Agenda - 01-21-20 6-a - 2020 Greene Tract Resolution and Environmental Assessment Interlocal Agreement

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7 WHEREAS, on July 15, 2019 the Chapel Hill Town Council adopted a resolution to support adjusting the property lines on the tract and the Headwaters Preserve, creating a jointly-owned preserve, and conceptually agreeing to consider development of the Greene Tract; and WHEREAS, at that time the Chapel Hill Town Council did not agree to designating the land uses indicated on the maps attached to the Carrboro and County's resolutions; and WHEREAS, the three jurisdictions agreed conceptually to the following land use designations: • Approximately 22 acres for joint preserve; • A minimum of 16 acres for public school site and public recreational facility site; • Approximately 66 acres for housing/mixed use; and WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Town Council also adopted a resolution on July 15, 2019 committing to holding a series of community meetings, soliciting input from the public and respective advisory boards regarding land uses and densities, initiate environmental and connectivity assessment; and initiate steps to protect the jointly-owned preserve and the Headwaters Preserve in perpetuity; and WHEREAS, an environmental assessment would be based on the highest protective environmental regulations of the three jurisdictions (Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County) and as also defined by the Army Corps of Engineers for wetlands determination; and WHEREAS, in the interest of working together, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County elected boards have considered this resolution to determine a joint path forward; and WHEREAS, each board will consider this resolution in January 2020 outlining next steps and provide direction to their respective staff; and WHEREAS, this resolution attempts to consolidate the differences and supersede the resolutions adopted in February 2019 by the Carrboro Board of Aldermen and the Orange County Commissioners and the resolution adopted in July 2019 by the Chapel Hill Town Council; and WHEREAS, analysis of the Greene Tract's past, present, and future identified the following land use needs and goals: • Promote mixed-income housing opportunities; development of housing that serves a range of incomes • Preserve valuable environmental features including tree canopy, open space, stream buffers, and wildlife corridors; • Protect historical and cultural resources; • Promote cost effective infrastructure; • Incorporate school and recreation sites; • Earmark development areas for mixed income housing and mixed use potential; and WHEREAS, the staff work group considered direction from the respective governing boards, specialized staff, housing partners, and community in developing a conceptual process for the Greene Tract.