ATTACHMENT 10

 

CONCEPT PLAN REVIEW SUMMARY MINUTES

COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2005, 7:00 P.M.

 

Chairperson Scott Radway called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Commission members present were Mark Broadwell, Chris Culbert, Scott Nielson, Charlotte Newby, Amy Ryan, Jonathan Whitney, and Robin Whitsell.  Staff members present were Acting Development Coordinator Gene Poveromo and Planning Technician Kay Tapp.

 

ORANGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (File 7.24..36)

 

A request for a Concept Plan Review to construct 38,089 square feet of additional floor area on the Orange United Methodist Church campus located at 1220 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The development proposal includes six new buildings and 122 new parking spaces.  Proposed use for the additional square footage includes a place of worship, education space, a youth facility, a gym, and administration floor area.    The 13.68 acre site is located in the Residential-1 and Residential-3 zoning districts and the Resource Conservation District.  The site is identified as Chapel Hill Township Tax Map 24, Lot 36 and Map 24E, Block A, Lot 10.

 

The applicant described the proposed development, in particular the concepts leading to the organization of the buildings and exterior activity areas, the stormwater management concept, the automobile entry and roundabout, and the preliminary architecture of the primary new worship building.

 

COMMENTS

  1. A representative of the Lake Ellen Homeowners Association commented on the proposed plan.  The citizen reminded the Commission of neighborhood concerns with upstream developments and the detrimental impact on stream and water quality.  The citizen noted problems with standard erosion control measures and the need to employ erosion control techniques such as straw bales, mulch berms and better maintenance of silt fencing. 
  2. In light of the amount of new impervious pavement associated with the proposed 122 parking spaces, the citizen suggested that the applicant attempt to minimize the amount of new pavement.  The citizen also suggested that the applicant investigate using existing parking spaces on the Duke Power Company property during weekend services.  The applicant provided information about the extent of parking lot sharing already being permitted by Duke Power.    
  3. Commissioner Amy Ryan expressed concern with the applicant’s proposal to construct an internal traffic circle at the primary access drive across from Homestead Road.  In particular, Commissioner Ryan anticipated that the design would result in traffic congestion around the circle and vehicle queuing on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.  The Commissioner also stated that the playfield, proposed east of the new parking area, is unsafe for small children as it requires children to cross the parking lot to access the play area. 
  4. Commissioner Jonathan Whitney stated that the proposed playfield and building seems to be sited in a low area.  He recommended that the applicant provide a cross-section so the Commission and Council could better understanding the proposed placement of the building and field.  Commissioner Whitney also expressed concern with the proposed traffic circle and the potential for traffic backing up onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. 
  5. Commissioner Charlotte Newby agreed with the previous comments noting that the proposed traffic circle is problematic.  The Commissioner recommended that in addition to redesigning this primary access drive, the applicant consider improving the appearance of this area with additional  landscaping.
  6. Commissioner Scott Nielson approved of the proposed architecture.  However, the Commissioner stated that the proposed parking areas seem to be taking over the site.  Commission Nielson  suggested that the applicant reconsider the design of the superseded master plan that the applicant presented to the Commission at the beginning of their presentation.
  7. Commissioner Robin Whitsell recommended that the applicant consider phasing the constructing of the parking areas with the phased construction of the buildings.
  8. Chairperson Scott Radway stated that the applicant was a valued member of the community and surrounding neighborhood.  Commissioner Radway noted the proposed campus-like-nature of the project; however he expressed disappointment that the final building complex would be surrounded by parking spaces.  The Commissioner also commented on the problematic nature of the proposed traffic circle and the limited area for vehicular queuing. The Commissioner recommended that the applicant redesign the access. 
  9. Commissioner Radway suggested that the applicant provide an existing conditions site plan when presenting the proposal to the council so that it is easier to see the extent of the proposed changes and the staging needed to reach build-out.  Also that if the applicant can develop a revised entrance plan that too would assist the council in evaluating the entrance conditions.

Prepared by:     Scott Radway, Chair

                        Gene Poveromo, Staff