By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
CHAPEL HILL – Owners of properties on West Franklin and West Rosemary streets are in dispute about the proposed closure of the Dawson Place right of way, an alley off Rosemary Street that provides access for several West Franklin businesses.
The Chapel Hill Town Council heard a proposal for the closure of the right of way during a public hearing on Monday.
Larry Short, who owns the property at 333 W. Rosemary St., has requested that the town consider closing the right of way – located southwest of Breadmen’s Restaurant – to allow for the redevelopment of the property. Short proposes constructing Shortbread Lofts, a mixed-use retail, commercial and residential development with 76 residential units on the site, and closing the right of way would allow him to combine two adjacent properties into one.
Should the alley be closed, Short proposes constructing a U-shaped alley that would provide access behind the property to West Franklin businesses from two entrances on Rosemary Street.
David Rooks, an attorney representing Short, said the new alley would provide improved access to what is available now, pointing out that property owners have to cross other properties to access the current right of way.
“The applicant’s proposal takes care of that problem,†Rooks said. “It strikes us that this is simply a win for everybody.â€
Rooks said the Dawson Place right of way would not be closed until a new access was in place.
Jamil Kadouria, who owns Mediterranean Deli, said his business depends on the right of way and that there were many unanswered questions about the proposed project.
“The access to the back door of our building means everything to my business,†he said, adding that he uses the access to load catering vans.
“Please do not allow this to happen.â€
David Rudolf, who owns the property encompassing 312-320 W. Franklin St., also said he was concerned about maintaining access during construction.
“We get a lot of promises about what’s going to happen. I have trouble understanding about how it’s going to remain open during construction,†Rudolf said. “My real problem is a lack of trust at this point.â€
Rudolf said he has an easement allowing him access through the right of way, which is important to the businesses in his building, including The Crunkleton. He said he would pursue litigation if the right of way is closed.
“There’s going to be weeks or more of disruption and it’s going to hurt us and it’s going to hurt Crunkleton’s,†he said.
Council members asked Short for a more detailed proposed timeline regarding the closure of the right of way and the construction of the new alley, and encouraged him and his team to improve their relationship with the nearby property owners to increase the level of trust.
The council will revisit the matter at a meeting on Oct. 10.