Agenda - 06-02-1997 - 9f - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY i BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT MEETING DATE: June 2, 1997 Action Agenda Item # q- F SUBJECT: River Park DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING: Yes--No X_ Board of County Commissioners BUDGET AMENDMENT NEEDED: Yes_ ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Resolution(9/13/95) County/Town William Crowther Park Plan River Park Financial Information TELEPHONE NUMBERS: River Park Map Hillsborough - 732-8181 Durham - 699-7331 Mebane - (910) -')27-2031 Chapel Hill - 967-9251/9684501 Purpose: To provide direction to the work group charged with developing a park scope and plan for the area south of the new courthouse. Background: On September 13, 1995, a resolution of cooperative effort to develop a park was signed by Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough. A work group was formed that included representatives from the County, Town, Hillsborough Area Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, and the Occoneechee Indian Tribe. With design assistance from the North Carolina Department of Community Assistance, a park plan was developed. In 1996, the Hillsborough Town Board appropriated $25,000 for 1996-1997, and $25,000 in 1997-1998 for site improvements. This spring some of those funds were spent to fill a bog along the river. This site is designated as an Occoneechee Tribe Palisade, with a ground blessing planned for June. A proposal for engineering assistance has been accepted by the North Central Piedmont Resource Conservation and Development Area Inc. Grants requested from the Town of Hillsborough Tourist Board and the Kirby Foundation are currently pending. The Hillsborough Area Chamber of Commerce and the Preservation Fund of Hillsborough have pledged approximately $10,000 for the park. Questions about the County's long range plans for the site have been raised by representatives of potential funding sources. The County has charged a new work group with revision of the county-wide master park plan. It is expected that their work will conclude in February 1998. In 1995, a study was conducted to assess future justice facilities space needs. If the current courts site in Hillsborough is used to fulfill these needs, a portion of the area proposed for park development may be needed. Future master plans will further explore these options. At this point, the park work group needs direction whether to continue efforts to develop the park by raising money and completing the plan or to wait for the completion of the Master Park Plan and any planning to meet justice needs. Recommendation: As the Board decides.