Orange County NC Website
4 <br /> Planning Board Chair Betty Eidenier indicated that Jean <br /> Hamilton attended all meetings of this committee. She has <br /> represented the Planning Board very well and has kept them informed <br /> at each step of the way. She also mentioned that the <br /> Transportation Committee of the Planning Board is interested in <br /> alternatives to automobile transportation, in particular, bicycle <br /> lanes. The Planning Board is very much in favor of the <br /> recommendation for the bicycle trail that would go from 751 to NC <br /> 10 along Mount Herman Church Road at Pleasant Green Rd. to the Eno <br /> River State Park. She mentioned that DOT has indicated that adding <br /> the extra two (2) feet for the bicycle lanes is quite expensive and <br /> that they need some direction from the Commissioners in order to <br /> spend the extra money. <br /> Commissioner Carey indicated that a preliminary phase in this <br /> process includes exploring non-economic and non-regulatory means <br /> for acquiring land in this corridor. <br /> THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT <br /> Mr. Don Fox commended the planning that has gone into this <br /> proposed wildlife corridor. He pointed out that Site #5 for the <br /> landfill is at the headwaters of the entire corridor system. He <br /> stated that the Landfill Site Search Committee needs to remember <br /> that as they proceed with their search. <br /> Mr. Pearson Stewart, Chairman, New Hope Creek Corridor <br /> Advisory Committee, pointed out that the original charge by the <br /> four governing Boards included investigating a corridor between the <br /> Eno River State Park and Jordon Reservoir. The area from Jordon <br /> Lake to Duke Forest was an easy problem to solve. However, north <br /> of Duke Forest, crossing I-85 to the Eno River State Park is very <br /> difficult to accomplish. They were not able to come up with a <br /> corridor north of Duke Forrest because it was not possible to find <br /> a way to get across I-85. They were able to suggest a system of <br /> wildlife corridors, to remain in private ownership, for wildlife <br /> purposes, north of Duke Forest. Orange County is being asked to <br /> solve the problem of the different aims of private ownership and <br /> wildlife access in the same area. The Board of Commissioners is <br /> being asked to make a recommendation as to how that can be done. <br /> A recommendation has not been made to establish a new organization <br /> for the four-County area. He indicated that he believes that each <br /> unit of government can solve these problems with the structure they <br /> already have in place. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit stated that finding a way to extend this <br /> corridor north of Duke Forest is a goal that he would like to see <br /> accomplished. An additional purpose is served by the corridor in <br /> assuring that the urban areas of Hillsborough and Durham will not <br /> be able to grow together. If that area is set aside as a buffer <br /> between the urban centers, then something could be done when <br /> development requests come in for that area. <br />