By Shavonne Potts
Salisbury Post
ROCKWELL ó It took an hour for the Board of Aldermen, acting as the board of adjustment, to hear an appeal by a resident to continue erecting a storage facility near his home.
The board approved the request by Junior Lee “Bo” Eagle to continued building the facility near his home at 1760 Cannon St.
Zoning enforcer Tim Linker had placed a stop-work order on the storage building because, at 1,200 square feet, it is more than half the size of Eagle’s house, which is 1,692 square feet.
According to the town’s zoning ordinance Eagle would have to cut nearly 400 square feet from the structure to bring it into compliance.
Eagle said he’s already spent more than $22,000 on the construction. Representing Eagle, Salisbury attorney Jay Dees his client just wanted to be able to do what he started, erect a storage structure.
Eagle testified that he’s had $25,000 worth of equipment and other items stolen and just wanted to put a place in which he could lock his items
The contractor who poured the concrete slab detailed the amount of money and energy it would take to cut away about 400 feet to be in compliance with the zoning ordinance.
A few neighbors spoke in favor of Eagle, saying they didn’t mind the metal building.
But Katie Setzer, a Salisbury attorney representing Jason Smith, a neighbor who opposes the construction, said her client wants the town to abide by “the ordinance that is governing us right now.”
The board also:
– Tabled a proposal for new plans to revitalize the town hall facade.
The board received a letter from Salisbury firm Ramsay Burgin Smith Architects that said $3,000 would pay for construction documents, informal bidding and two construction visits.
Alderman Chuck Wingerson said he thought the board previously decided to forego a large construction project and just get “a good-looking window and door.
“I’m not sure we need to spend $3,000 for it,” he said.
Wingerson added that he was on the board that approved the $3,000.
Alderwoman Jeannie Misenheimer said a previous board member had said architectural renderings were needed to seek grant proposals.
Mayor Beau Taylor said he would rather see some construction done this year than pay for drawings now.
– Tabled a decision to do minor renovations to the kitchen and dining area of the Community Building.
Alderman Tim Draper said he’d feel more comfortable if the board received more than one bid. He also didn’t understand why a kitchen that just received new vinyl flooring needed to be stripped and a wax coating put on it.
The board agreed to seek a lower price. The one bid they received was for $550.
– Clarified that anyone not in compliance with the town’s Dumpster ordinance will receive a civil citation from Benchmark, which performs the town’s code enforcement. A subsequent violation would earn the violator a criminal citation from the police department. The board agreed to send a letter reminding owners of commercial Dumpsters about the policy.
Alderman Chuck Bowman said if the town does send a letter, people who are in compliance with the ordinance should be thanked for their continued efforts.
– Approved the sale of a 1988 John Deere backhoe to Marshall Swaringen for $9,109 and a 1991 Chevy truck to David Whitlach for $1,500. These Public Works vehicles became surplus after the town bought new equipment.
Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.