HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-06-2017-11-d - Orange County Board of Adjustment - Appointments ORANGE COUNTY 1
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 6, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 11-d
SUBJECT: Orange County Board of Adjustment - Appointments
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Membership Roster Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
Recommendation 919-245-2130
Application for Person Recommended
Attendance Record
Applicant Interest List
Applications of Persons on the Interest
List
PURPOSE: To consider making appointments to the Orange County Board of Adjustment.
BACKGROUND: The following information is for Board consideration:
• Appointment to a first full term (Position #2) "At-Large" representative for Dr. Barry Katz
expiring 06/30/2020.
• Appointment to a first full term (Position #4) "At-Large Alternate" representative BOCC
Appointee 06/30/2020.
POSITION NAME SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE EXPIRATION DATE
NO.
2 Dr. Barry Katz At-Large 06/30/2020
4 Vacant At-Large Alternate 06/30/2020
NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
• *Position #7--- "At-Large Planning Board" position expiring 06/30/2019. This
position has been vacant since 05/20/2013. (According to the Orange County
Planning Board staff, no one has stepped up to volunteer for this position)
NOTE — PSA's are continually sent out to solicit applicants.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: Enable Full Civic Participation. Ensure that Orange County
residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating
disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board consider making
appointments to the Orange County Board of Adjustment.
2
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Orange County Board of Adjustment (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Meeting Times: 7:30 pm second Monday of each month Terms: 2 Contact Person: Michael Harvey
Meeting Place: West Campus Office Bldg.,131 W.Margaret Lane Positions: 7 Length:3 years Contact Phone: 919-245-2597
Description: Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners.The Board of Adjustments hears and decides on variance applications,appeals submitted related to official
decisions/determinations made by the Planning Director,reviews and takes action on Class B Special Use Permit applications,as well as matters required to pass by the
Unified Development Ordinance.
Susan Kalkiotis Day Phone:919-668-6031 Sex: Female First Appointed: 09/15/2015
1 Evening Phone:919-732-4813 Race:Caucasian Current Appointment: 09/15/2015
2930 Franklin Road FAX: Township: Hillsborough Expiration: 06/30/2018
Hillsborough NC 27278 E-mail:halkiotis@neuro.duke.edu Resid/Spec Req: At-large Number of Terms: 1
Special Repr:
Dr. Barry Katz Day Phone:919-383-5178 Sex: Male First Appointed: 09/15/2015
2 Evening Phone:919-383-5178 Race:Caucasian Current Appointment: 09/15/2015
5801 Cascade Drive FAX: Township: Chapel Hill Expiration: 06/30/2017
Chapel Hill NC 27514 E-mail:bakatzCanc.rr.com Resid/Spec Req: At-large Number of Terms:
Special Repr:
Samantha Cabe Day Phone:919-928-5701 Sex: Female First Appointed: 09/15/2015
3 Chair Evening Phone:919-969-9140 Race:Caucasian Current Appointment: 06/21/2016
104 Cynthia Drive FAX: 919-942-6603 Township: Chapel Hill Expiration: 06/30/2019
Chapel Hill NC 27514 E-mail:she @nbfirm.com Resid/Spec Req: At-large Number of Terms: 1
Special Repr:
VACANT Day Phone: Sex: First Appointed:
4 Evening Phone: Race: Current Appointment:
FAX: Township: Expiration: 06/30/2017
E-mail: Resid/Spec Req: At-large Number of Terms:
Special Repr: Alternate
Karen Barrows Day Phone:919-732-4491 Sex: Female First Appointed: 06/04/2013
5 Vice-Chair Evening Phone:919-732-4491 Race:Caucasian Current Appointment: 09/15/2015
3816 Twin River Farm Rd FAX: Township: Little River Expiration: 06/30/2018
Hurdle Mills NC 27541 E-mail:billbarrows8300dgmail.com Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Number of Terms: 2
Special Repr:
Tuesday,May 30,2017 Page 1
3
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Orange County Board of Adjustment (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Meeting Times: 7:30 pm second Monday of each month Terms: 2 Contact Person: Michael Harvey
Meeting Place: West Campus Office Bldg.,131 W.Margaret Lane Positions: 7 Length:3 years Contact Phone: 919-245-2597
Description: Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners.The Board of Adjustments hears and decides on variance applications,appeals submitted related to official
decisions/determinations made by the Planning Director,reviews and takes action on Class B Special Use Permit applications,as well as matters required to pass by the
Unified Development Ordinance.
