AGENDA #5d

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:      Response to Petition Regarding Possible Homeless Shelter on Legion Road

 

DATE:                        April 5, 2005

 

 

This memorandum responds to a citizen petition regarding Town-owned land on Legion Road.

 

BACKGROUND

 

On December 17, 2004, a citizen petition was presented to the Town Council by Ms. Lynn Kane.  The petition expressed concern that discussions were taking place regarding possible development of a homeless shelter on Town-owned land along Legion Road.  The petition seeks the end of discussions about this possibility.  A copy of the petition with related materials is attached.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The Town owns property between Legion Road and U.S. Highway 15-501.  The Chapel Hill Cemetery is located on the eastern part of that property.  The western part of the property is undeveloped.

 

The InterFaith Council for Social Services is seeking a location for development of a new homeless shelter facility.  We understand that the InterFaith Council is studying a number of possible locations for this facility, including a look at Town-owned property, and that one site being considered by the Interfaith Council is Town-owned property along Legion Road.

 

No proposal has been developed or submitted for Town consideration, and no application is pending.  If a proposal were to be prepared and submitted for Town Council consideration of a facility on Town-owned land, the Council would initially consider a proposal in its role as property owner.  If such a proposal were to be brought forward for consideration, notification would be provided to area property owners to allow opportunity for public comment.

 

SUMMARY

 

There currently is no proposal pending for a homeless shelter on Town-owned land on Legion Road, and no application has been submitted.  If such a proposal were to be submitted for Town Council consideration, notification would be provided to allow for public review and comment prior to Council action.

 

ATTACHMENT

 

  1. Petition from Legion Road Area Residents, with attachments (p. 3).