By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
CARRBORO – Candidates for the Carrboro Board of Aldermen talked development, where it should go and what it ought to look like at a forum hosted by the Carrboro precincts of the Orange County Democratic Party on Monday.
All four candidates for the three seats up for grabs in the November election attended the forum. Candidates were asked whether they would support various types of developments in town.
Incumbent Lydia Lavelle said she would support a development on the corner of Greensboro and Weaver streets.
“Something is going to go on that corner someday, and it is a very key area of Carrboro. I think that needs to be one that we look at to generate some commercial activity,†she said.
She added that while it remains to be seen whether or not the CVS that has been proposed for that corner will be developed, “I think it’s an absolute that we need to have something there that’ll generate some tax revenue for the town.â€
Candidate Braxton Foushee mentioned several times that he opposed the proposed Shelton Station project, a mixed-use development proposed for North Greensboro Street, across from the intersection with Shelton Street.
“I think it’s in the wrong place,†he said. “It’s in an old residential neighborhood, and it will be the biggest eyesore.†Generally, Foushee added, he would not support high-rise developments in residential areas, but that the board should focus on the addition of workforce housing in Carrboro.
Candidate Michelle Johnson said she would be in favor of development that would support the existing businesses in the community and that the board should be careful in considering development proposed for the corner of Greensboro and Weaver streets.
“I really want to be mindful of how it’s going to impact not only the traffic and safety for the people who live in the community but the residents who live around where the proposed development is going to be,†she said. “That particular development is the gateway of Carrboro, and I think we need to be very mindful of what is there.â€
Incumbent Dan Coleman said he felt the board should focus on supporting local businesses, which give more back to the community.
“Put your resources where you’re going to get the best return,†he said. In addition, Coleman said the board should look at ways to expand commercial development in town in a way that combines with residential development, citing a deal with the developer of the residential Ballentine project on Old N.C. 86 to include a commercial component.
The candidates will square off again in an online forum hosted by Orange Politics on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at orangepolitics.org