DRAFT

(Contact the town clerk at 919-469-4011 for official minutes)

 

Cary Town Council Minutes

Thursday, May 10, 2007

6:30 PM

Council Chambers

316 N. Academy Street, Cary, N.C.

 

Present:  Mayor Ernie McAlister, Mayor Pro Tem Jack Smith, Council Members Marla Dorrel, Ervin Portman, Jennifer Robinson, Julie Robison and Nels Roseland

 

A.   COMMENCEMENT

 

1.    Call to Order (Mayor McAlister)

 

Mayor McAlister called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

_________________________

 

2.    Ceremonial Opening (Ms. Dorrel)

 

Ms. Dorrel provided the ceremonial opening

 

_________________________

 

3.   Adoption of agenda (Town Council)

 

ACTION:  Mayor Pro Tem Smith moved to adopt the agenda; Mrs. Robison provided the second; council granted unanimous approval.

 

_________________________

 

B.   CONSENT AGENDA (click on the links to see full text minutes herein)

 

The council pulled item B.3.a., 2007 Cary Candidate Forum(s), for discussion to allow Mayor Pro Tem Smith, who is a board member for the NC Center for Voter Education, to recuse himself from the vote.

 

 

1.   Regular Consent Agenda (any regular consent agenda item pulled for discussion will be discussed at the end of the old/new business portion of the agenda, which is item H on this agenda)

 

a.   Consideration of approval of the minutes of the regular town council meeting held on April 26, 2007 and the minutes of the work session held on April 24, 2007 regarding Western Wake Regional Wastewater Management Facilities. (Approved) 

b.   Consideration of adoption of an order authorizing the issuance and sale by the Town of not to exceed $44,500,000 combined enterprise system revenue and revenue refunding bonds, series 2007, and authorizing the execution and delivery of certain documents in connection therewith. (Approved) 

c.   Consideration of appointing Stewart Dickinson to the economic development commission to fill an unexpired term. (Approved)

 

2.   Land Development Consent Agenda (any land development consent agenda item pulled for discussion will be discussed at the end of the land development discussion portion of the agenda, which is item F on this agenda) 

a.   Rezoning 06-REZ-27, Modern Woodmen of America
Location:
2011 and 2013 Piney Plains Road
Current zoning: Residential-20
Requested zoning: Office and Institutional Conditional Use
Acreage: approximately 0.97 acre
Presenter: Mr. Bob Benfield
Comprehensive Plan Consistency: In accordance with N.C.G.S. 160A-383, and based upon the recommendations and detailed information developed by staff and/or the Planning & Zoning Board contained in the case report, approval of this case by the Cary Town Council will officially adopt the individual rezoning report as evidence that consistency with the Comprehensive Plan has been thoroughly evaluated and that this is a reasonable action to further the community’s public interest in carrying out the Comprehensive Plan.
Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation:
Unanimous recommendation to approve
Recommended Council Action: Council may take final action.
 (Approved)

b.   Rezoning 06-REZ-29, Waverly
Location:
southeast corner of Kildaire Farm and Tryon Roads
Current zoning: General Commercial Conditional Use, Waverly Place Mixed Use Overlay District, and Swift Creek Watershed Overlay District
Request: to amend the zoning conditions for Tracts 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 regarding permitted uses and other development standards
Acreage: approximately 31.88 acres
Presenter: Mr. Greg Barnes
Comprehensive Plan Consistency: In accordance with N.C.G.S. 160A-383, and based upon the recommendations and detailed information developed by staff and/or the Planning & Zoning Board contained in the case report, approval of this case by the Cary Town Council will officially adopt the individual rezoning report as evidence that consistency with the Comprehensive Plan has been thoroughly evaluated and that this is a reasonable action to further the community’s public interest in carrying out the Comprehensive Plan.
Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation:
Unanimous recommendation to approve
Recommended Council Action: Council may take final action.
 (Approved)

c.   Mixed Use Sketch Plan 06-MU-05, Waverly
Location:
southeast quadrant of the intersection of Kildaire Farm and Tryon Roads
Request: a mixture of office, retail, hotel and residential uses
Acreage: approximately 31.88 acres
Presenter: Mr. Greg Barnes
Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation:
Unanimous recommendation to approve
Recommended Council Action: Council may take final action.
 (Approved)

