On May 3rd Raleigh Charter High School submitted a "Plot Plan" to the City of Raleigh for site modifications associated with a change of use of the Methodist Office Building at 1307 Glenwood Avenue (map). The plan shows utility upgrades, existing trees over ten inches in diameter, required landscaping, parking requirements and proposed revisions, and a plan for carpool drop off and pick up with the anticipated automobile stacking on the site during these times. A transportation impact analysis was also submitted for review by and recommendations from the City's Transportation Planners. Initial comments from City Staff are expected by May 28, responses to comments submitted by June 11, and Plot Plan approval for the site modifications by Staff on or before June 30. The City Staff person coordinating the review for the Inspections Department is Kathryn Willson.

Utility upgrades will consist of a new water back flow system, two fire hydrants, and a water line to the building for a new fire suppression system. No sanitary sewer or storm water improvements are needed or required. Over time the existing trees and vegetation on the site will be pruned and fertilized to achieve an overall high aesthetic quality and invasive species will be removed. Additional small trees will be planted around the perimeter to obtain compliance with the City's landscape requirements.

All existing parking areas on the site will remain and be restriped to comply with City of Raleigh standards. The proposed high school use requires just over seventy parking spaces. The newly striped parking lots will accommodate over 210 vehicles. The school does not utilize busses. The existing parking lot and exterior lighting on the building are adequate for the school's use and will not be modified.

The revised parking plan will also provide for a carpool drop off and pick up point with vehicle queuing lanes over 1100 feet in length. This is longer than the queue recommended in the traffic study. During morning and afternoon carpool times, Raleigh Charter personnel will be strategically located along the queuing lanes and directional cones placed to assure that adequate vehicular flow is maintained throughout the site and at all of its access points. No improvements to Glenwood Avenue are proposed or are being recommended by the City Transportation Staff. Two bores under Glenwood are being anticipated in order to provide taps for the upgraded fire protection lines.

Modifications to the building will include reconfiguration of the interior to meet the needs for classrooms, support rooms and administrative offices. Visible exterior changes will include replacement of window systems, painting, and modifications to the western entrance to make it ADA compliant. Construction would begin in mid to late 2011 with the first classes in the new school in August of 2012.