Town Council Adopts Revised Land & Transportation Plan

Following over a year of substantial effort by citizens, Town officials and staff, outside consultants, and land developers, the Town Council approved its Land Use and Transportation Plan for 2009-2035. Thanks to considerable concern and input from residents, a number of key changes were made in the Plan that was initially presented to the Council:

• Priority to NC 54 improvements.
• Significant decrease in total additional area designated as Regional Activity Center surrounding the planned Park West Village. Also, restrictions on potential additional apartment buildings and “big box” retail outlets.
• Additional low-density residential development designated for areas along both Church St and Aviation Pkwy.
• Removal of the proposed Crabtree Crossing Pkwy Extension. It will be replaced by a greenway.
• Addition of bus stops near residential neighborhoods.
• Addition of green space protection in the McCrimmon Small Areas Plan. A large recreation area to be considered.
• Coordination with Wake County Public School for future school location (removal of Holly Creek Rd area from consideration).

Our appreciation go to all citizens who spoke at public hearings, sent email messages and attended Town Council meetings regarding the LUTP. Your voice was heard! Thank you.

Another "Special Exception" for Park West?

The Town of Morrisville has regulations that all businesses have to follow. Right? Well, there some scuttlebutt that the yet to be constructed Park West Village may get yet another exception to the rules. The Town’s sign ordinance clearly states that “Off-premises signs are not permitted.” The regulation makes sense. Otherwise retailers could have its signs on other properties they own, or rent space from other land owners. But it is understood that Park West wants an exception.

The Moondog has heard that a potential tenant (Target) seeks a sign on Morrisville Parkway. However, Park West Village is not located on this road. Rather than combine the land parcel where the sign would be with its development, it is said that Park West would rather the Town "just allow it" to have the off-premises sign. Combining the land parcels would require a zoning change and public hearing. It would be easier to avoid all that and have the Town simply authorize the “unauthorized sign” on Morrisville Parkway.

The problem would be that all other retailers have to follow the same rules. Remember the small statue that “Morrisville Pizzeria” had on its sidewalk a few years ago? It violated Morrisville’s off-premises sign ordinance. The Town was unforgiving in its enforcement of the regulations. A daily summons and fine was imposed on the small business. What about Park West? Well let’s see what happens.

This news originally reported on the website: ‘Tis About Morrisvlle

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.

Concerned Citizen Publicly Criticized at Council Meeting

Open Letter to Morrisville Town Council Members:
“As you know, concerned citizens have the right to state 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