G.   COMMITTEE REPORTS (discussion items)

 

1.   Operations Committee, July 6, 2005 (any item pulled from the committee consent agenda for discussion [agenda item B.3.] will be discussed during this portion of the agenda) (Mrs. Robinson)

 

a.   Heritage Pines Speed Hump Request (EN06-007)
Committee recommended approval of the placement of five speed humps on Heritage Pines Drive by a vote of 2 to 1.  Committee Member Dorrel dissented because of concerns that speed humps were not the most appropriate traffic calming device for this location, that installation of traffic humps is premature since traffic patterns will change with the completion of Louis Stephens Drive, and that the average and 85th percentile traffic speeds of 22 mph and 30 mph were not excessive.  Emmett Waller, a resident located on Heritage Pines Drive, was invited to speak to the committee by Chairperson Robinson and made the points that many walkers use this road, there is considerable traffic at greater than the average and 85th percentile, that the residents don’t like other traffic calming devices, that there are many driveways on this street, and that the residents did not consider the delay in emergency services to be significant.  Chairperson Robinson noted that standards had changed and that new collector streets would not have driveways. Council may take action on this item.

 

Staff received a request for traffic calming along Heritage Pines Drive in January 2005 from the Home Owners Association (HOA).  Subsequently, speed and volume studies were conducted in late January 2005. The studies revealed the 85th percentile speed is 30 mph and average speed along the street is 22 mph. The ADT (Average Daily Traffic) within a 24 hour period is 796 vehicles per day (vpd). 

 

An ad hoc committee of residents appointed by the HOA worked with the Town through the traffic calming process. During the initial meeting on February 18, 2005 , the group met with staff and discussed the data collection results, identified the petition area, discussed the different traffic calming measures and developed a preliminary plan of action.  The group was concerned about the speeds on Heritage Pines Drive due to their proximity to Green Hope High School .  Since Louis Stephens is not extended to Morrisville Parkway from Heritage Pines Road, there is a greater volume of cut-through traffic that used Heritage Pines Road to access the tennis facilities and the high school.  The group was educated about the future expectation of traffic patterns after the network was complete with the completion of Morrisville Parkway and Louis Stephens, but the group still wanted to pursue traffic calming. Although a multitude of traffic calming measures were discussed, the group expressed in the subsequent meeting on March 4, 2005 , that they wanted to pursue speed humps. The Town educated the group that speed humps negatively impact emergency response times and they could expect a 3 mph reduction in the average speed.  However, the group had talked to several other members of the community and felt that speed humps were the most palatable measure to address their concerns.

 

The group developed several versions of the traffic calming plan that initially started with nine speed humps and through community input, they developed a final plan showing six speed humps.  The ad hoc committee requested that staff conduct an evening meeting on April 28, 2005 where staff could address the concerns of the Heritage Pines community.  Heritage Pines Road from Carpenter Upchurch to the creek is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Cary , so the first five humps shown on the plan will be constructed by the Town.  Since the portion of Heritage Pines Drive from the creek to Louis Stephens is still being developed and not under the jurisdiction of the Town of Cary , the developer plans to amend his plan to include the construction of the 6th hump.  Staff estimates the cost of the project to be $8,000 for five humps. Staff anticipates being able to construct the improvements without the need for additional right of way or easements.

 

On June 20, 2005 staff confirmed that the petition presented by ad hoc traffic calming committee of Heritage Pines showed 182 signatures in favor of the traffic calming plan of the total 225 residents (80.8%). The traffic calming policy requires that the petition show at least 70% support, which is evident.  The developer agreed to pay the community’s portion of the contribution and to construct the 6th hump at their cost.  The developer submitted a check for $2,000 toward the construction cost which was determined to be an appropriate community contribution using the policy stating that 25% of the total project cost should be covered by the community. 

 

The Fire Department prefers alternatives that do not include speed humps or raised crosswalks due to the increased response time created by raised crosswalks and speed humps.

