Public Hearing: Wetlands Will Not Be Developed at Soon-to-Be Annexed 1774 and 1680 Union St.

Properties passed on first reading of their respective ordinances:

City annexation of 1774 Union St., owned by Progress Energy, 6.24 acres, transportation land use designation, agricultural/residential zoning. 

City annexation of 1680 Union St., 7.80 acres, owned by Republic Bank, which owns a neighboring parcel already a part of the city and would like to develop them. Neighbors on Jessica Court in Scotsdale Bluff want the wetland area of the vacant land to remain undeveloped to act as a buffer and passive neighborhood park. City says the wetland will count for density of parcel should the bank develop it as apartments or assisted living facility, as Republic Bank has suggested. Residential/urban zoning.

Gaylor Engineering, working with bank for developing the property: Republic Bank would not develop wetlands in the rear of the property. Says actual proposed density is indeterminate at this time. They have no plans or designs for anything yet.

Neighboring resident: My concern are security issues with possible public access to the park.

Mayor Dave Eggers: We'll make sure it's done right.

Second readings scheduled for Aug. 1, 2013 commission meeting at City Hall.