DRAFT

Contact the town clerk at 919-460-4941 for official minutes

 

Cary Town Council Minutes

Thursday, May 8, 2008

6:30 p.m.

Council Chambers
316 N. Academy Street, Cary, N.C.
Web Site: 
www.townofcary.org

 

Click on links herein for full text minutes.

 

Present: Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Julie Robison, Council Members Gale Adcock, Don Frantz, Ervin Portman, Jennifer Robinson and Jack Smith

 

A.   COMMENCEMENT

 

1.    Call to Order (Mayor Weinbrecht)

 

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

 

_________________________

 

 

2.    Ceremonial Opening (Mr. Smith)

 

Mr. Smith provided the ceremonial opening.

 

_________________________

 

3.   Adoption of agenda (Town Council)

 

ACTION: Mr. Frantz moved to adopt the agenda. Mrs. Robison provided the second, and council granted unanimous approval.

 

_________________________

 

B.   CONSENT AGENDA

 

The council pulled consent agenda item 3.b.l., Modify Curbside Recycling Collection to Every Other Week using Roll-Out Carts (PWUT08-28), for discussion. Refer to item G.2. in these minutes for discussion and action.

 

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 24, 2008; the minutes of the council’s breakfast meeting held on April 18, 2008; and the minutes of the April 22, 2008 work session on the mixed use sketch plan process.

 

ACTION: Mrs. Adcock moved to approve the consent agenda; Mr. Portman provided the second; council granted unanimous approval.

 

_________________________

 

 

b.   Consideration of appointing Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar as interim deputy town clerk for the time period May 19-22, 2008.

 

ACTION: Mrs. Adcock moved to approve the consent agenda; Mr. Portman provided the second; council granted unanimous approval.

 

_________________________

 

 

c.   Consideration of adoption of certificates of sufficiencies and resolutions calling for public hearings to be conducted on the following citizen-initiated annexations:

 

(1)  Annexation 08-A-02
Applicants: Mahmoud and Rolla Abdallah
Property address: 3727 Davis Drive
Current Zoning:   Office, Research & Development (ORD)
Acreage:  
2.67 plus 0.00 adjacent right of way = 2.67 total deeded acres
Contiguous to Primary Corporate Limits:  
Yes 
Existing Use:
    Residential Single Family
Proposed Use:  Office Building
Associated case:
Site Plan 07-SP-088 (Davis Drive Office Park)
Presenter: Mr. Wayne Nicholas

 

Annexation Petition Number:   08-A-02
Property Address:   3727 Davis Drive
Wake County Parcel Number:  0745370866
Real ID Number:   0100773
Petition Date:   3/11/2008

Proposed Effective Date:   5/29/2008


OWNERS:
Mahmoud & Rolla Abdallah  
1908 Katesbridge Lane  
Raleigh, NC  27614

 

LOCATION:   440 feet southeast of McCrimmon Parkway and Davis Drive Intersection

ZONING & PROPOSED USE:
Current Zoning:  
Office, Research & Development (ORD)           
Acreage:  
2.67 plus 0.00 adjacent right of way = 2.67 total deeded acres
Contiguous to Primary Corporate Limits:  
Yes 
% Contiguity:  
25.40%                 
Existing Use:
    Residential Single Family
Proposed Use:  Office Building      
Associated Rezoning Case:   
None     
Associated Development Plan:  
07-SP-088 (Davis Drive Office Park

UTILITIES
Water:   
On Site    
Sewer:   On Site    

DISTRICTS & TAX VALUE:
Fire District:  
Morrisville                                              
Voting District: 
A
Tax Value:   
$425,562 

MEETINGS:
Town Council – Certificate of Sufficiency and Resolution Ordering Public Hearing:   5/8/2008
Staff Recommendation:     Forward to public hearing on
5/29/2008  

 

The documents that Council will consider for adoption at this meeting follow: 

CERTIFICATE OF SUFFICIENCY OF ANNEXATION PETITION 

I, the undersigned Town Clerk of the Town of Cary, do hereby certify that I have investigated the sufficiency of Annexation Petition of 

Mahmoud & Rolla Abdallah;  

Wake County Parcel Identification #0745370866;

2.67 acres plus 0.00± acres of adjacent right-of-way;

as directed by the Town Council by resolution, and that my investigation reveals the following:

1.   The signers of the Petition are the owners of the real property within the area proposed for annexation.

2.   The area is contiguous to the municipal boundaries of the Town of Cary as defined by G.S. 160A-31, or is appropriate for annexation as a noncontiguous area as defined by 160A-58.

This  5/8/2008

RESOLUTION ORDERING PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE QUESTION OF ANNEXATION PURSUANT TO G.S. 160A-31

WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Cary has received an annexation petition of

Mahmoud & Rolla Abdallah

Wake County Parcel Identification #0745370866;

2.67 acres plus 0.00± acres of adjacent right-of-way;

requesting the annexation of certain lands contiguous to the municipal boundaries of the Town of Cary; and

            WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has certified to the Town Council the sufficiency of said Petition as required by law; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Cary, North Carolina that: 

            Section I.  A public hearing on the question of annexation of the area described herein will be held in the Council Chamber of the Town of Cary, 316 N. Academy Street, Cary, N.C. at 6:30 p.m. on 5/29/2008 at which time all residents and area owners in said territory and all residents of the Town of Cary will be given an opportunity to be heard. 

