Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Town Council Considers Land & Transportation Plan – Its NOT What Citizens Wanted

Updated 3/11/09

Morrisville’s new Land Use & Transportation Plan (LUTP) will impact how you live, work, shop, and commute for the next 25 years. Does it reflect what citizens want? The purpose of the Town’s public workshops, focus groups and plan advisory committee was to assure that the interests, needs and vision of Morrisville citizens were the basis of the Plan. The LUTP being proposed does not fulfill this objective. The Town cites divergent and opposing views of Morrisville residents. However, there are many examples of clear citizen preferences being supplanted by Town staff proposals.

At all the public and advisory committee meetings, not one citizen asked for ADDITIONAL “mixed use” Regional Activity Centers (RAC) adjacent to the yet to be constructed Park West Village (NC 54 and Cary Pkwy). A “RAC” is large, high density retail, commercial and residential development (like Park West). To the contrary, low density residential homes were sought to compliment the surrounding prime single family neighborhoods (Preston, Weston Estates, Crabtree Crossing, and Huntington). Early in the process, the public and plan advisory committee were asked to choose between a "Scenario A" and "Scenario B" of possible land use. Overwhelmingly, "B" with its low density residential homes around Park West was preferred by citizens. Some citizens suggested a small medical facility to serve the residential communities. However, to provide it, there was no call to designate the area for substantial additional higher density mixed use. This proposal to add ADDITIONAL RAC’s around Park West comes solely from the Town staff.

Since the Land Use Plan is designed for the long term, current market conditions should not overrule what citizens asked for. Market conditions will change. It was only a few years ago that Cary rezoned a number of large parcels in Weston from commercial concentration to low density residential. The Land & Transportation Plan should reflect what citizen’s want for the future, not what developers prefer today.

The public and committee’s citizen members preferred the enhancement of Morrisville as low-density residential community, NOT as proposed in LUTP (higher density residential, commercial and over 900 acres of “mixed use” development). The message that was repeated over and over again was "no more large development" and "slow down" growth" (the same message that was heard at the recent Town Hall public meeting on the proposed tax increase). However, the LUTP reclassifies a significant amount of land parcels for commercial and dense residential development. Although there were a few residents who asked for "more shopping," the number of large shopping complexes already in the works (Wal-Mart, Park West, and Cary's proposed NC54/Weston Pkwy RAC) were not taken into account. The Town management emphasizes some answers given in an unscientific online survey, and discount the considerable public participation in the workshop and focus groups.

More than any land, transportation or other Town issue, Morrisville citizens’ highest priority was the improvement of NC 54. Many believed that the problems of NC 54 and its potential solutions should be the cornerstone of the Transportation Plan. However, NC 54 wasn't treated as a major item in earlier LUTP drafts. Following strong insistence by the plan’s advisory committee, NC 54 is provided greater status in the current draft. But the practicality and desirability of possible expansion examples that are summarized in the Transportation Plan were never presented at public meetings to citizens or discussed by the plan’s advisory committee. Important consideration of NC 54 solutions were not emphasized during the LUTP process.

Citizens’ emails and opinions at the public workshops were overwhelmingly opposed to the proposal for the Crabtree Crossing Parkway extension. The consensus of the advisory committee was NOT to include the extension in the LUTP. It will cost approximately $15-20 million dollars to construct (equal to almost the Town's entire operating budget). Excluding the Crabtree Crossing extension from the LUTP should be a "no brainer." However, the Town management provides undue emphasis to some support years ago when the extension would have been needed as a major detour. The railroad had considered closing its track crossing on Morrisville Pkwy for a year to construct an overpass for a proposed commuter rail system. In addition, this was before the prime residential homes were completed on Crabtree Crossing Parkway. These original conditions no longer exist! Although approximately 90% now express opposition, the Transportation Plan wrongly states that opinion is equally divided.

These are only a few of the major examples of where the proposed LUTP doesn't reflect the "voice of the people." Actually, it is contrary to it. There may be a belief that the "experts" know better. But the Town "experts" also recommended a 19% tax increase. There is still time for the Town Council to make certain that the LUTP is what citizens asked for!

