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Council approves reduced landscape buffer for Green Park Inn after DOT-right-of-way questions
Summary
Council approved an applicant request to reduce an opaque landscape buffer from 16 to 12 feet at the Green Park Inn as part of a conditional rezoning amendment; council noted DOT right-of-way issues remain to be resolved by the property owner.
Planning staff presented an amendment request for the Green Park Inn at 9239 Valley Boulevard asking the council to reduce a previously approved 16-foot opaque buffer along the western property line to 12 feet to accommodate decking overhang and truck clearances. Staff explained the change would still meet minimum drive aisle and parking-depth standards.
Kevin Rothrock, presenting the staff report, explained the applicant needed "4 additional feet in the parking lot for clearances" and that reducing the landscape buffer would permit the required maneuvering space. Rothrock also noted the town has engaged with NCDOT about the status of Go Forth Road but has not received formal relinquishment of any DOT right-of-way.
Paul Bavenzi, general manager and COO of Blowing Rock Country Club, told the council the club had participated in negotiations with the applicant and "has no issue with it" and supported the requested change, while acknowledging any formal right-of-way resolution would be handled separately with DOT.
Council member counsel moved to accept the applicant’s request to reduce the buffer; the motion was seconded and passed on a recorded voice vote with Kat, David, Melissa and Doug voting "aye." The council did not tie town liability to DOT’s status and staff said any unresolved right-of-way issues would be the property owners’ responsibility to resolve with NCDOT.
The approved change will be reflected in the conditional rezoning documents and will require any agreed landscaping and screening conditions described in the staff packet.
