Agenda - 08-05-1996 - X-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 1, 1996 3 UPDATE ON LAND USE PLANNING FOR THE OUTLYING PROPERTIES 1. Background A. Purpose of Planning Effort In November of 1994,the University began an eighteen-month effort to develop long range plans for the two outlying properties that may have significant development potential,the Horace Williams and Mason Farm properties. This is an overview of that process and a progress report. The University is on the verge of overstepping its central campus infrastructure capacity. Recent development is taxing the capabilities of the central utilities and transportation/parking systems,and potential sites for new buildings are disappearing. Also,there is a widely held perception that current development of the outlying properties is proceeding in a piecemeal fashion,without the benefit of a guiding vision. Since these outlying properties represent significant resources for the University and the university communities,a long range planning effort was established. The fundamental question this planning effort intends to address is, `How can the University use these properties most effectively to further its mission, in a manner that is consistent with the goals of the communityT B. Planning Process In 1994,the University engaged the firm of Johnson,Johnson,Roy/Inc.(JJR),a nationally known campus planning consultant. JJR proposed a five-phase planning process,with the following projected completion dates: Phase I. Definition of Directions&Needs-January, 1995 Phase II. Physical Analysis of Developability-April, 1995 Phase III. Generation of Alternative Land Use Plans-November, 1995 Phase IV. Detailed Plan Development and Impact Analysis-May, 1996 Phase V. Final Documentation-Fall, 1996 C. Participatory Effort This has been a broadly participatory planning effort,with local guidance and input provided by six advisory committees: the Facilities Planning Committee,the Buildings&Grounds Committee,a faculty advisory committee,a technical committee,and two community advisory committees selected by the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Over the last year,both the Chapel Hill and the Carrboro Advisory Committees have met regularly with JJR and University representatives. Both Community Advisory Committees have submitted detailed interim advisory reports. 2. Categories of Potential Land Uses During Phase I,the Faculty Advisory Committee recommended that the central campus should be preserved for core academic uses,and that sensitive environmental areas on the outlying properties should be protected. They recommended that developable portions of the outlying properties should be planned primarily for(a)housing to serve the core campus community,(b)university administrative and support functions,and (c)continuing education and independent research activities. The Community Advisory Committees also suggested public/private partnership uses that might offer the possibility of generating income streams for the university and the local governments. Potential land uses for the outlying properties have been grouped into seven use categories according to similarity of functional characteristics and geographic requirements. (See "Use Descriptions"in the attached materials.)