlife comes up to it and drinks water out of it. 500 00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:36,000 The 501 00:40:36,000 --> 00:40:40,000 hawks try to get the fish that's in it and the frogs. 502 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:44,200 I also do maintenance work on apartments, 503 00:40:45,000 --> 00:40:46,000 rental property, 504 00:40:46,000 --> 00:40:48,400 and stuff like this. 505 00:40:49,000 --> 00:40:55,000 When you have that many units crammed into 1 small spot 506 00:40:55,000 --> 00:40:57,000 and you've got kids, 507 00:40:57,000 --> 00:40:59,000 you develop crime. 508 00:41:00,000 --> 00:41:03,000 As for the law of the ambulance getting there, 509 00:41:03,000 --> 00:41:09,000 my back door wasn't fully locked. And I was in West Gastonia at Walmart. 510 00:41:09,000 --> 00:41:11,400 My door came open. 511 00:41:14,000 --> 00:41:15,000 I beat 512 00:41:15,000 --> 00:41:16,000 the police 513 00:41:16,000 --> 00:41:18,000 to my house. 514 00:41:18,000 --> 00:41:21,000 Sorry. And I was checking out at Walmart. 515 00:41:21,000 --> 00:41:27,000 Immediate purposes, I'm sorry. Just pull that if you can pull that microphone over just a little bit. Oh, I'm sorry. There you go. 516 00:41:27,000 --> 00:41:31,000 It takes them over 17 minutes to respond, 517 00:41:31,000 --> 00:41:33,000 either 1. 518 00:41:33,000 --> 00:41:36,000 And they go by my house every day. 519 00:41:36,000 --> 00:41:41,000 Every day. We've got a lot of retired people in our community. 520 00:41:41,000 --> 00:41:43,000 And, 521 00:41:43,000 --> 00:41:48,000 personally, I've been living on Gastonia School Road for 28 years. 522 00:41:48,000 --> 00:41:50,000 And 523 00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:52,000 it's really 524 00:41:52,000 --> 00:41:59,000 upsetting me about the wildlife that we're gonna lose because when they move in, where's those where's those deer gonna go? 525 00:41:59,000 --> 00:42:03,800 I have 4 to 13 comes in my yard periodically, 526 00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:07,000 and that's a god's gift. 527 00:42:07,000 --> 00:42:09,000 And I enjoy seeing that. 528 00:42:09,000 --> 00:42:15,000 I don't wanna wake up 1 morning and see some child in my pond. 529 00:42:15,000 --> 00:42:18,000 And I guess that's about all I got to say because 530 00:42:18,000 --> 00:42:22,000 I know the rest is just like I've already said, crime's coming. 531 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:29,000 It always follows it follows the pattern, and it doesn't matter if it's low income or high income housing. 532 00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:31,000 When you put that many 533 00:42:31,000 --> 00:42:34,000 people in a community, you've got a problem. 534 00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:38,000 If it was stretched out all the way across Airport Road, 535 00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:40,000 that would be something 536 00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:42,000 even different you could talk about, 537 00:42:42,000 --> 00:42:52,000 but not crammed up like that. Just not enough space. Good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Any questions for Mr. Hawkins from the commission? 538 00:42:52,000 --> 00:43:00,000 Thank you. Last person I had on my list was, I just want to confirm this, Doddy Murphy. You allocated your time prior, right? Correct? 539 00:43:00,000 --> 00:43:02,000 Thank you. 540 00:43:03,000 --> 00:43:08,000 That's all the speakers we have for or against. 541 00:43:08,000 --> 00:43:14,000 I do have a question for staff, if I can. 542 00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:20,000 The airport road, it's been a while since I've been over there. Can you confirm that's a single lane road? 543 00:43:20,000 --> 00:43:21,000 I 544 00:43:21,000 --> 00:43:23,000 drove it yesterday 545 00:43:23,000 --> 00:43:33,000 and I cannot confirm. I did not recall any line markers, but it was very narrow. Okay. 546 00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:35,000 Another question. The land in front 547 00:43:35,000 --> 00:43:37,400 of the proposed development 548 00:43:38,000 --> 00:43:41,000 is can you tell me what zoning that is? 549 00:43:41,000 --> 00:43:43,000 Would that be 550 00:43:43,000 --> 00:43:45,000 Yeah. 551 00:43:45,000 --> 00:43:49,000 Yeah. Like, if you come in like, in front of the proposed 552 00:43:49,000 --> 00:43:51,000 Yeah. 553 00:43:51,000 --> 00:43:58,000 In front of that. Across the road. Oh, let's see properties on that. So 554 00:43:58,000 --> 00:44:00,000 Okay. On 555 00:44:02,000 --> 00:44:12,000 the screen, just for the minutes, you can see the multiple zonings there's airport r s 12 r s 8 and r s 12 c u p. Okay thank you. I've 556 00:44:13,000 --> 00:44:16,000 got I've got a question. I 557 00:44:16,000 --> 00:44:21,000 know we've heard a couple of times about safety, kids running into the airport 558 00:44:21,000 --> 00:44:23,000 runway, 559 00:44:23,000 --> 00:44:29,000 etcetera. I know we have houses already ready in the area. I know they're expensing along 560 00:44:29,000 --> 00:44:31,000 the main road. 561 00:44:33,000 --> 00:44:36,000 I guess it's art. 562 00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:42,000 Well, will be will the airport be required or are they required to fence in around 563 00:44:42,000 --> 00:44:44,400 their airport for buffer? 564 00:44:45,000 --> 00:44:46,000 Not 565 00:44:46,000 --> 00:44:56,000 not that I'm aware of. However, we have had the director of transportation has reviewed this site plan specifically with our airport consultants and has recommended approval. 566 00:44:57,000 --> 00:45:03,000 And if there were any concerns, would work with them to address those. Okay. Because we're hearing 567 00:45:03,000 --> 00:45:04,000 concerns 568 00:45:04,000 --> 00:45:07,600 and people already live there. So 569 00:45:08,000 --> 00:45:09,000 guess that, 570 00:45:09,000 --> 00:45:15,000 you know, that brought that concerned me. I know most airports I've been to, many, 571 00:45:15,000 --> 00:45:18,000 and they're fenced in. 572 00:45:18,000 --> 00:45:25,000 Right. When I was out there on-site, and I'll use the mouse if I can, right here at the dead end, 573 00:45:25,000 --> 00:45:33,000 this goes from a paved road to gravel or right about here. It goes from a a paved road to gravel, 574 00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:38,000 and the fence was open so we would be able to drive onto the property. 575 00:45:38,000 --> 00:45:42,000 However, we reversed out. It said no trespassing. 576 00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:44,400 Good choice. Thank you. 577 00:45:45,000 --> 00:45:47,000 Thanks. 578 00:45:49,000 --> 00:45:52,000 Any further questions for staff? 579 00:45:52,000 --> 00:45:54,000 I 1 580 00:45:54,000 --> 00:45:56,000 question. Going 581 00:45:57,000 --> 00:46:01,000 back to the talking about the tree save. 582 00:46:01,000 --> 00:46:11,000 Mister Kent, he was willing to pay in lieu of putting the proper amount of trees. Is that right? That was a generic comment. However, they've met the tree save requirements. So the tree save requirement for these 2 parcels would be 0.7 583 00:46:16,000 --> 00:46:17,000 acres. 584 00:46:17,000 --> 00:46:23,000 And with their proposed site plan, they have met that minimum requirement of 0.7 585 00:46:23,000 --> 00:46:25,000 acres. 586 00:46:26,000 --> 00:46:32,000 Hang on, Veronica. Let me find this spot again. I I want 587 00:46:32,000 --> 00:46:34,000 it's on the 588 00:46:34,000 --> 00:46:38,000 no. The it's It's on it 589 00:46:38,000 --> 00:46:41,000 says required tree safe is 0.65 590 00:46:42,000 --> 00:46:44,000 and provided 0.59. 591 00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:49,000 An applicant is proposing to pay a fee in lieu of. 592 00:46:49,000 --> 00:46:54,000 Oh, okay. You. Maddie Gross has clarified that that is the next application. 593 00:46:54,000 --> 00:47:04,000 I'm ahead of ahead of myself. Thank you for answering the question, Veronica. You're welcome. 594 00:47:16,000 --> 00:47:18,400 Airport? Do we know? 595 00:47:20,000 --> 00:47:22,000 Because I'm pretty sure 596 00:47:22,000 --> 00:47:26,200 the FAA and TSA require perimeter fencing. 