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<br /> Orange County Staff reviewed the 100’ building setback, roadside buffer <br />requirements, as well as required tree save areas within the Primary Conservation <br />areas. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hefner reviewed his plans to preserve most of the trees within the 100’ building <br />setback and to designate most if not all of the 100’ perimeter as dedicated open <br />space. He also noted the value of maintaining the open space areas within an HOA <br />vs. 19 lots. <br /> <br />4. Conventional vs. Flexible Design. <br /> Residents asked questions the requirements and provisions of the Flexible Design <br />Option. Specifically. <br /> <br /> Orange County Staff reviewed the provisions and requirements as well as the <br />benefits of the Plan (e.g. HOA ownerships and maintenance of the Open Space and <br />the fact that the entire perimeter of the project is controlled by one entity vs. 19 <br />owners. It is also inherently a more sustainable and environmentally sensitive <br />design. Staff also reviewed the 1 acre min. provisions as allowed in the UDO and <br />other Joint Planning Agreements. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hefner reviewed his conventional option for the site, the benefits from a <br />development and maintenance perspective and his commitment to exceed the <br />minimum requirements. <br /> <br />5. Trails and Connections to New Hope Creek and/or Duke Forest. <br /> Residents asked questions about the possibility of trail connections to Duke Forest <br />and New Hope Creek. <br /> <br /> Orange County Staff notes that trails of this nature would require additional <br />easements and improvements through numerous properties. Trails Access via <br />Whitfield may also cause additional off-street parking and traffic congestion issues. <br />Staff noted that public access is often encouraged but to the extent that it causes <br />harm and/or interference with open space that is intended to be more passive in <br />nature. <br /> <br /> Jena Schrieber, Operations Manager for Duke Forest was in attendance and <br />indicated that they could consider such a request. However, it was unlikely <br />considering Duke Forest’s existing access points nearby and the strategy of directing <br />pedestrian access to strategic points of the Forest and New Hope Creek. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hefner reviewed his conventional option for the site, the benefits from a <br />development and maintenance perspective, and his commitment to exceed the <br />minimum open space requirements. He also deferred to Duke Forest to make any <br />further determinations about additional public access points through their property. <br /> <br />6. Well and Septic <br /> Residents asked questions regarding the nature of the suitable soils for the septic <br />systems and water supply for the wells. They also expressed concerns that the <br />development may impact their water quality and quality. <br /> <br /> Orange County Staff reviewed suitable soils indicated on the plan and the fact that <br />the plan calls for individual wells and septic systems. <br />23