HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-26-2007-4uORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 26, 2007
Action Agenda
Item No. ~ - V
SUBJECT: US 70/ Cornelius Street Corridor Strategic Plan
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution Endorsing Plan
2. DRAFT Public Hearing Minutes
3. "US70/ Cornelius Street Corridor
Strategic Plan" (separate enclosure)
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Economic Development, 245-2324
Margaret Hauth, Planning Director,
Town of Hillsborough, 732-1270
PURPOSE: To consider approval of the Draft US 70/ Cornelius Street Corridor Strategic Plan
presented at the May 21, 2007 Quarterly Public Hearing.
BACKGROUND: The US 70/Cornelius Street Task Force was formed in May 2006 by a
coalition of Orange County economic development leaders, Orange County and Hillsborough
Town Board Commissioners, and business owners and residents' representatives of those on
and adjacent to the US 70/Cornelius Street Corridor. Collecting input from corridor
stakeholders, utilizing data from the 2000 Census, referencing concepts from existing planning
documents, and evaluation information provided by transportation, crime prevention, code
enforcement, demographic ring analysis, economic development, as well as land use and
design experts and professionals, the Task Force identified specific needs and concerns to
address.
Based on the information gathered and input received at the public open forum and from
community citizens attending Task Force meetings, the Task Force developed potential
solutions and recommendations to form the basis of both the plan document and the
implementation plan outlined in it. These solutions and recommendations include improvements
in the following areas: transportation, crime and code enforcement, economic development,
development and redevelopment potential, landscaping and signage, and compatibility with
other planning documents. The Task. Force developed an implementation plan that outlines
specific tasks and a timeframe for those tasks to accomplish the recommendations of the plan.
The corridor is in Hillsborough's planning jurisdiction, but implementation of plan
recommendations will require the cooperation of the Town and Orange County. Additionally, the
corridor is part of the larger area being addressed in the jointly funded Hillsborough-Orange
County Strategic Growth Plan.
The draft strategic plan was presented at the May 21, 2007 Quarterly Public Hearing. The
Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners joined the Orange County Commissioners and
Orange County Planning Board for presentation of the plan. Questions and comments from the
Planning Board and County Commissioners include:
• Plans for widening US 70 to four lanes;
• Community organizations working with the Town on the plan;
• Amount and type of community involvement;
• Basis for household and income figures within a 10 mile radius of study area; and
• Request to Congressman Price next year to allocate funds for business incubator.
Additionally, Kathleen Yarbrough, corridor resident, neighborhood watch representative, and
Task Force member emphasized there was strong support for the plan by residents in the
corridor.
Finally, it was proposed that a logical next step would be the preparation of an access
management plan for the US 70 corridor (up to and including the intersection of NC 86 and
NC57) and that a joint group be formed to address this.
The Orange County Planning Board considered the draft plan at their regular meeting on June
6, 2007. Margaret Hauth, Hillsborough Planning Director, presented the item and responded to
Board questions. The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend endorsement of the
plan.
The EDC reviewed and approved the plan on June 14, 2006.
The Hillsborough Planning Board is to consider the plan on June 21 with action by the Town
Board of Commissioners tentatively scheduled for July 9, 2007.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no County financial impact at this time with human resources
being from existing EDC and Planning Department staff.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Administration recommends:
1. Approval of the resolution endorsing the US 70/ Cornelius Street Corridor Strategic Plan;
and
2. That preparation of an access management plan (to include appointment of a
Town/County work group) be a topic for discussion as directed by the BOCC and County
Manager.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A Resolution Endorsing the Cornelius Street/US 70 Corridor Plan
WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough and the County of Orange convened a
neighborhood meeting to discuss revitalization of the portion of US 70 through
Hillsborough known as Cornelius Street on May 25, 2006, and-
WHEREAS, corridor residents and business owners expressed an interest in working
with the Town and County to address economic development, traffic, safety, code
enforcement, and urban design, and
WHEREAS, a task force composed of corridor residents, property owners, business
owners, and relevant town and county staff met monthly for one year to develop this
plan, and
WHEREAS, the corridor residents were involved throughout the process via periodic
mailings, an open house and a joint public hearing of the two elected boards, and
WHEREAS, this plan has been reviewed by the Orange County Planning Board, the
Hillsborough Planning Board, and the Orange County Economic Development
Commission;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of
Commissionersthat the Cornelius Street/US 70 Corridor Plan is endorsed as a small
area plan for the area and staff is authorized to pursue with due diligence the
implementation of this plan as specified in the document.
Upon motion of Commissioner ,seconded by Commissioner ,
the foregoing resolution was adopted this the day of , 2007.
