Builder Cam Hill said he’s finally found sound tenants for the Cleo Sterling building on N.C. 54, but wants to see the town lower its fees before he proceeds with upfit plans.
Hill, speaking at a Carrboro Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night, said he’s been frustrated over the years because the town’s building code would require either sprinklers or an expensive division of the building before its use could be changed from manufacturing.
With a manufacturing tenant lined up, he wants to go ahead with dividing and renovating the space, but says the town is asking for exorbitant fees for the building permits. Under one renovation plan, the town’s fee would represent 60 percent of the cost of the job, he said.
He asked the board to reduce the fee, citing its interest in economic development.
Board member Dan Coleman said he agreed that the fees should be looked at.
“It’s our top priority to have economic development in Carrboro,†he said, “ and here it is standing right in front of us.â€
Board members agreed to review Hill’s request for lowering the fee at their June 22 meeting.