I wish to open this update by again thanking the ABCPOA Board of Directors for their contributions to the success of the ABCPOA and their support, ideas and dedication to the principles upon which we were founded. Equally as important to the stature and success of the ABCPOA are the committees whose Chairs and members spend many hours getting foundational, factual and conceptual work done. These folks are the backbone of the Alliance. It is they who can initiate, develop or structure Position Statements of the ABCPOA.

UPDATES:

1. Planning & Zoning: The new Unified Development Ordinance was passed and made effective this past May. The ABCPOA was actively involved in the discussions about the UDO and made numerous suggestions to modify the ordinance as needed. Although all of our suggestions were not incorporated many were and our committee continues to work with the Planning Board and County Commissioners to try and make this ordinance even better.

2. Transportation infrastructure:

a) The ABCPOA has been trying to get the county to sponsor a forum comprised of developers, builders, realtors and residents...all stakeholders...to find a solution to the rapidly deteriorating ability of existing roads to handle the county's explosive growth. The ABCPOA Position is that all stakeholders must contribute to the solution. The NCDOT has a significant shortfall of funds required to address this issue. It is therefore incumbent on all stakeholders to shoulder part of the burden and this solution must be accomplished in a timely manner. Continued development without a solution to this dire problem is irresponsible.

b) The ABCPOA is urging the Planning Board to obtain from NCDOT statistics for each of it's primary and many secondary roadways in order to determine capacity of each such road as well as present traffic volume. Current practice requires a developer to perform a Traffic Impact Analysis...which highlights needs in the vicinity of the development with no regard to how the development impacts the entire roadway.

c) The ABCPOA continues to work with the Commissioners as well as the NCDOT to develop a sound proposal for the modification of the I 74 corridor. A recent announcement by the NCDOT that would dump all of the traffic onto US 17 in the southern part of Brunswick County will only contribute to our traffic problems. We must work to have this plan modified.

3. Our Environment: Hugo Neu was recently defeated although the legislation preventing another waste dump of this type is now stalled in committee. The ABCPOA is actively working with our legislators to ensure that the needed legislation is passed. Columbus County’s’ Green Swamp Dump: This project is still under consideration and the ABCPOA will be monitoring its progress carefully to ensure that our environment and water sources are protected.

The ABCPOA understands the need to grow. We know there are many POA's and HOA's in Brunswick County that would benefit from membership in our organization, and we also realize the benefits would be mutual.

Please call if you have any questions about joining: My number is 253-9848.

Bill Bittenbender, President

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