to: Roger L. Stancil, Town Manager
from: J. B. Culpepper, Planning Director
Gene Poveromo, Development Manager
subject: Concept Plan: The Episcopal Church of the Advocate, 8410 Merin Road
date: February 16, 2009
Tonight, the Council considers a Concept Plan from Lisa Fischbeck for the Episcopal Church of the Advocate for a phased campus plan. The applicant proposes to construct 41,300 square feet of floor area including a chapel, classrooms, community building, retreat/education center, and playground for a new church campus on a 16.4-acre site. Parking for 141 vehicles is also proposed. In accordance with the Land Use Management Ordinance, there has been no staff review of this Concept Plan.
This development proposal meets the land use intensity thresholds requiring Council review.
December 17, 2008 The Community Design Commission reviewed a Concept Plan for The Episcopal Church of the Advocate.
Summary Minutes from the December 17, 2008 Community Design Commission meeting are attached. The proposal reviewed by the Community Design Commission is identical to the proposal before the Council tonight.
The Land Use Plan, a component of the Comprehensive Plan, identifies the site as Low Residential 1-4 dwelling units/acre. The property is located outside of the Town limits and inside the Urban Services Boundary and the Joint Planning Transition Area.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Concept Plan proposes to deconstruct an existing single family home and construct a total of 41,300 square feet of floor area in three phases. Phase 1 is proposed to include a Welcome Center, administrative offices, and a 75-seat chapel with 30 vehicular parking spaces. An orchard is proposed to be restored and a pathway system and playground is also proposed with Phase 1. Phase 2 is proposed to include a 1-story 10,000 square foot worship space, fellowship space with screen porch, kitchen and classrooms, 51 vehicular parking lot, al fresco chapel, and labyrinth. Phase 3 is proposed to include a 6,500 square foot community and youth building, 5,000 square foot parsonage, 12,000 square foot office for outreach, and 5,000 square foot retreat and education center. A total of 141 vehicular parking spaces are proposed on 16.4-acre site.
The proposed development is located on the west side of Merin Road at the intersection of Homestead Road. Three access points to the site are proposed from Merin Road. The site is located in the Residential-1 (R-1) zoning district, the Resource Conservation District, outside the Town limits, and inside the Urban Services Boundary and the Joint Planning Transition Area. The site is identified as Orange County Parcel Identifier Number 9870-82-7443.
The proposal, if developed as proposed, will require a rezoning in addition to a Special Use Permit application. Joint Planning Transition Area rezoning requests require action by both the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County.
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 submitted Concept Plan is conducted by the Community Design Commission and, in some instances, the Town Council.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.3 of the Town’s Land Use Management Ordinance, tonight’s Concept Plan review affords Council members the opportunity to provide individual reactions to the overall concept of the development which is being contemplated for future application.
We recommend that the Council review this Concept Plan, receive comments from citizens, and adopt the attached Resolution transmitting comments to the applicant.
[See also Town Manager’s Memorandum]
