Citizen Comments & News

NEWS AND OPINIONS

Here we offer you a wide variety of content, opinions, and news on the Megasite and Roads projects:

• Board of Supervisors (BOS) mtgs video links and speech text
• Newspaper coverage
• Letters to the Editor (various papers)
• Meeting Notes - meetings with officials/staff

COUNTY MEETING NOTES

We continue to schedule meetings with county officials and staff to express citizen concerns and glean whatever information we can. Some meetings have not produced formal notes. Please ask us any questions you have at 2017bard@gmail.com

Here are notes from a recent meeting with Planning Commission chairman:

Notes from the Gib Sloan meeting on 12-19 -2017 - Planning Dept Mtg Room.

Anything in quotes was transcribed verbatim as spoken.

East-West Freeway won't go to the Planning Commission. It's separate from Megasite project. The two projects overlap because the applicant (CEDA) has to provide information about how you get to the Megasite. EW has been described as main access to site. The EWF is separate because the BOS can move forward with ROW acquisition if they ultimately vote to approve the road.

To the Planning Commission - looking for design elements of the EWF that satisfy the access needs of the megasite proposal.

Appearance of the two being locked together is the timing, according to Sloan. Proposed Megasite rezoning has fast-tracked the road issues. SLoan believes if MS goes away, BOS will still pursue the road. His assumption - BOS won't buy as much ROW for road is megasite approval fails.

Railway Question - Sloan - "I don't know"

Darla - "my understanding is, the megasite would not develop until the road is in". Additional discussion about what other infrastructure would develop before the megasite declared client ready. (no one appeared clear on what "infrastructure" is required to attract client) Julie read out FAQ #32 from Megasite rezoning website which states

31. Who will pay for the infrastructure?

The County will pay for the land and other on-site infrastructure. State and federal funds will be used to pay for road improvements including the East-West Freeway and rail. We do not plan to build the infrastructure until an identified project has committed to the site. Part of the EDA’s due diligence was to determine a return on the investment for the project. We can say with confidence that a project with a minimum of $1 billion in investment will create a substantial return to the County. The additional benefit of creating jobs paying good wages in the County also cannot be overstated.

Gib's stated assurance: I live in River's Bend. Live in Traffic Purgatory. (8-minute trip to parents' takes 30 minutes now) He will insist that all analysis is done on maximum usage. He also noted, Meadowville is fed 95% (basically "entirely") by 4-lane roads.

Gib will ask CEDA -- What is Plan B if a single user is not attracted in 5 years?

Gib has asked Garrett (he said, "CEDA, first; but Mike asked, "who is CEDA?" Sloan: "Hart") How will you handle roads to match real needs, given experience with MTPark. Wayne raised issue of our not being allowed to talk to a CEDA board member.

Traffic impact is very valid point. CEDA must respond to this in order to allow project to move forward.

For the PC to move the Megasite off Hold status, more information IN WRITING is needed. Need something legitimate to consider and analyze.

How Long after the application is complete will case be heard?

1) When CEDA says they have a case, positions are in writing, and they say "we're ready"

2) Sloan will insist on no less than two more community meetings, before a PC hearing.

3) Can be deferred up to 100 days.

4) Will be heard against the 2012 Comprehensive Plan

Wayne raised issue of CEDA member composition. Can't see clear boundaries between CEDA and EDD. Wayne also noted that once the application is completed, Sloan will be first Bermuda resident-official to see the case. Wayne said, we have "real problems with this process" and Sloan replied, "as well you should"

General Chatter. Meeting ended after 1 hour.