Minutes 10-17-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Michael Harvey said the developer is very sensitive to the County's needs and is balancing these needs with her permit compliance as well as her other tenants. He said there is a cooperative and open relationship with the developer, who wants to encourage the development of this library. He said more specific information will be provided moving forward. Commissioner McKee said he wants to make sure all the answers are gathered. Michael Harvey said there was a long discussion with the developer regarding the experience in Hillsborough, and she promised this situation would not be repeated. Commissioner McKee said if this can be addressed, he has no problem with Brewer Lane. Commissioner Gordon said she just wanted to emphasize the importance of the parking accessibility for users of the library. She said she understands the reasons why Carrboro is in favor of Brewer Lane. She said there were some questions about the Shetley property that needed to be answered. She said if there is no intent or interest on the Carrboro Board to swap the properties on Hillsborough Road so that the library can be sited on the town property, then maybe the evaluation money could be saved by not evaluating that site. She asked that this be considered. Alderman Haven-O'Donnell agreed with Commissioner Gordon and thanked her for this assertion. She said that the use of the parking deck with the library was part of the discussion with the developer in the spring, and knowing this was part of the plan made the board feel very comfortable. She said that the board has affirmed their position regarding Brewer Lane and if the Board is like-minded, she agrees with Commissioner Gordon that the money for information on the Shetley property does not need to be spent. Commissioner Pelissier said she supports Brewer Lane. She echoed the concerns with parking and said that four of the Board members have been through the negative experience with Hillsborough. She said that many people have asked why Orange County would build another library only 3 miles from the Chapel Hill Library. She said a library system is meant to be built with complementary services that do not duplicate each other. She asked Lucinda Munger to explain some of the unique services that could be done at this branch. Lucinda Munger said this library is designed to serve the adjoining area. She said this could include services for children and families from low income areas. She said that future focus groups and public hearings will shape the scope and types of the services provided. She said there is a digital and literary divide, and there is a need to raise grade level reading scores. She said there is also the possibility of a future partnership with the proposed art center, as well as provision of an incubator space for local entrepreneurs. Lucinda Munger said, once phase one is over, the task force can begin to think about the services that would best fit this area. She said it is not necessary to re-create the Chapel Hill or Hillsborough Library. She said she does not do cookie cutter libraries, as this is not a wise use of taxpayer dollars. She looks forward to those conversations. Alderman Lavelle said the Butler site has great support, and she would like to suggest that the other properties simply be kept in the back pocket while this property is pursued. She suggested the Board move forward with the Brewer property as it has such great support. Commissioner Gordon said the Skills Development Center does have computers and access for people looking for jobs. She suggested this be considered as coordination of facilities is discussed. Lucinda Munger said the topic of how libraries could assist with economic and work force development was discussed at a recent conference she attended. She agreed with the idea of partnering with the Skills Development Center.