TITLE: Title
Update on Community Conversation Regarding Development of Properties at 201 N. Greensboro Street
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to update the Board of Aldermen on a process and schedule for community-sponsored conversations related to development of the properties previously proposed for redevelopment as a new CVS location in downtown Carrboro.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
INFORMATION: In June 2014, the Board of Aldermen discussed a possible strategy for engaging property owners and the community on development options for the area bounded by Center, Short, W.Weaver and N. Greensboro Streets, the area known collectively as 201 N. Greensboro Street that has been proposed for redevelopment as a new CVS location in downtown Carrboro.
Aldermen Gist, Haven-O'Donnell, and Johnson met during the summer break to consider options for moving forward and to discuss a framework for community engagement, and requested that staff follow-up with Dispute Settlement Center (DSC) staff on availability and scheduling. Board members specifically noted an interest in an approach that would 1) educate all participants on the current development parameters that apply to the properties, other related information, and the items identified by the Board of Aldermen in its June meeting, and 2) give all participants an opportunity to express what they would like to see in the area based on the community vision and development/regulatory parameters. The possibility of this taking place in two separate meetings, likely in half-day, Saturday sessions, was noted.
Staff followed up with DSC and contacted the property owners to determine who would be interested in and able to participate. Building on concepts discussed by the Board's subcommittee, DSC staff suggested that representatives of Town and owners, and other core stakeholders participate in planning the education and visioning sessions. Core stakeholders, including possibly neighboring property owners, downtown business representatives, and other community members who have attended public meetings related to development of the property, would be identified by the Board of Aldermen subcommittee and DSC staff. It is anticipated that several meetings of the core stakeholders would be needed and that the stakeholder meetings could get underway in early 2015. Selection of the date and venue for the education and visioning sessions would also be part of the charge of the stakeholder planning group.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: DSC support and meeting costs are estimated at $2,500 to $3,000. Support for the work of the committee and organization of the education and visioning sessions would be provided by existing staff.
RECOMMENDATION:r IIt is recommended that the Board express its support for the proposed schedule and community conversation process. A draft resolution taking this action is attached (Attachment A).