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Tuesday, 26 September 2006 15:23 |
By JEREMY MORRISON
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners took public feedback Sept. 19 on a draft version of a new storm water-runoff ordinance that would combat potential flooding threats ÇƒÓ but also increase the costs of new construction in the county. The boardës regular meeting was largely dedicated to public comment on the issue.
While some speakers expressed hesitant support for the ordinance, many requested a moratorium on new construction.
"Please consider a moratorium," Elaine White said. "We need time to just take a breath and catch up with ourselves."
The
board previously shelved the idea of a moratorium on development during
its Sept. 5 meeting in favor of an ordinance addressing storm water
runoff.
Assistant County
Manager Jon Creighton told the board that the proposed ordinance should
be viewed as a big step forward in dealing with developmental runoff.
"This is not window-dressing," Creighton said. "We are not taking baby steps."
The ordinance,
which was presented to the board by city staff, would require
developers to obtain a storm water permit for all residential projects
exceeding one acre and commercial projects one-half acre and larger.
Developers would also be required to control runoff by building
retention ponds or other measures.
If the ordinance is adopted, it will mean a bigger price tag for developers.
"This is going to be an increase to the cost of development in Buncombe County, thereës no doubt about it," Creighton said.
He estimated the added cost to be approximately $300 per developed acre.
"I think itës fair to put this cost on the developer," he said, "not the general taxpayer."
One of the main
contentions raised during the meeting concerned the amount a developer
may be charged for an ordinance infraction ÇƒÓ the proposed fine is
capped at $1,000.
"I donët think
$1,000 is enough for the fine," said Heather Rayburn, president of the
Five Points Neighborhood Association. "That doesnët send a hard enough
message."
The boardës vice chairman, Bill Stanley, agreed on that point.
"Iëd like to change it to five," Stanley said. "Jump it up to $5,000 ÇƒÓ you know, get their attention."
Stanley went on
to say that such a measure should not be seen as making business
difficult for local developers, whom he believes would adhere to the
ordinance.
"Itës these crooks that come up here from way down south that are messing us up," he said. "And weëre gonna stick it toëem."
Several speakers
also voiced concerns about the ordinanceës exemptions. Land used for
such activities as farming and logging would not be held to the
ordinance.
"It just seems
like there has to be something where you canët just take advantage of
the system,"
Steve Williams said, adding that he feared developers
proposing a use included within the exemptions would later change their
intentions. "I think itëd be good if the commissioners would address
that and make sure thereës no loophole."
Others said the ordinance was a nice gesture, but did not address additional concerns.
"My concern is
that storm water will be the only concern addressed by the
commissioners," said Catherine Ball. "There are a lot of other concerns
at stake."
Among those other concerns brought about by the areaës increased development, Ball listed traffic and the loss of local culture.
"Weëre turning
into a Buncombe County that isnët neighborhoods anymore, but ÇƒÓ what I
see advertised ÇƒÓ is gated communities," she said.
The boardës next
meeting ÇƒÓ scheduled for 4 p.m. today ÇƒÓ will be a continuation of public
comment on the ordinance. The board also plans to vote on the issue
during that meeting.
In other action, the board:
ï Heard from Anne Ponder, the newly appointed chancellor of UNC Asheville.
"I have come home for good," Asheville-born Ponder said. "I bring my thanks to the people of Buncombe County ÇƒÓ I am of you."
Commissioner
Carol Weir Peterson explained her personal connection to Ponder: the
commissioner was taught by the chancellorës grandmother, taught
alongside her mother and taught Ponder herself.
"What a thrill for us to have one of our own come back," Peterson said. "Itës just a personal point of pride with me."
ï Proclaimed Oct. 6 as YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Day.
ï Proclaimed Oct. 7 as "A Night to Remember" in celebration of Adult Day Services.
ïApproved a
resolution requesting the State Department of Transportation to
dedicate the bridge crossing U.S. 74A at Exit 53 to State Trooper
George C. Penn, who was killed while in pursuit of escaped convicts
during the 1930s.
ï Heard a report
from Lt. Helen Hall of the Buncombe County Sheriffës Department
concerning animal control. Hall began overseeing animal control in July.
"When I took
this job I could not tell you ÇƒÓ girl dog, boy dog ÇƒÓ which one got
spayed, which one got neutered," Hall said, adding that she has since
learned the distinction.
Hall told the
board she wished to initiate regular Monday night meetings so that the
public could offer input on how the department operates.
ï Appointed
Robert Sipes to the Economic Development Board and Farrell Sylvest to
the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
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