597 00:47:27,000 --> 00:47:28,000 Well, 598 00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:38,000 I don't know about the certification, but what I know is the airport staff and engineering consultant that reviews land use around airport to ensure that it is operated safely 599 00:47:41,000 --> 00:47:51,000 reviewed this plan and say there were no objections to it. If there are any safety requirements needed or fence, I'm pretty sure those will be installed as required by law. As required. 600 00:47:53,000 --> 00:47:54,000 I 601 00:47:54,000 --> 00:47:56,000 have a question. 602 00:47:56,000 --> 00:48:02,000 Do you know if there's any proposed expansion of the airport? 603 00:48:02,000 --> 00:48:04,000 Again, 604 00:48:04,000 --> 00:48:06,000 we received 605 00:48:07,000 --> 00:48:09,000 email from 606 00:48:09,000 --> 00:48:13,000 miss Randy Gates, who is the transportation director that oversees the airport. 607 00:48:13,000 --> 00:48:15,000 Any future expansion 608 00:48:15,000 --> 00:48:18,600 is not impacted by this project. 609 00:48:21,000 --> 00:48:28,000 I know you can land a C-one hundred 30 on it because I was on that plane. 610 00:48:28,000 --> 00:48:31,000 Any further questions for staff? 611 00:48:33,000 --> 00:48:41,000 Here, I'll make this. I think it's all wrong. Thank you. I'll read it by phone and then pass it. 612 00:48:41,000 --> 00:48:42,000 Mr. Roberts. 613 00:48:42,000 --> 00:48:52,000 Yes, sir. If you could come back to the podium if want to ask another Could I have 60 seconds? Just 60 seconds. I'm giving you a lot of latitude here. Yes, sir. Veronica, 614 00:48:52,000 --> 00:48:56,800 could I use your pointer for the map? 615 00:48:57,000 --> 00:49:07,000 I just have the back and the arrow. Feel free to flip through back in here. Does the mouse work? Yep. Okay, just go back to the map. 616 00:49:09,000 --> 00:49:12,600 That 1 will be fine. That 1 works. 617 00:49:13,000 --> 00:49:15,000 I 618 00:49:15,000 --> 00:49:20,000 am the owner of this property in this area. 619 00:49:20,000 --> 00:49:25,000 My mouse doesn't work exactly the way I want it to. There are no children involved. 620 00:49:25,000 --> 00:49:27,000 There are 2 adults. 621 00:49:27,000 --> 00:49:37,000 The parcel of land here is owned by the Jenkins, and unfortunately, they it's a 2 family. I'm sorry. 2 person family, and they were unable to attend tonight because of health issues. But there are no children there either. So this entire line, 622 00:49:43,000 --> 00:49:46,000 if I can get the cursor to go 623 00:49:46,000 --> 00:49:47,000 down the runway, 624 00:49:47,000 --> 00:49:49,000 there are no children 625 00:49:49,000 --> 00:49:51,000 presently, 626 00:49:51,000 --> 00:49:52,000 period. 627 00:49:52,000 --> 00:49:55,000 Thank you, sir. Thank you. 628 00:49:56,000 --> 00:49:59,000 Okay, commissioners. That's all the speakers we have. 629 00:49:59,000 --> 00:50:03,000 Any further questions for the staff before we move forward? 630 00:50:03,000 --> 00:50:13,000 A question about this document. So it does say that because the proposed I'm sorry. This and I'll pass this down because I think there's only 1. This is from the director of transportation regarding 631 00:50:14,000 --> 00:50:15,000 the airport. 632 00:50:15,000 --> 00:50:21,000 Is that Sorry to interrupt. Is that the email? I do have additional copies if you would like me It is the email. 633 00:50:21,000 --> 00:50:28,000 It says because the proposed development is adjacent to the airport property, TBE has recommended 634 00:50:28,000 --> 00:50:31,600 that the developers submit FAA form 7460 635 00:50:33,000 --> 00:50:35,000 for an aeronautical study. 636 00:50:35,000 --> 00:50:38,000 While no airspace conflicts are anticipated, 637 00:50:38,000 --> 00:50:41,000 the FAA's resulting determination 638 00:50:41,000 --> 00:50:47,000 should be provided to the city for review. Do we know if that's been done? 639 00:50:47,000 --> 00:50:54,800 That will come later once the if and when the property is resound. 640 00:50:55,000 --> 00:51:05,000 So we need to make a determination on this before he decides whether he's going to submit for an aeronautical study, correct? That's correct. So basically, that letter is confirming that there is further assessment 641 00:51:08,000 --> 00:51:15,800 that needs to be done, and the applicant needs to comply by that. 642 00:51:18,000 --> 00:51:20,000 Any further questions? 643 00:51:22,000 --> 00:51:26,800 I think that's it, Veronica. Thank you. 644 00:51:28,000 --> 00:51:30,000 If 645 00:51:31,000 --> 00:51:38,000 there are no further questions, what are the wishes of the board? I'll make a motion to close the public hearing. Seconded. 646 00:51:38,000 --> 00:51:42,000 There's a motion to close the public hearing with a 2nd. 647 00:51:42,000 --> 00:51:52,000 Any names for her? Don't have access to staff, correct? Right. We don't have access to counsel. Okay. Just a reminder, we will only have access to counsel. 648 00:51:52,000 --> 00:52:02,000 There's a motion and a 2nd. Be prepared to vote. All those all those in favor of the motion, please raise your right hand. 649 00:52:03,000 --> 00:52:05,000 Public hearing is closed. 650 00:52:05,000 --> 00:52:08,600 Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves. 651 00:52:21,000 --> 00:52:31,000 We going to talk about Somebody's prepared to make a motion up here. Do you want anybody to discuss anything further? No. I do. I 652 00:52:31,000 --> 00:52:33,000 I have concerns 653 00:52:33,000 --> 00:52:35,000 with 654 00:52:35,000 --> 00:52:41,000 moving forward with this in any direction without the developer being here 655 00:52:41,000 --> 00:52:42,000 with 656 00:52:42,000 --> 00:52:44,000 such implications, 657 00:52:44,000 --> 00:52:46,400 such impactful implications for 658 00:52:49,000 --> 00:52:51,000 that 659 00:52:51,000 --> 00:52:53,400 the residents have raised. 660 00:52:55,000 --> 00:53:05,000 That's my So you're you're just concerned because of the app. She's not here to present the property. And That's part of it. Yeah. 661 00:53:05,000 --> 00:53:07,000 So I think 662 00:53:07,000 --> 00:53:09,000 for me, 663 00:53:09,000 --> 00:53:11,000 with this being 664 00:53:11,000 --> 00:53:13,000 a legislative hearing, 665 00:53:13,000 --> 00:53:16,000 which means that we are 666 00:53:17,000 --> 00:53:20,000 setting or changing rules that apply broadly 667 00:53:20,000 --> 00:53:22,000 per the that's 668 00:53:22,000 --> 00:53:31,000 the spreadsheet that Maddie sent us. That was That's for the next 1. 0, it's for the next no. It has both. It has on them. This is for both. 669 00:53:31,000 --> 00:53:36,000 And that decisions based on policy and public interest 670 00:53:36,000 --> 00:53:40,800 And then in parentheses, she put community opinion. 671 00:53:41,000 --> 00:53:44,000 And then the next bullet says flexible 672 00:53:44,000 --> 00:53:46,000 and discretionary. 673 00:53:47,000 --> 00:53:48,000 So unlike 674 00:53:48,000 --> 00:53:50,000 the next item, 675 00:53:50,000 --> 00:53:51,000 which is judicial, 676 00:53:51,000 --> 00:53:54,600 which is only based on facts, 677 00:53:55,000 --> 00:53:59,000 those are the things that I am looking to 678 00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:03,000 take into account. And so this is tough for me because 679 00:54:03,000 --> 00:54:07,000 the landowner, in my opinion, has the right to develop. 680 00:54:07,000 --> 00:54:11,000 And he's been before us before. 681 00:54:11,000 --> 00:54:15,000 And he offers a potentially really nice product here 682 00:54:15,000 --> 00:54:17,400 elsewhere in the city. 683 00:54:18,000 --> 00:54:20,000 But 684 00:54:20,000 --> 00:54:21,000 at some point, 685 00:54:21,000 --> 00:54:23,000 we must also 686 00:54:23,000 --> 00:54:29,600 honor the sentiment of those most closely affected by these changes. 687 00:54:30,000 --> 00:54:33,000 And I feel like the attendance at the previous meeting 688 00:54:33,000 --> 00:54:36,000 and the attendance here tonight 689 00:54:36,000 --> 00:54:37,000 would indicate 690 00:54:37,000 --> 00:54:39,000 that the modifications 691 00:54:39,000 --> 00:54:43,800 offered by the developer, while very thoughtfully considered, 692 00:54:44,000 --> 00:54:52,400 do not do enough to alleviate concerns from those most likely to be impacted. 