RECORD OF AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AND MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING

HELD BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL,

NORTH CAROLINA, MONDAY, JUNE 4, 1990 AT 6:00 AND 7:30 P.M.

Mayor Howes convened a meeting of the Town Council at 6:09 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Chapel Hill Town Hall.

Council Members in attendance were Julie Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Herzenberg, Nancy Preston, Alan Rimer, Arthur Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson, Jr. Council Member James C. Wallace was absent.

COUNCIL MEMBER HERZENBERG MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, TO MOVE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS.

The Executive Session commenced at 6:10 p.m.

The Executive Session concluded at 7:24 p.m.

No report followed the session.

Mayor Howes called the hearing to order at 7:31 p.m.

Council Members in attendance were Julie Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Herzenberg, Nancy Preston, Alan Rimer, Arthur Werner and Roosevelt Wilkerson, Jr. Council Member James C. Wallace was absent.

Also in attendance were Interim Town Manager Sonna Loewenthal, Assistant Town Manager Florentine Miller, Public Safety Director Cal Horton, Planning Director Roger Waldon, Transportation Planner David Bonk, Assistant to the Attorney Richard Sharpless, and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.

Mayor Howes noted that this evening's hearing was an opportunity to receive public input on the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mayor Howes noted that the Council would be taking no action on the matter this evening.

Mr. Waldon briefly reviewed the thoroughfare plan process and roadways under consideration in the plan. Mr. Waldon noted that the current plan was adopted in 1984, in conjunction with the Town of Carrboro and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Mr. Waldon noted that the thoroughfare plan identifies transportation corridors rather than specific roadway designs. Mr. Waldon added that thoroughfare plans are federally-mandated planning tools for local governments. Mr. Waldon said that the Town was in the same region as the Town of Carrboro and City of Durham for purposes of creating a thoroughfare plan.

Mr. Waldon stated that the thoroughfare plan was drafted in concert with the Town's Comprehensive and Land Use Plan, to the year 2010. Mr. Waldon said that alternative transit modes such as buses, bicycles and sidewalks were included in the Town's thoroughfare planning process. Mr. Waldon briefly reviewed the roles of the Transportation Advisory Committee and Technical Coordinating Committee in the regional thoroughfare planning process. Mr. Waldon also reviewed the actions of other jurisdictions relative to the proposed thoroughfare plan.

Pittsboro Street Extension

Mr. Waldon said that the proposed Pittsboro Street Extension had been reviewed by the Council on a number of previous occasions. Mr. Waldon noted that Columbia Street/Airport Road/NC 86 currently serves as the only major north‑south thoroughfare through the Town. Mr. Waldon stated that the proposed one‑way pairings of Airport Road and Pittsboro Street would permit the smooth flow of traffic in the downtown and University areas. Mr. Waldon said that the acquisition of several commercial properties was anticipated for the construction of Pittsboro Street Extension. Mr. waldon added that no single‑family residences north of Franklin Street would be acquired for the project. Mr. Waldon noted that the character of the downtown area would be changed by the construction of Pittsboro Street Extension. Mr. Waldon said that the Town staff recommended that Pittsboro Street Extension remain on the thoroughfare plan as an option.

Dr. George Steele presented a petition to the Council containing over one thousand signatures of persons opposing the planned Pittsboro Street Extension. Dr. Steele said the proposed construction would destroy the character of the central portion of the Town. Dr. Steele said that there had been a less than fifteen percent increase in traffic at the intersection of Franklin and Columbia Streets in the past eighteen years and a less than five percent increase in the past ten years? Dr. Steele urged the Council to remove Pittsboro Street Extension from the proposed thoroughfare plan.

Don McChesney III said that it would not be possible to build sufficient roadways to carry all persons wishing to travel through the center of the Town. Mr. McChesney noted that drivers will change their commuting habits if their travel time is increased. Mr. McChesney suggested that the Town widen South Columbia Street by one lane between McCauley Street and Cameron Avenue. Mr. McChesney said the Pittsboro Street Extension proposal would cost at least $12 million to implement. Mr. McChesney said the cost of his alternative proposal would be much less, since much of the land involved would be State‑owned.

Patricia Saling, 6 Briarbridge Lane, said she would oppose construction of Pittsboro Street Extension since it would severely undermine the character of the community.

Keith Burridge said he opposed Pittsboro Street Extension due to its potential negative impact on the Northside and Cameron-McCauley neighborhoods. Mr. Burridge stated that towns with thoroughfares through their center had been found to maintain less of their character than communities in which thoroughfares went around the town. Mr. Burridge requested that the Council permanently remove Pittsboro Street Extension from the thoroughfare plan.

