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13 <br /> as a parking deck— noting that the Carrboro Board has different views on that particular topic. <br /> He reflected on the County's help with the sewer line on Main Street, which was an important <br /> investment for infrastructure. <br /> The 203 Project and Parking <br /> Ms. Lavelle provided context for how the 203 Project has involved discussion around <br /> parking. While there are differences of opinions about parking, she emphasized everyone is <br /> committed to no net loss of spaces, although everyone would like to see less need for parking <br /> over time. Parking needs are so intertwined with discussions around the 203 Project that <br /> planning has been stymied for a year, especially after the Arts Center pulled out. She noted in <br /> order to move forward, the Carrboro Board must decide if it is going to take affirmative action <br /> or not. If plans do involve a parking structure, she suggested the County would need to be <br /> involved. She was hopeful something more definitive would be known in the next two weeks. <br /> Mr. Andrews further elaborated, noting Carrboro is having conversations about parking <br /> deck placement along with what they're willing to pay. He offered thanks to Ms. Hammersley <br /> and the County for their patience, explaining redevelopment in an old area with 6.4 square <br /> miles is a challenge, but progress is being made. <br /> Ms. Rich asked when Carrboro anticipates starting to charge for parking. Mr. Seils <br /> responded if there is going to be a parking structure, it will be paid parking—in part because if <br /> payment is isn't required, parking will push around into the unpaid spaces around it and also <br /> because the deck has to be paid for. For context it was added that the Town only controls about <br /> 16% of parking. <br /> Mr. Andrews explained if there isn't a decision from Carr Mill in 30 days, they will go <br /> back to designing the library site with enough parking to park the site. Elaborating, he informed <br /> the group that when the Town found out the Arts Center wasn't in, architects were asked to <br /> build 750 parking spaces along the 203 side which would satisfy the library and the Town's <br /> needs. At that point, he said, representatives from Carr Mill suggested taking a look at an <br /> opportunity for a deck behind Robeson. <br /> Ms. Stone shared Carrboro Business Alliance's stance to have no net loss in parking. She <br /> added other stakeholders want an increase the number of spots. The Town will need to figure <br /> out the overall parking needs long term. <br /> Mr. Seils reflected on the significance of Downtown Carrboro as an economic <br /> development district for the County. It's really important that we continue to work together to <br /> make sure it continues to thrive, he said, whether that's by infrastructure, programming, <br /> business loans. Ms. Lavelle added landmark institutions such as the Arts Center and Cats Cradle <br /> want to stay in Carrboro just as new restaurants and businesses are coming in. She said there is <br /> concern about losing the 100 spaces in the lot and where replacement spaces will come from <br /> and the Board will have to work through differences of opinions on the matter. <br /> Carrboro Work Group, September 2019, Page 4 <br />