Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Over the last three months, staff has looked at several potential parking options, including the <br /> original master plan, variations on new parking areas, and short-term solutions previously <br /> identified using the existing Town police substation parking lot and roadsides. This includes <br /> sketches and designs with pricing prepared by the engineer who prepared the construction <br /> drawings for Fairview Park, and the County's Landscape Architect. Several different <br /> possibilities were examined, and discussed in meetings with Town and County staff and the <br /> Sheriff. <br /> After considerable review and discussion, the Manager and staff recommend that the County <br /> proceed with the original master plan parking lot option, extending Public Works Drive into the <br /> park and building a lot adjacent to the tennis courts. While this option is more expensive than <br /> other options, it has the substantial benefit of being located within the park adjoining existing <br /> facilities, and minimizing some of the safety issues that other more-remote parking options <br /> might create. It also brings the additional traffic coming from outside the community to the park <br /> without increasing traffic on streets in the Fairview neighborhood. In talking with local groups <br /> and the Town police, the predominant need for additional parking is for park patrons coming <br /> from outside of the community. <br /> If the Board agrees with this parking solution, the Manager and staff will incorporate the <br /> needed funding for this parking lot in the upcoming CIP for FY 2016-17. Implementation of this <br /> (or any of the) parking options will require additional survey work before construction drawings <br /> can be prepared and submitted to the Town of Hillsborough for a Conditional Use Permit <br /> modification. This permit and the work associated with the permit or construction will take <br /> several months, which coincides with timing of additional funds that would be needed for the <br /> new fiscal year in July 2016. Proceeding with this plan would enable the construction of the <br /> parking lot to be in position to move straight to construction in the summer of 2016. Between <br /> now and July, the Town also plans to pave the police substation parking lot, creating new <br /> parking spaces. Parking <br /> along the east side of Rainey Avenue adjoining the park may also be used as overflow parking <br /> until the new lot is built. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: As part of the FY 2015-16 budget approval, the Board appropriated <br /> $100,000 for this project, pending a plan for the parking solution that is presented herein. If <br /> this parking lot solution is desired, an additional $250,000 would be requested in the upcoming <br /> FY 2017-22 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and FY 2016-17 budget to complete the project, <br /> with all needed work and permits to be pursued and completed prior to July 1 to enable a quick <br /> move to construction once funds are available. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked if there are any concerns anticipated from Hillsborough. <br /> David Stancil said there has been a meeting with the Town Planning Director, and he <br /> does not anticipate any concerns. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said as this project is approved in the CIP up to $100,000 for this <br /> year, staff will proceed, and this evening was just a report. <br /> 9. County Manager's Report <br /> Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the work session below: <br /> Projected September 10, 2015 Regular Work Session Items <br /> • Additional Discussion Regarding November 2016 Bond Referendum <br />