Pittsboro, NC – The Board of Commissioners of the Town of Pittsboro held a regular meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center. The Board took the following actions during the meeting:
Highlights:
Mayor Shipp swore four (4) new police officers into their positions with the Pittsboro Police Department after they successfully completed the Cadet program.
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to scenic corridor overlays.
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to affordable housing.
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to various items intended to improve its effectiveness.
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved a voluntary, contiguous annexation request.
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved a preliminary plat for Section 7.1 – Phase 3 of Chatham Park.
Additional Items:
The Board received an update from Town Manager Jonathan Franklin on various Town activities.
The Board appointed various community members to positions on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
The Board adopted a resolution supporting a second Pittsboro ABC Board location in Northwood Landing.
The Board approved minutes from the previous meeting and addressed other Town business.
The Board held a closed session.
For a complete listing of Board actions, please visit pittsboronc.gov/agendacenter to access the agenda and materials. Once approved, the minutes of this meeting will be available on the Agenda Center website. A recording of this meeting can be found by visiting the Town’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@townofpittsboronc.
To be informed of the date, time, and location of Board Meetings, you can subscribe to Town News and Alerts at pittsboronc.gov/news and visit the Pittsboro calendar at pittsboronc.gov/calendar.aspx.
Summary for July 8th, 2024 – Board of Commissioners – Regular Meeting
00:03 Start of Pittsboro Town Board meeting
The meeting started with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Frell.
The consent agenda was approved, and there were no information items discussed.
04:53 Oath of office for a police officer in Pittsboro
Swearing to support the Constitution and state of North Carolina
Commitment to impartially execute duties without bias or prejudice
12:41 Congratulations to new officers and welcoming them to the town of Pittsburgh
Expressing gratitude for the support for the new officers
Announcement of the functioning splash pad and appreciation for the timely installation
16:09 Planning staff conducting job survey for downtown businesses
Survey to determine job numbers for application for Rural Economic Development
Expanding street skate project to increase job numbers and improve intersections
20:49 The climate advisory committee expressed concern about the pending proposed rezoning of the Alon Chapel development.
The County’s sustainability coordinator, Kevin Lind, is working to receive tax credits for projects completed in 2023.
Town staff may want to reach out to Kevin Lindley to see if there are any lessons learned from his process.
23:16 Concerns raised about water quality in PO Place neighborhood
Residents reported yellow or brown water in taps, leading to panic and speculation on social media.
Call for proactive communication and advocacy from town officials to address public concerns.
27:48 Discussion on promoting tree canopy preservation
To establish buffer zones to protect existing ecosystems from built construction
Creating intermediate areas of vegetation to transition from high to low opacity zones
29:41 Mitigation strategies for development in Pittsboro
Explaining parcel zones and coordination
Creating a gradient of vegetation for development sites
33:37 Implementation of transition zones for better city planning
Restrictions within 200-foot buffer zones to prevent certain types of buildings and promote gradual transition
Focus on creating legibility in the built environment with increased landscaping requirements and controlled building structures
35:29 Secured and vegetated zone to protect pedestrians and bicyclists
The zone will have a protective barrier from traffic, making it secure for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The area will be well vegetated, providing shade and making it more agreeable on hot summer days.
40:09 Utilization of diverse business opportunities in designated areas
Allowing recreational areas and multiple business possibilities within zoning guidelines
Encouraging buffer zone development with emphasis on aesthetics and commercial zoning within size limits
42:07 Encouraging building placement with parking at the back for improved streetscape aesthetics
Emphasis on building typology in historic zones for aesthetic harmony
Explanation on percentage reductions in allowed parking for different zoning uses
47:15 Discussion on property development with modern design and shared driveway for safety.
Emphasis on shared driveways to reduce access points and ensure pedestrian safety.
Hopeful for the proposed amendments to set a stage for achieving the desired development within the area.
49:18 Discussion about typology of forms and zoning within the area.
Considering legibility and agreeability of typology of forms for East and West Business 64 and Hillsboro Street to the circle.
Sections with high epitus 4 development will need more research and design while other areas may need similar attention.
54:37 Discussion on the rules for buffer zones and protection of existing structures
Different buffer zone requirements for specific areas
Explanation of protection for existing single-family homes and the impact on future development
56:45 Discussion on public rights of way and future planning
This discussion focuses on the boundary of partial lines and public rights of way
Emphasizing the importance of better preparation and knowing end goals for future developments
1:01:32 Discussion on regulating food trucks and building height restrictions.
