AG 2003 04 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Howard Hurlocker suggested that we stay away from creating an overlay district - to him, overlay districts say "what I can't do, not what I can do." He would, however like to see a design for what can be done on Cabarrus Avenue in terms of a mixed use project. He said they could look at focussing on the overall amenities that are already downtown - like the shops, restaurants, government buildings and library. He said we need to not focus on what we don't have downtown. He said the City needs to look at services that are offered downtown to encourage new businesses to feed off of them. He said that he needs to see some positive designs. David added that we need to concentrate things together - a little incentive goes a long way. He said this all gets back to economics. There has to be something in place to stimulate development. The City might consider giving land to someone who is willing to do the actual vertical construction and that could be a good deal for both the developer and the City. Carlos asked about the City's Armory project. Jeff said it would be 17 lots. The lots will be sold with the house already built but that the City will contract with local developers to construct the dwellings. David added that in order to get authenticity into the development, they should be done by different developers - it will make for a better product. Let the City do the infrastructure, let the developers do the design. There needs to be diversity so that all neighborhoods don't look like factory products. David said that a small builder can make a living doing projects like this. Howard added that it is all small builders can do these days because they can't afford to meet all of the new standards. Infill (from a planning standpoint) could be enough of an advantage to smaller builders if they have something to work on and have some incentive to take the project on. Ted suggested that guest speakers familiar with the issue of infill be brought in to discuss the issue with the Committee. Jeff added that Louis Mack at the CDC, David McClellan, Len Sossaman, Harry McKay, Laine Harling would all be knowledgeable about this topic. David asked what about someone from Code Enforcement? Carlos suggested that Steve Osborne attend the next meeting to talk about infill and how it relates to Code Enforcement and the Center City Plan. Jeff asked Margaret Pearson if she had anything to contribute related to this topic and she responded by saying that she didn't. Howard and Ted stated that this issue needs to be tackled on a large scale since it is so political. Carlos added that in downtown Charlotte, they went to different wards, demolished certain areas and started again. Those areas that they left alone are now thriving and worth far more because of the redevelopment. This type of redevelopment could seriously benefit Concord. Jeff stated that in order to facilitate the large scale projects there has to be a plan to go by. He stated that staff will be prepared to give a presentation on the Center City plan and how it relates to the infill issue at the next meeting since that is the basic framework UDO ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 26, 2003 Page 5 of 6