MINUTES OF THE

October 16, 2003

Planning & Zoning Commission

Members Present:  John Atwood, Chairman, and members John White, Chris Brownawell, Linda Cheezum and Dan Swann.

Members Absent: None

Staff Present:  Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, and Stacie Sauca, Planning Secretary.

Staff Absent:   Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner and Zach Smith, GIS Analyst. 

Mr. Atwood called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 1:00 p.m.  The first item of business was the approval of the September 25^th minutes.  Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. White the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the September minutes.  Mr. Swann abstained as he had not read the minutes.

The Commission discussed an application for Ocean Gateway, LLC for proposed vacation of Commerce Street.  Property is located north of Idlewild Avenue.  The applicant Drew Larkin and the applicant’s agent Bruce Armistead explained the purpose of this application is to vacate the western most 30’ of the right-of-way and replace with a utility easement.  This easement is necessary due to the location of major underground utilities currently within the right of way.  The remaining 30’ of right-of-way is currently “improved” as a gravel drive which previously accessed Southern States and is to remain. Also, the purpose of the request is to gain additional building space for the parcel located directly adjacent and west of the right-of-way.  The applicant’s proposal is to design a building(s) and use the 30’ easement as part of their driveway or parking area(s).  Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Brownawell the Commission voted 4-1 (Mr. Atwood) opposed to recommend to the Town Council they deny the request and not vacate Commerce Street for the reason that the Commission feels that the ultimate use of the 2 parcels that are owned by the applicant need to be disclosed as to its ultimate use through use of a site plan.  

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:55 p.m. by motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Stacie M. Sauca

                                                                                    Planning Secretary