3.   Operations Committee, May 3, 2007 (any committee consent agenda item pulled for discussion will be discussed at the end of the committee discussion portion of the agenda, which is item G on this agenda) (Mrs. Robinson)

 

a.   2007 Cary Candidate Forum(s) (AD07-008)
Committee unanimously recommended authorizing staff to move forward with the 2007 Cary Community Forum(s) using the format detailed herein; appointing the NC Center for Voter Education as the forum manager; and approving the $12,000 funding request for the project as outlined in the FY08 proposed operating budget.
(Removed from consent for discussion)

 

b.   Kumar Court Right of Way Closing (EN07-099)
Committee unanimously recommended scheduling a public hearing on June 28, 2007
regarding closing a portion of right of way on Kumar Court. (Approved)

 

c.   North West Street Right of Way Closing (EN07-102)
Committee unanimously recommended scheduling a public hearing on June 28, 2007 regarding closing a portion of right of way on North West Street.
(Approved)

 

d.   Green Level Church Road Right of Way Closing (EN07-107)
Committee unanimously recommended adopting a resolution to indicate concurrence with closing a portion of NCDOT right of way on a section of Green Level Church.
(Approved)

 

e.   Condemnation Resolution – Highcroft Village Sewer Extension (EN07-108)
Committee unanimously recommended adoption of a condemnation resolution for the Highcroft Village Sewer Extension.
(Approved)

 

f.    Bid Award for Evans Road Widening (EN07-109)
Committee unanimously recommended awarding a construction contract for the Evans Road Widening Project to Narron Contracting, Inc. for $2,916,180.  This award by council represents a preliminary determination as to the qualifications of this bidder with no legally binding acceptance until the Town has executed a written agreement.  It was further recommended that an additional $2,300,000 in 2003 general obligation bond – transportation debt be appropriated to the ST1075 Evans Road Widening project to be budgeted as follows within ST1075 for expenditure:  $1,800,000 in the construction account, $250,000 in the land/site acquisition account, and $250,000 in the severance damages account, bringing the total
project budget for ST1075 to $6,355,000.
(Approved)

 

g.   Western Wake Effluent Pipeline Design for 2030 Flow Capacity (EN07-110)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of an amendment to the Agreement revising the Western Wake Effluent Pipeline and Outfall pro-rata shares and capacities based on 2030 flows.
(Approved)

 

h.   Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project Phase VI (PWUT07-20)
Committee unanimously recommended entering into an agreement to participate in Phase VI of the Triangle Area Water Supply Monitoring Project.
(Approved)

 

i.    New Financial Reporting Requirements Related to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) (FN07-08)
Committee unanimously acknowledged update from staff regarding new requirements imposed by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and the current implementation status within the Town with the understanding that as new information is gathered over the next year and various options are researched further updates will be received from staff.
(Approved)

 

j.    Position Classification and Pay Study (HR07-04)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of this year’s Classification and Pay Study recommendations with funds to be appropriated in the FY2008 budget for an effective date of
July 1, 2007. (Approved)

 

k.   Budget Adjustment for the C-Tran Program (PL07-031)
Committee unanimously recommended that Council recognize additional FY2007 grant revenues in the amount of $339,006 and that Council increase the C-Tran contracted services account budget authority by $160,000 and the fuel account by $110,000 for FY2007.
(Approved)

 

l.    Update of Operation and Maintenance Activities Assessment (PWUT07-18)
Committee unanimously recommended that Council accept staff’s update of the proposed actions into its official record.
(Approved)

