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The developers of Holding Village can
proceed with their plans for a
1,290-home traditional neighborhood
development on the old Holding farm
property now that the Wake Forest
commissioners unanimously approved
changes in the zoning ordinance.
“I really took this apart,”
Commissioner Frank Drake said of the
changes in the definition of terms and
the district regulations. “The saving
grace is . . . it allows almost
unrestrained scope of consideration for
the board of commissioners. The other
thing is that the applicant comes
forward with a complete package, which
is unique.”
Drake added that he had
“absolute confidence in my colleagues”
and was sure they would “exercise
appropriate insight.”
Commissioner Margaret
Stinnett said she agreed with him. Some
of the planning board members – the vote
to recommend was five to three – “wanted
to do what was best and perhaps they did
not fully understand these particular
points.”
“The planning board’s
concerns were not misplaced,” Drake
said. “This particular method of
development appears to offer a greater
scope and reach than any other form of
zoning does.”
Drake said he would like to
see the method – a master plan combined
with unique regulations – applied to
other zoning requests. Now the planning
and town boards are often asked to
consider a rezoning without knowing what
will be developed.
The board also unanimously
agreed to Bob and Elizabeth Johnson’s
request to close the South White Street
parking lot and the portion of Wait
Avenue from South White to the railroad
for HerbFest, which will be April 19-22.
A question arose at the work
session if it would set a precedent to
allow the use of town property for
individuals. The first HerbFests were
held at The Cotton Company parking lot,
and the Downtown Revitalization
Corporation was the sponsor for the
event when it moved to the town parking
lot.
“With this particular event,
the management does stay the same,”
Commissioner Stephen Barrington said.
“It will continue do great things for
the town.”
Town Manager Mark Williams
said they will require adequate
insurance to cover the town as well as
themselves, about $1.3 million in
coverage.
Drake asked about an ongoing
policy, and Stinnett noted that there
are a variety of events in downtown,
some of them for profit and it might be
difficult to set a one-size-fits-all
policy.
“I agree with Margaret,”
Mayor Vivian Jones said. “It will open a
big can of worms if you try to set up a
policy. I think this event has been
ongoing, it has benefited the DRC, it
has benefited the town merchants in the
part, it will continue to benefit the
town. We can deal with the next one if
there is one.” |
