Agenda - 02-22-1999 - d1b - Laserfiche WebLink

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As you undoubtedly know, a second function of a floodplain is to prevent alot of runoff from hitting major watercourses at the same time. Interference with this floodplain or the creek might cause flooding further downstream -- in Terrell Creek and the Haw River. Moving now to the narrower LC -I area along the creek, the area is a deep bowl. The land begins to rise in the area labeled NC -2 on the map, such that there is a big slope down to the creek on 3 sides. I am submitting photos that attempt to show the slope down to the creek from the garden center to the west, the NC -2 property to the east, and the highway on the north. I estimate that the creek is piped about 40 feet under the highway. The slope down from the highway on the NC -2 property is also considerable; I would anticipate that Mr. Lieth will add landfill, which will make the slope down to the creek even greater. I understand that a creek on the US Geological Survey map must remain in its natural condition. I frankly can't imagine a desirable LC -1 usage of this property. If Mr. Lieth has thought of a particular commercial usage that would keep the floodplain and the creek intact, I would nevertheless be concerned that once a property is zoned LC -1 that it can be switched to any other LC -1 usage and the area would gradually be degraded by future owners. Beside the creek, near Highway 54, there a number of deep holes and crevices. I fell in a hole about 1 foot wide and at least 3 feet deep. These should not be sealed. Again, I think that more runoff from the slopes around the creek is entering the ground water aquifers than is entering the creek. I therefore request that the Zoning Board consider making the entire area along the creek up to Highway 54 part of the Haw River Watershed, so that a buffer alongside the creek can be required. Thank you for the opportunity to present my position.