Section 2. The area proposed for annexation is described as follows:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION  
Wake County
Parcel Identification #0745370866

            Section 3.  Notice of public hearing shall be published in the Cary News, a newspaper having general circulation in the Town of Cary, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the public hearing. 

ADOPTED 5/8/2008.

 

ACTION: Mrs. Adcock moved to approve the consent agenda; Mr. Portman provided the second; council granted unanimous approval.

 

(Resolutions are also on file in the town clerk’s office.)

 

_________________________

 

 

(2)  Annexation 08-A-03
Applicants: Gayle Partin
Property address: 6514 Koppers Road
Current Zoning:   Residential 40 (R-40)
Acreage:  
12.73 plus 0.65 adjacent right of way = 13.38 total deeded acres
Contiguous to Primary Corporate Limits: 
Yes  
Existing Use:
    Vacant
Proposed Use:   Residential Subdivision
Associated Development Plan:  
08-SP-020 (Koppers Road Subdivision)
Presenter: Mr. Wayne Nicholas

 

Annexation Petition Number:   08-A-03
Property Address:   6514 Koppers Road
Wake
County Parcel Number:  0745071598
Real ID Number:   0361061
Petition Date:   3/13/2008
             
Proposed Effective Date:   5/29/2008


OWNERS:
Gayle M. Partin  
1509 Old Maynard Road  
Morrisville, NC 27560-8873

 

LOCATION:   Southwest of intersection of Old Maynard Road, McCrimmon Parkway, and Koppers Road

ZONING & PROPOSED USE:
Current Zoning:  
Residential 40 (R-40) 
Acreage:  
12.73 plus 0.65 adjacent right of way = 13.38 total deeded acres
Contiguous to Primary Corporate Limits:  
Yes  
% Contiguity:  
28.09%
Existing Use:
    Vacant
Proposed Use:   Residential Subdivision            
Associated Rezoning Case:   
None     
Associated Development Plan:  
08-SP-020 (Koppers Road Subdivision) 

UTILITIES
Water:   
On Site    
Sewer:   810 feet north                         

DISTRICTS & TAX VALUE:
Fire District:  
Morrisville                                              
Voting District: 
A
Tax Value:   
$1,432,125

MEETINGS:
Town Council – Certificate of Sufficiency and Resolution Ordering Public Hearing:   5/8/2008

Staff Recommendation: 
    Forward to public hearing on
5/29/2008
 
The documents that Council will consider for adoption at this meeting follow:

CERTIFICATE OF SUFFICIENCY OF ANNEXATION PETITION 

I, the undersigned Town Clerk of the Town of Cary, do hereby certify that I have investigated the sufficiency of Annexation Petition of:

Gayle M. Partin;

Wake County Parcel Identification #0745071598;

12.73 acres plus 0.65± acres of adjacent right-of-way;

as directed by the Town Council by resolution, and that my investigation reveals the following:

1.   The signers of the Petition are the owners of the real property within the area proposed for annexation.

2.   The area is contiguous to the municipal boundaries of the Town of Cary as defined by G.S. 160A-31, or is appropriate for annexation as a noncontiguous area as defined by 160A-58.

This  5/8/2008.

RESOLUTION ORDERING PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE QUESTION OF ANNEXATION PURSUANT TO G.S. 160A-31 

WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Cary has received an annexation petition of

Gayle M. Partin;
Wake County
Parcel Identification #0745071598;  
12.73 acres plus 0.65
± acres of adjacent right-of-way;

requesting the annexation of certain lands contiguous to the municipal boundaries of the Town of Cary ; and

WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has certified to the Town Council the sufficiency of said Petition as required by law; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Cary, North Carolina that:

Section I.  A public hearing on the question of annexation of the area described herein will be held in the Council Chamber of the Town of Cary, 316 N. Academy Street, Cary, N.C. at 6:30 p.m. on 5/29/2008 at which time all residents and area owners in said territory and all residents of the Town of Cary will be given an opportunity to be heard. 

Section 2. The area proposed for annexation is described as follows:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION  
Wake County
Parcel Identification #0745071598

Section 3.  Notice of public hearing shall be published in the Cary News, a newspaper having general circulation in the Town of Cary, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the public hearing.

ADOPTED 5/82008

 

ACTION: Mrs. Adcock moved to approve the consent agenda; Mr. Portman provided the second; council granted unanimous approval.

 

(Resolutions are also on file in the town clerk’s office.)

 

_________________________

 

 

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)

 

N/A

 

_________________________

 

3.   Operations Committee, April 30, 2008 (click on this link for the operations consent agenda full text minutes)

 

a.   Cary Parkway/High House Road Intersection Study (EN08-087)
Committee unanimously recommended appropriation of $50,000 from General Fund fund balance to the Engineering Department’s contracted services account to conduct a study on alternatives to widening the intersection of Cary Parkway and High House Road.
(Approved)

 

b.   Bid Award – Weston Parkway Rehabilitation Project (EN08-088)
Committee unanimously recommended awarding the construction contract for the Weston Parkway Rehabilitation Project to C.C. Mangum Company, LLC for $2,391,504.90.  This award by Council represents a preliminary determination as to the qualifications of this bidder and no legally binding acceptance of this award occurs until the Town has executed a written agreement. 
(Approved)

 

c.   Right of Way Closing – Yates Store Road (EN08-089)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of a resolution of intent to close a portion of
Yates Store Road right of way and to conduct a public hearing on June 12, 2008. (Approved)

 

d.   Contract Award for Wastewater System Parallel Force Main Project (EN08-090)
Committee unanimously recommended awarding a contract for consulting engineering services for design and construction administration services for the Wastewater System Parallel Force Main Project to The Wooten Company.
(Approved)

