AG 2002 12 16 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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EMPLO YMENT AND COMMERCIAL USES INTRODUCTION As other portions of Cabarrus County have developed, the eastern planning area has maintained its status as the agricultural focal point for Cabarrus County. The health of the County's agricultural economy and the success of those employed in the agricultural industry will depend on development decisions made by both government and individual property owners. Both agricultural and non-agricultural economies can successfully coexist if appropriate land use and infrastructure investment decisions are made. Without appropriate land and capital investment planning the traditional family farm in Cabarrus County will not survive. Mount Pleasant has been a thriving community since its incorporation with a beautiful downtown and a viable textile and agricultural industry. Recent changes in the economy have altered that equilibrium. These changes now serve as a catalyst to examine how to protect and enhance the assets of Mount Pleasant as well as attracting new industry and enhancing the existing industrial base in the community. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES There are six economic opportunities in regards to future employment opportunities in the eastern planning area. They include the Town of Mount Pleasant, the Highway 49 area at the County's new Expo Center, The Highway 52 corridor and rail line in the northeast portion of the planning area, the encouragement of new home occupation opportunities, the enhancement of the areas agricultural economy, and the potential for new tourism opportunities associated with the Expo Center and the areas natural and historic assets. Below is a summary of each of these options and why they present the best opportunity for economic growth in the eastern area. The Town of Mount Pleasant has served as the economic hub for the immediate area and textiles served as the cornerstone for the local industrial economy. Unfortunately, changes in the regional economy have impacted the local textile industry. Plant closings and layoffs in the Carolinas is common news. For the foreseeable future, the decline and restructuring of the textile industry will continue. The Town must now work to diversify its local economy and attract new employment opportunities to replace those lost in recent years. Within the Town of Mount Pleasant the three most important economic development assets for industrial development are future highway improvements planned for NC 49 and US 52, the proposed construction of a water line along NC 49 carrying water from the Tuckertown reservoir in Albemarle to Concord, and future water and sewer utility improvements planned in the Town. Since accessibility and infrastructure are key elements that prospective industries search for when examining potential locations, these planned improvements will make the Town more attractive to potential industries. The future land use map indicates the areas designated as future employment centers. This map will serve as a useful tool for the County and Town Planning and Zoning Boards when making rezoning determinations for proposed projects. The reasoning behind the placement of these districts included consideration of infrastructure accessibility, existing zoning, surrounding zoning districts and land use, and the impact that this type of land use may have on the existing facilities.