Greenville Board of Adjustment Meeting – August 19, 2021
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Greenville Board of Adjustment Meeting – August 19, 2021
Note: The meeting agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was held on July 22, 2021, but the provided instruction specifies the date as August 19, 2021. This summary uses the instructed date while noting the discrepancy.
The Greenville Board of Adjustment held a virtual evidentiary hearing on August 19, 2021, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. Chair Michael Glenn presided. The board heard seven special use permit requests, all of which were approved unanimously. The meeting also included approval of the June 24, 2021 minutes.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes – June 24, 2021: Motion by Rodney Bullock, seconded by Ann Bellis. The minutes were approved unanimously by all seven voting members present.
Discussion Items
Old Business
1. VSS Arlington, LLC – Tobacco Shop Class 1 (215 E. Arlington, Suite D)
- Staff Report (Elizabeth Blunt): The applicant sought to change from a previously denied tobacco shop Class 2 to a Class 1 tobacco shop, which cannot sell water pipes or bowls. The property is zoned CG (General Commercial) and is in an office/institutional character area, though the existing unit is vacant. Staff recommended conditions including no LED/flashing signs, no lottery, no smoking on premises, and compliance with all codes.
- Applicant (Samir Ahmad, franchise owner): Expressed full support for the project, describing it as a high-end boutique smoke shop that would contribute to the local economy. Stated they would abide by all conditions, including no flashing lights.
- Board Discussion: Ann Bellis noted the recommended conditions adequately address prior concerns about signage.
- Decision: The board approved the special use permit with staff-recommended conditions. Vote: unanimous.
2. Shiloam Affairs, LLC – Convention Center (215 E. Arlington, Suite E)
- Staff Report: The applicant proposes a convention center in the same building as the tobacco shop. Staff recommended conditions including no alcoholic beverages outside, noise limits (65 dBA 7 a.m.–11 p.m., 60 dBA 11 p.m.–12 a.m.), security guard on site during events, and hours not to exceed 12 a.m.
- Applicant (Mona Gillam, leaseholder): Described the space as a daytime Wi‑Fi workspace (like a Starbucks) and an after‑hours private convention venue for events such as celebrations and conferences. Emphasized screening of renters and safety measures.
- Board Discussion: No questions from board.
- Decision: Motion by Rodney Bullock, seconded by Nathan Cohen. Unanimous approval with staff conditions.
New Business
1. Kiel Slayton & Ravens Thorn, LLC – Microblading (2708 A E. 10th Street)
- Staff Report: The applicant seeks to operate a microblading/microshading studio. The property is zoned CG with residential to the south. Staff recommended conditions requiring a health department permit and compliance with state sanitation and waste disposal rules.
- Applicant (Keel Slayton): Explained microblading as cosmetic brow enhancement. The studio (Ravens Rose) will employ two trained individuals. Stated future ambitions included adding lip blush, eyeliner, scalp pigmentation, and eventually a med‑spa, but noted the current permit is only for microblading/microshading.
- Board Questions: Ann Bellis asked about licensing – Slayton confirmed no state board oversees microblading, but they completed a five‑day training course in Raleigh. John Landrine asked for a description of the procedure.
- Decision: Motion by Rodney Bullock, seconded by Ann Bellis. Unanimous approval with staff conditions.
2. Kiel Slayton & Ravens Thorn, LLC – Tattoo Shop (2706 A E. 10th Street)
- Staff Report: Same property, different unit. Applicant proposes a tattoo shop. Conditions require a health department permit, compliance with North Carolina tattooing regulations (NCGS 14‑400 for minors), and no lottery.
- Applicant: Briefly confirmed the application is for a tattooing studio.
- Board Discussion: No questions.
- Decision: Motion by Rodney Bullock, seconded by John Landrine. Unanimous approval with staff conditions.
3. Sheetz, Inc. – Convenience Store with Gas, Restaurant Drive‑Through (1000 Charles Boulevard)
- Staff Report: This is an amendment to a 2007 special use permit. Sheetz proposes to demolish the existing store and an adjoining office building, rebuild on a 2.05‑acre site covering the entire block. The new store will be ~6,000 sq ft (vs. 5,000), include indoor seating for 30, outdoor dining for 16, a drive‑through, and 44 parking spaces. The number of gas pumps remains the same. Staff recommended multiple conditions addressing pedestrian access, screening, lighting, noise, and outdoor amplified sound.
- Applicant (represented by attorney Phil Dixon): Called three expert witnesses:
- James Gerhardt (Director of Real Estate, Sheetz) – testified to the need for a drive‑through due to customer demand, especially post‑COVID; the store will have 26 employees plus 5 new hires; a $4.5 million investment.
- Dwight Bernelson (Professional Engineer) – testified that the site redesign improves traffic safety by adding concrete medians on Charles Boulevard to prevent left turns, and provides access on all four streets. Nearest residence to outdoor dining is ~162 feet.
- Tom Anastasi (Engineering Permitting Manager) – testified to updated technology, new underground storage tanks, ethanol‑free gas, and modern lighting.
- Board Discussion: No questions from board members.
- Decision: Motion by Rodney Bullock, seconded by John Landrine. Unanimous approval with staff conditions.