Robert Page, representing University Square, said that the proposed construction of Pittsboro Street Extension would necessitate the removal of sixty to eighty spaces from University Square. Mr. Page added that one access to the facility would also be removed. Mr. page requested that Pittsboro Street Extension be removed from the thoroughfare plan.

Allen Walker, owner of Walker's Funeral Home, expressed a desire to maintain his business in the central business district. Mr. Walker said his business' location is convenient to his client's needs. Mr. Walker expressed his opposition to Pittsboro Street Extension.

Dan Coleman, representing Orange County Greens, said he opposed Pittsboro Street Extension. Mr. Coleman urged the Council to consider closing other streets to create an alternate moderate speed route through the downtown area. Mr. Coleman suggested that Columbia Street could be kept open for buses, bicycles and pedestrians.

Joseph Polcaro urged the Council to delete Pittsboro Street Extension from the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mr. Polcaro stated that the citizens of the Town should determine roadway needs rather than Department of Transportation officials.

Greg Gangi, representing the Sierra Club, stated that Pittsboro Street Extension would destroy the character of the community. Mr. Gangi expressed concern that the creation of the proposed Central Orange Connector could also adversely impact downtown traffic volumes. Mr. Gangi said he hoped that the Council would vote to remove Pittsboro Street Extension from the thoroughfare plan.

Robert Joesting said that some single‑family homes would be directly impacted by the proposed alignment of Pittsboro Street Extension. Mr. Joesting added that Pittsboro Street Extension would not improve matters for pedestrians in the downtown area. Mr. Joesting stressed the need to complete the linkage between the u.s. 15‑501 bypass and Interstate 40. Mr. Joesting stated that this approach would eliminate the need for through traffic in the downtown area.

Laurel Hill Parkway

Mr. Waldon noted that Laurel Hill Parkway was included on the existing Chapel Hill-Carrboro thoroughfare plan. Mr. Waldon said the proposed alignment would merge with Pope Road and terminate at

Old Durham‑Chapel Hill Road. Mr. Waldon noted that the proposed new alignment would move the roadway to the east, connecting to Farrington Road and continuous movement to the U.S. 15‑501 bypass. Mr. Waldon noted that the City of Durham had strong feelings about the proposed alignment shift. Mr. Waldon said Durham officials were particularly concerned about potential damage to the character of Farrington Road. Council Member Andresen inquired whether there were any differences in the proposed southward alignment of Laurel Hill Parkway. Mr. Waldon said no, noting that proposed alignment changes would only impact the area north of N.C. 54.

Council Member Werner inquired whether the western arc of Laurel Hill Parkway would run through the resource conservation district. Mr. Waldon said yes. Council Member Werner inquired whether Laurel Hill Parkway was located in the rural buffer. Mr. Waldon depicted the location of the rural buffer relative to the proposed alignment of Laurel Hill Parkway. Council Member Brown requested that the staff provide the Council with an analysis of alternatives to new roadway construction.

Roger Tomboulian noted that the proposed alternative alignment for Laurel Hill Parkway would cut through much less densely populated areas. Mr. Tomboulian stressed the need to simultaneously address the needs of humans and wildlife habitats in the area.

Melinda Meade said she preferred that Laurel Hill Parkway not be built. Ms. Meade stressed the need to construct any roadways as far as possible from the Mason Farm and Morgan Creek areas. Ms. Meade stated that many people had been assisted by the environment and parkland of Mason Farm.

Bob Kothari, a graduate student at Duke University, said that the proposed Laurel Hill Parkway would run through an environmentally sensitive habitat. Mr. Kothari stated that both alternatives would have negative environmental impacts on water quality and related issues. Mr. Kothari said he and his colleagues were unable to support either alternative for Laurel Hill Parkway.

Grant Hogan said he did not want Laurel Hill Parkway to destroy an environmentally sensitive trail area.

Pat Hobson expressed opposition to Laurel Hill Parkway, noting its adverse impact on Mason Farm and area bird populations. Mr. Hobson said that Mason Farm offered a unique natural and cultural resource to the community, which would increase in value in future years.

Pete Hobson said that as the Town grows, open areas will be crucial to maintaining the quality of life. Mr. Hobson expressed his strong preference for protecting the Mason Farm area.

