Save the Pilot Life Legacy

We petition members of the City Council of Greensboro to support the appeal noted below submitted by Carolyn Gorga on October 23, 2018 to the City of Greensboro Zoning Commission's favorable decision to re-zone Parcel ID No. 7832786157 (address – 5300 High Point Road, Greensboro, NC 27407 (a.k.a. Pilot Life)). The approval was granted at the Zoning Commission meeting on October 15, 2018. This action was also referenced as Case Z-18-010-001. 

NOTICE OF APPEAL

I wish to appeal the Zoning Commission's favorable decision to rezone Parcel ID No. 7832786157 (address - 5300 High Point Rd, Greensboro, NC (a/k/a Pilot Life)). The approval was granted at the Zoning Commission Meeting on October 15, 2018. This action was also referenced as Case Z-18-010-001.

Requested on October 23, 2018 by:

Mrs. Carolyn Gorga

Greensboro, NC 27407 

The Pilot Life property and office building (constructed in 1928) has always been associated with the Sedgefield Golf Club and Community - both in its proximity and style (as stated by Preservation Greensboro).  The Kisco Company, which purchased the property, used several neighborhood venues to communicate with Sedgefield residents and they fully supported the initial plans for the property in 2008 (a full range of senior living accommodations). In 2015 Kisco decided to segment the property into 6 parcels for resale.  The plans were approved by the zoning commission and Greensboro City Council and the Sedgefield Community did not object to this plan.

Upon council approval of this proposed change, however, the above noted parcel will provide accommodation for 130 apartment units - a 40% increase over the current allowance of 93 apartments.  To accommodate this number of units, the building must increase in size to a 3-story structure.  As each of the 6 parcels will now be sold separately, the current plan, which presents a graduated increase in density, would be eliminated. It should be noted that current homes located across High Point Rd. are single family and mostly one-story.  This sudden change in structure height will appear out of place and overwhelming.

In addition, since a parcel on the opposite side of the Pilot Life property is currently under contract for apartments (per the Jamestown News), the traffic at the High Point Rd. and Alamance Rd. intersection will dramatically increase.  As a reminder, these roads are 2 lanes with a turn lane.  They are not built for ingress and egress of a large number of residents.  Under the current permitting, over 1,700 units or apartments will be allowed on this property

Pressure to ensure appropriate development around Sedgefield is considerable.  Several years ago a proposed development adjacent to Sedgefield on High Point Rd. (current Gate City Blvd.) was met with considerable objection, as the proposed structures were to be 3 story apartment buildings.  The proposed zoning change was defeated by City Council and the subsequent development on this property, single story attached homes known as The Villas at Sedgefield, was welcomed by the community.

The developer requesting this zoning change, Cameron General Contractors and Resort Lifestyle Communities, has agreed to include the designation of the property for only senior living (55 years of age and older).  While this change was welcomed and appreciated, I believe the height of the structures continues to be an issue.  The attached petition signed by Sedgefield residents - who consider this property part of their neighborhood - confirms that these concerns are not simply my own.

Interest in the development of this area appears to be increasing after the recent completion of the I-73 overpass and re-route of Gate City Blvd. behind the Pilot Life property.  It is hoped that this interest can be approached with specific attention to the overall impact to the area and not just reviewed piece by piece and out of context with the entire acreage.

Finally, please note that my submission is in respect of the proposed development.  I have taken every effort to present accurate information for your consideration.  As I am not a decision maker or statutory consultant, I cannot accept any responsibility for unintentional errors or omissions and sincerely request you satisfy yourselves on any facts prior to reaching your decision.