Remaining Meeting Scheduled at Town Hall.
Tues, Mar 24 – 6:30 pm: Possible Approval

For information on reviewing the proposals, please click on the following link: 2009 Land Use & Transportation Plans.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Budget Public Input Session

A special Public Session will be held at Town Hall at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, December 2nd for citizen input on the future needs of Morrisville. Participants will discuss the Long Range Financial Plan and Community Investment Projects. This will be an informal occasion for residents to speak with Town Council Members and identify community needs. At the end of the Public Input portion of the meeting, the Council will conduct a Work Session to discuss the suggestions, capital spending and the Town's budget direction. Based on the information gathered during the public session, a survey will be designed for residents to rank the options discussed. The survey will be available on the Town's website (http://www.ci.morrisville.nc.us/) from December 5 to 31 for citizens to complete. For more information email jhooks@ci.morrisville.nc.us.

Friday, November 14, 2008

P&Z Endorses Land & Transportation Plan

At its meeting on November 13, the Planning & Zoning Board (P&Z) recommended that the Town Council adopt the updated Land Use & Transportation Plan (LUTP) proposed for Morrisville. The LUTP will impact how you live, work, shop, and travel for the next 25 years. However, there is citizen concern that the Plan doesn’t reflect what residents want for Morrisville. P&Z proposed that major expansion of Regional Activity Centers around the planned Park West retail and commercial complex (NC 54 & Cary Parkway) remain in the Plan. Also, staying is the Crabtree Creek Parkway Extension to Morrisville/Carpenter Road.

On Tuesday, December 9, the Town Council will conduct an “Open House” on the LUTP at Morrisville Town Hall at 5:30 pm. The first briefing of the Plan will follow during the Council's meeting that begins at 6:30 pm. Citizens will have an opportunity to voice opinions on the LUTP at the Town Council Public Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 (the meeting starts at 6:30 pm).

For more information, please click on LUTP.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Concerned Citizen Publicly Criticized at Council Meeting


Open Letter to Morrisville Town Council Members:

“As you know, concerned citizens have the right to voice opposition to any policy or program. However, at your Work Session on October 21, the Town Manager asked that the Council rebuke a citizen who is critical of Staff judgments. You heard the Town Manager cite one resident by name. However, when speaking at public hearings, this citizen has always been articulate, knowledgeable and respectful. Morrisville is fortunate to have this resident dedicating considerable time and talent for its benefit. For a Town official to publicly single out and disparage any constituent in such a manner is reprehensible. It is requested that a public apology be provided to this citizen.”

This concern was emailed to the Town Council on October 30th. So far there has been no response.

Email: TownCouncil@ci.morrisville.nc.us

Friday, October 10, 2008

Council Kit Creek Road Approval; P&Z Land & Transportation Plan Discussion Continued in November


Updated 10/28/08
At its meeting on October 9, the Planning & Zoning Board (P&Z) voted to recommend that the Town staff continue its deliberations with North Carolina’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to seek an acceptable Davis Drive Connection for the Kit Creek Community. Preferred was an alternative that will have minimal effect on existing homes as well as require considerable traffic calming measures and vehicle restrictions on Kit Creek Road. Included in the recommendation was support for pedestrian sidewalks and bike use.

The Town Council endorsed this recommendation at its business meeting on Tuesday, October 28.

For more information click on Kit Creek Reconnection.

During the October 9th meeting, P&Z also continued its consideration of the proposed Land Use & Transportation Plans (LUTP) for Morrisville. However, a recommendation to the Town Council was not made. The P&Z Board will continue discussion of the LUTP at its November 13th meeting.

At this point, the consensus of P&Z was to endorse the high priority placed on the improvement and widening of Route 54. The Board also favored including the Crabtree Crossing Parkway connection in the LUTP for future consideration. In addition, support was expressed for the proposed designation of additional Regional Activity Centers (RAC) around the planned Park West Village. Consideration was also given to changing a number of the Plan’s land use designations to low-density residential.

