www.cabarrusneighbors.com The Information Source For Neighbors Of Cabarrus County NC www.informationnet.info
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www.cabarrusneighbors.com The Information Source For Neighbors Of Cabarrus County NC www.informationnet.info |
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Cabarrus County Growth & Rezoning
Professor says Charlotte needs unmet as rural areas gain
projects.
Staff Writer Charlotte Observer, posted Oct 7, 2004.
North Carolina would have $2.5 billion more to spend on road maintenance if it didn't build unnecessary highways that carry little traffic, a UNC Charlotte transportation professor says. David Hartgen's study said about a third of state spending on major road projects in the last 13 years was on roads that carry too few cars for the dollars spent. The state Board of Transportation last month estimated the state will be $30 billion short as it builds and maintains roads over the next 25 years. Its solution: spend less on building roads and more on maintenance. Jim Humphrey, Charlotte's transportation director, said the state should put more dollars toward relieving congestion. He points to widening Independence Boulevard and the southern leg of I-485 as examples of badly congested roads waiting too long for relief.
Three Cabarrus County Roads have made the list for improvements 2004-2005.
Rocky River Road will be widened and resurfaced from the Mecklenburg line to Old Charlotte Road. Several turn lanes will be added. 2005
NC 200 will be reworked from Mount Pleasant Road to US 601 to improve site distance. The intersection of NC 200 and 601 will also be realigned.2004
Odell School Road will be widened and resurfaced from Poplar Tent Road to NC 3 and turn lanes will be added. 2005
Roberta Church Road bridge over Wolf Meadow Creek will be replaced to provide a turn lane. 2005
Cabarrus County Subdivision Inventory as of August 2003
There are 9,934 lots scheduled for development based on Cabarrus County records
Township 1 Total 3617 lots
Abbington 400 lots
Brookdale 406 lots
Brower Estates 131 lots
Canterfield Estates 300 lots
Fenton Dell 50 lots
Harrisburg Town Center 175 lots
Hammermill 149 lots
LPT Investments 175 lots
Magnolia Springs 200 lots
Pittenger I 400 lots
Pittenger II 1200 lots
Rocky Meadows 31 lots
Township 2 Total 2533 lots
Granite Estates 60 lots
Highland Creek 1200 lots
Landstone 39 lots
Riverwalk at Kings Grant 240 lots
Watermark 472 lots
Wilkinson Property 417 lots
Yates Mill II 105 lots
Township 3 Total 2845 lots
Arbor Oaks 20 lots
Cabarrus Crossing 200 lots
Skybrook 139 lots
Riverpointe 900 lots
Moorecrest 92 lots
Moss Creek 1454 lots
Shiloh Village 40 lots
Township 4 Total 104 lots
Pine Creek 44 lots
Trinity Crest 60 lots
Township 5 Total 122 lots
Central Park 122 lots
Township 8 Total 66 lots
Danielle Downs 66 lots
Township 10 Total 70 lots
Bethel Glen 70 lots
Township 11 Total 577 lots
Colonial Hills 40 lots
Highland Hills 321 lots
Ridge Valley 131 lots
St. Andrews 85 lots
Neighborhood
activists battle Wal-Mart
Retailer's plans to build Charlotte-area supercenters turn
average citizens into activists
Cabarrus commissioners want levies on new developments to cover
school-growth costs
Staff Writer
Brookdale Project
To Cabarrus County, next month's opening of the eastern portion of Interstate 485 is like having a new circular driveway built in its front yard.
Information on the I-485 developement
HELLO!!!!! Is anyone listening?
In case you missed the Independent Tribune Editorial on Sunday evidently the little town of Midland doesn't think the public needs to know what they are planning with DEVELOPER Jerry Newton. Oh he was on the public agenda, but his session was moved behind closed doors. Town attorney Michael Burgner says its legal, but apparently the towns council didn't even think the towns planning and zoning board should be involved. Two zoning members Don Fleener and Ruth Winn were not even aware of the need for high level behind closed doors planning. The decision to have the public involved in the development of their community comes when the people decided to incorporate Midland in 2000. Now the current board is hiding from the towns people that voted for incorporation and elected them. Are these folks so dense that they don't realize that people are suspicious when issues that affect them are kept from them. AH! The Key is POLITIONS! Mayor Bunk Whitley and council John Crump and Allen Burnett terms of office end in November 2003. Perhaps its time to eliminate politicians who chose to hide public information from the public. Go to the Midland page and check it out as you do have a choice. I urge the competition to email me with their point of view. You will be heard. Good people of Midland VOTE and demand to know what they are hiding from you! Development should never be kept from the community it affects or you will lose your right to control your community.
Email the Webmaster at: webmaster@cabarrusneighbors.com
Cabarrus
commissioners want levies on new developments to cover school-growth costs
Staff Writer
By Barbara Jones Independent Tribune Saturday, June 7, 2003
By Beth Snead Feeback Independent Tribune Sunday, June 8, 2003
By Beth Snead Feeback Independent Tribune Tuesday, June 10, 2003
****************************************************
By Beth Snead Feeback Independent Tribune Thursday, May 29, 2003
Sidewalks not required in Kannapolis' industrial zones.
