Agenda - 12-15-1998 - 9c - Laserfiche WebLink

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22 3 encouraging village -scale development to conserve natural and environmentally sensitive areas, allow density bonuses for affordable housing meeting certain development criteria, and sanction neighborhood and community scale commercial centers. The overall target density for the Northern Study Area is approximately the same as the current density of the town: 2.1 dwelling units per acre. The target density for mixed -use areas is approximately five dwelling units per acre. These development management options have been selected in order to minimize the negative impacts of new development on environmental quality, transportation, taxation and existing neighborhoods. These elements should discourage a sprawled pattern of monotonous development, preserve Carrboro's unique, small town character and allow the creation of new, neighborhood -scale communities which can be connected to existing and new areas via a network of open space corridors. This plan attempts to balance community, conservation and development objectives within the transition areas and extraterritorial jurisdiction that lie to the north of Carrboro's town limits. Community and conservation objectives include allowing patterns of growth which minimize negative impacts and maximize positive impacts on the community and allow for the efficient provision of town services, the provision of a variety of housing types and styles, development of a multi-modal transportation system, conservation of natural and environmentally sensitive areas, and the protection of environmental quality, and the encouragement of active farmland preservation. COMMENTS AND /OR QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL AND CARRBORO BOARD OF ALDERMEN: Commissioner Gordon asked what the similarities and differences were between the proposed floating zone and the way a Planned Development would be implemented in Orange County. Mr. Williford indicated that the current joint plan requires that nodes have to be established for the commercial or the mixed use areas. Floating zones would require a site plan as well as the traditional quasi-judicial process approving plans based on the ordinance. There would be no specific nodes. COMMENTS AND /OR QUESTIONS FROM CITZENS Ms. Shirley Marshall spoke in support of both the Carrboro and Chapel Hill plans. She pointed out that the goals were simple and specific in concept Elected and planning officials alike had essentially two goals. The first goal was to define and plan for a northern build -out area for Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The second goal was to support that defined area by creating a buffer against a rush of urbanization from a .possible developing urban Durham area. The solution that was developed was called the Rural Buffer. In addition, Orange County government was adamant that no more citizens would be placed in the position where all planning decisions were made for them solely by elected officials for whom they could not vote. Therefore, extension of extraterritorial jurisdiction could not be, and was not a part of the solution. This agreement to stick to each units jurisdictional business has made this unique approach workable and has brought the various groups to tonight's hearing and sets up the further refinements necessary to enhance the goals of the Rural Buffer. She strongly supports both Carrboro and Chapel Hill's proposed plans. Mr. Randy Danzinger commented that this planning process was very thoughtfully started and worked on diligently by many citizens and elected officials. He indicated that the ordinances which control the implementation of the plan should come forth for consideration at the same time that the plan is considered for adoption. This would allow citizens to see what they were actually going to get if they voted to approve it Unless there is an overwhelming need to adopt this now, he requested that the adoption process be postponed until the ordinance controlling the enforcement of it be presented as well. -Mr. Wilford indicated that the Ordinance Drafting Committee has been working diligently. They are working on guidelines for affordable housing, and design guidelines for the villages. It will probably be August before the Ordinance is presented. In order to have an ordinance, a plan is necessary. It was envisioned that the plan would be adopted first, to be followed by the ordinance. The plan is detailed and