Why Change the Zoning Ordinances? Other Topics Also Discussed
By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network
CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – The Cherryville City Council continued discussing cluster development zoning ordinances during the May 28, 2024, work session.
This discussion follows the May 13, 2024, council meeting, where differing opinions between the planning and zoning director and the planning and zoning board emerged. Other topics were also discussed in the May 28 meeting.
ABC Board Presents a Check/New Sign
The Cherryville ABC Store continues to set sales records. Council member Jon Abernethy, the liaison from the city to the ABC Board, referred to the store’s success as a banner year.
Though the ABC Board is not a governmental entity, it is required to give money to the city.
During May’s work session, Council member Abernethy presented a check for $30,000 on behalf of the ABC Board. The chairman of the board was not present.
Abernethy said the ABC Store is undergoing an audit. After the store’s audit, another check will follow. Mayor H.L. Beam said the ABC Board assured him these checks would be the largest ever given to the city.
Additionally, the ABC Board has requested a new sign for the store. The current sign is faded and in need of repairs.
The city has to approve the new sign because the proposal included the City of Cherryville’s official seal. Council member Janice Hovis asked the city attorney, Yansea Taylor, if the seal would be appropriate on the ABC Store sign.
Taylor said she has to research to see if other cities have used official seals on their ABC Store signs. One issue she could see arising is the public’s perception of associating the city with alcohol sales.
Council member Gary Freeman asked if the city owns the ABC Store’s building. Cherryville ABC Board owns the building, according to the Gaston County GIS. The council discussed the city’s involvement with the ABC Store and board.
They determined that the city is hands-off with the ABC Store. The only thing the city does about the board is appoint the members. Council member Freeman said the seal should not go on the sign if Cherryville does not own the building.
“To me, we are making ourselves liable; It makes it look like we own it,” said Freeman.
The council deferred the conversation to June’s city council meeting, on June 10, 2024. Taylor will research the implications of putting the seal on the sign and report back with her findings.
Consideration of Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The city council resumed discussion of the zoning ordinance amendments. During the May 13 council meeting the city council entered a public hearing to consider proposed changes to the planning and zoning ordinances.
Richard Elam, Cherryville’s planning and zoning director, proposed changes to the ordinances and ran them by the planning and zoning board for approval ahead of May’s council meeting. The planning and zoning board approved every suggestion except one.
Elam proposed amending the cluster development ordinances by removing the R-9 zoning classification and adjusting lot width to the distance between side lot lines at the minimum setback.
The R-9 cluster comprises 6,000 square foot lots, which represent the minimum size for single-family residential cluster lots.
Additionally, he proposed adding 10 feet to all side yards adjoining a public street.
However, the planning and zoning board did not agree with these proposals. They recommended the total removal of the cluster development section of the ordinances.
Cluster developments require a special use of the zoning ordinances. A developer must apply for a conditional use permit detailing the master plan for the development. This permit allows the conversion of land originally zoned for other residential purposes into a cluster development.
The planning and zoning board’s recommendation to remove the cluster development section would require developers to undergo a more comprehensive rezoning process.
At the May 13 council meeting, Wade Stroupe from the planning and zoning board clarified the board’s stance. The council deferred the decision.
In the May 28 work session, the city council resumed the discussion with Elam. The planning and zoning director explained his reasons for the proposed changes. The changes he proposed would clarify the language used in the ordinances.
Removing the R-9 cluster designation would eliminate the smallest minimum lot size among all cluster zoning categories.
The city council will continue the discussion and public hearing for the zoning ordinances in June’s city council meeting on June 10, 2024.
Dead End Sign on Hillsdale Drive
Cherryville’s public works director, Chris King, addressed the council and requested the addition of a dead-end sign on Hillsdale Drive. The city council recently approved a dead-end sign on Joyce Drive and this is a similar situation.
A resident requested the sign because the road was a complete dead end. Council member Jill Puett also said the city’s garbage trucks have had issues in the past with turning around at the end of Hillsdale Drive.
The city council unanimously approved the dead-end sign.
National League of Cities Warranty Program
Council member Hovis requested a discussion of the National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program (SLWP) because the city had approved it before her election to the city council.
The SLWP is a warranty that covers sewage line repairs, water line repairs, or indoor plumbing repairs. Residents can decide to buy into the warranty. The city receives 50 cents for every policy sold.
City Manager Brian Dalton said the National League of Cities should be sending a check for $236 for the policies sold.
The check was supposed to arrive in February but never did because the National League of Cities did not receive the city’s royalties form.
City Manager Dalton communicated with the National League of Cities and confirmed the delivery of the royalties check. He filled out the form and sent it to the representative.
Council member Hovis expressed confusion because the mailout flier that the National League of Cities mailed to Cherryville residents did not include information about indoor water policies.
However, six Cherryville residents do utilize such policies. Council member Abernethy said the city has nothing to do with selling the policies, they only receive a small percentage of the royalties.
Despite the indoor water policy not appearing on the mailout, residents can opt-in on an indoor plan. City Manager Dalton said most residents utilize the plumbing services because it is a residentรขโฌโขs responsibility to repair any damage to their sewage line.
“What people have to remember is that they are responsible to the main [line],” said City Manager Dalton.
This program is especially popular among residents of older homes, although it is available to all.
Other Business
To wrap up the meeting, the city council discussed the order of repairing potholes. Several residents are concerned about the potholes around Cherryville. Public Works Director King said he has a list of potholes that need repairing.
Additionally, City Manager Dalton provided an update on the incoming gym. Builders have started preparing the land for construction. The dirt is contaminated with debris.
City Manager Dalton said the builders will dig deep into the ground to see if groundwater is leaking into the pit. If there is no groundwater leak then they can refill the hole with uncontaminated dirt.
Construction can begin after clearing the contaminated dirt and laying down new soil.
After the meeting was adjourned, City Manager Dalton asked that the city council members come prepared to discuss new restructured fees during the proposed budget public hearing. This hearing will occur during the June 10 council meeting.
Prepare for the budget public hearings by reviewing the draft! Click the link below to visit our Public Information page.
As Cherryville prepares for its June city council meeting, the focus remains on crucial topics like changes to zoning ordinances. Additionally, the council will enter a public hearing to discuss and approve the drafted budget during June’s city council meeting.
Residents are encouraged to attend. With two public hearings on the docket, the June 10 council meeting is sure to be an important one.
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