MINUTES

Village of St. Helena Public Hearing and Special Meeting

December 29, 2011

Present were Mayor Robert Barnhill, Ron Rampone, Neil Benton, Jim Davis, Nancy Jones, Willie Knowles, R. H. Corbett, and Louis T. Hesse.

Attending were Judy Katalinic, Bill Baker and wife, Drake Smith and wife, Gerald Velie, and Rick and Angela Beacham.

The mayor called the hearing to order and read the ad from the paper:  Take notice that the Council of the Village of St . Helena will conduct a public hearing on December 29, 2011, at 6:30 o’clock, P. M., at the St. Helena Village Hall, 305 East Main Street , St. Helena , N. C., to receive evidence concerning the petition of Drake W. Smith to rezone from R20 to O & I the property located at 2265 US HWY 117 South, St. Helena, N. C. (Pender County Assessor’s parcel identification number 3228-92-5739-0000).

Louis Hesse said that the Planning Board recommended this to be rezoned.

Attorney Corbett pointed out that the burden is upon the Board.  Spot zoning should be reasonable.  Courts look at four factors:

1.      The size of the tract;

2.      Compatibility with an existing comprehensive plan;

3.      The impact of the zoning decision on the landowner, the immediate neighbors, and the surrounding community; and,

4.      The relationship between the newly allowed uses in a spot rezoning and the previously allowed uses.

Drake Smith spoke saying the property cannot be used for personal use only.  His hands were tied.  This was a zoning issue.

Beacham spoke feeling that if rezoned it would increase employment and benefit the community.

The Bakers felt it would benefit the area if rezoned.  It was a business area in the past owned by the Baker family.

The petitioner felt it would benefit the area, the building would not be empty, no inconvenience to neighbors, and would not add to confusion to road.

On motion by Nancy Jones, and seconded by Ron Rampone, the hearing was adjourned unanimously.

Mayor Barnhill called the special meeting to order.  He asked for comments and what decision on the rezoning.

Corbett stated to the council that you got to make comments.  You need to substantiate  any decision.    

Nancy Jones speaking about land use felt in her opinion the land was long and narrow, there would be low impact on neighborhood, better to have something there instead of empty building.

Corbett questioned the fact that the comprehensive plan showed residential zone in the future plan.

Nancy Jones and Ron Rampone felt it was overlooked at the time.

The issue of impact Ron said that  it would be daytime use.  Nancy said  weeds grow up otherwise.

Corbett asked about best interest of public.

The mayor’s opinion was it always had been used as a business, laying dormant as now.  Mayor commented that he didn’t see impact being significant enough.

Ron Rampone said that better occupied than vacant.  He would rather see something going on.

The main entrance to this parcel is on US Hwy 117 South.

Jim Davis commented that size of land not residential size, comprehensive plan too blunt,

better community.

O & I was less impact on neighbors.

Jim said that we needed to change ordinance..

On motion by Jim Davis, and seconded by Ron Rampone, it was unanimous to rezone from R20 to O & I the parcel #3228-92-5739-0000.

On motion by Jim Davis,  and seconded by Nancy Jones, the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Mary D. Bakan, Village Clerk