Minutes 08-21-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

assistance. She does not prefer the paved road going out the back but knows that may be necessary for the flow of traffic. She also likes the preservation of the hardwoods. Chair Pelissier said since everyone expressed a preference for Option B, in the recommendation to talk about the merits of an alternative concept plan design, she believes they all endorse having a master concept plan design. It appears Option B is where they need to go but she doesn't think they need an official motion. She told Mr. Waldon she hoped they had provided sufficient feedback for them to take to the public input session. Commissioner Jacobs said he would still like to know the difference of the paved area. Mr. Waldon told him they would get that information. Commissioner McKee responded to Commissioner Jacobs' concept of working around some of the structures and trees. He feels it's something they should consider because he sees this in commercial development all the time where they incorporate existing structures, existing ponds, and existing buildings, into their new commercial or residential development. As they're working on this, they should at least allow for the option of including the old trees around the house site and some of the other amenities that would make this a more attractive project in the end. To address those specific comments, County Manager Clifton stated that each time they get ready to build there, they'll go through a site plan analysis, a tree survey, and they'll make decisions on moving buildings. The issue of this concept plan is to take a look at these development areas and say when they get ready to build, they're going to build X number of square feet. Each of the issues and all the elements the Board has talked about will be reviewed by the Board on each building they bring forth and then they present that site plan to the Town of Chapel Hill. He does not believe the Board has laid anything out tonight that would not be included in their review of the buildings they're going to do there. Chair Pelissier thanked the Manager and Staff for bringing this to the Board. It causes them to realize how lucky they are to have this piece of property so they can consolidate and meet the future needs of Orange County citizens. Commissioner Gordon asked if they could make it so the statement she wrote out about the purpose would be included. Chair Pelissier said it would be in the record. d. Discussion Reqardinq Parkinq Provisions for the Eno River Parkinq Deck John Roberts with the County Attorney's office said the County was previously involved in litigation over differences of how the administration of the parking deck was impacting Orange County customers, employees, and residents of Orange County who needed to use it. The County had a lease agreement with the deck owners that provided access and that ultimately resulted in litigation. The litigation was settled earlier this year and in the outcome, the County acquired ownership of the parking deck. The Manager then established some administrative guidelines attached to the agenda that say how the deck is going to be run until this Board decides how it will be run. Up for consideration or discussion tonight is whether to leave the current structure in place, whether to make the parking deck a pay to park area, or whether to leave it a free parking zone. Mr. Clifton told the Board if they want to proceed with some type of pay to park, they should look at all the spaces Orange County owns and deal with it. Otherwise, they're reverting back to where they were before. The deck has gotten them significantly greater use from the public which has also increased the availability of parking in other Orange County owned locations. Mr. Clifton said this was not to rule out paying for parking at some point in the future. Necessity is not there right now but the deck was acquired during the summer break for the Board. They initiated the plan provided and have restrictions such that the County employees park on the upper level and the lower level is gated. The public uses the other levels. This has worked very well especially for the library and office building use. Commissioner Yuhasz said he has been pleased to see the number of people parking in the deck. He feels they should keep it free until there's a greater demand for parking. He asked if it was necessary to still have the arm there when people come into the deck. Mr. Clifton replied it slows people down as they're entering the parking deck and there's no separate walkway for pedestrians as that walk through that gated area. Commissioner McKee said the arm gives the impression it is still a paid deck. He suggested they put the arm in a raised position until they see if they have a problem at which time they can lower the arm again.