Will the American Legion property in Chapel Hill be turned into housing – or multi-use development – or a park?
That’s been a hot topic all year – and on Wednesday, Chapel Hill’s Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission voted in favor of a park. Members of the commission voted 7-0 to encourage the town to purchase all or some of the 36-acre property, and use it to expand the existing Ephesus Park. In a statement, the commission says there’s no other available park space in that part of town.
This is not the first time the Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission has weighed in on the issue: back in May, members also voted to recommend the town buy the land and turn it into park space.
Elected officials will make a decision at a later date. The property is coming up for sale because the American Legion is planning to move to a new space. A developer, Woodfield Investments, wants to purchase the property and build 400 housing units plus office space and a civic center.
Chapel Hill has the right of first refusal on the property, but it would cost the town $9 million to buy it. Last year, Town Council members decided to pass, but this year’s Council reopened the conversation after hearing feedback from nearby residents.
The Commission’s statement is below.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Bob Myers, Chair, Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Purchase All or a Portion of the American Legion Property
DATE: October 19, 2016
On October 19, 2016, the Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission (“Commission”) noted media reports that the Town Council (“Council”) may consider purchase of some or all of the Legion property. The Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend to the Council that all reasonable efforts be made to secure all or a portion of the property for a park. The property could be merged into Ephesus Park to create a true community park for the eastern portion of Chapel Hill. The Commission notes that the only parks in that portion of Town are the very small Burlington Park, which has only a small play area and Ephesus Park, which has only a Tennis court/Pickleball facility. If The Town of Chapel Hill loses the opportunity presented by the Legion property The Town will have lost any opportunity for an eastern park, since this is the last suitable piece of land in that part of town.
As a reminder, the Commission previously made recommendations related to the Legion property.
At the Commission’s February 17, 2016 meeting, the Commission provided to the Mayor and Council, a list of possible recreation amenities that might serve the community if they could be located on a portion of the American Legion property.
On May 18, 2016, the Commission considered a citizen petition requesting that the Town purchase all or a portion of the 36 acre site. The Commission recommended to the Mayor and Council that the Town should acquire all or some of the property. The Commission noted that an acquisition would meet the goals of the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan, could benefit Ephesus Park and Ephesus School, and provide a park in an area underserved by the Town’s
current recreational facilities. The Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend to the Council that the Council explore options for acquiring all or a portion of the Legion Property in order to provide additional recreational opportunities to this underserved part of Chapel Hill.
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