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<br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />To: Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor, Planning and Inspections Dept. <br /> <br />From: Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR Cultural Resources Coordinator <br /> <br />Date: Oct. 20, 2020 <br /> <br />Re: Beaver Crossing <br /> <br /> <br />Thank you the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Beaver Crossing rezoning proposal <br />and draft site plans. The subject property is compiled of two separate parcels (PIN’s 9854-16-1576 and <br />9854-36-3711), located west of Hillsborough on the north side of I-40/85 and service road; between Mt. <br />Willing Road and the I-85/US-70 Connector in Efland. <br /> <br />This memo is being provided to address potential impacts to important cultural resources, as a follow up <br />to our earlier DEAPR memo regarding natural resources. <br /> <br />Cultural Resources Review Comments: There is only one previously identified historic resource located <br />within the proposed project area, on the larger of the two parcels (PIN 9854-16-1576). This is identified <br />as the Thompson House in our Orange County Historic Resources Survey and in the State Historic <br />Preservation Office GIS database (site number OR1136). I photographed and documented this historic <br />property in November, 2014, at the time the County contracted with an archaeological consulting firm to <br />undertake a Cultural and Archaeological (C&A) Survey of this large parcel as part of the planning process <br />for the Buckhorn-Efland-Mebane sewer project. That archaeological survey project did not find any <br />significant archaeological or cultural resources within that parcel; the final report is on file with DEAPR. <br /> <br />The Thompson House consists of two separate log structures—a one-room dwelling and a detached one- <br />room kitchen—both built c. 1870. The dwelling portion was enlarged c. 1900 with a wood frame addition <br />that created a two-room house with a loft above. There is one deteriorated farm structure of uncertain <br />purpose standing near these log structures. The site was first documented as part of our County historic <br />resources inventory in 1993, then updated in 2014. It is not eligible for listing on the National Register of <br />Historic Places due to its extremely poor condition. Since 2014, the log house and kitchen have almost <br />entirely collapsed due to neglect and the elements, so the property no longer possesses physical integrity. <br /> <br />As with any development, care should be taken to locate, identify and protect any potential human burial <br />sites or cemeteries. The current Cemetery Census web site and the County GIS site do not show any <br />identified burials on this parcel. Great care should be taken by the project developers to watch for <br />potential burials. Anyone who encounters what appears to be a burial or grave should immediately contact <br />the Orange County Cultural Resources Coordinator at 919-245-2517. <br /> <br />If you have questions, please contact me at (919) 245-2517. <br /> <br />cc: David Stancil <br /> Chris Hirni <br /> <br />116