TITLE: Title
Review and Discussion of Concept Plan Options for Possible Co-Location of The ArtsCenter and Town of Carrboro Offices and Recreation and Parks programs at 203 South Greensboro Street Property Including Contemplated Orange County Southern Branch Library
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to provide the Board of Aldermen with an opportunity to review and discuss information on the interior space planning for new and renovated Town buildings to include possible co-location of The ArtsCenter and the contemplated Orange County Southern Branch Library at the Town’s 203 S. Greensboro Street property.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning and Manager’s Office
CONTACT INFORMATION: Trish McGuire, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org>, 919-918-7327; David Andrews, dandrews@townofcarrboro.org, 919-918-7308
INFORMATION: On September 28, 2015, the Board of Aldermen discussed the Orange County Board of County Commissioners’ interest in exploring possible location of the proposed Southern Branch Library on Town property located at 203 S. Greensboro Street. The property had been included in a list of properties considered for the library in 2013, but other options were prioritized and explored in the intervening months. The Board of Aldermen authorized the Manager to enter into discussions with Orange County, noting a number of related interests for a possible development project, including the replacement of the existing parking spaces. As the Town began the process of considering the County’s request, it became clear that two Town projects would inform use of the 203 S. Greensboro Street property. The two projects were the town Parking Study/Plan - expected to inform the existing and future downtown parking needs - and exploration of the financial and practical feasibility of Kidzu and The ArtsCenter activities in the downtown. The County’s interest spurred one additional step - the initiation of space needs planning. During capital improvements planning in recent years, Town staff had discussed the pending need for an evaluation of Town facilities and planning for possible renovations and or new construction. Possible construction on this downtown site necessitated evaluating needs and opportunities much sooner than anticipated. Staff worked quickly with architectural consultants to carry out the studies so that the schedule for consideration of the contemplated Orange County Southern Branch Library could keep moving forward. The Board of Aldermen held a public hearing on the Space Needs Study and Town Facilities Assessment on March 28, 2017 and the Town Manager was directed to provide the Board of Aldermen with further input as discussions continued on whether and how the Town’s space needs and other activities could be incorporated into a new project.
Jim Spencer Associates have been providing further interior space planning and schematic design assistance to determine a feasible plan for use of new space at 203 S. Greensboro and renovation of other existing Town facilities. A report on this information will be presented at the meeting on June 20th. This work has included exploration of including The ArtsCenter in the new building. Should the Board wish to seek input from the community on this concept, the June 27th public hearing provides an opportunity to do so. Outreach via the Town’s email listserves, Twitter, Facebook and web postings would be used. The attached resolution, if adopted, would set a public hearing on June 27 for this purpose (Attachment A).
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Fiscal and staff impacts associated with considering this information are minimal.
RECOMMENDATION:r It is recommended that the Board of Aldermen receive the report presented on June 20th and consider adoption of the resolution setting a public hearing on Tuesday, June 27th (Attachment A).