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I am writing to express my concern over the Aura project as proposed. I participated in your Climate Change Workshop held prior to COVID hitting. This project does NOT meet mitigation or resilience goals.
1. Currently there are many vacant properties in the town. It is not clear if these properties will ever regain tenants after COVID. We do not need more large empty boxes in town. It makes the town look unattractive and like we don’t know how to plan. The town/developer should show the demand for this development. Also this mixed use approach should be reviewed for how it is playing out in town. Is it beneficial?
2. This project is important in its location at a high point in Chapel Hill with significant forest canopy that was mitigating storm water issues in the town. In light of climate change and ever-increasing storm intensity, this project should also be evaluated in terms of the storm water flow that was mitigated by its prior use and how the development changes flow patterns. The developer should not be able to completely pave it.
3. While traffic flow is not a current issue due to COVID, it will be very soon. If the town is serious about climate change mitigation, all developments on EXISTING MAJOR BUS ROUTES must include bus transportation as part of its assumed traffic and parking plans. Otherwise the Council looks insincere.
4. The Town had a financial situation on its hands and this development puts increased financial pressure on the town.
5. These ugly big boxes all over town have RUINED the charm of this town. Please require all new developments to ensure green space and urban tree canopy are maintained, and some building aesthetic. Town is getting so ugly!
Paula Hemmer
495 Granville Rd
919-360-3511
Sent from my iPhone
