Minutes 10-13-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 — provides a history of the Greene Tract from 1999 through 2008 which is a compendium of various reports and studies which was presented at a `Joint Greene Tract Work Session' on April 29, 2008 and at an Assembly of Governments meeting on December 6, 2012. Attachment 2a provides information regarding the last action taken by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on December 10, 2002. Although there has been considerable discussion about the future of the Greene Tract, no action has been taken by the BOCC since 2002. 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. More recently, the HRRA staff workgroup has been reviewing and developing two new initiatives: 1) The Community First planning program (Rogers Road Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA) and the Jackson Center) hired by the joint governments. 2) Multi-Jurisdiction Technical Environmental Scan of the Greene Tract. All aspects are being researched and updated and maybe ready for a joint meeting in the fall. Over the years there have been many options (based on various studies) discussed as a possible future use 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. As a result of the Inter Local Agreement, 60 acres of the Greene Tract was conveyed to Orange County for "Solid Waste management purposes". Utility design and extension to the Rogers Road area is in progress. Commissioner Jacobs said the plan for the 60 acres is to leave it as undisturbed natural habitat with low intensity recreation purposes. Alderman Seils asked if this decision will be made formal. Chair McKee said the County would like to move toward a formal agreement with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro regarding what will happen with the Greene Tract, and whether the Towns will retain ownership or wish the County to take over ownership. Alderman Seils asked if a formal decision will be announced about the 60 acres. Chair McKee said there is no timeframe, but the unofficial intent is for the 60 acres to remain as open space. Bonnie Hammersley said this item will be on the Board of County Commissioners' agenda on October 18th Chair McKee said in regards to the rest of the land, the County would like to have a discussion with both Towns as to what will be done with the 104 acres. Alderman Chaney asked if the location of the closest grocery store is known. Mayor Lavelle said five miles.