For additional details click on LUTP.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Kit Creek Road Reconnection

The Town of Morrisville has announced that it has new information regarding the reconnection of Kit Creek Road as a part of the N.C. Turnpike Authority's Triangle Parkway project. The Town is providing additional opportunities for public input. At the request of the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) and the Town Council (TC), consultants studied and analyzed multiple options for the reconnection. Two Open Houses will be hosted to share the findings and answer questions. All meetings will be at Town Hall Council Chambers, 100 Town Hall Drive.

First Open House
Thursday, October 9th from 5-6pm, prior to PZB meeting
Study results will be posted and Town staff and consultants will be on hand to answer any questions.

Second Open House
Tuesday, October 14th from 5:30-6:30pm, prior to TC meeting

Public Hearing & Town Council Briefing
Tuesday, October 14th at regular TC meeting; begins @ 6:30pm

Town Council Possible Decision
Tuesday, October 28th; meeting begins @ 6:30pm

For more information click on Kit Creek Reconnection. Contact Ashley Jones of the Morrisville Planning Department at 919.463.6927 or ajones@ci.morrisville.nc.us.

Slowing Economy Hits Our Area

The Cary News reports that development of both Park West Village in Morrisville and Waverly Place in Cary will be delayed.

Located at the intersection of Route 54 and Cary Parkway, construction of Park West has been pushed back to possibly early next year. The 95-acre shopping, office, apartment and hotel complex had been scheduled to commence building during this current Fall season. The developer informed the Cary News that the center has had to work harder to sign tenants. Since fashion retailers have been especially hard hit by the economy, different types of tenants have been sought. However, in a press release, the developer revealed that five of the seven anchor stores are set.

Among the tenants signed are “Buy Buy Baby”, a store that specializes in nursery and children’s furniture, toys and clothing. “Stone Theatres” will be opening a 14-screen movie cinema. “Urban Active Fitness” plans a fitness club at Park West Village. The developer also reported that it has also signed a deal with an operator for a 120-room business hotel (its identity was not revealed). The developer believes that Park West will be completed in early 2010.

The Cary News also reported that redevelopment of the Waverly Place Shopping Center (Tyron & Kildare Farm Roads in Cary) has been stalled because of the developer’s difficulty in obtaining financing. In addition to “Whole Foods,” which continues to operate as a tenant in the center, plans include over 200,000 square feet of other retail outlets, a 120-room hotel and 200 homes according to the newspaper. The center’s recent purchase by a California company is hoped to help bring the project back on track.

Although considerable concern about the large size of Park West Village was voiced by citizens, the Morrisville Town Council approved the required rezoning and development plans for it this past January.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Vote Early in Morrisville

Why wait for Election Day? Visit the Cedar Folk Community Center at 1050B Town Hall Drive and cast your ballot for the 2008 General Election. There are day, evening and weekend voting hours. If you moved, you can update your address before you vote. Not registered? Qualified voters can register and vote at the same time.

Dates & times: Vote early! Learn more at WakeVotesEarly.com!
Thurs to Sat, Oct 23-25 - 10am-7pm
Sunday, Oct 26 - 1-5pm
Mon to Fri, Oct 27-31 - 10am-7pm
Saturday, Nov 1 - 10am-1pm

Friday, September 12, 2008

P&Z Seeks Kit Creek Alternatives ; Delays Land & Transportation Plan Decision

Updated 9/15/08
At its meeting on Thursday, September 11, the Planning & Zoning Board recommended that the Town Council authorize a study of alternatives to the proposed Kit Creek Reconnection. Working with the NC Transit Authority, the P&Z Board proposed that Town staff investigate other possible connections to the planned Triangle Expressway. Also sought was the scheduling of a second community “open house” on the establishment a road connection between Church St. and Davis Dr. Emphasis was placed on the need to assure that residents of the Kit Creek community and surrounding areas be notified of this additional public meeting. Because of the current NC Transit Authority scheduling for the Triangle Expressway, P&Z recognized that a limited time frame was available to pursue its recommendations.

At this P&Z Board meeting, consultants from the Louis Berger Group presented its recently completed study on the proposed Kit Creek Reconnection. During the public hearing, residents claimed inadequate advance notice for the “open house” and presentation of the Consultant’s study. The Board agreed with the citizens’ concern that the projected additional “pass through” traffic on Kit Creek Road was undesirable. However, the consensus of P&Z was that a westerly outlet from the neighborhood was still needed. But if it is not the proposed Kit Creek Reconnection, where is the most appropriate location for it? That is the question that the Board seeks an answer.

