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support from the Carrboro Board of Aldermen indicating their preference for the Brewer Lane <br /> property. <br /> He said information is being collected for the zoning and permitting processes on all <br /> three properties in preparation for initiation of due diligence research. <br /> Chair Jacobs said the Board heard when people expressed dislike for the process when <br /> another property was considered for a library. He said the process has been rebooted to make <br /> it more open and to incorporate Carrboro. He said part of this process is to consider multiple <br /> sites in a public setting and to do things in a way that will make everyone proud. <br /> Alderman Gist said the Aldermen were in a meeting the other day about the library site <br /> and she wanted to express the reasons for support of the Brewer Lane site. She noted that <br /> the site is located in a low income area, and children would be able to walk to the library. She <br /> said this is also a convenient location to allow University Students to come and use meeting <br /> rooms to work with those children in closing the digital divide. She said the other argument for <br /> Brewer Lane is the benefit to economic development. <br /> She noted that there was an issue regarding signage. She said there are amenities <br /> allowed for new buildings and there could be a public art sign allowed on the side of the <br /> building. <br /> Alderman Haven-O'Donnell noted the proximity to the new Northside School and the <br /> benefit in being able to undergird the Cybrary programs for children in lower income <br /> neighborhoods in and around Brewer Lane. <br /> She noted the accessibility to the parking deck and the proximity to downtown <br /> Carrboro's network of transit options. She feels this allows Brewer Lane to meet more needs <br /> for more people. <br /> Alderman Slade said Carrboro's fiber optic backbone could be connected to the library, <br /> providing an added benefit. He said his concern with the Shetley property is the community <br /> garden, which would have to be moved. <br /> Commissioner Rich said the Board did discuss the economic advantage to the Brewer <br /> Lane site. She said that this is a perfect spot for fitting in with downtown Carrboro. She said <br /> this is a booming area, and the rezoning was well done. She said she is in favor of Brewer <br /> Lane, and the other options did not feel right. <br /> Commissioner Price said she had an opportunity to see the site, and if Carrboro is <br /> happy, she is happy. She said the developers are ready and this would help move the project <br /> along. <br /> She said her only concern is the traffic and pedestrian safety. <br /> Alderman Lavelle said that there is an area that allows people to go in from the back. <br /> She said the current parking deck and the intersection with Merritt and Brewer are in the plan <br /> to be reconfigured. She said this is being done to improve walking, biking and driving in that <br /> area. <br /> Alderman Seils said there are some improvements in progress. He agreed with <br /> Commissioner Price that the interface with Rosemary does need to be discussed. <br /> Alderman Slade said this would be one of the few libraries that will have a frontage to a <br /> bike lane. He noted that Merritt Mill comes from 54 and goes directly to that parking deck. <br /> Commissioner McKee said his initial reluctance was related to the parking deck. He <br /> noted the recent difficulties with the main library in Hillsborough and the use of a privately <br /> owned deck. He said the points brought up tonight are valid, and he is more inclined to <br /> support Brewer Lane if an agreement can be made with the private developer to guarantee <br /> access to the parking spaces. <br /> He asked if this has been discussed with the developer. He agreed that the pedestrian <br /> and bus routes are important, but many patrons will come from other areas of the County by <br /> car. He said it is critical that this be accommodated. <br />