The request to rezone the Lloyd Farm property was taken to a public hearing last week at the Carrboro Board of Alderman’s final meeting before the summer. The neighboring community brought much concern to the discussion.
This request has been in place since 2011. The proposal went through a mediation process in an attempt to answer some of the initial questions before coming back to the board.
Those who live on the streets nearby expressed the concern of more traffic within their neighborhood. Carrboro resident James Emory said he would be concerned for the pedestrians walking in that area.
“What I’m much more disturbed about is the traffic, especially with counts of 3,000-plus cars – vehicle trips – per day. Because those cars are basically going to be exiting and maybe if we only take half of them as returning to Carrboro they will more than likely cut right through Carol Street,” Emory said. “That is a small, unsidewalked road; it is fairly close; it gets a heavy pedestrian traffic – children, small dogs, etc. It’s very alarming to me.”
Another concern that was brought up by many residents was the issue with storm water draining around the property.
“It’s what backs up when everything coming out of a parcel like this and from these vicinities around here through a lot of streams that empty into Toms Creek and others trying to work their way down to lower elevations,” Emory said. “When the water backs up, it backs up into a lot of houses and all the houses along here on James Street, along Lorraine Street, we’ve had bad flooding on Carol Street. I don’t believe that this storm water control is enough.”
Some positive comments from those who support this project included former Carrboro Mayor and State Senator Ellie Kinnaird.
“The development of this property is especially important to all who live in Carrboro. Carrboro taxes are high, forcing many to leave and many to abandon any hope of living here. The reason for our higher taxes is that there is very little commercial property to help carry the tax burden, 80 percent of which falls on home owners,” Kinnaird said. “Revenue is needed to provide the services required and that residents want to share our tax burden.”
The Board of Alderman members said they will continue to approach this project with the understanding of all positive and negative concerns. Board member Jacquelyn Gist said she understands both sides.
“We are a community, and I do not want to see our community divided over this. I believe in people’s rights to develop their property. I think we need more commercial growth,” Gist said. “I also believe that people who live in existing neighborhoods deserve not to have their lives unduly disrupted by new development.”
The public hearing for the Lloyd Farm rezoning request has been continued until the fall meetings begin. The Board of Alderman has directed staff to continue considering all concerns and discuss changes that can be made with developers.
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