Matt Hughes Day Phone:919-928-4480 Sex: Male First Appointed: 09/15/2015
6 Evening Phone:919-928-4480 Race:Other Current Appointment: 09/15/2015
1013 Waterstone Park Circle FAX: Township: Chapel Hill Expiration: 06/30/2018
Hillsborough NC 27278 E-mail:mghughesnc@gmail.com Resid/Spec Req: At-large Number of Terms: 1
Special Repr: Alternate
VACANT Day Phone: Sex: First Appointed:
7 Evening Phone: Race: Current Appointment:
FAX: Township: Expiration: 06/30/2019
E-mail: Resid/Spec Req: At-large Number of Terms:
Special Repr: Planning Board
Tuesday,May 30,2017 Page 2
4
PLANNING & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Craig N. Benedict, AICP, Director
Administration
131 W. Margaret Lane
(919) 245-2575 Suite 201
(919) 644-3002 (FAX) ORMAGI: ,CAJNTY P. 0. Box 8181
www.orangecountync NORTH CAROLINA.gov Hillsborough, NC 27278
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Orange County Board of Commissioners
Thom Freeman, Assistant to the County -r
FROM: Craig Benedict, Planning Director
DATE: May 18, 2017
SUBJECT: REAPPOINTMENT of Member to Orange County Board of
Adjustment
Please accept this memorandum as the Planning Department's formal recommendation
that Mr. Barry Katz be appointed to serve another term on the Orange County Board of
Adjustment.
Mr. Katz was appointed on September 15, 2015 to his first term, which ends on June
30, 2017. Since that time there has been approximately 7 meetings of the Board acting
on 4 individual cases including a Class B Special Use Permit proposing the
development of a telecommunication facility off of Mt. Carmel Church Road and issues
associated with the Barn of Chapel Hill Special Use Permit and appeal(s). Mr. Katz has
attended all meeting including 2 special meetings associated with cases reference d
herein.
Mr. Katz has expressed a desire to be reappointed to serve a second term.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
5
Page 1 of 2 Barry Katz
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Dr. Barry Katz
Name Called:
Home Address: 5801 Cascade Drive
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone (Day): 919-383-5178
Phone (Evening): 919-383-5178
Phone (Cell): 919-383-5178
Email: bakatz @nc.rr.com
Place of Employment: Retired
Job Title: Retired
Year of OC Residence: 1970
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence:
Sex: Male
Ethnic Background: Caucasian
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
None. Previously on the Planning Board. Former Chair of Orange Co. Democratic Party
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Previously on the Orange County Planning Board - 6 years. Currently serving on the
Orange County Board of Adjustment.
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange Water&Sewer Authority Board of Directors
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
My college background is in biology and geology. My PhD and professional research career was
focused on environmental microbiology. I served 6 years on the OC Planning Board.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I am interested in the future of Orange County
Conflict of Interest:
Supplemental Questions:
Orange Water&Sewer Authority Board of Directors
Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and/or from other
boards/commissions that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management.
My Planning Board experience gives me familiarity with the processes and issues before
OWASA. My environmental educations would also provide relevance.
In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the work/volunteer
experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
6
Page 2 of 2 Barry Katz
I worked and performed in environmental sciences field for 26 years.
What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
Protect the water quality for future residents. Plan water strategy for the future.
What is OWASA's role in growth/development issues?
OWASA serves the needs of the Urban Services Boundary including Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
They are increasing in density and population size. OWASA has to assure that safe, clean water
is available to meet the long-term needs of these communities. Negotiations with other
communities will be an essential element for these resources and I can deal with that.
