HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-23-2012APPROVED 5/1/2012
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HILLSBOROUGH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JOINT MEETING
February 23, 2012
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Joint Meeting with the Town of
Hillsborough Commissioners on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Link
Government Services Center, in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Bernadette Pelissier and Commissioners
Valerie P. Foushee, Pam Hemminger, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, and Steve Yuhasz
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Alice Gordon
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Frank Clifton, Assistant County Managers
Gwen Harvey and Michael Talbert, and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker (All other staff
members will be identified appropriately below)
HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Mayor Tom Stevens and Commissioners
Brian Lowen, Frances Dancy, Evelyn Lloyd, and Eric Hallman
HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Michael Gering
HILLSBOROUGH STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Eric Peterson
Welcome and Oaenina Remarks (Chair Pelissier and Mavor Stevens
Chair Pelissier said that Commissioner Foushee would be late and Commissioner
Gordon was not feeling well and would be unable to attend.
Mayor Stevens said that Michael Gering had a conflict and would be unable to attend.
Mayor Stevens suggested two additions to the agenda: the Mobility Fund, and, as part
of the economic development topic, he would like to do a quick overview or refresher of the
2007 Strategic Plan.
1. Transit/Transportation
a) Orange County Transit Plan and Potential One-Half (1/2) Cent Sales Tax
Referendum
Session Law 2009-527 (also known as House Bill 148) adopted in 2009 permits
`Triangle' counties (Wake, Durham and Orange) to consider a public referendum to implement
a one-half ('/) cent sales tax to pay for development and implementation of the Triangle
Regional Transit Plan. Triangle Transit is the regional transit authority that will implement the
financial plans of the counties. A Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), identifying corridor and
technology, has been approved by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The
regional plan includes different elements; and in Orange County the draft includes bus services,
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Light Rail Transit (LRT). In Durham and Wake counties,
commuter rail is included. The draft Orange County Transit Plan for bus and rail specifies
revenues, costs, borrowing, financial assumptions (inflation, sales tax growth) and timing of
new/expanded bus and rail services to 2035. The Plan may also include other capital facilities
such as park and ride lots, bus and rail transfer stations, etc. The Transit Plan is part of a
process required by State law and must be approved by the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (2), and the Triangle Transit Board of
Trustees. Orange County intends to have a financial plan and "Interlocal Agreements" or
Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Durham, local governments, and Triangle Transit
prior to the implementation of a tax if a potential public referendum is approved by voters.
Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss
issues related to this item as necessary.
Attachment 1-a-1 - Locally Preferred Alternative Summary
Attachment 1-a-2 - Light Rail Transit Map
Craig Benedict presented a map of Orange County and said that the red line is the train
track that runs through Orange County. He said that the'h-cent mobility tax has been
authorized by the State to put on a referendum to pay for regional mobility. The mobility should
be spent on underserved areas and for human service needs. It could be used for augmented
bus service and also light rail. Two weeks ago, Orange County agreed with the consent for a
recommendation that the Locally Preferred Alternative on where the alignment of this fixed
route service could be something from UNC South, to Mason Farm Road, out NC 54, past
Meadowmont, up to a future village, up I-40, to Chapel Hill, and around the horn to Duke and
over to Alston Avenue. The entities still need to decide on the financial plan for the Locally
Preferred Alternative. The cost of this system is $1.4 billion overall, which would be paid 25%
by the state, 50% by the federal government, and 25% by the local'h-cent sales tax. The
Triangle Transit Authority wants to submit an application by August to ask for the funds for the
light rail project. There will be a series of public hearings.
Chair Pelissier thanked the citizens in Hillsborough that came forth at an earlier meeting
about a train station in Hillsborough. She understands that a train station in Hillsborough is a
high priority from DOT's perspective.
Commissioner McKee asked if some of the money could be redirected to a commuter
rail rather than all of it going to light rail and bus rapid transit.
Craig Benedict said that there is a certain pool of money that would be created from the
'h-cent sales tax. It is hard to find more money besides the'/z-cent sales tax. Durham County
would have more money for commuter rail because of the economic development in that area.
Commuter rail is $20 million/mile and light rail is $8 million/mile.