 

e.   Belhaven Road Sidewalk Project Condemnation Resolution (EN08-091)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of resolutions authorizing condemnation to secure necessary easements for the Belhaven Road Sidewalk Project.
(Approved)

 

f.    Additional Funding Request for Hawes Tract Collector Road and Water Line (EN08-093)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of a an additional appropriation of $1,210,588 from General Capital Reserve Unrestricted fund balance to the Hawes Collector Road Project to construct the Hawes tract collector road and water line jointly with the Wake County Public School System in accordance with the agreement.
(Approved)

 

g.   Position Classification and Pay Study (HR08-005)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of this year’s Classification and Pay Study recommendations with an effective date of July 1, 2008.  No funding request is required since costs are minimal and would expect to be absorbed in the FY 2009 budget.
(Approved)

 

h.   Amendments to Stop Street Schedules (PD08-018)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of an ordinance amendment adoption to the Town Code Sec. 34-329 (stop streets).
(Approved)

 

i.    Amendments to School Speed Zone Schedules (PD08-019)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of an ordinance amendment adoption to the Town Code Sec. 34-334 (Schedule XIV: Designated School Speed Zones).
(Approved)

 

j.    C-Tran Fare Increases and Door-to-Door Service Charges (PL08-025a)
Committee unanimously recommended conducting a public hearing on
May 29, 2008. (Approved)

 

k.   Long-term Solid Waste Disposal (PWUT08-027)
Committee unanimously recommended approval of an amendment to add the East Wake Transfer Station to the recently executed 2006 Interlocal Solid Waste Management System agreement. 
(Approved)

l.    Modify Curbside Recycling Collection to Every Other Week using Roll-Out Carts (PWUT08-028)
Committee unanimously recommended approving the appropriation of $3,700,000 from the FY 2008 General Fund fund balance to the General Government capital project entitled "Sanitation and Recycling Truck Replacement" for the purchase of eight automated recycling trucks and approximately thirty-five thousand roll-out carts and the implementation of a more cost-effective recycling program wherein: (1) residents would use a Town-provided blue 65-gallon roll-out cart, (2) recycling would be collected every other week at curbside, (3) carts would be collected with special “automated” trucks requiring only an operator, and (4) townhomes and condominiums would receive curbside service utilizing existing 10- to 18-gallon bins every other week.
 (Pulled from consent for discussion; see agenda item G.2.)

m.  Animal Sheltering Services (PD08-017)
Committee unanimously recommended tabling this discussion and directed staff to return to the June operations committee with: (1) A progress report from Wake County concerning the development and implementation of a foster program designed to help achieve 100% pre-adoption spay/neuter of companion animals, anticipated to be operational by August 2008, (2) the possibility of a contract extension or other interim opportunities to continue working with the SPCA until Wake County’s foster program is fully implemented and operational, and (3) projected costs associated with any contract delays or changes.
 (Approved)

C.   RECOGNITIONS, REPORTS, AND PRESENTATIONS 

1.   Presentation of the Honorable Mention Award for the 2006-2007 State Treasurer’s Award for Excellence in Accounting and Financial Management for municipalities with a population greater than 25,000.

Ms. Edmundson presented the award to Ms. Michelle Price.

 

_________________________

 

2.   Presentation of the Town of Cary Fiscal Year 2009 proposed budget.

 

Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar officially presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget and budget message to the council. Refer to Exhibit attached to and incorporated herein for this document. He stated the budget totals $305.7 million, which is approximately 20% lower than the Fiscal Year 2008 adopted budget. He stated the budget includes $166.3 million in operating expenditures, and $139.4 million in capital project spending. He stated 25 and ¼ additional full time staff equivalents are included in the budget, which will bring the total number of Town staff to 1,153 and ¾. He stated this continues to maintain the Town’s low number of employees per 1,000 population, and Cary remains one of the lowest in the state in this area. He stated the property tax rate is recommended at 33 cents, which represents a nine cent decrease from the current rate of 42 cents. He stated the solid waste and recycling fee is recommended to increase by $2.25 per month for a total of $14 per month, which is up from the current $11.75 per month charge. He stated utility rates are proposed to increase by 1.2% for an average 7,000 gallon per month residential customer. He stated town council work sessions are scheduled for May 13 and May 27, and council may set more if necessary. He stated budget public hearings are scheduled for tonight and the May 29 and June 12 council meetings. Mr. Shivar stated the budget is on-line at www.townofcary.org, and printed copies are available at the downtown library and at the library on Louis Stephens Road.

 

_________________________

 

D.   PUBLIC SPEAKS OUT (one hour time limit)

 

Mr. Herman Jaffe, a Wake County resident, spoke in favor of wind farms and solar power. Mr. Jaffe’s comments are attached to and incorporated herein as Exhibit.

 

Mr. Adam Ashbaugh, a planner and engineer with Withers and Ravenel, on behalf of the Davis Drive Towns applicant, clarified some of the recent confusion about this case. He stated the applicant and development group have been open and honest with adjacent neighbors. He stated they have offered several conditions to alleviate the concerns of the neighbors, including a limit of six units per acre. They are also providing four acres of open space. He stated the traffic generated by the multi-family site is about 1/3 of the traffic that an office use would generate. They are here to answer questions if needed.