I, Donna S. Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange,
North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of
the proceedings of said Board at a meeting held on , 2007 as relates in
any way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings are recorded in
Minute Book No. of the minutes of said Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day of ,
2007.
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
DRAFT-NOT APPROVED YET
DRAFT
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HILLSBOROUGH TOWN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (Item A.1)
AND
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
QUARTERLY PUBLIC HEARING
May 21, 2007
7:30 p.m.
4
The Orange County Board of Commissioners, Hillsborough Town Board, and the
Orange County Planning Board met for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Monday, May 21, 2007 at
7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, N.C.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners
Valerie Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, and Mike Nelson
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoff Gledhill
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Laura Blackmon, and Deputy Clerk to the
Board David Hunt (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below)
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Jay Bryan and Members Brian
Crawford, Craufurd Goodwin, Sam Lasris, Renee Price-Saunders, Sandra Johnson-Quinn,
Judith Wegner, and Jeffrey Schmitt
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Kempinski, Joel Knight, and
Bernadette Pelissier
HILLSBOROUGH BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Tom Stevens and Members
Evelyn Lloyd, Brian Lowen, Michael Gering, and Eric Hallman
HILLSBOROUGH BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Frances Dancy
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT
AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE
A. OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
The meeting was called to order by Chair Carey at 7:37 pm. He noted that this is the first
time that a meeting has been held with these three boards in a very long time.
Planning Board Chair Jay Bryan welcomed everyone.
Mayor Tom Stevens said that he and his board were delighted to be at the table.
B. PUBLIC CHARGE
The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
C. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
1. US 70/Cornelius Street Strategic Plan: A joint Town/County Task Force worked for
the past year to develop a strategic plan for Cornelius Street between North Churton
Street and Holiday Park Road/Lakeshore Drive. The area is in Hillsborough's planning
jurisdiction, but implementation will require the cooperation of both local governments.
DRAFT-NOT APPROVED YET 5
Note: The Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners will join the County
Commissioners and Planning Board for presentation of this item.
Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth said that it was almost a year ago when
the Town invited citizens to an informational meeting about development in this corridor. Some
citizens agreed to serve on a task force. Some of the areas of concern were topics for the
individual meetings. She gave a PowerPoint presentation.
US 70/ Cornelius Street
Corridor Strategic Plan
May 21, 2007
Where we've been
May 23, 2006 -Public Meeting
June -Charge & Schedule
e July 8 -Corridor walk
July 19 -Transportation
August 23 -Crime Prevention and Code Enforcement
Sept 20 & Oct 18 -Economic Development options
November 15 -preview
December 14 -open house
Transportation Concerns
o Volumes
- Volumes are not yet sufficient to widen Cornelius .
- Widening has been requested, but not funded by NCDOT
o Turning movements
- Left turns impact speed, safety & level of service
- Limiting left turns can improve traffic flow without widening
o Speed
- Impacts safety and is impacted by congestion
o Vehicle mix
- This corridor is heavily used by commercial traffic. The long-term implications for safety
and enjoyability of the corridor with this commercial traffic was considered
Recommendations -Transportation
• Widening of US 70/Cornelius Street
- Four-lane, median divided cross section with abikeway/greenway along both sides for
bike and pedestrian use
- Greenway option allows all improvements to fit within existing right of way
• Adjust some existing road patterns to make safer, more efficient intersections
Crime Prevention & Code Enforcement
• Town pursuing Code Enforcement more diligently than in the past
• Property owners have a role in assisting
• Lighting, maintenance, design are important factors
• More activity, more light, and public improvements all send important statements of
commitment and care
Recommendations -Crime & Code
• Increase lighting
• Increase patrols and enforcement of loitering/trespass
DRAFT-NOT APPROVED YET
• Public & neighborhood investment in landscaping at key intersections and along the corridor
o Initiate Neighborhood watch
Economic Development Tools
• Consider 4-point approach from the Main Street Program by organizing businesses in
corridor
• Identify the economic drivers for the corridor
• Community Development Corporation
• Financial assistance
Recommendations - Econ Development
• Identify the ideal land uses
e Promote local businesses
• Business incubator space
® Capture relocating Daniel Boone businesses
• Establish a CDC with a for profit development arm
Ring Analysis - 2000 Census figures
Within 2 miles of 70/86
• 6,402 residents
68% over 25
. 63.5% of dwellings owner occupied
• Average Household income $55,785
. 1.7 vehicles per household
0 43.2% blue collar; 56.7% white collar
Within 10 miles of 70/86
0 76,159 residents
• 68% over 25
. 68.6 % of dwelling owner occupied
o Average Household income $66,523
. 1.8 vehicles per household
e 30.5% blue collar; 69.5% white collar
Preferred Business Types
From existing residents
• Restaurant (family style/breakfast)
. Grocery Store
Retail destinations
Barber/Beauty & supply
. Small Business Incubator
Doctor/Urgent Care
Public offices
From existing businesses
Restaurant (family style/breakfast
. Bank
Grocery Store
• Administrative offices
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DRAFT-NOT APPROVED YET
Recommendations -Land Use & Design
• Coordinate development regulations, particularly signage with Churton Corridor
recommendations during ordinance re-write
• Develop zoning classification for neighborhood scale service & retail uses
• Ensure Land Use recommendations in Strategic Growth Plan match redevelopment
proposals, including mixed use.
