Town of Cary

Town Center Review Commission Minutes

  Wednesday, October 10, 2007

6:00 PM

Town Council Conference Room #10035

316 N. Academy Street, Cary,  N.C.

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org

 

Members Present:  Kelly Commiskey, Renee Hutcheson, Thomas Gruber, Nathaniel Parker,  Andy Hadsell, Richard Redfoot

Town Council Liaison - Marla Dorrel  

Staff Present:  Bob Benfield, Ricky Barker, Kyle Hubert, Anne Morris, Tara Adams

SPEAKER

Item 1

Call to Order  

Ms. Commiskey

Item 2

Approval of the April 11, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve made by Andy Hadsell.
Seconded by Nathaniel Parker.

Minutes were approved unanimously by a vote of 6-0.

Item 3 Items for Discussion:

      A.

07-SP-030: Cary First United Methodist Parking Expansion
Mr. Bob Benfield, project case manager, provided the commission with a general overview of the proposed site.  Presentation touched on: grading, stormwater drainage, landscaping, parking, etc.

Following the presentation, the commission members voiced the following concerns:

1.  Ms. Renee Hutcheson asked the applicant to provide trees within the center island (heat island effect).  Applicant stated that the island is currently designed as a grass swell as a means for meeting the town’s stormwater requirements.  Other suggestions offered by commission members:

a)  elimination of parking spaces to allow for additional landscaping (Mr. Redfoot)


b) planting along the wings of the center island (Mr. Parker)

2.  Mr. Richard Redfoot raised concerns regarding tree removal.  He requested the applicant make more of an effort to preserve the existing trees of site verses replanting at a later date.  Applicant feels the removal of champion trees along Waldo Street is essential in removing the Hazel Rood residence. The applicant stated the tree removal was also advised by planning staff in prior discussions.   

During the discussion, Anne Morris, Senior Planner, wanted the commission members to be mindful of the need for public parking.  Staff is hoping to work with the church as partners in bringing a public parking structure to the downtown area.   

After further deliberation, Ms. Hutcheson made a motion to table the Cary First United Methodist Parking Expansion site plan based on the following:

a) the need for additional shade trees within the proposed parking area

b) possible alternative route for the removal of the Hazel Road residence that may allow the champion trees to be saved  

Motion seconded by Mr. Redfoot.  

Motion carried with a vote of 4-2.  

The Town Center Review Commission will revisit this  plan at next month’s meeting,  November 14, 2007 .  A town arborist will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns regarding the health and potential for saving the champion trees based on the proposed parking layout.   

      B.

 

Town Center Review Commission 2008 Annual Meeting Calendar 

 


No changes will be made to the Town Center Review Commission’s 2008 Annual Meeting Calendar. 

      C. Downtown Streetscape Design Update
Mr. Kyle Hubert, Senior Engineer, provided commission an update on staff’s current vision of the downtown streetscape design. 

The next public meeting date to discuss the downtown streetscape will be held November 15th at Cary Elementary.

Item 4

For Information:

Construction Activity Reports

Handouts were sent to Commission prior to the meeting.

Item 5

Adjournment - 7:55 PM

Ms. Commiskey

The Town of Cary is committed to providing all citizens with the opportunity to participate fully in the public meeting process. Any person with a disability who needs an auxiliary aid or service in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Town Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The e-mail address is sue.rowland@townofcary.org; the phone number is (919) 469-4011; the TDD number is (919) 469-4012.