Agenda - 01-24-2017 - 6-a - Minutes

Browse Search

9 1 • 145 rooms 2 • Approval existing CUP modification 3 • Anticipated construction early 2017 4 • Tenant: n/a 5 6 PTA Thrift Shop Expansion 103 Jones Ferry Road 7 • 5300 sq. ft. 8 • office/retail space 9 • Under construction Expected completion December 31, 2016 10 • Tenant: Youth Worx—A nonprofit collaborative venture focused on youth 11 Town Commons 12 • Renovation of existing Town Commons 13 • Plans approved by Board of Aldermen 14 • Project is out for construction bids 15 16 Parking Study 17 • A study of parking in Downtown Carrboro 18 • Consultant has been collecting data from the community including surveys, parking 19 counts, focus group discussions 20 • Final report due to the Board of Aldermen in November 2016. 21 22 Active Projects Map Online: http://cis.ci.carrboro.nc.us/iCarrboro/cCurDev.html 23 24 Commissioner Ferguson referred to the SWOT Analysis, and asked Steve Brantley if he 25 is looking at areas outside of the Economic Development Districts (EDDs). 26 Steve Brantley said, as of now, the study is limited to the three EDDs in Orange County. 27 Town Council Member Cianciolo referred to the Visitor's Bureau (VB), and said it is 28 important to include, in the marketing campaign, that Orange County is not only a great place to 29 visit, but also a great place to do business. He said the VB and the Town Council are working 30 on this. 31 Mayor Hemminger commended the partnerships among the governing entities, and 32 encouraged them all to look for more opportunities for economic development. 33 Council Member Palmer said a significant art space could be included in the old Town 34 Hall building, and stressed the importance to work together to make this space usable. She 35 said Orange County is a great place for cycling tourism, and suggested marketing this more 36 heavily. 37 Alderman Slade said when the quarter cent tax was approved there was a 10-year plan, 38 which is currently at the halfway point. He would like to see an update on the intentions for 39 these funds against how these funds have actually been spent. He said it may be time to 40 consider what to do with the next 10 years. He said 60% of Article 46 sales tax are allocated to 41 infrastructure around EDDs, and after 10 years these funds may be available for other things. 42 He said one allocation is for small businesses, with 0-16% designated annually, and the 43 language of being self-sufficient. He said he wanted to understand what self-sufficient meant. 44 He said there are two models of economic development: to support local businesses and 45 recruitment of outside businesses. He is interested to see an analysis of these two models in 46 the coming future. 47 Chair McKee said some local grant funds have gone to community businesses, and he 48 asked if Steve Brantley could provide the full information on this.