 

m.  Water Shortage Response Plan and Water Use Reduction Measures Amendments (PWUT07-19)
Committee unanimously recommended adoption of the revised Water Shortage Response Plan, deletion of Policy Statement 127, and approval of amendments to the Town of Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 36, Utilities, Section 36-80, 36-81 and 36-84.
(Approved)

 

C.   RECOGNITIONS, REPORTS, AND PRESENTATIONS 

1.   Presentation of a proclamation to Denny Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, designating May 12-20, 2007 as Tourism Week in Cary. (Presented) 

RECOGNIZING MAY 12-20, 2007 AS
TOURISM WEEK IN THE TOWN OF CARY

 

WHEREAS, travel is at the heart of America’s economic and national security.  It generates millions of jobs and billions in revenues, and is a vital resource in improving America’s image around the world; and

 

WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry in the Town of Cary and throughout North Carolina is important to our economic well-being and it contributes substantially to Cary’s cultural and social health.  With travel as one of our most fundamental freedoms, every citizen benefits from the experiences travel brings to them including personal growth and education, intercultural understanding and appreciation for history, geography and culture; and

 

WHEREAS, tourism is a clean industry found in all 100 counties in our state and continues to employ more than 187,000 people in North Carolina; and

 

WHEREAS, tourism continues to be a growth industry in North Carolina, generating more than $15.4 billion in expenditures last year.  These expenditures added nearly $1.3 billion in revenues to our state and local governments; and

 

WHEREAS, as people throughout the world become increasingly aware of the outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities available in the Town of Cary and throughout the United States, travel will become an increasingly vital resource in improving mutual respect and understanding; and

 

WHEREAS, given the laudable contributions to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the citizens of Cary, it is fitting that we recognize the importance of the American travel industry.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ernest F. McAlister, Mayor of the Town of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Town Council, do hereby proclaim the week of May 12-20, 2007, as TOURISM WEEK IN THE TOWN OF CARY, and I call upon the citizens of Cary to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

 

PROCLAIMED this 10th day of May 2007.

 

________________________________

Ernest F. McAlister, Mayor

 

Attest:

 

______________________________

Karen C. Gray, Deputy Town Clerk

 

Mayor Pro Tem Smith presented the proclamation.

 

_________________________

 

2.   Presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2008 Capital and Operating Budget documents. The manager will officially present the proposed budget documents; no council action is required. A public hearing will be conducted on May 24, 2007 and June 14, 2007. (Presented)

 

The proposed budget is included in the minutes of the May 8, 2007 budget work session minutes.

 

Town Manager Coleman stated the council has conducted one work session and another is scheduled for May 15, 2007; he stated public hearings will be conducted on May 24 and June 14, 2007. He stated the operating budget totals $148,541,704, and the capital budget totals $233,940,367.

 

_________________________

 

 

D.   PUBLIC HEARINGS 

1.   REZONING 07-REZ-07, Gaglione Property
Location:
2533 O’Kelly Chapel Road
Current zoning: Residential 40 Chatham (RA-40 C)
Requested zoning: Residential (R40)
Acreage: 1.85 ±
Presenter: Mrs. Debra Grannan
Recommended Council Action: Refer to
May 21, 2007
Planning and Zoning Board meeting (Referred to 5/21/07 P&Z meeting)

Town of Cary, North Carolina
Gaglione Property Rezoning Data Sheet
07-REZ-07 

 

Request

The Town of Cary Planning Department is requesting Council approve an Ordinance to amend the official zoning map of the Town of Cary to change the zoning of approximately 1.85 acres located at 2533 O'Kelly Chapel Road from Residential 40 Chatham County (RA-40) to Residential 40 (R40).  Because the subject property is located outside Cary’s ETJ base zoning must be established with the associated voluntary annexation request (07-A-13), therefore the Town is initiating the rezoning process.  

