Minutes 03-07-2024 - Business Meeting

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15 greenways between development, among other components that would make a community complete. Commissioner Hamilton asked how affordable housing is defined, as far Chapel Hill's goal for affordable housing on their Town-owned parcel within the proposed boundary. Judy Johnson said that would be like income restricted homes, so 80% or 60% AMI. She said she can send more detailed information. Commissioner Hamilton asked if the Town has a sense of how much affordable housing would fit on that piece of land. Judy Johnson said no analysis has been done of that property and is around 12 acres. Commissioner Hamilton asked why not do some of the next steps ahead of approving the boundary change so Chapel Hill has a sense of how it wants to develop before asking approval to move the line. She said once developers come in, she sees a tradeoff of housing that is subsidized and affordable vs. naturally occurring affordable housing. She said concerns raised by the community, specifically ETJ residents, could be better addressed ahead of moving the boundary. Judy Johnson said the simple answer is that the Town Council received a petition and are responding to it. She said the first step to responding is to bring the amendment to the five parties to the agreement. She said the next steps will be a multi-year process. Commissioner Hamilton asked when the LUMO will be complete. Judy Johnson said they hope to have a draft this fall. Commissioner Hamilton asked how the term "missing middle" is defined. Judy Johnson said Chapel Hill went through an effort last year to address the "missing middle" and look at adding diverse housing choices within the Town. She said the goal isn't large apartment complexes but doesn't think it's large single-family homes on a large lot either. She said the visioning stage is critical to further define this. Commissioner Hamilton asked how the "missing middle" is encoded in the LUMO so that when developers come, it constrains them to that. Judy Johnson said they are starting to think about that. She suggested that putting limits on lot size or a maximum house size could require developers to build what the vision is and keep house costs down. Commissioner McKee asked to go back to the map on slide #4 in Judy Johnson's presentation. He asked her to show him where the current major transit stop is. Judy Johnson said it is just north of the map. Commissioner McKee asked if there is any reason public transportation would not be able to extend in this area. Judy Johnson said there is none. Commissioner Richards asked if Chapel Hill had not been presented with the petition, would they not have pursued this amendment. Judy Johnson said she cannot answer that question, as that would be a Town Council decision. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mearis Martin said he and his family live in the rural buffer. He said this is a crucial step toward addressing affordable housing needs in the community. He said a yes vote to this is not a rubber stamp for future development. He said the extension of water and sewer to unserved areas is necessary for any expansion of homes. He said Chapel Hill and Orange County already have strict development guidelines. He said lack of affordable housing impedes businesses in the area in their hiring efforts. Mark Johnson said he and his wife own a historic farm and they care very much about people and are speaking in favor of extending the boundary. He said he sees this as a social justice issue and asked the Board to vote yes.