Agenda - 03-19-2013 - 5a - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 1 areas, restricted to transit corridors, will most likely accommodate much of the projected growth 2 for Chapel Hill. The small area plans that will be produced are expected to create density 3 downtown, the length of MLK, Jr. Blvd, along 15-501 south and north near Ephesus Church 4 Road. The Board believes that it is the Comprehensive Plan that should drive growth and 5 development, and that a transit plan should be used to support that vision. We also noted the 6 plan's shortcomings in serving the decentralizing hospital system, two Durham Tech Campuses 7 and the county's two economic development zones. Light rail's very narrow area of impact 8 provides the least flexibility in response to our changing growth patterns. 9 It is the Planning Board's opinion that flexible, frequent and more extensive bus service, 10 along with safe bike lanes and sidewalks, would better meet the needs of commuters and 11 transit users, and at a lower cost per rider. The Planning Board is particularly concerned that 12 the transit plan offers minimal improvement in travel times, which to us, is essential in order to 13 encourage ridership and benefit the taxpayers who are funding it. Our consensus was that 14 given the percentage of trips that will still occur by car, the low percentage of transit ridership, 15 and the level of congestion remaining, we have not met the goals of a comprehensive transit 16 plan, and will not achieve our transportation or environmental objectives. 17 As you know, based partly on our input, the town council has created a new 18 transportation workgroup—which could be an asset to the county if you opt to delay the tax and 19 work to correct the deficiencies in the transit plan. You have my commitment to provide a rapid 20 response on issues brought to the Chapel Hill planning board. 21 The Planning Board will continue to encourage the Council to align transportation 22 improvements with the future focus areas and to consider the dynamics of a more 21 century 23 plan by incorporating forward-looking demographics such as population aging, new home- 24 workplace trends, on-line education opportunities, environmental protection and serving the 25 broadest range of the County residents. 26 You are making a pivotal decision that will impact all of the County for a long time. As 27 the chair of the CH Planning Board, I know that we all want to make the most responsible and 28 supportive decision for Orange County. Because the County will lose important negotiating 29 leverage if you approve the tax tonight, I ask that you please consider a delay so that you can 30 make sure that the transit plan is truly aligned to the priorities of the towns, the county and 31 UNC. 32 Linda Haac serves on Carrboro's Transportation Advisory Board. She said that she is 33 speaking about the comments from her board on the 2040 Transportation Plan. She said that 34 the plan needs to be fiscally constrained. She said that one thing that surprised her board was 35 that the road miles did not change much with the inclusion of light rail. There was also great 36 concern about the model used. It appeared to not explore different scenarios. She said that 37 another board member expressed that transit investment should be paired with transportation 38 demand management. There was also concern that the plan did not account for greenhouse 39 emissions. She asked the Board to think about these things before making a decision. 40 Sam Gharbo lives in Efland. He said that he is glad that Orange County is increasing its 41 infrastructure. He said that the plan has a backbone with no real extending ribs to support it. 42 The plan should reach into the rural areas of Orange County because this would be a catalyst 43 for growth. He said that it would be great to be able to get on a bus in Efland and get to places 44 in a reasonable amount of time. 45 Tish Galu read a prepared statement: 46 "I am Tish Galu. I am speaking tonight on my experience with many who use or would 47 like to use the bus system for transportation. I was on the Orange County Partnership to End 48 Homelessness for two years and in that time helped to begin Support Circles for the Homeless. 49 While researching this program I spoke to individuals in residential facilities and in the shelters. 50 In addition, I have been part of a ministry that has helped to provide furniture to over 70