Click here to view the Louis Berger Group “Kit Creek Reconnection” study.

Also, on the agenda of the P&Z Board meeting was consideration of the proposed Land Use and Transportation Plans (LUTP). The Board members continued its discussion on the Plans from its Work Session on 9/2 with Town staff and the Consultant, Louis Berger Group. Although no recommendation on the LUTP was made, P&Z will continue its consideration of the Plans at its next scheduled meeting on October 9.

Among the numerous LUTP proposals that are of serious concern to citizens are the designation of expanded Regional Activity Centers surrounding the proposed Park West commercial development, inclusion of the Crabtree Creek Crossing connection, and perceived minimal emphasis on enhancing Morrisville as an desirable residential community.

To view the proposed Land Use & Transportation Plans, click on “LUTP”.
Revised Meeting Schedule. All at Town Hall.
10/9/08 P&Z Board – 3rd Briefing & Possible Recommendation (6 pm)
11/12/08 Town Council – Open House (5:30 pm) & 1st Briefing (6:30 pm)
11/20/08 Town Council – Public Hearing (6:30 pm)
12/9/08 Town Council – 2nd Briefing (6:30 pm)
12/17/08 Town Council – Possible Decision (6:30 pm)

Please email your opinions to:

PlanningBoard@ci.morrisville.nc.us

TownCouncil@ci.morrisville.nc.us

Friday, September 5, 2008

New Land Use & Transportation Plan NOT What Citizens Asked For

Updated 9/15/08
Why can't our Town seek a Land Use & Transportation Plan (LUTP) that actually reflects what its citizens want? Apparently the belief is that the "experts" know better. Then why go through the charade, time and considerable expense of representing a document as the "voice of the people?" The Plan's Public Workshops and Focus Groups provided considerable opportunity for citizens to communicate. And they did -- in large numbers. The Plan's Advisory Committee was a cross-section of the community and proved to be most knowledgeable on the subject. However, does the LUTP truly reflect what citizens said? Is the consensus of the Committee members reflected in the Plan? Unfortunately, the answers to these questions raise considerable concern.

Public consensus was for the Land Use Plan to concentrate on enhancing Morrisville as an attractive residential community. The Town’s citizens clearly stated: “No more large development” and “Slow down growth!” However, the Plan reclassifies a significant amount of land parcels for commercial and dense residential development in expanded “Regional Activity Centers.”

Citizens had overwhelming identified NC 54 as THE major issue for the Town. However, the desirability of what is proposed for NC 54 was never presented to the public for consideration or discussed by the Advisory Committee. In addition, the Transportation Plan proposes road extensions that were overwhelmingly opposed by Morrisville’s citizens.

The Land Use & Transportation Plan will impact how you live, work, shop, and travel for the next 35 years. There is still time for the Morrisville’s Planning & Zoning Board as well as Town Council to make certain that the LUTP is what citizens asked for!

REVISED Meeting Schedule -- all at Town Hall.

10/9/08 P&Z Board – 3rd Briefing and Possible Recommendation

11/12/08 Town Council – 1st Briefing & Open House

11/20/08 Town Council – Public Hearing

12/9/08 Town Council – 2nd Briefing

12/17/08 Town Council – Possible Decision

For information on reviewing the proposals, please click on the following link: 2008 Land Use & Transportation Plans.

Let your voice be heard at the Town Council Public Hearing on Thursday, November 20. Citizens are also encouraged to send email to the members of the two Town Boards at:

PlanningBoard@ci.morrisville.nc.us

TownCouncil@ci.morrisville.nc.us

Friday, August 29, 2008

Town Considering Elminating Oversight of Most Building Plan Approvals


At the 8/26/08 Board of Commissioners (Town Council) meeting, the Planning Director proposed that he be given greatly expanded “administrative authority” to unilaterally approve building plans and projects without public oversight by the Town Council and Planning and Zoning Board. Advance details of this proposal did not appear on the agenda of the meeting. For projects approved at his discretion, there would be limited prior public notification and no public hearings.

