Agenda - 08-24-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

requirements of a Land Use Element amendment. A case can be made for the changing, transitional nature of this area which lies between the two major interstate highways of I -40 and I- 85. There are significant examples of transition away from rural, agricultural uses in the area to low and moderate density residential uses in the immediate vicinity, and the location of the New Hope Elementary School at New Hope Church Road and New N.C. 86 is testimony to this transition. Using the definition of a "Transition Area" from the Land Use Element, this proposed amendment appears to be consistent with the intent and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan. 2. The proposal complies with six of 11 location criteria and could potentially comply with all. There are areas of special concern, but conditions and methods of mitigation can be imposed and applied at the site plan level to address these concerns. The existing land use of the area is undergoing change at this time, and will undoubtedly continue to do so whether the change is piecemeal (as it has been in the past), or part of a master plan, which would potentially occur with this proposed project. Another area of concern is for the areas of natural and historical significance that are located near the site. The Duke Forest land and natural site contained within are located upstream from the proposed area. Thus, there should be no water -borne impact on the natural site from this development. Additionally, buffers can be imposed at the site plan level to protect this natural site and surrounding forest resource, and the applicant has indicated a willingness to provide such buffers along New Hope Church Road, as well as other locations. The potential wildlife corridor that would be provided by open space in the project would be highly beneficial to species survival. Similarly, methods of protecting the nearby family cemetery and possible slave cemetery can be implemented at the site plan level through the Environmental Assessment process. This proposed amendment, and the subsequent planned development, would unquestionably impact New Hope Church Road and Old N.C. 10. The potential for this type of impact has been foreseen by both Orange County and NCDOT, as referenced by the inclusion of both as major urban thoroughfares in the Hillsborough and Durham - Chapel Hill - Carrboro Thoroughfare Plans. Impact on these roads and possible improvements by the developer would be assessed and required in the Planned Development approval process. 3. The agreement of the Town of Hillsborough to provide this site with public water and sewer service indicates further the transition that this area is undergoing. Water service from Hillsborough currently exists in Strayhorn Hills, an adjacent is 3"