Hello everybody. It's good to see everyone here today
attending uh this meeting uh for the business of our town. You're certainly
quite welcome. Uh, I am Mayor William Harris and as we always I'm I'm calling
the meeting to order and would you please stand for the invocation. Thank
you.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for this day. We are dependent on your grace
and mercy as we welcome this opportunity to conduct the business of the town of
Fugquway Arena. Grant each of us wisdom and insight as we seek to respond to the
needs of our community and citizens. Help us to maintain encouragement,
always abiding in your promises that through humility and obedience, your
will can be expressed through us. Let us each be teachable as we learn how
to be better elected officials for the citizens of our community. We humbly
pray. Amen. >> Amen.
» Now we will have the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner Charlie
Adcock. I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
» Thank you. You may be seated.
At this time, I will ask town manager Adam Mitchell to review the meeting
protocol for public participation as it relates to this meeting.
» Thank you, Mayor. Good evening. Good evening to be uh it's good to be with
the board this evening. Tonight's town board meeting will be held both in
person and livereamed on the town's YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Tonight's meeting includes a public comment period and six scheduled public
hearings. The public is invited to comment in person. When it is the
appropriate time, Mayor Harris will call on those wishing to address the town
board. All attendees who have appeared in person to address the town board
during the public comment period should provide their name and address on the
green registration sheet by the podium before the public comment period begins.
All attendees who appear in person to address the town board during a
scheduled public hearing should provide their name and address on the white
registration sheet by the podium. We ask all those wishing to address the town
board either during the public comment period or a scheduled public hearing to
begin their comments by clearly stating their name and address for the public
record. The public is asked to keep all comments to three minutes so that all
who wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. To be respectful of those
who may have different views on matters addressed by the town board, we ask that
all in attendance respect the decorum of the meeting by refraining from clapping,
making loud noises, and generally showing support or displeasure for
comments made during the public comment period or public hearings. Police Chief
Smith will be asked to escort from the boardroom anyone not respecting the
process. And it is the discretion of the mayor as presiding officer whether to
continue the public comment and or public hearing periods if the meeting
protocol is not followed. And this concludes the protocol for tonight's
meeting. >> Thank you, Mr. Manager. Thank you.
» Item 3A, approval of the minutes of the August
3rd meeting town board of commissioner regular our regular schedule meeting. Do
I have a motion to approve those minutes? Are are there any corrections?
» Mr. Mr. Mayor, I make a motion to approve the minutes of the August 3rd,
2026 Town Board of Commissioner regular schedule meeting as presented.
» Second. >> Second.
» Any discussion? If not, all in favor of the motion, let
it be known by saying I. >> I.
» Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion carries. Thank you so much.
With the next item, item 4A, it gives me great pleasure to introduce
the mayor's health and wellness council. Uh one of the things that uh is so
exciting about um this agenda item for me is that uh for several years I worked
with the division of mental health and substance abuse and intellectual
developmental disabilities. And one of the things that I I learned
in that capacity is the number of of people, citizens,
residents who have needs oftent times that are ignored or either they have
difficulty coming forth because of the stigma often associated with the
vulnerabilities that result from mental health challenges or other challenges as
well as those physical health challenges. that impact a lot of
communities. So I I broke it down as a as a as a elected official who's
committed to providing
a sense of leadership and direction to talk about the issue of health in our
community. It it it breaks down very simple. If you have a healthy
individual, there's a good possibility you'll have a healthy family. And if you
have a healthy family, you'll have a health healthy community. So out of that
desire, I was fortunate enough to be sort of introduced or led to people who
had the same mindset, who had a vision of what this could be in regards to a
mayor's initiative to keep to the forefront of the public the importance
of mental health, the importance of physical health, and the importance of
primary care for a community. Because we as elected officials, we can
promagate legislation. We can do those kinds of things, but the direct impact
on the quality of life in a community is associated with the health of a
community. And as mayor, I wanted to convey that message to the community at
large through a mayor's health council. And we have some members of that council
who are here today who I would love to introduce if uh they would come forth
and I want you to meet a couple of members of the council. We have five
members. We have two present today and I I want them to introduce themselves
briefly so you can talk about what the [clears throat] health council has been
doing over the last six months. We've done a lot in the area of prevention,
intervention, advocacy, as well as bringing forth a lot of conversation
about the importance of community health or either a healthy community. So, I'd
like to introduce Dr. Don Johannes and Dr. Priyanka Pthula to the community.
And if um you all want to say something briefly about yourselves to the
community, I would appreciate it. Couple of minutes and you can use the mic
there. Is that o is that okay? Um Scott. Yeah. Good.
» Scott have you. >> Um good evening everyone. Good evening
Mayor Harris. Good evening town board members. And good evening Fuqua Verina
community. It is a pleasure and a sheer delight for us to be here. I am a
retired high school educator. I am a wellness coach. I am a breast cancer
survivor and I am a fugqua vinian. [laughter]
And I just want to talk about um basically the the council was
established in February of this year and we are still a work in progress. But
there's one thing that we as our council members we hold on to is one simple
belief. And that belief that we hold on to is that when Fquay Verina is healthy,
Fquaver Varina is stronger. How many of us want a stronger Fugqua Verina? A
healthier frauina that offers a quality of life. So I'm
going to decrease but to let you know we are working diligently. We are working
consistently. We have attended several uh fugqua verina events. Uh we are
planning some dynamic events. We have a dynamic
diverse council of professional experienced knowledgeable
individuals who are concerned about the health of fquay verinians. Thank you so
much for this opportunity and now I shall defer it to my colleague.
» Thank you. >> Good evening everybody. My name is Dr.
Priyanka Pantila. I'm a dentist and an owner at United Smiles Family Dental
right here in Fugway. As a healthc care provider, I see that the health everyday
health does begin at our homes. Um not in healthcare facilities. It begins it
at our homes and our daily choices and at senior centers. So this is what the
council is all about. It's about reaching to people before the illness
does. I'm really honored to work along with uh Mayor Harris and the team to
help build a healthier fugu verina for every family and every child and every
senior who calls this town home. Thank you so much. I'm really looking forward
to work with you, mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Have a good one.
» Thank you. Thank you so much. [applause] I appreciate you so much.
» We have one more person who is absent, Andy Curtis, who works with the uh Wake
mental health. Uh she is not here. She's a community liaison who has volunteered
and and and uh one other person, Chai, uh is not here as well. But we have
currently four outstanding volunteers who are helping to ignite this
initiative that I think is going to be and I really believe from the bottom of
my heart beneficial to all the citizens here in Fugqua Verina. So thank you.
Thank you very much. Thank you all so much for your time. Thank you.
And and now I'm going to move to item 4B, presentations. A resolution, fire
department, fire helmet retirement presentation,
battalion chief William Garland Johnston, and fire captain uh number two
Sam Golitly. More information about this agenda item will be presented by Fire
Chief Jones. >> Good evening. Good evening, mayor,
commissioners, managers. >> Um thank you for uh allowing us to to be
here tonight. Uh tonight we recognize two extraordinary leaders who after more
than 50 years of combined service to our community have decided to hang up their
boots, give their bodies some rest, and spend some more quality time with their
families. Uh Battalion Chief Garland Johnston and Captain Sam Gollightly.
On July 29th, family, friends, and staff gathered at Fire Station 4 to celebrate
the service of Battalion Chief Garland Johnston. And just a short eight days
later on August the 6th, family, friends, and staff gathered again at
Fire Station 4 to celebrate the service of Captain Sam Gollightly.
Since Since both requested the same menu and the same program,
quite a few cheeseburgers, baked beans, and chips were prepared and eaten at
station 4 over a very short 8-day period. Um, but I want to thank each one
of you who were able to attend and show your support for these two class acts,
and it truly meant a lot to both of them. And while those lunches gave us
time to reminisce, laugh, and share some stories, tonight is an opportunity to
formally honor their service to the town.
For more than 30 years, with 25 of them being right here in Fugquway Arena,
Battalion Chief Johnston has faithfully protected our community while helping to
lead our department through years of incredible growth. Over the years, Chief
Johnston has earned multiple department awards and citations, was named our
employee of the year in 2005, and promoted to battalion chief in 2010.
Garland has educated countless firefighters on the importance of being
prepared and training the next generation to ensure everyone goes home
safely at the end of their shift. And for more than 26 years of dedicated
service as both a career and a volunteer firefighter, Captain Gollightly has
faithfully answered the call when needed while serving with true professionalism
since day one. Throughout his career, Captain Gollightly has also earned
numerous department awards and citations. Was named our employee of the
year in 2015 and promoted to captain in 2010. Sam has trained and mentored
numerous firefighters over the years and has never lost the true excitement and
the twinkle in his eye when responding to someone in need. They both have
definitely left their mark on our town and our department. And although the
years of service are milestones, the real impact of these two professionals
is how they treated people. They have helped shape the culture in our
stations, cared for and protected our community, and mentored just about
everyone that served with them. And for me personally, they have been two good
friends that I will miss dearly. Mayor, before I move to the resolution,
I would like to give each one of our retirees a moment to share a few
remarks, starting with uh Chief Johnston, then Captain Gollightly.
Go on. Um,
mayor, managers, citizens, guys. Uh, look, what a what a privilege and an
honor it has been to work for this town for the last 25 years.
Um I so many dedicated educated professionals
have worked alongside with you all um to make it so I could have the career that
I've had. So uh it's it's it's been an honor and a privilege to work with you
all. Um, you all take care of us and all these people here, directors from or to
the lowly bottom person that just got hired at Parks and Wreck to do ball
games. Um, everybody makes this town run. Um, and we just we have a great
group of people here and I just I'm so tickled to death that I have been able
to make a career and that every person here has really played a hand in it. Uh
thank you. [snorts] Thank you for Thank you. [applause]
[applause] Thank you to everyone.
» That's what I needed to write on this. >> See, I'm not as good as you, darling.
[clears throat] I have I have to do this.
As I retire from the town of Fraver Arena after 26 years
of service, including serving as a captain, I want to take a moment to
thank each of you for your support of our department.
When I began my career with the town as a firefighter, everyone at the fire
department was very welcoming and supportive.
It was a very short time after that I realized
that they weren't just my friends, they had become my family
and I'm forever grateful for that. It has been an honor and a privilege to
serve this community alongside them. Your continued support has helped us
provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Fugquway Verina. Thank
you all for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our
department. Thank you and God bless everybody.
» Thank you so much, [applause]
[applause]
» gentlemen. Thank you both. Okay. in
recognition of their dedication and service and in accordance with North
Carolina General Statute 16A 294.1, both men have met all stipulated
requirements and have formally requested to keep their assigned structural fire
helmets for retirement. There are there are separate official
resolutions for each of these retirees, but I will combine um the two into one
reading. A resolution adopted by the board of commissioners of the town of
Fuway Arena, North Carolina, authorizing the award of a structural fire helmet in
recognition of retirement from the Fugquway Vina Fire Department.
Whereas William Garland Johnston began his fire and emergency services career
with the town of Fuway Verina Fire Department on August 5th, 2001. And
Samuel Irwin Golley III began his fire and emergency services career with the
town of Fuway Verina Fire Department on August 7th, 2000. And whereas after
distinguished service to the town of Fuqua Marina and the fire department,
both have submitted their intentions to retire effective September 1st, 2026.
And whereas North Carolina General Statute 160A
294.1 provides that the governing body of a
municipal fire department may in its discretion award a retiring member upon
his or her retirement their assigned structural fire helmet. Now therefore,
be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the town of Fugquway
Verina, North Carolina, that William Garland Johnston and Samuel Irwin Golley
III are hereby awarded their structural fire helmets for $1 in recognition of
their honorable and dedicated service to the citizens of Fugquway Arena. These
resolutions of the town of Fuqua Verina Board of Commissioners are hereby
adopted this 18th day of August in the year of 2026 in Fugquway Arena, North
Carolina. And should these resolutions be adopted tonight, they will be signed
by Mayor Harris for the town of Fuqua Vina.
So, mayor, tonight there is a recommended motion and the motion is to
adopt the resolutions authorizing the award of the structural fire helmets to
Battalion Chief Garland William Garland Johnston and fire captain to Samuel
Gollightly in recognition of their retirement from the town of Fuwayina
Fire Department as presented and recommended.
» What is your pleasure, >> Mr. Mayor? I make a motion to adopt the
resolutions authorizing the award of the structural fire helmets to Battalion
Chief William Garland Johnson and Fire Chief 2 Samuel Gollightly in recognition
of their retirement from the town of Faino Fire Department as presented and
recommended. >> Second.
» It's been moved and second. Any discussion on the motion?
All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I.
» I. >> Any oppose?
» Eyes have it. Let me say one thing first.
Um, it's so powerful what you all have done
for this community. If you look around the wall and you see these young firemen
whose lives you have impacted, you have impacted an entire generation,
that's how powerful your tenacity and staying with this
community is and will be for so long. So we honor you tonight for your service.
Thank you very much. Thank you.
[applause]
» Oh yes. Oh, thank you sir. Thank you so very
Thank you all so much. Thank you, Chief. I appreciate you all.
Take down.
And now we'll move on to item five, public comment period.
At this time, the town clerk will call on individuals who are in attendance and
have registered to address the town board prior to the meeting. The public
comment period is a time for the public to address the town on any matter not
the subject of a scheduled public hearing. The public comment period is
not a time for the town board to respond or engage in back and forth conversation
with the public. Only those who have signed in in advance of the public
comment period will be permitted to address the town board.
Those speaking are asked to begin by clearly stating their name and address
for the public record. Please limit your comments to three minutes so that all
who wish to speak may be heard in a timely manner. Town clerk Wilder, do we
have anyone signed up for public comments?
» We have one person, Annie Feny. >> Okay.
» Thank you. >> Um, thank you, Mr. Mayor, commissioners,
managers. So, I actually meant to sign up on the white sheet. I signed up on
the green sheet by accident. Should I come back or should I be heard now?
» Uh, if it's a public hearing, you you would need to come back.
» I will come back when the white sheet. >> Okay.
» Okay. >> All right. Thank you.