Commissioner McKee said that he is advocating for underserved areas if they are a
priority in this issue. He wants to make sure they are serving all of the citizens of Orange
County.
Mayor Stevens said that there is interest in bus and circulator routes for this area and he
said that the Town Board was also approached by the same group of citizens.
Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner McKee to add it the commuter rail.
He asked about the reaction of other Orange County transit partners to the idea that money
would be taken out of the pie and put toward a train station in Hillsborough.
Chair Pelissier said that monies would not come out of the bus pie.
b) Hillsborough Circulator Route Update
The in-town Hillsborough Circulator route began June 6, 2011 with a three year grant
from the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality Program. For the first year, NCDOT has waived the local match requirement of 20
percent. The Town of Hillsborough will provide the local match of about $22,000 for the
remaining years, while the County will operate the service at no additional cost to the Town.
The route serves various residential areas around Hillsborough, as well as the Library;
Orange County Courthouse; Social Services Center at Hillsborough Commons Shopping
Center; The Shops at Daniel Boone; UNC Family Practice; Durham Technical Community
College satellite campus; Hampton Pointe and Meadowlands Business Park.
The Hillsborough Circulator route was redesigned in October 2011 based on input from
users. An additional stop was added at South Nash and Calvin Streets.
Attachment 1-b - Hillsborough Circulator Route Map
Craig Benedict said that there is an interlocal agreement in place with Orange County
and the Town of Hillsborough for the circulator bus route through Hillsborough. It has been
going for about six months. One modification to the route is the addition of Nash Street. He
gave some ridership numbers: July - 517, August - 702, September - 637, October - 609,
November - 559, and December - 642. The cost is $57/hour, which is reasonable. The
program is being reviewed every month. The funding for this is primarily covered by CMAQ
grants for a few years.
c) Traffic Studies of Hillsborough
The Town has completed an access study in downtown Hillsborough as a follow-up to
abandoning the Elizabeth Brady Road project. The study was jointly funded by the Town and
the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to find small projects to address congestion and
vitality downtown. The attachments list the guiding principles of the study, detail the three
smaller areas within the study area, and outline recommended improvements throughout the
study area. The Town Board is scheduled to discuss the plan in detail, including any possible
implementation, at its February 27th workshop (which follows the budget retreat). The Town
welcomes any feedback from Orange County as an important property owner in the study area
since no feedback was provided during the public outreach portion of the planning process.
The implementation plan is still being prepared, but the Town expects projects to be grouped to
make incremental improvements that are related and build on one another. At this point, the
Town does not expect any group of projects to require Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
funding, but instead be able to be funded through small urban projects and Surface
Transportation Program-Direct Apportionment (STP-DA) funding. Support and cooperation will
be needed from Orange County to implement some of these projects and improve the
walkability and relieve some traffic congestion in downtown.
The attached document provides background information for the discussion. Staff will
provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to this
item as necessary.
Attachment 1-c - Hillsborough Downtown Access Study Excerpt
Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth said that she would present this plan
north to south. She said that the reason they did this was because there are traffic issues
downtown. The northern section is from US 70 to Corbin Street. The section from Corbin
Street to Tryon Street is residential. From Tryon Street to the river is the commercial part of
downtown. The recommendations are different for each section. She said that they want to
address congestion, but not at the expense of the vitality of downtown. The section between
US 70 and Corbin Street is recommended to have a bus pull-off. Regarding the free-flowing
right turn from Corbin Street onto Church Street is a little bit of a safety and speed issue. It is
recommended to possibly have a roundabout there. This is an expensive option. There are
also other widening and crosswalk recommendations throughout downtown.
Margaret Hauth said that just today she received a funding table for these big ticket
items. The two big-ticket items were in the $500-600,000 range and some of the projects were
as small as $5-10,000. The Town Board will be reviewing these things at the next meeting.
Commissioner Foushee arrived at 7:45:12 PM.
Chair Pelissier made reference to the right-in and right-out on Margaret Lane from
Churton Street and asked if the Sheriff had been contacted about this.
John Roberts said that he spoke to the Sheriff, who said that he was not happy about
putting a median across Margaret Lane because it would inhibit his deputies from making a left-
hand turn out of Margaret Lane in an emergency.
