AGENDA #8

memorandum

to:                  Mayor and Town Council

from:            Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager

subject:       Guiding development at Carolina North

date:             February 11, 2008

PURPOSE

This memorandum proposes a process for the Council’s initial approach to guiding the development of Carolina North.

BACKGROUND

The Council heard a presentation of the University’s Master Plan for Carolina North by University representatives as an adjunct to the planning retreat January 13, 2008.  In discussing plans for that presentation, Council agreed to have a work session at a later date to discuss a framework for considering proposals for the development of Carolina North from the University.

Council also heard a University presentation of their Master Plan at the January 23, 2008 Public Hearing, which included a separate presentation of the Concept Plan for the Innovations Center.  At the public hearing, Council provided an opportunity for public comment on the Master Plan. 

DISCUSSION

We have previously identified traditional zoning and/or a development agreement between the Town and the University as possible tools to guide the development of Carolina North. To facilitate an informed Council discussion of those tools at a work session, I believe there is value in the Town Attorney and I preparing basic information and options for your consideration:

• Outline of lessons learned from the development of the O-I-4 zone;
• Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of traditional zoning  and a development agreement;
• Options for using the tools together or separately;
• Preparation of a proposed basic development agreement, working with University staff and using the work of the Horace Williams Citizens’ Committee, the Leadership Advisory Committee, the Long Range Transit Master Plan, the Fiscal Impact Study and subsequent Council discussions as the basis for the proposed agreement.  This work can highlight the potential opportunities for the Town and the University to achieve mutually beneficial goals in a development agreement.
• Development of a proposed process for the Town’s further negotiation of a development agreement with the University, including discussions with University Trustees and adequate opportunities for community input.

RECOMMENDATION

I recommend that Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Town Manager and Town Attorney to undertake the development of the information outlined above, including continuing conversations with University staff, and schedule a work session to present recommendations for Council consideration. To facilitate this work, the resolution also includes authorization for the Town Manager to engage focused consulting and legal assistance to supplement staff work as needed, not to exceed a total of $30,000 from funds budgeted for consulting assistance.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Development Agreements Information (p. 4).