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Chapel Hill’s Community Design Commission has reviewed a concept plan for a development at the corner of Estes Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The proposed Aura development aims to include :

• Over 365 residential rental units, including up to 60 affordable units, comprising apartments and townhomes.
• 36,250 square feet of retail space.
• 40,000 square feet of office space.
• 3,000 square feet of amenity area and parking for approximately 637 cars.

The project has received mixed feedback, with some concerns about traffic, safety, stormwater, and buffers, and praise for the inclusion of affordable housing and retail amenities. The development is the fifth proposal in nine years for this site, which is a 14.7-acre tree farm.

Developers have indicated that no student housing will be included, and plans for a supermarket are not currently in place. Environmental considerations include a stream designated as intermittent, with buffers required, and possible appeals if water assessments change. The development's impact on airport hazard zones and local traffic congestion are also under review.

The commission's comments will be forwarded to the Town Council for further consideration on March 25.

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