Burke commissioners delay decision on covered docks

By: Sharon McBrayer | Morganton News Herald
Published: October 06, 2009

Morganton --

Some residents around Lake James communities will have to wait another month to see whether they'll be allowed to cover their docks.
The Burke County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday night but unanimously voted to delay the issue until the county planning board makes a recommendation to commissioners.
Some residents around the lake, mainly from the East Shores neighborhood, want commissioners to amend the county zoning ordinance to allow covered docks. The ordinance, which prohibits covered docks, was the result of a land use planning process that took years and involved lawsuits, environmentalists and land owners and lake users. It was adopted in 2002.
Some property was allowed to be grandfathered in, and owners were allowed to build covers for their docks.
And that's what some residents want now.
Kimberly Gragg, a property owner in East Shores, petitioned the county planning board and commissioners to change the ordinance. On Tuesday night, Gragg told commissioners that 80 percent of properties in East Shores and older neighborhoods have covered docks and remaining properties there should be treated like their neighbors.
Tom Hall, another property owner, told commissioners those wanting the change are only talking about 11 properties that would possibly add covers on their docks.
But those who originally fought to get the ordinance adopted said changing one aspect of it would open the door to other changes.
Paul Braun, who was one of the people who fought for the ordinance, told commissioners Tuesday that the land use plan was too hard won and didn't happen overnight. He said it took 11 years, $33 million and a lot of time from conservation groups, elected officials and community stakeholders.
Eric Jenkins, who also was involved in the original fight, said everyone collectively shares the water and any portion of the ordinance change should consider all interests.
"From the public's point of view, the viewshed of the lake is very important," Jenkins said.
He reminded commissioners that, because of the ordinance, Burke County is a role model for other cities and towns along the Catawba River chain.
County Planning Director Susan Berley said the planning board tabled the issue until its next meeting Oct. 22. Berley said she believes the planning board will decide to make a recommendation to commissioners at that meeting.
Commissioner Chairman Ruth Ann Suttle suggested a work session with planning department staff so the newest commissioners can get up to speed before it makes a decision on the issue.

Burke commissioners delay decision on covered docks

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