693 00:54:53,000 --> 00:54:56,000 And coupled with concerns for 694 00:54:56,000 --> 00:54:58,000 neighboring businesses, 695 00:54:58,000 --> 00:55:00,000 potentially safety and wildlife, 696 00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:06,000 and we still have some pending potential studies that need to be done, 697 00:55:06,000 --> 00:55:07,000 I, 698 00:55:07,000 --> 00:55:08,000 in good conscience, 699 00:55:08,000 --> 00:55:10,000 must 700 00:55:10,000 --> 00:55:14,000 do my best to represent the wishes of the community. 701 00:55:14,000 --> 00:55:17,600 And what I am hearing overwhelmingly 702 00:55:18,000 --> 00:55:20,000 is that 703 00:55:20,000 --> 00:55:22,000 they are not 704 00:55:22,000 --> 00:55:24,000 in favor of moving forward. 705 00:55:24,000 --> 00:55:26,000 So that's where I'm 706 00:55:26,000 --> 00:55:27,000 stuck 707 00:55:27,000 --> 00:55:28,000 because 708 00:55:28,000 --> 00:55:32,000 for me, this is tough. On paper, 709 00:55:32,000 --> 00:55:34,400 it meets the criteria. 710 00:55:35,000 --> 00:55:38,000 But we have the right 711 00:55:38,000 --> 00:55:40,000 to be discretionary. 712 00:55:41,000 --> 00:55:43,000 And I think a packed room 713 00:55:43,000 --> 00:55:45,000 warrants 714 00:55:45,000 --> 00:55:47,000 attention. 715 00:55:47,000 --> 00:55:55,000 And I'll add to that. I the area well. I actually built a church there several years ago. 716 00:55:55,000 --> 00:55:57,000 So I know the road well. 717 00:55:57,000 --> 00:56:02,000 To me, the density on Airport Road is too much density. 718 00:56:02,000 --> 00:56:08,000 That is a lot of a lot of homes to put on that road in my opinion. 719 00:56:08,000 --> 00:56:11,000 I was really kind of surprised to see that much 720 00:56:11,000 --> 00:56:14,000 proposed. I can't imagine even before 721 00:56:14,000 --> 00:56:18,000 they changed the plans and backed up. 722 00:56:18,000 --> 00:56:19,000 So 723 00:56:19,000 --> 00:56:23,000 I strongly believe that the density is too much for that area. 724 00:56:23,000 --> 00:56:27,000 And so I would make a motion to deny the rezoning 725 00:56:27,000 --> 00:56:29,000 request as presented. 726 00:56:29,000 --> 00:56:31,000 2nd. 727 00:56:32,000 --> 00:56:37,000 We have a motion to deny the rezoning request as presented. A motion by Commissioner Howe with a 2nd 728 00:56:37,000 --> 00:56:39,000 by Commissioner Chapman. 729 00:56:41,000 --> 00:56:43,000 Any further discussion? 730 00:56:45,000 --> 00:56:52,000 All those in favor of the motion to deny the rezoning request as presented, please raise your right hand and say aye. Aye. 731 00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:54,000 Opposed? 732 00:56:54,000 --> 00:57:04,000 That's 6 to 1. That's greater than 0.75, correct? Yes, sir. All right. That motion passes. We'll make the 2nd motion. 733 00:57:04,000 --> 00:57:14,000 Yeah, I'll make a motion to adopt the statement of consistency and reason what is based on the 2050 comprehensive plan as well as existing and surrounding zoning and land uses. The planning commission considers an affirmative vote 734 00:57:15,000 --> 00:57:18,000 to rezone to RS8CD 735 00:57:18,000 --> 00:57:21,000 to not be reasonable, compatible, and in public interest. 736 00:57:21,000 --> 00:57:24,000 You read the wrong 1. I read the wrong 1. 737 00:57:24,000 --> 00:57:28,000 This 1 is in our packet. It's 738 00:57:28,000 --> 00:57:30,000 in our packet. 739 00:57:35,000 --> 00:57:39,000 Oh, it is. It is wrong. That's 740 00:57:39,000 --> 00:57:41,000 mixed up. 741 00:57:41,000 --> 00:57:43,000 I 742 00:57:43,000 --> 00:57:47,000 don't have the correct 1. All right, I'll read up here then because this is wrong. 743 00:57:47,000 --> 00:57:50,000 I'll make emotional note. 744 00:57:50,000 --> 00:57:52,000 That's wrong 745 00:57:52,000 --> 00:57:54,000 too. 746 00:58:01,000 --> 00:58:05,000 I'll make a motion to deny the statement. 747 00:58:05,000 --> 00:58:07,000 Not be reasonable. 748 00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:13,400 Is right. So I've already read it. Commissioners, 749 00:58:16,000 --> 00:58:18,000 what your 750 00:58:18,000 --> 00:58:22,000 motion is, is to adopt the statement in blue. 751 00:58:22,000 --> 00:58:27,000 So you're making a motion to adopt what is written in blue. Oh yes, 752 00:58:27,000 --> 00:58:37,000 because we've already voted. And what is written in blue is this is not reasonable and compatible with the public interest. Correct. Okay, So he read it correctly. Okay. 753 00:58:38,000 --> 00:58:40,000 So 754 00:58:40,000 --> 00:58:44,000 he read it correctly 1st time, correct? 2nd. And we have a 2nd 755 00:58:44,000 --> 00:58:50,000 for a motion to adopt a statement that consists in reasonableness. Any any further discussion? 756 00:58:50,000 --> 00:58:54,000 All those in favor of the motion, please raise your right hand and say aye. Aye. 757 00:58:54,000 --> 00:58:56,000 Opposed? 758 00:58:56,000 --> 00:58:58,000 1 opposed. 759 00:58:58,000 --> 00:59:04,600 The vote passes 6 to 1. The rezoning request as presented is denied. 760 00:59:05,000 --> 00:59:13,000 I want to we mentioned about the state of talking, you know, having a packed packed room in here. 1 of the pleasures we have up here as commissioners is 761 00:59:13,000 --> 00:59:22,000 is listening to the citizens who it affects the most. And we do certainly respect the right of the landowner to develop their property as well. 762 00:59:22,000 --> 00:59:26,000 But 1 of the pleasures we have is listening to the citizens. 763 00:59:26,000 --> 00:59:36,000 I've been here 5 years now. And I want to reiterate to you guys. You guys bring a wealth of information to us that we might not otherwise understand what's going on in in your world. We don't get in your backyard. We don't go drive down your roads or whatever. So with that being said, I just want to thank everybody for coming to speak tonight and sharing your feelings. I know these these can get emotional and and and with things that are going on, but I just want to make sure that we hear you, and we appreciate you being here and speaking. You're welcome. Stick stick around for the next round. It's probably gonna be just as lengthy. If not, you can you're more welcome to go go get in the heat. Thank 764 01:00:01,000 --> 01:00:06,400 you all. Thank you very much for your time. 765 01:00:43,000 --> 01:00:44,000 Was 766 01:00:44,000 --> 01:00:47,000 Oh, what? Think of that. It's judicial. 767 01:00:47,000 --> 01:00:49,000 Special 768 01:00:50,000 --> 01:00:51,000 use, judicial. 769 01:00:51,000 --> 01:01:01,000 We can only vote on what the facts are presented, which means they're gonna throw everything. 770 01:01:39,000 --> 01:01:49,000 The next item on the agenda is a request for a special use permit, which will be conducted as a quasi judicial evidentiary hearing. A special use permit authorizes development or land uses in particulars on the district upon presentation of competent, material, and substantial evidence established in compliance with 1 or more general standards or specific standards requiring 771 01:02:00,000 --> 01:02:03,000 judgment and discretion be exercised. 772 01:02:03,000 --> 01:02:13,000 During the consideration of each request, the planning commission shall receive evidence to determine if the proposed use is appropriate at the particular location, meets the requirements of the unified development ordinance, and protects public health safety and welfare. 773 01:02:17,000 --> 01:02:27,000 The judicial judicial format of the hearing requires that the planning commission planning commission be impartial. If any commissioner has had reason to discuss specific details of the special use permit before today or has any other conflict of interest, they shall ask to be excused from the hearing from from that request. 774 01:02:35,000 --> 01:02:45,000 An appeal to the decision made by the planning commission in terms of approving or denying a special use permit may be taken in writing to the Superior Court of Gaston County within 30 days after decision of the planning commission. 775 01:02:47,000 --> 01:02:57,000 Only competent, substantial, fact based testimony or evidence will be considered by the planning commission in deciding the quasi judicial matters listed on today's agenda. 776 01:02:57,000 --> 01:03:07,000 Pure speculation or opinion not based on competent facts cannot be legally considered by the planning commission in weighing the findings of the fact of the special use permit request. 