THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 30, 1994 TAG: 9411300441
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B01 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SOUTHERN SHORES LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
The Town of Southern Shores has moved a hop, skip and a jump closer to a new playground facility.
The town planning board Monday unanimously approved with conditions a playground proposal submitted by the town's civic association.
The board voted 4-0, with one abstention, to support the plan, which has divided this north beach community. However, the planning board added a number of conditions that must be met before the proposal goes to the Town Council for a final vote, probably on Dec. 6.
Earlier this month, after heated debate, the Southern Shores Civic Association approved the playground by a 3-1 margin, despite objections from some of the community's older residents. They argued, in part, that the playground would lead to an increase in crime.
As part of the approval for the conditional use request, the board recommended:
Ten parking spaces.
Additional topographical information concerning drainage of the facility.
A proper buffer for the facility.
The facility should meet requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The planning board recommended that handicap parking areas be paved.
The apron entering the facility should be paved in order to minimize damage to a nearby road.
Five-foot setbacks from the right of way.
Any revisions or additions to the plan require approval by the Town Council.
Bob Siegel, president of the Southern Shores Civic Association, said the park has been designed with a ``low-impact plan'' to answer the concerns of opponents.
The 2.7-acre site will include a level, grassy area for older children, a ``tot lot'' for younger children featuring playground equipment, a hard-surface outdoor basketball court, about one-third the size of a regulation court, and a quiet area with walking paths and benches.
Planning board members agreed that if the conditions are met, the proposed park would comply with the town's zoning ordinance.
``As I look at the plan with the modifications, this conforms to the zoning amendment.'' said board member Robert Outten. ``We should send it ahead.''
When a question arose on a possible public hearing for the recommended changes, board member Bob Trost said, ``I think this thing has been public heard to death. We should send it to the mayor and council.''
Prior to the vote, Lee Leidy, an attorney representing Southern Shores residents Donald and Joan Bierwerth, outlined a number of concerns about the proposal.
Leidy, however, was quick to point out that while the Bierwerths do not oppose the proposed site plan for the park, they want the planning board to require the civic association to refine its plan, and provide additional details on the project, require a public hearing on the issuance of a permit, and impose various safeguards on the permit.
Specifically, Leidy said the civic association plan is not specific in areas such as topography, parking, and rights-of-way. She also said the plan does not comply with the current Land Use Plan, nor is it compatible with the area surrounding the proposed park.
Leidy also submitted 16 proposed safeguards to the planning board.
Following the planning board vote, Leidy said, ``Basically we'll wait and see how this is presented to the council, and ask that the council enact certain conditions and take certain safeguards.''
Supporters of the park were delighted with the planning board vote.
``We've been working on this for three years,'' said Al Smith. ``I wouldn't certainly be surprised if it didn't win council approval.''
The playground has been perhaps the most controversial issue in the 15-year history of the town. About 40 residents attended Monday night's meeting. Asked if he thought the divisions caused by the playground dispute could heal in time, Smith responded, ``I hope so. I absolutely hope so. This is something we've tried to do for all the young people of Southern Shores. by CNB