Steve Hall noted that there are more wildlife species in the Mason Farm area than any other location in the Research Triangle. Mr. Hall expressed concern that the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway would disrupt the habitat of a variety of wildlife and plants. Mr. Hall stressed the need to maintain wildlife and open space in the Town.

Jean Tomboulian said she favored the proposed realignment of Laurel Hill Parkway on the basis of traffic safety considerations.

Scott Cain stated that the proposed Laurel Hill Parkway virtually paralleled the U.S. 15‑501 bypass. Mr. Cain said the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway would have major environmental and human consequences. Mr. Cain said he did not favor either proposed alignment for Laurel Hill Parkway.

Charlotte Jones Roe stressed the need for environmentally sensitivity in considering the possible alignment of Laurel Hill Parkway. Ms. Roe urged the Council to take due care in the design of the roadway and to re‑examine the possibility of a more southerly alternative route.

Winston Lancaster, a member of the New Hope Audubon Society, urged the Council to remove Laurel Hill Parkway from the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mr. Lancaster stressed the undisturbed nature of land at the Mason Farm preserve. Mr. Lancaster said that the u.s. 15‑501 bypass would adequately serve the Town's future traffic needs. Mr. Lancaster expressed concern that the proposed alignment would border the rural buffer very closely. Mr. Lancaster stressed the need for the Council to consider the Town's quality of life in their decision-making process.

John Kent, Chairperson of the New Hope Audubon Society Conservation Committee, said he opposed the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway. Mr. Kent stated that the environs of Mason Farm would be impossible to replace. Mr. Kent urged the Council to remove Laurel Hill Parkway from the proposed thoroughfare plan.

Peter Todd, a member of the Sierra Club Transportation Committee, said that the Mason Farm area offered a unique setting for nature study and photography. Mr. Todd stated that he was disturbed by the potential impact of Laurel Hill Parkway on the area's natural heritage. Mr. Todd encouraged the Council to stress the usage of park and ride lots, public transportation and alternative transportation mod?s. Mr. Todd urged the Council to remove Laurel Hill Parkway from the proposed thoroughfare plan.

Peter DuBose, Jr., stressed the need to plan at least fifty years into the future. Mr. DuBose expressed concern that poor planning and lack of access could damage the Town in the future. Mr. DuBose said that the thoroughfare planning process offered by the Town an opportunity for dialogue with Durham and Chatham County officials and residents. Mr. DuBose stressed the need for the Town to move toward consensus with neighboring communities in the roadway planning process. Mr. DuBose said that the current proposed alignment of Laurel Hill Parkway would best serve the needs of the community. Mr. DuBose stated his wish to work with elected officials and Town residents in achieving a consensus for the construction of area roadways.

Doug Lay noted that Mason Farm is a designated bear preserve. Mr. Lay said he favored examining Laurel Hill Parkway alternatives which would preserve the Mason Farm.

Spence Dickinson said he did not favor the proposed thoroughfare plan being discussed this evening. Mr. Dickinson stressed the need to pass the community's natural heritage on to future generations.

Jim Ward said he opposed the proposed Laurel Hill Parkway. Mr. ward stated that Mason Farm was a community resource which carried much greater weight than the speed and ease of transportation.

Zach Ralston, a resident of Colony Woods, said it was a display of sheer arrogance to favor humans over other species.

Kithan Tothe urged the Council to encourage the use of alternative means of transportation such as buses, trains and bicycles. Mr. Tothe said these were less disruptive means of transportation. Mr. Tothe expressed concern that the construction of additional roadways would result in greater urban sprawl.

Planning Board Vice‑Chairperson Julian Raney noted that the Planning Board had reluctantly recommended that Pittsboro Street Extension continue to be included in the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mr. Raney added that the Planning Board had voted in favor of keeping Laurel Hill Parkway in the plan.

University Roadway Changes

Planning Director Roger Waldon briefly outlined roadway alignment changes requested by the University of North Carolina, including the addition of a second parking deck at the hospital facility and the construction of a loop road around the medical complex. Mr. waldon said the proposed changes merited further consideration by the Town staff in the future, but did not warrant inclusion in the thoroughfare plan at present.

Council Member Werner inquired why the proposed University changes were included for discussion in the thoroughfare plan. Mr. Waldon said the roadways involved were major thoroughfares such as Manning Drive which would directly impact traffic models and Town‑wide road building priorities. Council Member Rimer inquired how the University changes would be incorporated into the plan in the future if action were temporarily deferred on this portion of the plan. Mr. Waldon briefly reviewed the process for inclusion of future changes to the thoroughfare plan.

