Agenda 04-11-2001 late - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 These seven categories and their compliance with the proposed amendments are 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 area, and existing agricultural and forest lands, should be protected from intrusion by incompatible land uses. Staff Comment: Although the Chapel Hill Joint Planning Transition Area (Northwest Area) is adjacent or in close proximity to Duke Forest Lands along Eubanks Road and north of Interstate 40, the proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan do not propose for any land uses to intrude into these areas. The proposed amendments to the land use designations remove and relocate open space areas within the Northwest Area, but do not impact open space elsewhere in the Township. The intent of the changes is to reflect existing low- density residential uses east of the Greene tract and to provide a low- intensity buffer adjoining the landfill site north of Eubanks Road. 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 are 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 Chapel Hill Joint Planning Transition Area (Northwest Area) does not include land in the University Lake watershed. Therefore, this principle is not applicable to the proposed amendments. Higher Intensity Uses/Transition Areas Principle: The more intensive land uses are most appropriately located within the towns and then within the areas 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 area for new development to occur. Staff Comment: The proposed amendments fall 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 areas should be maintained. Rural lands currently existing between the Chapel Hill/Carrboro urban area and Hillsborough (rural buffer) should be preserved.