The Board of Commissioners resumed discussion that began on December 19, 2022, and Mark Bissell, Engineer for the project, presented information on action that has been taken since. He presented a letter from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stating that permission to grant vehicle access to the right-of-way could not be considered at this time. Mr. Bissell said the right-of-way access and causeway would not be necessary until phase 4 of construction and requested approval and bonding for those phases be delayed. He presented a design for a potential one-way access through the NCDOT right-of-way which was requested by the Board. He said an alternate design would be necessary if NCDOT does not approve use of the right-of-way. He said a permit application has been prepared for submittal to Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) to construct the planned boardwalk and updated Commissioners on plans for a concrete walkway along the back of the townhomes, and a study of Malia Drive to ensure the roadway meets construction standards.
Applicant, Rick Willis, discussed multi-stage paving of the roadway to allow for construction traffic prior to finished paving and Senior Planner, Jennie Turner, determined changing certification of Malia Drive prior to final plat approval would still meet the ordinance requirement. Ms. Turner addressed discussion at the prior hearing and said, after review, the extension over the pond would meet internal connectivity requirements if it is deemed one-way.
Ms. Turner did stress the importance of meeting the conditions related to NCDOT approvals to meet access and connectivity requirements. Ms. Turner explained the review process based on what was submitted for approval.
Commissioners discussed the general lack of interconnectivity in the Corolla area. Ms. Turner discussed review challenges with changes to the layout that are different from what was initially submitted and Mr. Bissell responded to questions from Board members. Ms. Turner said the changes being shown on the plat will be addressed later, and this consideration relates only to one piece of the development, which is the six-lot subdivision.
Construction of the dock was discussed and the processes related to construction and promise of water access to future owners. Staff would like to see the dock as part of subdivision. Commissioners discussed the impacts of having or not having the dock and boardwalk built with the applicant.
The Chairman recessed the meeting at 7:38 PM. The meeting reconvened at 7:50 PM.
Mr. Bissell confirmed the applicant is comfortable tying the permitting of the dock to the Phase II multi-family construction approval, which would not be able to proceed until the dock permit is issued. Phase II multi-family and dock construction would run concurrently.
Interconnectivity requirements for Phase I were discussed, and Ms. Turner said bonding would be appropriate as long as physical access to the commercial lot is preserved. She suggested setting a construction timeline for completion.
Chairman White opened the Public Hearing and swore in those who wished to speak.
Anthony Cerri of Corolla asked the Board to step back and consider the possible impacts to the community. He questioned where occupants will park to visit the beach, where additional workforce will live, and impacts related to Public Safety, grocery stores, utilities, traffic, and the lake at the location.
Wayne Evans of Corolla agreed with Mr. Cerri's comments and asked the Board to consider the full-time residents and the site being located where the Mid-Currituck bridge will be coming in.
Barbara Marzetti of Corolla, President of the Corolla Civic Association, believes the traffic impact study was not adequate due to the timing of study. She expressed stormwater concerns and noted existing flooding issues in TimBuck II. She also cited a lack of worker housing and infrastructure needs to support new businesses.
Tom Wright of Jarvisburg, business owner in TimBuck II, voiced concern with the traffic study and noted the tremendous traffic issue that exists at the location. He said issues at the corner need to be addressed.
There were no other speakers and the Public Hearing was closed.
Chairman White discussed the duties of the Technical Review Committee (TRC) which include assessing impacts to public health and safety. He is familiar with the area and shares traffic concerns, and he said the traffic engineer previously confirmed Malia Drive could handle all of the traffic if needed. Chairman White recognized concerns with worker housing and the Mid-Currituck Bridge.
Commissioner Payment expressed concern with the farm market at the corner and said NCDOT approval would allow for better traffic flow and potentially more business.
Commissioner Beaumont acknowledged the Board is aware of the challenges. Commissioner McCord said he takes issue with the traffic study based on his familiarity of the area.
Ms. Turner confirmed the final phases would need to be redesigned if NCDOT does not approve the right-of-way.
Commissioner Beaumont was excused from voting because he was not present for the testimony provided at the December 19th, 2022 hearing.
Chairman White called a recess at 8:27 PM. The meeting reconvened at 8:45 PM.