Board suggests temporarily excluding food trucks until sewer capacity is available and phasing them out once brick and mortar options are feasible.
Concerns raised about a potential influx of food trucks without proper regulations in place, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to manage their presence.
1:03:50 Discussion on building heights and development planning
Emphasis on building up rather than out for comfortable walkability and proximity to services
Proposal for building heights based on existing area aesthetics and balance with surrounding structures
1:08:43 Discussion on allowance and privilege for single family, duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes.
Statutes require allowance for these dwelling types.
Changes in state legislature allow for non-commercial quadplexes and impact affordable housing.
1:11:11 Discussion about the need for Scenic overlay on Sanford Road and potential impact on 902 and Goldston Road.
Expressing appreciation for the effort and reflection put into the existing conditions and the proposed amendments.
Presenting the goals for the proposed next item which include creating more affordable housing units, mixed income developments, and simplifying the approach.
1:16:18 Recommendation to approve text Amendment and land use plan consistency
Addition of Triplex and Quadplex to affordable housing definition
Development not tied to conventional density requirements; can exceed with affordable housing units
1:18:50 Discussion on impervious surfaces and stormwater implications.
Exploring the potential impact of building community like downtown Chapel Hill or New Orleans on stormwater runoff.
Addressing concerns about the increase in stormwater runoff in densely populated areas and its potential negative impacts on creeks.
1:23:47 Developments becoming their own stormwater utility
Developments need to treat stormwater with ponds or swells as per regulations.
Agreements allow stormwater management off-site for the Chatham Park project.
1:26:19 Discussion on Fe and Lop usage and accounting impact
Current Fe and Lop rate is $85,000 per drawing unit, which can streamline processes without legislative procedures.
Fe and Lop funds can be used for various projects, including affordable housing developments like The Retreat or specific studies for income-based workforce housing needs in the area.
1:31:18 Discussion on term limits and attendance policy
Term limits for board members and potential attendance policy considerations.
Review of practices in surrounding communities regarding turnover and opportunities for expertise sharing.
1:33:48 Discussion on term limits for Parks and Advisory board members
Various towns have different term limits for board members like two terms, three terms, or shorter terms totaling around 10 years.
The interest in the planning board is high with 20 to 40 applicants per appointment, emphasizing the need for open options and minimal learning curve for new members.
1:38:40 Approval of Text Amendment CTA 2024 and Pittsboro Land Use Statement
Discussion on term limits for planning board members
Current members to serve until term expiration
1:41:40 Discussion about term limits on the planning board.
Debate around the benefits of long-serving members and the knowledge they bring.
Suggestion to reapply for a position after two years and concerns about agreement on the matter.
1:46:39 Discussion on the proposal for another growth fit
Tera is proposing another growth fit, but there are concerns about representing the growth accurately given the number of applicants.
Next on the agenda is an annexation request for affordable housing by CH Park investors.
1:49:38 Approval of annexation request and preliminary plat for CH Park investors LLC
Discussion and approval of annexation request A2024 Z2 PB2 24232
Presentation and recommendation for approval of preliminary plat PB 24140 for CH Park investors LLC section 7.1 phase three
1:54:42 Discussion about reallocating remaining money from the restricted Capital fund
Exploring the possibility of retaining 40% of the money for future Capital expenditures
Considering long-term investment in new locations for mutual benefit
1:56:53 Discussion on lease agreements and supporting a second Pittsboro ABC location at Northwood Landing.
Details on lease agreement and the plan for building retail businesses.
Appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the new terms and discussion about interesting candidates for the remaining term.
2:03:04 Discussion on residential portion of Turkey Creek development
Phase one focused on residential development – yellow portion on the screen
Meeting with property owner from Potterstone Village, addressing concerns and demonstrating commitment to the plan
2:05:08 Development plans for a Greenway connection and enhanced open spaces
Plans include building a 10-foot Greenway along Moner Pittsboro Road to connect to town park
Enhanced open space areas with public park, benches, gazebo, and social gathering place
2:09:56 Approval for preliminary P plat and recreation fee recommendation.
The approval is for a 255-lot subdivision on Jason Moncure Pittsboro Road.
Recommendation for payment of active Recreation fee prior to construction drawing approval and final recording.
2:15:52 Motion to adjourn the meeting
Commissioner Bose motioned to adjourn the meeting
Mayor Pro bald seconded the motion, meeting adjourned