Orange County NC Website
9 <br /> <br />trails, or natural trails. She said the Town’s Parks and Recreation board has been interested in <br />a skate park for some time, and after evaluating several sites, the Exchange Club site is at the <br />top of the list. She said adolescents are underserved in Orange County as a whole, not just in <br />Hillsborough. <br />Town Commissioner Bell said he is a member of the Town’s Parks and Rec board, and <br />at a recent meeting several families came to speak in favor of areas to serve adolescents. He <br />said it was very compelling. <br />Commissioner Burroughs said park needs would need to be prioritized, to determine <br />what the County can afford. <br />Commissioner Price said budgets are under stress, but when she sees young people <br />just hanging out in parking lots, she is supportive of having a space for them. <br />Town Commissioner Ferguson echoed this, and said the Town looks at the livability for <br />all of its residents, and teenagers that are bored do not always have a good outcome. She <br />said this facility would have the opportunity to open doors, and helps residents in the long <br />term. <br /> <br />2. Collins Ridge Update (Orange County Schools Transportation Concerns) <br /> <br />Margaret Hauth reviewed the following information: <br />Background: <br />The Town continues to encourage the developer of Collins Ridge to address the concerns <br />raised by Orange County Schools’ transportation staff about bus stops, turning radii, and <br />access to the neighborhood. Clearing of the property has not yet begun. The Town estimates it <br />may be about 18 months before there are residents in the neighborhood. The development will <br />phase over time to comply with erosion control recommendations about limiting the amount of <br />grading. The development has also committed to bus stops for public transit. The Town is <br />available and anxious to discuss these locations with Orange County Transportation staff at <br />the appropriate time. <br /> <br />Margaret Hauth said the developer has committed to public transit access through the <br />neighborhood, and if the Town wants the circulator to run through here, the developer will <br />provide bus stops. <br />Commissioner Rich asked if it will be 18 months before anything starts, or just until <br />building starts. <br />Margaret Hauth said there is a lot of dirt to move, and it will be 18 months before <br />vertical construction begins. <br />Commissioner Rich asked if the effect on Churton Street is known. <br />Margaret Hauth said the goal is to try to balance the site with the dirt, thus keeping it on <br />site, and the developer hopes to have a second point of access. <br />Commissioner Rich asked what happened to the baseball site that was there. <br />Margaret Hauth said that is on the site that the Town owns, where the train station will <br />go, and play will continue until the Town is ready to move forward with the train station. <br />Chair Dorosin clarified that in 18 months construction will begin on the buildings. <br />Margaret Hauth said that is a ballpark timeframe. <br />Chair Dorosin asked if it is known when people will start moving in. <br />Margaret Hauth said the process takes about 6 months. <br />Chair Dorosin said about 2 years in total. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked Bonnie Hammersley if building inspectors are being <br />added in anticipation of this development.