AGENDA #5b
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Response to a Petition from Members of the Chapel of the Cross for Streetscape Improvements in the Vicinity of the Church
DATE: April 14, 2004
The purpose of this report is to respond to a petition requesting that the Town construct Streetscape improvements to a section of East Franklin Street including the area adjacent to the Chapel of the Cross. We recommend that the limited available Streetscape funds be utilized for downtown lighting improvements as outlined in tonight’s separate Streetscape improvements agenda item, and that the Town staff assist members of the Chapel of the Cross in the design of their requested Streetscape improvements but that the Town not construct them at this time.
BACKGROUND
On March 22, 2004, representatives of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church at 304 East Franklin Street presented the attached letter (Attachment #1) to the Mayor and Council requesting Streetscape improvements for the south side of East Franklin Street from the end of last year’s Streetscape project across from Henderson Street to the Raleigh Street intersection. This section includes the University’s frontage at McCorkle Place and the Morehead Planetarium as well as the Church’s frontage on the east side of the planetarium.
DISCUSSION
The Church cites concerns with the condition of the existing brick sidewalk as well as the curb and gutter on Franklin Street. Specifically, the Church requests that a potential Streetscape design improve pedestrian access to and from cars parked at the curb on Sundays. We believe that these improvements are warranted and could be accomplished by the construction of additional sections of sidewalks.
Public Works staff met separately with representatives of the Chapel of the Cross and with the director of UNC’s Grounds Services Department to discuss a potential Streetscape project on this section of Franklin Street. Subsequently, a conceptual plan and a staff analysis of related issues were developed. This detailed information is provided in the attachments with this evening’s separate agenda item discussing the 2004 options for Streetscape improvements.
If the Council wishes, it could substitute the proposed alternative project including improvements adjacent to the Chapel of the Cross for the recommended Streetscape lighting project when it considers that separate agenda item. Alternatively, if the Council chooses to proceed with the recommended lighting improvements this summer, and the Church wants to proceed with some improvements to their frontage, the staff could work with the Church to insure that proposed improvements are consistent with Streetscape design elements and details.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the Council direct the Town staff to assist members of the Chapel of the Cross with the design of proposed Streetscape improvements adjacent to their property.
ATTACHMENTS
