Title
Vote on a request to adopt a Resolution supporting NCDOT Road Abandonment, SR-1109, SR-1110 (N Fir Ave, N Evergreen Ave, W Fourth St)
Abstract
Action Requested: Pass a resolution supporting the Town of Siler City’s request to NCDOT maintain SR-110 (West 4th Street and North Evergreen Avenue) and SR-1109 (North Fir Avenue)
Introduction & Background:
Currently, the roads surrounding the Henry Siler School - The future site of 44 affordable housing units - to be called Siler School Square - funded by Low Income Housing Tax Credits - are NCDOT roads. This has been the case since the building was in service as a public school, which required the roads to be maintained by NC DOT roads. The property is no longer in service as a school, as such the requirement to be maintained by NCDOT no longer applies.
Discussion & Analysis:
The developers of Siler School Square have been working with the Town of Siler City through their respective process to request that NCDOT relinquish the roads above, and the Town take over maintenance. They began this process in October 2019. This request is part of the numerous ways that the Town of Siler City and Third Wave have worked together in order to bring this affordable housing development to fruition.
The rationale behind requesting NCDOT relinquish maintenance of these roads is driven by the development costs tied to meeting NCDOT requirements. These requirements are often barriers for affordable housing developments like Siler School Square, but can also serve as barriers to redevelopment or investment for adjacent properties as well. Additionally, in recent years, the Town has actively participated in the maintenance of these roads.
On February 3rd, 2020, the Siler City Town Commissioners passed a resolution requesting that NCDOT relinquish SR-110 (West 4th Street and North Evergreen Avenue) and SR-1109 (North Fir Avenue). NCDOT has investigated the subject streets and has agreed to grant the Town of Siler City’s request for abandonment. On March 27, 2020 a formal request was sent for a county resolution in support of this decision in order to complete the process and make the required changes to the state system and changes to the Powell Bill information.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
Goal 9 - Provide equitable access to high quality education, housing and community options for all.
Budgetary Impact: None
Recommendation: Pass a resolution supporting the Town of Siler City’s request to NCDOT to maintain SR-110 (West 4th Street and North Evergreen Avenue) and SR-1109 (North Fir Avenue)