 

The request to annex was generated through an emergency request to connect to the Town’s utilities due to a breakdown in the existing private well of the residence.    On February 15, 2007 Staff brought forward to the P&D Committee a request for consideration of an exception to the joint resolution with Chatham County to allow this property to connect to the Town of Cary utility system and at its February 5, 2007 meeting, the Chatham County BCC unanimously approved a motion to allow this property to be annexed and served by the Town of Cary utilities.

 

The purpose of a rezoning is to evaluate the appropriateness of a proposed land use for the subject parcel(s) of land.  Specific development requirements related to the technical aspects of land development, such as access, stormwater management, road improvements, utility line placement, road connectivity and landscape plantings, are not considered during the rezoning process.  However, all of these development issues must be addressed for compliance with existing requirements specified in the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) when the site or subdivision plan is submitted.

 

Background Information

 

Applicant

Town of Cary Planning Department

Acreage

 1.85±

General Location
 

2533 O’Kelly Chapel Road

Hearings / Meetings

Public Hearing

May 10, 2007

Planning & Zoning

May 21, 2007

Town Council

June 14, 2007

Land Use Designation
 

Low Density Residential

Town Limits/ Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)

Corporate Limits  

ETJ

Outside ETJ
X

Annexation

Not Required  

With Site Plan

With rezoning
X

Valid Protest

Not Applicable for base zoning

P&Z Recommendation

to be provided after P&Z meeting

Existing Use
 

Single Family Residential

Proposed Use

Single Family Residential

Case Manager

Debra Grannan, Town of Cary Senior Planner
(919) 460-4980
debra.grannan@townofcary.org

         

 

Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan

 

A. Land Use Plan:
This rezoning request conforms to the adopted Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan designates this property as Low Density Residential which allows 1 to 3 dwelling units per acre. 

 

B. Transportation:
Existing Section:  2-lanes
Future Section:  4-lane median divided, 100' ROW
Road Improvements:  N/A
Sidewalks Requirements: required on both sides
Bicycle Requirements: 14' wide outside lanes
Transit Requirements:  There are no transit requirements
Traffic Analysis:  A traffic study is not required.

 

C.  Parks & Greenways:  
According to the approved Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Facilities Master Plan there are no issues related to this site. There are also no issues related to the Open Space and Historical Resources Plan (OSHRP).  The subject property is currently developed as a single-family residence and is requesting base zoning associated with a voluntary annexation request.  No changes to the property will occur as a result of this rezoning request.

D.  Environmental:
According to the Town of
Cary GIS maps, there no streams or creeks impacting this site. The subject property is currently developed as a single-family residence and is requesting base zoning associated with a voluntary annexation request.  No changes to the property will occur as a result of this rezoning request.

E. Buffers:
Based on the current lot configuration, no buffers are required between the subject property and adjacent uses. The subject property is currently developed as a single-family residence.  No changes to the property will occur as a result of this rezoning request.

F. Streetscape:
No streetscapes are required in conjunction with this request.


Consistency with the Land Development Ordinance

The subject property is currently developed as a single-family residence.  No changes to the property will occur as a result of this rezoning request.  The rezoning request will establish a base zoning associated with the voluntary annexation request (07-A-13) to allow the owners to connect to the Town of Cary utility system.  The requested zoning (R40) is comparable to the current zoning designation (RA-40 Chatham) and is consistent with the existing use (single-family residence).

Existing and Requested Zoning District Comparison:
Under both Chatham
County and
Cary zoning regulations, the minimum lot size for R40 zoning is 40,000 square feet.  The subject property is approximately 1.85 acres or 80,586 square feet. Based on area alone, this would allow room for two lots; however, with Cary zoning, each lot would be required to have minimum width of 125 feet at the front building setback line.  Because the current width is less than 250 feet, only one lot is possible.  

