TITLE: Title
Report on Community Conversation Related to Properties around North Greensboro Street, Weaver Street, Center Street, and Short Street
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Board of Aldermen to receive a report on the status of a possible community conversation focused on properties around North Greensboro Street, West Weaver Street, Center Street, and Short Street.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning Department
CONTACT INFORMATION: Patricia McGuire, 919-918-7327, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org; Marty Roupe, 919-918-7327, mroupe@townofcarrboro.org
INFORMATION: In June of 2014, the Board of Aldermen expressed an interest in exploring the use of a ‘community conversation’ to engage property owners and other stakeholders on development options and interests for the properties near the corner of North Greensboro Street and West Weaver Street. In December, the Board endorsed a process and schedule for meetings with these groups, with the initial steps to involve a core group assisting with defining the larger meetings’ content https://carrboro.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2075659&GUID=7F6A4FA4-AD20-4A77-9F56-2D39B58A7F87&Options=&Search=&FullText=1. Multiple meetings with the core group took place early in 2015, followed by a period during which interest and willingness of other parties was assessed.
With the permit application associated with the 201 N. Greensboro Street project inactive, exploration of possible alternative contract purchasers of one property continued. A new stakeholder, interested in possibly advancing a project came forward around mid-year. A meeting involving this new stakeholder occurred on Monday, October 7th. At the conclusion of that meeting, mutual, general consensus existed among parties present that moving forward with a community conversation would not be productive. With that the current effort seems to have reached a conclusion. No additional meetings are planned at this time. Meanwhile, a developer now has under contract a portion of the area that has been the focus of this effort and is considering options for submitting a new application to rezone and / or seek a land use permit to develop the property in a manner not yet fully determined.
The Town has received notice and inquiries about the condition of the properties that are not in use. The fencing, window coverings and locks appear secure. The brick building on the corner is showing some signs of deferred maintenance - the site is overgrown and a portion of the soffit is damaged, with fibergalss insulation visible and hangling loose. Staff has been in contact with the owners’ representative to alert them to these conditions and to inquire about a schedule for maintenance and repairs. Further information is pending and will be shared when it becomes available. Staff is reviewing remedies available to the Town in the event that voluntary, timely, necessary action is not taken to address these conditions.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: No fiscal or staff impacts are noted associated with the Board receiving this report.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen receive the report.