» [clears throat]
» Thank you. And I apologize. >> Okay, we only have we only have one
person. >> Yes, she was it.
» Oh, you may as well stay. Um, all right. Now, we move if there are no more
comments, we'll move to public hearings. The public hearings are a time for the
petitioner to present their requests for the public to provide input and express
their support or opposition. Public hearings are not a time for the town
board to respond to public input or engage in back and forth conversation.
» I thought we had that. Was that the item?
» Oh, it six. 668.
» That's right. But it is a public hearing. So the mayor is reading the
protocol for the public hearing. Is public comment is we went through the
public. You're you're correct. Mayor >> misled.
» Oh, sorry. >> Yeah,
» you are correct to finish reading the protocol, mayor.
» Mayor, >> that's okay. All right. That's all
right. Let me start over again. Public hearings. Public hearings are a time for
the petitioner to present their request and for the public to provide input and
express their support or opposition. Public hearings are not a time for the
town board to respond to public input or engage in back and forth conversation
with the public. If you wish to speak and are physically in attendance, please
step forward to the podium one at a time. Provide your name and address on
the registration log at the podium and clearly state your name and address for
the public record. We ask that all who address the town board limit their
comments to three minutes so that all who wish to speak may be heard in a
timely manner. Now we are in the public hearing portion of the meeting.
We have items uh table from previous meetings.
Voluntary annexation petition for Colin H. Grimes, Jennifer P. Grimes, David
Charles Davis, David Davis Scott Revokable Trust, and Rebecca Sheldon
Davis 5441053015255,
Wade Nash Road, ANX 202313. Uh, more information about about this
agenda item will be presented by planning director Davidson.
» Thank you. >> You're welcome.
» I'm submitting the agenda abstract and supporting documents into the official
record of the town. The combined 76.246 acre property is non-ontiguous to the
town's corporate limits. W town water and sewer are currently available to
serve the subject properties. However, both will be extended with development
of the Elmsley subdivision. currently under review. A fireflow test resulted
in adequate fire flow. Town sanitation and recycling services are available to
serve the property. At the March 24th, 2026 meeting, the town clerk certified
that the petition was sufficient and met the requirements prescribed by the North
Carolina General Statutes and the town board adopted a resolution setting a
public hearing for the April 7th, 2026 meeting. Prior to the April 7th meeting,
the petitioner submitted a request and the board approved the request to table
the item to the June 16th, 2026 meeting. Prior to the June 16th, 2020 meeting,
2026 meeting, the petitioner submitted an additional request which the board
approved to table the item to tonight's meeting. Prior to tonight's meeting, the
petitioner submitted another request to table the public hearing to the November
2nd, 2026 regular meeting. The present total value of the properties being
annexed is $5,13,032.
The suggested motion tonight is to table consideration of ANX 202313
an annexation [clears throat] ordinance to extend the corporate limits
of the town of Fuway Verina to include property owned by Colin H. Grimes,
Jennifer P. Grimes, David Charles Davis, David Davis Scott Revocable Trust, and
Rebecca Shelton Davis. ANX 202213 and the associated declaration of annexation
to the November 2nd, 2026 regular town board meeting per the request of the
petitioner. I'm available if you have any questions.
» Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Uh so the hearing is now open.
At the at the request of the petitioner, management and staff are recommending
that the item be tabled and the public hearing be continued to the November
2nd, 2026 town board meeting. What is the pleasure of the board?
» Mr. Mayor, so moved. >> Second.
» Second. >> All those in favor of the continuation
of the public hearing, let it be known by saying I.
» I. >> Any oppose? eyes have it. Thank you very
much. Really appreciate that.
The next item is item 7A, voluntary annexation petition,
Callis Properties LLC and Callis Family Limited Partnership 2201225
and a portion of 2221 Piney Grove Wilburn Road ANX 202604.
More information about this agenda item will be presented by planning director
Davidson. >> Thank you. I'm submitting the agenda
abstract and supporting documents into the official record of the town. The
5.24 acre combined parcels are non-ontiguous to the town's corporate
limits. Town water is available to serve the subject properties. [clears throat]
Excuse me. However, sewer is unavailable and has been exempted per the annexation
agreement. A fireflow test nearby resulted in adequate fire flow. Town
sanitation and recycling services are not applicable since it will be
developed as a commercial property. At the August 3rd, 2026 meeting, town clerk
certified that the petition was sufficient and met the requirements
prescribed by the North Carolina General Statutes and the town board adopted a
resolution setting a public hearing for tonight's town board meeting. The
present total value of the properties being annexed is $573,76.
The suggested motion tonight is to adopt the annexation ordinance to extend the
corporate limits of the town of Fuguway Verina to include property owned by
Callus Properties LLC and the Callus Family Limited Partnership ANX 20264
and to approve the declaration of annexation agreement as presented and
recommended. >> Thank you.
» The hearing is now open. Does anyone wish to speak in favor of the voluntary
annexation petition?
» Mayor, good evening. John Adcock, the Adcock Law Firm at 202 East Academy
Street. I'm here on behalf of the owner and the applicant.
» Good evening. >> Uh, and they're in favor of this
petition. I'm able to ask answer any questions the board has.
» Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Does anyone else wish to speak in favor of the voluntary annexation petition?
Does anyone wish to speak in opposition to the voluntary annexation petition?
If none, the hearing is now closed. Any discussion by the board?
Mr.
Mayor. So move second. >> All right. We had a motion and a second.
All those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I.
» I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Thank you
very much.
We're still in the public hearings. Item 7B, zoning map amendment. Wayne Malden,
Malden Watkins Surveying, PA 210 Southwest Street, REZ 202610.
More information about this agenda item will be presented by planning director
Davidson. >> Thank you.
» Mr. May, the agenda abstract and supporting documents into the official
record of the town. >> The requested zoning map amendment is
cons sorry I'll go back. The purpose of this agenda item is to consider a
requested zoning map amendment for a total of 321 acres located at 210
Southwest Street from the residential medium density zoning district to the
town center residential zoning district. The requested zoning map amendment is
consistent with the 2040 community vision land use plan and supports
several of the land use plans policies and the proposed conditions will serve
to ensure the proposed triplex matches the scale and character of the
surrounding neighborhood. On July 20th, 2026, the planning board unanimously
recommended approval. There's the Tribox plot planning. The
suggested motion tonight is to approve REZ 202610, a zoning map amendment for
210 Southwest Street from the residential medium density zoning
district to the town center residential zoning district as it is reasonable and
in the best interest of the public for the reasons identified by management and
staff. I'm available if you have any questions.
The hearing is now open. Does anyone wish to speak in favor of the zoning map
amendment?
» Good evening, mayor, board. I'm Wayne Malden with Molden Watkins Survey and
139 North Main Street here in Fugquway. And we put this reszoning petition
together for the owner that you have before you here tonight. Uh basically
what we're looking at on that side of town is it's a very old house that's in
they're in need of some repair. Uh what they wish to do is not
financially feasible to try to repair it. It's
cheaper to tear it down and start all over. So that's what we're asking for
here tonight is the reasoning uh to the TCR so that we can go in and
put in a new structure as you see on the plot plan before you tonight. If you
have any questions, I'll be glad to try to answer them.
» Are there any questions of >> the petitioner? Any questions?
» Thank you.
» Does anyone wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment?
Does anyone wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
I will. Mr. Mayor, >> again, thank you for allowing me to
speak at this time. Uh, Mr. Mayor, commissioners and managers, thank you
for this opportunity. >> My name is Amy Feny. I live at 608
Parker Street here in Fugquway. And the reason I'm speaking out tonight
is we don't want more town homes in residential neighborhoods. I posted a
thing on Next Door about all the rampant building that is going on in Fugquway at
this time. And I think I should call it to your attention as far as what people
are saying about this. When I mentioned that we should attend
town council meetings and make our concerns known, the main response was
did that? They don't care. In many cases, planning staff work with the
developers. Another answer from Bob M was greed. Jeff C. developers do not
care. Audrey G. Greed. It is all about the town. From Sue A. It's all about the
town getting as much money as possible. Emily B. It isn't just Fugquay, but so
many municipalities are growing at this time. However, Joe S. greedy
politicians. Lois. O. It's about the money and on top of it pushing creatures
out of their natural habitat. Stephanie W. Because they are greedy and do not
care. I thought it was important that you understand what it is that the
Fugquay residents want at this time. We do not want more town homes going up
where residential neighborhoods are right now. It is a sight eyesore. We do
not want it. We previously have voted out people who did not listen to the
constituents. And at this time, I urge you to please listen to the constituents
because we voted you in. We don't want it. Thank you so much for your time. I
appreciate your consideration. >> Thank you very much for your comments.
We >> Do you have any questions I could
answer? >> Not at this time, though.
» All right. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Thank you.
Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
The hearing is now closed. Any discussion by the board?
» Mr. Mayor, I'll make some comments. >> All right. Thank you.
» Uh when I look at this, I see um um when we talk about uh downtown, this is
downtown. Um it is um where we have really been successful with um
the threestory units there on the corner of
Spring Avenue and Vance Street. Uh, I think those are an asset in downtown
Fugquway and really in our downtowns, but I think especially in downtown
Fugquway, we need to have more people living there
and we need to have density because that's what's going to keep it alive.
Um otherwise the businesses are going to go out on some of the major main roads
and they will avoid downtown Fugway and you'll see downtown Fugway um I think uh
go backwards. When I look at um this, I also think
about the need for housing in our community. And I think one of the worst
things we can do is be put an undue burden on um folks that are trying to
add housing in a market that is becoming more and more unaffordable.
Um and this to me looks like what the buzzword we hear, missing middle. And I
think this is exactly what that is. I think that's what we have talked about
and I think it's something that we are trying to promote. This seems like an
excellent spot to it. We're not subdividing the lot uh down any more
than it already is. We're fitting a uh one unit on it, but it will have three
homes in it. I think it makes a lot of sense where it is, and I'm willing to
make a motion to support it if you'd like.
» You ready for a motion? What is the pleasure of the board? Any other
comments from the board? >> I would just say that I agree with
Charlie Adcock 100% there on sorry, Commissioner Adcock. Um,
it's two blocks from down from South Main Street, right? So, I think the way
our town is going to be growing in the future that it makes perfect sense.
» Thank you. I'll make a motion to approve RAZ 2026-10,
a zoning map amendment for 210 Southwest Street from the residential medium
density zoning district to the town center residential zoning district. And
it is reason as it is reasonable and in the best interest of the public for the
reasons identified by management and staff.
» Second. >> It's been moved and second. Uh all all
in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I. I
» any oppose? >> Motion carries. Eyes have it. Thank you.
Now we move on to item 7 C, public hearing, zoning map amendment. Wayne
Malden, Malden Watkins surveying, PA 417 and 419 Raleigh Street, REZ 202611.
More information about this agenda item will be presented by planning director
Davidson. >> Thank you.
» Okay, Pam. >> I'm submitting the agenda abstract and
supporting documents indeed the official records of the town.
We've received several inquiries and significant feedback on this resoning
request. So, I thought before we get into the heart of it, it might be
helpful to review the goals of the Town Center Residential Zoning District. The
Town Center residential zoning district is uniquely situated just outside the
downtown areas and provides an eclectic mix of housing types and lot sizes that
have developed over decades. With a density cap of 10 dwelling units per
acre, the lot sizes range from a handful of 1acre lots to a few that are less
than a tenth of an acre with the majority falling somewhere in between.
Most are single family detached homes, but they're also a sprinkling of
duplexes and a few town homes. Most of the area classified as town
center residential and the land use plan is currently zoned either residential
low density like the lots we're talking about tonight or residential medium
density. Being that the current zoning was applied after many of the homes were
built, often the current properties do not meet either the minimum lot size,
minimum lot frontage, or setback requirements.
Residential low density requires a 14,500
square foot lot that is at least 80 foot wide. 417 and 419 Raleigh Street are
both less than 9,000 square ft and neither are close to 80 foot wide. Lots
made non-conforming by the adoption of development standards are considered
lots of record and permitted to develop one single family home. Since the lot is
substandard, applying the required setbacks might be difficult. So the
ordinance also provides an opportunity for reduced side and rear setbacks for
non-conforming lots of record. Instead of developing as a lot of
record, property owners may seek to resone the property to town center
residential. The town center residential district encourages a mix of housing
types as you can see on the chart and allows for smaller setbacks since the
area is slightly more urban. Since you are not permitted to expand
nonconformity, reszoning to Town Center residential also gives existing
homeowners more flexibility to expand an existing property to fit their growing
needs. [snorts] Here's some examples of development
resulting from the 30 TCR resonings the town has approved since 2016 when we put
this in place. Before we get into the details of today's zoning request, I do
also want to speak to affordability. The town does not have any standards or
requirements regarding the affordability of new development or even have a tool
to regulate or measure what expansions or renovations of existing homes do to
property values and assess taxes. Whether properties are maintained,
renovated, rented, sold, or even demolished for something new is market
driven. The town center residential standards
strive to guide development towards a variety of housing options that can be
adapted to fit the scale and context of the existing neighborhood while
connecting to the fabric of the existing infrastructure. [snorts]
The purpose of tonight's agenda is to consider a requested zoning map
amendment for a total of 414 acres located at 417 and 419 Raleigh Street
from the residential lowdensity zoning district to the town center residential
zoning district. Although traffic impact is now required at resoning, the
engineering director waved the requirement due to the limited scale of
the development and resulting in negligible traffic impacts. The two
required parking spaces per home are being provided in a rear alley loaded
garage and additional overflow parking will likely be accommodated in the
private alley. The total point4 acre development will
not trigger storm water requirements because the difference in increased
impervious area is so small that the state doesn't recognize it for
permitting.
