AGENDA #7

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mayor and Town Council

FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT: Agenda Items Related to Sykes Street - Summary

DATE: January 14, 2002

Four items related to activities in the Sykes Street area are on tonight’s Council agenda. This summary provides an overview of the four issues. A memorandum on each topic follows numbered 7a through 7d.

Sykes Street Report

Agenda item 7a transmits to the Council a report prepared by students from the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning. The report describes activities that have taken place in the Sykes Street area during the fall semester and offers recommendations for the Council’s consideration on next steps. Adoption of Resolution 12a would express the Council’s appreciation to Dr. William Rohe and the five students of the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning that worked on this project.

Amendment to Performance Agreement with EmPOWERment, Inc. for 501 Sykes Street

Agenda item 7b responds to a request from EmPOWERment, Inc. to amend its Performance Agreement with the Town for the renovation of 501 Sykes Street. Adoption of Resolution 12b would: (1) increase the renovation budget to $40,436; and (2) extend the Time of Performance to renovate and sell the property until June 30, 2002.

Authorization to Recombine a Town-Owned Lot

Agenda item 7c relates to a request from EmPOWERment, Inc. to use $35,000 of Community Development funds to acquire 503 Sykes Street. Upon review, it was determined that a portion of the house located at 503 Sykes Street is located on the lot of 501 Sykes Street owned by the Town. Adoption of Resolution 12c would authorize the Manager to work with EmPOWERment, Inc. to proceed with a recombination of a Town-owned lot located at 501 Sykes Street with 503 Sykes Street.

Request from EmPOWERment, Inc. for 503 Sykes Street

Agenda item 7d responds to a request from EmPOWERment, Inc. to use $35,000 of Community Development funds to acquire 503 Sykes Street for affordable housing purposes. Adoption of Resolution 12d would authorize EmPOWERment, Inc. to use $35,000 of Community Development Neighborhood Revitalization funds to acquire 503 Sykes Street; and (2) authorize conversion of the Town’s funds into a grant to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust upon sale of the house to a qualified buyer.