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Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau <br /> Advisory Board Meeting at Carrboro Hampton Inn & Suites <br /> February 21, 2024 <br /> 8:00—9:15 AM <br /> Board Members Present: Grace Holtkamp, Tanya Moore, Karen DeHart- Chair, Sam Vadgama, Heidi <br /> Werner-Dawson, Anita"Spring" Council, John Hartman-Brown,Anna Richards, Matt Hughes, Paris Miller- <br /> Foushee, Randee Haven-O'Donnell, Meredith Saybe, Beverly Payne, Wendy Smith(prospective board <br /> member), Jeri Lynn Schulke (prospective board member), Donald"DR"Bryan(prospective board member), <br /> Shannan Campbell <br /> Not Present: Sharon Hill, <br /> Staff Attendance: Laurie Paolicelli, Marlene Barbera, Hannah Hemphill, Steve Brantley, Katie Murray <br /> Guests: Regan Thomas, Dave Gephart <br /> Call to Order <br /> Karen DeHart, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:08 AM. <br /> Approval of Minutes <br /> Karen Dehart requested a motion to approve the January 17, 2024 minutes. Spring Council made a motion to <br /> approve the minutes and Beverly Payne seconded the motion. With all members in favor, the minutes were <br /> approved as submitted. <br /> University Place Updates—Regan Thomas Ram Realty <br /> Presentation <br /> • Retail spaces being redeveloped to face externally. There will be a mix of local, regional, and national <br /> businesses, including shopping, restaurant, and entertainment. Will include 8 retail spaces for small <br /> businesses getting started in a brick and mortar location(called Upstart). <br /> o Retail rents are on track with Blue Hill and are average for the market. UP is willing to work <br /> with businesses to be more affordable. <br /> • Residential Infill with 900 Willow, with 10% of units designated as affordable housing <br /> • Common space for community events, with art being commissioned for mural space on parking deck, <br /> and other spaces. <br /> Questions: <br /> o How comparable are retail rents? Retail rents are on track with Blue Hill and are average for the <br /> market. UP is willing to work with businesses to be more affordable. <br /> o Rental values for the 900 willow and how does it compare to rents on Franklin Street? <br /> o Forecast on jobs and retail sales tax? <br /> Executive Director's Report <br /> • What's Going on in Chapel Hill: Presentation that includes information about new developments, <br /> including life sciences, retail, apartments, farms, sports, and more. <br /> • UNC graduation will be on a Saturday instead of Sunday. This is a test to see if they want to <br /> permanently change it <br />