777 01:03:07,000 --> 01:03:17,000 North Carolina law provides that individuals have opportunity to address any request on the agenda. If you intend to comment, provide evidence, or testimony on any request, 778 01:03:17,000 --> 01:03:19,000 please keep this in mind. 779 01:03:19,000 --> 01:03:29,000 Finally, before addressing the planning commission, all speakers shall be sworn in and must state their name and address for the record. 780 01:03:29,000 --> 01:03:39,000 Because of the quasi judicial format of this hearing, people wishing to speak and offer evidence are required by North Carolina law to be sworn in or affirmed. I will now ask missus Rebecca Mintz to administer the oath. 781 01:03:47,000 --> 01:03:57,000 Anyone that plans to speak on this matter, if you signed up to speak and you intend to speak, please come forward so you can be sworn in. 782 01:04:44,000 --> 01:04:54,000 Item 4 b, public hearing 1 7 3 5 Union Road apartments, file number 2 0 2 6 0 0 2 5 1. The subject hearing involves a special use permit request for 783 01:04:56,000 --> 01:05:00,000 office light commercial rezone or zoning for approximately 4.75 784 01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:10,000 acres. The subject property is located at 1 7 3 5 Union Road and owned by the Wait Realty LLC. I hope I pronounced that right. I'd like to recognize Maddie Gross, AICP senior planner for staff presentation. 785 01:05:13,000 --> 01:05:16,000 Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of the commission. 786 01:05:16,000 --> 01:05:23,000 As Mr. Chair mentioned, this request before you is for a special use permit for office light commercial zoning 787 01:05:23,000 --> 01:05:27,800 the subject property is located at 17 35 union road 788 01:05:28,000 --> 01:05:34,000 the adjoining zoning in this area is a combination of office and residential 789 01:05:34,000 --> 01:05:40,000 Directly to the north is office medical zoning, which consists of an assisted living facility. 790 01:05:40,000 --> 01:05:44,000 Properties directly to the west are owned by the city of Gastonia, 791 01:05:44,000 --> 01:05:48,000 and those do consist of the Catawba 792 01:05:48,000 --> 01:05:49,000 golf course. 793 01:05:49,000 --> 01:05:51,000 And then properties 794 01:05:51,000 --> 01:05:53,000 sorry. 795 01:05:53,000 --> 01:05:55,000 Sorry. 796 01:05:55,000 --> 01:05:56,000 Properties 797 01:05:56,000 --> 01:06:04,000 on the eastern side of Union Road, those are zoned RS 12, which consists of Firestone, Wesley, and Church. 798 01:06:04,000 --> 01:06:08,000 And then to the north of that is RMF zoning, which is residential 799 01:06:08,000 --> 01:06:09,000 multifamily, 800 01:06:09,000 --> 01:06:13,800 and those consist of the Union Station condos. 801 01:06:15,000 --> 01:06:19,000 As you can see from the aerial map, the site is currently wooded, 802 01:06:19,000 --> 01:06:29,000 and there is a easement that runs through the middle of the property, shown slightly here if you can see the mouse, and then a Duke Energy power line to the north as well. 803 01:06:32,000 --> 01:06:34,000 So the request is to OLC 804 01:06:34,000 --> 01:06:39,000 SUP, which is office like commercial special use permit. 805 01:06:39,000 --> 01:06:47,000 The request is to allow for a multifamily residential development with a maximum of 108 apartment units. 806 01:06:47,000 --> 01:06:49,000 According to the UDO, 807 01:06:49,000 --> 01:06:59,000 the used dwelling multifamily under OLC zoning requires a special use permit to ensure compatibility with adjoining land uses and to assess potential impacts on surrounding properties, 808 01:07:01,000 --> 01:07:03,400 which requires individual consideration 809 01:07:04,000 --> 01:07:08,000 given the location, design, access, and configuration. 810 01:07:08,000 --> 01:07:13,000 Overall, the evidence you hear tonight and the assessment shall determine if the proposed 811 01:07:13,000 --> 01:07:16,000 use is appropriate at this location, 812 01:07:16,000 --> 01:07:24,000 if it meets the requirements of the UDO, and if it protects public health safety and welfare. 813 01:07:24,000 --> 01:07:32,000 We did receive this site plan on behalf of the applicant which has gone through several rounds of review with city staff. 814 01:07:32,000 --> 01:07:35,000 We also got a color rendering version, 815 01:07:35,000 --> 01:07:38,000 which is slightly easy easier to see. 816 01:07:38,000 --> 01:07:41,000 As you can see, the the site's 817 01:07:41,000 --> 01:07:43,000 separated by into 5 buildings, 818 01:07:43,000 --> 01:07:45,000 equating to 108 units. 819 01:07:46,000 --> 01:07:50,800 Building number 1 consists of 12 units and is 3 stories. 820 01:07:51,000 --> 01:07:57,600 Buildings number 2 through 5 are also 3 stories. They consist of 24 units each. 821 01:07:58,000 --> 01:08:04,000 Buildings 1 and 2, as designed, they face Union Road. And buildings 822 01:08:04,000 --> 01:08:09,000 3, 4, and 5 are internal to the site with perimeter parking. 823 01:08:09,000 --> 01:08:19,000 The primary and secondary accesses are located off Union Road. The primary access is proposed as full movement and the secondary access is a ride in ride out. 824 01:08:23,000 --> 01:08:30,000 When reviewing a special use permit, the planning commission should consider compliance with the UDO. 825 01:08:30,000 --> 01:08:34,000 This is provided in your staff report, but I'll I'll go through briefly. 826 01:08:34,000 --> 01:08:43,000 1st is zoning. So this request does meet all zoning requirements including setback, lot requirements, and maximum building heights. 827 01:08:43,000 --> 01:08:45,000 There is a set of supplemental regulations 828 01:08:45,000 --> 01:08:47,000 for multifamily development. 829 01:08:48,000 --> 01:08:50,400 That's UDO section 8.1 0.10. 830 01:08:51,000 --> 01:08:56,000 As designed, the development does meet all of the site design and development regulations 831 01:08:56,000 --> 01:08:59,000 including the design of the elevations. 832 01:08:59,000 --> 01:09:01,400 In the UDO, we 833 01:09:02,000 --> 01:09:04,000 rely on parking maximums. 834 01:09:04,000 --> 01:09:09,000 So our parking for multifamily is 2 spaces per unit. 835 01:09:09,000 --> 01:09:11,000 The proposed parking is 148 836 01:09:11,000 --> 01:09:18,800 spaces so that would be 1.3 spaces per unit which is within our maximum. 837 01:09:21,000 --> 01:09:31,000 Open space This application is eligible for a 50 percent open space reduction due to proximity to Ferguson Park. So that's shown on the exhibit on the right hand of the screen. 838 01:09:32,000 --> 01:09:36,000 Otherwise, they were required to provide just shy 839 01:09:36,000 --> 01:09:43,800 of an acre and they also are meeting the improved open space requirements. 840 01:09:44,000 --> 01:09:45,000 Greenway compliance. 841 01:09:45,000 --> 01:09:53,000 Any development that abuts a greenway in the city's public trail network, the developer is required to provide a public connection. 842 01:09:53,000 --> 01:10:01,000 They are proposing a 7 foot public access trail connecting to the existing Catawba Creek Greenway and to Union Road. 843 01:10:01,000 --> 01:10:03,000 And lastly, Tree Save Area, 844 01:10:03,000 --> 01:10:06,000 they were required to provide 0.625 845 01:10:06,000 --> 01:10:07,000 acres 846 01:10:07,000 --> 01:10:11,000 which they are meeting with a combination of preservation, 847 01:10:11,000 --> 01:10:12,000 replanting, 848 01:10:12,000 --> 01:10:15,600 and a minor fee in lieu. 849 01:10:17,000 --> 01:10:19,000 Additional site elements. 850 01:10:19,000 --> 01:10:25,000 The applicant has agreed to provide landscape screening along the western property line which 851 01:10:25,000 --> 01:10:29,000 softens the transition to the Catawba Creek Greenway and the golf course. 852 01:10:29,000 --> 01:10:33,000 And they're also proposing landscaping along the front yard 853 01:10:33,000 --> 01:10:37,000 where the proposed U-turn bulb out is located. 854 01:10:37,000 --> 01:10:46,000 And then to the south of the screen, you'll see that they are also providing underground stormwater detention. 855 01:10:46,000 --> 01:10:50,000 The subject property is located within the floodplain. 856 01:10:50,000 --> 01:10:56,000 As you can see from this map, it's shown in the 100 year floodplain and the 500 year floodplain. 