 

_________________________

 

E.   PUBLIC HEARINGS (click on this link to see full text minutes of the public hearing items)

1.   BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Subject:
This public hearing provides an opportunity for the public to comment on the Town of Cary’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, which identifies services and infrastructure projects to be undertaken by the Town from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
Presenter: Mr. Scott Fogleman
Proposed council action: conduct public hearing; additional public hearings are planned for the May 29 and June 12 council meetings with budget adoption scheduled at the June 26, 2008 council meeting
 (Conducted)

2.   REZONING 08-REZ-05, Kera Gardens
Location:
917 Reedy Creek Road
Current Zoning: Residential 40 (R-40)
Proposed Zoning: Residential 12 Conditional Use (R-12 CU)
Acreage: 8.0 ±
Presenter: Mrs. Debra Grannan
Proposed council action: council may refer this item to the July 21, 2008 planning and zoning board meeting
 (Referred to 7/21/08 planning & zoning board meeting)

3.   WALNUT PLACE DEVELOPMENT 

a.   COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT 08-CPA-01
Location:
Southeast quadrant of the intersection of Macedonia Road and Walnut Street
Current Land Use Plan: Medium Density Residential (MDR) and High Density Residential (HDR
)
Proposed Land Use Plan: Mixed Use (MXD)
Acreage: 7.94 ±
Presenter: Mrs. Anna Readling
Proposed council action: council may refer this item to the
July 21, 2008 planning and zoning board meeting (Referred to 7/21/08 planning & zoning board meeting)

b.   MIXED USE SKETCH PLAN 08-MU-001
Location: Southeast quadrant of the intersection of Macedonia Road and Walnut Street
Current Use: Existing Single-Family Residences
Proposed Uses: Office and Commercial Uses
Acreage: 6.97 ±
Presenter: Mr. Kevin Hales
Proposed council action: council may refer this item to the September 15, 2008 planning and zoning board meeting
 (Referred to 9/15/08 planning & zoning board meeting)

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 07-REZ-24, Davis Drive Towns
Location:
6020 Leonard Christian Road; northwest of the Davis Drive and Leonard Christian Road intersection
Current zoning: Office & Institutional Conditional Use (OICU)
Requested zoning: Residential Multi-Family Conditional Use (RMFCU)
Acreage: 16.13 ±
Speaker: Mrs. Debra Grannan and Ms. Kelly Commiskey
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: Voted 4-3 to recommend denial
Recommended Council Action: Council may take action
 

Request

 

The applicant is requesting Town Council approve an Ordinance to amend the official zoning map of the Town of Cary for approximately 16.13 acres located at 6020 Leonard Christian Road, northwest of the Davis Drive and Leonard Christian Road intersection, from Office and Institutional Conditional Use (OI CU) to Transitional Residential Conditional Use (TR CU).

 

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

PS Partners, LLC (Pablo Reiter)

Agent

J. Adam Ashbaugh

Withers & Ravenel

111 MacKenan Drive

Cary, NC 27511

Acreage

 16.13 ±

General Location
 

Northwest of the Davis Drive and Leonard Christian Road intersection

Hearings / Meetings

Public Hearing

November 8, 2007

Planning & Zoning

April 28, 2008

Town Council

May 8, 2008

Land Use Designation
 

Medium Density Residential (MDR)

Town Limits

In the Town of Cary’s Corporate Limits

Annexation

Not required since it is already within the Town Limits

Valid Protest

Several protests were received regarding this case; however, these were determined to be invalid; therefore, no supermajority vote is required.

P&Z Recommendation

Forward to Town Council with a recommendation for denial 4-3

Existing Use
 

Vacant

Proposed Use
 

Transitional Residential Zoning District Permitted Uses

Final Council Action

To be provided after the Town Council Meeting

Staff Contact

Debra Grannan, Senior Planner

Email: debra.grannan@townofcary.org

Phone: (919) 460-4980

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8005, Cary, NC 27512

 

Town Council Public Hearing Notification:

On October 22, 2007, notices were mailed to property owners within 400 feet of the subject property.  In addition, notification consistent with General Statutes was present in the Cary News on October 24 and 31, 2007.

 

Feedback at the Town Council Public Hearing:

The applicant stated that they perceive this as a downzoning and reduction in density and traffic.

 

Several citizens spoke in opposition to this request. Concerns were expressed regarding the following: that office and institutional use is inappropriate for the site; building heights; complimentary elevations; the 150’ buffer adjacent to the Whitebridge subdivision should remain; light and noise pollution; loss of land zoned for office space; overcrowded schools; and impacts on traffic and trees.

 

Council members expressed concerns over the removal of the existing zoning conditions, especially pertaining to building height. A comparison was requested between the existing zoning conditions and what is being proposed. There was also a concern raised by a Council member regarding the impact of the proposed development on properties east of Davis Drive.

 

Changes Since the Town Council Public Hearing:  Based upon feedback after the public hearing, the applicant amended the original proposed rezoning request from RMF CU to TR CU, which is more restrictive. Also, the applicant has proposed the following three new conditions:

 

1.   All buildings containing residential dwelling units shall include pitched roofs.

 

2.   There will be a minimum of 4 acres of open space provided within the property, inclusive of Ordinance required buffers and streetscape areas.

