From Staff Reports

The Buncombe County Planning Board last Monday tabled a revised plan for the controversial Bartramís Walk development proposed for Beaverdam citing concerns that the plan includes more lots than are allowed under county rules.

The proposal, which calls for 87 lots on about 175 acres, was tabled by a 7-2 vote after some board members said that no more than 73 or 74 lots are permissible.

Initially, the developers wanted to build as many as 138 lots on the property, according to Joe Sechler, head of a group of nearby residents opposing the plan.

Sechler said that while the changes represent progress, he still has concerns that the developers will not comply with county rules.

Before ruling on the proposal, the board debated whether amendments to the countyís steep-slope development ordinance passed last January by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners eliminated a requirement that the allowable number of lots in a development be governed by the average slope of the entire property.

Brian Gulden, an attorney representing the developers, argued that because key language was removed from the ordinance, it was not the overall slope of the property, but rather the slope of individual lots that must be considered.

However, attorney Patsy Brison, who represented the neighbors, argued that the ordinance makes it clear that the requirement regarding overall slope was still in effect.

Board members were divided on the issue. Member Jay Marino argued that the planning board should not strip down the steep-slope ordinance by applying the per-lot standard.

However, Karl Koon urged the board members to adhere to the changes made by the comissioners.

County staffers are likely to propose an amendment to the rules to clarify the requirement, Zoning Administrator Jim Coman said.