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33 Attachment 8 ORANGE COUNTX ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMEN'T' MEMORANDUM To: Glenn Bowles, CurrentP/anner From: Rich Shaw, ERCD Land Conservation Manager Date: January 27, 2010 Subject: The Lodges Subdivision Proposal Thank you for the opportunity to review a Preliminary Plan for "The Lodges" subdivision proposal (formerly "Alpenglow Trace'. The plan (dated December 11, 2009) is to create 12 lots on 43.83 acres located south of Damascus Church Road in Chapel Hill Township. The subject property Is located Immediately west of conservation land owned by the University of North Carolina to protect University-Lake Reservoir. The northeastern portions of the property are within the University Lake PW critical area. The property drains to Price Creek, which flows into the reservoir. A small segment of West Branch Price Creek flows through a narrow strip of the property that links with Damascus Church Road. Two smaller streams originate in the northeastern portion of the site. Both were identified by the Orange County Erosion Control Branch and would be protected by stream buffers. The subject properly is not located within any highly special area of ecological significance, or Natural Heritage Areas, so designated by the State of NC's Natural Heritage Program. The subject properly is, however, within the University Lake Macrositel-a relatively undeveloped area that helps to support the Natural Heritage sites around University Lake (AttachmenC 1). Although the subject property is undeveloped, the forest is largely comprised of Immature volunteer hardwoods, which indicates that the trees were harvested within the last 15-20 years. ERCD submitted previous comments (dated April 8, 2009) on twc alternative Concept Plans for the Alpenglow Trace proposal dated February 2009. Tn those comments, ERCD stated a preference for the alternative that avoided development of a new road crossing over West Branch Price Creek and the associated 100-year floodplain. Evidently that alternative was not feasible and the developer intends to provide access to the residential subdivision from Damascus Church Road. A nevi public road (Lodge Trail) and stream crossing will be constructed consistent with permits that have already been Issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Division of Water Quality. The Plan would set aside 14.3 acres of Open Space (32.6%} to accommodate the 100-year floodplaln and required stream buffers, which will also help to protect the Natural Heritage Areas located downstream (University Lake Slopes, Wetlands and Marsh). ~ inventory of Natural Areas and Witdi{re Habitatsjor Orange County, North Carolina (Sather et al., 2004) Environment and Resource Conserva6 PO Box 818f / 306-A Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 245-2510