HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-28-1997 BOC PB JPH
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MINUTES
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
January 28, 1997
Mayor Pro Tern Richard Simpson, Evelyn Lloyd, Ken Chavious, Remus Smith, John Taylor (pB
chair), Richard Bradford, Joel Brinkley, Ed Gill, Jack Hughes, Louise Long, Pip Merrick, Chris
Quinn, Quanda Turner
Scott Ashton, George Horton, John McAdams, Jonathan Butler, Duncan Murrill, Harriet Hughes,
Margaret Hauth
Mayor Pro Tem Simpson called the hearing to order at 7:03 PM. He passed the gavel to Planning
Board Chair Taylor. Taylor briefly explained the hearing process.
Hauth introduced the privately sponsored text amendment from Telesis Construction Management
to increase the dwelling unit density in the multi-family district from 6 units per acre to 12 units per
acre. She noted that representatives from the applicant are present. McAdams, of the John R.
McAdams consulting firm, spoke in favor of the application and distributed a memo on behalf of the
applicant. McAdams described his firm's involvement in.multi-family development. He said based
on their experience, a quality apartment development needs to have on-site management,
maintenance, and offer amenities to its residents. The current market threshold for apartment
development is 12 units per acre. A complex also needs to contain about 180 units to provide the
desirable amenities. He cited examples from nearby jurisdictions who allow a range of 10 to 20 units
an acre. He noted that the cost of land and the size parcel. needed under the 6 unit an acre
requirement makes apartment development too expensive ~ Hillsborough. McAdmas noted that
different segments of the population cannot afford home ownership. He added that this text
amendment could be handled in two ways. The MF district could simply be changed to allow 12 units
per acre. A second MF district could be created that allows 12 units per acre. McAdams added that
the increased density does not need to come at a great price. It can be achieved with large amounts
of open space (up to 50% depending on the definition) and specified amenities. Horton, of Telesis
Construction, spoke in favor of the amendment. He described some other projects he has been
involved with in town. Horton noted that continuing non-residential development depends on
available, affordable housing, He added that not everyone can afford to buy or has the desire to buy
a home. With current housing prices in Hillsborough it is nearly impossible for someone making
$20,000 a year to purchase a home, rental housing is needed for this portion of the population.
Hauth introduced the proposed changes to the subdivision regulations. She described the highlights
noting that some changes are typographic, and other simply reorganize the existing language. The
primary changes seek to streamline the process without lower design quality. The changes increase
some flexibility to the developer, but require standards for areas that are currently vague. She noted
that approval of Final Plats would be shifted to staff, with certain conditions and that developers
could seek final plat approval with the submittal of a performance bond rather than other guarantees
approved in the past. She noted that the draft has been sent to local designers, the comments from
one engineer were largely incorporated. She noted the comments from Centex Crosland regarding
clarification of phasing requirements. They raised a question of whether changes affecting more than
5% of the ~ots would be allowed and if only those improvements required would be tied to the bond.
Hughes noted that the board members have been working on the proposal for some time and are
comfortable with the changes.
Taylor closed the public hearing and returned the gavel to Commissioner Simpson. He adjourned the
Planning Board at 7:30 PM, and called a brief recess before convening the joint Town Board and
Parks and Recreation Board meeting. ~
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Parks & Recreation Board members Wendy Olson, Ted Smith, Elizabeth Lacey, Ed Gill were present.
Olson briefly highlighted the board's recommendations. She noted that the items were listed in rough
priority order. She added that the Occoneechee Park Committee and the Park and Recreation Board
both feel that a dedicated staff person is the highest priority. The need to maintain and patrol park
property makes parks successful and well used. She noted that the mountain park is almost ready to
open and will need overseeing. Smith asked if it will be open within the year and Olson said it is very
possible. Simpson agreed that security is an issue and asked where the cost estimates came from.
Hauth said she relied on current budget figure for parts, other jurisdictions for salaries, and educated
guesses for land acquisition. Lloyd questioned the large amount for land acquisition, if only the land
between Churton and Wake Streets is wanted. Olson noted that the figure includes other parcels for
acquisition which would connect through to the mountain park and hopefully would provide a reserve
so other properties could be purchased when they come on the market. Smith suggested that this
item needs the Town Board's attention at the retreat. Chavious suggested an additional joint
meeting or two before the retreat, hopefully with reports from the other park efforts as well. Olson
noted that Occoneechee Park Committee will be making a report at the February meeting as part of
a grant submittal request. Everyone agreed that an additional meeting during the regular Park Board
meeting could cover the remaining topics. Lloyd asked that the meeting start at 7:30 rather than 7:00
and everyone agreed.
Mayor Pro Tern Simpson adjourned the meeting at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,