HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-05-2016-13-7 - Information Item - Memorandum with Southern Branch Library Update INFORMATION ITEM 1
' ,11 �`�A TOWN OF CARRBORO
NORTH CAROLINA
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TRANSMITTAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT
DELIVERED VIA: ❑ HAND ❑ MAIL ❑ FAX ® EMAIL
To: David Andrews,Town Manager
Mayor and Board of Aldermen
From: Patricia J.McGuire& Marty Roupe
Date: March 27,2016
Subject: Southern Branch Library—Update
The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to the Board of Aldermen on the ongoing
Southern Branch Library site due diligence, and related efforts that will inform the Town's
interests in participating in project development.
On October 6, 2015, the Board of Aldermen directed the Town Manager to move forward
with discussing use of the 203 S. Greensboro Street property with the County Manager. On
February 2, 2016, the Board received an update on the progress of those discussions. Board
comments and questions that evening revealed an interest in understanding the timeline of
several active projects, especially with regard to how those efforts might inform the Town in
deciding whether and how the 203 S. Greensboro site could be used. A brief summary of
the related active projects is offered here. An attached schedule displays the combined
timelines for these efforts.
Southern Branch Library. Orange County staff have proceeded with due diligence for the
site. Environmental and geotechnical studies have been completed. Preparation of an
interlocal agreement is expected to proceed following the results of studies listed below.
Carrboro Parking Plan. The Town engaged VHB, Inc. in November to undertake a study of
parking, engage the public on parking experiences and interests, evaluate future demand,
and prepare a parking plan. Such a plan will inform the Town's actions related to regulating
the provision of private parking, as well as leasing or developing areas for public parking.
Preliminary evaluation of parking behavior began in early November, with the first round of
data collection occurring in January and the second scheduled for April. Final products will
be in hand by November.
Feasibility Study—ArtsCenter and Kidzu. UNC's Development Finance Initiative staff
work has been underway. Review of each organization's business plan and space needs has
been completed. Project completion is anticipated this spring.
Planning Department
301 West Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510•(919)918-7327•FAX(919)918-4454•TDD 1-800-826-7653
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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Carrboro Space Needs Study. The Town released an RFQ for consultant services to assess
condition of facilities, identify needs for rehabilitation and expansion, and advise how
spaces might be reassigned temporarily during periods of renovation. Review of consultant
responses is underway; staff expect to request the Board's consideration of the most
qualified respondent in April. Completion of the study is projected for September 2016.
300 E. Main Parking Deck Lease. The Town's lease with Main Street Partners became
effective with the issuance of certificates of occupancy (CO) for the hotel and parkng deck.
The dates COs were issued for those buildings are, respectively, August 20, 2013 and
August 28, 2013. The Board of Aldermen has authorized in concept pursuing an option that
would involve extending the lease for an additional three years and updating other terms
relating to timing, management, and costs. An additional condition of the approved permit
for the Hilton Garden Inn involves completion of a study of use of the site's parking for its
current customers and clients.
Board members expressed interest in other possible users of the 203 S. Greensboro site. A
teen center was specifically mentioned, as was consideration of Kidzu and the ArtsCenter.
A deadline for the identification of other users was also requested. Because of the site's
central location,parking, both on a permanent basis and in the interim should construction
proceed, remains a high priority.
Project Timing/Expedited Review
A project timeline for the library and other studies is included as Attachment B. The
timeline only considers an expedited conditional use permit review process, with the
estimate based on our most recent experience with expediting permit review for Morris
Grove Elementary School. The projected timeline represents an aggressive schedule per the
Board's discussion. Much is dependent on the outcome of the Town's studies regarding
parking, space needs, and ultimately an interlocal agreement governing use of the property.
Planning Department
301 West Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510•(919)918-7327•FAX(919)918-4454•TDD 1-800-826-7653
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
3
Southern Branch Library and Related Activities- Projected and Estimated Timelines-April 2016
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Parking Plan
Data 1,Public Outreach Kickoff(completed)
Board of Aldermen report(April 5th)
Data Collection 2
Public Engagement
Analysis I I I
Plan Development
Report Preparation I I I
Project Completion
Space Needs Study
Consultant proposals received
Review and consultant selection
Project kickoff
Inventory and assessment I I
Report preparation
Project compete I I
Southern Branch Library
Environmental and geotechnical completed
Anticipated building program identified
Interlocal agreement prepared
Plan development and design,permit review*processes I I I I I I I I
Construction activities I I
300 E.Main Parking Deck Lease I I I I I II II I I I I I I I I I
(possible lease extension through 2021)
Kidzu/ArtsCenter Feasibility
Business plans and space needs completed
Financial model drafting underway
Review by organizations
Feasibility study complete
*Timeline considers expedited review of land use permit.