 

3.   An average 150’ undisturbed buffer shall be provided along the common western property line with the following adjacent Whitebridge Subdivision properties and Wake County PINs: 0744.03-40-1019 (Logan), 0744.03-40-2285 (Filer/Hlavin), 0744.03-40-3389 (Hoff), 0744.03-40-4463 (Perazolo), 0744.03-40-5448 (Missina), 0744.03-40-6514 (Viradia), 0744.03-40-6589 (Yohanis), 0744.03-40-7655 (Prince/Kurtz), 0744.03-40-8712 (Ghosh), 0744.03-40-8789 (Papaspyros), 0744.03-40-9837 (Findle), 0744.03-31-1031 (Whitebridge Community Association).  The aforementioned undisturbed buffer shall be not less than 100’ feet in width at any given point measured from the common boundary of the property and the parcels listed herein.

 

Also, the applicant’s original proposed conditioning limiting the total number of dwelling units to 96 is no longer included since the proposed Transitional Residential zoning district only permits 6.0 dwelling units per acre.

 

Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation

 

As required by G.S. 160A-328, a P&Z recommendation addressing plan consistency and other matters as deemed appropriate by the Board follows: The Planning and Zoning Board met on April 28, 2008 and voted 4-3 to forward this case to the Town Council with a recommendation for denial because the proposed request is not in the public interest as indicated in the staff report due to the proposed density.

 

Changes since the Planning and Zoning Board Meeting:  One of the proposed conditions has been clarified to read as follows:

 

An average 150’ undisturbed buffer shall be provided along the common western property line with the following adjacent Whitebridge Subdivision properties and Wake County PINs: 0744.03-40-1019 (Logan), 0744.03-40-2285 (Filer/Hlavin), 0744.03-40-3389 (Hoff), 0744.03-40-4463 (Perazolo), 0744.03-40-5448 (Missina), 0744.03-40-6514 (Viradia), 0744.03-40-6589 (Yohanis), 0744.03-40-7655 (Prince/Kurtz), 0744.03-40-8712 (Ghosh), 0744.03-40-8789 (Papaspyros), 0744.03-40-9837 (Findle), 0744.03-31-1031 (Whitebridge Community Association).  The aforementioned undisturbed buffer shall be not less than 100’ feet in width at any given point measured from the common boundary of the property and the parcels listed herein. Buffer areas shall remain undisturbed where vegetation is present, except for certain disturbances such as roadway or utility crossings, sidewalks and/or greenway trails and stormwater management devices as may be required for the development of the site. Developer may provide supplemental Landscape plantings within buffer areas.

 

The applicant has submitted the following proposed zoning conditions:

 

Existing Conditions (00-REZ-22) proposed to be eliminated:

  • All buildings shall not exceed two (2) occupied stories in height.  Special architectural features such as cupolas shall not be included in this height limitation.
  • Uses shall be limited to offices and shall not exceed 85,000 square feet.  No single building shall be greater than 50,000 square feet.
  • Free standing area light poles shall be limited to a maximum height of twenty (20’) feet.  All pole mounted lighting fixtures shall consist of shoebox type fixtures. 

·         A 150' undisturbed buffer shall be provided along the common western property line with the following adjacent Whitebridge Subdivision properties and Wake County PIN#s:

  • 0744.03-40-1019 (Logan), 0744.03-40-2285 (Christos), 0744.03-40-3389 (Matroni), 0744.03-40-4463 (Perazolo), 0744.03-40-5448 (Xue), 0744.03-40-6514 (Viradia), 0744.03-40-6589 (Cinco), 0744.03-40-7655 Price/Kurtz), 0744.03-40-5712 (Nathey), 0744.03-40-8789 (Papaspyros), 0744.03-40-9837 (Findle), 0744.03-31-1031 (Whitebridge Community Association)

·         Existing trees that fall within the 150’ buffer above shall be saved.  Trees will be saved unless one of the following circumstances necessitates the removal of selected trees. 

         Removal of diseased, damaged dead, dying, or infested materials;

         Removal of noxious weeds and plants;

         Construction of trails, sidewalks or paths for the purposes of pedestrian access;

         Construction of utilities; and

             Construction of entrance drives and public streets.

  • Principal building materials (70% of any side –excluding, doors windows and open areas) shall consist of brick.  Remaining portions of the facades may contain ornamental details, special banding and other architectural elements that compliment the façade.  All buildings shall utilize a similar brick color.  Special architectural features may differ so long as they match in terms of color and materials.
  • All buildings shall contain pitched roofs. Roof materials may consist of either: asphalt shingles, cedar shingles (that are similar in color to those provided in adjacent residential subdivisions); or slate shingles (that have an earth tone texture).  All shingles used within the development shall match and consist of one of the three material choices listed above (cedar, asphalt, or slate).  Minor architectural features attached to or part of the roof features (i.e. cupolas and awnings) may consist of other materials so long as they are complimentary in appearance.
  • Base materials for monument sign(s) shall match the buildings. A Uniform Sign Plan that governs signs over the entire property subject to this zoning shall be submitted with the first site plan.
  • Fifteen (15’) feet of additional right-of-way shall be dedicated along the entire frontage of Davis Drive.  The owner shall dedicate the necessary fifteen (15') feet of right-of-way and grant temporary construction easements to complete construction of the Davis Drive Road widening project within thirty (30) days of notification by the Town.
  • Sidewalk connections shall be provided in at least two (2) locations.  These connections shall provide pedestrian access from the public sidewalks along Davis Drive (inside the public right-of-way) to the main entrance(s) of the building(s).
  • Driveways shall be limited to no more than 2 points of ingress/egress on Davis Drive and 1 point of ingress/egress on Leonard Christian Road.  The exact number, location and design of these driveways shall be determined at the time of site plan approval.
  • The developer shall reserve an additional area to be used as right-of-way for the Town's planned extension of Playford Lane to Leonard Christian Road.  Provision for this right-of-way shall include 65' wide right-of-way and an additional 15' wide area for temporary construction easements.  Right-of-way and temporary construction easements shall be made available for dedication to the Town within 30 days of written receipt of an official request from the Town indicating that the road will be extended.  The development shall be allowed on-site vehicular access to this extension.  This access would be in addition to the limited access to Leonard Christian Road outlined in condition 11 above.
  • All site plans submitted for this development shall be subject to the review of the Appearance Commission, Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council.