 

Staff and the steering committee have worked together to arrive at a plan that addresses all of the neighborhood’s concerns. 

 

Fiscal Impact:

 

Operating Impact

Not Applicable

 

Funding

Staff recommends funding the speed humps along Heritage Pines Drive with funds appropriated to the FY 2006 Traffic Calming Project.  The FY 2006 Traffic Calming Project has a budget of $100,000.  Allocating $6,000 of this amount to the Heritage Pines speed humps leaves a balance of $94,000 to be made available to other traffic calming initiatives.

 

Staff Recommendation:  Staff recommends approval of the construction of the five speed humps along Heritage Pines Road.  Staff also recommends that the $6,000 needed to address the Town’s portion of this project be funded from the FY 2006 Traffic Calming project.  Additionally, staff requests that Council recognize $2,000 in revenue from the developer of Heritage Pines.  This payment represents the community’s portion of the installation cost related to the speed humps.  The funds were received into the General Fund in FY 2005 and should be appropriated from General Fund Fund Balance to the FY 2006 Traffic Calming Project where they will be acknowledged as revenue to this capital project and budgeted within the construction account.

Ms. Dorrel stated she is not opposed to using traffic calming devices in Heritage Pines; rather, she objects to the use of speed humps, which she believes is the most intrusive of all the options offered. She stated she is not a great fan of speed humps in any application, although she recognizes the need for some type of traffic calming in this neighborhood.

 

Mr. Joyce stated he appreciates Ms. Dorrel’s concerns, especially the concern about emergency vehicles in this neighborhood where numerous elderly citizens reside. He stated he will support the speed humps because the citizens are specifically requesting them.

 

Mrs. Robison asked if there was discussion about an alternative height for these humps. Mrs. Robinson stated the committee did not discuss this, and she added that it has been her experience that when humps are installed the Town attempts to achieve a certain height in order to produce a traffic calming effect. Ms. Dorrel stated the committee did not go into detail about other options, because these alternate options were presented to the neighborhood, and the neighborhood chose the speed hump option. She stated her hope is that over time the Town will apply other traffic calming methods so the Town will have data to compare the effectiveness of various traffic calming methods.

 

Mrs. Robinson stated the design of the street limits traffic calming options. She stated the driveways are so close together and staggered, and it would make it difficult to use some of the other traffic calming devices. She stated this neighborhood is designed with a main corridor with driveway cuts on the main corridor. She hopes that staff and council will make an effort to avoid this problem in the future. She stated in this particular situation, high school students use this route as a cut-through, and she thinks that speed humps is an appropriate action.

 

ACTION: Mrs. Robinson moved to approve the six speed humps to be installed on Heritage Pines Drive . (NOTE: As indicated in the staff report, the sixth hump will be installed by the developer during the final overlay). Mr. Roseland provided the second. Ms. Dorrel voted “no.” All others voted “aye.” The motion carried by majority vote.  

 

_________________________

 

2.   Planning and Development Committee, July 14, 2005 (any item pulled from the committee consent agenda for discussion [agenda item B.3.] will be discussed during this portion of the agenda) (Mr. Roseland)

 

a.   Waiver of Rezoning Waiting Period (PL06-001)
Committee unanimously recommended waiving the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) requirement that prevents submission of a revised rezoning application within 12 months for the Lowe’s Planned Development District (PDD) out-parcel. Council may take action on this item.

 

The applicant has requested a waiver from Section 3.4.1 (G) (1) of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) which states:

           

“When a rezoning application has been approved or denied by the Town Council, or has been withdrawn by the applicant after notice has been given of the public hearing on the application, no rezoning application covering the same property shall be accepted or considered within 12 months after the date of approval, denial, or withdrawal.”

 

The applicant plans to amend several conditions related to the type of uses allowed on the parcel and to amend the condition regarding the location of parking, service areas, and dumpsters.  Please see the applicant’s letter that is attached to this report for the applicant’s justification.  The previous rezoning was withdrawn on February 10, 2005 .

