Arguments to clear the way for a new mixed-use building next to Skids that would take parking away from The Oaks Apartments were heard at the public hearing at the Board of Alderman meeting Monday at the Elon Town Hall.
Elon-based EDG Properties wants to construct a multi-level storefront with living spaces in upper floors, as permitted by new zoning laws passed this fall. The living spaces would include three one-bedroom apartments and 42 three-bedroom apartments. The first floor could be used by one large retailer, or else divvied up between three different companies.
For Elon students faculty and staff, the building — located on the lot at 206 and 208 W. Haggard Ave — would mean further reductions in campus parking that has already been criticized as too-limited. The university has agreed to reserve 30 spaces in the Oaks parking lot for the new business venture.
The appeal will be voted on at the next meeting Oct. 14. If approved, construction could begin as soon as November of this year.
A small grocery store and pharmacy are interested in renting out space, said John McDonald, who owns EDG Properties. The property needs special permits to exceed the allotted 30,000 square feet by an additional 23,000 square feet. The new storefront and living spaces would have a small parking lot in front of the store, as well as rely on parallel parking already available on the road.
Town residents were worried about what this would mean for their properties.
“Parking is an issue in Elon, period,” said Barbara Crook, a town resident who lives on the border of this proposed construction. “We already have enough parking problems.”
The plans are said to be environmentally friendly, though.
"This is one of the most responsible buildings I have ever seen,” said David Massey of Massey Real Estate and Massey Appraisal.
The lot would be raised to place reserve tanks for water retention underneath the pavement. This would result in less pooling of water above ground and store water for later use in the community.