The following types of construction projects are being considered in this proposal as long as it conforms to zoning regulations, requires no variances and complies with other ordinances:

Public Facilities
Commercial Buildings smaller than 40,000 square feet
Hotels
Office & Institutional Buildings smaller than 40,000 square feet
Flex Buildings smaller than 40,000 square feet
Uses in Approved Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and Master Plans
Residential Recreation Centers
Single Family Detached Preliminary Subdivisions
Single Family Attached Preliminary Subdivisions & Site Plans
Community Utility Facilities
Projects in Town Center (in compliance with Code once adopted)

The proposal removes public oversight on most of the future building projects in Morrisville. The Town Council directed that the proposal be formally prepared for it and the Planning & Zoning Board.

Please email:
Town Council: TownCouncil@ci.morrisville.nc.us
Planning & Zoning Board: PlanningBoard@ci.morrisville.nc.us
Ben Hitchings, Planning Director: bhitchings@ci.morrisville.nc.us

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Fall Recreation Programs Announced


The Town of Morrisville is offering a broad variety of classes, sports leagues and programs to suit the recreational needs of residents and non-residents from the age of 16 months to beyond 55 years. From aerobics classes to tennis lessons, the Town will be providing programs in fitness, athletics, aquatics and more. You may register at the facilities or on-line:

On-Site Registration:
To register for Stroke School or Swimming Lessons, visit the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center at 1301 Morrisville Pkwy.
To register for the “Before/After School programs,” “Ready, Set, Go!”, “Way Out Work Days” or “Summer Camp,” visit the Cedar Fork Community Center at 1050 B Town Hall Drive.
For all other programs, you can register at either facility or the Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department office at 240 Town Hall Drive.

Online Registration:
To register on line, please click on the following link: Registration
If you have participated with any of the Town's programs before, please call the Department’s main office at 463-7110 or Amy Lindley at 463-7116 to have your User Name and Password emailed to you.
If you have not participated in Morrisville's recreation programs before, please fill out the requested information to receive a User Name and Password. All User Names and Passwords will be sent to you within 24 to 48 hours.

For the full list of programs click on: Recreation Programs

Please note that the registration dates for residents and non-resident may differ. If you have any questions about these recreation programs, please email: alindley@ci.morrisville.nc.us

Friday, August 22, 2008

Speed Zone Time Change for Morrisville Elementary School

In an effort to improve the safety of the children, the Police Department reports that the Morrisville Parkway School Speed Zone time in the morning has been changed. It is now in effect from 8:30 to 9:30 am. The afternoon time remains from 3:15 to 4:15 pm. All signs and flashing lights have been adjusted.

Please keep in mind that this is a year round school and does not follow the conventional school schedule. If you travel on Morrisville Parkway, remember the School Speed Zone times and its 25 mph speed limit.

Friday, August 15, 2008

New Land Use & Transportation Plan Being Reviewed by P&Z Board

Updated 9/15/08:
Morrisville is updating it long term Land Use and Transportation Plans (LUTP). The Town is determining how our community should grow and where transportation improvements should occur during the next 35 years. These plans will impact how you live, work, shop, and travel.

At the August 14th Open House and Public Hearing, the LUTP was presented to the Planning & Zoning Board. A number of citizens voiced concern with the Plan’s key recommendations.

The Plan's Public Workshops and Focus Groups provided considerable opportunity for citizens to communicate. And they did -- in large numbers. However, does the LUTP truly reflect what citizens said?

The Plan's Advisory Committee was a cross-section of the community and proved to be most knowledgeable on the subject. Is the consensus of the Committee members reflected in the Plan?

Unfortunately, the answers to both these questions raise some concern. Did the Town miss a golden opportunity to develop a Land Use and Transportation Plan that is truly reflective of the citizens of Morrisville?