The requested zoning map amendment is consistent with the 2040 community
vision land use plan and supports the following land use plan policies. 2.1
which encourages infill development and redevelopment inside town limits as a
way to reinvest in the existing downtowns and neighborhoods and policy
4.1 which seeks to manage future growth and development in priority investment
areas. In addition, the plot plan and
elevations provided demonstrate that the proposed
development generally meets the town center residential standards and the
facade conditions offered confirm that the appearance of the proposed homes
will contribute to the character of the neighborhood. At the July 20th, 2026
planning board, the planning board unanimously recommended approval. Just a
couple other notes now. We have the plot plans and elevations in front of us. Um,
there has been some concern about the front setback and it is true that the
majority of homes in this vicinity are set back about 30 feet from the front
property line. Um, with this there's going to be a 5-ft dedication and the
edge of pavement. In addition to that five foot dedication, we'll put about 18
feet from the edge of pavement to the front property line. As you can see, the
closest house, the front porch will be 12 and a half feet from that front
property line. And that results in about 30 feet from the edge of the pavement of
the road. There's no sidewalks to that front porch. Um, row homes provide front
porches where residents can interact with neighbors walking by and maintain
the charming scale of the street for pedestrians. One of the requests had
been, can they abandon the rear alley and instead have driveways on the front?
Um, the majority of houses in this neighborhood were developed long before
we had garages and the car was quite the priority it is today. So, if we did
shift these houses back, they would have garages on the front, likely twocar
garages that would be 16 to 18 feet wide, taking up a pretty good portion of
that 26 foot frontage. So the row home concept just to fit that character of
the neighborhood would be to have front porches where people sitting on the
front porch could interact with people walking by on the street walking their
dog. Right? This is kind of a pedestrian street versus having a pretty harsh wall
of a garage. Um that would really cut that house off from the neighborhood. I
think that's kind of a character. Um, also lot size, um, 515 Raleigh Street
and 114 Blanchert Street, kind of around the corner, are also just over 5,000
square feet, like proposed lots one and two. 114 and 116 Woodro Street, are both
just 6,500 square feet like lot three, and they are
adjacent to 311 Raleigh Street and 406 Academy Street, which are both closer to
an acre. The eclectic pattern of lot sizes, house styles, and materials
definitely contribute to the character of the area. The last thing I'll mention
is density. The increase from two lots to three lots on this parcel
specifically does increase the density from five dwelling units to seven
dwelling units on this property. But it only increases the density on the block
from 2.5 to 2.7. Looking at some other blocks around
here, the density on the surrounding blocks varies from about 3.2 to five
dwelling units per acre. So that really fits in kind of with the fabric that
we're talking about. So again, I would argue that these three lots fit into
that fabric of the overall community and contribute um new housing opportunities.
The suggested motion tonight is to approve REZ 202611, a zoning map
amendment for 417 and 419 Raleigh Street from the residential lowdensity zoning
district to the town center residential zoning district as it is reasonable and
in the best interest of the public for the reasons identified by management and
staff. I'm available if you have any additional questions about TCR or this
resoning specifically. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any questions from
Director Davidson? All right. Thank you.
The hearing is now open. Does anyone wish to speak in favor of
the zoning map amendment?
» Good evening, mayor, board members. Again, I'm Wayne Molden with Molden Wack
Survey and at 139 North Main Street here in Fugquway. And we put the reasoning
we're looking at tonight together for the owner, which is also here.
Um, I want to thank Pam. She explained all that stuff better than I could.
It seems like the ordinance changes every day. Basically, what we're doing
here is at the present time, there is a condo or duplex unit on two lots.
There's two existing lots. Uh, I think one of those units has
already been declared unfit to be lived in.
So, there's only one side of it being occupied at this time.
Under the current zoning with the two lots, if we tore the building down, we
could, I think, put four units back up there. We could have duplexes on both
lots. Uh, we decided to go to the resoning to
the TCR. We pick up one lot, but instead of
getting four units, we're getting three residential single family homes.
We think that'll fit in a lot better with the neighborhood in that area.
than duplexes, which we've heard some tonight say they didn't need no more
multif family. So, we're trying to put three nice single family homes.
So, if any of you have any questions, I'll be glad to try to answer.
» Any questions? >> No. Thank you.
» Thank you, Wayne. Appreciate it.
Does anyone else wish to speak in favor of the
zoning map amendment?
» Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the board. I'm Preston Perry, 1994 NC42. I'm
here to speak in favor of this um resoning petition. I I don't have a lot
specifically to add. Um, we we do for the points that have already been
brought up believe this is a prudent fit for what TCR stands for and is the
appropriate housing product to provide an obtainable housing solution and close
proximity to our two downtown areas. If we're going to be a walkable community
and we're going to hang our hats on having thriving downtown areas, then
people need to be able to visit those. Um, and we feel we've, you know, I I
hate that we can't all agree on things and I understand there is concern, but
we have taken feedback and feel that we have provided conditions both in the
resoning petition as well as in the design considerations we're presenting
to try to fit into the neighborhood and offer an amicable, reasonable solution
that looks appropriate for that side of town. Um, the first house I bought when
my wife and I moved to Fugquway was on this block. I know this area. We walked
the dog around the neighborhood, took the kids to Falcon Park, done the whole
thing. But when the second kid came along, there's not a lot of
opportunities in that area. Um, and we feel that we should be able to provide
that for people that want to utilize the walkability and sense of community that
this part of town creates. Um, again, as far as the technical side, I think Pam
and and Wayne did a great job presenting those facts. And if there's any
questions I can answer, more than happy to do so.
» Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
» Appreciate it.
Does anyone else wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment?
Does anyone wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
» Hello, Mayor Harris and commissioners. My name is Tiffany Wagner and I live at
the Blanchard House at 644 Aken Parkway in downtown Peekway Verina.
I am here with the supporters of the historic branch. Tonight we are
submitting a petition against the resoning petition for 417 and 419
Raleigh Street. The language of this petition contains the following. We the
residents and homeowners of downtown Fugquway Verina petitioned the town to
preserve the character of the neighborhood and promote responsible
growth and development.
Therefore, number one, the undersigned object to the request for the resoning
and site map for 417 and 419 Raleigh Street, Fugquway Verina from RMD to TCR
as it is currently proposed by Pine State Construction Group. Should the
size of the houses be significantly reduced and the lot lines increase, we
are less opposed to this reasonzoning. Number two, the undersigned believe
adjustments should be made to the TCR district development standards.
We petition for the formulation of a stakeholder advisory committee to make
recommendations to the Fway Verina Planning Department for the A4
standards.
As I said before, I'm here with the supporters of the historic fringe. This
name may be new to you, but after hearing from some of our supporters
tonight, you'll get to know us a little better. Our goal tonight is to ask that
you deny the 417419 Raleigh Street reszone request.
In support of this denial, I'm here to present our petition, which includes the
signatures of 377 residents and homeowners in downtown Fugquway Verina
who oppose this reszone request. I would also like to point your attention to our
map which shows a large number of residents who support our opposition.
And I just want to point to you this red square.
As you can see, this is a very large and significant portion of the residents in
the downtown district. It also shows our neighborhood's proximity to the historic
residential neighborhood, which is what creates the character of this town that
we all love. And I thank you all for listening.
» Thank you very much. We appreciate it so much. Thank you for your comments.
» Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
» [clears throat]
» Good evening. Good evening, Mayor Harris, town board, and staff.
I'm a supporter of the historic Fringe neighborhood. Also, my name is Eric
Kristofferson. My wife and I live at 504 East Academy Street, formerly known as
the Baptist Parsonage. We also own and operate the restored
Fugquway Springs Teacheridge at 602 East Academy Street. These are both within a
block of the subject property. We're here to oppose the zoning map
amendment request and plot plan submitted by Pine State Corp. to reszone
the lots at 417 and 419 Raleigh Street to Town Center Residential.
The map that Tiffany shared with you shows overwhelming opposition in our
neighborhood to this type of development.
377 signatures.
Everyone that signed the petition cares what gets built at this corner.
The charts that I have show a I think I can see them here.
show Pine State's plot plan of three row houses outlined in red and overlaid onto
the lots at 417 and 419 Raleigh streets. The other chart shows a height
comparison of the row houses compared to neighboring houses.
Those are the first two pages in your handout. Did you hand out Teresa?
We know that neighborhood opposition alone is not enough for you to deny this
resoning request because the plans that Pine State submitted are legal according
to the town's land development ordinance.
But as you can see, these row houses and the dimensions and standards behind them
are radically out of character for the neighborhood.
They were approved by the planning board despite major deviations from the town's
own 2040 community vision land use plan for TCR zoning.
Here are some statements from that plan that you'll find at the back of the
handout. Miss Davidson did not point to these
statements, but I will. They're on pages 54 through 57.
On page 54, preserving the character of existing
homes is a high priority in this area. Also, page 54, the type, size,
orientation, and character of new homes built in existing neighborhoods should
be compatible with adjacent properties. Also
on page 54, officials should be careful of unintended consequences of infield
development, such as increased storm water flooding, increased traffic on
narrow streets, or rising home values that drive existing residents out of the
area. On page 56, front and sideyard setbacks
should be generally consistent along block faces to provide streetscape
continuity.
» Going to ask you to in your comments,
» please use the guidance in our land use plan to deny this zoning map amendment
request. >> Thank you very much.
» Thank you. >> Appreciate it so much. Thank you for
your feedback.
Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
» Good evening, commissioners, Mayor Harris, management.
» Good evening. >> My name is Emily Holloway. I live at 312
Andrew Road in a 1,400 square foot home built in 1940. My husband and I reared
two boys who are now adults in this three-bedroom, one-bath house. It was
originally owned by John and Mildred Ascu. He was a Fugquway Arena High
School math teacher and a tobacco bookman. She was a graduate of the
Giuliard School of Music and the local piano teacher. I am a proud supporter of
the historic fringe. Eric was just talking about statements in the town's
own land use plan that we believe give you reason to deny the zoning map
amendment request without fear of reprisal. While not regulatory, these
statements regarding TCR zoning in the land use plan make very clear the
importance and intent of preserving the character, density, size, compatibility
with adjacent properties, front and side setbacks, consistency along block faces,
and a sense of place of the existing neighborhoods.
They especially matter in this unique one-of-a-kind historic French
neighborhood on the edge of downtown. It is an area full of history, local
landmarks, spacious front yards, narrow streets, mature trees, walkability, and
proximity to parks and downtown areas. It is comprised of a mix of low to
moderatelysized and priced homes. This is what gives our neighborhood its sense
of place, and it is worth preserving. This plot plan at 417 and 419 Raleigh
Street is a complete departure from these standards and statements. We are
asking you to deny the zoning map amendment request. This would give the
developer another opportunity to meet with neighborhood stakeholders and
arrive at a reasonable plan that better fits the character of the neighborhood.
Pine State was not present at the neighborhood meeting on June 8th, 2026.
And stakeholders have not had an opportunity to speak with them about
this project. They have not responded to stakeholders phone calls or text
messages for more information since the planning board's approval on July 20th,
2026. If the resoning and existing plot plan
is approved, a precedent will be set that allows developers to build more of
the same types of anomalies. Housing, clearly something that the majority of
the neighbors do not want. The town planning department's website states
that the land use plan is a living document. meant to be revisited and
amended as necessary as the community moves forward in growth. This is an
opportunity to amend the land use plan to better serve the downtown historic
French neighborhood and the neighbors who live there. Thank you.
» Thank you. Thank you very much for your feedback. We appreciate you.
» Thank you.
speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment.
Thank you. >> Good evening, mayor, commissioners,
managers. >> Good evening.
» My name is Shondaanda Dupal. I live at 413 Raleigh Street, and I am also a
supporter of the historic French. I'm speaking here tonight in opposition to
the zoning map amendment request for 417 and 419 Raleigh Street, specifically in
regards to the front and sideyard setbacks outlined on the project plot
maps in accordance with the TCR zoning. I live right next door to these lots.
The front setback is 10 feet from the property line and the setback along the
side property line, my property line is only 5 and 1/2 ft. Um, as you can see
from the height graphic, the sheer size and height of the proposed building will
completely overwhelm my house. The 80 foot long facade of the side building
and the two and a half story height running along the property will cast a
literal and figurative shadow over my home. I will lose all morning light. The
structure will block most if not all visibility from that side of my house.
That's the side of my house my porch is on. That's the side of my house where my
garden grows. Conversely, the encroaching wall will
also eliminate any sense of privacy I currently have up to and including the
20-year-old crepe myrtles that bloom every summer that run down the property
line. Any windows built into that side of the building will look directly into
my home. I am only one person, one homeowner in
such close proximity to this outofscale project. However, these setbacks and out
of character buildings affect all of the adjacent homeowners as well. Their sense
of space, their views, their privacy will also be negatively impacted.
As all of us who call this neighborhood, this community home, I chose Fugway for
its small town charm, uh, the unique architecture in the houses, and the
proximity to our quaint downtown. I chose it because it reminds me of the
town I grew up in in Virginia. Uh, I do fear that the proposed project
put forward by Pine State will irrefocably alter the spirit of this
neighborhood and in its current plan is not in keeping with the character and
scale of the existing homes. Therefore, I'm asking we're asking respectfully
that you um vote to deny the zoning map amendment request. I thank you for your
time and your attention. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate you. Thank
you. appreciate your comments.
» Yes.
» Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Uh my name is Paul Hodgej and I live at
505 Raleigh Street, Fugquway Berina. Uh I'm speaking this evening as a
supporter of the historic fringe. Um we are speaking in opposition of the
development at the corner of Raleigh and Ena Streets. Um and um specifically I'll
be highlighting some storm water concerns that I have. It's my
understanding that if a residential development area is less than 1 acre on
a project, a storm water study is not required.
The obvious flaw in such a regulation is that there are simply not many 1acre
lots left in downtown Fuway Berina. Our hope is that the town does track total
development in a way that adds acreage of various developments and projects. Uh
but uh currently we're not aware of such a strategy.
Pivoting to this specific proposed development, one glance at the existing
GIS versus the plan view of this project quickly reveals an increase in imperous
footprint. As a degreed engineer, I was able to run
a few unofficial calculations that painted an alarming picture for drainage
adjacent to this property with one section of masonry pipe appearing to be
undersized by nearly 50%. A brief personal story.
Admittedly, it is easy to overlook storm water runoff on an individual project
basis. I found myself guilty of this oversight during the recent sewer water
line replacement on Clifton Street to the east of my property.