857 01:10:56,000 --> 01:11:02,000 And the subject property is represented by the yellow star. 858 01:11:02,000 --> 01:11:07,000 And this is just a more zoomed in version. 859 01:11:07,000 --> 01:11:12,000 The city of Gastonia does regulate development in the hundred year floodplain. 860 01:11:12,000 --> 01:11:18,000 It does require a floodplain study and a development permit, which would be submitted to the floodplain administrator 861 01:11:18,000 --> 01:11:23,000 and that would be have to be reviewed prior to any site work. 862 01:11:23,000 --> 01:11:27,000 The development would have to cause no rise in the base flood elevation. 863 01:11:27,000 --> 01:11:34,000 In February of 20 25, a floodplain study and a no rise certificate were approved for this property. 864 01:11:34,000 --> 01:11:39,000 However, based on the final impervious surface and the grading, 865 01:11:39,000 --> 01:11:46,000 a revision to that flood study or a new study may be required. 866 01:11:46,000 --> 01:11:50,000 Subject property is also located within the NCDOT 867 01:11:50,000 --> 01:11:52,000 Union Road widening project, 868 01:11:52,000 --> 01:11:55,600 which is also known as U5961. 869 01:11:56,000 --> 01:12:01,000 Subject property is shown on the left hand side of the screen by the yellow star. 870 01:12:01,000 --> 01:12:03,400 This widening project is 1.12 871 01:12:05,000 --> 01:12:06,000 miles, 872 01:12:06,000 --> 01:12:10,200 and it extends from Osceola to Niblik. 873 01:12:11,000 --> 01:12:21,000 The resulting will be the cross section in the bottom right hand corner, and that would be a 4 lane median divided with bike ped facilities on both sides of the street. 874 01:12:24,000 --> 01:12:31,000 There is a proposed u-turn bulb out between Wellands and Niblik, which has happened to fall within the subject property. 875 01:12:31,000 --> 01:12:37,000 The developer is required to dedicate right of way to accommodate the overall design, 876 01:12:37,000 --> 01:12:40,000 including the utterm bulb out. 877 01:12:40,000 --> 01:12:43,000 This is the most recent design we've received 878 01:12:43,000 --> 01:12:51,400 and right of way is estimated to begin in 20 28 and construction is estimated for 2030. 879 01:12:52,000 --> 01:13:00,000 This slide, I've reoriented the site plan. So this is how you would look at the site if you were driving down Union Road. 880 01:13:00,000 --> 01:13:06,600 And then the yellow shows the proposed right of way dedication. 881 01:13:07,000 --> 01:13:10,000 We received the following elevations from the applicant 882 01:13:10,000 --> 01:13:13,000 which show a 3 story multi family 883 01:13:13,000 --> 01:13:15,000 building. 884 01:13:15,000 --> 01:13:18,000 This is a variation of fiber cement siding 885 01:13:18,000 --> 01:13:19,000 and 886 01:13:19,000 --> 01:13:20,000 brick. 887 01:13:20,000 --> 01:13:23,000 And I believe this is building type 1, 888 01:13:23,000 --> 01:13:25,000 which has 24 units, 889 01:13:25,000 --> 01:13:28,600 and building type 2, which has 12 units. 890 01:13:31,000 --> 01:13:37,000 We also have included some elevation floor plans just for reference. 891 01:13:37,000 --> 01:13:43,000 As always, we have a list of agreed upon conditions. 892 01:13:44,000 --> 01:13:47,000 Condition 1 states that the applicant shall 893 01:13:47,000 --> 01:13:55,000 develop the property that is generally consistent with the attached site plan which would be a maximum of 108 units. 894 01:13:55,000 --> 01:14:02,000 Condition 3 is regarding building materials which would consist of brick and fiber cement siding. 895 01:14:02,000 --> 01:14:09,000 Condition 4, there is a portion of open space on the site that's located within a Duke Energy easement. 896 01:14:09,000 --> 01:14:15,000 So this is the applicant will coordinate with Duke Energy just to make sure that that location of open space is okay. 897 01:14:15,000 --> 01:14:21,600 And if Duke Energy prefers, they may need to move it. 898 01:14:22,000 --> 01:14:28,000 Number 5, this shows that buildings number 1 and 2 will orient their front along Union Road. 899 01:14:28,000 --> 01:14:37,000 Condition 6, this is regarding landscaping along the western property line and front property line, we discussed earlier. 900 01:14:37,000 --> 01:14:41,000 Condition 7 is the requirement for tree save 901 01:14:41,000 --> 01:14:46,000 and their potential to pay a fee in lieu for any deficiencies. 902 01:14:46,000 --> 01:14:56,000 Condition 8 is that they are required to construct a 7 foot public access path which connects to the existing Catawba Creek Greenway. 903 01:14:56,000 --> 01:15:04,000 Condition 9, the city does have a new trailhead signage. So, is the commitment from the applicant to install that signage. 904 01:15:04,000 --> 01:15:12,000 Condition 10 is that they will dedicate right of way in accordance with the design plans for the Union Road widening project. 905 01:15:12,000 --> 01:15:14,000 Condition 11, 12, and 13, 906 01:15:14,000 --> 01:15:17,000 those came from our 2 Rivers utilities department, 907 01:15:17,000 --> 01:15:20,600 engineering department, and storm water department. 908 01:15:21,000 --> 01:15:23,000 Condition 12 909 01:15:23,000 --> 01:15:26,000 is related to the flood study, and then condition 13 910 01:15:26,000 --> 01:15:29,000 is related to the underground stormwater detention, 911 01:15:29,000 --> 01:15:32,000 which is located in the floodplain 912 01:15:32,000 --> 01:15:35,000 and would have to adhere to the 2 year, 100 year storm detention, 913 01:15:35,000 --> 01:15:45,000 show no rise, and they would also be required to have a soil scientist verify the seasonal high water table. 914 01:15:47,000 --> 01:15:55,000 The city did post public hearing signs in advance of the meeting. So the pictures on the left side of the screen simply just show that we met that requirement. 915 01:15:55,000 --> 01:16:01,000 For a neighborhood meeting, they're not required for a special use permit. However, they are recommended. 916 01:16:01,000 --> 01:16:08,800 The applicant did hold 1 on June 29th but did not receive any attendees. 917 01:16:09,000 --> 01:16:12,000 And that concludes staff's presentation. 918 01:16:12,000 --> 01:16:17,000 Since this is a special use permit, we do not have a recommendation. 919 01:16:17,000 --> 01:16:24,000 The applicant team is here and they are prepared to present as well. 920 01:16:24,000 --> 01:16:29,000 Thank you, Maddie. Are there any questions for staff? 921 01:16:29,000 --> 01:16:37,000 I don't believe they are right now, Maddie, but I believe there will be some. 922 01:16:37,000 --> 01:16:42,000 Maddie, have a Sorry, This may not be a question for you. 923 01:16:42,000 --> 01:16:45,000 So given that it is 924 01:16:45,000 --> 01:16:46,000 seated 925 01:16:46,000 --> 01:16:48,000 in the flood zone, 926 01:16:48,000 --> 01:16:50,000 but it's an apartment complex, 927 01:16:50,000 --> 01:16:58,000 does that require the residents to hold additional flood insurance or is that burden on 928 01:16:58,000 --> 01:16:59,000 the owner, 929 01:16:59,000 --> 01:17:01,000 the developer? 930 01:17:04,000 --> 01:17:05,000 Do we know? 931 01:17:05,000 --> 01:17:06,000 We don't know. 932 01:17:06,000 --> 01:17:12,000 Okay. I don't know. I'm sorry. Legally, the insurance would be the responsibility of the owner. 933 01:17:12,000 --> 01:17:14,000 Tenants can get their own. 934 01:17:14,000 --> 01:17:21,000 As you aware, renter's insurance is what it's commonly called. But the buildings would 935 01:17:21,000 --> 01:17:31,000 have to be insured by the owner. Insurance company would insure the tenant for the And that's not a condition that is required for development of this plan. Okay. Okay. Maddie. 936 01:17:32,000 --> 01:17:36,200 Yes. I do have a question or 2. 937 01:17:38,000 --> 01:17:39,000 On that NCDOT 938 01:17:39,000 --> 01:17:43,000 plan, guess that's what 20 28, whatever that was, 939 01:17:43,000 --> 01:17:46,000 I couldn't really see it. 940 01:17:46,000 --> 01:17:51,000 Were are they calling for a stoplight in that curve or is it just widening? 941 01:17:51,000 --> 01:18:01,000 I believe there was no proposed signals on this would be the southern side closer to Osceola there is 2 proposed signals. 942 01:18:02,000 --> 01:18:03,000 Okay, 943 01:18:03,000 --> 01:18:04,000 another question. 