Title
Resolution Supporting Orange County Contract for Design Services Consultant Services Related to Development of a Master Plan for the Greene Tract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to request that the Town Council adopt a resolution of support for Orange County’s Greene Tract Master Plan design consultant services.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning
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Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Trish McGuire, Planning Director, pmcguire@carrboronc.gov <mailto:pmcguire@carrboronc.gov>, 919-918-7327; Marty Roupe, Development Review Administrator; mroupe@carrboronc.gov <mailto:mroupe@carrboronc.gov>
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
___ Race/Equity ____ Climate __ Comprehensive Plan __X__Other
Council Direction Statement
The Town’s commitment to working with our local government partners to support the Rogers Road community achieve community interests for the Greene Tract is extensive and longstanding. Information related to the Greene Tract, in particular, and the current jointly adopted resolution for its future use may be found at Greene Tract | Orange County, NC (orangecountync.gov) <https://www.orangecountync.gov/3070/Greene-Tract>. Racial Equity Pocket questions are included as Attachment B.
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INFORMATION:
Information
Orange County released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in July 2023. Proposals were reviewed by staff from Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County and a preferred consultant team has been identified for contract negotiation. The contract for this work will be between Orange County and the consultant. The cost-share breakdown is 43 percent from Orange County, 43 percent from Chapel Hill, and 14 percent from Carrboro. The Interlocal Agreement, adopted in June 2021, details the future uses of the Greene Tract to include affordable housing, mixed income housing, a future school site, and public recreation spaces.
In recognition of the project's complexity and the need for dedicated expertise, consultant services were identified to provide dedicated, focused resources Their involvement will be instrumental in advancing this project on a specified timeline, amidst the current staffing challenges faced by the three jurisdictions. The consultant will work closely with staff and the community engagement consultant, Gensler, to develop a Greene Tract Master Plan. The anticipated schedule is projected to conclude in December 2024.
The maximum amount currently proposed for the master plan design services is $155,000. This maximum amount includes approximately $5,000 for reimbursable expenses.
Staff from Orange County, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill met with the preferred consultant on November 14 to discuss the project scope towards possible reduction in total costs. Updated information will be provided as it is available and a separate agenda item designating funds for this work will be scheduled for Town Council action early in 2024.
The Chapel Hill Town Council is also scheduled to consider approving a resolution of support on November 29, 2023.
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: Carrboro’s share of the costs of engagement is estimated to be up to $21,700. Funds for this work have not been designated in the FY 24 Annual Budget.
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: A resolution expressing Town support for Orange County proceeding with the contract for the Green Tract Master Plan Design services is provided for the Council’s adoption (Attachment A).