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<br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />To: Patrick R. Mallett, Planner, Planning and Inspections Department <br /> <br />From: Rich Shaw, DEAPR Land Conservation Manager <br />Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR Cultural Resources Coordinator <br /> <br />Date: September 18, 2014 <br /> <br />Re: Henderson Woods Major Subdivision <br /> <br />Thank you the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Henderson Woods major <br />subdivision. The development would create 19 single-family lots on 48 acres at the intersection <br />of Whitfield Road and Erwin Road (Rural Buffer; Jordan Lake Unprotected Watershed). <br /> <br />DEAPR comments on subdivisions are generally intended to a) address any concerns with <br />respect to potential impacts on important natural or cultural resources, and b) identify any <br />areas that might be desirable for possible dedication to the County for public recreation/open <br />space pursuant to Section 7.11.5 of the Unified Development Ordinance. <br /> <br />Natural Resources Review Comments: <br />The planned development would set aside 21.51 acres of open space (44.9% of the property) <br />consisting of protected riparian buffers along two New Hope Creek tributary streams and <br />roadside buffers adjacent to Whitfield Road and Erwin Road. The property shares a 1,200-foot <br />common boundary with Duke Forest and the plan calls for retaining an undisturbed 100-foot <br />buffer along that common boundary. <br /> <br />Overall, the plan appears consistent with the County’s desire to minimize adverse environmental <br />impacts with respect to the protection of floodplains, wetlands, natural areas and wildlife <br />habitat. There are no known natural resource areas of high significance (e.g., natural heritage <br />areas, recommended wildlife corridors) located on this property that would warrant potential <br />DEAPR involvement in protecting the open space. <br /> <br />Cultural Resources Review Comments: There are no known/identified cultural resources on or <br />immediately adjacent to this property. As always, the developer should be aware of the <br />possibility of finding unmarked or poorly-marked graves when clearing and grading any rural <br />property. Orange County maintains a detailed map of all known or identified cemeteries and <br />burials, available through the Planning and Inspections Department. The willful disturbance or <br />desecration of any gravesite or burial is a violation of state law. Anyone who encounters what <br />appears to be a burial or grave should immediately contact the Orange County Cultural <br />Resources Coordinator at 919-245-2517. <br /> <br />If you have questions please contact Rich at x-2514 or Peter at x-2517.