Agenda - 05-28-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Planning Board Chair Betty Eidenier indicated that Jean Hamilton attended all meetings of this committee. She has represented the Planning Board very well and has kept them informed at each step of the way. She also mentioned that the Transportation Committee of the Planning Board is interested in alternatives to automobile transportation, in particular, bicycle lanes. The Planning Board is very much in favor of the recommendation for the bicycle trail that would go from 751 to NC 10 along Mount Herman Church Road at Pleasant Green Rd. to the Eno River State Park. She mentioned that DOT has indicated that adding the extra two (2) feet for the bicycle lanes is quite expensive and that they need some direction from the Commissioners in order to spend the extra money. Commissioner Carey indicated that a preliminary phase in this process includes exploring non - economic and non - regulatory means for acquiring land in this corridor. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT Mr. Don Fox commended the planning that has gone into this proposed wildlife corridor. He pointed out that Site #5 for the landfill is at the headwaters of the entire corridor system. He stated that the Landfill Site Search Committee needs to remember that as they proceed with their search. Mr. Pearson Stewart, Chairman, New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee, pointed out that the original charge by the four governing Boards included investigating a corridor between the Eno River State Park and Jordon Reservoir. The area from Jordon Lake to Duke Forest was an easy problem to solve. However, north of Duke Forest, crossing I -85 to the Eno River State Park is very difficult to accomplish. They were not able to come up with a corridor north of Duke Forrest because it was not possible to find a way to get across I -85. They were able to suggest a system of wildlife corridors, to remain in private ownership, for wildlife purposes, north of Duke Forest. Orange County is being asked to solve the problem of the different aims of private ownership and wildlife access in the same area. The Board of Commissioners is being asked to make a recommendation as to how that can be done. A recommendation has not been made to establish a new organization for the four - County area. He indicated that he believes that each unit of government can solve these problems with the structure they already have in place. Commissioner Willhoit stated that finding a way to extend this corridor north of Duke Forest is a goal that he would like to see accomplished. An additional purpose is served by the corridor in assuring that the urban areas of Hillsborough and Durham will not be able to grow together. If that area is set aside as a buffer between the urban centers, then something could be done when development requests come in for that area.