Commissioner Hemminger said that she liked the removal of some of the on-street
parking. She said that she has concerns about a median on East Margaret Lane.
Margaret Hauth said that the pedestrian signal would be kept at East Margaret Lane.
Discussion ensued on how confusing the parking garage is next to the library regarding
what is free and what is paid.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that he is concerned that someone coming south on
Churton Street who wanted to drop someone off at the courthouse would have difficulty.
d) Update/Follow-up Discussion on Safe Routes to Schools Draft Action Plan
Orange County received a Safe Routes to School Action Plan Service Award in July
2008 for planning assistance to prepare an Action Plan for Grady A. Brown Elementary School,
Cameron Park Elementary School and C.W. Stanford Middle School. The North Carolina
Department of Transportation, in 2009, contracted Greenways, Incorporated and Greene
Transportation Solutions to work with County staff, local agency representatives, School Team
leaders and principals of the three schools to identify non-motorized infrast~ucture
improvements that enhance safety. An adopted plan will provide greater opportunities for
Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough to obtain Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant
funds for the implementation of the Action Plan.
A draft Plan has been completed, reviewed locally, and comments submitted to
Greenways, Incorporated for inclusion in the final draft. Once a final draft has been completed
and returned, Orange County Schools, Orange County, and the Town of Hillsborough will be
asked to adopt the Plan.
More information on this program is available at: http://www.ncdot.qov/proqrams/safetv/.
Darcy Zorio, Transportation Planner, said that there is not a lot of update on this item.
The final plan has not been received yet.
e) Mobility Fund (ADDED)
Eric Hallman said that there is a bottleneck when I-40 and I-85 narrow down from 6-8
lanes to 4 lanes in Orange County. This was discussed last year. It is in the Transportation
Improvement Plan, but it competes with local road improvements. During the last MPO
meeting, there was a call for projects for the Mobility Fund, which was set up about two years
ago to create a separate pot of money that does not go through the individual DOT divisions
and it addresses projects of statewide significance. There has been an application put in to
have the I-85 widening put into the Mobility Fund. This would free up millions of dollars to allow
the division to pursue local projects. He asked the County staff to also request that this be put
into the Mobility Fund. The deadline is February 2gtn
The Board agreed to put in an application as requested.
Frank Clifton said that it would be put on the next Board of County Commissioners'
agenda.
2. Lake Oranqe
Lake Orange is a lake constructed in the late 1960's and owned by Orange County.
The purpose of the lake is a water resource for drinking water supplies for the Town of
Hillsborough, Orange-Alamance Water System, processing water for Piedmont Minerals and
environmental water releases for the Eno River.
Recreation rights to the lake are subservient to the water resource. The lake is not a
reservoir, but an impoundment with 'h mile peripheral watershed protection zones that limit
development through density and impervious restrictions. An aerial photo and other specifics
are provided as attachments.
The lake is also subject to the Eno Capacity Use Agreement which regulates water
flows and drought situations. The adjacent West Fork of the Eno Reservoir owned by the Town
of Hillsborough is not subject to this agreement.
In recent years the costs of maintenance for Lake Orange have been accelerating.
Capital improvements are becoming necessary for lake function and safety. The Town of
Hillsborough has contributed funding and resources in the past as noted in one of the
attachments. Long term responsibility for this raw water resource is still under review.
The attached documents provide background information. Staff will provide any other
information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to this item as
necessary.
Attachment 2-a - Aerial Photo of Lake Orange
Attachment 2-b - Matrix of EnforcemenbDevelopment /ssues at Lake Orange
Attachment 2-c - Summary of Lake Orange Repair and Maintenance Costs
Craig Benedict said that Orange County does own the land underneath the water
between elevation 615 and 620. It is owned by Lake Orange, Incorporated, who is the owner of
a master developer of a lot of lots around the lake. Subsequent to the development of the
reservoir, there was an Eno Capacity Use Agreement that spoke about who needed the water,
and the quantities to be released. There are three user categories: Town of Hillsborough,
Piedmont Minerals, and Orange-Alamance Water System. The Eno River Association is also a
beneficiary.
