Agenda - 12-07-2015 - 7-a - Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application

Browse Search

35 • Orange County Staff reviewed the 100' building setback, roadside buffer requirements, as well as required tree save areas within the Primary Conservation areas. • Mr. Hefner reviewed his plans to preserve most of the trees within the 100' building setback and to designate most if not all of the 100' perimeter as dedicated open space. He also noted the value of maintaining the open space areas within an HOA vs. 19 lots. 4. Conventional vs. Flexible Design. • Residents asked questions the requirements and provisions of the Flexible Design Option. Specifically. • Orange County Staff reviewed the provisions and requirements as well as the benefits of the Plan (e.g. HOA ownerships and maintenance of the Open Space and the fact that the entire perimeter of the project is controlled by one entity vs. 19 owners. It is also inherently a more sustainable and environmentally sensitive design. Staff also reviewed the 1 acre min. provisions as allowed in the UDO and other Joint Planning Agreements. • Mr. Hefner reviewed his conventional option for the site, the benefits from a development and maintenance perspective and his commitment to exceed the minimum requirements. 5. Trails and Connections to New Hope Creek and/or Duke Forest. • Residents asked questions about the possibility of trail connections to Duke Forest and New Hope Creek. • Orange County Staff notes that trails of this nature would require additional easements and improvements through numerous properties. Trails Access via Whitfield may also cause additional off-street parking and traffic congestion issues. Staff noted that public access is often encouraged but to the extent that it causes harm and/or interference with open space that is intended to be more passive in nature. • Jena Schrieber, Operations Manager for Duke Forest was in attendance and indicated that they could consider such a request. However, it was unlikely considering Duke Forest's existing access points nearby and the strategy of directing pedestrian access to strategic points of the Forest and New Hope Creek. • Mr. Hefner reviewed his conventional option for the site, the benefits from a development and maintenance perspective, and his commitment to exceed the minimum open space requirements. He also deferred to Duke Forest to make any further determinations about additional public access points through their property. 6. Welland Septic • Residents asked questions regarding the nature of the suitable soils for the septic systems and water supply for the wells. They also expressed concerns that the development may impact their water quality and quality. • Orange County Staff reviewed suitable soils indicated on the plan and the fact that the plan calls for individual wells and septic systems.