 

District Regulations

Existing Zoning

(RA40 Chatham)

Requested Zoning

(R40)

Maximum Gross Density (du/ac)

1

1.08

Minimum Lot Size

40,000 square feet

40,000 square feet

Minimum Width at Building Line

100’

125’

Side Yard Setback

25’

15’

Front (Street) Setback

40’

50’ Thoroughfare
30’ Collector
20’All other Streets

Rear Yard Setback

25’

30’

Maximum Building Height

60’

35’


Town Council Criteria for Consideration in Reviewing Rezonings

Section 3.4.1(E) of the Land Development Ordinance sets forth the following criteria that Council should consider in reviewing rezonings:

1.      The proposed rezoning corrects an error or meets the challenge of some changing condition, trend or fact;

2.      The proposed rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan set forth in Section 1.3 (LDO);

3.      The Town and other service providers will be able to provide sufficient public safety, educational, recreational, transportation and utility facilities and services to the subject property while maintaining sufficient levels of service to existing development;

4.      The proposed rezoning is unlikely to have significant adverse impacts on the natural environment, including air, water, noise, stormwater management, wildlife and vegetation;

5.      The proposed rezoning will not have significant adverse impacts on property in the vicinity of the subject tract; 

6.      The proposed zoning classification is suitable for the subject property;


Other Reference Information

 

Schools

 

The proposed rezoning will not yield an increase in the number of lots or dwelling units and therefore, will have no additional impact on area schools.

Applicant’s Justification Statement

 

A justification statement is not required since establishing a Town of Cary base zoning is required with the associated annexation.

 

Ordinance for Consideration at time of final council decision

 

07-REZ-07 Rezoning

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF CARY TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 1.85 ACRES LOCATED ALONG O'KELLY CHAPEL ROAD OWNED BY PATRICK AND KATHLEEN GAGLIONE FROM RESIDENTIAL 40 CHATHAM  (RA-40) TO RESIDENTIAL (R40).  

 

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CARY:

Section 1:  The Official Zoning Map is hereby amended by rezoning the area described as follows:

 

PARCEL & OWNER INFORMATION

Property Owner(s)

Chatham County Parcel Number

Real Estate ID(s)

Area

Acres

Patrick and Kathleen Gaglione
3 Fenton Place
Chapel Hill, NC
27517

Subject Property Address:
2533 O'Kelly Chapel Road
Durham ,
NC 27713  

0726527518.000

N/A

 

1.85±

Total Acres

1.85±

 

Section 2:  That the Property is rezoned from Residential 40 Chatham to Residential 40 subject to all the requirements of the Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO) and other applicable laws, standards, policies and guidelines.   

 

Section 3:   This ordinance shall be effective on the date of adoption.

 

To be signed by the Mayor Upon Council Approval

 

 

Mayor McAllister

 

Date

 

Staff’s powerpoint presentation is attached to and incorporated as Exhibit B.

 

No one came forward to speak, and Mayor McAlister closed the public hearing.

 

ACTION: Referred to the May 21, 2007 Planning and Zoning Board meeting

 

_________________________

 

2.   MIXED USE SKETCH PLAN, 07-MU-02, Tryon Village MUSP Amendment
Location:
West side of Walnut Street south of Centrum at Crossroads
Current zoning: Residential-40 (R-40) in the Swift Creek Overlay District
Request: Amend MUSP to add Office/Warehouse uses
Acreage: 2.79 ±
Presenter: Ms. Jennifer Currin
Recommended Council Action: Refer to
August 20, 2007
Planning and Zoning Board meeting (Referred to 8/20/07 P&Z meeting)

Town of Cary, North Carolina
Mixed Use Sketch Plan Data Sheet
07-MU-02 Tryon
Village Mixed Use Sketch Plan Amendment

Jennifer Currin, Case Manager

 

Request

The applicant is requesting Council approve an amendment to a previously approved mixed use sketch plan to allow office/warehouse and retail uses on approximately 2.79 acres (subject site) located on the west side of Walnut Street, east of the Tryon Village Apartments, and south of the Centrum at Crossroads shopping center and within the Swift Creek Mixed Use Overlay District.

