Carrboro residents favor Shelton Station development

A mixed-use development that has raised significant concerns among town leaders met wide support from residents during a public hearing at Thursday’s Carrboro Board of Aldermen meeting.

The proposed development, Shelton Station, contains a four-story multi-family residential building and a two-story commercial building. It would be located at 410 N. Greensboro St. on 2.65 acres of land.

Kenneth Reiter, the project’s developer, presented the proposal for Shelton Station Thursday.

The development would likely allocate 20 percent of its units as affordable housing.

Reiter said there would be no distinction between the affordable housing units and those at market price.

“There will be affordable units, but we will not be specifically choosing them,” Reiter said.

“All of them will be built at market rate and will be no different.”

Reiter said this measure ensures flexibility in the sale process because open units will not sit idle due to lack of viable renters.

Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton said he was concerned about the affordable housing units and their allotment to those with true financial need rather than students.

“I think that’s not who we’re trying to reach,” Chilton said, referring to students.

The project also has an eco-friendly focus, with the inclusion of 153 bike racks, a Zipcar space and an electric charging station.

Carrboro resident David Arneson, an architect not involved with the project, was one of many to show his support for the project at Thursday’s meeting.

“I think in general it’s good for this kind of location,” Arneson said.

“Medium use, medium density makes sense to me.”

Despite the approval from residents, Alderman Jacquelyn Gist said she worried about traffic congestion during construction.

“I don’t want to lose any more businesses due to the construction of new businesses,” said Gist.

The proposal also mandates that 7 percent of the budget — or $75,000 — must be spent on urban amenities, including the sculpture-inspired children’s play structure.

Chilton said he thinks there is enough artistic talent in Carrboro to ensure that the developer could meet the urban amenities quota.

“I would like to see you spend the $75,000 on supporting our local arts community,” he said.

The board will make its final decision on the conditional use permit for Shelton Station on April 2.

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.