Agenda - 04-08-1998 - 3a - Laserfiche WebLink

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03 These seven categories and their compliance with the Northwest Small Area Plan aze further discussed below. Open Space Principle: The existing open space system in Chapel Hill Township, which includes Duke Forest Lands, the UNC buffer around University Lake, the Morgan Creek Wildlife azea, and existing agricultural and forest lands, should be protected from intrusion by incompatible land uses. Staff Comment: Although the Northwest Study Area is adjacent or in close proximity to Duke Forest Lands along Eubanks Road and north of Interstate 40, the Small Area Plan does not propose for any land uses to intrude into these areas. The Northwest Small Area Plan does seek to preserve significant stream corridors that drain into these areas, while also identifying additional open space/greenway areas. University Lake Watershed Principle: University Lake water supply watershed should be developed in a manner which will protect the quality of the water supply. Very low density residential, low intensity commercial and agricultural land uses aze appropriate in this area. The University Lake Watershed Area should be protected for reasons of water quality; developments should occur only at low densities, and water and sewer lines should not be extended into this watershed. Staff Comment: The Northwest Study Area does not include land in the University Lake watershed. Therefore, this principle is not applicable to the Northwest Small Area Plan. Higher Intensity Uses/Transition Areas Principle: The more intensive land uses aze most appropriately located within the towns and then within the azeas adjacent to the Towns likely to become urban. A transition area should be designated, between existing developed areas and the rural buffer, as a target azea for riew development to occur. Staff Comment: The Northwest Study Area falls within an area designated as a "transition area " in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan. Rural Areas Principle: The rural residential and agricultural character of the Township outside the Towns and adjacent transition azeas should be maintained. Rural lands currently existing between the Chapel HilUCazrboro urban area and Hillsborough (rural buffer) should be preserved. Staff Comment: The Northwest Small Area Plan supports_ the concept that the Rural Buffer should be preserved. The Plan does note however, that there is a small area east of Duke Forest and west of the current landfill, along Eubanks Road, that differs signifrcantly in character from 5