Agenda - 01-14-1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

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uses . The only exception is the proposed activity node at the intersection of N .C . Highway 96 . and Interstate 40 . The locationsl standards used in determining the most suitable sites were also simi tar with respect to proximity to major thoroughfares , level slopes , stable soils and areas clear of vegetation . Retail uses were not designated immediately adjacent to Interstate interchanges , however , since Locational criteria suggest areas somewhat removed from interchanges to reduce peak hour traffic congestion . Approximately 115 acres of land have been designated Retail in the Land Use Plan . The amount is equivalent to 3 .1 acres per 1 , 000 population . Though less than the current ratio of 5 .1 per 1 , 000 existing both in Chapel Hill and the Joint Planning Area as a who Le , it does appear to represent sufficient Land to serve the anticipated population by the year 2000 . As a general rule of thumb , one can figure roughly 10 , 000 square feet of building area for each 40, 000 square feet (about one acre) of site area . If applied to the amount of Land designated on the Plan , an additional 1 ,150, 000 square feet of retail space would be avai lab le to serve future populations . There are other justifications for lower retail ratios in the future . First , providing sufficient retail space to meet the needs of future residents is desirable but not at the expanse of di Luting the economic strength of downtown commercial centers . Both Chapel Hill and Carrboro are promoting the development of such centers , and expansive retail centers in outlying areas • would threaten investments in downtown areas . A second reason for Lower retail ratios is proximity of the Joint Planning Area to surrounding cities and counties . To the east , the City of Durham has recently completed an update of its comprehensive plan . The plan recommends two retail centers at the Durham County/Orange County line . One is located at the Interstate 40/U .S . Highway 15-501 interchange and the other near the intersection of Erwin Road end Mt . Sinai Road . The two centers will have trade areas which extend into and serve portions of the Joint Planning Area , thus reducing the need for more retail space . Industrial Land The use of the words "industrial" and "manufacturing" often evokes images of smoke stacks , traffic congestion , odor problems and similar situations . This is not , however , the context within which lands have been designated for Light Industrial purposes on the Land Use Plan . Such areas are viewed as suitable locations for research and related operations , production facilities for electronic and communications equipment , distribution centers , and business , professional and corporate offices . Such areas are oriented toward research , development and high technology operations that are characterized by a high degree of scientific and technical input , and the employment of professional , technical and kindred workers . 71