Wednesday, May 19, 2004

County opposes Fayetteville's Redwine Rd. annexing By JOHN MUNFORD jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com With a resounding “no,” the Fayette County Commission voted unanimously Thursday to oppose a request by the city of Fayetteville to annex a 108-acre tract off Redwine Road for a 94-home subdivision. Under state law, counties can object but can’t legally block annexations by cities. Commissioners expressed concern that the city doesn’t have an ordinance on its books laying out how the “conservation” subdivision would be developed. The city’s proposal involves allowing smaller lot sizes to increase the amount of greenspace in the subdivision. Also included in the plan from developer Bob Rolader is a eight-acre city park with a walking trail and exercise stations that would be fully completed before it is turned over to the city. At Thursday’s meeting, Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham said it would be possible to develop the Bellemeade subdivision in the county because the county’s future land use plan has the property earmarked for lots between 1 and 2 acres in size. The only difference between what the city and county can offer comes down to sewer service, several commissioners noted. “The subdivision has not demonstrated a need for sewer service,” VanLandingham said. Commissioner Linda Wells noted that the county stood to lose $84,000 initially and $21,000 a year in revenue if the annexation is approved even though the county would provide water, fire and EMS service to the property. County planning and zoning staff had recommended against approval of the annexation because the total number of units is higher than the number that would be allowed under the current zoning of agriculture-residential. Rolader is blending four separate tracts to create the proposed subdivision. The plan also includes two larger lots: One for an existing home and one for a home that would be built so family members of one of the property owner can live next door to each other, Rolader said.