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Application Date: 4/30/2015
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I served on the Planning Board for 6 years. I was CEO of a company for 16 years, so I am
familiar with contract law.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I am interested in the future of Orange County
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
ominated for CPLUC on 5/8/02. Originally applied 4/28/98 for O.C. Planning Board.
Ph.D. V.P. of Microbial Acquisitions and Research Fellow at Mycosearch, Inc. Expertise
in Forest Microbiology. Have lived and worked in Orange County 28 years.) am interested
in supporting ways for the county to fund programs that maintain the quality of life it
presently offers most of its citizens, and extending those good qualities to the rest of its
residents. I want to work on achieving a new comprehensive land use plan and its
implementation in Orange Co. STAFF COMMENTS: Originally applied for Local
Revenue Options Education Advisory Committee 2/5/2008. ADDRESS VERIFICATION:
5801 Cascade Drive, Chapel Hill is Chapel Hill Township in OCPL jurisdiction.
UPDATED INTEREST 04/13/2011 IF ELIGIBLE. UPDATED INTEREST 02/13/2012
FOR PLANNING BOARD.
12/16/13 - Re-applied under new application.
This application was current on: 4/19/2017 Date Printed: 5/18/2017
7
BOCC Attendance Report For Advisory Boards
Orange County Board of Adjustment Mar 2016— Mar 2017
Member Appointed Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017
Barry Katz 09/I5/2015
No No No
P P
Mtg p Mtg Mtg
P: Present E: Excused A: Absent
Current through—03/3]/20]7
8
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Michael Harvey
Orange County Board of Adjustment (REQUIRES D
Contact Phone: 919-245-2597
David Blankfard Day Phone: 919-828-1876 sex: Male
1805 Cates Creek Parkway Evening Phone: 919-241-4009 Race: Caucasian
Hillsborough NC 27278 Cell Phone: Township: Hillsborough
E-mail: blankfard@hotmail.com Res.Eligibility: Hillsborough Town Lien
Date Applied: 02/06/2017
Skills: Also Serves On: Orange County Planning Board(REQUIRES DISCLOS
Randy Herman Day Phone: 919-474-9137 Sex: Male
195 Ellsworth Manor Dr Evening Phone: 336-337-6516 Race: Caucasian
Hillsborough NC 27278 Cell Phone: 336-337-6516 Township: Hillsborough
E-mail: rhennan @bankslawfinn.com Res.Eligibility: Hillsborough Town Lien
Date Applied: 01/25/2017
Skills: Also Serves On: Board of Equalization and Review(REQUIRES DISCL
Kent Qandil Day Phone: 9195924144 Sex: Male
6015 Meadow Greer Rd Evening Phone: 9195924144 Race: Other
Chapel Hill NC 27516 Cell Phone: 9195924144 Township: Chapel Hill
E-mail: KENTKQANDIL @GMAIL.COM Res.Eligibility: County
Date Applied: 04/16/2017
Skills: Also Serves On:
Holly Safi Day Phone: 919-683-2458 Sex: Female
307 Bartlett Circle Evening Phone: 919-943-1230 Race: Caucasian
Hillsborough NC 27278 Cell Phone: 919-943-1230 Township: Hillsborough
E-mail: hollysafi@gmail.com Res.Eligibility: County
Date Applied: 05/15/2017
Skills: Also Serves On:
Tuesday,May 30,2017 Page 1 of 1
9
Page 1 of 3 David Blankfard
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: David Blankfard
Name Called:
Home Address: 1805 Cates Creek Parkway
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone (Day): 919-828-1876
Phone (Evening): 919-241-4009
Phone (Cell):
Email: blankfard @hotmail.corn
Place of Employment: Clark Nexsen
Job Title: Senior Structural Engineer
Year of OC Residence:
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits
Sex: Male
Ethnic Background: Caucasian
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
-North Carolina Structural Engineering Association
-NC Structural Engineers Emergency Response (NC SEER)
-National Council of Examiners For Engineers
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have served on this board in the past. I am a professional engineer and understand many of
the construction issues that come before the board.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I would like to serve the county in some capacity.