Before & After
• These are conceptual drawings of what could appear on sites the committee considered
underdeveloped.
• Property owners of these sites should interpret the plans as support for redevelopment
thoughts rather than negative comments on current development.
South side Cornelius near Faucette Mill
North side Cornelius near NC 86
Implementation
• Establish a community organization that includes residents, property owners, and business
owners
• Engage the EDC in business recruiting and information campaign
• Re-write Zoning Ordinance
• Engage the Town Board and staff
Establish a community organization that includes residents, property owners, and
business owners
• Act as catalyst for continued code enforcement
• Act as catalyst for improved police patrols
o Act as general advocate for corridor for funding requests
• Act as introductory organization for CDC creation
o Approach neighborhood organization for landscaping improvements or welcome sign
o Create a CDC to represent the 70 Corridor community
Engage the EDC in business recruiting and information campaign
• Promote existing land for sale & buildings for rent
• Refer relocating Daniel Boone businesses
• Create promotional materials for the 70 Corridor
• Provide support to community organization to help it become a CDC
• Pursue funding to construct incubator space through public/private partnership
Re-write Zoning Ordinance
. Access management along Cornelius Street
o Neighborhood scale mixed use zoning district
• Revise parking requirements for commercial, office, and institutional uses
. Streamlined review processes to encourage development along the corridor
e Establish requirements for integrating OPTED strategies while still protecting residential
privacy
. Traffic calming menu of options for development
. Standards for bike rack and pedestrian bench installation at commercial and multi-family
developments
Pedestrian connectivity requirements
signage consistent with Churton Street Plan recommendations
DRAFT-NOT APPROVED YET s
Pedestrian walkway options other than concrete sidewalks
Engage the Town Board and staff
Pursue outside funding opportunities for implementation of this plan (Joint)
. Continue to request the widening of Cornelius/US 70 as part of the .TIP funding cycle (Joint)
. Assess feasibility and prepare cost estimates for local street network changes (Joint)
Request NCDOT to improve directional signage along the 70 Corridor (Joint)
Encourage bus stop locations along US 70 for both local circulation and regional commuting
(Joint)
Develop funding schedule for bike/ pedestrian pathways (Joint)
. Initiate Phase 2 of the US 70/ Cornelius Street Corridor Task Force with the mission of
developing plans for the eastern portion of the Corridor within town limits (Joint)
She introduced the task force members.
Renee Price-Saunders asked about widening to four lanes up to 86. Margaret Hauth
said that the transportation plan and the request to NCDOT includes widening for the entire
length of US 70 where it runs into the Town's jurisdiction, from river bridge to river bridge.
Judith Wegner asked about the possible interest in graduate students helping in a
Community Development Clinic. She would be able to assist in this. Kathleen Yarborough was
a member of the task force and said that she was also a member of the subcommittee that was
working on the viability of a CDC. They have already met with people from Duke on this.. She
said that they are actively soliciting help and advisors.
Renee Price-Saunders asked how much community involvement there has been.
Margaret Hauth said that there were 5-7 people on the committee and there have also been
periodic mailings to those interested. One of the requests was that there be services for the
residents in this corridor so that they do not have to go across town. In a two-mile radius, there
are 6,000 residents.
Public Comment:
Kathleen Yarborough is a resident of the corridor and she also leads the Neighborhood
Watch for the corridor. She said that there is very strong citizen participation in the corridor, and
they request the Boards' support for this endeavor.
Commissioner Jacobs thanked the members of the task force and the Hillsborough staff
and elected officials. He said that this was seen as a way to do economic development where it
would benefit an existirg committee with existing infrastructure. This is a great opportunity to
bring development to a community where there is already a road, water and sewer, etc. He said
that from the beginning, the community was very involved. He said that there was a mention in
the last set of recommendations about seeking outside funding. When he, Chair Carey, and
Laura Blackmon met with Congressman Price, they mentioned money for an incubator here.
He would suggest that next year the Town and the County make a joint written request to
Congressman Price if the two boards want to pursue this.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the rewriting of the zone ordinance section and
said that it would be a logical next step to convene a joint group to look at access management.
A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to
refer this to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the BOCC no sooner
than June 26, 2007
VOTE: UNANIMOUS