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Sylva reviews zoning issues, recycling
By Emily Elders
Sylva officials ran into some “gray areas” in their zoning ordinances during their Thursday (Sept. 21) meeting.
A listing of business and zoning applications by Planning Director Jim Aust and subsequent clarification by town Manager Jay Denton raised questions among commissioners about current zoning ordinances.
Discussion began regarding the type of business allowed in B-2 and B-3 business districts after Aust reported a business application for a storage building and warehouse in an area presently zoned as B-2.
While current ordinances do not forbid storage buildings in this type of district, they do not expressly allow it, either.
“These ordinances are just too vague,” said Aust. “Most other towns and counties specifically state which businesses are and are not allowed.”
Denton said that in Sylva’s ordinances, a “retail service business” is the only indicator he and Aust have of what is and is not allowed. “We don’t even have a definition of this ‘retail service business,’ much less examples of what we can include,” said Denton.
Commissioners seemed to agree that the loose definition was going to cause some trouble as Sylva’s growth continues.
After discussion, board members agreed that they would have to examine the ordinances and begin making necessary changes.
“It needs to be us doing the work,” said Vice-Mayor Maurice Moody, who presided in the absence of Mayor Brenda Oliver. “It’s going to be us taking the heat, so I think instead of letting the planning committee do it, we should just deal with it ourselves.”
Board member Danny Allen suggested that Aust and Denton research which zoning ordinances need to be looked at first.
“Get us the information, let us look over it, and give us your priorities, so we can start helping you out,” said Allen.
Board members agreed to extend their regular meeting on Nov. 16, beginning at 9:30 instead of 10 a.m. A work session devoted to the ordinances Aust and Denton deem most pressing will follow the meeting.
Board members will receive prepared documents from Aust and Denton regarding the zoning ordinances prior to the meeting.
Other items in Aust’s report included information on upcoming developers’ applications, including a request for a zoning change for the area between Laurel Branch and Elm Street. Currently zoned R-1 (single-family homes), developer Art Pohl has requested an amendment that would permit multi-family dwellings. Pohl’s company, Mountain Gap Development of Sapphire, is proposing to construct 20 upscale townhouses in five buildings on 3 acres of an 18.5-acre tract. In other business Sept. 20:
– Dan Schaeffer, public works director, presented information on the town’s new voluntary recycling program.
Scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 16, the program requires recycling bins for those who wish to participate. Bins may be placed alongside trash cans on the day of scheduled trash pickup. The bins, one for cardboard and one for non-fiber items, are available now at the Town Hall at a total cost of $25.
Schaeffer reported the installment of two convex traffic mirrors that were placed as a result of community requests. One is at the intersection of Sylvan Heights and Dillsboro Road, and the other is near the drive-through exit of Wachovia Bank on Main Street.
He also reminded town board members of the placement of the sign in the new rain garden behind Jackson’s General Store on Mill Street, and commended Denton on his efforts towards the sign and the garden.
– Denton reported that the revised completion date for the bridge connecting the municipal parking lot on Railroad Avenue to Poteet Park will be sometime in the spring. The town is continuing to work with water quality and other officials to ensure the bridge meets floodplain structure evaluations.
In addition, Denton mentioned the possibility of utilizing some of the Jackson County Greenway Project’s proposed multi-use paths when considering sidewalks and other services for the Bridge Park. Such paths, which would connect Mark Watson and Poteet Parks, and eventually the entire county along the river system, would be asphalt paths for biking, walking and hiking. They could be used instead of building new sidewalks after the bridge is completed, said Denton.
The town’s Internet services have been switched from Verizon and Mediacom to Metrostat Technologies, said Denton. Cell phone service remains with Verizon and Ramcell.
– Three municipal ordinances were passed regarding traffic laws. On Dillsboro Road, speed limits of 15 mph will be posted from Dills Cove Road to West Main Street, and a speed limit of 25 mph will be posted from West Main to the city limits. A 25 mph speed limit will be posted on Falls Circle.
– Downtown Sylva Association President Sheryl Rudd provided an update on their recent initiatives. The Bridge Park Project is going as planned, she said, and the organization is on schedule with its presentations to business owners regarding the possible implementation of a Municipal Service District downtown.
– Pursuant to a public hearing held earlier that morning, at which there was no public comment, Third Avenue (an unopened street behind Mark Watson Park) was closed by a unanimous vote.
– The Board retreat was scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 19, with the regular meeting to begin at 9:30 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., with the retreat to follow.
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