Orange County NC Website
Commissioner Carey noted that NCDOT cannot then assure <br /> satisfaction with Hillsborough's recommendation regarding the widening <br /> of US 70. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit noted that the situation regarding the need <br /> for funding will worsen. <br /> Watkins commented that there is a serious shortfall and that he <br /> hopes the legislature will address the funding needs. He added that <br /> Orange County has for many years required that additional right-of-way <br /> adjacent to major roads be provided through the development process, a <br /> requirement not found elsewhere. <br /> Tom Metzguer cited a discrepancy in the abstract on page two which <br /> cited a service level "C" and indicated 7500 trips per day versus the <br /> 17000 trips per day noted by Watkins. Planning Director Marvin Collins <br /> indicated that the figure used in the abstract was obtained from Dwight <br /> Kelly, NCDOT. Watkins responded that he was not sure of the figures, <br /> but that Dr. Goode of the Transportation Planning Department concurred <br /> with his estimates. He added that in urban areas roads may carry more <br /> traffic than anticipated and improvements are made only at the <br /> critical points. <br /> Commissioner Lloyd inquired how the project compares in the <br /> context of phasing with other areas of the state in the ability of the <br /> road system to handle the traffic generated. He asked if NCDOT speaks <br /> to needs within a reasonable period of time. Watkins responded that <br /> each situation is unique and that local governing boards need to keep <br /> in touch with the Board of Transportation and present their needs. <br /> Commissioner Lloyd referred to the comment regarding traffic <br /> around Cameron Park School and indicated that most of the traffic will <br /> be on US 70. Watkins responded that the traffic consultant for the <br /> project had better data than NCDOT. He added that most of the traffic <br /> will travel east on US 70 and that there would be an increase in <br /> traffic traveling south on St. Mary's Road. <br /> Pilkey noted that she lives on US 70 and asked what percentage of <br /> the ultimate traffic generated by the development would travel east on <br /> US 70. Watkins again suggested that the traffic consultant answer the <br /> question given his better data base. <br /> Grainger Barrett, representing the applicants, presented a <br /> statement on the project. <br /> He noted that the planned development process provides advantages, <br /> not shortcomings, in the provision of improvements, expectations and a <br /> unified development approach to the development of the property. <br /> Barrett commented on the water usage issue noting that a <br /> moratorium was not necessary. He continued that the sense of urgency <br /> was clear and that the Board needs to set policy, make choices and <br /> implement these choices. He noted the Burlington option is subject to <br /> definitive contracts and technical details; the Seven Mile Creek option <br /> is subject to planning and site acquisition; and that other options are <br />