Orange County NC Website
2 <br />Center campus. Jan Wassel wanted to know why space near the new Town of Chapel <br />Hill Public Works location on Eubanks Road could not be designated for the shelter. Mr. <br />Moran explained that the Planning Department designation of that area as a ‘green tract’ <br />made it virtually impossible to develop. Jack Chestnut suggested pursuing housing bond <br />funds for the purchase of private property. Mr. Moran noted that $400,000 has already <br />been designated for this project but additional funds cannot be raised until a site has been <br />selected. Mr. Passmore suggested requesting land from UNC-CH. Ms. Wassel noted the <br />University’s responsibility to the Chapel Hill community. Mr. Schroeder added that, in <br />the beginning of the search for a new location for the Chapel Hill Senior Center, it was <br />hoped that the University would donate land on the Chapel Hill North campus. Mr. <br />Moran stated that he would report today’s discussion to his board of directors at its next <br />meeting. <br /> <br />Jerry Passmore assured Chris Moran that the Aging Board’s position against the IFC <br />proposal was not taken without careful study. And, while sympathetic to the cause, the <br />make-up of the homeless population makes the effort to co-locate this group with the <br />seniors seems unwise. Mary Ann Peter added that the seniors’ fear of the danger of <br />exposure to homeless individuals, whether real or perceived, would be detrimental to the <br />success of the Seymour Center. Discussion followed on security issues. <br /> <br />In summary Chairman Jack Chestnut stated that the Aging Board would like to join IFC <br />in approaching University President Erskine Bowles about the possibility of securing <br />land for the placement of a residential training facility for homeless men. Mr. Chestnut <br />also urged Chris Moran to investigate the possibility of acquiring housing bond funds for <br />land purchase. Fred Schroeder suggested that representatives of the Board of County <br />Commissioners meet with the mayors of the two southern Orange County towns to talk <br />about possible solutions. Mr. Moran stated that he viewed the Duke Power property at <br />the corner of Homestead and M L King as a viable alternative location. Alice Gordon <br />added that the BOCC would not be making any decisions on property allocation until the <br />revised space study report is received from the County Manager. <br /> <br />After adding Peggy Cohn to the list of excused absences, the minutes of the February 15 <br />meeting were approved as mailed. Jerry Passmore reviewed the timeline and upcoming <br />events associated with the move from the senior center on Elliott Road to the new <br />Seymour Center. A list of furniture needed for the new facility has been submitted to the <br />County Manager’s office, totaling approximately $90,000. Mr. Passmore announced that <br />all of the equipment for the fitness studio has been donated by UNC Hospitals. Artwork <br />that has been donated to the Hospital has also been made available. Jan Wassel <br />suggested contacting the Dell Corporation and Google, who is building a new datacenter <br />in North Carolina. Mr. Passmore announced that the grand opening will be held on May <br />30. Alice Gordon requested a tour of the new facility prior to that time. <br /> <br /> <br />Florence Soltys reported that the MAP leadership team will meet in March and April to <br />finalize the Master Aging Plan Update prior to its May 3 presentation to the Board of