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23 <br /> WHEREAS, in the interest of working together, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County <br /> elected boards have considered this resolution to determine a joint path forward; and <br /> WHEREAS, each board will consider this resolution in January 2020 outlining next steps and <br /> provide direction to their respective staff; and <br /> WHEREAS, this resolution attempts to consolidate the differences and supersede the <br /> resolutions adopted in February 2019 by the Carrboro Board of Aldermen and the Orange <br /> County Commissioners and the resolution adopted in July 2019 by the Chapel Hill Town <br /> Council; and <br /> WHEREAS, analysis of the Greene Tract's past, present, and future identified the following land <br /> use needs and goals: <br /> • Promote mixed-income housing opportunities; development of housing that serves a <br /> range of incomes <br /> • Preserve valuable environmental features including tree canopy, open space, stream <br /> buffers, and wildlife corridors; <br /> • Protect historical and cultural resources; <br /> • Promote cost effective infrastructure; <br /> • Incorporate school and recreation sites; <br /> • Earmark development areas for mixed income housing and mixed use potential; and <br /> WHEREAS, the staff work group considered direction from the respective governing boards, <br /> specialized staff, housing partners, and community in developing a conceptual process for the <br /> Greene Tract. <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners: <br /> 1. Jointly pursue an environmental assessment of the entire 164 acres to consider <br /> designating the most environmentally sensitive area as the Headwaters Preserve with a <br /> cost share Interlocal Agreement for that analysis of 43/43/14 percent (Orange <br /> County/Chapel Hill/Carrboro respectively). <br /> a. Environmental assessment of the site should include site topography, habitat for <br /> species of special concern, wetlands, stream corridors, and cultural and historic <br /> resources. <br /> b. Best practical alternative shall be evaluated to balance environmental and <br /> infrastructure needs (i.e. roadway, water, sewer, stormwater, etc.). <br /> 2. Jointly pursues a Memorandum of Understanding for future decision-making process. <br /> This document will be used to ensure the parties participate in good faith in the planning <br /> process for potential development of the Greene Tract. The document will describe <br /> community outreach efforts. <br /> 3. Jointly agrees to have a joint public information session that includes Orange County, <br /> Chapel Hill and Carrboro a minimum of 2 months after the Environmental Assessment <br /> has been completed by the consultant and received by the jurisdictions. <br /> 4. Jointly agrees to not initiate formal further public engagement until completion of the <br /> Memorandum of Understanding document. <br /> 5. Jointly agrees any potential developers of the Greene Tract may rely upon and utilize the <br /> environmental assessment contemplated herein and shall not be required to conduct or <br /> obtain a separate environmental assessment. <br /> 6. Agrees to discussion of the Greene Tract at the 2020 Assembly of Governments <br /> meeting on January <br />