Designs for a new 273-unit apartment building near the corner of South Elliot Road and Fordham Boulevard have been met with concerns by Chapel Hill’s Community Design Commission.

The development, which is controlled by Ram Realty Services, is drawing comparisons to the Berkshire Chapel Hill – formerly known as the Alexan – which was the first development to come to the Ephesus-Fordham district under form-based code. Projects in the district require approval from the CDC and town manager, rather than going before the Town Council.

CDC member Christine Berndt believes that moving slowly and carefully adhering to guidelines for development set by the commission is crucial for this project.

“I’d like to suggest that we take the time to get this right,” said Berndt. “We can learn from the first building that was done in Ephesus-Fordham. We need to learn from the first building, and we need to get this building right.”

Specific concerns voiced by the committee include canopy trees to separate the building and Fordham Boulevard, building breaks required by town rules and the proposed parking deck.

CDC member Lucy Davis cited the open design of the parking garage as being problematic, although the designs do call for vinyl banners to hang on the façade of the parking deck facing Fordham Boulevard.

“I could not vote for the parking deck the way it is,” said Davis. “I don’t think the solution you have is adequate.”

The plans must be approved by the Community Design Commission before they are passed on to the town manager for final approval.

The CDC will hold an additional meeting on August 24 to work through specific issues and could vote on the matter as early as September 26.

Specific plans for the development can be found here.

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