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Home My Public Portal About1.28.1997 Joint Public Hearing Minutes and AgendaTown of Will Since 17 ITEM #1: AGENDA JOINT PUBLIC HEARING HILLSBOROUGH TOWN BOARD AND PLANNING BOARD Tuesday, January 28, 1997 7:00 PM, Town Barn Consideration of additions to the agenda and comments from the Chair. ITEM #2: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments a) Request from Telesis Construction Management to amend Section 5.31.2.a to change the multi -family district density from 6 units per gross acre to 12 units per gross acre. ITEM #3: Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments a) Amend Section 3 to remove some specific review deadlines and establish an "expeditious review" policy, specify that a land suitability analysis will be compiled by the applicant with minimum standards, increase the flexibility for technical plan submittal, establish clear requirements for the approval of final plats without the installation of all public improvements, establish clear provisions for phased developments, authorizing the Planning Director to approve final plats, increase the flexibility to use the minor subdivision process, and reordering and renumbering the section to separate the process description from the submittal requirements. b) Amend Section 4 to clarify the land suitability requirements and to consolidate Sections 4.B.1 and 4.B.5. C) Typographical changes making references and terms consistent throughout the document, renumbering the subsections to follow the same format as the Zoning Ordinance and relocating definitions to the last section of the regulations. ITEM #4: Close public hearing and adjourn Planning Board ITEM #5: Joint meeting of the Town Board and Parks and Recreation Board a) Receive implementation report Please call the Clerk or Planning Department if you cannot attend 732-2104 ext. 224 or 228 both lines are connected to voice mail 101 East Orange Street • P.O. Box 429 • Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 919-732-2104 • Pax. 919-644-2390 MINUTES JOINT PUBLIC HEARING January 28, 1997 PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem 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 PUBLIC: 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. ITEM #2a: 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 in 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 cani 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. ITEM #3: 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 lots 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. ITEM #4: 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. W" 1/28/97, page 2 ITEM #5: 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 Tem Simpson adjourned the meeting at 8:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, A/ - - �, - Margaret A. Hauth, Secretary