 

Staff supports the request to waive the 12 month waiting period since the uses that are being discussed are appropriate land uses for an activity center and are more in line with expected uses at this location.

 

Approval of this request requires a super majority vote of the Town Council.

 

Fiscal Impact: None.

 

Staff Recommendation:  Council approve the request.

June 28, 2005

 

Mr. Travis Morehead

Principal Planner

Department of Planning, Town of Cary

P.O. Box 8005

Cary , North Carolina 27511

 

Dear Travis:

 

With this letter, we are requesting a waiver to the waiting period for the submission of a PDD amendment for the Lowe’s Home Improvement site at the intersection of Maynard Road and Chapel Hill Road .  Sec. 3.4 (G) (1) in the LDO states “ no rezoning application covering the same property shall be accepted or considered within 12 months after the date of approval, denial or withdrawal.  This restriction shall apply regardless of whether the new application is for a different zoning classification than the original application”. 

 

The developer of the remaining undeveloped portion of the site wants to amend two of the current conditions to allow small food service uses such as a coffee shop or ice cream shop.  Condition # 4 would allow for a coffee shop with a drive through.  The only other uses allowed would be a restaurant or food services without drive through, excluding fast food restaurants with drive through, and night club/bar.  Architecture will be similar/compatible with the Lowe’s building.  The second condition, condition # 16, is being amended to address the location of parking, service areas and the dumpster.  It is our hope that the surrounding residents in the area will receive these changes favorably.

 

Please let me know if you need any additional information to process this request.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Glenda S. Toppe, AICP

Jerry Turner & Associates, Inc.

 

ACTION: Mr. Roseland moved to waive the rezoning waiting period for the Lowe’s planned development district so that we can entertain another rezoning proposal on that parcel. Ms. Dorrel provided the second, and council granted unanimous approval.  

 

_________________________

 

b.   Waiver of Rezoning Waiting Period (PL06-002)
Committee unanimously recommended waiving the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) requirement that prevents submission of a revised rezoning application within 12 months for the Dellinger Planned Development District (PDD). Council may take action on this item.

 

The applicant has requested a waiver from Section 3.4.1 (G) (1) of the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) which states:

           

“When a rezoning application has been approved or denied by the Town Council, or has been withdrawn by the applicant after notice has been given of the public hearing on the application, no rezoning application covering the same property shall be accepted or considered within 12 months after the date of approval, denial, or withdrawal.”

 

The request seeks to amend the maximum square footage of development allowed within Tract 1of the Dellinger PDD.  The maximum square footage currently allowed is 35, 000 sq. ft.  A rezoning request (05-REZ-09) that is currently in review seeks to raise the maximum square footage to 87,000 sq. ft.  The waiver being requested would seek to increase the area an additional 75,000 sq. ft. to a maximum of 162,000 sq. ft. for Tract 1.  Please see the letter that is attached to this report for the applicant’s justification.

 

Staff supports the request to waive the 12 month waiting period since the use (hotel) that is being discussed is an appropriate land use for an activity center and is allowed within the PDD.

 

Approval of this request requires a super majority vote of Town Council.

 

Fiscal Impact: None.

 

Staff Recommendation:  Council approve the request.

 

June 28, 2005

 

Mr. Travis Morehead

Principal Planner

Department of Planning, Town of Cary

P.O. Box 8005

Cary , North Carolina 27511

 

Dear Travis:

 

With this letter, we are requesting a waiver to the waiting period for the submission of a PDD amendment for the Dellinger PDD.  Sec. 3.4 (G) (1) in the LDO states “ no rezoning application covering the same property shall be accepted or considered within 12 months after the date of approval, denial or withdrawal.  This restriction shall apply regardless of whether the new application is for a different zoning classification than the original application”. 