There have been some challenges with enforcement around the lake front, but things
have calmed down. Over the last four or five years, the integrity of Lake Orange has been
evaluated and there are some deficiencies with the dam device.
Kevin Lindley updated the Board on the repairs that have been made to the dam.
Commissioner Jacobs said that there is sometimes a lack of institutional clarity about
what is allowed and what is not. He made reference to Attachment 2-b, #1, that the Neuse
River Basin has been modeled for half a decade and the Capacity Use Agreement is 25 years
old. He said that at the time, the science is not as exact as it is now. He said that during the
droughts, Hillsborough has been generous about releasing water from the reservoir to make
sure there is adequate in-stream flow.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that he would like to have a conversation with the other
users to see what can be done to offset the County's expense in maintaining that facility.
Mayor Stevens said that it is good to hear the affirmation that Lake Orange was
originally set up for drinking water. He said what they get out of the reservoirs is a guarantee
that the residents of Hillsborough have water. He said that he does have concerns about the
interlocal agreements between the one for Lake Orange and the West Fork reservoirs. He said
that the Town is concerned about the issues of the costs of infrastructure. He is concerned
about the cost of water in Hillsborough.
Eric Peterson said that the second phase of the reservoir must be completed by the end
of 2018. If not, then the Town has to reapply for permits and it could be triple the cost.
Chair Pelissier suggested moving to item #4-d since there is a guest from DOT, and all
agreed.
3. Future Plans for Richard E. Whitted Center
Frank Clifton told Asset Management Services Director Pam Jones to come forward.
He announced that Pam Jones would be retiring this year.
With the construction of the new County Main Library in Hillsborough and the relocation
of various departments and services within County government, space at the Richard E.
Whitted Center on Tryon Street in Hillsborough is currently vacant. There have been multiple
discussions regarding potential uses for this space including possible uses by the County, the
Orange County Schools system, and various community organizations.
To establish a baseline of information, County Manager Frank Clifton previously
compiled background materials for the County Board of Commissioners. Those materials are
attached to provide a basis for discussion by the Boards.
Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss
issues related to this item as necessary.
Attachment 3- 2/6/12 County Manager's Communication to BOCC Regarding Whitted
Building Former Library Space Reuses Analysis
Frank Clifton said that the Health Department is going to be staying in the Whitted
Center. He said that Pam Jones has worked closely with the Orange County Cultural
organization and part of the business plan was to sub-let many parts of the unused portions of
the Center (old Orange County library area).
One consideration is using the building as a dedicated meeting space with needed
upgrades. If the Link Government Services Center is used as the meeting room space instead
of Whitted, then the Whitted Center could be used as large records storage space. One of the
key issues with the Whitted Center would be parking.
Commissioner Jacobs asked how the Town Board regarded the use of the Whitted
Center with increased traffic and parking issues and increased evening meetings.
Brian Lowen said that the board has not yet talked about the increased traffic around the
Whitted Center but no matter where they meet, the elected boards have to meet somewhere.
He said that the Town Barn is totally inadequate to meet in and they would love to look at other
options. He said that he would like to see how the two boards could work together on this
project because they both need dedicated meeting space.
Margaret Hauth said that the issue with the Whitted Center is unique because of the
nighttime peak issue with the recreation department next door. Night meetings paired with the
recreation department would make this area potentially 100 spaces short.
Commissioner Jacobs said that there is the southeast corner of where there is some
parking and some open space. He said that urban legend has it that Hillsborough has
prohibited the County from installing parking in this grassy area. This is what limits some of the
parking capacity by the Whitted Center.
Margaret Hauth said that her version of the "urban legend" was that when the old
building was destroyed that the County promised the neighbors that it would not build or make a
parking lot on that site.
Commissioner McKee said that if this space could be shared with other entities, then he
would be in favor of looking at this site.
Mayor Stevens said that parking is one issue but there are reality issues in both
proposed sites such as the cost benefit issues. He said that another issue is the regulatory
functions of the Town and the principles. He would like to encourage his board to think about
what is fair for all.
The staff will look into this option further.
4. Economic Development
a) Update on County Economic Development Activities
Orange County Economic Development Director Steve Brantley introduced this item.