 

The purpose of the Mixed Use Overlay District is to enable the development of lands in areas designated as mixed use centers on the Land Use Plan Map in accordance with the guidance of Comprehensive Plan and individual mixed use sketch plans. It is intended to promote higher-density, mixed-use developments of varying sizes, as an alternative to lower-density separate-use suburban sprawl-type development.

 

Mixed use sketch plans are conceptual documents that address the general density, mix of uses, and development patterns within a mixed use center. They are less detailed than the site plans required for full site plan review. The intent is to provide sufficient information to determine consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the Town’s Design Guidelines. Specific development issues must be addressed for compliance with existing requirements specified in the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) when the site plan is submitted.

 

Background Information

 

Applicant

Carlton Ashby (Ashby Furniture Galleries)

Agent

J.W. Shearin
Elam, Todd, d’Ambrosi
2880 Slater Road, Suite 200
Morrisville, NC
27560

Acreage

2.79 ±

General Location
 

West side of Walnut Street, east of the Tryon Village Apartments, and south of the Centrum at Crossroads shopping center

Hearings / Meetings

Public Hearing

May 10, 2007

Planning & Zoning

TBD

Town Council

TBD

Land Use Designation
 

Mixed Use (MXD)

Town Limits

Corporate Limits

Annexation

Not Required 

Valid Protest

To be determined by time of Public Hearing

P&Z Recommendation

To be provided after the Planning and Zoning Board Meeting

Previously Approved Use (subject site)

20,000 sq. ft. outparcel

Existing/Constructed Use (subject site)

One single-family detached dwelling unit

Proposed Use
(subject site)

Building A: 16,000 sq. ft. retail and 3,500 sq. ft. office/warehouse
Building B: 4,000 sq. ft. retail and 3,600 sq. ft. office
Total: 20,000 sq. ft. retail and 7,100 sq. ft. office/warehouse


Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan

A. Land Use Plan:  This request conforms with the adopted Land Use Plan.  The current land use designation is Mixed Use (MXD); the proposed Office/Warehouse and Retail uses fit are consistent with uses permitted under the Mixed Use designation.  The subject parcels are part of the Swift Creek Community Mixed Use Center which currently includes a mix of Commercial (COM), Office/Institutional (OFC/INS), Churches, Medium Density Residential (MDR), and High Density Residential (HDR).

B. Transportation

Tryon Road
Existing Section:  4 Lane median divided
Future Section:  6 Lane median divided
Road Improvements:  N/A
Sidewalks Requirements: Both sides
Bicycle Requirements: Wide outside lanes
Transit Requirements:  None

 

Walnut Street
Existing Section:  6 Lane median divided
Future Section:  6 Lane median divided
Road Improvements:  N/A
Sidewalks Requirements: Both sides
Bicycle Requirements: Wide outside lanes
Transit Requirements:  None

Traffic Analysis:  No TIA is required for this proposed change.  The traffic analysis for Tryon Village is still valid.

 

C.  Parks & Greenways:
According to the approved Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Facilities Plan there are no issues related to this site.  According to the Open Space and Historical Resources Plan (OSHRP) there are no issues related to this site.

 

D.  Environmental:  
According to the Town of
Cary GIS maps, there are no stream buffers currently impacting the subject site. Should a field determination identify a stream buffer, the project will be required to comply with all buffer requirements of the Land Development Ordinance during the site plan approval process.  

 

E.  Buffers: 
According to Chapter 7 (LDO), the applicant will be required to provide a 20’ Type “C” Buffer along the northern property line adjacent to Centrum at Crossroads.

