Agenda - 12-05-2016 - 6-a - Minutes

Browse Search

4 1 to know the land use plan before he endorsed this project, and he would like Orange County 2 Economic Development Director Steve Brantley to do a cost benefit analysis. He suggested 3 that well and septic be considered before spending $1 million. 4 Alderman Chaney said Commissioner Jacobs' concerns are reasonable and should be 5 discussed. She said when an RFP is developed, the amount of water needed can be 6 determined. She said this is an opportunity for the Town and the County to collaborate. She 7 said collective local food strategies could be considered for a collaborative effort, such as 8 additional cold storage or food hub, commercial kitchens, etc. She said there are also 9 cooperative opportunities such as the woodworkers or metal workers of Orange County. 10 Commissioner Jacobs seconded Alderman Chaney's comments. He said the next 11 agenda item is a collaborative effort for three governmental entities. He suggested another 12 possibility for this area could be modalities. 13 Commissioner Jacobs said there is a huge demand for flex space in Orange County, 14 and he applauded the Town for bringing this forth. He asked if a bit more work could be done 15 together before this goes to an RFP. He would like to see how this fits into long range planning 16 and consider the alternatives for waste water and water, as well as costs, etc. 17 Commissioner Rich said she would like to visit this property site and would also like a 18 map of the zoning in this area. 19 Alderman Gist said she understands wanting to consider well and septic, but she is 20 skeptical about looking at a long-range plan, since it would delay the process. She said a small 21 area plan already exists. She said the Town wants to make sure this project does not 22 negatively impact this area. 23 Commissioner Jacobs said he was not proposing a new plan, but wanted to see the plan 24 that currently exists. He said the aspect of water and sewer has a huge impact on other 25 parcels, and if it was not needed, then this area would not blow up as much with development. 26 Alderman Seils asked if staff could provide the Board of County Commissioners with the 27 Northern Study Area Small Area Plan and the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan, pointing out 28 the sections of that plan that would speak to this kind of development, as well as the 29 surrounding land uses. 30 Mayor Lavelle said in lieu of an organized field trip, if anyone wanted to see the land, 31 just call her up and she will show them around. 32 Commissioner Burroughs asked if anyone could explain the small area plan tonight. 33 Commissioner Dorosin said he is reluctant to put everything to a cost benefit analysis. 34 He does want to look at the overall costs, but many benefits are not quantifiable. 35 Alderman Slade said he agreed with Commissioner Dorosin. He said, beyond the plan 36 for that area, the Town also has a plan to support locally owned businesses, which can be more 37 economically beneficial simply because they are local. 38 Chair McKee asked if rent control can be defined as relates to affordability. 39 Alderman Gist said the Town is not talking about what Chair McKee may fear. He said 40 the Town owns the land, which allows costs to be kept down. She said the Town wants the 41 savings passed on to the businesses, much like the Community Home Trust model. 42 Alderman Chaney said this rent control concept does need to be defined. 43 Chair McKee said when rent control is mentioned the New York City example 44 immediately comes to mind. He said he hopes there will be opportunities in the future to 45 incentivize businesses, and definitions will be important. 46 Trish McGuire pulled up a map of the northern part of Carrboro's jurisdiction. She said 47 there is a small area planning document that applies to this area. She described the 48 surrounding area and land use plan. 49 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the relationship between Transition areas 1 and 2 could 50 be explained.