Agenda - 03-20-2001-6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 value to the Courts, the Town, and to Orange County. In our discussions, we observed that development of a long-term use_ plan might make it possible to agree on renovations and improvements that would benefit all the parties, especially if there is agreement on a funding plan. We also noted the possibility that along-term plan for court use of the site might include the possibility of development at the reaz of the building. As we understand it, contemporary court Facilities do not rely so much on large courtrooms, such as the one at the Old Post Off ce, but more on a lazger number of smaller facilities. We believe it might be possible to develop such Facilities and- related offices at the reaz of the site. In addition, we note the possibility that the portion of the parking deck plaza that is designed to accommodate a small building might also be suitable for court use. Advantages and disadvantages of such development would have to be weighed by the Council, of course. - - We recommend that the Council adopt the attached Resolution requesting that the Orange County Boazd of Commissioners and appropriate Court officials, in consultation with the Council, develop along-term use plan for court facilities at the Old Post Office site. We further recommend that the Committee be authorized to present the Resolution to the County Commissioners and to the Chief District Court Judge as a petition of the Council. District Attornev: The District Attorney no longer uses offices formerly reserved for him and his staff on the lower floor of the building, and expects no need for offices at the site in the foreseeable future. However, the needs of the District Attorney might change if the use of the building by the Court changes. We recommend that the Manager determine an appropriate use for the space formerly occupied by the District Attorney, with the understanding that long-term use of the space might revert to the Court or the District Attorney in the future. . Teen Center: The Franklin Street Teen Center lease will expire on December 31, 2000; but the Council has authorized the Manager to make annual renewals, so long as renewal would be consistent with the Town's needs and interests. (Please see the attached lease.) The -Manager - expects to renew the lease for another year in January. The Teen Center pays no rent, but provides its own custodial services. e Like all social services programs, the benefits of the Teen Center are difficult to quantify. The Teen Center provides an environment free from drugs and alcohol where Chapel Hill teenagers can engage in more wholesome pastimes than might otherwise be available to this age group. Consistent with the Council's past practice, we recommend that the Council continue to provide space to the Franklin Street Teen Center unless the Council determines in the future that a more compelling community need requires the use of the space. Welcome Center and Downtown Commission Office: The Downtown Commission has been seeking a good location for a Welcome Center and office since it was forced to move from its