944 01:18:04,000 --> 01:18:07,600 I heard you say 2 spaces per 945 01:18:08,000 --> 01:18:09,000 unit? 946 01:18:09,000 --> 01:18:10,000 Max. 947 01:18:10,000 --> 01:18:14,000 Max, but they could go down to 1.5 or something 948 01:18:14,000 --> 01:18:15,000 different. 949 01:18:15,000 --> 01:18:20,000 Yeah. They could provide any parking below the maximum 2 per unit. 950 01:18:20,000 --> 01:18:21,000 Gastonia 951 01:18:21,000 --> 01:18:23,000 does not mandate parking requirements. 952 01:18:23,000 --> 01:18:26,000 We actually have a ceiling for maximum parking. 953 01:18:26,000 --> 01:18:32,000 So if the applicant chooses to provide no parking, we would be okay. Okay. 954 01:18:32,000 --> 01:18:37,000 The other question is on that hundred year floodplain and 955 01:18:37,000 --> 01:18:39,000 I guess the footprint of the site. 956 01:18:39,000 --> 01:18:43,000 And it may be a question for engineering but 957 01:18:43,000 --> 01:18:45,400 Probably Tucker. A bit. 958 01:18:50,000 --> 01:18:55,000 Tim has meant I've gotten that far ahead. I didn't know if the terrain or the elevation 959 01:18:55,000 --> 01:18:57,000 is lifted 960 01:18:58,000 --> 01:19:00,000 a couple of feet or planned to be lifted. 961 01:19:00,000 --> 01:19:10,000 So we haven't we don't have the grading plan yet. The whole site is almost all floodplain. If you look at it, you can see the where the floodplain is, and it's almost the entire parcel. 962 01:19:10,000 --> 01:19:13,000 But we have a prohibitive flood ordinance, 963 01:19:13,000 --> 01:19:22,000 and the applicant will be required to show no rise in the base flood elevation. So they can't raise the lot. They can't do anything that would raise water levels. 964 01:19:22,000 --> 01:19:27,000 And so they'll have to achieve that with no rise. And we'll review the study also. So 965 01:19:27,000 --> 01:19:33,000 we're fully prepared to review those, you know, whatever they submit and just make sure it's factual. But, 966 01:19:33,000 --> 01:19:41,000 yeah, I don't I don't know if they're gonna have any issues with it, but they have to prove that they can't they're not raising flood levels or they don't get permitted. 967 01:19:41,000 --> 01:19:43,000 Thank you. 968 01:19:44,000 --> 01:19:49,000 Maddie, you stated that they held a community meeting and that nobody 969 01:19:49,000 --> 01:19:51,000 from the community attended. 970 01:19:51,000 --> 01:19:57,000 Am I to assume the 4 names that are on the community meeting sign in sheet are the developers? 971 01:19:57,000 --> 01:19:59,400 Yes ma'am. Okay. 972 01:20:01,000 --> 01:20:04,000 Was And also to clarify, 973 01:20:04,000 --> 01:20:14,000 SEP does not require a neighborhood meeting per our current ordinance. But they held the neighborhood meeting anyways. I just wanted to clarify that. Thanks. 974 01:20:15,000 --> 01:20:24,000 I have a question for you. So was the neighborhood meeting mailing list the same as the 100 foot adjoining 975 01:20:24,000 --> 01:20:27,000 owner list in the Attachment A? 976 01:20:27,000 --> 01:20:32,000 And it was not as mailed within the timeframe of the UDO 977 01:20:32,000 --> 01:20:37,000 requires? Yes, the mailings were sent within the requirements of the UDO. 978 01:20:37,000 --> 01:20:39,000 For a neighborhood meeting, we required notification 979 01:20:39,000 --> 01:20:43,000 to be sent 10 days in advance of the neighborhood meeting. 980 01:20:43,000 --> 01:20:47,000 For a public hearing, we would send it 2 weeks in advance. 981 01:20:47,000 --> 01:20:50,000 I believe the only discrepancy 982 01:20:50,000 --> 01:20:51,000 was 983 01:20:51,000 --> 01:20:57,000 so we notify 100 feet Mhmm. And then we could go across Union Road as well. The 984 01:20:57,000 --> 01:21:07,000 city typically does an additional 10 to 25 feet just to get if we're close enough, but they're not quite in our hundred. So the only additional neighbor I know of was Charles Murdock. 985 01:21:09,000 --> 01:21:19,000 Okay. So he did receive a notification from the city, but not for the neighborhood meeting. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Let let me clarify. So there are 2 different things. Right? So 1 was strictly to hold a neighborhood meeting, 986 01:21:21,000 --> 01:21:24,000 which again we established. It's not a requirement, 987 01:21:24,000 --> 01:21:29,000 but it was done beyond that. The 2nd part, Maddie just explained, is notification 988 01:21:29,000 --> 01:21:32,000 for this public hearing, which 989 01:21:32,000 --> 01:21:40,400 is hundred feet plus that 25 feet. It's both for both. Yep. Thank you. 990 01:21:41,000 --> 01:21:44,000 Any further questions for staff? 991 01:21:45,000 --> 01:21:47,000 Thank you, Maddie. 992 01:21:48,000 --> 01:21:50,000 Commissioners, we have 993 01:22:03,000 --> 01:22:10,000 3 folks signed up for this item. Looks like there'll be 1 speaker, I guess for the applicant. And then a number of 994 01:22:10,000 --> 01:22:14,000 9 people signed for it can't. So we'll start with the applicant 995 01:22:14,000 --> 01:22:16,000 1st. 996 01:22:16,000 --> 01:22:20,000 Just let me know if you're going to speak for the whole group. 997 01:22:20,000 --> 01:22:22,000 Thawait? I'm 998 01:22:22,000 --> 01:22:30,000 here. I'm going to speak and then I will go ahead and go ahead this meeting. Thank you. Okay. 999 01:22:30,000 --> 01:22:40,000 Good evening. Would you state your name and address for the record please? Chair, vice chair, commissioners, thank you for the opportunity. My name is Jason Dolan. My address is 6 10 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. 1000 01:22:48,000 --> 01:22:52,000 Okay. Oh, it's already up. I do have a presentation. 1001 01:22:52,000 --> 01:22:58,000 We're the civil engineering firm representing Vasu Developers who is the developer of the project. 1002 01:22:58,000 --> 01:23:01,600 Speaking to Mike. Is that better? 1003 01:23:02,000 --> 01:23:08,000 Making mic taller for tall people like that. Super tall person. There 1004 01:23:08,000 --> 01:23:10,000 you go. 1005 01:23:10,000 --> 01:23:13,000 How's that? Is that better? Sure. 1006 01:23:13,000 --> 01:23:17,000 I think I think I can get close to it. 1007 01:23:17,000 --> 01:23:25,000 So as as was mentioned and Maddie did a great job on the presentation, we held a community meeting on the 29th. 1008 01:23:25,000 --> 01:23:34,000 Existing conditions have already gone over, but I'll review a few more items. This is an undeveloped site we do have easements that cross the site which we're working around 1009 01:23:34,000 --> 01:23:42,000 and then there was also the discussion about the proposed and CDOT improvements along Union Road which are significant 1010 01:23:42,000 --> 01:23:52,000 and I think on 1 of the maps that was shown previously it listed the main driveway as full movement which it will be at the time it's developed but will eventually become 1011 01:23:52,000 --> 01:23:58,000 limited with the median that's installed as part of the roadway improvements. 1012 01:23:58,000 --> 01:23:59,000 4.74 1013 01:23:59,000 --> 01:24:01,000 acres 144 1014 01:24:01,000 --> 01:24:11,000 parking spaces we've actually reduced a few since since previously was listed but we are still around 1.3 spaces per unit so again below the maximum of 2 units per 2 units per 2 spaces per unit. I'm sorry. 1015 01:24:17,000 --> 01:24:20,000 We are meeting the tree preservation 1016 01:24:20,000 --> 01:24:28,000 and open space along with all of the conditions that the city of Gastonia has provided to us with with no question. 1017 01:24:28,000 --> 01:24:38,000 And the architect has prepared renderings which some of you've seen and I'm going to go through these because I know 1 of the important items that we want to make clear is that 1018 01:24:42,000 --> 01:24:52,000 are being compliant with the neighboring development making sure that we're compatible both with materials with look with height and so as you can see in the rendering we have gabled roofs we have a mixture of materials 1019 01:24:55,000 --> 01:25:01,000 on the faces that front the roadway primarily those are brick 1020 01:25:01,000 --> 01:25:11,000 greater than 50 percent in most cases in fact as you can see on the rendering approaching 75 percent on those buildings that that are up on Union Road 1021 01:25:11,000 --> 01:25:14,000 And then the elevations show how those 1022 01:25:14,000 --> 01:25:18,000 elevations of the building are broken down. 1023 01:25:18,000 --> 01:25:22,000 Although we are proposing some 24 unit buildings 1024 01:25:22,000 --> 01:25:24,000 the way the architecture is articulated 1025 01:25:24,000 --> 01:25:28,800 it appears to be smaller units grouped together. 