Complex gets first approval from city
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on March 5, 2013 2:28 PM
The Goldsboro City Council will allow PIRHL Southeast to move forward with its proposed apartment complex on West Lockhaven Drive, but asked Monday night that it submit a more detailed site plan before giving the developer the green light to begin construction.
The City Council approved the Greenville-based firm's rezoning request and conceptual site plan, but members said they wanted the public to be made more aware of changes to the plans since they were first discussed Jan. 22.
Five people spoke against the project during that public hearing, prompting Trey Taylor, a local attorney representing the company, to ask that the council table its decision until citizens' concerns could be addressed.
Those who opposed the development of the apartment complex, which would contain 72 units, expressed concern about the impact it could have on traffic in the area.
The company hosted a neighborhood meeting Feb. 12, where 15 residents appeared to assist in a work session to mitigate concerns.
The firm agreed to reposition the northernmost building, moving it farther away from the property boundary and splitting up that large building into two smaller buildings, with one placed in the southwest corner of the lot.
The firm also determined that it would construct a 6 foot tall white vinyl fence as a buffer, costing $25,000.
The Planning Commission asked for an additional access point to Norwood Avenue during its Feb. 25 meeting to reduce traffic and safety concerns on West Lockhaven Drive, but the City Council said Monday night that it wanted the residents to get another look at that plan, which was presented to the city's planning department just hours before.
In other business, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. Direct Julie Metz suggested the time was right for the city to begin courting proposals for downtown's Residential Infill Project.
The project, which aims to install residential housing on the south end of Center Street, is a part of the Downtown Master Plan.
Ms. Metz said the DGDC had spent more than $150,000 to acquire the property on the street's south end and an additional $15,400 to demolish existing structures on the lots over the past five years in anticipation of the project.
The city will seek proposals from developers in hopes that downtown housing options will appeal to younger demographics and empty-nesters looking for a unique, urban lifestyle.
Also at the meeting, City Manager Scott Stevens discussed the city's option to advertise its crime-reduction program on GATEWAY buses.
Stevens said the city could install Goldsboro Partners Against Crime advertisements on one side of three buses for $4,980. Stevens said the GATEWAY board could potentially waive the advertising cost for the city.
GPAC is an initiative which works with police, members of the judicial system and the city to target violent offenders in the city in an effort to deter them from continuing in a life of crime.
The council also suggested that District 3 Councilman William Goodman be appointed to the GATEWAY Transportation Advisory Board.
The Wayne County Commission must approve the appointment.