Associate Vice‑Chancellor Gene Swecker stated that events affecting the Town also impacted the University. Mr. Swecker stressed the need for accessibility to the University campus. Mr. Swecker noted that approximately thirty percent of the traffic in the Town is travelling to the University. Mr. Swecker expressed the University's strong commitment to alternative transportation modes. Mr. Swecker said that the University requested the inclusion of a southern loop road in the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mr. Swecker also requested that the widening of South Columbia Street and Pittsboro Street Extension be included in the thoroughfare plan.

Mary Beck, Director of Planning and Program Development at the North Carolina Memorial Hospital, expressed disappointment that the Town staff had not recommended the inclusion of a south loop road in the proposed thoroughfare plan. Ms. Beck said the proposed road had generated little controversy and appeared to merit inclusion in the plan. Ms. Beck also stated that Pittsboro Street Extension should be retained in the plan. Ms. Beck noted that planning for north‑south access did not promise to become an easier task in the future.

John Sanders, Chairperson of the University Buildings and Grounds Committee, said that projects such as the widening of South Columbia Street and Pittsboro Street Extension were vital to the University's plans. Mr. Sanders noted that the construction of several major facilities would generate additional traffic in the University area which would necessitate the construction of additional roadways. Mr. Sanders added that any future use of the University's airport property would also undoubtedly create additional traffic. Mr. Sanders urged the Council to not remove Pittsboro Street Extension from the proposed thoroughfare plan.

Dan Coleman, representing Orange County Greens, said he was disappointed that the comments of University officials had shown an absence of concern for Town residents. Mr. Coleman said he realized that the Mayor and Council were sensitive to the concerns of Town residents. Planning Board Vice‑chairperson Julian Raney said the Planning Board concurred with the staff recommendation concerning proposed University roadway changes.

Jack Bennett Road

Planning Director Roger Waldon said that Jack Bennett Road would offer north Chatham county residents better eastern access than would Lystra Church Road. Mr. Waldon noted that the Town staff recommended the inclusion of Jack Bennett Road rather than Lystra Church Road in the thoroughfare plan. Mr. waldon noted that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen had recommended that Chatham County decide which roadway would serve as the best thoroughfare.

Planning Board Vice‑Chairperson Julian Raney said that the Planning Board concurred with the staff recommendation of Jack Bennett Road. Council Member Andresen inquired about a proposed school site in northern Chatham County. Mr. Waldon said the school would be located at the intersection of Old Lystra Church and Jack Bennett Roads.

Dan Koenigshofer said he resided on Jack Bennett Road. Mr. Koenigshofer stated that existing thoroughfares such as U.S. 15‑ 501, 64, 55 and I‑40 adequately served traffic needs. Mr. Koenigshofer said he did not see the need for another major thoroughfare in northern Chatham county. Mr. Koenigshofer said the greatest current need was to expand U.S. 15‑501 from two to four lanes between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill. Mr. Koenigshofer said a new thoroughfare in northern Chatham County would be expensive, and socially and environmentally disruptive.

Peter Thaye asked the Council to be sensitive to the desires of residents of northern Chatham County. Mr. Thaye said there were park and ride, rail and other mass transit alternatives to the construction of new thoroughfares.

Rick Suberman said he had observed approximately one car per ten minutes on Jack Bennett Road during the daytime. Mr. Suberman urged the Council to leave the decision on a northern Chatham County thoroughfare up to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and area residents. Mr. Suberman expressed concern that approximately five miles of roadway was proposed for construction to save approximately eight‑tenths of a mile commuting time.

Jan Suberman said that improvements were needed to U.S. 15‑501 rather than Jack Bennett Road. Ms. Suberman said that Jack Bennett Road serves as a back road during rush hours, when U.S. 15‑501 is extremely congested.

Clyde Frazier said he opposed the inclusion of Jack Bennett Road in the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mr. Frazier said that homes in the area tend to be small and modest, close to the roadway, offering spectacular natural views to area residents. Mr. Frazier expressed concern that he had seen five proposed alignments of Jack Bennett Road to date. Mr. Frazier said there was no need to include Jack Bennett Road in the thoroughfare plan.

Carl Henley said he built a home on Henley Road approximately two years ago. Mr. Henley said he opposed the realignment of Jack Bennett or Henley Road.