Conflict of Interest:
Hillsborough Board of Adjustment
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I served on the Orange county board of adjustment. Serving on this board would be similar.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I would like to serve the county in some capacity.
Conflict of Interest:
Supplemental Questions:
10
Page 2 of 3 David Blankfard
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise
for this board.
I was member of the Orange County Board of Adjustment. I understand the process and
procedures.
What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment?
As a professional Engineer I can add the construction aspect of projects.
What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
The responsibilities is to guide the growth of the county. My hope is that with my construction
background I can help guide the growth in a fair and balanced manner.
What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related
to growth?
To manage the growth of the county to meet the needs for current and future citizens.
What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth?
The role of the Board of Adjustment is to apply zoning and staff s recommendations in a fair
balanced way.
How would you,as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of
the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities?
As a member I would apply the Board of Commissioners goals to each issue that was brought to
the attention of the board of adjustment.
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Orange County Planning Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Application Date: 2/6/2017
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
As a professional structural engineer my construction background would be an asset to the
planning board. Also, my experiences on the Board of Adjustment would be a natural fit for the
planning board as they deal with similar issues.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
After reaching my term limit on the Board of Adjustment serving on the Planning board would be
a natural extension.
Conflict of Interest:
Work Experience: -Heery International, Atlanta, GA 1999-2001 Structural Engineer
-Stewart Engineering, Raleigh, NC 2001-2008 Structural Project Manager
-Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering, Raleigh, NC 2008 Senior Structural Engineer
Education: 1989 Chapel Hill High School
1993 BS in Civil Engineer from Tulane University
Other Comments:
11
Page 3 of 3 David Blankfard
Professional Engineer in Structural Engineering. LEED Accredited Professional. STAFF
COMMENTS: Orginally applied for O.C. Planning Board, O.C. Board of Adjustment &
Economic Development Commission 11/18/2008. Updated interes 4/13/2011. ADDRESS
VERIFICATION: 1805 Cates Creek Parkway is Hillsborough Township, HIPL jurisdiction.
This application was current on: 2/6/2017 Date Printed: 5/19/2017
12
Page 1 of 3 Randy Herman
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Randy Herman
Name Called:
Home Address: 195 Ellsworth Manor Dr
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone (Day): 919-474-9137
Phone (Evening): 336-337-6516
Phone (Cell): 336-337-6516
Email: rherman @bankslawfirm.com
Place of Employment: The Banks Law Firm PA
Job Title: Attorney
Year of OC Residence: 2016
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence:
Sex: Male
Ethnic Background: Caucasian
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Member, NC Bar Association Real Property Section
Member, NC Bar Association Zoning and Land Use Section
Member, Real Estate Lawyers Association of NC (RELANC)
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
NA
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a real estate and land use attorney with experience in title searches, closings and quasi-
judicial hearings.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
To apply my training and experience for the benefit of the community.
Conflict of Interest:
I have previously represented homebuilders and developers that are currently active in Orange
County. To my knowledge, I do not currently have any clients that have the intention to appear
before the board for any of the matters it considers.
13
Page 2 of 3 Randy Herman
Board of Equalization and Review(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a real estate attorney with experience searching title and performing closings in Orange
County and elsewhere.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
To apply my training and experience for the benefit of the community.
Conflict of Interest:
I own real property located in Orange County. I also represent and have represented clients that
own real property located in Orange County. To my knowledge, I do not currently have any
clients that are appealing or intend to appeal any tax matters.
Supplemental Questions:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise
for this board.
I am currently an associate with The Banks Law Firm in Durham. I was previously with Moore&
Alphin in Raleigh. In both positions, my practice is almost entirely real estate, including title work
and quasi-judicial proceedings.
What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment?