Here are a few examples:

Citizens had overwhelming identified NC 54 as THE major issue for the Town. Unless this issue is dealt with, the increasing of traffic congestion will limit future growth. Citizens and Committee members wanted a detailed plan for needed improvements to NC 54. In the initial drafts, the Plan only cited NC 54 as a “problem.” Following strong prodding by the Advisory Committee, a conceptualization of what NC 54 should look like appeared in the recent Plan drafts. However, the practicality of what is proposed for NC 54 was never discussed by the Committee or presented to the public for consideration. Also, NC54 improvements should have been the KEY recommendation in the written Transportation Plan.

The most recent cost estimate for the Crabtree Crossing Extension is at least 11 million dollars. 2,000 additional autos will feed into a limited travel street in a prime residential neighborhood. At considerable additional expense, there would be need to install traffic deterring measures. Citizens overwhelming voiced opposition to this road extension. It SHOULD NOT be included in the Plan.

Public consensus was for the Land Use Plan to concentrate on enhancing Morrisville as an attractive residential community. Adding higher density land use is like throwing gasoline on a fire. The Town’s citizens clearly stated: “No more large development” and “Slow down growth!”

The expanded area surrounding Park West Village consists of predominately single family homes (Preston, Weston Estates, etc). It is one of the Triangle’s prime residential areas. There was NO public support for ADDITIONAL Regional Activity Centers at this location. This proposal comes SOLELY from the Town Staff and the Consultant.

There is still time for the Planning & Zoning Board as well as the Town Council to make certain that the Land Use & Transportation Plan is what citizens asked for!

REVISED Meeting Schedule. All at Town Hall.

10/9/08 P&Z Board – 3rd Briefing & Possible Recommendation

11/12/08 Town Council – Open House & 1st Briefing

11/24/08 Town Council – Public Hearing

12/9/08 Town Council – 2nd Briefing

12/17/08 Town Council – Possible Decision

Citizens may view the proposed Land Use and Transportation Plans in three ways:

1 - DOWNLOAD in low-resolution PDF files from:
2008 Land Use & Transportation Plans

2 - PICK UP a CD-ROM with high-resolution PDF files from the Morrisville Planning Department

3 - VIEW a printed copy at Morrisville Town Hall

Let your voice be heard at the Town Council Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 24. Citizens are also encouraged to send email to the members of the two Town Boards at:

PlanningBoard@ci.morrisville.nc.us

MayorandCommissioners@ci.morrisville.nc.us.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Major NC 54 Intersection Being Improved




Traffic flow at one of Morrisville’s most congested rush-hour intersections will soon see considerable improvement. The Town will be adding more turn lanes and extending existing ones at NC 54 and Morrisville Carpenter Road/Aviation Parkway. Key changes will include:

1 – Addition of Right Turn lane from NC 54 to Aviation Parkway
2 – Addition of Right Turn lane from NC 54 to Morrisville Carpenter Road

The improvements will require extensive construction, including relocation of the railroad gates on Morrisville Carpenter Road. Estimated completion date is July 2009. Additional delays are expected during the construction period. However, when completed there should be considerable improvement of traffic flow at this major Morrisville intersection.

To see all changes, Left Click on Map Above or go to: NC54 Improvement

Monday, August 4, 2008

Park West Future Expansion?


Here is the latest: On the right is a site plan for Park West Village (Route 54 & Cary Parkway) that its developer had previously prepared. Added to the 95-acre massive mixed use center, was a large parcel at the corner of Route 54 and Morrisville Parkway. This parcel included more retail outlets and a second entrance from Morrisville Parkway. It is believed that the developer owns this corner property. What is the developer's future plans for this parcel? Will it become part of Park West Village? View the site plan on page 6 & 7 of the developer's brochure: click on Park West Village.

Friday, August 1, 2008

WRAL-TV Highlights This Website

For WRAL-TV announcement of the "Citizens FOR Morrisville" Community Website, please click on the following link: WRAL.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Commissioners Keep District Residence Requirements

At its meeting on July 22, the Board voted to deny the proposal eliminating all District residency requirements for Commissioners. The recommendation (please click on District Requirement) to have all members of the Board elected as “At-Large” Commissioners was rejected (the current Town Ordinance will remain unchanged). The next Town election in November 2009 will be for Mayor, a council member residing in District 2, one in District 4, and one “At-Large” member (residing anywhere in Morrisville).