After the work was complete, the town contractor quickly covered and expo the
the exposed piping and and uh and demobilized.
While walking by dog one evening, I recall seeing that they did not regrade
the storm water covert and after filling the trench with dirt. I suppose whoever
blessed the project closure either missed the issue or was simply used to
seeing partially blocked storm water drains across downtown.
I made the mistake of thinking not my property, not my problem.
A year or so later, a water line ruptured further up Clifton Street and
was flowing into the now blocked culvert.
[cough] My neighbor's yard became saturated until water began to migrate
to my property, eventually filling my crawl space with over a foot of water
before the rupture was repaired. We were we were able to mitigate the damage at
my property, but my neighbor's situation was a lot worse. A tropical storm also
caused similar flooding issue on both properties due to the blockage.
So, a reoccurring theme. The point of this story is not to blame myself or the
town for negligence, uh, but to highlight that a minor issue in one
covert can quickly, uh, cause significant damage elsewhere. As it
turns out, storm water runoff is all of our problem. Please consider the impact
that this development can have on adjacent properties and common flood
control systems. And uh I uh with with the rest of uh the group here, I I
petition that uh the reszoning is denied. Thank you.
» Thank you very much. Appreciate your comments.
Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
» Yes. >> Hello, my name is Lese Johnston. I live
at 629 East Vance Street and am a supporter of the historic fringe. I
moved to FCO Verina in 1995. I lived on Wade Street for 13 years before moving
around the corner to Vance Street. We love the charm of the neighborhood and
the distance between the houses. I'm sure my neighbors like this distance,
too, especially when my husband placed the bag pipes.
I would I would not normally speak at a town board meeting or any meeting, but I
firmly believe the construction of these large row houses at the corner of
Raleigh and In Street would be detrimental to our community. This is a
hilly area and our home sits at the bottom of two downhill streets. There's
a creek that runs in front of us that drains from Raleigh Street and another
creek on the side of our property. We also have a large hill behind us that
was created when the town homes were built. After their construction,
increased water runoff from that hill caused flooding in our yard.
During meetings with the town home builders, we were assured that their
construction would not create storm water runoff for our property. Because
of our experience, we are no longer willing to accept asurances when the
actual circumstances do not support it.
Changing zoning and covering lots which is with as much house and concrete
allowed will decrease available land to absorb rainwater.
Each time a house is built that causes an increase in water runoff will have a
cumulative effect on surrounding homes. Words may not convey the effect
overbuilding can have in this area. So I brought a picture. It's not as big as
their picture showing how water runoff from current
construction already affected our property. And I have plenty more
pictures like this. I'm also concerned about the safety risk
of parking on Raleigh Street because it's such a narrow street. Because of
the limited parking provided with these house plans, visitors in a car or the
third car of a family with a driving teenager or delivery truck will most
likely have to park on the street. We parked a car on Raleigh Street in front
of this lot and within minutes we saw a car try to turn onto Riley Street while
another car was coming in the opposite direction on Raleigh Street. and we saw
firsthand the hazard this situation created.
Because of these and other concerns, I respectfully ask the commissioners to
vote against this zoning map amendment request.
I thank you all for your service to our town
and I thank you for considering the concerns of the residents in this area.
» Thank you very much. appreciate your feedback. Thank you. Does anyone else
wish to speak in opposition? Thank you.
» Good evening. My name is Victoria Hajj and I live at 505 Raleigh Street. I'm
speaking this evening as a supporter of the historic French. We are speaking in
opposition to the resoning of the 417 and 419 lots of Raleigh Street given the
current proposal of development. We are against the resoning due to the road
safety impacts that the proposed development will create from overflow
parking. The developer suggests that their plan will provide plenty of
parking for residents. While a twocar garage for each home looks wonderful on
paper, the reality is very different. According to a study by the US
Department of Energy, 25% of Americans with a twocar garage do not park a
single vehicle inside. An additional 33% only park one car inside. Data local to
Raleigh Street is even more extreme. The developer recently built four homes on
the block adjacent to the proposed development, each with a two-car garage.
0% of the residents park a single vehicle inside of their garages. Given
this data, it is reasonable to assert that the two-car garages and the 5-ft
parking pads will not provide sufficient parking for the residents of the
proposed development. The rear entry alleyway does not provide space for
overflow parking like a traditional driveway. Consequently, this will lead
to on- street parking. Overflow on street parking is guaranteed if families
have a third or fourth vehicle. We understand that on street parking is
common on some of our downtown streets. However, Raleigh Street is not equipped
for such a practice. The average width of the road in front of the property is
approximately 20 to 21 ft. When I drive to work on Friday mornings, I have to
yield to oncoming traffic when the garbage cans are out. If garbage cans
create a one-way street, imagine the impact of multiple vehicles parked in
front of the residents. This raises many safety concerns. When speaking with the
Fugquway Verina Fire Marshal earlier today, he advised that new guidance
requires a minimum road width of 20 ft for an emergency vehicle to pass. That
is the exact width of Raleigh Street. If any cars park on the street, emergency
vehicles will be unable to pass. We are extremely blessed to live in close
proximity to the fire station, but proximity is no longer beneficial when
roads are blocked to emergency vehicles. Additionally, on street parking creates
unsafe conditions for pedestrians and drivers given the current road
conditions. Pedestrians will be forced onto the grass to avoid oncoming
traffic. Visibility at the intersection of Raleigh and Inennis will be
drastically reduced for drivers, potentially leading to vehicle
collisions and pedestrian injuries at it is not a four-way stop. The speed limit
of Raleigh Street is 35 mph, which is not conducive to driving around parked
vehicles while safely avoiding pedestrians and oncoming traffic. We are
disappointed that the developer's plan does not include sufficient parking on
the property, whether by way of a traditional driveway like their adjacent
properties or parking spots offset for the road. We care about the safety and
well-being of our neighbors, and the proposed resoning endangers everyone who
walks, drives, or bikes on Raleigh Street. It is that reason we reject your
the resoning. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate Thank
you. your observation. Thank you.
» Good evening all. >> Good evening.
» Good evening. >> My name is Ann Marie Miko. I have lived
in the Wade Dale House at 508 East Academy Street for 39 years. I'm here
with the supporters of the historic fringe. We respectfully ask that you
deny the resoning request for 417419 Raleigh Street. My objection to this
reszone and tear down is based on opportunity cost. By tearing down small
entry-level homes and replacing them with homes that cost $600,000 and more,
we are removing opportunity for many people to buy homes. We have heard
proponents of this project and others like it say that the TCR designation is
designed to help create missing middle housing.
The missing housing in Fuway Verina is single family homes priced 350,000 and
below. I spoke to many realtors, brokers, and a builder. They
consistently stated that we have plenty of homes 600,000 and above. People that
can afford those homes have not been deterred by current market conditions.
The realtors cannot find homes below $350,000.
Every realtor I spoke to said military families, firefighters and EMTs, police
officers, town of Fuway Vina employees, teachers, young families, and retirees
looking to decrease expense cannot find homes to buy in Fugquway Verina. Part of
the solution to this problem is sitting right in front of us. The affordable
20th century homes located west and east of downtown are often between 250 and
350,000. The alarming problem is that developers
are making offers on homes that are not listed for sale, buying to tear down,
and building houses that do not fit the neighborhoods in scale, in character,
and in price. The process creates a very negative impact for current and future
homeowners in the neighborhoods. Property values are significantly and
artificially inflated. Property taxes are escalated to a cost that can drive
homeowners out of long cherished homes. And modest homes that so many people
might afford end up in a landfill without those families ever having a
chance to make an offer. Benefits of home ownership are well known.
Connection and commitment to community. The proud accomplishment of shelter for
a family. A chance to build personal wealth. An asset that can be leveraged
for children's education. A chance to change your circumstance. Our
exponential growth will require more and more essential service workers. They do
the jobs that we don't have the ability to do and sometimes we don't want to do.
They should be part of the fabric of this community, not day laborers who
drive in and out for miles because they can't fi cannot find a place that they
can afford to buy in Fuway. We can do better. Towns around us are developing
programs from which we can learn. It's a tremendous opportunity to bring people
together. Mayor Harris and commissioners, I implore you to make
workforce housing a top priority in our town. Our community can work together to
address this problem. We have an asset in these homes that can be part of the
solution. I appreciate this process for public input when there are important
issues to resolve. The issue we address tonight deserves longer, more thoughtful
conversation than public comments allow. We request you commit to addressing this
pro problem. We would like to work with you.
» Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your comments.
[clears throat] Thank you.
Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
» Okay. Thank you. >> So sorry. Hello. I'm Corey Wear. I live
at 405 East Spring Street in the wonderful downtown Fugquway. Thank you
for your time, mayor and commissioners. I am here with my fellow neighbors to
speak in opposition of the 417 and 419 Raleigh Street project. As I'm a
supporter of the historic French, my husband and our two sons, now ages three
and five, moved into the neighborhood in 2023. We previously lived in a new
construction home off Fleming Loop with a nice low interest rate. We sold it for
our now much smaller, much older home. You are probably thinking, as many
people did, why on earth would you do that? We moved because the charm of our
1955 home, the mature trees and walkability are things you cannot find
in a new community. Every weekend we walked to get coffee, the parks,
downtown events, and our friends houses in the neighborhood. What is there not
to love? I remember in one previous meeting, in this meeting, the
representative from Pine State commented that they outgrew their home in downtown
Fugway. People thought we were crazy from downsizing from 2200 to,300 ft with
young kids, but we love living in a smaller home. I clean it quickly. We
spend lots of family time together, and it function and flows much better than
the two new construction homes we owned previously. Our cozy little home is
truly my favorite my family's favorite place to be and we plan to live there
for the rest of our lives. I am so excited for the future of our downtown.
I am supportive of growth and improvements and I always tried to sell
my friends on how wonderful living in downtown Fugquway is. There are many
homes that have been renovated and still have the charm of their original bones.
I also understand some of the houses are in bad shape and are too far gone to be
saved. However, putting three row homes on that corner lot does not fit the
character of the neighborhood. These houses will tower over neighbors, be
scarily close to each other, and stick out like a sore thumb on that corner. My
family walks and my kids ride their bikes in that area frequently. The
parking nightmare, as many people have stated, is terrifying for a parent.
Once we all know that garages are not used for a car, they're used for
storage. Most homes have two drivers and two cars and once teenagers can drive
more. I am worried about the safety of that corner as the plans call for the
shared alleyway for these homes. I am a daughter of a small business owner and
an employee of that business. So, I totally understand Pine State's
approach. I am not here to attack them. I know they love our town. They have
built many beautiful homes and are success successful in what they do. I
also think it's important that they respect the look of the neighborhoods
and input of the neighbors. As someone with very expensive taste and a lover of
nice things, I believe they can still do this to their quality level without
being intrusive to the neighborhood. I don't know if my comments will make a
difference in the outcome tonight, but I would lose sleep at night if I didn't
take the time to share them. I am passionate about our passionate about
our downtown and feel the need to try to protect the homes and the charm while
advocating for growth in the right way. I'd love to see more people live down
here, more small businesses able to survive and improvements to some issues
like sidewalks and connecting the two downtowns. I hope you all will take the
time to drive by the current lot in question, visualize what is in the
plans, and understand why there is a petition in so many signatures. Again, I
do not oppose a building on this lot, but I do oppose disregarding the input
of neighbors and milking a lot for every inch.
» Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you. Thank you.
» Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
Good evening, mayor and commissioners. My name is Jim Hunsburgger. I live at
508 East Academy Street. I'm a former commissioner for the town of Fuway, as
many of you know. Tonight, I am here with the supporters of the historic
fringe. In 1996, I was fortunate to be part of a group of neighbors who worked
to establish the first nationally registered historic district in town
known as the Fugway Springs Historic District.
Today I am fortunate to live in a neighborhood we refer to as the historic
fringe. Historic because our neighborhood contains significant
numbers of historic homes from the same era as the properties in our nationally
registered historic district. Fringe because we border the historic district.
Fugquway Springs historic district contains 37 properties. Our historic
Fringe neighborhood includes nearly 40 homes identified by the museums of Fuway
Verina as historic properties. properties that have been part of
landmark home and garden tours over the decades. The average age of homes in our
neighborhood is 75 over 75 years. A fact that highlights the historic
significance not only to us as residents but to our town as well. The history of
20th century architecture and our town is well represented by the diversity of
our homes. included our fine examples of colonial revival, craftsman, bungalow,
Cape Cod, mid-century modern, and the ever practical ranch.
This architectural variety is remarkable and worthy of preservation. It is
important to mention that ours is not the only pocket of 20th century homes in
Fugquway Verina. Others are located west and east of downtown.
A sense of place was created in our neighborhood with traditional design,
use of scale, consistent setbacks, building heights, complimentary facads
and fenestration elements with strong entryways and visually pleasing side
elevations. These venerable 20th century architectural elements fit together to
contribute to the authentic look and feel that is very evident throughout our
neighborhood. There is harmony in the rhythm created
by the relationship of home to neighboring home, of home to lot, and of
lot to streetscape. This neighborhood authenticity took the better part of a
century to establish in our neighborhood. As proposed, this reszone
request will will redefine not only the look and feel of the neighborhood, but
also the sense of place. The pleasing, authentically historic rhythm will be
lost. But this does not need to happen. We can be the town that chooses to save
this part of our heritage. We can look to examples of other towns in North
Carolina that have created character preserving overlays to work with the
land development ordinances and land use plans to create protections and
encourage enhancing infill development. As such, we ask that you deny this
resoning map amendment request. And I thank you for your time. Thank you for
your service as well. >> Thank you so much.
Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
Thank you. >> Hi all.
I'm very very nervous. I'm just going to read.
