Minutes 04-06-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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39 Commissioner Fowler asked if there could be clarification about connecting natural areas. Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said the County's property will be reshaped to create connections to 24 acres of preserved property. He said the County's share of that preserved area is 60 acres. Commissioner Fowler asked if further clarification could be provided. Craig Benedict said there will be a total of 82-84 acres of preservation. He said there are 164 acres total, with 104 that are jointly owned and 60 acres of County owned. He said the County's 60 acres may be reshaped to take the best environmental lands. He said some of the original 60 acres may be developed, while other better parts of environmental lands will be added to create a newly shaped 60 acres. Commissioner Dorosin asked if clarification could be provided on the time frame for future developments. John Roberts said there will likely be an 18-month process in reviews, depending on public engagement. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that it will require unanimity between all of the jurisdictions, including mediation. John Roberts said yes, there will need to be unanimous agreement between all of the jurisdictions. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the parties cannot come to agreement, could the County request that its share be bought out by the other parties. John Roberts said that is an option, as well as a judicial partition of the tract. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the property is in the Chapel Hill extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Craig Benedict said yes. Commissioner Dorosin said ultimately Chapel Hill controls the review process for any developments. John Roberts said yes. He said there is the possibility that it could be withdrawn from the ETJ, but that would be an extreme situation, and take about 2 years. Commissioner Dorosin said he is concerned that development of the Greene Tract will continue to be delayed, and that the County has a more expansive vision of affordable housing than other jurisdictions. Chair Price said the pandemic interrupted public engagement with the community on the property. Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciates the work the group has done, but he would prefer a tighter timeline than 18 months. Chair Price said the timeline could be tightened. Commissioner Hamilton asked if clarification could be provided of what a judicial partition means. John Roberts said it would require going to the court system to divide the property. Commissioner Hamilton said she supports the agreement and it does show progress. She said the current board has intent and vision for the property, but the property being vacant is supporting environmental goals. She said there are some benefits to leaving it undeveloped. She encouraged the Board to focus on the present, and move forward to the benefit of the community, the environment and economic development. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to approve the interlocal agreement with the change as approved by the Town of Carrboro and authorized the Chair to sign.