The Board did vote to change its designation from a “Board of Commissioners” to a “Town Council.” Effective September 1, the Commissioners will be known as Council Members.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Land Use & Transportation Plans, 2008-2035


Morrisville is updating it long term Land Use and Transportation Plans. The Town will be determining how our community should grow and where transportation improvements should occur in the next 35 years. These plans will impact how you live, work, shop, and travel.

The proposed Land Use and Transportation Plans are now available. Citizens may view the document in three ways:

1 - DOWNLOAD in low-resolution PDF files from:

2 - PICK UP a CD-ROM with high-resolution PDF files from the Morrisville Planning Department

3 - VIEW a printed copy at Morrisville Town Hall or the Morrisville Planning Department

Morrisville Planning Department - 260 Town Hall Drive, Suite B – 8am-5pm, Mon to Thurs, 8am-12noon on Fri. (919) 463-6194.

Morrisville Town Hall - 100 Town Hall Drive – 8am–5pm, Mon to Thurs, 8am-12noon on Fri. (919) 463-6200.

You are encouraged to attend the presentation of the proposed Plans and comment on it at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Town Hall (Open House at 5 PM, Meeting starts at 6 PM). You may also email your opinions to Ashley Jones (ajones@ci.morrisville.nc.us).

There will also be additional meetings of the Planning and Zoning Board and Town Council where the public can make comments. Citizens may send email to the members of the two Town Boards at:

Land Use & Transportation Plan Committee Member Speaks Out


Morrisville’s long awaited new Land Use and Transportation Plan (LUTP) will be unveiled at the meeting of its Planning and Zoning Board on Thursday, August 14 at Town Hall. Having served on the Plan Advisory Committee for the past nine months, following is my critique of the proposal.

1 – LAND USE PLAN

A – Low Density Zoning: We are all aware of Morrisville’s major traffic problems and inadequate road infrastructure. Whether it is residential or commercial, planning for even more high density land use is like throwing gasoline on a fire. It effect, the limitations of the proposed Transportation Plan should impact the design of the Land Use Plan. Without solutions to the associated increase in automobile traffic, the Land Use Plan should have avoided designating land parcels for high density use. At the Land Use and Transportation Plan workshops and focus groups, a majority of the Town’s citizens clearly stated: “No more large development” and “Slow down growth.”

B – Residential Land Use: Most citizens seek Morrisville to “be a place to live, NOT a place to drive to.” Our Town’s primary appeal is being a residential community with desirable single-family owner-occupied homes. However, it has been estimated that approximately 20,000 residents from other municipalities drive into Morrisville to work and an additional tens of thousands drive through Morrisville to RTP and other job sites outside of our Town. I believe that the Land Use Plan should have concentrated on enhancing Morrisville’s appeal as an attractive residential community. Too many times the Plan diverts from this goal as well as proposing land use that significantly adds to the Town’s heavy traffic volume.

C – “Regional Activity Center” Designation of Parcels Surrounding Park West Village: The expanded area surrounding the planned “mixed use” shopping complex of Park West Village (almost 100 acres of retail and commercial outlets at Cary Parkway and Route 54) is predominately low-density single family owner occupied homes (Preston, Weston Estates, etc.). It is one of the prime residential areas in the Triangle. Planning for additional large “retail activity centers” around Park West Village may seriously impact the area’s value and appeal. There was no public support expressed for ADDITIONAL Regional Activity Centers at this location. This Land Use proposal is solely from the Town Staff.

2 – TRANSPORTATION PLAN

A – Route 54 (Chapel Hill Road): At all of the public workshops, citizens had overwhelming identified Route 54 as THE major issue for the Town. Unless a viable solution to its traffic congestion is implemented, the future development of Morrisville is constrained. Any future growth will only exacerbate the Chapel Hill Road traffic congestion. Although the current Draft of the Transportation Plan now “recognizes” the significance of the problem, there is still no concrete plan to deal with it. The revised Plan simply conceptualizes what Route 54 should look like in the future. If the new Morrisville Transportation Plan didn’t do anything else, a specific proposal and timetable for improving Route 54 should have been proposed. I believe a specific plan for the needed improvements of Chapel Hill Road, in phases and within a specified timeframe, should have been a key part of the Transportation Plan.

