Agenda - 11-17-2016 - Abstract for Assembly of Governments Meeting Discussion Items

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4 4. Greene Tract a) Brief Historical Update The Greene Tract (164 acres) was acquired in 1984 and came to Orange County as an asset of the Solid Waste Fund. The 1998 Interlocal Solid Waste Agreement (amended April 12, 2000) established the three owning partners for a 104 acre parcel. The remaining 60 acres, long held by Solid Waste, is in the process of being transferred to an asset of the General Fund to be used for preservation and low impact recreation purposes. Although there has been considerable discussion about the future of the Greene Tract, no formal action has been taken by the BOCC since 2002. And although not specific to the Greene Tract, multiple Historic Rogers Road Area (HRRA) small area studies and planning efforts have been conducted by the local governments over the last 15 years that referenced the Greene Tract. The following link provides a history of 1999-2008: http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=27031&dbid=0 Over the last few years, the local governments have pursed the construction of a Rogers Road Community Center and the design of the Rogers Road Sewer Project. More recently, the Historic Roger Road Area (HRRA) staff workgroup (local government management, planners, and Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA)) has been reviewing and developing two new initiatives: 1. The Community First planning program. The Jackson Center was hired by the joint governments to work with Rogers Road stakeholders to create a guide and recommendations for future of the community. 2. Multi-Jurisdiction Technical Environmental Scan of the Greene Tract. Many cultural and environmental aspects have been researched and updated. Over the years there have been many options (based on various studies) discussed as possible future uses of the 104 acres jointly owned by Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Listed below are the options that have been explored: 1. Joint Affordable Housing could be planned for 18.1 acres and the remaining 85.9 acres would remain join open space. 2. The 104 acre tract should remain as open space to be protected by conservation easements. 3. The acreage for affordable housing could be placed in the Land Trust. 4. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools requested that part of the Greene Tract be reserved for a future elementary school site. An approximate 11 acre area south of the 18 Affordable Housing site was considered. 5. Rename the property to recognize the headwaters of Bolin Creek, Booker Creek and Old Field Creek. The Greene Tract map is attached which shows the proximity of the various aforementioned parcels. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the governing boards can discuss issues related to this item as necessary.