Town commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday night to impose a building moratorium in unincorporated areas of east Davidson so the town can conduct a planning study and devise new policies to guide development.

The approval came despite a last-minute plea by Tim Mayes, who along with other family members owns land covered by the moratorium. The Mayes family has been planning a commercial development on 75 acres near the intersection of Davidson-Concord Road and N.C. 73/Sam Furr Road.

Mr. Mayes asked commissioners to exclude his family’s property from the moratorium or to give them permission to “come back to you in short order” for approval of their development. “All of what we are doing is consistent with everything the town has ever considered for that property,” he told the board.

As the board discussed the proposed development time-out, commissioner Margo Williams and other members emphasized that they see a moratorium as a last resort to help ensure the town makes the right decision about how its “eastern gateway” develops.

“It’s my belief that we should use these (moratoria) as sparingly as possible,” Ms. Williams said. “This is not a decision I made lightly.”

Afterward, Mr. Mayes stood and said, “We’re disappointed.” But he also pledged to continue his family’s “good faith effort” in dealing with town officials.

The moratorium takes effect immediately and expires in one year, on July 10, 2008. It would not apply to additions to church or civic structures or developments already in the late stages of planning. Read the text of the moratorium resolution, CLICK HERE> (requires Adobe Reader software).

CAPITAL PLANS, WEST SIDE, GRIFFITH ST. WORK

In other business, the board also:

• – Discussed capital spending priorities for the next five years, including a proposal for a new community center, possibly on the site of the Davidson IB Middle School, on South Street. The board raised no strong objections to the timelines laid out by Town Manager Leamon Brice. Read the capital budget plan on the town website. (requires Adobe Reader software)
• – Held a brief public hearing which drew few comments about proposed assessments to pay for street improvements on Griffith Street between I-77 and Spinnaker Drive.
• – Authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with the state Department of Transportation to install a traffic light at Griffith and Beaty streets, at a cost of up to $35,000. (click link to read the resolution; requires Adobe Reader software)
• – Saw a presentation from architect David Furman about the design of The Pinnacle, a planned six-story condominium tower on Peninsula Drive, off Exit 30. The tower will have a varied brick and stucco exterior interspersed with shimmering glass shafts from ground to roof, and a rooftop swimming pool. Mr. Furman and developers Chris and Ron Kennerly will present the design for consideration Wednesday at the Design Review Board.
• – Heard a report by town planner Lauren Blackburn summarizing the process, goals and recommendations of the West Davidson Stakeholders’ Committee. The Committee has been meeting since early 2006 to identify and discuss issues of concern, review future development plans (including a planned connection of Sloan and Potts streets) and make recommendations to town officials. The report and recommendations can be found in the committee’s report, available on the town Website.
• – After discussion about the adequacy of the town’s affordable housing ordinance, the board approved an affordable housing plan submitted by developer Rodney Graham for his Davidson Springs development. The plan calls for construction of one detached single-family home, which would be sold to a family meeting income guidelines.