Agenda - 09-07-1999 - 10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Potential Recreational Use of OWASA Property October 15, 1998 Page 3 Elevated Taak Sites -The NRTS Committee suggested that alternative uses be considered at existing tank sites as long as they don't interfere with OWASA's operational needs for access and maintenance. The Committee recommended that no alternatives be considered on the two properties reserved for future tank sites until specific design and regulatory requirements aze established. Authority to Allow Alternative Uses Throughout its discussions, the Committee recognized that the authority to allow recreational uses of OWASA property often lies outside of OWASA's control. For example, OWASA might agree to certain low-impact activities on its sewer easements and rights of way; but legally, OWASA may not acquire utility easements for non- utilitarian purposes such as recreation. Successful greenway partnerships with Chapel Hill or Carrboro would likely require the Towns to act as lead agencies in acquiring multi-purpose easements and then granting utility rights to OWASA. Similaz situations aze evident at OWASA's elevated tank sites and at the 500-acre Cane ' Creek mitigation tract. Any alternative use of the 46 acres of OWASA land surrounding the Nunn Mountain and Hilltop water tanks is strictly controlled by Special Use Permit _ conditions of the Town of Chapel Hill. The 500-acre Cane Creek mitigation tract was -- acquired in 1980 to comply with requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Cazolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Because these requirements became permit conditions for the Cane Creek Reservoir project; any alternative use of that tract would likely require approval by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. These examples illustrate that OWASA does not have unilateral authority to allow alternative uses on all of its property. The NRTS Committee noted that the implem8ntation of some recreational proposals with community-wide benefits will require collaboration by other governmental entities, iiraddition to OWASA, working - towazd a common goal. - - Staff Recommendations I recommend that this memorandum and attachments .be reviewed by the Board of - Directors and, if appropriate, provided to Orange County's Joint Master Recreation and Pazks Plan Work Gioup. . Edward A. Holland, AICP Director of Planning and Development attachments w~rnn or~cto~s „~,~e o~, io ~t~ 9~'