B – Crabtree Crossing Extension: In the current Draft of the Morrisville Transportation Plan, considerable “public comment” is cited to have been made for the proposed Crabtree Crossing Extension. Not reported is the fact that almost all of it is opposed to the proposal. The Town’s most recent expense estimate for this road extension is at least 11 million dollars (it might be more like 20 million in today’s dollars). The Town now believes that about 2,000 autos would utilize the planned connector road daily. However, most of this traffic would feed into a limited travel street in a prime residential neighborhood. Considerable expense (to both Town and residents) would be needed to install traffic deterring and calming measures on Crabtree Crossing Parkway. Any minimal additional emergency response time that might be gained by the road extension would be more than offset by the obstacles and blockage caused the by the new traffic calming measures. The citizens overwhelming voiced rejection of this proposal. It will have to be constructed a phenomenal cost to the Town. To me logic and common sense indicate that it SHOULD NOT be included as a proposal in the Town’s revised Transportation Plan.

After review by the Planning & Zoning Board, the proposed Land Use and Transportation Plan will next be considered by the Town’s Board of Commissioners. Please review the proposals and attend the P&Z and Commissioners meetings. Since the final Plan will set direction for Morrisville for decades, let your opinions be known at the public hearings and in email to the two Town Boards:

planningboard@ci.morrisville.nc.us

MayorandCommissioners@ci.morrisville.nc.us

LUTP Advisory Committee Member

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Should We Eliminate District Residence Requirements for Commissioners?

The Morrisville Board of Commissioners is considering eliminating the current format of district representation and changing to an all “At-Large” mode for electing Board Members. The Board is looking for your input on this issue prior to their vote on July 22, 2008.

Currently, the Board consists of four district seats, who must reside in the district that they represent, two At-Large seats, who may reside anywhere within the town limits, and a Mayor, who is also At-Large. During an election, however, all residents can vote for all available seats on the Board, regardless of whether they are district-based or at-large. Also, regardless of any initial district designation, Commissioners are responsible for representing ALL of Morrisville. If this resolution is approved by the Board on July 22, district designations would be eliminated starting with the next election, and every Board member would be At-Large, meaning that they could live anywhere within Morrisville’s town limits.

Our next Town election is November 2009. The Mayor and three of the Commissioner seats are up for election. Under the proposed change, the three candidates receiving the greatest number of votes would be elected Commissioners. It is possible that all three elected may reside in the same district.

If unchanged for 2009, the current system would require that one Commissioner reside in District 2, one in District 4, and one be At-Large (reside anywhere in Morrisville). Under this setup there is a greater possibility that one or two candidates may run unopposed for their District.

Citizens can weigh in on this issue by emailing the Board at mayorandcommissioners@ci.morrisville.nc.us.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Vision for Morrisville

In a speech at the Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville’s Mayor promoted the commercial development of retail “big box” stores, offices, apartments and restaurants. We don’t believe that this vision is shared by the majority of residents. It is contrary to our Town’s “Mission” and “Vision” Statements, which is “dedicated to preserving quality of life” and to “preserve small-town values.” Also, it is not supported by Morrisville’s limited road, water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

Morrisville’s commercial development of 43% far exceeds surrounding neighborhoods: Cary 26%, Apex 18%, Raleigh 29%, Wake Forest 20%, and Holly Springs 9%. With recent Board approvals, rental apartments will soon exceed owner-occupied residences. Many perceive the Board has “never finding a development it didn’t like.” Morrisville is only about 10 square miles. How many high-density commercial services, stores, offices and apartment buildings can we squeeze in? This is not community building, and it is not acceptable.

Morrisville’s great appeal is primarily as a residential community of attractive one-family homes in highly desirable neighborhoods. Within minutes, we provide access to all services. We are in close proximity to major employment centers, prime recreational facilities and key transportation hubs and arteries. Our residents in owner-occupied homes provide a vital and sizeable tax base. Maintaining and enhancing Morrisville as a prime residential community is the “vision” we should be seeking.