NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 1997

CARY SETS CARDIFF REVIEW SCHEDULE

CARY -- Town of Cary officials have today received a site plan for the proposed multi-family development known as Cardiff Apartments and have elected to utilize a "full" review process on the matter. While Town policy could allow site approval at the staff level, officials have opted to have all appropriate bodies review the plans.

"When development plans do not call for exception to Town code, staff has the option of either submitting the proposal through a full process which includes Council approval, or staff can choose to approve the proposal without the full process," explained Town Manager Bill Coleman. "Because of the strong interest surrounding the Cardiff project, staff has elected to send this proposal all the way to Council."

Following staff review, the plans will be forwarded to Cary’s Appearance Commission for its October 28th meeting. The issue will also be heard by Cary’s Planning & Zoning Board at its November 17th meeting. Barring any unforeseen events, the Cardiff site plans will be reviewed by Cary Town Council at its regular meeting on December 11th.

As part of the review process, the Town will also hold an information session to discuss the proposed development. Slated for November 11th at 7:00 p.m., the session will afford citizens an opportunity to express their views and have any remaining questions answered. It will be held in Town Council Chambers.

"We are concerned that there may be misconceptions about this issue which need to be addressed," said Town Manager Bill Coleman. "As Mayor Booth said in September, the Town wants to hear what citizens have to say and give citizens the information they need to feel comfortable with the process."

If approved, Cardiff Apartments will be one component of the Weatherstone Planned Unit Development (PUD) which was approved by Cary officials in 1988. At that time, the PUD included plans for the 240 units that are now being proposed for about 30 acres near the intersection of Maynard Road and Weatherstone Way.

According to published reports, 100 of the 240 units will be reserved for moderate to low-income housing, meaning in this case that a family of four cannot earn more than 60% of the median income of Wake County ($52k); that is, residents could earn up to about $31,000 and still qualify for the housing.

"It’s important for all residents to understand that this type of situation can affect any new or existing multi-family dwelling unit anywhere in any town in North Carolina," said Coleman. "Such sites already exist in Cary, and more are possible in the future." When completed, the Cardiff complex will include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an exercise center. About one-third of the units will rent in excess of $800, excluding utilities.

Because the Cardiff project involves no rezoning and will follow a full site plan approval process, no public hearing is required before Council votes on the issue. Citizens with questions are, therefore, encouraged to attend the November 11th information session.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951

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