By Laura Prevatt Independent Tribune Monday, April 28, 2003.
County
postpones taking up development rules Posted
on Thu, Apr. 24, 2003
Watch who is sneaking up behind you. Wal-Mart's
letter seeks support Brochure
mailed to residents; opponents of store ponder action Posted
on Sun, Apr. 27, 2003 Staff
Writer
Visit
the School Board Web Site
Remember the days when you walked or rode your bike to school? Economics has forced schools to be built regionally and the children bussed to the schools. Almost gone are the community schools. In fact there are only three in Cabarrus County. The residents of one of those schools raised the issue of what happens to a community when the school is removed. Usually the neighborhood dies with the school. Is it worth saving a few dollars to regionalize schools? I think Cindy Fertenbaugh hit the nail on the head when she requested information as to all of the LOCAL expenses after the school is built. It's not the initial cost it's the local expense for upkeep that makes them expensive. So ask yourself "are my kids worth an additional expense to allow them to grow up with community schools?". Mine did and I want my grandchildren to have the same childhood memories. Getting on a bus at 6AM and riding 1 1/2 hours to school isn't a memory. Its no wonder we are having a problem with obesity. The kids spend 3 hours a day sitting in a bus. By the time they get home and do homework its time to go to bed. Please read the article below about this issue.
More Information on Schools and Redistricting
House Bill 303 Physical Education Required in Schools - We have concerns regarding this being an unfunded mandate (if it passes, the law will require certain additional physical education activities but there will not be state money to support hiring additional PE Teachers). Cabarrus County Schools has focused on lowering academic class sizes in recent years as opposed to adding non-academic (PE) time.
Ok here's my 2 cents. What they are
saying is due to our (parents) lack of proper dietary and physical activity with
our children, the problem needs to be rectified during the hours our children
spend in school. I DON'T THINK SO!!! We as parents need to assume responsibility
for our children's diet and health. Unless you want your child to loose academic
time to make up for YOU not spending quality activity time with them you need to
contact your Representative and tell them. We, as parents, need to get up and
get active with our children. 100% of the responses said "YES I agree
I need to take an active part in my child's life"
Its nice to know folks want to assume responsibility for their
future and the future of our children.
For more NC House and Senate info, go to www.ncleg.net.
Click Here For Information On The I485 Development
Kannapolis
wants to annex a distant planned subdivision
State approval is needed because project is more than 5
miles from city Staff
Writer
Posted on Thu, Apr. 17, 2003
Concord council says no to cluster development amendment By Beth Snead Feeback Independent Tribune Thursday, April 10, 2003
City
considers new rental housing rules. If
complaints mount, landlords would face repeated inspections Staff Writer Posted
on Sun, Apr. 13, 2003
County
shortfall now $10.8 million
Commissioners say it's unlikely
schools will get requested funds
Posted on Thu, Apr. 03, 2003
If you think you don't count and can't have any affect on the future of your neighborhood read these articles. The only thing you need to do is get involved. If you need help getting started email me at: webmaster@cabarrusneighbors.com
GETTING
INVOLVED
Citizens take reins against sprawl
Staff Writer
Pressure
on developer stops 50-house project
York County group wages and wins a multi-front battle
Staff
Writer
Relentlessness
pays off for his neighborhood
Meetings, letter-writing and lobbying halt plan for apartment
complex
Staff
Writer
Wal-Mart
didn't intimidate her
Despite win in court, superstore decided not to open near
Hickory
Staff
Writer
Rezoning
sign sparks the creation of advocacy group
Discovery of cemetery delays and eventually scuttles
builder's plans
Staff
Writer
Brookdale Commercial Center Development Update
Landfill Decision Showed Lack Of Vision For The Future
Possible growth of landfill lures 150 to meeting
Residents
scared to 'lose Midland'
I don't want another Harrisburg, Mandy Tucker, a Midland resident, said.
Tucker said Harrisburg has too many subdivisions and strip malls.
