Planning Director Kim Bates presented the commissioners with a resolution which would endorse the proposed extension of the portion of N.C. 268 that is designated as a scenic byway by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Partnership – a regional planning initiative for Caldwell, Wilkes, Yadkin and Surry counties – applied for the extension. If approved, the scenic byway designation would extend from the current end point in the Goshen community of Wilkesboro to continue through Pilot Mountain.
According to the endorsement resolution, the “purpose of the Scenic Byway Program is to identify and highlight scenic roads with unusual, exceptional or unique intrinsic qualities.” Bates said the Scenic Byway designation would look good on applications for projects and funding for the area.
The commissioners, however, were hesitant to endorse the extension. Commissioner Jim Harrell Jr. wanted to know if the designation would prevent the county from having the road fixed and maintained. Bates said it wouldn’t prevent regular road maintenance, but Commissioner Craig Hunter pointed out that if the scenic byway is approved, NCDOT would have the authority on how the road could be fixed or how surrounding land could be developed.
According to information included in the commissioners’ agenda packet, “NCDOT shall determine that development of the designated area shall not detract from the scenic natural character and visual quality of the route.” Hunter fears that if the county wanted to tear down trees to develop some property in the area, it would be considered as a detraction from the scenic nature of the highway.
Bates said, “I don’t think it would prevent you from clearing or developing.”
The planning director said that the county planning board has endorsed the proposal, but Commissioner Jimmy Miller suggested that some more groups that work on tourism and economic development projects in the county should look at the proposal before the county endorses it.
“I think the idea’s good, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some more information,” Harrell remarked.
He also wanted to make sure the designation would not negatively affect tourism. The regulations do state that “no new outdoor advertising may be erected adjacent to these scenic byways.”
Bates also brought a rezoning request before the board. The commissioners approved reclassifying a portion of land on Belgium Lane near U.S. 601 from Rural Agricultural to Rural Business. The zoning request was brought before the board last month as well. At the planning board’s recommendation, the commissioners tabled the petition last month so that it could be revised. Bates said John Williams, the owner of the two-acre tract, surveyed the property and had it separated into residential and commercial portions.
The planning board recommended the rezoning of the commercial tract, and the commissioners approved it last night.
Also last night:
• The commissioners agreed to schedule the county’s annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet for Oct. 28.
• The board approved a new code of ethics for the county.
• Thompson reported that Marion Venable has agreed to serve as the chairperson for the new Cemeteries Board of Trustees. This board will focus on the upkeep and study of county cemeteries.
• The commissioners approved additional improvements to the auditorium at the old Jones School. Commissioner Craig Hunter suggested hosting a community reception at the auditorium after all of the renovations are completed.
• The commissioners voted to request quotes from Surry Community College for the addition of air-conditioning to the college’s gym. This is one of the few gyms in the county that does not have air-conditioning. College officials said they would be happy to gather some quotes.
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