Agenda - 03-08-1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-00696 - , 8 8.1 MEMORANDUM AGENDA Ploa To: Mayor and Council From: Ronald A. Secrist, Interim Town Manager , Subject: Midway Airport - Courtesy Review Data: January 11, 1982 Request: By Orange County for a courtesy review of the proposed Midway Airport and Airpark to be located north of NC 54 approximately 8.5 miles west of Carrboro in Bingham Township on approximately 232 acres of land. The airport includes a5,000 foot long runway, plus. ancillary hangars. The airport is planned to include office and distribution uses, plus a motel including up to 30 rooms. The airport is proposed to be developed at a maximum Land Use Intensity of 42. This allows a Floor Area Ratio of .230, which is roughly comparable to office developments in Chapel Hill. The proposal is to be located in an area designated for agricultural development in the County's Land Use Plan. Since approval of this proposal would, in the staff's opinion, involve a change in the Land Use Plan, the following comments are offered for evaluating the proposal. Land Use Planr ng This proposal is, according to our understanding, located between the University Lake and Cane Creek watersheds. As it is planned, the proposal would likely encourage "spinoff" development in the inmediate vicinity creating another node of development which could encroach upon these watersheds. The creation of a new node of development, in itself, is a policy question which the County must decide. The density of development proposed is urban in character, and would likely encourage additional development at an urban intensity, which would imply the need for urban services. It is suggested that Orange County evaluate this proposal in light of whether the County is prepared to become a provider of urban services or would want another municipality to be created in this area. An alternative, of course, is to consider whether it is possible to limit the development of this potential node and if so, how to do so. The effect that the creation of a new node of develop- ment would have on the water quality of University Lake and the Cane Creek reservoir, it is suggested, is a matter of concern to Chapel Hill. The staff suggests that as a first priority, urban density development be kept out of either watershed. If development in either watershed is allowed, the staff suggests that development in those areas be sub- jected to strict water quality maintenance standards. Recommendation: That the Council adopt the attached resolution. Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board unanimously concurs with the Manager's recommendation. q- _ _