As a real estate and land use attorney, I have represented both builders and developers seeking
variances and environmental groups opposing them.
What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
The primary responsibility of the board is to apply the appropriate ordinances to determine if
applicants have met presented appropriate evidence for their application to be granted. But in
the larger sense, I see Boards of Adjustment as akin to the old Courts of Equity: they provide
equitable relief from the strict letter of the development ordinance for uses that are non-
conforming in a minor way. They also serve the general principal that landowners should be free
to use their property as long as their use does not adversely impact their neighbors or the
community.
What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related
to growth?
Allowing growth and development in a responsible way while avoiding sprawl. Orange County is
a desirable place to live and is positioned for extensive growth whether it wants it or not. The key
is to control that growth in a beneficial way without cutting it off entirely.
What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth?
This begins with the specific ordinances governing the various permits and variances, which
must be followed. But for matters within its discretion, the Board of Adjustment should guide
growth by approving land use when possible, but only if it does not adversely impact other
residents and the community.
How would you,as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of
the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities?
By granting approvals where they are warranted and denying them where they are not, I would
support the policies of the Board of Commissioners as expressed in the UDO and other related
ordinances.
14
Page 3 of 3 Randy Herman
Board of Equalization and Review(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and/or from other
boards/commissions that you have in the areas of real estate,tax appraisal or real estate
law.
I am currently as associate with the Banks Law Firm in Durham. Previously, I was with Moore&
Alphin in Raleigh. I have conducted approximately 1500 real estate closings, many of them in
Orange County.
In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the work/volunteer
experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
I am a member of the North Carolina Bar Real Property Section and the Real Estate Lawyers of
North Carolina (RELANC). I also represent RELANC on the Secretary of State s Land Records
Task Force.
What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
The board is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the county s tax rolls. I hope to apply my
experience with real estate to advance this goal.
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 1/25/2017 3:42:05 PM Date Printed: 1/26/2017
15
Page 1 of 2 Kent Qandil
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Kent Qandil
Name Called:
Home Address: 6015 Meadow Greer Rd
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone (Day): 9195924144
Phone (Evening): 9195924144
Phone (Cell): 9195924144
Email: KENTKQANDIL @GMAIL.COM
Place of Employment: CFCU
Job Title: Commercial Portfolio Analyst
Year of OC Residence: 2012
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Sex: Male
Ethnic Background: Other
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
None
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
Masters Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas (1997).
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
In order to help bridge the gap between citizens concerns and decisions made by a non elected
zoning officers, I strongly see the need to have non partial experts in the area that can help in
interpreting issues and helping resolve disputes from a non partial point of view.
Conflict of Interest:
Supplemental Questions:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise
for this board.
Masters Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas (1997). City of Arlington, TX
Planning Dept from 1997- 1998.
Internship: Kansas City Area Development Council (1996)
What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment?
Independence and professionalism.
16
Page 2 of 2 Kent Qandil
What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
Hears and decides all appeals from and reviews any decisions made by the Zoning Officer. I
hope to bridge gaps and misunderstandings that could be overlooked.
What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related
to growth?
More local jobs and affordable housing.
What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth?
It appears the BOA hears and decides appeals on a case by case basis. The authority in guiding
and regulating growth appear to be the responsibility of a different board.
How would you,as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of
the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities?
The link was not accessible.
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 4/16/2017 9:40:46 AM Date Printed: 5/19/2017
17
Page 1 of 3 Holly Safi
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Holly Safi
Name Called:
Home Address: 307 Bartlett Circle
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone (Day): 919-683-2458
Phone (Evening): 919-943-1230
Phone (Cell): 919-943-1230
Email: hollysafi @gmail.corn
Place of Employment: Berman & Associates, ATTYS
Job Title: Attorney at Law
Year of OC Residence: 2016
Township of Residence: Hillsborough
Zone of Residence:
Sex: Female
Ethnic Background: Caucasian
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
14th Judicial Bar Nominating Committee
14th Judicial Bar YLD
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina State Bar
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None.