 

Our Client wants to build a medium size hotel on the remaining portion of Tract 1 within the Dellinger PDD.  Currently there is a request before the Town to amend the PDD to allow a self-storage facility on Tract 1, thus the reason for the waiver.  Hotels are a permitted use within Tract 1, but there is a square footage cap for Tract 1 of 35,000 square feet.  The planned hotel is approximately 75,000 square feet.  The approximate square footage for the planned storage facility is 80,000 square feet.  The square footage that is currently on Tract 1 is based on a list of commercial uses within the PDD and the amount of traffic these uses could generate.  Traffic was a concern at the time the PDD was approved because the improvements to Walnut Street and US 1 had not begun.  Although the square footage for the two uses being proposed on Tract 1 is greater than 35,000 square feet, the traffic generated by these two potential uses is less than the traffic generated by the land uses approved in the Dellinger PDD for Tract.  In addition, the estimated completion date of the hotel if approved would not be until 2007.

 

Please let me know if you need any additional information to process this request.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Glenda S. Toppe, AICP

Jerry Turner & Associates, Inc.

 

ACTION: Mr. Roseland moved to approve the waiver of the rezoning waiting period. Ms. Dorrel provided the second, and council granted unanimous approval.

 

_________________________

 

c.   Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts Study (PR06-001)
Committee recommended by a vote of 2 to 1 (Michael Joyce dissenting):
1) contracting with Pfeiffer Partners, Inc. for the Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts Study,
2)  rolling over $75,000 from the Planning Department FY05 Operating Budget to the FY 06 Operating Budget and then transferring this $75,000 to the Cary Elementary Phase I Project (PR1092) which already contains $75,000,
3) renaming the Cary Elementary Phase I project the Town Center Facility/Property Study with a new funding total of $150,000,
4) deleting “evaluate the potential for locating an aquatic facility” from the scope of services, and
5) providing for two council member liaisons to the project.
Council may take action on this item.

 

Following direction from Council, staff from the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Planning Departments jointly requested and received eleven proposals from consulting firms to develop a feasibility study for the evaluation, planning, and implementation of a new civic and cultural arts district to be located in downtown Cary .  The study includes analyses and recommendations for cultural arts facilities, the use of Cary Elementary, and park/open space for the Town Center .  The intended purpose of this civic and cultural arts district is to meet community facility needs, strategically program town properties, support the creation of a vibrant Town Center , and spark further redevelopment efforts.  

 

The outcome of this project will be a more comprehensive analysis that will tie together the various plans that have been completed since 2001 (TCAP, Town  Center Park Concept Plan, PRCR Master Plan, Town Center Recommendations, etc.).  The Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts Study will further evaluate, define, and prioritize the implementation of these various plans and pull them together into a cohesive plan for the Academy Street corridor.  In addition to the specific facility details, an important aspect of this study will also be the analysis of all existing publicly-owned lands within the downtown core to determine the best use of these lands to meet the goals for the Town Center .

 

Public input will be an important part of the plan development process.  It is intended that the project will be completed in approximately six months.  A copy of the Request for Proposals is attached. 

 

Below is a listing of the firms that submitted requests for proposals and their fees.

Consultants

Location

Fee (Not to Exceed )

PBC & L Architecture

Raleigh , NC

$217,482

Lord Aeck Sargent

Chapel Hill

$199,000

Heery International, PC

Raleigh )

$191,890

Perkins Eastman

Charlotte , NC

$151,200

Wolf Keens &  Co.

Cambridge , MA

$150,000+

Pfeiffer Partners, Inc.

New York , NY

$149,825

Wallace Roberts Todd

Philadelphia , PA

$130,000

Hunter Incorporated

Annapolis , MD

$125,000

Design Collective

Baltimore , MD

$  90,500

Heritage Directions

Asheville , NC

$  79,500

HSMM

Roanoke , VA

$  55,000

 

An eight-member selection committee composed of the Assistant Town Manager and PRCR, Planning and Engineering staff was assembled to review the eleven proposals.  The committee evaluated the proposals on the following criteria:

 

·         Relevant Project Experience: Urban Planning, Master Planning

·         Relevant Project Experience: Park Planning

·         Relevant Project Experience: Cultural Facility Planning

·         Composition and quality of design team

·         Experience of Project Manager

·         Proposed Methodology/Approach

·         Proposed Project Schedule (# of months)

·         Proposed Fee (amount)

 

The Committee short-listed four firms for interviews. These included Design Collective, Hunter Incorporated, Pfeiffer Partners, and Wolf Keens & Co. Each of these firms made presentations to the selection committee and responded to questions.

