Aldermen Look to Add Office Building Near Carr Mill

According to the meeting's agenda, N.R. Milian Associates, on behalf of Carr Mill Limited Partnership, submitted an application for a major modification to an existing conditional use permit.

The property, located at 300 Roberson St., is now used by employees and patrons for parking, but the developers want to construct an office and retail building.

The permit modification asks for parking modifications and a reduction of on-site light poles' heights to 15 feet.

Residents and business owners attended the meeting to voice concerns about problems the development will possibly cause in the area.

"We can't let development happen without looking at these issues," said Tom Robinson, owner of Tom Robinson's Carolina Seafood, which is located at 207 Roberson St.

Residents questioned the location of the building's outdoor trash bin and raised concerns about the environment, parking and traffic.

The outdoor trash bin's proposed location is near a neighborhood, and residents anticipate unattractive odors from the illegal dumping of food and other waste.

Many attendees requested the movement of the bin away from the neighborhood or possibly sharing an existing bin with the rescue squad.

"The (bin) is too close, and I'm concerned about it coming onto my property and affecting the neighborhood," said Baxter Sapp, a Maple Avenue resident.

Developers say they are willing to work something out that could alleviate the problems.

The right-of-way issues sparked debate between developers, aldermen and attendees concerned about the infrastructure for future development.

The right-of-way will add four on-street parking spaces to Roberson Street.

"(It will) greatly enhance downtown, and this development is a great starting point for the future profile of Roberson Street," said Alderman Alex Zaffron.

The developers say they are not interested in on-street parking, citing they will lose control over the spaces.

The developers are requesting the minimal amount of spaces be reduced from 655 to 596.

Bob Kirschner, a UNC employee, said that there is a lack of ample parking and that the decrease will create a more stressful situation.

"We want accommodating parking," Kirschner said.

The property borders land that was once the site of an ammunitions plant and residents were concerned about contaminated soil.

The developers' architect, Jack Hagerty, said the contaminants in the soil would leave a particular odor but thus far has not been noticed.

Developers also requested that the parking spaces be redrawn and asked for the addition of a traffic island and parking area for bikes and motorcycles.

The aldermen will revisit the application for a permit modification at their Nov. 12 meeting.

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.