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a Durham attorney practicing in land use, civil litigation, and estates. I previously worked in
Raleigh as a land use attorney and have experience with preparing and presenting cases before
the Raleigh BOA, the Raleigh City Council, and the Wake County BOA, as well as ample
experience reading and interpreting the Raleigh and Durham city ordinances and
comprehensive plans. In addition to my legal degree, I have a masters in city and regional
planning from UNC.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
When I was in law school at UNC, I acquired an interest in land use, planning, and zoning. I
supplemented my law degree with a masters in city and regional planning, also from UNC. I
moved from Durham to the Hillsborough area of Orange County in December 2016. From my
education and work experience in land use, I understand the importance of the BOA decisions
and the effect they can have on the community. It is my desire to use my education and work
experience to help make informed, positive choices for my home community.
Conflict of Interest:
18
Page 2 of 3 Holly Safi
Orange County Housing Authority
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a Durham attorney practicing in land use, civil litigation, and estates. I have ample
experience navigating city ordinances and state and federal statutes. In addition to my law
degree, I have a masters in city and regional planning with a specialization in housing and
community development. My masters thesis focused on legal and political issues facing race
and class housing integration.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
When I was in law school at UNC, I acquired an interest in land use and housing law. I
supplemented my law degree with a masters in city and regional planning, also from UNC, in
which I specialized in housing and community development. I understand many of the
challenges faced by cities and counties as they work to provide affordable housing. I moved
from Durham to the Hillsborough area of Orange County in December 2016 and would like to
use my knowledge of housing law and my experience in land use to work towards ensuring that
no family is ever denied access to a safe, affordable home.
Conflict of Interest:
Supplemental Questions:
Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT)
Please list the work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise
for this board.
I am an attorney with a masters in city and regional planning. I have worked in land use law both
in Wake and Durham Counties. I have experience preparing and presenting cases before the
Raleigh and Wake County BOAS, as well as ample experience reading and interpreting city
ordinances and state law.
What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment?
I have experience with land use law both at the municipal board level and with appeals to
Superior Court. I have an interest in city planning, transportation and housing, and smart growth
as well as ensuring that the proper procedures are followed through the quasi-judicial process.
What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
The BOA s responsibilities are set out in the UDO. In an nutshell, the BOA makes decisions in
individual situations where the strict enforcement of the UDO would not provide justice to a
property owner and hears appeals from legislative boards. It is very important for the BOA
members to make these decisions in a careful and informed manner to ensure smart growth of
the community and substantial justice for our citizens in a manner that upholds the spirit of the
county ordinances.
What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related
to growth?
With 20%or more families in the county living in poverty, the largest challenges facing the
county are affordable housing and economic development. It is important to both create
affordable housing and to bring jobs and development that will provide a living wage to our
citizens. While we should be working to attract development for jobs, it is also important to
protect our rural and natural areas by allowing increases in density for appropriate areas and
maintaining low densities in more environmentally sensitive areas.
What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth?
19
Page 3 of 3 Holly Safi
The BOA makes decisions that are essentially outside of the strict letter of the UDO. In making
these decisions it is important to keep in mind the overall spirit of the county ordinances and the
comprehensive plan for growth and only allow exceptions that won t injure or impair the smart
growth of the county.
How would you,as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of
the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities?
Many of the BOC s goals and priorities have to do with smart growth and economic development
of the county. Land use plays an intricate role in both of those priorities by ensuring that
economic growth happens in the places and in the manner that is directed by the
comprehensive plan. Through my experience as a land use attorney and the economic
development projects I worked on during my time in planning school, I have an understanding of
how planning and zoning can work for or against economic growth and environmental protection.
While the BOA may make individual decisions, those decisions do affect the larger community.
As a member of the BOA, I believe my experience and knowledge will help raise issues that may
not be immediately apparent so that as a board we can make decisions that work toward the
goals and policies of the BOC.
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 5/15/2017 10:24:25 AM Date Printed: 5/16/2017