Agenda - 12-02-2013 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 1 this is also a convenient location to allow University Students to come and use meeting rooms 2 to work with those children in closing the digital divide. She said the other argument for Brewer 3 Lane is the benefit to economic development. 4 She noted that there was an issue regarding signage. She said there are amenities 5 allowed for new buildings and there could be a public art sign allowed on the side of the 6 building. 7 Alderman Haven-O'Donnell noted the proximity to the new Northside School and the 8 benefit in being able to undergird the Cybrary programs for children in lower income 9 neighborhoods in and around Brewer Lane. 10 She noted the accessibility to the parking deck and the proximity to downtown Carrboro's 11 network of transit options. She feels this allows Brewer Lane to meet more needs for more 12 people. 13 Alderman Slade said Carrboro's fiber optic backbone could be connected to the library, 14 providing an added benefit. He said his concern with the Shetley property is the community 15 garden, which would have to be moved. 16 Commissioner Rich said the Board did discuss the economic advantage to the Brewer 17 Lane site. She said that this is a perfect spot for fitting in with downtown Carrboro. She said 18 this is a booming area, and the rezoning was well done. She said she is in favor of Brewer 19 Lane, and the other options did not feel right. 20 Commissioner Price said she had an opportunity to see the site, and if Carrboro is happy, 21 she is happy. She said the developers are ready and this would help move the project along. 22 She said her only concern is the traffic and pedestrian safety. 23 Alderman Lavelle said that there is an area that allows people to go in from the back. 24 She said the current parking deck and the intersection with Merritt and Brewer are in the plan to 25 be reconfigured. She said this is being done to improve walking, biking and driving in that area. 26 Alderman Seils said there are some improvements in progress. He agreed with 27 Commissioner Price that the interface with Rosemary does need to be discussed. 28 Alderman Slade said this would be one of the few libraries that will have a frontage to a 29 bike lane. He noted that Merritt Mill comes from 54 and goes directly to that parking deck. 30 Commissioner McKee said his initial reluctance was related to the parking deck. He 31 noted the recent difficulties with the main library in Hillsborough and the use of a privately 32 owned deck. He said the points brought up tonight are valid, and he is more inclined to support 33 Brewer Lane if an agreement can be made with the private developer to guarantee access to 34 the parking spaces. 35 He asked if this has been discussed with the developer. He agreed that the pedestrian 36 and bus routes are important, but many patrons will come from other areas of the County by 37 car. He said it is critical that this be accommodated. 38 Michael Harvey said the developer is very sensitive to the County's needs and is 39 balancing these needs with her permit compliance as well as her other tenants. He said there 40 is a cooperative and open relationship with the developer, who wants to encourage the 41 development of this library. He said more specific information will be provided moving forward. 42 Commissioner McKee said he wants to make sure all the answers are gathered. 43 Michael Harvey said there was a long discussion with the developer regarding the 44 experience in Hillsborough, and she promised this situation would not be repeated. 45 Commissioner McKee said if this can be addressed, he has no problem with Brewer 46 Lane. 47 Commissioner Gordon said she just wanted to emphasize the importance of the parking 48 accessibility for users of the library. She said she understands the reasons why Carrboro is in 49 favor of Brewer Lane.