» Take your time. >> My name is Audrey Weiss and my husband
Will and I purchased 416 Raleigh Street in October 2024. When we walked into our
soontobe home, we knew immediately it was what we wanted. After seeing the
home, we drove slightly up the road to find lunch, which we did at Vicious
Fishes. We discussed the charm of the house and the neighborhood, how we could
walk to downtown for a meal or beverage or to shop. We put in an offer and
closed in a month. We named her Zelda after F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife. She
was, after all, a well-known woman of the period time period that our home was
built in. A gal who liked me loved to entertain. Our home is the ideal home
for entertaining. Ask my neighbors. After we moved in, I joined the Fugway
Verina Woman's Club and was put on two committees. One being civic's
engagement, the other was fundraising. I have hosted the fundraising committee
several times in our enormous kitchen. Our home was one of the homes featured
in the 2025 Fugquway Arena Women's Club Holiday Home Tour. And at that time, I
was given the history of our home for the tour and am so proud to know that it
holds a little piece of town history. Bey Wright and her husband inherited the
land from her father, Steven Fugquway. And they built their home in 1920. I
believe that makes our home the oldest on the block. Our 106-year-old home with
the charming yard and front porch that hosts weekly Friday evening social hour,
weather permitting. The front porch where I call the neighbors walking down
the street to come and sit a spell. The front porch where I sit with our dog and
read when there's a nice breeze. The front porch that I won't be sitting in
sitting on if the builder is allowed to build these very tall, very deep homes
with very little room between them and incredibly shallow front yards right
across the street from Zelda and the cottages on either side of us. I moved
to North Carolina from New York for the military and fell in love with the small
towns, the small town feel. These row homes that the builder would like to
build belong in a city like Queens, New York, not on the fringe of the historic
downtown of a quaint town like Fugquway Arena. We ask that you vote against
resoning. >> Did you state your name again for Audrey
Weiss? >> Audrey White. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Thank you.
next. Oh, thank you. >> Hi.
» Good evening, Mayor uh and commissioners and town management. My name is Lauri
Chamberlain. I live at 404 Wade Street and I am a supporter of the historic
French. Mayor Harris and commissioners, you guys
have heard a lot tonight. You've heard about neighborhood character, historic
preservation, affordability, pedestrian safety, traffic and parking,
storm waters, flooding, and what can happen when redevelopment occurs one
property at a time without considering the cumulative cumulative effect.
Those all sound like separate issues, but they're really not. They're all part
of a larger question that we have tonight. How does Fugway Verina grow
without losing what makes Fugway Verina Fugway Verina?
We know that our town's future has a lot of change and growth coming. And we
believe that this gives us a great opportunity, an opportunity for
residents and elected leaders to work side by side, welcoming that growth
while preserving the character and sense of place that make our town so very
special. Our town um our town community vision plan gives us a roadmap. It
prioritizes preserv uh preserving the character of stable neighborhoods. It
says new homes should be compatible with adjacent properties that scale and
setback matter and that we should be mindful of
unintended consequences with inappropriate infill. Those ideas were
not accidentally put into the land use plan and they aren't anti-growth.
They are our shared vision of how we're supposed to grow going forward. With
that in mind, we have two asks. Our first ask is to respectfully ask you to
vote no on the resoning of 74 uh 417 and 419 Raleigh Street.
We ask that redevelopment better reflect the scale, character, and intent the
community vision plan described for our neighborhood.
This decision is bigger than just these two projects or these two lots. It's
going to help shape the redevelopment in the historic fringe going forward.
Our second ask goes beyond this project. We ask that the town establish an
stakeholders advisory committee to work with residents and planning staff and
elected officials to create a clearer framework for
redevelopment in the historic fringe. One that addresses the current TCR
standards and develops an overlay protection necessary to preserve the
character and sense of place of our neighborhood. Without this framework,
we're just going to end up right back here in a week or a month when the next
project comes up. and we're going to express the same concerns.
We know that growth uh is coming and will continue to come and we welcome
thoughtful change and we welcome new neighbors. We just want to make sure
that whatever the new development is that it makes sense and it belongs in
the neighborhood that it's going to be built in. We truly believe that
residents and this board [music] can accomplish that together.
» Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate your comments. Thank you.
gonna have to be the end. Does anyone else wish to speak in
opposition to the zoning map amendment?
If not, the hearing is now closed. Closed,
[clears throat] excuse me. Any discussion by the board?
first. >> I'll go first. Sure. Commissioner
Warren. >> So, I think yeah, we we heard a lot of
good comments uh tonight and I think a lot of it touches on the
dilemma we're facing here in Pway as summed up by the last speaker Lori. Uh
we are a very fast growing town and I think you know the PCR zoning was meant
to try and address that. Uh I was looking at the numbers talking about the
numbers last night. You know we're about 40,000 people now here in Pway Arena. Uh
I believe in the next 10 years that's expected to increase by about 50%.
So somehow we do have to address this and we do
have to think about how we grow and we do have to think about the location of
this neighborhood. And so, you know, I'll be honest, coming in tonight, I had
no idea how I was going to vote on this. And I really still have no idea how I
was going to vote on this. So I, you know, personally, I have a little
bit more to learn and would like to take some time to study this issue and maybe
see how other towns in the area are are approaching these issues. You know,
we're we're going to grow. Um, you can see on the on the maps that have
been presented that this this is and I believe Pam mentioned some numbers in
terms of density. Sorry, Director Davidson.
So, I I think I wanted I would like to see how other towns before we maybe
approve this um approach this
because the neighborhood's going to grow. We're we're going to we're going
to change, but how do we tackle this the scale and the timing, I think, is
what I'm I'm trying to um consider. So,
I would probably be in favor of tableabling the motion so I can get a
chance to think about it some more.
» Is that a motion? >> Comment. Commissioner Smith, then
Commissioner, >> I'd let them go first. I was just wonder
if he had made a motion, but it's not. It's not.
» Okay. All right. >> Commissioner Hayes, did you have a
comment or question? >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh, just uh I guess a
few few comments. Uh uh uh yeah, I've thought about this um issue a lot. I've
met with a lot of people. I've heard that we don't meet with people and
different things, but I've met with a lot of people on this agenda, on this
item. Um and people who I hold dearly as friends and everything. So this is, you
know, um and I share with them very transparent thoughts on me, uh from my
heart a lot of time. And I I explained stuff and few things I had to understand
was you know what what if if this doesn't pass what what could Pine State
build they can come back in and build two duplexes if I'm correct it's no it's
one duplex or two duplex can you help me out Director
» Davidson >> so that the size of the lot would not
support two duplexes the density would be too high
» okay >> so what they could build is they could
go into the lot of record and they could build two homes, one on each lot, um,
under the lot of record reduced setback. So that would give them potentially
they'd still have to meet the 30- foot front setback, but 5t on the sides, 10
feet on the rear with front-loaded garages.
» All right. Thank you so much. I just Well, I wanted to get that out so we
know where we at. Um, and um, you know, I I share with a lot of people um,
the the things that have happened with TCR. Um and and if you go back in
record, I I made a comment probably a year and a half, two years ago that t
that we would be dealing with this issue all over town of FQ Arena. I I won't
shout from this and it's it's on record anyway. You know, the community I grew
up in, the Lincoln Heights community has dealt with TCR more than anybody. And I
won't and I won't back down from that. Um and this is a little bit different
because we're going from two lives to three lives. uh that has been said but
also you have to understand that the character of the Lincoln Heights
community was totally different before TCR happened and other things happened.
We were a community of brick ranch home ranch style homes for years. Uh there
was a few few actually my grandfather had the first town home complex in the
Lincoln Heights community. So, I know what it was when he tried to get that
built. But also, you have to understand that now we have houses that are
towering over multiple residents beside me's houses. Uh, we just dealt with one
that we've been dealing with for about a year that was going to tower over a
neighbor's um property, too. So, you know, I I tell people I have to be fair
in this situation, too. I don't know which way I'm gonna vote, and I'll be
honest with you, I don't. But I also have to understand that I have to be
fair. As I state all the time, I represent every town of F, every citizen
town of FA Arena. Doesn't matter what community you stay in, what community
you don't stay in. And I have to be honest about that. So, I was kind of
torn with this one because I've seen the effects of different houses being built.
And I mean, I'm not saying Pine State is building a home on the street behind me
now. Uh, and and you know, um, that is a two-story home. And we've had homes that
are being built kind of like this and have been built on Washington Street on
the corner of Washington Street where they are uh rear loading um uh row
houses that are twotory that were not uh historically built on that on in that on
those properties. So um you know I I'm in favor with the table. Um, I I do want
to see what other municipalities around us are, how they're dealing. And and I'm
not saying that I'm not taking away the historic fringe part of it either, but
y'all have to understand that historically in the Lake Heights
community has a history, too. And I and I and I won't back down from that as
well. So, I'm taking all this in when I'm listening to each and every one of
you. So, I I'm in favor of the table as well. But, I want to say that so you
understand my heart in this situation as well. Um, and that doesn't change
without our I'll vote or anything else like that. Um, but you know, I
understand you what you're saying and I understand the effects of hap have
happened throughout the years and also have to understand I have to be fair to
all citizens of FQA. Those are my comments. Mr. Mayor,
» thank you for your comments. Commissioner Smith, you had a comment.
» Yes, sir. I I won't belabor it long. I think um I think Commissioner Haynes
covered a lot of the things I wanted to say trying to look at this. Um I too
have been to the community and met with several of the folks live in the
community. I've been out on my own just riding, stopping, looking multiple
times. Even stopped some poor fellow was cutting his grass the other day, walked
up in his yard so he'd cut off his lawnmower and chatted with him about it.
just trying to get a little bit more information of how the community feels.
But like Commissioner Haynes said, I do have to look at what we've done in other
communities. Uh what we have built and allowed to be built. Have to look at
what the land use plan actually says, what what it states we would do and what
we would support. And I too uh that's why when you mentioned table I asked you
if it was a motion like you and like Commissioner Haynes I support a
timelmited um you know time for us to table it not
not indefinitely um that we can get a little bit more information maybe direct
our staff to go and discuss with some of our similar towns in our region how they
are dealing with this same issue. get a little bit of history history of what
they're doing to help us make the right decisions here. Um, obviously we're
getting um good information. I think the homes that this this builder builds are
nice. Personally, I like the plan. I've seen some nice rowouses in this general
area, but at the same time, we're hearing from folks who live right around
this one who are opposed to it. And I think it's important that we listen. So
I I would like to also join it with the course of saying let's put this off. I
would say no more than a month, second month and second meeting in September,
something like that. But um I'll defer to what Mayor Pro Tim or Commissioner
Acock have to say as well. >> Any other comments?
» Um I'll make a few comments. Uh first of all to the uh folks that have spoken in
opposition, I just want to tell y'all um thank you because I think y'all done a
great job. um you've uh I've had people call me and
very respectful uh want to uh make sure I understood the position of the
neighborhood and um you know looked at uh the board I think as a partner to try
to come up with the best solution for the neighborhood. So I appreciate that.
Um they also appreciate Pine State because
they have done some really good uh built some really nice assets in the town of
Fugquway Verina. So um you know I I appreciate what they do but you know we
can't sometimes um you know that's what makes our job tough. We get kind of in
between two sides and hope we can come up with the best solution. Um the TCR,
we have done some really we we have approved some TCRs that I think has
resulted in some really nice stuff around town, stuff that I personally am
proud of that I think has made the town a better place. Um, but it is a unique
um, uh, zoning and a lot of the things that I like about it is it allows uh,
builders a lot of times to have more uh, they can build a different it gives them
more leeway, more product because they can alter the setbacks in some cases and
it gives them some u more leeway. But when they've come in, they've always
been able to say, uh, you know, give us a presentation that made me feel like
the final product was going to be better than if they just used the existing
zoning that was currently in place. Um the Lincoln Heights neighborhood is one
that we have struggled a lot with and a lot of the lots in that neighborhood
when they are originally platted were platted 25 foot wide and so somebody
that you know back then it was like select a size people would buy three
lots and and build their house on it. Well a developer buys that house and
tears it down and they've legally got three lots and can build three little
houses. And so we've used the TCR to try to get a better product in that uh
situation. And there are other examples of that. Um in this neighborhood
in general, the lots are not um the lots are not platted at 25 foot wide. I think
probably the smallest is about 50 foot wide. and this proposal is pushing it
down under 50 feet for most of these lots. So, I'm trying to see um that the
proposal is going to be something that will be beneficial. And frankly with
this crowd here and with what you all have done or have with with u opposing
it, it makes me say you know um it gives me a great pause in wanting to approve
it because you know what I hope is I hope that the community and the builder
could get together and say look under the current zoning I can do this but you
know try to come up with a compromise everybody can uh feel good about. If
that can't happen, then so be it. But that would be my my my my my hope. Um I
don't think we need to throw TCR out with the bath water, baby out with the
bath water. But I do think we need to um um spend a lot of time just TCR as a
whole on how we deal with it because these neighborhoods around town are
different. And if we put the same TCR on everyone, it puts us in a difficult
position trying to maneuver all the ins and outs. And you know, the other thing
is there's no sidewalk in front of this. Some neighborhoods have sidewalks in the
front of the house. It makes a difference when you talk about
walkability. This one has a sidewalk beside it. Just all kinds of things like
that. So, um, I am very conflicted on it and I am not in a position to vote in
favor of it tonight. So tableabling it sounds uh like a very reasonable option.
» Mr. Mayor, I also heard a few uh things, you know, I I think, you know, we should
take in consideration as a board. Um um you know, one thing is, you know, we're
still working on trying to find that missing middle housing that we have here
in town is still needed. And we all understand that that, you know, as
property taxes keep going up. It's it's pricing a lot of senior citizens,
different people out of homes. And now for our new residents who are coming in
who are just starting to buy their first home. It's very hard for them to
purchase homes and get mortgages. So that is something we still need to
address at some point in time as a board and I think it needs to be start to kind
of focus on that which is which is easier said than done because if you
talk to municipalities all around us it's it's it's a hard thing to really
try to figure out you know and it's not something that we we really got to work
on that but I think we do. Um, also, you know, there are some things I've heard
about the historic district, which I feel like, uh, you know, long term, we
need to kind of look at some more of the historic district stuff on to where we
can, uh, work to, uh, preserve some of that historic district of downtown
Fugway that was originally there. Uh, I think we need to make sure that it is n
I think it is nationally recognized or through the state. I got to find out
which if it's been state and and nationally recognized as a historic
district uh our down our historic part of downtown
» Fuway Springs. >> Well Springs historic district
» well isn't um almost Falcon Park and everything in the it's not so it's just
Fuway Springs >> kind of near the spring the few blocks
near the spring but not this is that's why I think that's why they're calling
it historic fringe because it's >> close. Okay.