 

From this group, the selection committee further narrowed the recommendation to the following two proposals:

1.        Design Collective teamed with Randall Gross/Development Economics of Washington, DC. And Gilbane of Durham (cost estimating). (Project Lead: Scott Vieth, Architect)

2.  Pfeiffer Partners teamed with Webb Management Services of New York, NY, Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering of Raleigh, Hanscomb Faithful & Gould of Baltimore (cost estimating), and Theatre Consultants Collaborative of Chapel Hill. (Project Lead:  Jean Gath, Principal Planner)

 

After further review of the strengths and qualifications of the top two firms related to the established criteria, staff recommends hiring the team submitted by Pfeiffer Partners, Inc., New York , NY .  Pfeiffer is a full service planning, architectural and interior design firm with excellent experience developing cultural arts districts.  Jean Gath, Planning Principal with Pfeiffer Partners will lead the study.  Duncan Webb of Web Management Services is one of the country’s leading providers of cultural and project planning services including economic impact, financial planning, and operating budget development.  This team has collaborated on a number of similar projects throughout the country and has produced many successful plans. These include, among others, Reno ’s Artown Feasibility Study, Salt Lake City Cultural Plan, George Mason/Prince William County Performing Arts Center study, and the Greater Lansing Arts Center Plan. 

 

While Design Collective has a strong team of consultants and a lower fee, Pfeiffer Partners has significantly more depth related specifically to the arts, including program development and fiscal analysis. The arts program development and analysis aspect of the study will be essential in bringing the various citizens and community groups together with a common goal and vision.  With the Principal Planner serving as the project lead, the urban planning aspects of the project team are also very strong.  Staff believes that this combination of expertise within the project team will actually propel the Town further along in developing a realistic plan which provides added value for the costs associated with hiring Pfeiffer Partners.  

 

Fiscal Impact: 

Operating Impact:  Not Applicable

 

Funding:  The not to exceed fee for the study is $149,825.  This study actually combines two previously funded studies for the Town Center .  PR1092 includes $75,000 for Cary Elementary Phase I and the Planning Department FY05 operating budget includes contracted services for $75,000 for a Town Center study of Town property.  Additional recommendations will result from the study that will provide the analysis and information necessary for the Council to make future decisions regarding investment in the Town Center .

 

Staff Recommendation: 

  1. Approval to contract with Pfeiffer Partners, Inc. for the Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts Study for $149,825.
  2. Approval of a roll over of $75,000 from the Planning Department FY05 Operating Budget to the Planning Department FY06 Operating Budget and subsequent transfer of $75,000 from the General Fund to PR1092 to the previously named Cary Elementary Phase I. The project will be renamed “Town Center Facility/Property Study” with a balance of $150,000.

 

Request for Proposals

 

Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study

 

Cary , North Carolina

 

April 22, 2005

 

Town of Cary

Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

Planning Department

 

Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study

 

Project Purpose

 

The Town of Cary through its Planning Department and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department, desires to solicit proposals for a feasibility study for the evaluation, planning, and implementation of a new civic and cultural arts district to be located in downtown Cary .  The intended purpose of this civic and cultural arts district is to meet community facility needs, strategically program town properties, support the creation a vibrant Town Center , and spark further redevelopment efforts.

 

In 2001, the Town completed the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP). This plan provided a blueprint for the greater downtown area of Cary and recommended that downtown be established as the cultural center of Cary .  One of the major recommendations from that plan was the proposal for a new town center park.  In 2002, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department completed a conceptual plan for the park and obtained approval from Town Council to begin land acquisition.  In 2003, the Town purchased the state’s first public high school, Cary Elementary, from the Wake County Public School System.  There is also a historic home, the Waldo Rood House located within the Town Center that the Town wants to preserve.  It needs to be relocated from its existing site.

