Agenda - 12-12-2017-12-4 - Information Item - Memorandum - Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) – Petition and Next Steps

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8 Lastly, it is worth noting that are a myriad of smaller issues and items, too numerous to mention here, that will need to be addressed to plan for and construct this part of the trail. Some of these additional needs may come out of the negotiations for trail easements or corridor and will be shared as they arise. 3. Continuing Discussions — OWASA, Alamance County, Adjoining Landowners About the Trail Alignment on OWASA Lands and Connecting to Alamance County In addition to the work on Phase 11.1, the Board asked that staff convene a meeting with landowners interested in trail easements or other trail amenities in the area of the planned route around Cane Creek Reservoir and connecting to Alamance County. Staff will set a meeting in the near future and invite interested parties and OWASA to meet and discuss interests. While this is not the primary area of activity at present, staff will be willing to discuss future options with landowners who express interest. The Board also asked that a separate meeting be held with OWASA to review the approved conditions adopted by the OWASA Board in August 2016 regarding potential "flexibility" in the conditions where needs may arise. The Manager will work with OWASA and staff to convene a meeting to this purpose. 4. Parallel Track Dialogue — Multi-Modal Trail Connecting Chapel Hill, Carrboro to Hillsborough While noting that this is a separate discussion and trail from the progress on Segment 11 of the MST described above, the Board also directed that a parallel track of conversation be initiated to pursue and explore the concept of a paved trail connecting Chapel Hill and/or Carrboro to Hillsborough. There are a number of different ideas on what form this connection might take, including a roadside trail, connecting public and private open spaces and parks along the route, and the potential for a "rail-to-trail" alternative along the University Station spur rail line from Carrboro to the connection with the North Carolina Railroad (operated by Norfolk and Southern Inc.) east of Hillsborough. (The spur line is also operated by Norfolk and Southern). This is a topic that addresses not only recreational trail use but also incorporates transportation planning and other aspects. Staff proposes to form a joint staff project team to a) gather and develop information about this concept to share with the public, and b) conduct a community meeting where all interested persons can come together and discuss these ideas and options. Because of the wide scope and breadth of this topic, a facilitator for these meetings may be useful.