 

Proposed Conditions:

  • All buildings containing residential dwelling units shall include pitched roofs.
  • There will be a minimum of 4 acres of open space provided within the property, inclusive of Code required buffers and streetscape areas.
  • An average 150’ undisturbed buffer shall be provided along the common western property line with the following adjacent Whitebridge Subdivision properties and Wake County PINs: 0744.03-40-1019 (Logan), 0744.03-40-2285 (Filer/Hlavin), 0744.03-40-3389 (Hoff), 0744.03-40-4463 (Perazolo), 0744.03-40-5448 (Missina), 0744.03-40-6514 (Viradia), 0744.03-40-6589 (Yohanis), 0744.03-40-7655 (Prince/Kurtz), 0744.03-40-8712 (Ghosh), 0744.03-40-8789 (Papaspyros), 0744.03-40-9837 (Findle), 0744.03-31-1031 (Whitebridge Community Association).  The aforementioned undisturbed buffer shall be not less than 100’ feet in width at any given point measured from the common boundary of the property and the parcels listed herein. Buffer areas shall remain undisturbed where vegetation is present, except for certain disturbances such as roadway or utility crossings, sidewalks and/or greenway trails and stormwater management devices as may be required for the development of the site. Developer may provide supplemental Landscape plantings within buffer areas.

 

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING Zoning CONDITIONS

 

After the public hearing, Staff compared the existing zoning conditions (00-REZ-22) to the current Ordinance requirements.

 

Below are the existing conditions (shown in italics) approved in the rezoning case 00-REZ-22. Most of the conditions approved for case 00-REZ-22 are site plan related or issues which normally are addressed during site plan submittal and review. Since Staff is only evaluating the current proposed rezoning case and not a site plan, it is difficult to give exact differences between what was approved and what is being proposed. Staff's response, as to how the current Ordinance (LDO) regulates each item, follows each condition.

 

Condition 1:

All buildings shall not exceed two (2) occupied stories in height.  Special architectural features such as cupolas shall not be included in this height limitation.

 

If a nonresidential structure is within 100' of a residential zoning district boundary, the maximum height is 35'. If the structure is more than 100' from a residential zoning district boundary, the maximum height is 50'. The heights for the nonresidential structure can be increased by 1' for every foot provided in addition to the minimum setbacks. The LDO limits the height of buildings in the TR zoning district to 35'. This height limitation can also be increased by 1' for every foot provided in addition to the minimum setbacks. However, the way this condition is written, this condition does not necessarily prohibit a 3rd story (or partial) from being proposed as an architectural feature as long as it is not constructed as occupied area. When the applicant submits the subdivision or site plan, the residential structures will be required to comply with the Ordinance requirements. Since the building heights will conform with the LDO requirements, Staff determined that the Ordinance adequately addresses building height requirements.

 

Condition 2:

Uses shall be limited to offices and shall not exceed 85,000 square feet.  No single building shall be greater than 50,000 square feet.

 

Although there are some non-residential uses that may be permitted in a TR zoning district (with Council approval of a special use permit), typically, residential uses are found in a TR zoning district.

 

Condition 3:

Free standing area light poles shall be limited to a maximum height of twenty (20’) feet.  All pole mounted lighting fixtures shall consist of shoebox type fixtures.

 

The LDO (Section 7.9.3) requires that the non-cut-off lights not exceed 18' above grade. Cut-off lights (such as shoebox type fixtures) cannot exceed 35' above grade, unless a raised foundation is required to protect the poles, in which case the maximum height shall not exceed 37' above grade. Cut-off lighting shall be designed to direct light downward (e.g. shoe box style). The LDO also regulates the maximum light levels at the property lines. The maximum illumination at a residential property line is 0.5 foot-candles. When the applicant submits the subdivision or site plan, the plan will be required to comply with the Ordinance requirements. Since the plan will conform with the LDO requirements, Staff determined that the Ordinance adequately addresses lighting requirements.

 

Condition 4:

A 150' undisturbed buffer shall be provided along the common western property line with the following adjacent Whitebridge Subdivision properties and Wake County PIN#s: 0744.03-40-1019 (Logan), 0744.03-40-2285 (Christos), 0744.03-40-3389 (Matroni), 0744.03-40-4463 (Perazolo), 0744.03-40-5448 (Xue), 0744.03-40-6514 (Viradia), 0744.03-40-6589 (Cinco), 0744.03-40-7655 Price/Kurtz), 0744.03-40-5712 (Nathey), 0744.03-40-8789 (Papaspyros), 0744.03-40-9837 (Findle), 0744.03-31-1031 (Whitebridge Community Association)

 

Since the public hearing for the subject request (07-REZ-24), the applicant has proposed the condition that an average 150’ undisturbed buffer shall be provided along the common western property line with the following adjacent Whitebridge Subdivision properties and Wake County PINs: 0744.03-40-1019 (Logan), 0744.03-40-2285 (Filer/Hlavin), 0744.03-40-3389 (Hoff), 0744.03-40-4463 (Perazolo), 0744.03-40-5448 (Missina), 0744.03-40-6514 (Viradia), 0744.03-40-6589 (Yohanis), 0744.03-40-7655 (Prince/Kurtz), 0744.03-40-8712 (Ghosh), 0744.03-40-8789 (Papaspyros), 0744.03-40-9837 (Findle), 0744.03-31-1031 (Whitebridge Community Association). The aforementioned undisturbed buffer shall be not less than 100’ feet in width at any given point measured from the common boundary of the property and the parcels listed herein. Buffer areas shall remain undisturbed where vegetation is present, except for certain disturbances such as roadway or utility crossings, sidewalks and/or greenway trails and stormwater management devices as may be required for the development of the site. Developer may provide supplemental Landscape plantings within buffer areas.

