Hanover adopts community meeting guidelines

Hanover County resident Jim Ellis said he didn't know about a recent community meeting to discuss a residential development potentially coming to his area. It's something he would have liked to attend, he said, even though he's not a property owner in the most immediate area.

New guidelines adopted by the Board of Supervisors earlier this week may allow residents such as Ellis to become more involved in rezoning cases, or at least know about them before they come before the Planning Commission or the supervisors for a vote.

Planning Director Michael Crescenzo told the board Wednesday afternoon about a renewed interest in community meetings from residents.

The meetings allow developers to meet with adjacent landowners to go over details of their proposals. They are typically also staffed with county planning officials, and sometimes the planning commissioner or supervisor for the district involved.

Crescenzo said, however, that standards need to be established because at recent meetings, developers have introduced the county staff members and expected them to present the information and answer questions.

The applicant "should be running the meeting," Crescenzo said. "It's not our meeting."

Supervisor Aubrey M. Stanley agreed with Crescenzo, saying that when staff is left to lead the meetings, "it gives the appearance that the county is pushing these developments, and that's not true."

Supervisor Robert R. Setliff said board members should be at community meetings, but only to observe, not lead the discussion.

Crescenzo said community-meeting guidelines will be given out from now on when applicants apply for rezoning. Applicants also will be advised on whom to contact, from adjacent landowners to entire subdivisions and others who are interested.

The board also approved a sample agenda. The format will include introductions, a review of the zoning process by county staff, and then the presentation by the applicant. Questions can be answered by staff, board members or the applicant.

Supervisor Charles D. McGhee said he likes attending community meetings and introducing the developer, but "I let people know it's not my meeting."

It's easier for board members when they don't get involved, he said.

"People's ire is generally directed at the people presenting," he added.

Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 649-6945 or .