Minutes 08/27/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4q TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1985 5. Mr. Ashby Pritchett, whose parents live at 909 Highland Street, stated that he grew up in this area and that he travels these streets everyday taking his children to his parents' home. He stated that the varying widths of Forest Street create a bottleneck effect, thus creating traffic problems . 6. Mr. Cecil Pritchett of 909 Highland Street stated that Mr. Lester's property is directly behind his house and that he is concerned for school children waiting on the curb for the school bw.;. 7. Mr. Gary Johnson stated that he owned the eight-unit apartment building on Smith Lake Road that had been there since 1974. His taxes have gone up several times, yet the road had not been improved. His only concern about this project was the condition of the road and he would like to see it upgraded. He stated that his apartments were smaller and not as nice as the ones proposed by Mr. Lester, but that he had had 100% occupancy since 1974. Mayor Cole then declared the public hearing closed. Councilman Oakes made a motion to deny the permit, stating the citizens do not want that many apartments, that he can construct 24 units, and that the City should work towards correcting the sidewalk and road problems--this was seconded by Councilman Groden. Councilman Williams made a substitute motion that the City commit to the construction of sidewalks on Forest Street, upgrading Smith Lake Road to include pavement to the County line to parallel construction of the apartments, thus approving the Special Use Permit under these conditions--this was seconded by Vice-Mayor Severt. There was some discussion as to whether the substitute motion should be considered before there was a vote on the first motion, after which Councilman Williams withdrew the substitute motion. Mayor Cole stated his concern for lack of growth in Martinsville, the Council had a high regard for the citizens represented at the meeting, that the majority of the Council is