Thank you. >> Y you always got to look to the senior
person who's been who's been living a little bit longer than me. [laughter]
» Thank you. Thank you. >> Any other comments?
» Yes, I may pro Tim Gardner. >> I'm not going to criticize you for your
[laughter] I'm not going to criticize you for your youth and inexperience.
[laughter] >> Oh boy, what a great comeback.
» I can use that. >> Mayor, you can say that for me, too.
» [laughter] >> Um
I I have some experience in these in a lot of different areas with this area
too. I mean with this part of town too. Um I actually was u with my listing
partner. We sold the property that was now some of you are going to know where
this was Donald Cotton's old house on Inis Street and that house um had some
serious and you know we we called it my partner and I called it the little house
that kept on taking >> because uh it it we just kept finding
problems that had to be addressed and it it it needed to be torn down too. And I
I understand um that the uh p the the the builder that bought
that lot was hoping to make to to have three houses on that lot. Uh and the
town approved two and um I mean it wasn't as offensive to me as I
thought it would be. I also lived in the Fquway uh Springs Historic Residential
District. for 12 and a half years until family circumstances of a couple of
deaths in my family including my late husband. Um I I had to move to a smaller
house because everybody was leaving me in this in this old wonderful house and
I I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave because I I I know I love
exactly the things you all were describing and I lived that life for 12
and a half years. So I I understand a lot of what I'm hearing, but I heard
lots of new things that I had not even considered. And I had been going through
these, you know, the things uh in our um land development
uh paperwork here and making notes and you all brought you did such a beautiful
job and you were so respectful expressing your opinions and we thank
you for for this presentation you did tonight. You served your community well.
Um, I am not ready to make a decision tonight. In fact, I'd already c called
and left the mayor a message earlier to today that I thought if I didn't hear
anything, I wanted to hear what was said and presented tonight, but that I was re
really feeling conflicted and thinking we needed more time to consider this
because it does represent more than just this project. I do understand that and I
I agree with everything these my my other commissioners here have my fellow
commissioners have said. Um and and I think we need to take some time to think
about this uh traditional historic one of our oldest residential
neighborhoods. And um the you know the thing that we're always hearing other
people say about this town when they come is something about the charm. And I
know that this community this this area um adds to that to that impression of
charm that people have when they come to this town. And you expressed it
beautifully tonight. But I think we do need to to just find out what some other
communities have how they've handled these issues because North Carolina is
growing fast all over and we we're not alone in some of the issues we're
facing. Thank you all for being here and for um expressing your concerns and
thank you Pine State for the beautiful work that you have um done throughout
our town. you you have you have have built some quality products and we
appreciate that. So, um I would like to make a motion, mayor.
» All right, you >> um I move that we table consideration of
um the re-2026-11
uh zoning map amendment to to the second meeting in September. Is that adequate
to say it that way, James? attorney >> sec second meeting in September. The
date >> September 22nd.
» September 22nd. >> Yes, sir.
» Okay, that would be the second meeting. >> Yes, sir.
» I'll I'll second that motion. >> Uh, all right. We have a motion on the
floor that we uh table 202611 to be heard again September 22nd, 2026.
Mr. Town Manager, you have a comment. Does that motion include any direction
for management and staff to do anything between that time?
» Can I amend that and add that to it? >> With the request of management staff
research similarsized towns in our region as to residential redevelopment
and residential infield development uh in areas located near the downtown areas
of those communities. Would that suffice, Mr. Manager?
» Second. That >> Okay. Okay. Well, we what we just heard
then a motion and amendment to the motion. You second the amendment.
» Second the amendment. Yes. >> All right. All those in favor of the
amendment to the original motion, let it be known by saying I.
» I. >> Any oppose?
» Eyes have it. The original motion dies. Thank you. Thank you so much. So, you
have clear direction. >> Mr. Mayor, I think we need to approve
the amended motion, right? >> We approve the We voted to approve the
amended motion. I think >> I just added amendment to her motion.
» I think you voted for the amendment. >> The the amended motion
» further clarified directions for the staff. Correct.
» So now we need to vote on the motion now that it's been amended.
» That's right. >> The amended. All right. We go we go back
to the main motion. >> Now the Now the motion is amended. So we
just get a second and a vote. >> Uh Commissioner Warren, you didn't
second that amendment. >> I So I second amendment. We approved the
motion and um I think we now have to approve the
» amended motion >> as amended. [laughter]
» Okay. All right. Sorry. Now, do I hear a motion to approve the
amended motion? >> I
» can I do it since I did the other motion?
» No. >> No. Somebody else should.
» So moved. >> All right. So moved. All those in favor
let it be known by saying I. >> I. Any oppose?
» Did we have to second that? >> I have it. Yes. All right. Are we clear?
» I I am I am clear. Yes, [laughter]
» Mr. Mayor. I guess before a lot of the uh citizens in that uh in that area
leave, you know, you know, just thinking as we're sitting here thinking uh you
know uh we still want to hear your comments on how, you know, you want to
shape, you know, uh your area of the community. I think that's also another
thing that we can can be raised is oftent times we struggle with trying to
link our our two downtowns together. And you know, if you use two of those roads
in that community, you can link Fugway to Verina on a more safer route at
times. So, you know, there's a lot of opportunities we can look at long term
or where we can kind of link those roads and we can take from the Fugquway
downtown in a different route compared to going straight down Main Street at a
safer walking uh having safer walking paths and different things would take us
to the verena side uh right up uh in street. So, you know, those are some
things, you know, just throwing out there for the citizens to give us some
feedback on long term and where we can kind of work on some different things.
Thank you'all for being here. >> Any other comments? Okay. All right.
Thank Thank you all. We're going to move now on to item
7D. Continuing with public hearings, the zoning map amendment and land use plan
amendment. Samson Blaten Oil Company. uh 2201 2205 and a portion of 2221
Pinery Grove Wilburn Road RAZ 202612. Thank you all so much for coming. We
appreciate it so much. Planning Director Davidson.
» Thank you. I'm submitting the agenda abstract and supporting documents into
the official records of the town. The purpose of this agenda item is to
consider a requested zoning map amendment for a total of 4.591 acres
located at 22012205 in a portion of 2221
Piny Grove Won Road from the neighborhood commercial and residential
agricultural zoning districts to the general commercial conditional zoning
district and corresponding land use plan amendment from the neighborhood
commercial classification to the suburban commercial classification.
The property currently contains an existing convenience store and is the
proposed location of Handy Hugo's gas station, which is currently under site
plan review. Recent amendments to the land development ordinance redefined
convenience stores with gas pumps to gas stations, which are now only allowed in
the corridor, commercial, and general commercial zoning districts. This
resoning request and proposed land use plan amendment will serve to better
align the current and future use of the property with the land development
ordinance. Although the requested zoning map amendment is not consistent with the
2040 community vision land use plan, the petitioner has also submitted a request
to amend the land use designation to suburban commercial which supports the
land use plans policies 2.6 to encourage commercial development
and 4.1 to manage future growth and development in accordance with priority
investment areas map. This resoning was subject to the town's new traffic impact
standards and the development will be designed in accordance with the NC DOT
TIA review recommendations including internal protected stem lengths, storage
lanes, and lane ninja improvements. On July 20th, 2026, the planning board
unanimously recommended approval. The suggested motion tonight is to approve
rec 202612, a zoning map amendment for 22012205
and a portion of 2221 Piney Grove Won Road from the neighborhood commercial
and residential agricultural zoning districts to the general commercial
conditional zoning district and corresponding land use amendment from
the neighborhood commercial classification to the suburban
commercial classification as it is reasonable and in the best interest of
the public. for the reasons identified by management and staff. I'm available
if you have any questions. >> Thank you.
» The hearing is now open. >> Does anyone wish to speak in favor of
the zoning map amendment and land use plan amendment?
» Mayor, good evening again. John Adcock Law Firm at 202 East Academy Street. I'm
here on behalf of the owner and the applicant. Um, the purpose of this
zoning map amendment is to redevelop what's an existing convenience store
that's been there since the 1950s, one that I grew up going to and still do.
Um, it's very limited in what type of services it can provide. Um, the uh the
this will be a modern uh convenience store with that also has retail gasoline
sales. Um, there was a question brought to the planning board about the size of
the property. Part of the reason the property is the size that it is because
this project will be supp um serviced by a a private septic system. Um so in
order to do that there will need to be a area for the septic system and a repair
field. So when you look at the acreage on this project uh it it's not
indicative of how big of a project this is going to be. A lot of it's associated
with the septic field. Um also I'll speak briefly to the transportation
improvements. Um as you know that's my that's my uh neighborhood out there. uh
that intersection needs uh a lot of help and this project is going to bring that
together with what was just passed in the state's budget uh money dedicated to
adding turn lanes to that intersection. So that intersection is going to see
significant improvements in the near future partly because of this project
and partly because of the state budget. So we asked that it be approved and I'm
here to ask answer any questions if you have any.
» Thank you. Thank you so much. We appreciate it.
Any further
interest in speaking in favor of the zoning map amendment and land use plan
amendment? All right. Does anyone wish to speak in
opposition to the zoning map amendment and land use plan amendment?
Okay. The hearing is now closed. Any discussion by the board?
» Mor. >> What is the pleasure of the board? Mr.
Mayor, I'm uh I mean, honestly, I'm excited to hear that we're g it's going
to be some gas pumps put out there if there's been plenty of times I went to
church right down the street and I was running low on gas and had to pray all
the way back to Sheets or somewhere else to get back. So, uh to be able to run
right there and that was when as a little kid we used to always go to that
corner store and get our candy after church. So, it's just exciting to see
we're going we going to get some gas pumps out there so I get a little gas.
So, I'm excited about it. So, uh Mr. Mayor, if there is no other comments,
I'll make a motion. Say so move. >> Second.
» Second. >> Although I'm excited to have Downtown
Wilin incorporated into the amendments. [laughter]
» Thank you. >> I just want to
I just want to thank John Eco real quick for sitting sitting here and presenting.
Um, you know, I had kind of meant to suggest that we shift the order of these
public hearings so that he could [laughter]
so he maybe could have gotten out here a little sooner, but so thank you for
being here. >> Any other comment?
All right, the motion has been made and properly second. All those in favor of
the motion, let it know by saying I. >> I.
» Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carries. Thank you so much.
Item 7E, zoning
zoning map amendment, M MI mi Homes of Raleigh LLC,
uh 06921 and a portion of 6823 Sunset Lake Road, Rez 202518.
More information about this agenda item will be presented by planning director
Davidson. It's my last one tonight. So, I'm submitting the agenda abstract and
supporting documents into the official record of the town.
» The purpose of this agenda item is to consider a requested zoning map
amendment for a total of 27.63 acres located at 0 6921 in a portion of 6823
Sunset Lake Road from the residential medium density conditional zoning
district to the planned unit development zoning district. Um there is a pond on
the property um that is scheduled for drainage. This pond is classified as a
high hazard dam and has received a violation notice from the North Carolina
State Dam Safety Program. It's actually located approximately 15 feet above the
adjacent Ballentine Dairy Road. It's overgrown with large trees, so it's been
determined to be problematic. The properties are currently zoned
residential medium density conditional zoning district as part of re207
from 2007. The properties were reszoned with the condition that they develop as
an open space subdivision. Since the property was not developed and open
space subdivision is no longer development option, the petitioner has
opted to reszone to planned unit development, the town's current
equivalent of an open space center development.
The requested zoning is consistent with the 2040 comprehensive land use plan.
The master plan and narrative included with the request ensure that the future
uses fit into the development context and demonstrate compliance with the
zoning conditions. Um and they offered many many of those zoning conditions
additionally meet the goals of the 2040 land use plan. On July 20th, 2026, the
planning board unanimously recommended approval. The suggested motion tonight
is to approve REZ 202518, a zoning map amendment for 06921
and a portion of 6823 Sunset Lake Road from the residential medium density
conditional zoning district to the planned unit development zoning district
at is it is reasonable and in the best interest for the public of the public
for the reasons identified by management and staff.
» Thank you so much. M >> M Mr. Mayor, just a point of order if I
think we might still have an open motion on the floor from the last item. I don't
we we seconded it, but do we >> vote on it?
» Okay. Yeah. Yeah, there was a motion second, but I I don't recall.
» We did. Okay. My apologies.
Yeah, he said all in favor. >> Okay.
» We're going to take a break in about five minutes [laughter]
» after we get through this.
» Does any Thank you, ma'am. >> I've got some questions.
» Uh, does anyone wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment?
» Can I ask some questions? >> Oh, you have a question director.
» I'm sorry. Sure. Sure. Commissioner,
» um, can you tell me about the historic district and how this
» Yes. >> plays into that?
» It doesn't really. Historic districts are voluntary. Valentine Farms is also
in the historic district and it's a subdivision. So,
» um, >> unfortunately or fortunately, um,
they're voluntary and so they really don't have a lot of weight or or
bearing. There's no, um, standards or restrictions applied. So, um,
when the town was planning on the basically the bypass road that's going
to go from Five Points >> and then fly over 401 and cross Sunset
Lake and then >> 5751,
» it was Yes. Now,
the original plan was to it was going to take out some houses
» because you had to move it just enough to avoid
the um historic district >> and CDOT put a higher priority on that
historic district than I think may have been warranted due to the fact that it
is voluntary in nature. So, I guess my heartburn is with it is,
you know, they've put a it's on a national register of historic places,
which ties the town's hands apparently when we're trying to improve the
community with roads. [snorts] But when it's time to for them
to sell it, we have no um authority to do anything that we might
not do on any other property. >> My understanding is this historic
designation is voluntary. So, even if they're contributing uh
buildings on the property for the National Historic District, we don't ask
uh historic uh commission or any kind of we we
wouldn't ask for feedback on something like this.