 

In late 2003, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department completed its system wide master plan which analyzed cultural arts needs within the community.  The plan presented two options for establishing a major cultural arts center, one which called for the renovation of the existing Cary Elementary in conjunction with a new facility or the option of building one larger facility to accommodate all potential needs as outlined in the master plan.  Since that time other potential uses for Cary Elementary have also surfaced.  The Town also completed an Aquatic Feasibility Study (December 2000; update April 2004) and there is some discussion about the potential for anchoring one end of the Town Center with a facility of this type.

 

A more comprehensive analysis that will tie these planning efforts together and further evaluate, define, and prioritize the implementation of these efforts is now needed.   In addition to the specific facility details, an important aspect of this study will also be the analysis of all existing publicly owned lands within the downtown core to determine the best use of these lands to meet the goals for the Town Center .

 

The chosen firm will need to demonstrate the ability to develop themes and concepts that reflect the cultural and historical uniqueness of Cary .  A knowledge and understanding of the intentions of previously approved Town plans will be important. 

 

More can be learned about our Town at www.townofcary.org.  With nearly 110,000 people and located in the heart of the growing “Triangle” region, Cary is home to an affluent, professional population, many of whom work in the adjacent Research Triangle Park or at one of the nearby major universities in Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill.

 

The planning process is expected to begin August of 2005 and be completed within six months.   All submittals are asked to address each of the items outlined under Scope of Services.

 

Scope of Services

 

  1. Evaluate and review previous studies  for the downtown, namely, the Town Center Area Plan; the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Facilities Master Plan; Town Center Park Program Development Project, Smith Sennet Study of Cary Elementary; The Chesapeake Group Report, The Public Art Master Plan,  and any other plans relevant to this area of the downtown.

 

  1. Based on the review of relevant materials and approved plans, assess the goals for Cary’s town center and assist the Town in further defining the goals for the Town’s civic and cultural arts district.

 

  1. Identify comparable communities that have established downtown community civic and cultural developments that would be applicable to the Town of Cary .

 

  1. Confirm the size, characteristics and growth potential of the market to support additional civic, cultural, performing and entertainment programs and facilities.

 

  1. Evaluate the redevelopment potential of all publicly-owned land within the study area, including old elementary school building, the Town Center Area park lands, the library, Town of Cary Human Resources building, Fire Administration building, the Town Hall Campus proper, and any contiguous, privately owned lands whose acquisition could further the goals and plans.

 

  1. Complete a specific programming evaluation and plan for old Cary Elementary considering a variety of potential uses including a cultural arts center. 

 

  1. Complete an assessment and a recommendation of the use and relocation of the Waldo Rood House.

 

  1. Complete a specific programming evaluation and plan for providing Cultural Facilities.  Determine cultural facility land needs and evaluate and identify a suitable location within the study area. (The map of the study area is attached.)

 

  1. Evaluate and determine the need, size, and location(s) for green space/parkland within the study area.

 

  1. Determine the land needs and evaluate the potential for locating an Aquatic Facility or other recreation/entertainment facility in the downtown area.

 

  1. Develop a parking plan to provide sufficient parking for all proposed public facilities.

 

  1. Complete market and economic impact analysis of final plan.

 

  1. Develop cost estimate and priority for plan implementation.

 

  1. Provide an inclusive and dynamic process for public involvement which should include the following:

a.       Two to three public meetings, of which one advertised public or external stakeholder “Charrette” meeting will be held to gather input, suggestions, and involvement of the public,

b.       At least one internal stakeholder meeting for Town Government and select identified stakeholders of the community (established arts and cultural groups and organizations).

c.       Minimum 3 internal meetings with staff committee assigned to this project

d.       Minimum 2 meetings with elected officials to gather input and present findings.

