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Jeff Thompson said similar themes emerged in all feedback provided to the Managers <br /> by the Town and the County. He said those themes are: <br /> 1) acknowledgment of the site's potential for a southern branch library <br /> 2) opportunities and challenges of an urban library site with downtown Carrboro <br /> 3) vehicular parking, management and capacity <br /> 4) potential for mixed uses on the property <br /> 5) options for site control for Orange County and Carrboro for collaboration <br /> Trish McQuire referred to the point about site control, saying there is interest in looking <br /> at options for funding from outside sources. <br /> Mayor Lavelle said she was aware of a grant that NCCU School of Law was seeking. <br /> She said it is a grant to create virtual judicial offices in public libraries across North Carolina, <br /> and said this proposed library was one of the sites. <br /> Alderman Gist said it is not possible to dig under this site, because there is granite <br /> underneath. She said the minute that Carrboro bought this land as a parking lot, it has been <br /> filled. She said the effect of taking this away from their small local businesses must be <br /> considered. She said co-location must be taken off the table. She said the citizens of <br /> Carrboro do not support co-location at all. <br /> Alderman Slade said he hoped an opportunity to support a site for co-location could be <br /> found. He offered the suggestion of the co-location of the Cat's Cradle as opposed to the Arts <br /> Center. He said the Cat's Cradle has been looking for another space in Town. He <br /> encouraged the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to think collaboratively with Carrboro <br /> about this possibility. <br /> Alderman Haven O'Donnell agreed with Alderman Slade, and said their Board would <br /> entertain a discussion about co-location with the Cat's Cradle, which is a beloved and <br /> successful local business. She said the Cat's Cradle is only seeking 10,000 square feet. She <br /> said if the library project moves forward at this location, there will need to be a parking plan for <br /> the downtown businesses. She said creative parking plans for this site were floated several <br /> years ago, and she thinks the conversation is worth having and pursuing. <br /> Mayor Lavelle said the Arts Center and Kidzu presented an elaborate co-location plan, <br /> and her takeaway was that the public was not ready to support the project in the way it was <br /> presented. She said the organizations were told to go back to the drawing board. She said <br /> she does not want to forget these groups, but the Board of Aldermen was clear that the library <br /> process was not to be slowed down. She agreed parking is a huge concern. <br /> Jackie Gist said the people who spoke in favor of an Arts Center co-location were part <br /> of that Center. <br /> Chair McKee said the idea of a southern branch of the library has been years in the <br /> making, and nothing is simple about this process. He added that Orange County is committed <br /> to finding a site that is workable for all. He said almost all of the sites considered thus far have <br /> had issues. He encouraged both staffs to continue to work together. <br /> 2. Rogers Road Updates <br /> a) Rogers Road Sewer Line — County and Town Perspectives <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said Travis Myren has been participating on the project team, and <br /> he would give an update on the schedule. <br /> Travis Myren said the sewer extension is underway, and earlier this summer the County <br /> executed two contracts to move this forward. He said the first contract was with Orange Water <br /> and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and drawings for the design work are expected in a few weeks. <br /> He said the easement acquisition process would also begin, kicking off with a community <br />