» So, we can definitely ask that. So, it to my knowledge there are no historic
buildings that have been determined on this. For example, a village of Lake
Wheeler had a historic house, right? um that Shipo did get involved in. Um and
in the end, they did end up renovating that house and creating its own separate
lot and such. So um if there are historic buildings designated, we will
definitely work with Capital Area Preservation and the State Historic
Office of Preservation um to identify that and and preserve it.
» We do that first. To my knowledge, the the property
developer is here and he can probably speak better to any existing structures,
but to my knowledge, there are no existing structures on this portion of
the property. Being that this is the southern side of the horse farm. So, the
majority of of existing structures are on the northern portion that is not
included in this development at this time.
» Well, the you know, Carolyn Elliot lived in a in a house that I think was a old
Valentine home. Um,
Ly Ballentine was the
he was the commissioner of agriculture for a long time in the state and it was
his dairy and the milking house was where this
subdivision is being planned. Um,
» is that what they call the crearyy? Because they've offered the crearyy to
the museums. I don't know. I don't know. I know. I went there when I was a kid
and watched them um milk cows and I dug worms out of the manure and fished in
the pond. Um so I'm fairly familiar with it. I just get a little heartburn when
people make their property national register
historic places and um
then one day it's like they want to forget they did that.
So, I I just would like to make sure that the historic preservation folks
um at least look at it and give some feedback to us,
» right? We can definitely ask those questions. Um, I just pulled up the the
preliminary subdivision plans have already been staff reviewed. And so
there there are a couple of existing brick and concrete foundations that are
noticed to be removed and there are a couple existing buildings to be
demolished and removed. So again, the the developer may be able to speak to
their context and we can definitely check with um Cabillary Preservation and
just make sure that there's there's nothing on their radar.
» Okay. Any other questions of of Director
Davidson? All right.
The the hearing is now open. Does anyone wish to speak in favor of the zoning map
amendment?
Good evening. >> Good evening, U Mayor Harris and Mayor
Proten Gardner. Thank you uh for hearing us today. Um, thank you to Pam and uh
all of the staff that did a great job helping us coordinating this project. It
took um not not more than other municipalities which is great but um
coordinating with them has been a pleasure and I just want to give a a
quick shout out to them. Um I do want to touch on some of the historic questions
that you had uh Commissioner Adcock just prior to get to that I just want to give
a quick background on MI. Um MI is no stranger to FE wave Arena. Um we have
presence in town with another project called Kohley Preserve that's underway
right now. Um that's a 61 acre 153 lot subdivision that's nearing its
completion. But what's in front of you today takes a far less dense approach.
Um after taking a lot of careful consideration um with the surrounding
areas and the historical nature of this region um and in addition to staff's
input, the proposed lots vary from 8,000 10,000 square feet with uh quality homes
designed to provide more of a traditional farmhouse feel. Uh the
neighborhood itself will be craft crafted to reflect a horse farm theme
reflecting the existing horse barn and its longstanding use. We'll be
incorporating [clears throat] a covered pavilion and will overlook the proposed
SCM with additional program for family activities. We did hold a neighborhood
meeting with our neighbors to discuss the project and we're grateful for their
participation and cooperation. We have had no objection to this project from
existing residents. We hosted additional meetings to particularly discuss the
draining of the existing pond which the neighbors understood that it is
necessary. I personally investigated the pond and spent a lot of times and
resources trying to find and figure out how we could keep this pond because it
really is it's a beautiful pond uh when you go out there. However, the elevation
of the dam no matter what we do to rehabilitate that dam stands so high
above Balentine Dair Road that it it is uh posing danger to existing residents
and future residents. Um, it is important to note that we will not be
picking up additional lots as a result of draining this pond. We are not
draining this pond for profit or for gaining lots. We're doing it for the
safety of their our proposed and existing residents.
Um, we're also making additional commitments to best screen our neighbors
and to make sure that we're welcoming um, and we're coming in with the right
mentality and the right attitude um, to be good neighbors to everybody. And to
conclude, [clears throat] uh, Commissioner Adcock, we did submit, um,
a formal report to Shipo on those existing structures. Shipo came back and
reported that. >> What's Shipo?
» Uh, it's the historical the National Historical Preservation. I forget the
actual terminology for it. I wish I could reference that, but it we whenever
we do do our due diligence of a of a project, we always submit, we [snorts]
do our phase one studies, we do everything to make sure that everything
that we're proposing and we may be tearing apart on site is is in
accordance to uh everything every national regulation and shipo had
reported back that they have no interest in any historical features on this site.
However, we have understood that there is I'm sorry I'm just answering Mr. feel
free to answer the question. Yes, >> we would like to still coordinate with
the town's whatever historic organization in town and allow them to
come and visit. Um I cannot we pro we will not be able to keep the actual full
structure, but what we would love to do is donate any historical pieces that may
be found in that barn for any kind of preservation that the town would like to
keep. Um, and to sum that up, you know, we've been fortunate to work to uh to
work with a brilliant team of town staff and to mold this project in the best
case of uh that we believe is the best case use for this land. And you know,
thank you for your time and ask you for your approval today.
» Thank you. >> Does has the town received that um
response from >> Yeah. Well, um I'm not sure that that's
a formal, but I'd be happy to provide that to Pam and and all of our staff.
Yeah, absolutely. Um the uh this is just this is me. Um well, I kind
of gave you some background. I'm sitting here thinking, you know, we we were
going to we were going to take out people's houses to save a sliver of a
field on the on the uh south end of this historic district, which blew my mind.
But here it's like, well, there's nothing there and it doesn't matter. And
so, you know, you get it. It's like u whatever suits
» sure >> the for the day. But to me, one of the
the the north side of or the north side of Terrible Creek that what made that
unique was that it was a dairy, not that it was a horse farm.
» Sure. The horse farm really became what it was in my mind after the dairy
disappeared in the 80s. But the dairy is really what made it I think historic
that northern part the north of Terrible Creek. um and where this was um in my
memory that's where the cows were mil. People around here talk about um one of
the unique things in Fugquway Verina in you know prior to the mid 80s was when
you went down Sunset Lake Road twice a day the cows crossed the street and they
the Ballentine subdivision is was the big field where the cows kind
of spent most of their time. But they would walk them across the street and go
here and milk them twice a day. And so you'd have to sit there and wait for the
cows to cross the street. >> Sure.
» Um which anybody driving up in down Sunset Lake Road today, that's kind of
hard to believe, but that's the way it was. And the person that started that um
that uh dairy was in North Carolina history a pretty pretty um significant
person I think because he was the agriculture commissioner for many years
before Jim Graham became agriculture commissioner. So to me, um, if there's
really nothing there to preserve, um, I mean, this is just this is just my
opinion. I would like to see some nod to the dairy, but that's just me. Um, as
far as the development goes, um, you know, some something to to um, make note
of that. But I would love for you to meet with uh some of the uh museums
folks just to make sure there's nothing that we're missing here.
» And and uh Commissioner, we we certainly planned on doing that. Like I said
before, we we want to be good residents of Fwave Arena. We have every intention
of of trying to preserve any historical features that may be on this site. Mhm.
» Um, from my understanding, the more historical features are on the northern
parcel on Miss Caroline Elliot's property. Um,
» and she has more of the longstanding farmhouse and she has some more. She's
actually invested in that. I'm not too familiar with
» her house is not on this on this what we're looking at.
» No, she she is a part seller of this property. She's selling us essentially
the top left corner of what you see here, but it's not
» uh her property. What she's selling us is just barren land. Um what whatever
historical features that you would see on here would be on the bottom right um
part of the property here. And like I said, we we we my team internally, we've
been investigating to see how we can coordinate with historical organizations
to see. >> I appreciate what you do. I don't have
any problem with residential development. I like it.
» But especially when you've got a spot that's in a national historic register.
I just want to make sure >> we're not overlooking something that we
would regret. The other thing is um that dairy story is a good story. It's a good
thing. [laughter] It's a good thing for people talk about Fugquway Vina as being
unique >> and there's a lot of things that make
Fugquway Vina unique, but in my mind, one of the things that makes it unique
is the history of that dairy. Um, and so I would like to have some nod to it one
way or the other. Um, >> well, you can you can take it from me,
um, that we're happy we're it's my pleasure to meet with, uh, any
historical pre preservation group in Fugquway that would be willing to come
out. I'll meet them on site as well and we can talk through whatever. I, like I
said, I can't keep the actual farmhouse. Uh, but I'm happy to donate it all if
they want to take some of that to a museum. We'd love to dedicate maybe a
plaque or some kind of historical feature along the property to to do that
and um it would be my pleasure. >> What is the proposed name of the of the
subdivision? >> Uh right now it's it's we've called it a
couple things. Galloway Crossing, Sunset Lake. Um my marketing team is eventually
going to have the final say. Uh but >> you think y'all would be open to
something that nods to the dairy? >> Yeah, sure. So, just just so you know,
the the current um use of or the the historical use of this particular piece
of property was a horse farm. Okay. >> And so we have actually made a
commitment if you look through the commitments, we are going to be making
» the milking barn was not on this property. I I personally am not totally
sure. It's the every historical research that we've gathered is that this was a
horse barn in a horse pasture. And so we have in our commitments we are
dedicating um if you look through I'm sorry I can pull it up the last one just
to be clear. I'm reading this right. Um monumentation at the entrance will
emphasize a horse theme accent fencing at the entry and common areas will
include split rail fencing and brick columns. So even our entry monuments
» do you know why this property was put on the national because I'm I'm not sure I
know why this little piece here not little but this triangle here. Why was
it on the national register of historic place?
» That's a great question. Uh this property has a long long long history.
It could have been anybody. Um my understanding is it's likely because of
it the historic the barn that was there if you do visit it there there is an
asphalt and you can see the barn and you can see where where that used to be and
that could possibly be it. But as of right now that barn is pretty much in
ruins. >> Okay. It's probably answer any
questions. >> It's probably been 40 years since
» Yeah. >> any dairy activity happened out there.
» Yeah. But I'm happy to answer any further questions. I'll be around.
» Thank you very much. We appreciate your taking time to answer the questions.
Does anyone else wish to speak in favor of the zoning map amendment?
Does anyone wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
» Good evening. >> Thanks. I'm Wendy Douglas. Um, I was
here a couple of weeks ago to talk to you about my concern about um, housing
for the missing middle. And um, this particular reasoning does include the
language that says you there's no vinyl siding permitted and there are other uh,
types of uh, wording that would preclude building for that missing middle. And so
while I'm not opposed to the development of this property, I am opposed to that
language that would make it unavailable to the missing middle. Thank you for
your consideration. >> Thank you.
» Does anyone else wish to speak in opposition to the zoning map amendment?
If not, the hearing is now closed. Any further discussion or questions by the
board?
Mr. Mayor, um I'd be in favor of tableabling this, not
because I have any um issue with the plot as presented to us, but I would
just like to make sure we are covering all our bases and I would like for the
um museums and historic folks to make sure that we're not um missing anything
here. um that >> we may not be and and I'm I'm fine to
move forward with it. I just don't want to make a mistake.
» You Mr. Mayor, I I appreciate that because I mean with these historic
things sometimes we only we only get one chance and it's gone. So um I I I think
that would be good to because I this that some of this discussion has been
covered at our museum board meetings. So I think
I think with our relationship with the museum that would it would be a good
thing for us to just be sure. >> Great idea. What is your pleasure?
» Make a motion to uh table the uh zoning map amendment re 2025-18
MI homes of Raleigh um 0 6921 and a portion of 6823 Sunset Lake Road uh in
the pins as stated. Uh I suggest that we um table this until our second meeting
in September. >> Okay.
» And the purpose of this is to have the Fugquway Vina Museums give feedback on
this project. >> You've heard the motion. Is there a
second? >> Second.
» All those if there's any other discussion, but what's the time?
» Second meeting in September. All right.
Although all those in favor of the motion, let it be known by saying I.
» I. >> I.
» Any oppose? Motion carries. Thank you.
The next item is item eight, the consent agenda. What is the board's pleasure on
the items on the consent agenda? >> Mayor, I move to approve the consent
agenda. items. Yeah,
» it's been moved and second that we approve
the items on the consent agenda. Did you intend to all
» itemize them, but I don't think that's necessary.
» You all right? Restate your motion. >> All right. Um, if you don't mind, mayor,
I move to approve item 8 A, 8 B, 8 C, and 8 D on the consent agenda.
Okay. All right. Then we have the second.
» Yes, sir. >> All those in favor of the motion, let it
be known by saying I. I. >> Any opposed? The eyes have it.
We have
Okay, we're moving right along here. Hopefully. I was going to
Okay, so we can knock this out. Item 10 A,
public service center phase two, guaranteed maximum price amendment
20,145,89.
Edifice general contractors project ordinance amendment PA2703
and budget amendment BA2702. More information about this agenda item
will be presented by public works director Stevenson. Hello. How you
doing? >> Good evening. Thank you mayor and
commissioners. Uh we are submitting this agenda item into the record of the town.
Um as you all are well aware we've been planning for uh phase two improvements
to the public service center. So, we have um we're bringing to you tonight an
agenda item that uh amends the guaranteed maximum price agreement that
we did with Edifice general contractors um back u last year. Uh it, as you know,
the public service center is a critical operational center. It houses our public
works, public utilities, and parks, direct maintenance folks. Um pretty much
any activity that happens out in the community that's involving roads,
sidewalks, and recreation comes out of that building. Um you guys have
proactively planned for this expansion and so this is just a moving on of that
process. Uh we did contract with Wither Ravenell and Tel architects to do our
space need study and our um and our design. Uh with that we moved on to
Edifice general contractors for our guaranteed maximum price construction or
Seymar contract as we refer to those. Uh Edifice selected bid or solicited bids
on May 5th and May 19th of this year. Uh the guaranteed maximum price that
resulted from those bids was 20,483,848.