Oranqe Countv's Small Business Loan Proqram
Orange County Economic Development has approved seven (7) small business loans and
disbursed five (5) of those loans to date. All are current in terms of scheduled debt repayments
by borrowers. The 5 loan recipients are as follows:
• Mystery Brewing Company
• Skram
• West End Depot
• Phd Productions
• Santosha Cleaning Service
Hand-crafted beer brewer
Hand-crafted, high-end furniture
General store
Crocheted Frisbee-type toys
Commercial janitorial services
Four (4) of these firms (Mystery Brewing, Skram, West End Depot and Phd Productions) are
Hillsborough-based companies. The most recent loan recipient, Mystery Brewing located in the
Hillsborough Business Center, held its official release party at the Wooden Nickel on February
10, 2012 and received broad statewide news coverage on February 9th (WRAL).
Since a portion of the recently approved quarter cent sales tax proceeds will go to support
further growth in Orange County's Small Business Loan program, there is a good potential for
additional Hillsborough firms to be considered as loan candidates in the future.
Piedmont Food & Aqricultural Processinq Center (PFAP)
The Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center located in Hillsborough is a collaborative
effort between Orange, Alamance, Durham and Chatham counties and shows strong activity
since its recent Grand Opening event on October 21, 2011. A summary of PFAP's current
status shows the following activity by contracted clients and interested applicants:
a) Clients
19 clients at present (2 are from Hillsborough)
b) Applicants
59 accepted applicants (6 are from Hillsborough)
32 initial consultations have been conducted
26 clients are attending orientations
c) New Jobs created in Hillsborouqh bv PFAP
Nine new jobs have either been filled, or posted, by current PFAP clients that
have already seen their businesses expand locally.
Marketinq & Business Recruitment Efforts in the Hillsborouqh Area
Orange County Economic Development has created and actively submitted real estate
marketing sheets on available Hillsborough properties for a variety of active business prospects
that have conducted site visits over the past five months, in addition to routine client visits with
investment prospects and site selection consultants. Popular Hillsborough site locations include
a 5-acre parcel at the Meadowlands, a 25,000 square foot building on Elizabeth Brady Road, a
9,600 square foot flex space building located at the Meadowlands, and available space at
Hillsborough Business Center. On February 7, 2012 staff inet with a new agricultural-based
prospect that desires to relocate, create nine new jobs, and lease available flex space within the
town limits at Meadowlands.
In addition, staff has participated with the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce in various "After
Hours" functions for its members, met twice with the Chamber's Economic Development
Advisory Board, and included the Chamber in monthly `partner' meetings which the Economic
Development office sponsors to bring together County, chamber and municipal staff who are
engaged in economic development throughout Orange County.
Staff has also met with Town of Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth to learn more
about the Town's property that could potentially host a train station and have associated retail
development. County Economic Development staff plans to increase communication with
Hillsborough's front-line economic development staff to find additional ways to help promote the
business potential of Hillsborough. Finally, staff is actively visiting with major employers in the
Hillsborough area to build relationships and assist in any on-site expansions as they might
occur, or, try to help remedy problems they may have with the County or State.
Steve Brantley said that he has been showing the properties and the marketing material
to Department of Commerce site selection consultants, which is his background, and even to
prospects.
Commissioner Foushee asked Steve Brantley to share information about the small
business loans and how businesses get them.
Steve Brantley said that there is a board that reviews the loan applications. They will
loan up to $40-50,000 for up to five years.
b) Town Appreciation for Loans to Hillsborough Local Businesses
Mayor Stevens said that he is still amazed at the amount of diversity of businesses in
Hillsborough because it is a business "hub". He thanked Steve Brantley and the Board of
County Commissioners for their efforts in this area and the small business loans to local
businesses in Hillsborough. He said that the Town of Hillsborough does not have any
dedicated staff for economic development, and so they appreciate and are glad to cooperate
with Orange County staff to make all of this successful.
c) Potential Business Incubator Space Downtown
Orange County is committed to finding ways to support individuals involved in
entrepreneurial start-ups, and to retain those knowledge-based firms. For example, a portion of
the new quarter cent sales tax proceeds for economic development is earmarked for incubator
support. However, too often, entrepreneurial start-ups such as those that emerge out of the
University of North Carolina (UNC) eventually relocate to the Research Triangle Park area. On
November 30, 2011, Orange County Economic Development staff spent the day with
Hillsborough Commissioner Eric Hallman, visited the very successful "Durham Underground"
incubator at the American Tobacco campus in Durham, and met with the Council for
Entrepreneurial Development (CED). The purpose was to begin discussing ideas regarding
how Orange County can form its own innovation center.
