Orange County NC Website
6 <br /> <br />Tru Hotel/Quality Inn Redevelopment <br />CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS <br />Location: 1740 Fordham Blvd. (site of Hong Kong Buffet and Quality Inn) <br />Description: A proposal to build a 97-room Tru (Hilton) Hotel at the Hong Kong Buffet site in a <br />multi-phase development. Additional phases are anticipated to include a 100-room hotel and a <br />260-unit multi-family development. The property is zoned WX-5 and WX-7. The property is <br />adjacent to the Hillstone development. <br />Status: The application was presented to the Community Design Commission in February <br />2018. A Form District Permit application has not yet been submitted. <br /> <br /> <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the impact on the light rail station sites could be <br />provided. He asked if projected population growth and/or potential light rail riders are being <br />tracked. <br />Ben Hitchings said there is no tracking mechanism in place currently, but he and Craig <br />Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, are working on this. He said they have been <br />actively talking with UNC Healthcare about how to connect Eastowne across 15-501 to the <br />planned Gateway station. <br />Commissioner Price asked if the income levels for most of these housing units are <br />known. <br />Ben Hitchings said the two Blue Hill projects are multi-family projects that are rentals, <br />but the lease rates are unknown. He said most projects are middle to upper middle class <br />projects. <br />Council Member Oates referred to the Tru Hotel project, and asked if there is a second <br />phase to this project with more apartments and offices. <br />Ben Hitchings said yes, the Tru Hotel is phase one. He said there is another 100-room <br />hotel, as well as a 260-unit multi family project that will be contemplated in future phases, but <br />there are no concrete details as yet. <br />Council Member Oates asked if the two phases would have separate developers. <br />Ben Hitchings said he is not sure at this time, and will get more information to the <br />boards. <br />Council Member Oates asked if stormwater mitigation would also be done in phases. <br />Ben Hitchings said yes. <br />Commissioner Rich referred to Glen Lennox, and said she was on the Town Council in <br />2009 when this was approved, and is glad to see this moving forward. She referred to the <br />light rail, and building density around the stations. She said the Town seems to be working on <br />this, and she would like to see some affordable housing around the stations as well. <br />Ben Hitchings said Planning staff is working closely the Housing and Community staff <br />to pursue affordability opportunities, especially around the light rail stations. <br />Commissioner Rich asked if he would please keep the BOCC informed. <br />Commissioner Price asked if Chapel Hill has any requirements for affordable units <br />within new housing developments. <br />Mayor Hemminger said the State law prohibits the Town from doing this with rentals, <br />but there is inclusionary zoning of 15% for owner occupied. She said the Town always tries to <br />negotiate with developers to secure affordable rentals, but cannot require them. <br />Council Member Bell said there is an affordable housing component with the Carraway <br />Village and Glen Lennox projects. She said most developers are providing payment-in-lieu at <br />this time, and the Town is working hard to increase the number of affordable units. <br />Mayor Hemminger said the Town failed to mention the DHIC project.