AGENDA #4h
MEMORANDUM
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TO: |
Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager |
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FROM: |
George Small, PE, PLS, Director of Engineering |
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Mike Taylor, Engineering Design Specialist |
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SUBJECT: |
Right-of-way for Duke Energy |
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DATE: |
November 7, 2007 |
PURPOSE
The attached resolution would authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Duke Energy to grant a utility right-of-way to Duke Energy on a parcel of land owned by the Town of Chapel Hill. The affected Town property abuts the northern boundary of Rosemary Street and the Chapel Hill/Carrboro municipal limits. The property is shown on the attached map (Please see Attachment 1). We recommend adoption of the attached resolution.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The construction of site improvements and streetscape improvements are planned for the southern side of Rosemary Street between Merritt Mill Road and Graham Street as part of the Greenbridge development. The streetscape installation and the construction of the proposed multi-story building approved for the Greenbridge site would be difficult to build if the existing overhead utilities are not moved to the opposite side of the street. Utility poles could be installed within the existing right-of-way along the northern side of the street. However, the right-of-way for Rosemary Street does not extend far enough from the street to provide space for the installation of the poles and overhead lines. Therefore, to provide the space for utility installation, maintenance and the required safety clearances on the north side of the street, Duke Energy and the Greenbridge developers have asked the Town to grant a right-of-way on the Town property for utility purposes. The utility right-of-way would extend 15 feet from the centerline of the electrical facilities.
The affected Town-owned property is part of a gravel surface public parking lot. The parking lot overlays two parcels of land, one owned by the Town of Chapel Hill and the other parcel owned by the Town of Carrboro. The parking lot is jointly controlled by both towns. There are no buildings or significant landscaping on either lot that would be impacted if the Council approves dedication of the utility right-of-way.
To install the facilities as planned it would also be necessary for Duke Energy to acquire right-of-way on two other parcels of land along the north side of the street in addition to the right-of-way now requested from the Town of Chapel Hill. Therefore, it is also our understanding that the Town of Carrboro has been asked to grant a right-of-way on their property and an adjacent private property owner has also been asked to grant right-of-way for the potential utility installation shown on the attached plan. (Please see attachment #2) As part of the streetscape improvements for the Greenbridge project room would be provided for the future installation of underground utilities along the Greenbridge site frontage. A schedule for that installation has not been determined at this time.
The attached resolution would authorize the Town Manager to grant a right-of-way to Duke Energy. The boundary of that right-of-way would be approximately 15 feet north of the centerline of the proposed electrical facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Duke Energy to grant a right-of-way on a parcel of Town-owned property.
ATTACHMENTS
