NNS - BOCC - Memorandum to UNC-CH Planning Panel from Rosemary Waldorf dated 3-16-95 - 4-3-95 - XI

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MEETING SUMMARY UNC-Chapel Hill Planning Panel February 23, 1995 All members were present except Larry Reid. Citizen Comments: Bernadette Pelissier presented a proposal to hold a Community Forum on April 29, 1995, and asked that the Planning Panel appoint a liaison to work with the citizens' groups planning the conference. Flicka Bateman agreed to be the liaison if the Panel felt it was appropriate. Rosemary Waldorf stated the Panel members want to participate in the day and would appreciate having a liaison. After discussion, Rachel Willis moved that Flicka Bateman be the Panel's representative to that group, and this was seconded by John Bell. The group voted in favor of the motion, with Alice Ingram voting against. Hospital Planning: Mary Beck of UNC Hospitals presented the future building plans of the hospital. She noted that the Hospital is focusing on improvements to the existing site on Manning Drive. The Hospital has no plans for Horace Williams now. She noted an outpatient clinic could be a possibility in the future. On Mason Farm, the hospital has an administration building which may be expanded. Otherwise, there are no additional plans for this area. In response to questions, she noted that the Hospital currently has a shuttle system between the administration building and the Hospital. The number of admissions per year is about 24,000, and this is expected to grow slightly per year. The number of outpatient visits is over 500,000 per year; here, the Hospital expects a 2.5% growth rate per year. She noted that the Hospital is currently finishing its 1986 Master Plan, and that she expects the Hospital to do another master plan in the next few years. Reports from Committees: The Panel heard the report of the Land Use/Edges Subcommittees. Alan Rimer presented a summary of the Horace Williams site, and noted several neighborhoods will be impacted by any proposals. The Carrboro portion of the tract may be suitable for less intensive uses, such as residential, due to environmental constraints. The airport serves as a major constraint, and it may be desirable to put forth two concepts with and without the airport. The central portion of the site east of Seawell School Road is most suitable for development. Parking should be kept to the edges, with traffic off the campus. The group suggests transit hubs at the center of the site and in the northwest comer, with a focus as a commercial hub. One issue is how to deal with the railroad line ending in downtown Carrboro. Also, is a cross-connection between Airport Road and Seawell School Road desirable? Without the airport, the amount of flat land for development is increased greatly. The existing landfill on the Horace Williams site could become a park. Scott Radway noted the tie-in to the proposed Northwest Area Plan, which proposes a transit stop at a village center on the Greene tract, and emphasized the importance of Carrboro's cooperation. Mike Nelson, Carrboro's liaision, said the Carrboro committee supports transit, but needs to think through how it affects downtown Carrboro. Bob Woodruff emphasized the idea of grouping larger facilities that are enclosed together, with support services included within. Rachel Willis suggested not putting parking at the transit terminals. Scott Radway suggested clarifying what the edges will look like to the community. Alan Rimer agreed the next steps were to put the concepts on a map, and to codify the constraints. Alan Rimer noted the Mason Farm property has very little land to develop, mainly the Parker property and a small area off N.C. 54. If UNC decides to change the golf course, then the group may need to reassess the situation. John Bell noted the Mason Farm property may be served by the Triangle Transit Authority, and is therefore more valuable. Next Steps: The Panel agreed to hold a meeting on Saturday, March 11, 1995 from 8:30 am to noon to finish the Committee reports, and to define Goals and Principles. The Panel will then review a draft of the Goals and Principles at its March 23rd meeting. The Panel will also meet with the Carrboro Advisory Committee on March 30th from 5:00 to 6:30, at the Town Hall in Carrboro.