Elizabeth Robertson stated that traffic on Jack Bennett Road is currently limited to local commuters. Ms. Robertson noted that most vehicles travelling along U.S. 15‑501 have ultimate destinations of Chapel Hill or Interstate 40.

Central Orange Collector

Planning Director Roger Waldon stated that the Central Orange collector was a proposed limited access road connecting Interstate 40 with Interstate 85. Mr. Waldon said that the Town staff recommended that the proposed collector not be included in the thoroughfare plan due to potential damage to the concept of a rural buffer. Planning Board Vice‑Chairperson Julian Raney noted that the Planning Board had voted 4 to 3 not to disturb the rural buffer.

Greg Gangi, representing the Sierra Club, said the construction of the Central Orange Connector would result in needless paving in the northern part of Orange County to accommodate the wishes of major developers. Mr. Gangi stated that the roadway would encourage unnecessary long‑distance commuting. Mr. Gangi urged the Council and other elected officials to use funds for construction of bikeways and park and ride lots rather than new roadways.

Dan Coleman, representing Orange County Greens, said he supported the Planning Board's recommendation not to build the Treyburn (Central Orange) Collector. Mr. Coleman urged the Council not to sacrifice the rural buffer.

Peter Todd said he opposed the Central Orange Connector, since it would add to existing pollution and traffic congestion problems. Mr. Todd also expressed concern that there would be demand for additional interchanges in the future.

Edward Silver stated that towns which are attractive are difficult to drive through and enjoyable to walk through. Mr. Silver said he preferred towns which are peaceful and attractive to live in.

Spence Dickinson expressed concern that the Central Orange Connector was being proposed to accommodate the wishes of major regional developers. Mr. Dickinson said that the North Carolina Department of Transportation was single‑handedly trying to paint the area's future roadway picture. Mr. Dickinson expressed his desire to maintain the Town as a desirable community in which to reside.

Whitfield Road

Planning Director Roger Waldon noted that Whitfield Road is not currently included in the proposed thoroughfare plan. Mr. Waldon said it would be necessary to include Whitfield Road in the plan to be eligible for State bicycle lane funding.

Planning Board Vice‑Chairperson Julian Raney noted that the Planning Board had voted to designate Whitfield Road as a thoroughfare, with the condition that no additional travel lanes be constructed. Council Member Werner inquired whether designating Whitfield Road as a thoroughfare would trigger other improvements. Mr. Waldon noted that the sole purpose of the designation was to make the roadway eligible for bikeway funding from the State of North Carolina.

Council Member Werner inquired whether it made sense to designate thoroughfares in the rural buffer. Mr. Waldon said that since no additional travel lanes were proposed for Whitfield Road, there would be no damage to the rural buffer area. Mr. Waldon noted that NC 86 is a major thoroughfare which runs through the rural buffer.

Council Member Andresen expressed hope that the Department of Transportation would emphasize improvements to basic roads rather than the creation of new freeways. Council Member Rimer inquired whether the Department of Transportation had a transportation plan to complement the thoroughfare plan. Mr. Waldon noted that Department of Transportation staff was engaged in planning for a variety of transportation modes.

Jonathan Kotch, a resident of Whitfield Road, said that Whitfield Road is a neighborhood road which carries school buses several times a day. Mr. Kotch expressed concern that the State might see the designation of Whitfield Road as a thoroughfare as license to widen the roadway. Mr. Kotch said he opposed the recommendation of including Whitfield Road in the thoroughfare plan.

Marty Mandel requested that the Council focus its energies on environmental protection relative to roadway construction. Ms. Mandel also stressed the need for air and water quality protection. Ms. Mandel said that the Department of Transportation leans disproportionately to building roads, instead of pursuing alternative transportation solutions. Ms. Mandel requested that the Council pursue environmentally sound transportation solutions.

Jack Wolf said he would have preferred that the funds for repaving of Homestead Road had been used for construction of bicycle shoulders.

Betty Maultsby expressed concern that the University was using a carrot and stick approach for future usage of its airport facility for research purposes.

Mayor Howes suggested that the Council hold a work session in the future prior to acting on the proposed thoroughfare plan.

Council Member Andresen requested that the Town Manager provide the Council with alternative alignments for Laurel Hill Parkway. council Member Brown requested information concerning traffic reduction programs and their effectiveness. Council Member Brown also requested a cost comparison of alternatives to roadway construction.

COUNCIL MEMBER WERNER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN, TO REFER THE MATTER TO THE TOWN MANAGER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8‑0) .

The hearing stood adjourned at 11:04 p.m.