The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the draft Land Development Code (LDC) at the May 6th regular meeting. Planning & Development Director Brian Burgess presented the LDC to the board.
Articles of the LDC include general provisions, zoning district regulations, subdivision regulations, adequate public facilities regulations, landscape design standards, general standards, sign regulations, natural resources, nonconformities, decision-making bodies, review processes and procedures, enforcement/violations/appeals, nuisances, legal status, and definitions.
Burgess said the 389-page plan is designed to: (1) provide adequate light and air; (2) prevent the overcrowding of land; (3) avoid undue concentration of the population; (4) lessen congestion on roads; (5) secure safety from fire, panic, and dangers; and (6) facilitate the efficient and adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.
Chairman Josh Lail asked if the plan would limit agricultural uses. Burgess said agriculture is exempt from zoning regulations per state statute.
During the public hearing, local citizen Phil Bowman expressed concerns about the LDC and potential growth in Alexander County. He said the county is losing forest lands, while population, traffic, and development are rising.
“I ask you to consider the indigenous population of Alexander County,” Bowman said. “We live here because we love this county. It’s beautiful.”
Chairman Lail said he believes the new LDC is a solid plan that benefits property owners. “This LDC will allow people more freedom in the use of their property, which I’m in favor of,” Lail said. “I also see this as a way to help with the problem of lack of affordable housing. I think the positives outweigh the negatives.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the Land Development Code.
In other business:
• Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss a text amendment regarding murals for the Alexander County Historic Preservation Commission Design Review Standards. Historic Preservation Commission member Nancy Coley presented information regarding standards for murals in historic preservation districts, which were formulated to ensure the continued visual character of the historic district while allowing for creative expression in appropriate locations and designs. Commissioners approved the text amendment, which requires a certificate of appropriateness for murals from the Historic Preservation Commission.
• Commissioners expressed concerns about Charlotte’s request for a 30-million-gallon interbasin transfer from the Catawba River. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ridgeview Branch Library in Hickory. Local government representatives will attend and express their concerns about the interbasin transfer request.
• Commissioners approved three budget amendments. The first amendment accounts for grant funding for the Register of Deeds, Soil & Water, and Health Department. The second amendment increases the Public Buildings budget for fire alarm maintenance at three county buildings, decreases the estimated revenue for the Medicaid Hold Harmless annual distribution, and increases the Sheriff’s Office budget for the use of state funds from distributions of the Unauthorized Substance Tax. The third amendment budgets for additional state funds to Alexander County Schools from the Repair and Renovation Lottery Fund.
• In the County Manager’s Report, Interim Manager Ben Faulkenberry said emergency services agencies have been busy with four structure fires and a fire at the landfill. He expressed appreciation for the swift response and hard work of everyone involved.
The land has been purchased for the Bethlehem water tank project. Faulkenberry said the property is ideal due to its location and elevation.
Bids will be opened on May 9 for the Bowman Court sewer project.
A ribbon cutting is planned for May 24 at 2:00 p.m. for the new swim beach and amenities at Wittenburg Access Area.
RockyFest was held on April 20 at Rocky Face Park, with a good crowd in attendance to enjoy the music, food, vendors, rock climbing, and more.
The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office has a new mobile app available for download on Apple and Android. The app provides news and weather updates, detention center inmates, most wanted, sex offenders, anonymous “submit a tip,” and more.
Alexander County EMS has expanded its lifesaving capabilities with the implementation of whole blood, which allows paramedics to provide blood transfusions to traumatically injured patients.
The 10th annual Vertical Mile Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 at 8:00 a.m. at Rocky Face Park.
The Alexander County Farmers Market is being held on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Alexander County Services Center parking lot.
The Summer Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. with “Alabama Sunset,” an Alabama tribute band. Admission is free. Additional concert dates are June 1, July 20, September 14, and September 28. The concerts will be held at Alexander County Courthouse Park.
The next meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, May 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (room #103). Regular meetings are recorded and can be viewed on the county’s Government Channel on Spectrum channel 192 or the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/alexandercountync. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and more are available on the county’s website at https://alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.