Agenda - 02-19-2013 - 7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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01 impacts to the extent possible. A No -Build alternative will also be evaluated. Anticipated impacts to the community and to natural environment features will be assessed and included in the decision making process. CROSSING #726 305F /MP H 47.62 /Greenbriar Drive (P- 4405J) The following are responses to specific comments on the Greenbriar Drive crossing closure (P4405J). Comment #1: The proposed NCDOT road layout includes a cross access /road mid -way on Greenbriar Drive that does not align with existing lot patterns and appears to serve no practical purpose. This cross access /road would also involve an unnecessary perennial stream crossing. Response: The ultimate location of the "cross access" road has yet to be determined. Alignments which are least disruptive to the community and the environment are being investigated. Where possible, stream crossings will be avoided, and impacts minimized or mitigated. Comment #3: This proposed option could potentially involve traffic associated with adjoining non- residentially zoned property, to have ingress /egress through an established single-family residential neighborhood. Response: If the adjoining parcel (Greenbriar Road area) is eventually developed with nonresidential uses, the planned roadway connection to Spruce Pine Trail will be abandoned. It is assumed that once the redevelopment occurs, Orange County will provide alternative access for the Greenbriar Road area. Comment #5: Planning staff requests that more viable alternatives other than the current proposal be explored. This location is part of the County designated and zoned Eno Economic Development District (EDD), and is also immediately south of an interchange with 1 -85 which is planned for improvements. The adopted Eno EDD Small Area Plan supports an enhanced service road and access system in the area, and includes an approved Transportation Access Management Concept Plan (copy enclosed for reference). Staff would prefer an alternative that considers the larger context of the area's access issues and needs. Pursuing the proposed alternative could exasperate upcoming development efforts for the interchange and the EDD. Response: There are no plans under consideration by NCDOT that would interfere with future plans for the EDD area. The proposed project would not connect to planned service roads and will not prevent the development of the access system or modifications to the I -85 /US 70 interchange. As stated previously the NCDOT planned roadway will be abandoned once the Greenbriar area is redeveloped with nonresidential uses. Comment #6: The proposed NCDOT road layout involves potential crossings) of Rhodes Creek. If there is to be a crossing of this perennial stream, with the associated environmental impacts, there should be multiple purposes for the larger EDD area. Response: Where possible, stream crossing impacts will be minimized or mitigated. There are no plans that would interfere with future plans for the EDD area. According to the Orange County GIS the Greenbriar Road area is surrounded on three sides by streams. Avoiding stream crossings altogether is not possible with a new access road. Comment #7: If feasible, perhaps a cross access road could be constructed within or parallel to the railway right -of -way between Greenbriar Drive and Old NC 10, rather than the proposed network of roads that involve substantial road work, new stream crossings, the breaching of subdivisions, and the possible introduction of nonresidential traffic through residential subdivisions.