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10 <br /> 1 Commissioner Price asked if the Cybrary would be part of the new library or would <br /> 2 remain as is. She also questioned whether mixed use or multi-purpose library space had been <br /> 3 discussed, since she this had been discussed among people in the community. <br /> 4 Frank Clifton said this issue has been pursued many times over the years. He said that <br /> 5 there is an element that would like to see an urbanized library and coffee shop. He said that <br /> 6 the difference is that Chapel Hill is a municipal library, built primarily for the citizens of Chapel <br /> 7 Hill. He said that the County has a broader range of residents to reach and not everyone has <br /> 8 bus service so most who would use the County facilities would have to travel there by <br /> 9 automobile. He said that, with regard to one level, a multi-level requires more staffing. He said <br /> 10 the County needs to build a facility that it can afford to operate. <br /> 11 Commissioner Dorosin referenced the Hillsborough Road site and asked if the three <br /> 12 acre parcel would be purchased just for a driveway or if there could be additional uses for this <br /> 13 property. <br /> 14 Jeff Thompson said there could be other uses. He said that there would be synergy <br /> 15 with the park and possibly some outdoor library programs. <br /> 16 Commissioner Gordon asked where the pond on the Hillsborough site is located. <br /> 17 Jeff Thompson referenced the pond area on the map and said this area may not be <br /> 18 suitable for development other than park development. <br /> 19 <br /> 20 PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> 21 James Carnahan expressed his excitement at seeing this project come to fruition and <br /> 22 read from 2004 library services task force report indicating the support of the Town of Carrboro <br /> 23 for a library in central Carrboro. He said he wanted to re-iterate the number of people who <br /> 24 would be served by this library and he advocated for a location in the central business district. <br /> 25 He stressed the benefit of a synergistic arrangement. He said that he respectfully disagrees <br /> 26 with the dismissal of the Town Hall site. He referenced a feasibility report on this site and <br /> 27 offered to share that report with the board. <br /> 28 Randee Haven O'Donnell, Board of Alderman member, said she served with Chair <br /> 29 Jacobs on the last two task forces. She said she learned that a library is part of an economic <br /> 30 engine and it generates community and other business. She noted that the discussion is about <br /> 31 the southwest neighborhoods and communities that are already involved in downtown Carrboro <br /> 32 and she advocated for a synergistic partnership. She said there have been several <br /> 33 opportunities to site a smaller library in downtown Carrboro and encouraged the Board of <br /> 34 County Commissioners to take a look at this potential. She referenced the Hillsborough Road <br /> 35 map and said that they should hold off on having too much discussion about this property. The <br /> 36 Carrboro Board has not been looking at this potential property as one that would have the <br /> 37 library on the park part of the property. She suggested that it be added onto the list of potential <br /> 38 sites to be reviewed on April 9. <br /> 39 <br /> 40 Patrick McDonough said he has been a resident of Orange County for 13 years and he <br /> 41 is a parent and is speaking on his own behalf. He said there is room for improvement on the <br /> 42 site selection process. He shared some highlights of an email he sent previously and said that <br /> 43 the staff criteria are painfully biased against urban locations. He said that a minimum acreage <br /> 44 standard is not needed, rather a minimum square foot to fulfill library functions. He said that <br /> 45 the Board might look at whether the square footage can be allowed under the height <br /> 46 requirements. He said that multiple uses in buildings can gain efficiencies that make up for <br /> 47 larger staff needs. He said that if there is a fiscal issue, then it should be set forth as a money <br /> 48 limit, but not a size limit. He noted that there are plenty of shared parking options at other <br /> 49 libraries in the area. He referenced transit access and said that it is important that a spot with <br /> 50 good access is used. He said that the library is more needed in a lower median income area <br />