4. Bret Flory – Major Repair Facility (Whitley Drive)
- Staff Report: The applicant (architect for Caliber Collision) proposes a 14,600 sq ft auto body paint and repair facility on 2.2 acres zoned CG. Conditions require screened vehicle storage, all work inside, no junkyard, and site plan approval.
- Applicant (Brett Flory, professional architect): Testified that Caliber Collision is the world’s largest collision repair company. The building will have a covered drop‑off, brick and stone exterior, and all work performed indoors. No tires will be stored on site.
- Board Discussion: Ann Bellis raised a concern about tires stored outdoors holding water and breeding mosquitoes. The applicant agreed to a condition prohibiting any outdoor tire storage.
- Decision: Motion by Ann Bellis, seconded by Rodney Bullock, to approve with staff conditions plus an additional condition of no outdoor tire storage, citing health, safety, and nuisance criteria. Unanimous.
5. Greenville Community Services, LLC – Child Day Care Facility (901 Staton Road)
- Staff Report: The applicant seeks to rescind an existing special use permit for an elementary school and expand the child day care use. The property is 11.78 acres zoned IU (Industrial) in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The facility will house Pitt County Head Start (40,915 sq ft) and an after‑school program (7,624 sq ft). Staff had no objections.
- Applicant: Trey Greer (owner) voluntarily surrendered the previous permit. Donnie Phillips (leaseholder) described the facility as secure, fenced, and serving pre‑K and after‑school students. Xantra Best (Head Start director) confirmed success and no schedule conflict between Head Start (8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and after‑school program.
- Board Discussion: No questions.
- Decision: First, unanimous vote to accept voluntary surrender of the elementary school permit. Then, motion by Rodney Bullock, seconded by Sharon Evans, to approve the child day care special use permit with staff conditions. Unanimous.
Key Outcomes
All seven special use permit requests were approved unanimously. The board also approved the June 24, 2021 minutes. Additional conditions were added for the major repair facility (no outdoor tire storage). Staff conditions from the planning department were incorporated into each approval. The meeting adjourned at an unreported time. Note: This meeting was the board’s last virtual meeting; future meetings will be held in person at City Hall.
Meeting Transcript
Mr. Chair, we're last. Thank you, ma'am. Okay. Good evening, everybody. 601. We'll get started. Uh want to welcome you all to the July 22nd, 2021 uh meeting of the City of Greenville Board of Adjustment. My name is Michael Glenn. I'm the chair of the board. The Board of Adjustment is a quasi judicial body that is governed by the North Carolina General Statutes and the City's Code of Ordnance. We conduct evidentiary hearings on requests for special use permits, variances, appeals of administrative decisions, and interpretations. Before we begin, we will just want to remind everybody of a few things. First, tonight's meeting will be conducted in accordance with the newly enacted statutes in session law 2020-3, which allow for remote meetings and quasi judicial hearings during declarations of emergency. Second, each applicant on tonight's agenda was notified before being placed on the agenda that this meeting would be conducted using a remote electronic platform. Every applicant on tonight's agenda has consented to the board conducting the evidentiary hearing on their request using this remote platform. We will also confirm tonight at the start of each evidentiary hearing that the participants in the hearings consent to the matter proceeding in the remote platform. No case is proceeding tonight in which the city has been contacted by an individual who objects to this meeting being heard by way of remote platform. Third, notice of this meeting was provided to the applicants and public in numerous ways. Specifically, notice of tonight's evidentiary hearing was provided by mail to all property owners within 250 feet of each subject property. The mail notices were sent two weeks in advance of the meeting date and within the law to provide such notice. Notice was also provided by posting signs on the site of each property, publishing notice in the newspaper, and providing notice on the city's website. Each of these notice methods were also done within legal within the legal requirement to provide such notice. The notices for tonight's meeting contained information about the means by which the public can access the remote meeting as the meeting occurs. Fourth, any individual wishing to participate in tonight's evidentiary hearing was required to sign up prior to the meeting to participate. Information about the sign-up requirement along with the information about how to sign up was included in the mailed notice letters sent to each property owner within 250 feet of each property. This information was also included on the board's website, and among other information, a link to the board's website was included in all methods of notice. No cases proceeding tonight in which anyone contacted the city to voice an objection to the remote meeting platform. All individuals participating in tonight's hearing were also required to submit a copy of any presentation, document, exhibit, or other material that they wish to submit at the hearing prior to the meeting. All materials that the city received from the participants, as well as a copy of city staff's presentations and documents were posted online on the Board of Adjustment meeting schedule and agenda prior to this meeting. All materials that will be discussed can be viewed at any time during the meeting by visiting the Board of Adjustment page on the city's website and clicking the July 22nd agenda and meeting packet link. No new documents will be presented at tonight's meeting, and all decisions of this board are subject to appeal with the Pitt County Superior Court. Finally, all individuals who signed up to participate in tonight's uh uh meeting were mailed a witness oath form prior to the meeting. Any individual planning to testify or submit evidence in the hearing was notified that they must sign the oath form prior to the meeting. We will reaffirm everyone's oath on the record this evening. All right. Uh Madam Clerk, if you would please call the roll. Yes, sir. Michael Glenn. Here. Rodney Bullock. Here. Ann Bellis. Here. Hunt McKinnon. Christopher Lilly. Sharon Evans. Here. Nathan Cohen. Ryan Purdle.
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