Reason for Pursuing the Uniform Development Ordinance Project
1. 1997 and before, local developers / builders proposed single set of standards for entire county
2. All local zoning ordinances had been amended over many years and were in need of updating
3. All local elected officials responded to developer / builder proposal and authorized project
1. Consultant was needed to facilitate between the different jurisdictions, their respective constituencies and their varying needs
2. Cabarrus County already had an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance that they planned to administer and other jurisdictions agreed to consider APFO standards. This required a consultant with specific qualifications:
· Strong background in APFOs and related legal issues
· Clear understanding of North Carolina statutes
· Experience working in the Carolinas
3. In response to an RFP, three nationally-recognized consultants were selected for interviews
4. Freilich, Leitner and Carlisle of Kansas City selected because:
· strong background preparing legally defensible adequate public facilities ordinances
· project manager had both a law degree and a planning degree from UNC-Chapel Hill
· he had already done work for clients in the Carolinas
Initiation of Project
1. Elected officials and staff arranged an extensive public participation program
2. Consultant took the following initial steps to involve the community:
· Conducted a charette to obtain input from elected officials
· Held a community-wide kick-off meeting
· Led series of focus groups with real estate/business officials and government leaders
3. Elected officials and staff took the following initial steps to involve the community:
· Conducted a series of community workshops for input from the general public attended mostly by those with land development interests
· Appointed a Steering Committee comprised of individuals from building industry and general public and representing each local jurisdiction
Concord Branson Jones, David Mayfield, David Phillips, Patricia Charping
Kannapolis Jon Finger, Mel Thompson, Roger Haas, Norris Dearmon
Cabarrus County Tim Huie, Carlton Hobbs, Jo Coble, David Black
Harrisburg Aaron Ritchie, Tyrel Moore
First Draft of the Ordinance
1. Steering Committee began meeting
2. Based on the initial public input and the review of existing local zoning ordinances, the consultant prepared an ordinance diagnosis
· Outlined similarities and differences among existing ordinances
· Identified key policy issues to be addressed
3. Consultant delivered first draft in February 1999
· Staff and Steering Committee conducted detailed review
· Meetings publicized and open to the public (low public attendance)
4. First draft returned to consultant with numerous changes mandated
1. Consultant delivered revised draft in October 1999 in paper and digital form
2. Due to local change in word processing software, draft had to be reformatted for MS Word
3. Monthly newsletter distributed to inform citizens of the project
4. Draft UDO made available to public numerous copies to individuals in building industry
5. Direct mail notices sent to diverse list of local special interest groups, including building industry, announcing Steering Committee meetings to review draft UDO
6. January 2000 Steering Committee and staff began bi-weekly meetings with CCBIA (Cabarrus County Building Industry) and REBIC (Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition)
7. Draft UDO reviewed line-by-line and page-by-page with dozens of suggestions made by building industry representatives and accepted by Steering Committee revisions were extensive
8. Professional editor from Davidson, NC was hired to simplify language in the draft
1. In April 2000, sidewalk / curb & gutter standards adopted in Zoning Ordinance, as well as open space and dwelling separation standards
2. Plan Review Coordinator position proposed to streamline permitting process, which led to establishment later of the Plan Review Services Center
3. Zoning staff educated on draft UDO regulations
4. At request of building industry, adoption of the UDO was deferred from June to October, becoming effective November 1, 2000
1. All four municipalities in Cabarrus County at the beginning of the project adopted the UDO, the exception is the newly incorporated Town of Midland
2. Cabarrus County elected not to adopt the UDO, but to take a wait and see approach
3. Steering Committee continued work, conducting quarterly meetings for another year to evaluate the UDO and review proposed corrective amendments
4. Concord City Council committed to the post-adoption evaluation and agreed to consider the amendments recommended by the Steering Committee
5. In the year following adoption, in excess of 250 amendments were adopted to refine the UDO some amendments were major, others minor
6. In the second year after adoption, the Concord City Council released the Steering Committee with much appreciation and appointed a new UDO Advisory Committee comprised of both building industry representatives and general citizens to continue UDO refinement
7. City of Concord established the Plan Review Services Center with a focus on meeting customer needs in working with the UDO
1. Many complaints about UDO turned out to be NC Building Code issues rather than UDO issues
2. Many complaints reflect County standards added to municipal ordinances for the first time, such as APFO and River/Stream Overlays
3. Refinement continues as valid complaints are sought out and addressed
4. NC Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized the UDO with its highest award
5. Traffic Impact Studies now required under the UDO have led to incremental road improvements that have reduced levels of additional congestion to help address public concerns about traffic associated with new growth.
6. Updated paving standards have led to streets and related infrastructure that no longer puts the burden of immediate maintenance on the back of the taxpayer.
7. Sidewalk requirements create or have started the process for creating a more walkable community where there are transportation options beyond the automobile.
8. The UDO has better addressed the Quality of Life issues identified during the public input stage and that elected and appointed officials continue to hear about by incorporating the above standards and those related to environmental and aesthetic issues such as landscaping.
Email
the Webmaster at: webmaster@cabarrusneighbors.com
Read about The Plaza, Rocky River Road, Mt Pleasant, Midland, Mayberry, Sheriff Brad Riley, Tim Hagler, group home, crime, virus, I485, UDO, School Board, Democratic, Libertarian, Republican, Bradford Park, Victoria Park, Harrisburg Library, Britley, Silverton, Chestnut Hill, Steeplechase, Highland Ridge, Rocky River Plantation, Weatherstone, McMillan Acres, Planters Row, Oak Hollow, Abbington, Brookdale, Brower Estates, Canterfield Estates, Fenton Dell, Harrisburg Town Center, Hammermill, LPT Investments, Magnolia Springs, Pittenger I , Pittenger II, Rocky Meadows, Granite Estates, Highland Creek, Landstone, Riverwalk at Kings Grant, Watermark, Wilkinson Property, Yates Mill II, Arbor Oaks, Cabarrus Crossing, Skybrook, Riverpointe, Moorecrest, Moss Creek, Shiloh Village, Pine Creek, Trinity Crest, Central Park, Danielle Downs, Bethel Glen, Colonial Hills, Highland Hills, Ridge Valley, St. Andrews