 

Condition 5:

Existing trees that fall within the 150’ buffer above shall be saved.  Trees will be saved unless one of the following circumstances necessitates the removal of selected trees.

•     Removal of diseased, damaged dead, dying, or infested materials;

•     Removal of noxious weeds and plants;

•     Construction of trails, sidewalks or paths for the purposes of pedestrian access;

•     Construction of utilities; and

•     Construction of entrance drives and public streets.

 

The following is LDO Section 7.2.3 (H), which regulates development within required buffers:

 

(1) The required buffer shall not contain any development, impervious surfaces, or site features that do not function to meet the standards of this section or that require removal of existing vegetation, unless otherwise permitted in this Ordinance.

 

(2) No grading, development, or land-disturbing activities shall occur within the buffer or within the tree protection fence area unless approved by the Planning Director or the Town Council.

 

(3) Sidewalks and trails may be placed in buffers provided that damage to existing vegetation in minimized.

 

(4) Utilities are not permitted in buffers unless no reasonable alternative exists.

 

(5) If utilities are placed in a buffer, they shall be located and installed in a way that minimizes disturbance of the buffer area (not parallel but perpendicular or not less than at a 75 degree angle). If utilities, stormwater drainage channels or piping, and other similar features are placed in a buffer any way other than perpendicular or not less than at a 75 degree angle, the area making up the utility easement or area shall be replaced with an equal amount of buffer area preferably on the site adjacent to the disturbed area unless reductions have been permitted as allowed under this section.

 

(6) Stormwater impoundment areas or other BMPs may be placed within a required buffer when no other reasonable alternative exists, and provided that the performance standard of the buffer can be maintained. Bio-retention areas may be placed within buffers without additional justification provided the performance standard of the buffer is maintained. (This requirement may be slightly different for stream buffers.)

 

Condition 6:

Principal building materials (70% of any side –excluding, doors windows and open areas) shall consist of brick. Remaining portions of the facades may contain ornamental details, special banding and other architectural elements that compliment the façade. All buildings shall utilize a similar brick color. Special architectural features may differ so long as they match in terms of color and materials

 

Facades for an office building would be required to be at least 75% masonry under the current Community Appearance Manual design standards, which is slightly greater than the current zoning condition. For attached residential buildings, masonry materials are required to comprise at least 35% of the front and/or rear facades when adjoining a road or travelway.

 

Condition 7:

All buildings shall contain pitched roofs. Roof materials may consist of either: asphalt shingles, cedar shingles (that are similar in color to those provided in adjacent residential subdivisions); or slate shingles (that have an earth tone texture). All shingles used within the development shall match and consist of one of the three material choices listed above (cedar, asphalt, or slate). Minor architectural features attached to or part of the roof features (i.e. cupolas and awnings) may consist of other materials so long as they are complimentary in appearance.

 

There is no Ordinance requirement for buildings to be designed with pitched roofs, and the LDO does not dictate the type of shingles. However, it is assumed that this zoning condition was proposed and approved to provide a "residential" appearance for the office buildings. Since the public hearing, the applicant has proposed the condition that all buildings containing residential dwelling units shall include pitched roofs.

 

Condition 8:

Base materials for monument sign(s) shall match the buildings. A Uniform Sign Plan that governs signs over the entire property subject to this zoning shall be submitted with the first site plan.

 

A condition related to signage is inappropriate when considering a proposed rezoning. The LDO states that signage has to be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials and details of the primary structure(s). This LDO regulation is consistent with the existing rezoning condition for this parcel. If multiple signs will be constructed for this project, a USP will be required prior to erecting any signs.

 

Condition 9:

The owner shall dedicate the necessary fifteen (15') feet of right-of-way and grant temporary construction easements to complete construction of the Davis Drive Road widening project within thirty (30) days of notification by the Town.

 

According to Town Engineering Staff, this requirement has been completed. Also, the applicant will have to meet the Comprehensive Transportation Plan requirements as part of site plan approval, as well as complete any mitigation required by a traffic study, if a study is required at time of site plan.

 

Condition 10:

Sidewalk connections shall be provided in at least two (2) locations. These connections shall provide pedestrian access from the public sidewalks along Davis Drive (inside the public right-of-way) to the main entrance(s) of the building(s).

 

Sidewalks are required on both sides of Davis Drive and Leonard Christian Road. LDO Section 7.10.4 (A)(5) requires sidewalks from building entrances to public sidewalks. Since sidewalks are required on both Davis Drive and Leonard Christian Road, sidewalks will be required to connect from building entrances interior on the site to sidewalks along Davis Drive and Leonard Christian Road. Sidewalks connections interior to the site will be required and exact locations will be determined at time of site plan submittal.

