Agenda - 12-08-1977 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DECEMBER 8, 1977 On Thursday, December 8, 1977, at approximately 8:45 p.m. , members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners met with residents of the Northside School area to discuss the total development of the Northside School pro- perty, and more particularly to discuss the proposed construction of an administration building for the Chapel Hill Housing Authority on the site. Members of the Board present were Chairman Richard Whitted, and Commis- sioner Norman Gustaveson. Members absent were Commissioners Jan Pinney, Norman Walker and Donald Willhoit. These members were absent due to previous commitments. a Others present were Edwin Caldwell, a member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board, .Alvin Stevenson, Director of the Chapel Hill Housing Authority, John McAdams, architect with Rose, Pridgen and Freemon, Joe Nassif, architect presently employed by the County to do design work on the Grady Brown build- ings, S. M. Gattis, County Manager, Neal Evans, Finance Director, Agatha Johnson, Clerk to the Board and people from the Northside School area inte- rested in the Northside project. Chairman Whitted opened the meeting by providing history of the nine acre tract of land. He stated the County acquired the property from the Chapel Hill-Ca:rrboro Board of Education. The Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health Center has received a grant from the State, which requires a 25 per- cent match from the County, and this money is being used now for the con- struction of a Mental Health Center on a portion of the property. He stated that last summer, the Chapel Hill Housing Authority also received a grant from HUD to construct an administration building and one site on the property has been identified for this construction. With the building of the Mental Health Center, a Special Use Permit was required by the Chapel Hill Planning Department. Should the Housing Authority locate on the proposed site, a modification of the Special Use Permis it necessary. Prior to the Housing Authority approaching the Chapel Hill Board of Aldermen and requesting this modification, the County Commissioners felt the project should be presented to the area people for their input. This is the reason for the meeting to- night. Chairman Whitted asked Al Stevenson, Director of the Housing Authority to speak of his housing programs. Mr. Stevenson stated his organization was involved in several programs in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the County. The programs are continuing to steadily grow and there is a need to centralize all staff activities. Presently there is a staff of approximately 18 people. It is proposed that the Chapel Hill Human Services Department also go into the building. Mr. Stevenson asked John McAdams, Architect, to comment on the proposed building. Mr. McAdams presented to those present drawings of the proposed site and a drawing of the proposed building. He stated the drawings showed plans to construct a driveway off of Caldwell Street Extension and aligh the drive- way with where Caldwell Street will actually be someday (1980) . Mr. McAdams added the tree's would remain on the site, and the building will be resid- ential in character and from the back will be two stories. The structure will contain 2,000 square feet on each floor. The parking lot and the driveway will be paved. The Chairman then asked if those present had any questions regarding the administrative building for the Chapel Hill Housing Authority. Points which were brought out in the discussion are: 1. Residents of the Northside area should get an understanding from the Town of Chapel Hill that when Caldwell Street is reconstructed the street should be widened. 2. Attractive walkways leading to and from the Northside complex should be constructed to enhance the area.