The many residents of Estes Neighbors opposing the current AURA project understand that some sort of development will occur on this parcel.  What would it look like?
  • Significant replacement of tree canopy.
  • Townhomes instead of rental units would help people build wealth and provide Chapel Hill the type of housing it needs. What is needed is town homes of various sizes for starter families and growing families for the “missing middle”.
  • The number of units need to be directly proportional to available infrastructure, in this cas the capacity of Estes Drive. A good comprehensive traffic plan would drive the number of housing offered.
  • We know that 650 parking spaces will add 3000 trips to Estes Drive.  The number of parking spaces (or vehicles allowed) for Aura and future developers must also be determined by available infrastructure and the capacity of Estes Drive.
  • Provide a minimum amount of retail  for this property could provide something excitig for community members to visit.  An example is the Flyleaf Books retail area – about 25 – 50,000 sf  (instead of the meager 12,000 sf of retail proposed.) The location is also a good site for a Weaver Street Market Branch. Adding retail would dramatically reduce the AM/PM peak hour to/from work traffic and spread business traffic evenly throughout the day and evening.
  • A vibrant Farmers Market.
  • The most important and essential element is a comprehensive traffic plan for Estes Drive.