Old neighbors met for the first time during the Public Comment portion of the Foxfire Village February Meeting. Several residents of Foxtail Circle finally had a chance to meet and speak directly to Foxtail developer and home owners association president Ron Jackson.
Unaware that Jackson was sitting directly behind her, Foxfire Village resident and local realtor Beckie Pahner spoke on behalf of her neighbors, several of whom were in attendance.
“I am here tonight to express concern regarding Foxtail Circle, a huge cul-de-sac that has fifteen to seventeen homes there," Pahner said. "It was originally a planned community presented by Ron Jackson. He built it in stages, and did not finish several lots. He is the home owners association of origin -- presently and always will be president of that community -- and that will never change.”
Addressing the unfinished foundations and unkempt grounds, Pahner said: “A group of local residents have formed their own way to take care of common grounds, separate from the home owners association. They have the goal of maintaining their grounds to preserve their property values.”
Pahner said that it was her understanding that Jackson has been protected from the consequences of failing to finish the development by a state moratorium -- and it was her understanding that the moratorium as ended.
“He should have finished by 2005, going into 2006,” said Pahner. "The moratorium protected many builders in North Carolina. The state didn’t want to see these builders go under. So they didn't have to finish these homes that they started.”
Safety and Aesthetic Issues
Pahner said the bare unfinished foundations on Foxtail Circle are both a safely hazard and an eyesore.
“It is safety issue," she said. "There are open solid cement pits. There are young children riding bicycles around the circle. I have been told that kids have even played in the pits.”
“Aesthetically, it does not add to the property value of their homes," Pahner continued.
"We want you to look at it and help us,” Pahner told the Council members. “Give us some assistance with the situation that we are in. Press him to finish -- or fill these things, so that it is not safety hazard.”
Responding to the concerns of residents represented by Pahner, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Durham said: “The council has taken this up in previous meetings. We are aware and in tune to what you are saying. We have to follow the process which we have already initiated."
"We are well aware of it," Durham continued. "We share your issues. We have met with the village attorney, and he has proposed a course of action. We have attempted to be in touch with him [Jackson] to try and encourage him to handle this himself. He is fully aware of the situation. In our last meeting with our attorney, we discussed methods to remedy the situation.”
Nice to Meet You
There was a moment of awkward silence when Durham pointed out that Jackson was actually in the room.
“I am willing to do what ever you think is right,” Jackson said. “I will give you deeds to the foundations. I will turn them right over to you.”
That offer was not appreciated by several of the Foxtail Circle residents, who began to talk among themselves until Durham picked up his gavel and asked for silence. Durham stressed that the meeting was not the place for private conversations.
Jackson said that he had been encouraged to come by Councilman Mick McCue: “I talked to Mr. McCue; he told me to come in here and talk to you guys -- that you could give me give suggestions of what you may like me to do.”
Developer Blames Economy, Banks
Several in the audience interrupted and said they would like to see Jackson fill in the pits.
“Do you think I built those foundations and want them to sit there?” the developer asked. “Wells Fargo bought out Wachovia and shut off our construction funds. You can’t borrow money to finish a half-built house. I am trying to get myself in a position to have enough money to not only finish these -- but others as well.”
Jackson then offered to put up fences around the properties and asked the residents sitting in front of him if they would be happy with that. They quickly expressed their disapproval, saying that a fence would not be enough and that the “pits” were still a hazard.
Jackson said, “I am open for suggestions." Pointing to Councilman McCue, Jackson said, "He said I should come here, and here I am.”
Discussion Terminated
But Durham, moderating the meeting in the absence of Mayor George Erickson, reined in the discussion.
“I don’t think it’s the right time to get into a dialog with you," Durham told Jackson. "You have been invited to previous meetings, and you have not been able to come. We can put it on the next work session agenda. This is not the protocol for this meeting.”
Jackson got up and left, remarking that he hoped he could catch the second half of his son’s basketball game.
McCue Recommends Larger Signs for Commercial Real Estate
During it's Thursday, January 31 Work Session, the council asked McCue to research and make recommendations concerning the dated sign ordinance and determine a standard sign size for commercial properties.
“Currently, there is no special provision for commercial property signs,” McCue said. He then recommended changing the current ordinance to permit signs in commercial zones to be larger than residential for sale signs.
“The commercial zones and properties are different," McCue said. "We treat it differently. In fact, we allow a fairly large business sign. If you are trying to sell commercial properties a larger sign is the general practice.”
Frusco worried that the signs might be left up for extended periods of time and fall into disrepair. She suggested a permit for commercial signs with a time limit and recommended discussing it further at the next work session.
Taking in to consideration aesthetics, Councilman Vic Koos agreed that it needed further discussion. “I don’t think any sign should be that big," he said. "I don’t think a big sign convinces them one way or another to buy the property. It’s hideous looking.”
Planning Board Downsized
Turning to other business, the Council held a public hearing on downsizing the Planning and Zoning Board from nine members to five members. McCue said that the board had not had nine board members for years and years.
Under the new ordinance, Board will consist of five members and a quorum of at least three members will be required in order for the panel to take action. Due the current population ratio, only one board member will be required to be from the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
“The current seats of those on the board would be terminated, and it would start fresh,” said McCue. McCue encouraged residents to come in and fill out a very short application. The new members will receive a tutorial in zoning from the village attorney. No experience is required.”
There was no public comment on the matter, and the amendment passed unanimously.
Advertising Past Due Taxes
Councilwoman Leslie Frusco presented the monthly budget report, and noted that the Village would be sending out assessment invoices for property along Woodland Circle. It will be the third installment payment required of those that chose an installment plan.
The board also approved unanimously authorization to post and advertise tax liens for back property taxes.
