203 project

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Todd Vision

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Mar 15, 2022, 3:52:15 PM3/15/22
to ocb...@orangecountync.gov
Dear Commissioners,

I urge you to accept the current plans for the 203 Project. The alternatives are problematic. The shelling option would compromise the programming for an indefinite period for very little savings. Redesign would come with additional costs and delays, potentially compromise the programming *permanently*, and further put off realization of this project that the community has long been waiting for. That would be a shame. 203 will greatly enhance the lives and livelihoods of residents of the county, particularly the youth. The colocation of a county library branch together with a job skills center, park & rec facilities, community radio studio, town offices, community meeting space and more, all easily accessible by public transportation, make 203 add up to much more than the sum of its parts, which is why scaling back the programming would be particularly disappointing. The project will take an underutilized lot in the heart of downtown Carrboro and transform into a center of culture, recreation, education and economic empowerment, and a foot traffic magnet that will help keep our commercial district thriving. The planned improvements to the walkability of Roberson St, currently a dangerous mix of sidewalk-less pedestrians and cars cutting through to avoid a stoplight, would more than make up for the local increase in traffic. Finally, while the increased costs to the project are unfortunate, the price tag is still reasonable for a project of its impact, and the sharing of costs among partners is well-justified. 203 is a sound investment in the future of Orange County.

Yours,
Todd Vision
20+ year resident of Carrboro and Orange County
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