SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION

CONCEPT PLAN PROPOSAL: COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Subject:                       Substation on Old Mason Farm Road-University of North Carolina

Concept Plan Proposal

Meeting Date:                        April 21, 2004

Recommendation:      That the comments and questions from the Commission and the public be forwarded to the applicant and the Town Council.

Vote:   Unanimous to forward comments and questions by members present: Chris Culbreth, Thatcher Freund, Laura King Moore, Charlotte Newby (Chair), Scott Nilsen, Heidi Perry, John Runkle, Glenn Parks, Scott Radway, Polly Van de Velde 

Design and Impervious Surface

1. A citizen suggested that the applicant consider converting the abandoned equipment storage area into the proposed parking area and thereby reduce the amount of new impervious surface.

Access and Circulation

2. A citizen noted that the concept plan includes the construction of a new driveway into a proposed parking area.  Can the existing southern driveway be eliminated?

3. A citizen asked how will the proposed project impact traffic on Old Mason Farm Road, including the existing problem with traffic blocking the Highland Wood Road intersection?

4. In consideration of other recent proposed projects along Old Mason Farm Road, a citizen suggested that the construction of sidewalks and/or bike lanes along Old Mason Farm Road may be appropriate.

Views and Elevations

5. During the winter season, when the roof elevations may be visible for several months, a citizen asked about the view of the proposed building from the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG).

6. A citizen recommended that the applicant discuss the proposed elevations and views with the NCBG visitor education center.

7. A citizen stated that the applicant consider screening the building with a metal cyclone fence that includes black plastic mesh.

8. Commission members suggested that the applicant consider a building design that: a) makes the building more residential, less bunker like; b) is less intrusive in appearance; and c) incorporates concrete imprints for architectural relief.

Buffers and Vegetation

9. A Commission member stated that the proposal should include vegetative screening and security fencing.

Prepared for:                 Charlotte Newby, Chair

Prepared by:                 Gene Poveromo, Staff