 

F.  Streetscape: 
According to Section 7.2.4 (LDO), the applicant is required to provide a 30’ Streetscape along
Walnut Street. Non-residential developments located on local or private streets shall provide a 15’ Streetscape.  The applicant is not requesting a reduction to the required streetscapes.

 

Consistency with the Land Development Ordinance

The proposed project is in the mixed use sketch plan stage and therefore preliminary engineering of the site has not been provided to Staff for review.  Prior to Site Plan approval, the application will be required to demonstrate consistency with the Land Development Ordinance with respect to specific development requirements, such as access, stormwater management, road improvements, utility line placement, road connectivity and landscape plantings.

 

Previously Approved and Requested Mixed Use Sketch Plan Comparison (for subject site):

 

 

Existing Tryon Village ACCP

Tryon Village MUSP Amendment (subject site)

Number of Buildings

1

2

Square feet of Non-residential

20,000 Retail

20,000 Retail
7,100 Office/Warehouse

 

Town Council Criteria for Consideration in Reviewing Mixed Use Sketch Plans:

 

Proposed mixed use sketch plans shall be reviewed for compliance with the following approval criteria where deemed appropriate (i.e., it may not be practical for some existing or partially-built mixed use district to achieve certain design standards).

 

Section 4.4.2 (J) of the Land Development Ordinance sets forth the following criteria that Council should consider in reviewing mixed use sketch plans.

(1)        The mixed use sketch plan has been prepared consistent with the requirements of this Section and the Land Use Plan;

(2)        The mixed use sketch plans includes an appropriate mix of land uses for the overall activity center, including residential, commercial, office, and institutional uses;

(3)        The mixed use sketch plans will meet or exceed Town design guidelines and other established Town standards;

(4)        The mixed use sketch plan includes medium- and higher-density housing;

(5)        The mixed use sketch plan includes some formal outdoor space for public use, such as a park, village green, or plaza; larger mixed use centers should include more such space than smaller centers; and

(6)        The mixed use sketch plan demonstrates that there has been participation by residents, property owners in the surrounding neighborhoods, and the Town, so that the proposed development responds specially to the unique conditions of the area.

 

Other Reference Information

 

Applicant’s Justification Statement Submitted (March 29, 2007)

 

The following statements are provided by the applicant in response to the criteria established in the application and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Town of Cary.  Any statements as to the type, quality or physical features are at the direction of the applicant and may be formulated into a condition):

 

1. Any issues with the size of the tract? The tract is of sufficient size to handle proposed buildings, parking, buffers and other required elements per the Town of Cary ordinances.

 

2. How is the request compatible with the comprehensive plan (i.e. Land Use, Transportation, Open Space and Historic Resources)?  The Comprehensive Plan includes a Community Activity Center at this location and the uses proposed are within the guidelines established for activity centers. The proposed land uses have already been approved for this development.

 

3. What are the benefits and detriments to the owner, neighbors and the community? The additional proposed office and retail shop space will further provide neighborhood support services. This site is adjacent to over 300 multifamily units and will offer residents walking distance to community services, i.e. medical, dental, insurance, ice cream shop, small deli shop, dry cleaners etc.

 

4. How are the allowable uses with the proposed rezoning compatible with, or how do they relate to, the uses currently present on adjacent tracts? This proposal fulfills the needs of having a mix of uses, specifically office and retail components, within the activity center as called for in the Town of Cary Comprehensive Plan. The uses proposed adhere to the previously approved plans for the Tryon Village Mixed Use Development. There are a number of larger big box users in the area, but the immediate area is presently under served with neighborhood type retail and office support users.

 

5. PDD (new or amended): What reductions/amendments and/or modifications to the development standards of the LDO are being requested and how are they justified? Applicants must list these items and/or clearly highlight them with the Planned Development document. (PDD, new or amended) Applicants must list these items and/or clearly highlight them within the Planned Development document. This proposal calls for no new reductions or modifications to LDO standards.

