Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - December 17, 2019
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Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - December 17, 2019
The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on December 17, 2019 to consider four items: a rezoning for Happy Trail Farms, a rezoning for East Carolina University, a rezoning for Ford JP2 LLC, and a preliminary plat for River Bend. The commission approved two rezoning requests, tabled one, and approved the preliminary plat.
Consent Calendar
- The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 19, 2019 meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
Item 2: Happy Trail Farms Rezoning
- Mike Baldwin, representing the applicant, spoke in support of the rezoning, explaining that a recent wetland delineation revealed more wetlands than anticipated, reducing developable area. He argued the request makes sense due to transitional zoning and buffers.
- No public opposition was expressed.
Item 3: East Carolina University Rezoning
- A representative from ECU spoke in support, noting the zoning would facilitate an innovation campus.
- No public opposition.
Item 4: Ford JP2 LLC Rezoning
- Amanda Mann (attorney for applicant) and Rich Ballot (applicant) spoke in support. They argued the rezoning would allow the athletic complex to be used by community youth teams at minimal cost, and offered to place restrictive covenants on the property.
- Multiple residents of Planner's Walk, Planner's Trail, and Quail Ridge spoke in opposition. Key concerns included: the rezoning would nullify the existing special use permit that limits use to school events; fear of increased noise, light, and traffic; the lighting and sound already disrupt enjoyment of their homes; lack of communication from the applicant; the rezoning could lead to future incompatible development (spot zoning); and the timing of the request (just before holidays) did not allow proper neighborhood input.
- One resident noted the special use permit conditions are vital and should remain.
Item 5: River Bend Preliminary Plat
- Mike Baldwin spoke in support, noting the plat is a renewal of a 2011 approval and a builder is committed.
Discussion Items
Item 2: Happy Trail Farms Rezoning
- Staff presented the request as not in compliance with the future land use plan and recommended denial. The applicant argued the wetland loss justified higher density. Commissioners debated whether to approve despite plan inconsistency.
- Motion to deny failed (3-5). Motion to approve passed (5-0).
Item 3: East Carolina University Rezoning
- Staff found the request consistent with the plan. Commissioners approved unanimously.
Item 4: Ford JP2 LLC Rezoning
- Staff recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the future land use plan and spot zoning concerns. Extensive discussion ensued about alternative mechanisms (amending the special use permit, text amendment, restrictive covenants). Several commissioners expressed reluctance to rezone due to neighborhood opposition. The applicant requested a continuance to explore compromise. The commission voted 5-4 to table the item.
Item 5: River Bend Preliminary Plat
- Staff recommended approval with a minor issue regarding street naming. Commissioners approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Item 2 (Happy Trail Farms): Approved (5-0). The commission recommended approval of the rezoning from R6A-RU to R6A, despite inconsistency with the comprehensive plan.
- Item 3 (ECU): Approved unanimously. The commission recommended approval of the rezoning from OR to CD Downtown Commercial.
- Item 4 (Ford JP2 LLC): Tabled (continued) by a vote of 5-4 to allow further discussion between the applicant and neighborhood.
- Item 5 (River Bend): Approved unanimously. The commission approved the preliminary plat for 144 single-family lots.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening and welcome to the uh December 17th planning and zoning meeting. Planning and zoning commission is a public body established by the city council of the city of Greenable pursuant to North Carolina law. The commission makes final decisions on preliminary subdivision plates and makes recommendations to city council on zoning map and text amendments. And making its decisions and recommendations, the commission receives public comment from interested persons. Public comment is to occur only during the designated time during the consideration of the item as allowed by the chairman in accordance with the adopted policies of the commission. Public comment will only be received during these designated times in accordance with adopted policies. Comments by members of the public outside of these policies and designated times will not be tolerated and will be considered as a disruption to the meeting, which will result in the removal of the offender from the meeting room. Your cooperation in ensuring that this meeting is orderly is expected and will be appreciated. Call on Alan Brock to do the invocation. Dear Lord, look over us tonight and help us in making wildest decisions as we head into the holiday season. Let's keep those in need in mind. And it's in your name we pray. Amen. Amen. Alright, roll call, please. Chris Darden. Michael Olverton? Here. Pat Maxwell. Here. John Collins? Here. Max Ray Joyner? Here. Kevin Faison. Chris West. Here. Billy Parker? Here. Alan Brock? Here. And Brad Good. Here. Great. Thank you. Has everybody had a chance to see the minutes from November 19th? Anybody wish to make any modifications, changes or additions? Having seen none, is there a motion to approve those minutes? Motion Mr. Jordan to approve those minutes. Is there a second? Second. Motion from Chris West a second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? All right. Motion carries.
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