The Town will provide space and advertisement and notices for meetings.

 

15.  Provide a time schedule for the proposed study that does not exceed six months.

 

Deliverables

 

A final approved document/report that includes the following:

 

  1. A final plan indicating locations for future civic and cultural facilities to be located in the Town of Cary ’s downtown core.

 

  1. A final plan for the use of Cary Elementary.

 

  1. A final plan for the use and relocation of the Waldo Rood House.

 

  1. A final report detailing major findings, conclusions, and recommendations for the new civic and cultural facility for each public land and facility as to the best uses, programs, and operations (including parking).

.

  1. An estimated cost of the final recommendation for each facility including acquisition, new construction, renovation, equipment and other capital development costs.

 

  1. A general proposed operating system and budget for each facility based on the proposed facility programs.  Each facility budget will include promotion, operations, annual maintenance, and personnel.

 

  1. An estimated economic impact of the project including construction, operations, and the surrounding business community.

 

Format and Quantity for Deliverables

1. 50 printed copies of approved plan documents in bound 8 ˝ x 11 format with appropriate maps, fold-outs, etc.

2. Electronic versions of all final plan documents.  The format of the final document/report will be required in both Microsoft Word, pdf and html formats.

3. One set of 36 x 48 full hardboard presentation boards.

4. Additional deliverables as mutually agreed upon during the project.

 

Submission Requirements

 

The selection of the consultant(s) for the Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study Project will be based on the following criteria:

·         A statement of the consultants’ proposed methodology in accomplishing the Scope of Services.

·         A list and description of projects which the consultant has provided similar professional services; names of the personnel of the consultant or consultant’s proposed sub consultants who performed the work; discussion of whether or not the project was completed on time and within budget.

·         A description of the proposed approach to and level of public involvement.

·         A list of the personnel and sub consultants the consultant intends to use for the project including their primary office location relative to Cary . This list is to contain their individual qualifications and years of experience.

·         Proposed project schedule

·         “Not to exceed” study fee

·         Client references

 

All proposal submissions must be postmarked or hand delivered no later than Friday, May 27, 2005 at 5pm to the Town of Cary , Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. (See address below).  The selection process will follow the Town of Cary ’s standard schedule for bid award.

 

Following direction from Council, staff from the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Planning Departments jointly requested and received eleven proposals from consulting firms to develop a feasibility study for the evaluation, planning, and implementation of a new civic and cultural arts district to be located in downtown Cary .  The study includes analyses and recommendations for cultural arts facilities, the use of Cary Elementary, and park/open space for the Town Center .  The intended purpose of this civic and cultural arts district is to meet community facility needs, strategically program town properties, support the creation of a vibrant Town Center , and spark further redevelopment efforts.  

 

The outcome of this project will be a more comprehensive analysis that will tie together the various plans that have been completed since 2001 (TCAP, Town  Center Park Concept Plan, PRCR Master Plan, Town Center Recommendations, etc.).  The Town Center Civic and Cultural Arts Study will further evaluate, define, and prioritize the implementation of these various plans and pull them together into a cohesive plan for the Academy Street corridor.  In addition to the specific facility details, an important aspect of this study will also be the analysis of all existing publicly-owned lands within the downtown core to determine the best use of these lands to meet the goals for the Town Center .

 

Public input will be an important part of the plan development process.  It is intended that the project will be completed in approximately six months.  A copy of the Request for Proposals is attached. 

 

Below is a listing of the firms that submitted requests for proposals and their fees.

Consultants

Location

Fee (Not to Exceed )

PBC & L Architecture

Raleigh , NC

$217,482

Lord Aeck Sargent

Chapel Hill

$199,000

Heery International, PC

Raleigh )

$191,890

Perkins Eastman

Charlotte , NC

$151,200

Wolf Keens &  Co.

Cambridge , MA

$150,000+

Pfeiffer Partners, Inc.

New York , NY

$149,825

Wallace Roberts Todd

Philadelphia , PA