Agenda - 11-19-2013 - 5c - Laserfiche WebLink

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60 ATTACHMENT 6 DRAFT Sam Lasris asked Abigaile to explain the internal connectivity. Abigaile Pittman responded that the dash lines on the map represent frontage roads and then further into areas future development would also use access roads. Basically future road networks would be off US 70. Entering US 70 would occur at identified safe access points. Paul Guthrie raised a question about the proposed transit stop which was just a place where one could possibly be in the area. He added that the long range plan for the NC Railroad for potential commuter rail between Goldsboro and Greensboro is a long term strategy. There is the likelihood that the junction of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro spur of the railroad will be in our area where there might be a switching station for passengers from a long term future north/south Orange County transit system. While working on the Hillsborough rail station committee one thing discussed was that they could only locate Amtrak stations so often and if they put a station where they have here, and then they have the Durham station, they will have a problem of either in the future putting a stop at the junction or they would not interested in having Hillsborough as a stop because of the overabundance of stations. It would be relatively easy to have a station at the Chapel Hill/Carrboro spur junction with the necessary parking. One thing most people don't understand, including some of the people who building along the railroad, is that it's a 360-foot right-of- way. It is a large right-of-way and it's owned by the NC Railroad Company which was created by the state of North Carolina. Even in downtown Durham, that 360-foot right-of-way is not always honored so that's an issue. He continued that in the foreseeable future,within 10 years, the railroad track will be double tracked from where it ends its double track in the first third of the eastern part of the map and all those tussles that are now too low will have to be expanded which means they would be rebuilt. The third issue is that is now a residential neighborhood and to put a railroad commuter station in the middle of a neighborhood like that is not very good far sighted planning. A broader issue which is not on our agenda is that some of that residential housing in the middle of this area is all single family units that are not going to disappear in ten years, so the question is how you deal with that area in terms of transportation access. Most of the other transportation suggestions are very well done and thought out. Paul informed the Board that in the area of NC 10 there are only two discernible business enterprises; it is basically modest homes. Sam Lasris noted that the question is what it will be in 2030 or 2070. Paul Guthrie answered that it depends on how the transportation planning takes place and what kind of structure you put on Old NC 10. Sam Lasris added that he thinks most of the action is really centering on US 70 and 1-85 and not Old NC 10 and he thinks that in 2070 it will be like 15-501 between Durham and Chapel Hill and basically NC 10 and the areas beyond that will remain pretty much unscathed because it's not where the action really is. Paul Guthrie added that how the County handles the development of Old NC 10 may determine that outcome. Abigaile Pittman noted that the Plan contains criteria that there be no access by non-residential development through the 10 year transition area until it commences a transition with urban densities/intensities. Sam Lasris moved that the OUTBoard approve the recommendation. Paul Guthrie asked that a member amend the motion to include a request that the Planning Board keep the OUTBoard informed of progress on this issue. Alex Castro made that motion and Sam Lasris seconded it. Amy Cole noted that she thinks there are a lot of people that unfortunately are too late in having their voices heard. Abigaile Pittman responded that the staff proposes to review protections measures for Old NC 10. Amy Cole continued that she acknowledges the protection considerations but there are a lot of low income homes.