Local News - April 2003

Residents make pleas

Published April 9, 2003

Group protests possible rezoning off N.C. 274

By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer

Residents of N.C. 274 made emotional pleas to commissioners Monday night, speaking out against a proposed rezoning that they say poses a risk to their community.

“I really am concerned,” said neighboring property owner Jessie Ruff, who was moved to tears. “I have raised my family here, and I want a good environment for my grandchildren — and it’s all I have.”

A public hearing was held for the rezoning of three acres off N.C. 274 from Residential Single-Family to Neighborhood Business, an action that could open the door for the type of business residents don’t want in their backyards.

Planning board members voted during their meeting to recommend that the application be approved.

Six people spoke during the public hearing, which was held in front of the commission and planning board. Two of those six represented two churches with a combined 250 members.

Another 20 or so were present at the meeting, filling the Commissioners Room to standing-room only.

While no definite use of the property was provided, applicant Kenneth Carpenter told Ruff he would like to erect a produce stand there, she said.

But several residents stated during the meeting that Carpenter had mentioned the possibility of opening a restaurant or bar and grill.

Carpenter did not speak during the hearing.

Ruff, who has lived on her property for 18 years, said she has seen a lot of changes over the years, many of which were not beneficial to the area.

And she, like other residents, is scared of what could happen if an alcohol-selling business is opened up on the already busy road.

“I’m really fearful for this perhaps being allowed to be rezoned,” Ruff said.

Sandra Markland, who lives on the same road, spoke on behalf of the members of Bess Chapel United Methodist Church.

“As a driver and a resident, I feel this intersection is already dangerous enough,” Markland said.

Reid Parker, speaking for members of Bethel United Methodist Church said the rezoning could add to the problems in the area.

Bill Towery, who owns property in the area, said the possible rezoning and business operation could jeopardize the “values that we seek to instill in our families.”

While Towery does not live on the property, he has family who lives nearby and may want to relocate someday, he said.

“This has the potential to create an unwanted and unnecessary situation,” Markland said.

The planning board will send its recommendation to commissioners April 21.

In other business, the planning board:

·  Voted unanimously to recommend approval of an application from Troy Motz to rezone an 11.8-acre parcel from Residential Single-Family to Neighborhood Business. The property is located off N.C. 27, west of Hauss Road.

·  Voted unanimously to recommend approval of a request from Bobby Smith to rezone 2.3 acres from Transitional Residential to General Business. The land is located at 257 N.C. 16.

·  Voted unanimously to recommend approval of an application from Gary Allen for a conditional use permit. The permit will allow a land-clearing and inert debris landfill to be located on his land off Schronce Road.

·  Voted unanimously to continue until next month an application from Becky Kowaleski for a parallel conditional use rezoning to allow the placement of a mobile home on Lama Lane.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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