Minutes 02-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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24 Chair Dorosin said the presentation lays out three different options for how much developable area there will be, based on how the headwaters are configured. He said the metrics are being applied to these three different total acreage numbers. Commissioner Jacobs said there could be a target number of units, as opposed to a target number of acreage, and design something less dense, and more livable. Travis Myren said the reason why the 39 acres times 20 does not work, is because the 39 includes the school site, the road, etc. He said a subset of those 39 acres would be available for housing. Commissioner Jacobs asked, if there is mixed use, is it counted separately yet again, or is it a part of the housing. Travis Myren said that would be part of the housing. Commissioner Jacobs said the inclusion of commercial development has been part of the debate from the beginning, and the issue of food deserts makes this particularly germane. Commissioner Marcoplos said food deserts and jobs, and he would be in favor of mixed use. He said the eastern side has always intrigued him because it allows easier access to existing transportation and food. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if there is a reason why this railroad track is such an insurmountable obstacle. Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said there are no new crossings allowed over the railroad, and adding one requires the removal of two existing crossings. He said the existing crossings, at Homestead and Eubanks roads, are critical. He said if the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) were to abandon this rail in the future, there would be no problems. He said Orange County will submit an application, but NCRR has recommended that the County find another access point from the north or south. He said there is possible access to the north through Genestu Drive, next to the Animal Shelter, but some right of ways would be needed from property owners. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if NCRR has the same criteria for a freight train travelling at 60 miles per hour, and a coal train that is crawling along. Craig Benedict said yes, and the possibility of a new rail crossing is minimal. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if Norfolk-Southern is a private company. Craig Benedict said Norfolk-Southern has the use of the right of way from the State. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if anyone has approached Norfolk-Southern to see if they will change their mind. Craig Benedict said they are in the mode to close private crossings throughout the state, and close public crossings where they can, NCRR has rerouted roads rather than closing crossings. Commissioner Price asked if they are discussing at grade crossings. Craig Benedict said yes. Commissioner Price asked if, this area would be developed; would there be any at grade, open crossings. Craig Benedict said one suggestion was to have a grade crossing, as there seems to be no way to go under or over it. He said the likelihood of NCRR approving this is minimal. Commissioner Price asked if there would be trains going through the property without signals, and bars to alert people to the train’s presence. Craig Benedict said the train is only used to transport coal to UNC, and there are no crossings being suggested for this site. Commissioner Price referred to the buffer, and asked if the buffer is a long standing policy, or a current recommendation. Craig Benedict said the wetlands necessitate required buffers. Commissioner Price asked if the size of the buffers is an existing requirement.