1026 01:25:31,000 --> 01:25:40,000 And then this last slide shows some of the materials that will be utilized as part of that architecture. 1027 01:25:40,000 --> 01:25:43,000 So a few items that I just wanted to go over. 1028 01:25:43,000 --> 01:25:45,000 I know that safety is important. 1029 01:25:45,000 --> 01:25:55,000 This site will have a lighting plan for the parking lot as well as around the buildings that will meet the city of Gastonia's lighting code. We're obviously not going to trespass light onto the adjacent properties. We know that that's an important part of what we want to do. 1030 01:26:01,000 --> 01:26:07,000 Some of the older layouts that were done for this project had a different layout of the roadway. 1031 01:26:07,000 --> 01:26:16,000 Just what? I'm sorry. Sorry, I'll go back to the 2nd Okay, there we go. 1032 01:26:16,000 --> 01:26:23,000 The internal vehicular circulation that we're proposing on this provides a loop, which we felt was important for not only the tenants, 1033 01:26:23,000 --> 01:26:30,000 but also for emergency access for fire trucks. And so we feel like that's a 1034 01:26:30,000 --> 01:26:35,400 strong advocate for this being a very safe environment. 1035 01:26:36,000 --> 01:26:46,000 We did look at the intersection sight distance for the driveways that are going out not only onto the existing Union Road but also onto what Union Road becomes with the improvements and we are meeting those. We did commit to a write in write out for the southern driveway as there was some concern about oncoming traffic from the south and that being full movement and we had no issues with accepting that 1036 01:27:01,000 --> 01:27:11,000 we are committed to meeting all of the UDO requirements. Again, I mentioned the conditions a few moments ago as well as section 8.1.10, 1037 01:27:11,000 --> 01:27:13,000 the multifamily guidelines. 1038 01:27:14,000 --> 01:27:17,000 And we are planning to 1039 01:27:18,000 --> 01:27:27,600 provide them, as I said, the materials that will be in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood. 1040 01:27:29,000 --> 01:27:35,000 Happy to answer any questions. Any questions for Mr. Dillon? 1041 01:27:36,000 --> 01:27:41,400 On this screen you have 106 units and we have 108. 1042 01:27:48,000 --> 01:27:51,600 My friend in the back. My 1043 01:27:59,000 --> 01:28:01,400 name is Amid Khawaid, 10106 1044 01:28:02,000 --> 01:28:04,000 Stones by L. In Waxhaw, NC. 1045 01:28:04,000 --> 01:28:10,000 108 is the total unit count. The 2 unit in 1 of the front, 1046 01:28:10,000 --> 01:28:14,000 the unit basically is going to be used for the office center. 1047 01:28:14,000 --> 01:28:17,000 That is why we reduced the 2 count. 1048 01:28:17,000 --> 01:28:19,000 So the 106 1049 01:28:19,000 --> 01:28:29,000 total count is going to be offered for the tenants and apartment purpose. 2 units basically for internal leasing and other purposes. That's where some modifications. So let me ask you this. 1050 01:28:30,000 --> 01:28:36,000 So is the site plan in attachment C on the package showing the 5 buildings in 108 1051 01:28:36,000 --> 01:28:41,000 units, right? The plan that you are asking this commission to book tonight. 1052 01:28:41,000 --> 01:28:43,000 So I 1053 01:28:43,000 --> 01:28:51,000 think we should fix that typo, just acknowledging right away. Total construction is going total unit count construction is going to be 108. 1054 01:28:51,000 --> 01:28:54,000 For our internal purpose or for 1055 01:28:54,000 --> 01:29:04,000 the apartment purpose, going to be offered 106 unit. 2 is just basically for internal. And then 5 buildings? Yes. The building count everything the same. So the application signed back in May in the neighborhood meeting noticed that both described 9 3 story 1056 01:29:10,000 --> 01:29:12,000 buildings. So 1057 01:29:12,000 --> 01:29:16,000 the site report and the site plan shows 5. 1058 01:29:16,000 --> 01:29:26,000 When did you decide the change and and why? We have been working with the city staff and we have been con con con continuously adopting the feedback and enhancing the plan. 1059 01:29:26,000 --> 01:29:36,000 And and that's the change. What we are seeing it basically from 9 to 5 and a lot of great feedback which help us improvise our overall floor plan and building counts and stuff like that. Do you have any evidence 1060 01:29:37,000 --> 01:29:39,000 to offer tonight 1061 01:29:39,000 --> 01:29:42,000 beyond the materials that we already 1062 01:29:42,000 --> 01:29:44,000 in the staff packet 1063 01:29:44,000 --> 01:29:50,000 if you have it? So please exhibit it right now if you have it. I don't think so. We have it. 1064 01:29:50,000 --> 01:30:00,000 You're sorry. Yeah, sorry. You're asking evidence that would extra evidence that you have that would support our change from 9 units to 5 units. No, there's already 5 units. You already said yes. Any evidence that you want to clear? No. Okay, thank you. You're welcome. 1065 01:30:09,000 --> 01:30:11,000 Any 1066 01:30:13,000 --> 01:30:15,000 further questions for our speaker? 1067 01:30:15,000 --> 01:30:25,000 I still have some questions, mister chairman. That okay? Absolutely. Just to make sure that we focus in the right direction. So Excuse me, commissioners. You started asking questions. I'm not sure he's finished his presentation. Oh. So you might wanna let him do that. 1068 01:30:31,000 --> 01:30:33,000 Oh, thought he was. He said I'm finished. 1069 01:30:33,000 --> 01:30:38,000 Okay. Thank you. I just want to clarify that. Thank you. So 1070 01:30:38,000 --> 01:30:42,000 what portion of the side lies within the FEMA zone 8E 1071 01:30:42,000 --> 01:30:43,000 floodplain? 1072 01:30:43,000 --> 01:30:45,000 And is any building 1073 01:30:45,000 --> 01:30:49,800 parking or field proposed within the regulation floodway? 1074 01:30:50,000 --> 01:30:51,000 As was stated, 1075 01:30:51,000 --> 01:30:55,000 nearly 90 percent of the site is within a floodplain. 1076 01:30:55,000 --> 01:30:58,000 Our intent is to raise the elevation 1077 01:30:58,000 --> 01:31:01,000 so that all of the buildings are above 1078 01:31:01,000 --> 01:31:08,000 protection elevation. So the flood planning study and permit for this property were approved back in February 20 25, I believe. 1079 01:31:08,000 --> 01:31:11,000 And before the new owner, 1080 01:31:11,000 --> 01:31:19,000 the title of this new property back in March 20 26. So was this study based on the 5 building laid out or 1081 01:31:19,000 --> 01:31:20,000 it does 1082 01:31:20,000 --> 01:31:22,000 actually 1083 01:31:22,000 --> 01:31:24,000 still remain valid? 1084 01:31:24,000 --> 01:31:29,000 I haven't seen the 20 25 study so I cannot 1085 01:31:29,000 --> 01:31:39,000 I can't provide any response to that. We are in the middle of we're in the process of grading the site in order to meet the flood protection elevation 1086 01:31:39,000 --> 01:31:49,000 and then we will take that grading plan and move into our flood study to provide the no rise study as we move into construction documents. So are you committed as a condition to submit a revised non rise certification approved by the floodplain administrator 1087 01:31:54,000 --> 01:31:56,000 before 1088 01:31:56,000 --> 01:31:58,400 the site plan approval? 1089 01:32:00,000 --> 01:32:01,000 Yes, 1090 01:32:01,000 --> 01:32:11,000 yes, we will. That process will be will begin after this meeting. Okay, you don't mind to describe the the underground detention system by any chance and 1091 01:32:13,000 --> 01:32:15,000 Has the soil scientist confirmed 1092 01:32:15,000 --> 01:32:18,000 the seasonal high water table 1093 01:32:18,000 --> 01:32:26,000 at this location by any chance? We have not had the soil scientists out to the site yet. That'll be again. We're waiting 1094 01:32:26,000 --> 01:32:27,000 to see how tonight goes 1095 01:32:27,000 --> 01:32:32,000 and then we will send the soil scientist out and cut the flood study loose. 