Orange County NC Website
13 <br /> having an easement on their property. This was also a time to answer questions about the <br /> easement acquisition process, the construction process, and the project in general. <br /> Following receipt of the easement plats from the design consultant (AECOM), County <br /> staff will develop easement deeds for each property. There are approximately 80 properties <br /> where permanent and temporary easements may be placed: 73 parcels inside the Historic <br /> Rogers Road Area (HRRA) and 7 parcels outside the HRRA. <br /> Staff will then contact each property owner from whom an easement is needed by letter <br /> to let them know why the County needs the easement, where the easement will be located on <br /> their property, how much the County is offering for the easement and the value of the <br /> infrastructure being installed on their property. The easement deed and a copy of the plat will <br /> be included in the letter, along with instructions on how to complete the document and who to <br /> contact with any questions. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: County staff will offer a standard monetary amount for each easement, <br /> based on a partial per square foot tax value of each property, since easements are minor <br /> percentage interest and not a fee simple purchase. Approximately $212,000 is herein being <br /> requested for the project budget to cover these costs. In the event of condemnation, the <br /> County will be required to deposit an amount equal to the easement value with the Court upon <br /> filing of the condemnation complaint. A cost sharing agreement with Carrboro and Chapel Hill <br /> will assist in these costs. <br /> Chair McKee asked if Bonnie Hammersley could summarize conversations that took <br /> place with the Town of Chapel Hill and representative from the Jackson Center. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said all entities are involved and have been supportive. She said <br /> there is a staff team with representatives from all stakeholders. <br /> Chair McKee said Mr. Vaughn said the discussions with the community are going well. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> Reverend Robert Campbell said he is one on staff at the Community Center and is <br /> Chair of Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA). He expressed the community's <br /> pleasure with everything that is going on, and he thanked the BOCC for all the hard work and <br /> the progress that is being made in the Rogers Road Community. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if the easement costs are based on the value of the land. <br /> Travis Myren said yes. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if the calculations will be made before the revaluation. <br /> Travis Myren said yes, the assessed value will be taken as it stands this year. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked what would happen if an easement is not voluntarily agreed <br /> to. <br /> John Roberts said there would be an attempted negotiation, but if someone refuses to <br /> grant an easement, the County would give proper notification and place a deposit with the <br /> Clerk of Court, immediately granting the County the easement at that time. He said any <br /> litigation thereafter would be about the value. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked if such scenarios would slow down the overall process. <br /> John Roberts said any property owners who may not be willing will be known <br /> substantially ahead of time. <br /> Commissioner Rich asked if Reverend Campbell could help the County make this <br /> progress go smoothly. <br /> Reverend Campbell said the process in place now is handling these questions ahead <br /> of time. He said the majority of the community is satisfied and ready to proceed, with perhaps <br />