Published: August 07, 2008 01:51 pm         

Man proposes building condos at Bill’s Marina

Thursday, August 7, 2008 — A large crowd filled Norwood Town Hall Monday evening to express concerns regardomg a potential a new development.

Robbie Cohen of Cohen Construction in Norwood is requesting an amendment to the zoning ordinance that will change several lots by Bill’s Marina from Residential to Conditional Use district zoning. This will give the board the responsibility of attaching certain conditions for use in that area.

Cohen’s plan for the area includes the removal of everything at the marina and construction of Lake Tillery Condominiums, a restaurant, a new marina and more boat slips to accommodate the public.

Norwood resident Rodney Foreman was the only person who spoke in favor of the plans.

“I’d love to see a restaurant on this lake,” he said.

“I just hope everyone works together. If you can stop and think, you’ll see this will be a great asset.”

Not only is Foreman in favor of the project, he is also a fan of Cohen.

“Robbie is one of the few people who has invested in this town. Anything he does is top shelf.”

Oppositions to the project came in bulk as residents took their turn asking questions and expressing concerns.

Many of the concerns stemmed around high traffic the project will bring as well as crime rate increasing in the area.

Steve Chastain held those concerns and said he is opposed to the project now just like he was five years ago when conversation began on the topic.

Lanny Allen said he has been a victim of theft recently and is very close to the property where development will take place.

Allen said before any construction begins on the property he would like to see the property improved.

“We all want things on the lake but we don’t want it next door to us,” he said.

“Well, it’s going to be next door to me.”

Resident Paula York posed a concern regarding the size of the cove that is in the vicinity of the property.

“I don’t think our cove is big enough to accommodate this project,” York said.

Sewer was also a big concern for York, however, Cohen informed her and concerned residents that the project would not happen without sewer in the area.

The lack of parking the drawing showed also had residents questioning Cohen. With only approximately 30 spaces drawn out, many believed 30 spaces would not accommodate the traffic to the restaurant and the store as well as those who lived in the condominiums.

Cohen explained that the drawing does not show all the parking that will be constructed but assured residents there would be plenty when the project is complete.

Currently, the property value where Bill’s Marina sits is $906,000, according to Cohen.

“It is projected that when we are done, it will be valued at $6 million.”

Other issues raised by residents included erosion on the lake from construction, ample lighting and fire protection. Cohen said they do erosion control, the lighting in the area will extend the town’s expectations and sprinklers will be installed in every condominium.

Martha Misenheimer spoke for her community at the end of the public hearing on the sacredness of the community and the need to protect it.

“It’s a small community, a small cove,” Misenheimer said.

“That’s what we want.”

No decision was made by council members. Instead, Mayor Larry McMahon said more information on the project needs to be presented to the council beforehand. A motion by commissioner Alphonzo Rush and a second by commissioner Henry Thompson deferred the topic until more information is provided.

In other news, commissioners:

n Adopted a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance;

n Approved the Snuggs’ property agreement for a pump station used for upcoming development Edgewater; and

n Approved a lease purchase for five years for a street sweeper that will belong to the town.



Sarah Jane Rosser can be contacted at snaponline26@carolina.rr.com.