HomeMy WebLinkAboutNystrom CC comments
Gina Wheeler
Begin forwarded message:
From: Cris Nystrom <ultra604@charter.net
<mailto:ultra604@charter.net> >
Date: June 15, 2016 at 5:53:53 PM EDT
To: Jim Burgin <jburgin@harnett.org <mailto:jburgin@harnett.org>
>, Joe Miller <jmiller@harnett.org <mailto:jmiller@harnett.org> >,
<aelmore@harnett.org <mailto:aelmore@harnett.org> >, <bmckoy@harnett.org
<mailto:bmckoy@harnett.org> >, <gspringle@harnett.org
<mailto:gspringle@harnett.org> >
Cc: Gina Wheeler <gdaniel@harnett.org
<mailto:gdaniel@harnett.org> >
Subject: Comments ref: RZ-16-116, Landowner/Applicant: Johnny
Faircloth; Also please heads up for "sit in"
Commissioners,
I believe this is a first time I am writing you all reference a
Planning Board determination that the Board made on June 06, 2016.
Also, please read the "heads up" at the end of this email.
This was a hard call on my part voting with the rest of the
Board to approve the rezoning request. I was initially going to be the
"fly in the ointment" and vote to deny the request based on "change of
characteristics" of the neighborhood. There were several folks who asked
for us to vote nay on the request. Their issue is it is a quiet
neighborhood and do not want it changed.
Mr. Faircloth, based on my observation, and in my opinion, is
'economical with the truth' when he presents his request. He also makes
references to "if you approve, I am going to...." and then states build
a playground, build a bus stop for the school kids, etc. He also
attempts to say the sub-development covenant agreements trump zoning
which is patently false. I explained to him that a covenant agreement
was between home owners and has nothing to do with zoning, which is a
government function.
The one thing that has provoked me to write to you all is his
statement: "(T)hey didn't give me enough." The "they" he speaks about
is the sitting Commissioners some years ago when his initial
transformation of two (2) RA20 lots into Commercial. Based on testimony,
it appears that the original intent was to make a "self storage"
business. For whatever reason, this did not materialize. However, he
blames the Commissioners for what was actually improper planning on
*his* part. Now he is back for a third time to increase the amount of
land from the neighborhood to commercial zoning, ostensibly to build a
drug store. I did tell Mr. Faircloth and his representative that the
"they" he referenced were not at fault and he should not blame local
government for his poor planning.
I mentioned to the Planning Board that we must vote on what
could be built and not what Mr. Faircloth states will be built.
An impassioned plea and explanation by another Planning Board
member, Jay Smith, was what swayed me from "nay" to "yea." This was
based on Mr. Faircloth's requirement to convert the main road into a
state approved road would be in the best interests of the area at large.
I did also address two things with both Mr. Faircloth and the
several Citizens that came to share their opinions.
1. I asked that the Citizens return and voice their opinions to
the Commissioners. I explained, using some previous personal experiences
in the HCBOC meetings, where Citizens made their case over commercial
interests and were not only heard, but were successful. I also stated
that they would have nothing to fear from the Board members. I have
heard, literally stated a number of times during Planning Board
meetings, that folks were afraid to speak to the HCBOCs, which is
unfortunate as no one should be afraid as there is nothing to be afraid
of.
2. I did commend Mr. Faircloth for adding a mitigating factor to
his most recent request, specifically, splitting two of the requested
properties and zoning them half commercial (proposed) and keeping the
other half as a RA20 buffer to protect the one lone person whose
property will become an island in a commercial zone, if this request is
approved. Be that as it may, I would hate to be that one lone homeowner
whose home is surrounded by a commercial property, if approved.
The last part of this message is to inform you all that there
are ground rumblings that there will be a "sit in" reference John
Livingston at the HCBOC meeting on June 20, 2016. I want to emphasize
that nothing violent or such is being voiced nor planned. This is simply
a point of observation, a suggestion, on what I have heard.
See everyone on the 20th.
Regards,
Cris Nystrom