Part of Orange County's research into incubators has included a dialog with a respected
UNC department chair that has conducted an analysis of the area's real estate market and
suggested an incubator development strategy. While the UNC report includes
recommendations on the use of existing County-owned buildings to house innovation centers,
and specifically in Chapel Hill, Orange County has not developed nor endorsed a
recommendation at this time which proposes use of any specific County-owned buildings.
County staff is currently discussing how to financially assist individual incubator start-up tenants
rather than propose any ownership or specific County-owned and operated building which could
house an innovation center. County Economic Development staff certainly looks forward to
further talks with Town Commissioner Hallman and others who can help Orange County
visualize a strategy that can lead to a Hillsborough-based innovation center.
Steve Brantley said that about two years ago Orange County worked with UNC on a
study about trying to get designated business districts. Last summer Orange County
contracted with UNC again and the consultant looked at incubators coming out of UNC because
most are leaving Orange County and going to RTP and Durham. He said that the consultant
found that though they have business space for rent/purchase in the county/towns, it is very
expensive.
Frank Clifton said that the County had an opportunity to buy the building that was
housing the Child Support Services department, and this operation was recently moved over to
the County office building. This building was purchased by a music publishing group that is
going to open up a business there for recording. There will be an announcement in the near
future regarding this new business.
d) Request for Proposals (RFP) for Train Station Property Transit-Oriented
Development
The Town of Hillsborough owns a 20-acre tract of land located just south of downtown
that is adjacent to the rail line. It is best known for being the location of the Collins Fields that
are used by the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) baseball/softball programs.
Several attempts at grant funding for a station with associated access and utility costs have
been unsuccessful. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has stated that
Hillsborough and Lexington are the state's top two priorities for new rail stations. The Town
intends to include $30,000 in the upcoming FY13 Budget to provide a 20% match to partner
with NCDOT to conduct the environmental assessment that will be required if federal funding is
used to support the station.
Cost estimates range from $2.0 to $6.0 million for a station. Just the cost of the
platform (approximately 400 feet) and locating a small 500 square foot modular building on site
are approximately $1.0 million. This does not include the cost of road access and various
utilities. To help fund the costs associated with a station and minimize impact of the operating
budget, the Town is considering putting out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to developers to
consider offers to purchase and develop a portion of the property. If this strategy is
implemented, it would be done at an appropriate time in the future. Ideally, this would help pay
for any expenses the Town might incur in bringing a train station to Hillsborough and Orange
County, allow for a more coordinated effort in developing a transit-oriented development, and
possibly assist in funding a relocation of the HYAA ball fields, if necessary.
Craig Newton, a Facilities Engineer with NCDOT, will be present at the meeting to share
additional information and respond to any questions.
Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss
issues related to this item as necessary.
Attachment 4-d - Hillsborough Train Station Sketch Site Plan
Hillsborough Town Manager Eric Peterson said that they have the property but have
been unsuccessful in getting the funding for the station. Things are looking very positive. One
of the benefits is the opportunity to do a transit-oriented development.
Craig Newton, Facilities Engineer with NCDOT, said that he has worked for NCDOT rail
division since 2000 and he has worked on train stations during this time. He said that he has
worked with the Town of Hillsborough for a while now and he has seen a huge untapped market
for trains coming through Orange County. He said that NCDOT is hoping to be a financial
partner in this project. The environmental study needs to be completed and that will put
NCDOT in a better position to receive state and federal grants. He has looked at separating
the track project from the station project because they do not depend on one another. The train
station would be about a$7-8 million project. The typical funding split for most of the station
projects has been 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local. He said that it would be difficult to
do a project of this size without a federal funding partner.
