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TO: |
Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager |
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FROM: |
J.B. Culpepper, Planning Director Gene Poveromo, Development Coordinator |
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SUBJECT: |
Concept Plan: Chapel Hill Public Library Expansion (File No. 9789-94-5308) |
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DATE: |
June 18, 2007 |
Attached is a proposal for Concept Plan review for the Chapel Hill Public Library Expansion. The Council has the opportunity tonight to hear this applicant’s presentation, receive a set of comments from the Community Design Commission, hear public comment, and offer suggestions to the applicant for consideration as further plans are drawn.
At the conclusion of the evening’s discussion, we recommend that the Council adopt a resolution (attached) transmitting comments to the applicant.
The Chapel Hill Public Library was built in 1994. A Concept Plan for this site was reviewed by the Community Design Commission on June 7, 2007. A summary of comments from the meeting is attached (Attachment 1). The Land Use Plan, a component of the Comprehensive Plan, identifies the site as Commercial.
On June 8, 2007 the Town received a letter requesting expedited review of the Chapel Hill Library Expansion proposal (Attachment 2).
This Concept Plan proposal involves expansion of the Chapel Hill Public Library. The 34.25-acre site is located at 100 Library Drive near the intersection of Estes Drive and East Franklin Street (see area map- attachment 3). The project proposes 37,000 square feet of new floor area to include a wing on the north and on the south of the existing library. A new turn around and drop-off area, along with 120 new parking spaces, are also proposed. The site is located in the Residential-1 (R-1) zoning district, Resource Conservation District (RCD), and the Watershed Protection District.
The Town Council and Community Design Commission, in examining Concept Plan proposals, are to consider the various aspects of design, with special emphasis on whether the proposed development is consistent with the Town’s Design Guidelines and the Goals and Objectives of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Concept Plan review process does not involve staff evaluation of the proposal. Review of the Concept Plan submitted is conducted by the Community Design Commission and, in some instances, the Town Council.
We recommend that the Council review this Concept Plan, receive comments from citizens, and adopt a resolution transmitting comments to the applicant.
