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We <br />MEMORANDUM <br />To: Patrick R. Mallett, Planner1l <br />Orange County Planning & Inspections Department <br />From: Rich Shaw, DEAPR Land Conservation Manager <br />Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR Cultural Resources Coordinator <br />Date: September 18, 2015 <br />Re: The Barn of Chapel Hill - Class B Special Use Permit Application <br />Thank you for the opportunity to review the proposal for a retreat center on a 22-acre parcel off <br />Morrow Mill Road in Bingham Township. Our comments are based on an examination of the <br />application for a Class B special use permit that you provided, along with the application for <br />environmental assessment prepared by the applicant and a set of plans for the development. <br />The applicant wishes to develop a retreat center, "The Barn of Chapel Hill," for hosting wedding <br />celebrations, corporate retreats, and other similar events within a 4,200-square-foot, 19th <br />century barn that the owners intend to relocate from New York to the subject property. The <br />development would include 150 parking spaces, outdoor parking lot lighting, and landscaping. <br />bEAPR staff completed the following assessment of the natural and cultural resources known to <br />exist on or adjacent to The Barn of Chapel Hill property (PIN 9729-50-7168). <br />Natural Resources There is no significant natural heritage area (SNHA) known to exist on or <br />adjacent to the subject property. Moreover, the plan appears consistent with the County's <br />desire to minimize adverse environmental impacts with respect to the protection of floociplains, <br />wetlands, natural areas and wildlife habitat. DEAPR's database showed there are no significant <br />natural resource areas (e.g., natural heritage sites, proposed wildlife corridors, prime forest) <br />located on the property. <br />Cultural Resources- There are no previously identified historic properties or resources located <br />on the subject parcel. A nearby parcel includes the Pickard Log house (OC 1113); however that <br />site will not be adversely affected by this proposed barn project. As with any development, <br />care should be taken to locate, identify and protect any potential human burial sites or <br />cemeteries. The current Cemetery Census does not show any identified burials on this parcel. <br />If you have questions please contact Rich at 919-245-2514 or Peter at 919-245-2517. <br />