I first want to state for the record that I am in full support of the College of Education.  In fact, during a recent trip to visit state legislators we expressed that the town supports full funding for the new College of Education, but that we opposed special legislation that would exempt ASU form local zoning which ASU was trying to obtain.  It is not a matter of if it should be built, but where.  For me the issue is about planning and ASU having to follow the same ordinances we expect from any developer.  Zoning is our tool for planned growth and provides predictability for community members.

This past spring, ASU purchased several R-3 zoned properties (multi-family residential) with the intent to use these sites for the College of Education. Unfortunately, the plan as initially proposed by ASU (but later withdrawn by ASU) did not meet our local ordinances. The Town would not be able to issue the zoning permit for the project as initially proposed by ASU without changing our ordinances. When we make a change to an ordinance it will apply community wide so it is important for any change to be made in the best interest of the community and not for a specific project. Making changes for a specific project is not good planning. We are open to evaluating our ordinances and making needed changes, which we have done on several occasions since I have been on Town Council. However, anytime we make changes to our ordinances, these changes need to be good for the whole community. The town in currently in the process of doing a Smart Growth Audit, which may lead to significant changes on how we plan and promote smart growth development in Boone.

ASU was far along in the development of plans for this project before coming to the Town for the zoning permit and in fact did not consult with the planning staff until after the plans were developed. The plan presented to the Town exceeded the allowable floor area for a R-3 zoned area by 100,000 square feet, which is ten times the allowable square footage. R-3 supports less density than U-1 (university zone). This building would be much easier to build in a U-1 zoned area. This project also failed to meet the minimum open space requirement, would put a non-residential structure next to a single family residence and would not meet the required interior setback. There are also water, storm water, traffic and parking concerns. As you can see there is a lot to this issue.

It is also important to know that the Town has tried to work with ASU. ASU has previously indicated that they have identified several other possible sites. They also have a lot of undeveloped land that is zoned U-1 which was established to provide for university planning and expansion. At this time, ASU has not resubmitted a plan for the College of Education to the Town of Boone for a zoning permit.

It is my hope that ASU and the Town can continue to work together to find a solution and to engage in serious long range planning and actually develop a joint master plan so we are not faced with this type of situation again.

I have heard several individuals express concerns about the current condition of buildings on Howard Street. Though this is not a traditional R-1 single family neighborhood, there are singe family residences mixed in with multi family housing, and it is a multi family neighborhood. I believe that it is important for those residing in this area to know that the Town will enforce it's ordinances for them just as the town should do for any other area in town whether it be a single family neighborhood or a business area. This may be an area that would benefit from redevelopment, but any redevelopment should be done through a planning process with input from those directly affected.

I hope that this information helps explain where I stand on this issue. I welcome your thoughts on this matter.