 

Condition 11:

Driveways shall be limited to no more than 2 points of ingress/egress on Davis Drive and 1 point of ingress/egress on Leonard Christian Road. The exact number, location and design of these driveways shall be determined at the time of site plan approval.

 

The exact number, location and design of these driveways shall be determined at the time of site plan approval. The driveways locations will have to be approved by the Town of Cary and/or NCDOT at time of site plan submittal.

 

Condition 12:

The developer shall reserve an additional area to be used as right-of-way for the Town's planned extension of Playford Lane to Leonard Christian Road. Provision for this right-of-way shall include 65' wide right-of-way and an additional 15' wide area for temporary construction easements. Right-of-way and temporary construction easements shall be made available for dedication to the Town within 30 days of written receipt of an official request from the Town indicating that the road will be extended. The development shall be allowed on-site vehicular access to this extension. This access would be in addition to the limited access to Leonard Christian Road outlined in condition 11 above.

 

According to Town Engineering Staff, this condition has been completed.

 

Condition 13:

All site plans submitted for this development shall be subject to the review of the Appearance Commission, Planning & Zoning Board and Town Council.

 

If the rezoning request was approved, and the site or subdivision plan submitted met all of the LDO requirements, the plan would be approved administratively by Planning Staff. There is no longer an Appearance Commission to review any site plan submitted for this site. The proposed development would be required to meet all applicable requirements of the LDO, Community Appearance Manual and Cary Design Guidelines

 

SUMMARY

 

Staff has reviewed the application and information provided prior to this meeting, and the analysis of Staff is that the application is consistent with the Goals and Objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Ordinance and is reasonable and in the public interest.

 

Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan

 

A. Land Use Plan:  This rezoning request does conform to the adopted Land Use Plan which designates this area as Medium Density Residential.  An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, case 07-CPA-09, to amend the Comprehensive Plan designation from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Medium Density Residential (MDR) was approved by Council on February 14, 2008.

 

B.  Growth Management Plan: 
The Growth Management Plan includes the following three Guiding Principles which are relevant to this case: 

1.   R1 Guiding Principle: Ensure that adequate infrastructure and services are available concurrently with new development.

Analysis:  Water and sewer infrastructure is available, and the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance for Transportation will ensure concurrency for roadway capacity. 

2.   L1 Guiding Principle: Concentrate growth near existing and planned employment centers and available and planned infrastructure to minimize costly service-area extensions.

Analysis:  The subject parcel is located within an area where urban services are readily available, is located nearly adjacent to the Cornerstone Mixed Use Center, and is located less than a quarter mile from Davis Drive Elementary and Middle Schools.

3.   A1 Guiding Principle: Increase permitted densities in preferred growth areas to encouraged desired forms of development.

Analysis:  The subject parcel is located nearly adjacent to the Cornerstone Mixed Use Center.

 

C.  Affordable Housing Plan: 
The Affordable Housing Plan includes the following goals applicable to this case:

1.   Provide for a full range of housing choices for all income groups, families of various sizes, seniors, and persons with special challenges.

2.   Facilitate the creation of a reasonable proportion of the Town of Cary’s housing as affordable units through additional homeownership opportunities for individuals and families earning 80% of area median income. 

3.   Encourage the location of high density housing within walking and convenient commuting distance of employment, shopping, and other activities, or within a short walk of a bus or transit stop, through "mixed use" developments, residences created on the upper floors of nonresidential downtown buildings, and other creative strategies.

4.   Assure a quality living environment and access to public amenities for all residents, present and future, of the Town of Cary, regardless of income.

 

D.  Comprehensive Transportation Plan: 

Davis Drive:

Existing Section:  4 lanes median divided, 100’ right-of-way

Future Section:  4 lanes median divided, 100’ right-of-way

Road Improvements:  Complete

Sidewalks Requirements: Required on both sides

Bicycle Requirements: 14’ wide outside lane

Transit Requirements:  None

 

Leonard Christian:

Existing Section:  2 lanes, approx. 60’ right-of-way

Future Section:  3 lanes, approx. 67’ right-of-way

Road Improvements:  N/A

Sidewalks Requirements: Required on both sides

Bicycle Requirements: 14’ wide lanes

Transit Requirements:  None

 

Traffic Analysis:  Under the current OICU Zoning, an office use of 85,000 sf would have generated 132 AM peak hour trips and 127 PM peak hour trips (ITE Land Use Code 710).  The proposed rezoning to TR CU could generate up to 73 AM peak hour trips and 98 PM peak hour trips using the highest trip generator of the permitted uses.  That use would be single family detached housing (ITE Land Use Code 210). Therefore, this is a downzoning and a Traffic Analysis Report (TAR) is not needed at this time.  However, a TAR would most likely be needed at site plan.

 

E.  Parks & Greenways Master Plan: 
According to the approved Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Facilities Master Plan there is an existing multi-use trail along the western side of Davis Drive. Sufficient pedestrian connections to the multi-use trail shall be reviewed and approved during site/subdivision plan approval.  A payment in lieu of park land dedication may be required for residential development, in accordance with the Town’s Land Development Ordinance.  Based on the Open Space and Historic Resources Plan (OSHRP) this site was not designated as open space proposed for conservation.

 

Consistency with the Land Development Ordinance

 

F.  Environmental:  
According to the Town of Cary GIS maps, there is a stream buffer along the western boundary and northern tip of the parcel.  The project will be required to comply with all buffer requirements of the Land Development Ordinance during the site plan approval process.