CHAPEL HILL - Residents told the Town Council on Monday night that they are concerned about traffic, building height and inefficient pedestrian and bicycling connectivity in the plans for the proposed first phase of the Woodmont multiple-use development.

Phase One of the project includes 183,900 square feet of commercial and residential space, along with 404 parking spaces, to be built on 14.25 acres. The initial structures would be five three-story buildings. An internal pedestrian path, bus stop and traffic circle would be built. The site would be accessed via Barbee Chapel Road.

The entire Woodmont project -- about 613,700 square feet -- would be built in three phases over 10 years, said Gene Poveromo, a planner with the town. It would bring condominiums, offices and shops to the eastern part of N.C. 54.

Town staff recommended the developers include a park-and-ride lot, and suggested the council require 100 parking spaces be dedicated to park-and-ride.

Woodmont is one of several mixed-use developments being proposed for the N.C. 54 corridor, one of several entryways into town. Developers want the project to fit easily into the town's and Triangle's public transit systems. They are even proposing a shuttle between Woodmont and Meadowmont, an existing mixed-use development on the other side of N.C. 54, and constructing a road to help town buses loop through both village projects.

George Cianciolo, chairman of the Planning Board, said the board voted against granting a permit to Woodmont, saying members thought it could negatively affect the surrounding neighborhoods. Also, they didn't think there could be a safe way for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross over to Meadowmont.

Still, he had praise for the proposal. He said he's glad the developers want to review the Master Land Use Plan to see how this project fits in with the rest of the town. "I think, in this town, it's hard to see what's going to happen in five to 10 years," Cianciolo said.

Wes Camden, who represents the Alta Springs Apartments residents, said his neighborhood has a petition protesting Woodmont. But he said that the developers are working well with residents to address concerns and that the petition could be withdrawn if this level of communication continues.

Henry Lister, a resident of Sherwood Forest on Little John Road, said he and six of his neighbors don't think Woodmont is the right type of mixed-use. He said the plans should include more residential units and fewer commercial ones. He's afraid that the buildings will be too tall and that he won't be able to see the stars and the deer.

"Neighborhood protection is key to maintaining the town's community character," he said.

Sally Trauco likes the idea of being able to go to the doctor and buy her groceries all in one trip. But she's worried about how residents on Little John Road will get out onto N.C. 54, since the developers plan to block that access.

The Town Council will decide May 19 when to schedule the continuation of Monday night's public hearing.