Regular Meeting 1-8-24

Fletcher Town Council Meeting Recap – January 8, 2024

The Fletcher Town Council convened on January 8th, 2024, for a regular meeting focused primarily on planning for the town's future and exploring opportunities to improve community resources. The meeting included a public hearing, discussions on several key initiatives, and outlined clear next steps for town staff. Council members present included the Mayor, Sheila, and Buster Brown, along with relevant Town Staff.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around a rezoning request (R-2023-01) for nine properties along Kane Creek Road and Presley Hill Road. Currently zoned residential (R2), these properties fall within the Heart of Fletcher Overlay District, an area designated to encourage neighborhood business development. Following a public hearing where Brandon Olson, representing several property owners including local businesses like A1 Tire, voiced strong support for the change, the council unanimously approved the rezoning to the Neighborhood Business District (NBD). This decision doesn't guarantee immediate commercial development, but it does open the door for potential business ventures on these properties, aligning with the town's vision of a vibrant and accessible town center. Council member Sheila highlighted that the current zoning appeared to be an outdated practice, no longer reflective of the town's goals.

Beyond the rezoning decision, the council engaged in discussions regarding several other important initiatives. A resident inquired about why the area hadn’t been zoned commercially earlier, and Town Staff explained that it stemmed from legacy zoning practices established when the current district designations were first implemented. The council also directed staff to schedule individual meetings with Brad Goodson of Carlin Company, the firm proposing a town center project. These smaller sessions aim to facilitate more detailed conversations before a formal presentation is made to the council. Furthermore, staff will explore potential workforce or affordable housing options on town-owned property near Town Hall through a meeting with the Housing Assistance Corporation (HACC). Finally, discussions were initiated regarding a potential partnership for tennis court facilities, with staff tasked with coordinating a meeting between the Mayor, Sheila, and Buster Brown to discuss location, costs, and usage.

Community input was a notable element of the meeting. Brandon Olson’s presentation underscored the widespread support for the rezoning among property owners, emphasizing its potential to strengthen their applications and contribute to a thriving town center. A resident’s question regarding the area's zoning history provided valuable context for understanding the council's decision. Staff also shared updates on a grant opportunity that could fund an extension of the Cane Creek Greenway, further demonstrating the town’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities. The council also acknowledged that Town Hall will serve as a polling place in the upcoming election, which will impact regular council meetings and agenda reviews.

Looking ahead, several action items were assigned to Town Staff. These include facilitating meetings with Carlin Company and HACC, coordinating discussions regarding the tennis court partnership, and addressing the impact of the upcoming election on council operations. The council will also further discuss a request from an engineering firm to conduct compassion testing at a future meeting. Overall, the January 8th Town Council meeting demonstrated a proactive approach to planning for Fletcher’s future and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.