Cornelius Urban Renewal Board approves minor plan amendment to fund a parking study

The Cornelius Urban Renewal Agency Board voted 3-0 on Jan. 5 to approve URAB Resolution No. 2026-01, a minor amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan that would add a parking-related project and allow completion of a parking study. Member Gregory Vaughn moved to approve the resolution; Member Jef Dalin seconded. The motion passed with votes from Member Vaughn, Member Dalin and Vice-Chair Angeles Godinez Valencia.

Barbara Fryer, Community Development Director, said the amendment "would allow for completion of a parking study" and described the study's intended scope: to assess existing parking supply and to provide guidance on parking management strategies such as time limits, short-term parking, turnover rules and phased approaches tied to redevelopment. Fryer said staff is "exploring funding options" and intends the study to inform potential long-term parking solutions that are consistent with responsible use of urban renewal funds and state law constraints.

Member Gregory Vaughn asked whether the study "could help identify appropriate locations and strategies for designated parking in light of state laws limiting parking requirements," noting examples from other communities where centralized parking supports downtown activity. Fryer replied the study would provide tools for proactive planning as redevelopment occurs and help the Board evaluate phased or centralized approaches without exceeding statutory limits.

The public hearing on the amendment drew no public testimony; Vice-Chair Angeles Godinez Valencia opened the hearing at 7:07 p.m. and closed it at 7:14 p.m. The resolution took effect immediately upon the Board’s vote. The Board did not specify a timeline or funding source for the study during the meeting.