Morrisville Town Center Plan - 2007

Appendix 1

Chairman Peter Prichard then offered the public a chance to stand and speak their thoughts. Rhonda Johannsen stood and spoke, stating that she loved what the Board was attempting to do. She asked if anyone had considered funding an oral history of Morrisville given by its residents. She also agreed it was best to leave the buildings where they stood, and to follow some of the architectural design on them in future development. Ben Money spoke, stating he had been a resident of Town Hall Commons for three years. He commended the Planning & Zoning Board as well as the staff for being proactive and trying to create a plan for the project. He definitely supported the idea of a pedestrian-friendly community and felt that was important to this project; the area needed to be away from the high traffic volumes. He added that markers were nice but would be impossible to read while driving. He said that many residents here work in the Research Triangle Park and walk or bicycle to work. He said that he loved living in Morrisville – that he had traveled all over the world and this town was a perfect mix of diversity. Considering the past should be used as a stepping stone to the future – so much had already been lost, he was glad to see that steps were being taken to preserve what remains. Gary Roth of the Capital Area Preservation of Wake County spoke, stating that Planning Director Ben Hitchings had invited him. He said he had never been to a meeting quite like this to discuss the importance of a town’s history – it was exciting; fantastic and unique. He referenced the Town of Morrisville’s mission statement and congratulated the board for taking steps to make a fine future for Morrisville. He finished by stating that there were similar projects to this one taking place all over Wake County. Mary Jo Ferrell Lumley spoke as owner of the historic Page House, and said she had heard a lot of oral history of this area from her mother, who now remembered more about the past than the present. She, too, supported preserving the houses and history of Morrisville; she had lived here since she was two years old, and she appreciated the efforts being made since so many communities were being wiped out. She suggested that a Festival Area would be great in the town, and reminded the board that the houses left here were quite rare, and it was important to remember the lives and events of Morrisville’s past as well. Chairman Peter Prichard thanked all of those who spoke with their ideas and expressions of support. Planning Board member Kathleen Gordon reminded the board they had once discussed the option of a historical center; to start with that and obtain an oral history of the town to present to citizens and visitors. She felt the area would still be walk-able if the houses were left; she added that would also maintain the beautiful existing tree-line along the streets. Planning Board member John Gretz said the input received was great and felt everyone had been educated tonight. He recommended the first task was to gather more information and an inventory of what was at hand and then talk about methods. The board agreed to take a walking tour of Morrisville, as well as tours of other nearby downtowns to help with the process. Town of Morrisville Senior Director of Community Services and long-time Morrisville resident and land owner Tony Chiotakis spoke before the meeting ended. He noted that NC Highway 54 (Chapel Hill Road) presented a difficult barrier to create a walkable community in that area. He

47 │ Town Center Plan

January 2007