By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
Members of the Land Use Steering Committee used crayons, pencils and highlighters to show their vision of how West Rowan will change.
All concluded the area will face heavy pressure from residential developers. And all concluded that the U.S. 70 and I-85 corridors, along with the railroad tracks, provide vast potential for industrial development.
Members agreed that much of western Rowan is in the bull’s-eye surrounded by major highways ó I-77, I-85 and U.S. 70. Pressure will only continue to build as the widening of U.S. 70 is completed.
After a more than two-hour discussion, the committee agreed to hold forums or workshops later this month at South Rowan and West Rowan high schools. The tentative dates are Feb. 21 and 28.
Planners and members of the steering committee will meet with the public from 5 to 8 p.m., asking how they view the various pressures and what should happen.
The dates and times will be announced as soon as they are firmed up. Notices will be placed throughout the west Rowan area to draw as many people as possible.
Planning Director Ed Muire praised the group for its work on the mapping exercise. The nearly two hours of show and tell prompted lots of questions and sharing of opinions.
Chris Cohen expects Salisbury’s annexation to put more pressure on Franklin. Cohen urged more industrial development along U.S. 70 west of Cleveland and along N.C. 150 near Mooresville to help retain as much agricultural land as possible.
Ben Knox said Steele township has some of the best farmland in the county and needs to stay in farming.
Steve Poteat cited Salisbury’s plans for annexation, saying the Locke Township will be primarily residential. “What we are trying to do is moot,” said Poteat.
Wendy Wilson asked about coming up with some type of residential clusters, which would allow people to move to the rural areas but preserve the rural look and feel.
Artie Watson said he expects mostly residential development in the Unity township. But Watson, who is chief of the Woodleaf Volunteer Fire Department, voiced concerns over providing fire and other emergency services as more people move into the countryside.
Watson said the county is going to have to deal with increased demand for services.
During a discussion of housing, Muire said there are no new manufactured home subdivisions and very few mobile homes are permitted. Last year, the county permitted 128 with most of those where a family was making room for a relative on the property.
Jeff Morris, the Salisbury representative, raised several questions about existing railroads, citing the potential value as fuel prices continue to rise.
Robert VanGeons, executive director of the Rowan-Salisbury Economic Development Commission, said access to rail, good roads and utilities offer great opportunities for industrial sites. VanGeons urged the committee and property owners to identify industrial sites. “Non-residential land is a prosperity generator,” said VanGeons.