» Uh this was significantly higher than our previous estimates. Uh so we did a
lot a good bit of um follow-up work and ground work with Edifice. Um
basically cost escalation in the construction market had slowed for a
period and has picked back up. Um, we worked very diligently with Edifice
after the bid openings to try to look for opportunities. Should we rebid the
project? Should are there places where we could save money on the project? Um,
the basic result of that was our analysis with the biders was that a
rebid was likely going to at at best leave us even and maybe even would even
leave us with a higher bids the second time around. Um the most of the cost
increases are general inflation. You know, we we had a conflict with in a
foreign country pop up about the time we're bidding these projects. Um just a
lot of um of the continued inflationary pressures that we've been seeing on the
construction market. Uh, so we did work with Edifice on numerous val value
engineering options and we were able to at least lower the cost by $338,000 with
some choices that did not impact our function. Um, there were choices that we
could have done to get back into uh more into our budget line, but any of those
were going to come with major programmatic issues. you were going to
remove a building that was a major function of the site and it was going to
lead to us being back in five years needing to expand yet again. And so just
at our determination is that you know the cost and the recency of that would
just be too high for us to to to recommend that. So with that $338,000
in value engineering, that brings the the GMP amendment to 20,145,89.
Um we also have additional soft costs on the town side that include our
financing, some contingency, uh furniture, our IT upfit. There's some of
those things that we we rather than contract that out, we kind of manage on
on our side of the house. Um, we had originally, as our fiscal note, had
originally budgeted 18.5 million in this budget to to cover this construction.
So, a part of this action is a budget amendment of $1,645,89
uh to help cover the GMP cost and then also to cover the $1,371,366
in the soft cost that I explained. Um our plan from the beginning was to split
this cost between the general fund and the enterp uh the utility enterprise
fund by 2/3 to oneird split which we have done and will continue to do. Uh so
with that the total funding to support this project that we're talking about
tonight is 21517,175.
Um I can assure you that we have worked diligently to bring this project in at
as low a cost as we can. uh we are bringing you a project that meets the
10-year need that we intended to um and you know has the elements that um are
necessary to keep our operations running and there's nothing on this site that's
going to go wasted or unused. Um, uh, one of the hard parts I I mentioned a
couple times that, you know, when you're trying to value engineer a facility that
is really designed for function, there's really not a lot of places to go pull
things out without impacting the critical function. So,
with that, town staff recommends this GMP amendment and subsequent budget
amendment to the project ordinance to support this project. Um, here's a
overall schematic that you can see where we're adding addition to our current
admin building. We're adding a second building with office spaces, locker
spaces, and all that. And then also, uh, lots of covered storage, parking being
one of the major constraints at this time that, you know, we've been out of
parking for for essentially a year. Um so the recommended motion um for you
tonight is this management staff recommendation to approve the guaranteed
maximum price amendment of 20,145,89
with Edifice general contractors approve a project ordinance amendment budget
amendment and authorize the town manager to execute GMP documents for the
construction of the public service center phase 2 project subject to town
attorney review as to form and with that be glad to answer any questions. Thank
you. Thank you. Please forgive me. I misread that that figure as 20,000. I'm
sorry. >> I wish it was 20,000. [laughter] I think
we all >> All right, Tracy. I'm just curious. Do
y'all get many complaints from the neighborhood next door from noise or
anything like that? >> There was a lot of that discussion when
the facility was originally built. I don't recall any recent issues that have
been brought to my attention. >> Seems like like they were concerned
about lights and lighting. >> Uh originally there were a lot of
concerns. Um I don't know that I've heard
» I'm wondering about since it opened and >> No, I I don't I don't recall any
recently. It it's I I haven't had anybody complain to me directly.
Well, the um you know was right here close to Holland's Crossroads and this
was Holland land um because it was bought from um Mr.
David Holland, Donald's uncle. And um I just remember it was one of these um
instances where we had a we we had kicked the hornets's nest because the
neighborhood next door I think thought that we were going to I don't know what
they thought we were going to be doing next or putting a dump next door to them
but I've haven't heard anything negative since it opened and so I'm proud of that
and I think the town has done a good job with it and I've just heard from a a
neighbor that it's uh that y'all are good neighbors. So, I appreciate that.
» We do our best. >> Mr. Mayor, I just want to say uh you
know, thank you uh Director Stevenson for, you know, I I think with every
project we have now, what we don't want to do is even though, you know, funding
is limited at times is put it to where we're going to have to go back fixing
something in five years. I think that's with every big project that we have
coming up down the pipeline. It's no point of, you know, I would rather put
money towards that than five years and instead of 10 years down the road, we
having to go back and fix stuff. That's what, you know, the new fire station,
new police department, all this stuff. I think that's one of the things. So,
thank you for and and finance and management and everybody for thinking
about that when we're looking at all these projects that we don't want to do
something and then have to go back because as we all know if we go back
five years down the road we've spent more money we would have spent in the
first place. So thank you for uh thinking about it and and we and we hope
that you know even though you had to do some some changes around and nothing is
you know lack because people know that uh you know one of the backbones of our
town are the are the employees that come out of that building every day and and
and they're you know we need them. They're 24-hour on call and everything
else and up before we are a lot of them asleep right now and be up before we get
up. So, you know, we we definitely want to make sure that, you know, we're we're
putting our best foot forward as a board to make sure that u that all the
employees there have everything they need. And definitely I've seen it on
those days where everybody's parked on the grass and everything else trying to
park find a parking spot. So, it'll be good to have a parking lot.
» Any other comments? Do I hear a motion?
» So moved, Mr. Mayor, as presented and recommended.
» Second. All those in favor of the motion as presented, let it be known by saying
I. >> I.
» Any opposed? Eyes have it. Thank you. >> Other business. And how we doing? We
Anybody need a break? We might be able to knock this out in 15 minutes. Uh,
other business, manager report. >> I'll try to be as brief as I can, mayor.
I know we're getting long in the tooth. Um do want to just recognize that uh
Cody Simson in our engineering department has been promoted to the
assistant engineering director positions. We want to congratulate Cody
on his career advancement. He holds a bachelor degree in environmental
engineering, a dual master's degree in business administration and construction
management. And he's a licensed professional engineer and he's been a
valuable uh asset to our organization and to the engineering department since
having been on board for many years now. And so we want to congratulate Cody on
this welldeserved promotion. Uh staff in the utilities department attended the
North Carolina rules and regulations update for drinking water and wastewater
and brought back some good information along uh those lines to uh ensure that
we are uh upholding our uh standards to the highest standards that state expects
in terms of rules and regulations. Uh want to recognize a couple of
professional development related matters in the planning department. Our planning
director, Pam Davidson, successfully completed the UNCC School of
Government's public executive leadership academy. So, we want to congratulate Pam
on her uh completion of that uh important course. I believe she's the
first department director to have gone through that course with the school of
government. Planners Slater Knox and Alyssa Hullman attended the annual fall
certified zoning officials conference in Bowfort this past week and were able to
network with other planners uh in in their profession as well as um bring
back some uh good information to our planning department. And our planning
department staff sincerely appreciates the board prioritizing continuing
education and providing opportunities for staff to be lifelong learners and
advance their professional development goals. I also want to mention out of the
planning department that the citizens planning academy is open for
registration online through August 28th for the next cohort of that academy. The
first cohort was extremely successful and we look forward to hosting the next
group of of learners in our community this October. So anyone who's interested
is encouraged to register online be by or before August 28th. And we're limited
in available spots. So it's first come first serve. We encourage encourage that
registration. Uh downtown development Samantha Darlington has been hired and
selected as the town's next downtown development manager joining us from the
North Carolina Main Street program. So, we're excited to have uh someone who is
familiar with the North Carolina Main Street program and uh the state program
and national program come and join and be a part of our downtown team and a
partner with the FEDA. So, we're very excited about her start date, which is
September 21st. Uh the uh streets department took
delivery of a new leaf vacuum truck that was budgeted in the fiscal year 27
budget and is preparing it for the upcoming fall leaf season. And Tim
Hannon was promoted from sanitation collector 2 to equipment operator in the
sanitation department, filling one of the new crew positions added in the
fiscal year 27 budget. his former position and the remainder of the new
sanitation crew have been filled and they will start on August 24th, allowing
the new sanitation route to go into service in the near future.
A national night out against crime is uh planned to be held on Friday, August
21st, this Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the parking lot next to Target
in the Gold Leaf Shopping Center. Backpacks and school supplies will be
distributed while supplies last. And I do want to just note that we are
monitoring uh weather to determine if alternative plans are necessary. There
are some inclement weather projected in the forecast and so we're paying close
attention to that. Back to school traffic safety uh as it pertains to back
to school traffic safety. The traditional school calendar uh year
officially begins this coming Monday, August 24th. So, we do um encourage uh
drivers and parents to exercise caution when traveling through school zones and
expect traffic delays during morning drop off and afternoon pickup times at
least at least initially when the school season starts. And our police department
officers will be monitoring school zones and conducting traffic enforcement,
including targeted enforcement of the new no parking zones established near
Willis Spring High School in the North Lake subdivision.
Uh Faith Brown is recently joined the parks, recreation, and cultural
resources team as our newest athletic program specialist. We want to welcome
Faith to our team. Uh as it pertains to fire department, Scott Naylor completed
all career ladder requirements and has been promoted to fire from firefighter 2
to senior firefighter. So, we want to congratulate Scott on his career
development. And fire engineers Matthew Lee and Robbie Johnson have been
promoted to fire captain to fill the vacancies by recent retirements. and
their badge pinning will take place at the September 22nd town board meeting.
So, we look forward to welcoming them and their families for that badge
pinning ceremony. Uh nine officers and firefighters attended the South Atlantic
Fire Rescue Expo at the Raleigh Convention Center this past weekend for
technical training classes, keynote sessions, and leadership development
alongside thousands of firefighters from across the southeastern region of the
United States. And so it was a good learning opportunity for uh those nine
officers and firefighters. We want to thank them for attending. Um and then
applications close this Thursday for the three non-certified firefighter
positions included in the fiscal year budget with more than a 100 applications
received to date. The new recruits will attend the Wake County Fire Academy
starting in October and are scheduled to graduate in late May. So everyone wants
to come work at the Fugquway Arena Fire Department. It's a good place to be.
Um, Alice uh, Deell Gatano Deatano, excuse
me, has been hired as our assistant finance director and will start on
September 8th. So, we're looking forward to Alice coming on board and being a
part of our finance team. This past weekend featured a successful summer
showcase for dancers enrolled in summer classes at the art center. Auditions for
the annual community Nutcracker production are now open and interested
participants can sign up for the audition time on the arts center
website. And a rental and special events coordinator Katie Crush and program
coordinator Jennifer Ranken returned from the leadership exchange in arts and
disability seminar sponsored by the Kennedy Center. Staff look forward to
implementing their new ideas to increase and improve program accessibility. and
registration for fall classes and fall theater offerings is available online
and in person for the arts center. Uh with that uh mayor and board, I will
just again draw your attention to National Night Out against Crime this
Friday 5 to 8:00 p.m. at the Gold Leaf Target parking lot.
Thursday, September 10th, we will have our first concert of the fall series.
Follow me to Fugquway concert. The Band of Oz will be here in town performing a
local favorite and 6 pm to 9:00 p.m. at Centennial Park. The 911 National Day of
Remembrance will be held on Friday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m. at the
Fugquway Verina Arts Center. The International Festival will be at the
Fugway Arena Arts Center on September 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. The
food truck rodeo will be on Sunday, September 13th
from 12:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Durm Street parking lot, 801 Durm Street.
There are some first readings in your agenda materials. a zoning map amendment
submitted by Josh Swendell of Envision Homes, 7151 Sunset Lake Road. And with
that, Mr. Mayor and Board, that concludes my remarks for this evening.
I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.
» Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Um, the next item, town board
member comments. Um, Commissioner Haynes.
» Yes, sir. I'll keep >> be brief.
» Yes, sir. Very brief. Uh, it was exciting. I was downtown Raleigh on
Friday and I was first I was like why am I seeing Fugquway Vina fire department
trucks down here then I turned the corner I see fire trucks from everywhere
in the in the state of North Carolina and it took me forever to find parking
but it was good to see that uh we had some people represented town of freeway
there. Um, I just want to uh uh send blessings to all of our students who
have started back school or who are starting back school. All our teachers,
bus drivers, and everybody and all our college kids who are off to college
already and probably have just started about to start their first few days of
college who are residents of Fuqua Arena. So excited about their year and
see their success. Last thing is I just want to uh I'm honored to be uh um on
the list of um part of the legislative policy committee for the North Carolina
League of Municipalities along with our town manager. Uh we are se we are made
up of 70 elected officials, management and I think attorneys uh across the
state of North Carolina who'll be working on legislative policies for the
upcoming sessions for our um North Carolina uh legislator. So, it's uh
exciting to be a part of that. We'll start our sessions and working to figure
out over for the f over 500 municipalities in the state of North
Carolina what legislative policies we need to work towards to make sure we
have everything we need in our uh municipalities all over the state. So,
we're sorry about that. >> Congratulations. Thank you.
» Yeah. Great. Both to you and the town manager. Congratulations. Commissioner
Adcock, >> no comments tonight.
» All right. Commissioner Smith, >> really no comments tonight, Mr. Mayor.
just been busy with a lot of ribbon cutings and groundbreings, but that's a
great thing to see. So, >> yes, it is. Yes, it is. Commissioner
Vorren, >> no comments.
» Mayor Pro Tim Gardner, >> no comments except it was really nice to
to um that for the publicity we got with the launch for the new DMV in Few Arena.
It was nice to to see some good positive uh coverage from the media and it was a
exciting day. It's going to be a great facility going from 14 station 14
driver's license stations to four to 14. Great point. That's good. I'm glad you
mentioned that. Thank you. Any other comment? That's it. Uh I have no comment
tonight. I know that uh we have a close session and uh
do I hear a motion to go into close session?
» So move >> second.
» All those in favor we need to identify why
» it's it is uh under general statute uh the closed open meetings law general
statute A3 attorney client privilege. >> Okay.
» So move. >> Okay. Second. All those in favor of the
motion let it be known by saying I. I. opposed. All right, we can take a break.