SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION

CONCEPT PLAN PROPOSAL: COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Subject:                       University Village Mixed Use Development - Concept Plan Proposal

Meeting Date:                        June 16, 2004

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

Vote:   Unanimous to forward comments by members present: George Cianciolo, Chris Culbreth, Laura King Moore, Scott Nilsen, Charlotte Newby (Chair), Glenn Parks, Scott Radway, John Runkle, Amy Ryan, Polly Van de Velde, Jonathan Whitney

General Comments

1. Several Commission members expressed support for the project. Due to its’ proximity to the University and frontage on a major transportation corridor.  Several Commissioners described the location as a key development site.  Another Commissioner stated that mixed-use developments, similar to the proposed project, should be encouraged.

2. Some of the proposed project elements endorsed by Commission members included: mixed-use component, incorporation of residential dwellings, underground parking, and applicants intent to preserve stand of significant trees along NC 54.  Referring to the nearby Glenn Lennox retail development, one Commissioner stated that the site was more appropriate for residential use given the increased retail floor area in the immediate area.

Design

3. The design includes a proposal for some buildings to exceed the maximum building height permitted in the Community Commercial zoning district.  Commission member comments on this issue were mixed.  While some Commission members were not concerned with the proposed building heights, other Commissioners stated that the applicant should consider rearranging building locations and moving taller structures further away from NC 54.

4. Another Commissioner recommended that the applicant provide a variety of retail activity along the frontage of NC 54 and create a space that encourages pedestrian activity toward the sidewalk and street edge.  The Commissioner also suggested that the applicant incorporate additional canopy trees between the proposed buildings and NC 54.

5. One Commissioner suggested that the applicant cluster the buildings closer together and create additional open space.  Another Commissioner suggested more of a suburban type development.

6. Recognizing the importance of this major entranceway corridor along NC 54, another Commissioner member stated that the applicant should be sensitive to the project’s visual impacts.  Other Commissioners recommended that the applicant attempt to tie the appearance of this proposal into some of the surrounding developments near NC 54: Glenn Lennox, Meadowmont, and the recently constructed Prestwick Place. 

Parking

7. Support for the proposed underground parking was noted by the Commission.  Considered a significant element of the Concept Plan, some viewed the proposed deck as an important trade-off for the applicant’s desire to constructs more floor area than is permitted under the current zoning district.

Prepared for:                 Charlotte Newby, Chair

Prepared by:                 Gene Poveromo, Staff