Public hearings don't attract much attention
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on April 19, 2005 1:46 PM
The Goldsboro City Council had more public hearings Monday night than it had people wanting to speak.
The council sought comments on five zoning matters and an annexation request, but none of the issues proved to be controversial. Only four people spoke, and only one had a complaint.
All of the land-use issues will be reviewed by the Goldsboro Planning Com-mission at its meeting next Monday night. They will likely go back before the council April 2.
The council did not learn anything new about plans for the former Wayne Motel property. Chris Cox has asked that land behind the motel be rezoned from residential to general business, but he wasn't at the meeting.
Planning Director Randy Guthrie said he believes the zoning change might be sought to help Cox market the property.
The only protester Monday night was Robert Jennette, who lives next to a used-car lot at the northwest corner of N. William Street and Holly Street. Patrick Chen has requesting a special-use permit so that he can add a four-bay garage.
Rainwater on the used car lot drains across Jennette's yard and driveway, he said. The problem will worsen if the garage is added.
"If we have a hurricane come through, I'm going to be washed out," Jennette said.
City officials promised to look at the drainage and see if the problem could be corrected.
Goldsboro Enrichment Center is asking that 3.5 acres on the west side of Slocumb Street, near Harrell Street, be rezoned as neighborhood business. The center hopes to attract a supermarket to serve that area, said Paul Sherard.
"That sounds like an extensive project," said Councilman Charles Williams.
But Sherard said the center is hopeful that it can secure a store, which would benefit the area by adding jobs.
Clayton Homes has requested a half-acre lot on Miller Street, between Meadow Street and Country Lane, be rezoned so that a mobile home can be placed there. David Williamson said his company will put a modular or manufactured house on a brick foundation, which it will then sell.
John Malpass is seeking a rezoning that will allow him to build duplexes on a .8-acre lot at the southeast corner of Hines Drive and New Hope Road. "They will be very compatible with what's already in the area," he said.
Also Monday, the City Council:
*Annexed nearly 38 acres on Patetown Road, across from the intersection with Country Day Road. CDW Properties is developing the Kingston Place subdivision there and asked that the land be brought into the city.
*Rejected a request by Cecil Bryan to annex property at the intersection of Genoa and Pecan roads because it is nearly two miles outside the city limits.
*Agreed to pay $49,000 to settle a worker's compensation claim on the recommendation of the N.C. Industrial Commission. The employee was not identified.
*Agreed to close sections of several downtown streets the morning of Saturday, May 28, for the annual parade held by Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni & Friends Inc.
*Also agreed to close a section of Chestnut Street in front of Pedestrian Plaza on Saturday, June 4, for Harvest Fellowship's third annual "Godz Fest."
*Heard a mayor's proclamation that April is "Child Abuse Prevention Month."
*Met behind closed doors to discuss a personnel issue, five legal matters and five properties that the city might acquire. No action was taken.