Commissioner McKee asked if the track upgrades would accommodate commuter rail
as well as the Amtrak. Craig Newton said that there is a separate effort to look at capacity
analysis to see how this would work. He did not know the answer.
e) Possible Marketing Opportunities for Waterstone and Surrounding Economic
Development District (EDD) Properties
Orange County Economic Development staff has had several meetings with
Waterstone's Texas-based developer and North Carolina representative in Raleigh, Jim Ciao of
Stratford Land, to include a recent meeting on February 11, 2012. Staff maintains contact with
the development group to assess the owner's current strategy to market Waterstone's currently
available site inventory. Separately, staff has also met with various other developers and
realtors who have previously expressed interest in adjacent land tracts, such as along Interstate
40 and Old NC 86, that offer business recruitment potential.
The Economic Development office has also prepared targeted marketing brochures for
Waterstone and the other developable properties in the Hillsborough Economic Development
District, and has been showing those sites to visiting business prospects (1), site section
consultants (2), and NC Department of Commerce state economic developers (5).
The new economic development website, www.GrowlnOranaeNC.com, also links to
Waterstone and Hillsborough Economic Development District site maps.
Staff also proposes meeting more regularly with Hillsborough's Planning staff, Chamber,
and other Hillsborough leadership, as has already been occurring, in order to build additional
collaboration opportunities.
Margaret Hauth gave an update on the Strategic Growth Plan from 2007 where they
talked about where the boundaries of the town and county should be. Both jurisdictions are
now ready to move forward.
Commissioner Yuhasz asked about the timeline for the next steps in this process and he
would want to review all of the information to this point and what it will take to move the more
critical issues along.
Craig Benedict said that he could sit down with Margaret Hauth and come back with a
timeline.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that the emphasis has been to work on the economic
development issues, but they need to see about this plan and if it can fit into some of the
economic development projects the County is developing.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he wanted to urge the boards to put their efforts forth so
as to complete the process that started years ago.
Mayor Stevens said that the Town is on board with this to move forward.
f) Update on Riverwalk and its Economic Impact
Margaret Hauth referred to the map in the packet. A grant request has been submitted
to the State.
The Town has completed conceptual planning of Phase II of Riverwalk. The color
coded attached map details the various portions on the project. The Town has submitted a
grant request to the State Parks and Recreation Trust Fund seeking $425,000 to fund final
design and construction of the portion of Riverwalk connecting Gold Park to River Park. The
Town will also be seeking $75,000 from the State Recreational Trails Program next year to
further support this project and expects to match these funds with local funds to fully fund this
high priority project. The Town also hopes to modify the current Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality (CMAQ) funding for Riverwalk to fund some necessary sidewalk improvements that
connect neighborhoods to Riverwalk to greatly enhance safe access to this community
resource. Shortly, the Town plans to begin construction on the Calvin Street connecting path to
provide safe pedestrian access to Gold Park and Riverwalk from Calvin Street to access the
covered walkway under the railroad. This facilitates pedestrian access into Gold Park and
avoids the use of the trestle for walkers.
Further connections to the east and west have been delayed for cost considerations.
The Town now expects the trail surface to change heading west from Allison Street and east
from Cameron Street based on desires of the resources that the trail will connect to and the
unique landforms being crossed to make those connections. Neither Classical Home
Preservation Trust nor the Occoneechee State Natural Area actively permit wheels on their
path systems, so pavement is not necessary or desirable for these sections. A schedule for
proceeding with these connections has not been established and may rely on community
fundraising.
Many studies have been conducted trying to calculate the economic and social impact of
recreation investments. These numbers range from $1.80 to $25 per dollar invested, with more
reports falling in the 1:5 or 1:3 range. Part of the wide variety in numbers depends on how
many benefits were attempted to be calculated (social as well as economic) and the variety of
recreation resources included in the study. When the paved portion of Riverwalk is complete,
the total investment in Riverwalk and Gold Park will exceed $6M, including significant grant
support.
Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss
issues related to this item as necessary.
Attachment 4-f - Riverwalk Phase ll Planning Map
With no further items to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Donna S. Baker, CMC
Clerk to the Board