Minutes 10-17-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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