However, the board went ahead and conducted the advertised public meeting, which attracted a number of questions from residents of Seven Lakes West.
“I don’t think they’re 100 percent against it,” board Chairman Jimmy Melton told the developers. “It’s a matter of understanding it better,” said Board Chair Jimmy Melton to the developers.
Seven Lakes West property owners questioned the plan calling for cluster development and said problems with septic tanks have already arisen in the area. Their concerns also centered on drainage and runoff problems.
“You have to take into consideration all the environmental aspects,” said Mary Anne Fewkes, who said she has questions about density and the cluster-housing concept.
Fewkes said she and other Seven Lakes West property owners had only recently learned of the developers’ plan and need more time to study the proposal.
“I think the whole community needs to learn more,” Ruth Van Lehn said. “Our lots are too small now.”
Two septic tanks have failed in the past year, Van Lehn said in response to a question from board member Richard Taute.
Melton said issues involving septic tanks should be addressed to the health department, the agency that issues permits for septic tanks.
Barry Baker, the county’s senior planner, reported that the developer, Seven West LLC, has prepared a preliminary plat but has not submitted documentation that the Land Quality Section of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has approved an erosion control plan. Baker also said that the developer has not submitted written justification concerning use of private roads.
Because of these omissions, the board could not act on the preliminary plat. However, Baker said that under the county ordinance, the board could conduct the public meeting and hear comments from the public and could delay a decision until a later meeting after the developer has submitted all required documents.
The ordinance requires that the state’s letter of approval for an erosion control plan be received within at least two days of the planning board meeting.
The major subdivision being planned is called Gateway Village at Seven Lakes. It would involve creation of 38 lots on 23.26 acres in a cluster development style. The area would be served by public water lines and individual septic tanks.
Cluster development is a concept whereby houses are clustered in such fashion that the remaining acreage is left relatively clear without construction of additional buildings. In this case, the developer said the subdivision would not exceed 12 percent impervious surface.
Seven Lakes West lies within the Urban Service Boundary zoning district, but the proposed development is not located in that district.
In other business Thursday, the board approved a major infrastructure master plan amendment for the Westpark planned unit development/conditional use district. The master plan was approved in December.
The major change calls for an increase in the number of parking spaces from 47 to 85. The revision would also result in a new layout for buildings and parking and driving areas.
Westpark is located on Juniper Lake Road about a fourth of a mile east of N.C. 211.
The board also approved a conditional use permit for expansion of a nonconforming mining use by Hammill Construction Co. The company was granted a permit in 1992 to mine sand from about 25 acres. This time the applicant asked the county to allow expansion covering the entire acreage of almost 70 acres located southeast of West End off Hoffman Road.
A public hearing was held, and board approval was given with the addition of one more condition. No one spoke against the request.
