Minutes 11-17-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• The county being able to provide a suitable location for parking at posted access points to divert anyone from parking or accessing the MST from Thunder Mountain; • OWASA's commitment to preserve the scenic beauty of this land such that it is not subjected to timbering; Done properly, we believe this segment of the MST would have no significant adverse impact to the water quality on Cane Creek Reservoir. We believe this is a rare opportunity for the residents of this area of Orange County to work together to be part of a positive legacy for generations to come." I have found that there is strong support within the Thunder Mountain community and nearby for a segment of the MST to pass through the OWASA property on the north side of the reservoir but all of our neighbors want to make sure that the private roads serving our neighborhoods are not used as public access and parking areas for the trail. I believe these caveats of support are reasonable and can be accomplished as the county and OWASA move forward on this legacy for future generations. Thank you for the opportunity to come before you tonight to share my thoughts and support for the Mountains to Sea Trail. Charles Gregory Smith Scott Zimmerman said he is here in support of the MST trail. He said he is here to get this trail on the ground in Orange County. He urged the Board of County Commissioners to approve this portion of the trail in Orange County as surrounding counties are doing. He contacted OWASA and this communication is in the email packet. He said he understands that OWASA is ready to act when the County is ready to act. He asked again for the Board of County Commissioners to support and build this segment of the trail. Howard Lee said he is here in support of the MST, and if one gets connected to this trail one will never let it go. He said he is pleased and proud that this trail has lasted the test of time. He said this trail would be an asset to North Carolina. He said he has walked segments of the trail, and it is both beautiful and satisfying. He said he knows the Board of County Commissioners has always supported the preservation of the environment and the promotion of parks and trails. He said this would be one of the greatest investments Orange County could make. Glen Greenstreet said he wants to reiterate to the BOCC that the citizens of Orange County are still very much in support of the MST. He encouraged the BOCC to move forward with the pieces of trail that can be built immediately and to seek partnership with the volunteer citizens of the County. Bonnie Hauser said she would like to thank the Thunder Mountain community for their support. Commissioner Price said there is currently $500,000 in 2019 in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for this park. She asked if there would be any impact in moving some funds up to be used at an earlier time. David Stancil said that is part of the CIP discussion and the funds, mentioned by Commissioner Price, are designated for construction. He said this item has not been off the radar and funding needs to be reassessed considering options such as volunteer construction. He said such options could be explored and an updated report brought back to the Board at a later date.