Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
6 <br />DESIGN SOLUTION ONE (1) as outlined on page fifteen (15) of the application reading as <br />follows: <br />`The applicant requests a waiver from Section 2.2 of the EDD Design Manual' <br />The applicant is requesting the ability to allow for multi-family residential <br />condominiums/apartments within Districts II and III of the project. Currently, multi-family <br />residential land uses are not listed within the Economic Development Primary (ED-P) zoning. <br />district, which the subject property is currently zoned. <br />STAFF BACKGROUND .AND COMMENT: <br />As argued by the applicant during the various public hearings, and referenced within the submitted <br />application, successful main street style developments are vibrant mixes of commercial businesses, <br />professional offices, and residential lofts with second. or third floor residential as key component. <br />Not only do the resident units supply' abuilt-in market for the.commerGial and office businesses <br />located within a particular development, they offer informal after hours security and stability. <br />This concept is complimentary to the "Main Street" design approach that the applicant is proposing. <br />District II reflects the national Main Street approach, which advocates a return to community self- <br />reliance and local empowerment of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets, <br />namely: <br />a. Distinctive architecture, <br />b. Apedestrian-friendly environment, and <br />c. A sense of community. <br />In reviewing the appropriateness of this Design Solution, staff researched and discovered the <br />following: <br />The Pilot Version of the United States Green Building Council ([JSGBC) Leadership in Energy <br />and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development rating system confers points to <br />mixed use projects containing residential floor area representing at least twenty-five percent <br />(25%) of the total building square footage. <br />This emphasis on mixed uses with a residential component will also encourage wallLable, <br />pedestrian-oriented street environments, reduced automobile dependence, and better security <br />after business hours (or "eyes on the street"). <br />Staff believes that Buckhorn Village is an example of Smart Growth planning principles <br />because it supports or provides for: <br />a. Integration of mixed land uses into communities as a critical component of achieving <br />better places to live, <br />b. Provision of quality housing for people of all income levels, and <br />c. Walkable environments, which create desirable places to live, work, and play. <br /> <br />Because the proposed location is in a economic development node, is compatible with proven <br />"Main street" design concepts, advocates for LEED mixed use design, espouses several Smart (\ <br />