2022-283-E-AMS-The Arts Center-Installation of bike rack and e-bike and e-vehicle charging station

Browse Search

P a g e 14 o f 2 3 16. Please describe any potential negative side effects of the project and describe the steps you are taking/will take to eliminate or minimize these impacts to any low-income or marginalized communities/households : Through Community Input Sessions, TAC learned that their new neighbors have several concerns. One major concern is that the new ArtsCenter will not have adequate parking to accommodate all of TAC patrons and the result will be parked cars spilling into the neighborhood. TAC is in communications with other businesses in the area, such as OWASA and Wilkinson’s, to determine how TAC can use their parking as overflow during non-business hours. Another concern voiced was, the new space would block the most direct access to Jones Ferry Road and the bus route. However, because this building is situated adjacent to a sewer line, the through way will always be accessible. Lastly, the neighbors are concerned that this new development will lead to gentrification. The ArtsCenter’s intention is to embrace the new location and offer programming specific to the needs of the neighbors. TAC is actively undergoing a DEAI audit to ensure that the organization’s programming and messaging reflects TAC’s intentions to be a community center for all of Carrboro but especially for the neighborhood and community directly surrounding their new home. TAC has engaged the Splinter Group to ensure TAC’s marketing and all public/internal communications reflect their commitment to DEAI. The Town of Carrboro has been concerned about the environmental impact of this project. The design of the overall project offers limited site development. The building represents only 10% of the site area and over 60% of the site will be undeveloped. The development plans meet two of the town’s three stormwater requirements for controlling peak runoff and for water quality treatment but exceeds the annual runoff volume limit. However, after much deliberation and input from the town citizens on the value of having The ArtsCenter remain in Carrboro, the town council decided that the property complied with the town’s stormwater volume provisions to the maximum extent practicable and issued a conditional use permit in order for the project to proceed. Through the sitework that will be done, the storm water run-off into the adjacent neighborhoods will be reduced, a marked improvement for the community. Also, the strategic location, placing The ArtsCenter within walking distance of downtown Carrboro, with nearby bus stops and bike storage exceeding code requirements, reduces dependency on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 17. Are the impacted residents already aware of the potential positive and negative impacts of your project and the steps you are taking? If not, please describe your plan to engage with them and how you will act based on their input Yes, The ArtsCenter has been very transparent about their plans and negotiations with the town of Carrboro. TAC has actively engaged the community from hosting listening sessions to inviting them to learn more and speak on TAC’s behalf at town council meetings or through emails of support. On March 16, 2021, the Council for the Town of Carrboro approved a Conditional Use Permit for the new ArtsCenter. Prior to the vote, the town received over 100 emails of support from patrons, students, and community members from throughout the region and beyond. TAC’s consultants expressed the opinion that this email campaign made a profound impact on the council and their willingness to proceed with the CUP as it demonstrated TAC’s value to the community and the community’s desire to keep TAC in Carrboro. TAC continues to engage local influencers from religious leaders to local DocuSign Envelope ID: FC54AC26-7897-4270-8EA1-D754CD59EA76