AGENDA #17a(1)

 

MEMORANDUM

 

To:                   Mayor and Town Council

 

From:               Council Members Jim Ward and Bill Strom

 

Subject:            Inquiries for Consideration by the University

 

Date:                August 26, 2002

 

The University’s announcement regarding the closing of Horace Williams Airport and changing its immediate plans for development of areas north of the airport site creates opportunities to engage with the University in renewed discussions regarding the Town’s continued lease of land for Town use, as well as opportunities for other University development now being considered for a site south of Estes Drive Extension.  We propose that the Council authorize inquiries to the University regarding the potential opportunities the closing of the Airport will create for adjustment of proposals for University facilities as well as possible joint Town-University facilities.

 

Specifically, we recommend that the Council submit the following inquiries to Chancellor Moeser for consideration by the University:

 

  1. In the past, the University has denied the Town’s request for extension of the lease on the area now used for the Town’s Public Works and Transportation Departments, citing plans to develop the area.  The present lease ends on December 31, 2006.  With the closing of the airport and shifting of the focus of development to that site, is it feasible for the University to extend the Town’s lease?

 

  1. In view of the planned closing of the Horace Williams Airport, is it feasible for the University to construct all or some of the facilities now proposed for a site south of Estes Drive Extension (including Grounds Services offices, vehicle and equipment repair shops, landscaping and equipment storage areas, a fueling station, bulk storage facilities and parking spaces) on some portion of the Horace Williams property north of Estes Drive Extension that is well-separated from residential development?

 

  1. Recognizing that the University’s long-term plans for development of the Horace Williams property now may be under reconsideration, as a result of the plan to close the airport, is it feasible to make some short-term use of the property for Grounds Services and other functions instead of immediately developing the property to the south of Estes Drive Extension?

 

  1. Is it feasible to develop joint-use facilities (e.g., vehicle fueling) or to co-locate facilities (e.g., equipment and vehicle maintenance) at or near the present Town Public Works and Transportation Department facilities, either for short-term or long-term use?