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SMALL AREA PLANNING FORUM - AREA 5
MEETING MINUTES
Date: August 30, 2001
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Attendees: |
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Donnie Loftis,
Commissioner |
Joe Carpenter, Commissioner |
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L. E. Alford, County
Planning Board/Compplan Steering Committee |
Neill
Carson, County Planning Board/Compplan Steering Committee |
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Jerry Campbell, County
Planning Board |
Roger
Wagstaff, Compplan Steering
Committee |
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Lucy Penegar, Compplan
Steering Committee |
Robert
Cook, Gaston MPO |
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Elizabeth Lowery, Gaston
MPO |
Sgt. Mickey Cook,
Gaston County Police |
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Marvin A. Hawkins |
Charlotte S. Isbill |
Nancy Richard |
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James Belmont |
Stephanie Falls |
Lee
Roach |
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Jim Isbill |
Charles Ferguson |
G. B.
Miller |
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Mark Dockery |
Carolyn H. Adams |
Thomas
Hudson |
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C. R. Madd |
Richard Penegar |
Kevin
Krouse |
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Laura Fiorilli, Gaston Gazette |
Tony Terry, Pastor, West Franklin
Avenue Baptist Church |
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Brad Davis, LandDesign, Inc. |
Meg Connolly, LandDesign, Inc. |
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Bridget Hanifin,
LandDesign, Inc. |
Jennifer
Lockman, Walter Fields
Group, Inc. |
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Steven Stansbery,
Kubilins Transportation, Inc. |
Vicki Bowman, Carolina Lands
Conservation Network |
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Larry E. Hurlocker,
Gaston County |
David
Williams, Gaston County |
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Willie King, Gaston
County |
Ron Smith, Gaston County |
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Brad Davis introduced the Consultant Team and described where we are in
the process.
Meg Connolly introduced and explained the key Issues and Opportunities
taken from the Goals and Objectives drafted by the Steering Committee.
Attendees were asked to review the issues and opportunities and sticker the
three that they view as being most important. The sticker prioritization
exercise placed farmland as the top issue, followed by adequate
roads and road systems. Several tied for third, including
availability of water and sewer and diverse employment opportunities.
In addition, new development and schools to support it, shopping and
business development, and greenways, parks, and recreation facilities
all received a number votes.
During the next segment, Brad Davis presented the Proposed Initiatives
for the County overall and those Initiatives that are specific to Small Area
5. At the close of the presentation, the meeting shifted to an open
discussion that allowed attendees the opportunity to discuss the implication
of the Initiatives in their area and whether or not the Initiatives address
there prioritized Issues and Opportunities.
Main points from the discussion included:
 | Farmland preservation is considered a priority because of its economic
value. |
| Most attendees chose adequate roads and road systems because of the
need for changes in speed limits and improvements for existing roads
instead of providing new roads. |
| Attendees stated that new development and schools was something that
needed to be addressed, but did not offer any further comments. |
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In regards to availability of water and sewer, comments were given
about people being forced to tap on, and that was something they did not
agree with. They believe that industries should be forced to tap on, but
not residents in undeveloped areas. |
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Most attendees had negative comments about greenways, parks and
recreational facilities. They felt that greenways would be a "breeding
ground" for crime and be open access for trespassers. There was also a
concern about land being "taken". Several believe that if there are
greenways, they need to be safe and patrolled, and not become dumping
grounds. |
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Comments were made about shopping and business development in this
area. Most commented that they leave the county to shop instead of driving
to Gastonia and fighting the traffic congestion. |
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The residents feel that this part of the community has been "neglected"
and feel there is inequality in County services. |
Other comments included:
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Rethink extending sewer to Crowders Mtn. because that
will only encourage more development.
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Upgrade facilities that are currently available
instead of building new facilities.
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Concern about compensation for open space and natural
heritage sites.
A considerable amount of discussion was devoted to
explaining the value of greenways for quality of life, cultural and
environmental resource protection and recreation opportunities. Many
attendees agreed that with adequate patrolling, they would be more
supportive of this initiative.
Larry Hurlocker closed the meeting by providing contact
information for any additional comments or questions.
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From: Michael Smith
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2001 12:32 AM
Subject: Development along Interstate 85 and Highway
74 west of Gaston
As a resident of Gaston County I am very concerned with
development along Interstate 85 and Highway 74 west of Gaston that would
destroy the natural vistas of Crowders Mtn. I believe that the state park
and its natural beauty is one of our county's greatest assets. I also
believe that heavy and uncontrolled development will not only destroy the
vistas, but will also endanger the wildlife that live in the state park. I
believe that if this area is protected it will draw tourist into our county.
Any development in this area should have to meet very stringent guidelines.
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