At the Council meeting last week, the Town Council reviewed the concept plan proposed by RAM to redevelop Univesrity Place The News and Observer story about the proposal is here.
Several CHALT supporters commented to the Council on the potential for flooding, as much of the site is in the flood plain.
The concept plan is calling for more buildings – office and residences – on the site. This area is located in the lower parts of the watershed where Booker and Bolin Creeks flow together, joining Little Creek across Estes Drive from the mall, before flowing into Jordan Lake.
Pam Schultz, Chair of the Stormwater Advisory Committee, laid out these key facts for our Town Council to consider:
- Given our current standards the building and parking lot to the south of the building would not be allowed today.
- Many would love to see improved use of the site, but care must be taken, as any increase in buildings has the potential to further increase flooding risk to others.
- The footprint of the mall is entirely in the 100 year flood plain and the towns resource conservation district. The area floods now.
One thing the Council has not yet considered is the addition flooding expected in the future which will enlarge the areas that floods now. Since University Mall is located at the lowest portion of the Booker and Bolin Creek watersheds, that is where additional stormwater will end up. No manner of additional rain gardens or greening at the mall site will alter the fact that more flow will be coming to the site of this re development.
Julie McClintock, former chair of the Stormwater Advisory Board, showed the Town Council the above map. Each of the red dots represents a project with a permit, but is not yet built. She estimates that 3 – 4 million square feet of additional impervious surface will change flooding conditions in the lower parts of the watershed causing substantial flooding in the future. While Chapel Hill has better than average stormwater standards, rain from a 25 year storm will not be retained on site and will run off.and end up at Eastgate and Camelot Apartments and University Place.
The next step is for RAM Development to make a formal request to the town staff.