near Sunset Lake Commons. Sunset Lake Apartments is to provide 124 units in addition to a clubhouse, swimming pool, and greenway. Staff said only the clubhouse will be seen from the road. Following the clubhouse is a lengthy, curved drive past natural vegetation and over a bridge that leads to the apartment buildings at the rear of the property.
Electric carts are to be provided to transport residents from apartment buildings to the clubhouse. A fenced pet run and a car wash area for residents also are included in the development plan. The apartments are to be marketed to ages 55 and older.
“It’s a beautiful project for that part piece of property on Optimist Farm Rd., exactly what we need in that area to support our commercial areas,” said Councilwoman Linda Hunt Williams.
Staff said a large percentage of the development leaves existing vegetation, and a stream buffer is included on the property.
Councilman Chet VanFossen said he was concerned not enough parking was provided. He said he also was concerned that vehicles could not drive around all sides of the buildings, which could be beneficial if the apartments caught on fire.
Developer representatives said fire sprinklers are included in the plans, and minimal slopes exist for occupants exiting buildings. Town staff said a fire marshal will be consulted on the project.
During the pubic hearing, a representative for the development spoke in favor of the project and said the development meets the town’s long range land use plan. He spoke about development restraints on the property, such as environmental regulations for wetlands. Those regulations required the layout of the site as it was presented, he said.
Staff said that the development property was located in a gateway area of town and that the council recently approved designating the land use as high density as part of a planning initiative. During the public comment period, a local asked the council to reject the project. She said she was concerned about traffic, as well as light and noise pollution. Later in the meeting, she said she was hopeful about the project but said she still opposed the four-story apartment buildings. She said that during the recent council election campaign, remarks were made “that we are a big small town. … But four stories to me is going up and building higher. … I sure would like to see Holly Springs stay the small type of family-oriented town we are.”
Mayor Dick Sears said the council still wants the town to retain its feel and said, “You have to go into the definition of what it means.”
He said that Holly Springs was not going to be like Cary and the population would not be as high. He said the apartment plan fits.
Councilman Tim Sack said the senior-marketed apartments fit into the town’s land use plans and would not generate the traffic normal apartment buildings would.
“This gives us the opportunity to diversity the stock of places that are available in this town,” Sack said. “This gives them (seniors) an opportunity that we don’t have.”
“The apartments are going to be in the very, very back,” said Councilman James Cobb. “It’s going to be very difficult to see.” Request for fee delay tabled The council tabled a developer’s request to delay payment of parks and recreation fees for a 56-lot phase of Highlands of Holly Glen.
The developer, who has paid all other fees owed to the town before development as required by town ordinance, asked the town to delay $50,000 in parks and recreation fees until building permits are issued. He said he was trying to begin the development in late 2008, “obviously right when the real estate market crashed.” He said he spent the last year negotiating to extend his loan and has eight builders ready to begin construction of 12 homes in January. If the town does not approve delaying the fees, he said the property would go into foreclosure.
“They’ll take my house,” he said. “I’m done.”
The foreclosure process would be lengthy, he said.
“It would be years before it (the property) gets something else,” he said.
Council members spoke favorably about wanting to delay charging the fees, but could not decide how to delay the fees, whether by changing the ordinance or by another method.
“Everyone’s got a God-given right to break the law,” said John Schifano, town attorney.
Schifano said his concerns included ignoring town ordinance and more expensive building permit fees for the properties in the development because of the delayed parks and recreation fees. He said if the fees were delayed, the developers would request the town to delay fees “again and again.”
“At least we know it (the fee payment) is coming, and it’s just a matter of when we’re getting the money,” Sack said.
The council is to discuss the matter again at the Jan. 5 meeting. Other news The council approved a contract for installation of a solar water tank mixer. The mixer will “ensure the best water quality possible,” staff said, and federal stimulus money will pay for the project.
The council approved a rezoning of a property off Avent Ferry Rd. near Pine St.
The town noticed an un-zoned hole in the zoning map for the property, and the rezoning was an effort to clean up the zoning map, staff said. The property was zoned multifamily residential.
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved a $10,000 budget amendment for Fire Department ladder truck safety upgrades, a $10,042 budget amendment for additional work on the Main St. project, and an $89,150 amendment to record grant and matching funds for the Arbor Creek greenway. The council also amended a contract to allow for complete audit testing.
The council appointed Amy Wazenegger to the Planning Board, replacing an in-town member who resigned.
The council also recognized local cheerleaders and soccer teams.
The town Mitey Mites age 9-10 cheerleaders were recently named champions in the East Wake Football Cheer Competition. The team’s three minute routine included stunting and cheerleading.
The Pee Wees age 11-12 cheerleaders were recently named champions in the East Wake Football Cheer Competition. The team won the first place overall award for earning the highest score among all squads in all age groups that competed in the small division.
The age 9-10 girls soccer team was undefeated during a statewide tournament, becoming state champions. Also, the age 11-12 coed all star soccer team was undefeated during the statewide tournament, becoming state champions.
Certificates are to be mailed to the teams.
Councilman Parrish Womble was absent from the meeting.
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