Orange County NC Website
Hollow Rock Access Area <br />Key Issues for Further Study <br />Attachment 2 55 <br />The proposed Hollow Rock master plan includes several Issues for Further Study <br />(pages 17 -18), but three of those issues are highlighted below for the Board's initial <br />consideration and discussion. <br />Closing of Pickett Road <br />The Committee evaluated the pros and cons of closing the gravel section of <br />Pickett Road to through traffic, and determined that closing the road would <br />provide significant benefits to the park, including a) improved park design, <br />b) improved visitor safety, c) reduced development costs, and d) reduced <br />impacts on the natural environment and historic /archaeological resources. <br />Durham and Orange counties should consider closing a section of Pickett <br />Road (as recommended by the Committee) in cooperation with the NC <br />DOT. <br />Staff further notes that Durham and Orange counties would need to follow a public <br />participation process that would include a thorough assessment of impacts on <br />Randolph Road and other Durham roadways. The Master Plan is also designed for <br />a Phase I (open Pickett Road) and Phase II (closed Pickett Road). <br />Coordination of Site Management <br />Management of the 75 -acre property will require a coordinated effort among <br />the project partners —both during the interim period and after the site is open <br />for public use. A detailed Management Plan should be developed that <br />includes the inter - jurisdictional roles and responsibilities for park <br />development, operation and stewardship. The Committee should continue <br />as an advisory board for the park with meetings twice annually or as <br />needed. <br />Staff notes that adoption of the proposed Master Plan does not commit the County <br />to any future expenditure for development of the Hollow Rock Park site. Any <br />potential funding for this site would be determined during the adoption of the yearly <br />County capital budget. <br />Also, while it is anticipated the Committee would have some ongoing advisory role <br />as the park is being planned, the Interlocal Agreement does not speak to <br />continuing the Committee after the property is developed. Significant conversations <br />will be needed among the landowners about a management structure for the site, <br />and a new interlocal agreement will likely be needed to speak to how the Hollow <br />Rock Access Area would be managed. These arrangements would be needed <br />before moving to consideration of facility construction or site opening. <br />