1096 01:32:32,000 --> 01:32:38,000 But we will have him go out there to verify the location of the seasonal high water table. Regarding 1097 01:32:38,000 --> 01:32:43,000 your 1st question about the underground storm water system, it's it's obviously not typical 1098 01:32:43,000 --> 01:32:51,000 to have an underground system in an area where it's inundated with floods or with the with flooding. 1099 01:32:51,000 --> 01:32:55,000 So in this case we will have to utilize some different. 1100 01:32:55,000 --> 01:33:05,000 Backwater valves in order to prevent any water from actually moving into the system in the event of a flood before our storm water flows in. 1101 01:33:05,000 --> 01:33:15,000 It is so so how this up well how the development will affect the storm water discharge to the Catawba Creek in both 0.25? 1102 01:33:15,000 --> 01:33:21,000 Well, no, by by code we cannot. We have to only allow 1103 01:33:21,000 --> 01:33:28,800 outflow that meets or is less than what the pre existing conditions are. 1104 01:33:30,000 --> 01:33:33,600 Has a traffic study been completed? 1105 01:33:34,000 --> 01:33:40,000 It has not. But I also don't know that we're required to do 1 given our unit count. No. 1106 01:33:40,000 --> 01:33:45,000 I think that is correct. This did not trigger the TIA threshold. 1107 01:33:45,000 --> 01:33:48,600 So traffic study is not required. 1108 01:33:50,000 --> 01:33:56,000 So your intention is to raise the construction level above 1109 01:33:56,000 --> 01:33:58,000 the flood 1110 01:33:58,000 --> 01:33:59,000 zone. 1111 01:33:59,000 --> 01:34:06,000 Am I understanding that correctly? So you're raising the grade of the ground to get it above? 1112 01:34:06,000 --> 01:34:12,000 That is correct. Yes. And what impact, if any, will that have on neighboring properties, 1113 01:34:12,000 --> 01:34:16,000 businesses? I think you're right up against Brookdale. 1114 01:34:16,000 --> 01:34:17,000 Actually 1115 01:34:17,000 --> 01:34:21,000 that won't have any off-site impacts. There 1116 01:34:21,000 --> 01:34:27,000 is enough in fact by the time we get to our northern property line where we border the Brookdale project 1117 01:34:27,000 --> 01:34:37,000 we're actually very close to grade. There's just a significant amount of rise from the southern end of the site to the north. So we're filling primarily in the southern end. Okay. But we don't have any like 1118 01:34:40,000 --> 01:34:42,000 illustrations or documentation 1119 01:34:43,000 --> 01:34:45,000 to show 1120 01:34:45,000 --> 01:34:52,000 where that looks or how that flow? At this time, we do not. Okay. 1121 01:34:52,000 --> 01:34:56,000 I was going to say, is it dependent on the soil study or? 1122 01:34:56,000 --> 01:35:02,000 No. It's really, again, just dependent upon how far we want to get with documents 1123 01:35:02,000 --> 01:35:04,000 before we know 1124 01:35:04,000 --> 01:35:06,000 where we It 1125 01:35:07,000 --> 01:35:17,000 is also because of the expense and time it takes. Of course. Going through the SEP is the 1st step. Once it is approved, the conditions noted in your staff report 1126 01:35:18,000 --> 01:35:20,000 clearly outlines storm water, 1127 01:35:20,000 --> 01:35:23,000 management issues, the flood study. 1128 01:35:23,000 --> 01:35:33,000 All of those requirements have to be still met. Thank you. Have you reached to NCDOT for any review or approval of the 2 proposed driveways by any chance? We have provided NCDOT with plans. In fact, we sent them our plans once we had received their documents for the road widening and had dropped those in there you can you can barely see it just in the background where the bulb out is so back in June we had begun communicating with them to get those plans from them. We put them in our plans to make sure that we were coordinated. And then we provided them with a layout. But they haven't responded. No access permit yet. Okay. 1129 01:36:02,000 --> 01:36:03,000 So these 1130 01:36:03,000 --> 01:36:04,000 NCDOT 1131 01:36:04,000 --> 01:36:06,000 is TIP, 1132 01:36:06,000 --> 01:36:08,000 U dash 5961 1133 01:36:08,000 --> 01:36:12,800 is not a schedule for construction until probably 2030. 1134 01:36:13,000 --> 01:36:17,000 So between and then, how will the full moment primary 1135 01:36:17,000 --> 01:36:22,000 driveway operate in the 2 lane road with no median? 1136 01:36:22,000 --> 01:36:31,000 Well, as was stated, it will be a full movement driveway until the road improvements are completed. 1137 01:36:31,000 --> 01:36:40,000 But at that location, there is greater sight distance both to the north and the south. 1138 01:36:40,000 --> 01:36:43,000 By any chance, do you know the available 1139 01:36:43,000 --> 01:36:45,000 sight distance between the 2 1140 01:36:45,000 --> 01:36:50,000 access point or driveway by any chance? Between our 2 driveways? 1141 01:36:50,000 --> 01:36:54,000 I do not have that with me right now, but I can very easily 1142 01:36:54,000 --> 01:36:57,000 provide it to you. I 1143 01:36:58,000 --> 01:37:05,000 do know that that was 1 of the questions that came from city staff from their transportation department while we were in review. 1144 01:37:05,000 --> 01:37:12,000 And they had just asked us to verify that distance and I believe 1 of their responses was that it did meet the 1145 01:37:12,000 --> 01:37:14,400 meet the minimum separation. 1146 01:37:16,000 --> 01:37:25,000 Including the stop site distance required by NCDOT as well or I don't think that they made any statement with regard to NCDOT requirements. Okay. Thank you. 1147 01:37:25,000 --> 01:37:35,000 Yeah. Again, to clarify, we do not speak for DOT. But our city traffic engineer reviewed the access points And it does meet those side distance requirements. Right. This is an NCDOT 1148 01:37:37,000 --> 01:37:39,000 right away. Yes, 1149 01:37:39,000 --> 01:37:41,000 sir. 1150 01:37:46,000 --> 01:37:49,600 Any further questions for our speaker? 1151 01:37:51,000 --> 01:37:53,400 I just have 1 clarification. 1152 01:37:55,000 --> 01:38:00,000 So the DOT widening is expected to be completed in 1153 01:38:00,000 --> 01:38:01,000 2030 1154 01:38:01,000 --> 01:38:02,000 and 1155 01:38:02,000 --> 01:38:04,000 start 1156 01:38:04,000 --> 01:38:06,000 2030? 1157 01:38:06,000 --> 01:38:09,600 If everything goes well. That when 1158 01:38:10,000 --> 01:38:11,000 how that works? 1159 01:38:11,000 --> 01:38:14,000 And what would be the expected 1160 01:38:14,000 --> 01:38:23,000 obviously I know that's a big ask roughly what would be your expected time to occupy the building? 1161 01:38:23,000 --> 01:38:25,000 Again, 1162 01:38:26,000 --> 01:38:36,000 as per the plan what we're looking forward if things will go as planned, then probably 1st 0.25 or 2nd 0.25 of next year, we're going to begin constructing or break the ground and as things will move forward. 1163 01:38:37,000 --> 01:38:43,000 Maybe the end of the next year, maybe The year construction time? Yeah, in area of construction time, 20 28, 1164 01:38:43,000 --> 01:38:44,000 Q2, 1165 01:38:44,000 --> 01:38:47,000 somewhere in between. So possibly, 1166 01:38:47,000 --> 01:38:49,000 have a couple of years 1167 01:38:49,000 --> 01:38:50,000 of 1168 01:38:50,000 --> 01:38:54,000 completion of your project before the DOT 1169 01:38:54,000 --> 01:38:57,000 widening? Yes, sir. Okay. Thanks. 1170 01:39:00,000 --> 01:39:02,000 Any further questions? 1171 01:39:03,000 --> 01:39:09,000 Yes. Sure. Have a couple more. Absolutely. Sorry. No, that's fine. Under utilities and services, 1172 01:39:09,000 --> 01:39:14,000 has 2 Rivers Utilities issued a willingness to serve letter or confirm the water? 1173 01:39:14,000 --> 01:39:19,000 Sewer capacity for the 108 units they have. Thank you. 1174 01:39:19,000 --> 01:39:24,400 And have you consulted the Gastonia schools regarding the. 1175 01:39:25,000 --> 01:39:31,000 The number of students in generation that we have not. 1176 01:39:43,000 --> 01:39:45,000 Thank you. 1177 01:39:45,000 --> 01:39:48,000 Thank you Mr. Dillon. Alright 1178 01:39:48,000 --> 01:39:55,000 and moving on to the speakers who are against this project. I have a list of 9 names here and just as we did earlier 1179 01:39:55,000 --> 01:40:05,000 as I stated in the rules of procedure, we try to keep our time to a total of 20 minutes for all speakers. Do have a little bit of leverage. So I'm gonna go down the list just like I did prior and if you just indicate, I'll state your name, you just indicate if you still want me to speak.