Minutes 03-19-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

• Enhanced opportunities for synergy between a park and library facility (i.e. — shared programs & infrastructure) • Service to existing and future regional populations • Sufficient area for expansion for future Orange County need • 401 Fidelity: (map) • 401 Fidelity: Conceptual Location (map) • 1128 Hillsborough: (map) • 1128 Hillsborough: Conceptual Location (map) Jeff Thompson, referring to the map for 401 Fidelity, said one of the concerns with this property is the work needed to build so close to the adjoining cemetery. He referenced large rock outcroppings that necessitate more work to prepare the site and he reviewed the conceptual map. With regard to 1128 Hillsborough, he noted that the area outlined in red on the map (the Shetley property) is property currently for sale and the area outlined in blue is the Martin Luther King Junior Park site. Combining the two properties together offers the most promise in siting. The Shetley property has limitations such as limited road access but when combined with the park property there is road frontage and visibility if the library could be placed on the park property. He said that this will require partnership with Carrboro and will give plenty of area for synergy between the park and library. He said that there may be some difficulties with wet areas. Chair Jacobs said he talked with Mayor Chilton today. He referred to the letter on page 10 of the abstract for item 7-b and read the following paragraph: "the Carrboro Board would also like to continue discussions with the Orange County Board of Commissioners, regarding the County's siting criteria. The purpose of this discussion would be to reevaluate the criteria in order for consideration of additional sites in planned and approved mixed-use projects in downtown Carrboro..." Chair Jacobs said Mayor Chilton made some suggestions about some sites and made it clear he had some sense of what his board was interested in. Chair Jacobs said Mayor Chilton expressed desire for continued conversation regarding other potential sites. He suggested some receptivity on the idea of partnering with Carrboro on looking at other projects in the works. Commissioner Rich said she had spoken to some Aldermen, who expressed the same sentiment as the Mayor. She also asked why there is an effort to build a 20,000 sq ft single level facility in the Town of Carrboro. Frank Clifton said it is not a library for Carrboro but will provide library services throughout that portion of Orange County. He said the problem with Orange County property is that there are no adequate utilities, so the current plans look at the town's area with utilities. He said the county currently operates a part time library at McDougle Elementary that is closed during the day and open on evenings and weekends. He said this limits the activities of the library. He said that there have been many locations looked at, including along Highway 54 and other areas. He said that the 20,000 square foot plan comes from past studies and allows for all basic library services as well as meeting space and area for children's activities. Commissioner Rich noted that, according to Frank Clifton, the library studies were done years ago. She said it is her opinion that the Board needs to think into the future and not build yesterday's library. She noted that there is a there is a new expanded library opening in