 

Staff’s powerpoint presentation is attached to and incorporated in these minutes as Exhibit C. A valid protest petition is filed on this case.

 

Mr. J.W. Shearin of ETd stated this plan was originally approved for 20,000 square feet of retail. Now based on the design the owner is proposing 16,000 square feet of retail and 4,000 square feet for storage and office area. He stated there is additional land on the back toward the apartments on the loop road, and the owner wants to look at additional retail opportunities since the retail square footage is not maximized. He stated they propose a two-story vertical design with the office over the retail. He stated they have prepared a design with 3,600 square feet of retail on the first floor, and they are asking for an additional 3,600 square feet of office above this retail. He stated the net result is 3,600 square feet of office with the use of the warehouse at the furniture store. Mr. Shearin confirmed that the warehouse will be committed to this particular store and will not be used as a regional warehouse.

 

No one else came forward to speak, and Mayor McAlister closed the public hearing.

 

Mrs. Robison asked how much space in the Centrum area is designated as warehouse space. Ms. Currin of the planning staff will provide this information before the planning and zoning board meeting

 

Mrs. Robinson doesn’t think the buildings relate well in the conceptual design (one faces the delivery area of the other). She suggested amending the conceptual design. Mr. Shearin stated the delivery area is well screened. He stated they prepared four layouts and this particular layout was staff’s preference.

 

Mr. Roseland asked if the zoning stipulates a furniture retailer. Ms. Currin stated the previously approved zoning only stipulates retail.

 

ACTION: Referred to the August 20, 2007 Planning and Zoning Board meeting

 

_________________________

 

E.   PUBLIC SPEAKS OUT

 

Ms. Paula Lipford, PTSA president of Green Hope High School, thanked the council for the recent grant for after-prom activities and a defensive driving program.

 

Mr. Nate Youd, a student at Green Hope High School, thanked the council for the grant, which provided them with safe after-prom activities. He urged the council to expand it to other schools in the area. He stated plans for a school-wide assembly on safe driving will occur at the beginning of next school year.

 

Mr. Ken Bobbitt stated he lives in Cary and commutes to his employment in Durham. He stated I-40 has only two lanes after the Wade Avenue split, and it would help commuters if this was widened.

 

_________________________

 

F.   LAND DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION ITEMS (any item pulled from the land development consent agenda for discussion [item B.2. on this agenda] will be discussed during this portion of the agenda)  

1.   Rezoning 06-REZ-40, Stephens Road property rezoning
Location:
2109 and 2201 Stephens Road
Current zoning: Residential-40
Proposed zoning: Transitional Residential Conditional Use
Acreage: 12.99 acres
Presenter: Mrs. Debra Grannan
Comprehensive Plan Consistency: In accordance with N.C.G.S. 160A-383, and based upon the recommendations and detailed information developed by staff and/or the Planning & Zoning Board contained in the case report, approval of this case by the Cary Town Council will officially adopt the individual rezoning report as evidence that consistency with the Comprehensive Plan has been thoroughly evaluated and that this is a reasonable action to further the community’s public interest in carrying out the Comprehensive Plan.
Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation:
Unanimous recommendation to approve
Recommended Council Action: Council may take final action. There is a valid protest petition on this case; six affirmative votes are required to approve this item.
 (Approved)

06-REZ-40 Stephens Road Property Rezoning
Staff Report to the Town Council


Background Information

Existing Zoning:  Residential 40 (R40)

Requested Zoning:  Transitional Residential Conditional Use (TR-CU)

 

Zoning Conditions:  

1.   The peak stormwater discharge rate from the site during a 5-year post-development storm event shall not exceed the peak stormwater discharge rate for the 1-year pre-development storm event.

2.   The peak stormwater discharge rate from the site during a 25-year post-development storm event shall not exceed the peak stormwater discharge rate for the 10-year pre-development storm event.

3.   Minimum lot size 6,100 square feet.

4.   The use