Agenda - 11-19-2001-9c - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

aas ORANGE COUNTY ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM T0: Etltlle Klrk, Orange County Planner' From: Rich Shaw, LanOCOnservation Manager0 ~- Date: November 8, 2001 Re: Proposed Subdivision -Fox Hill Farm Cenbal Thank you the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed subdivision referenced above. My comments are generally Intended tu a) address any concerns that ERCD may have with respect to potential impactr on important natural and cultural resources, antl b) identify any areas that could be desirable for possible dediratlon to the County for public recreation/open space pursuant to Section N-B- 7-b of the Orange County Subdivision Ordinance. The preliminary plat for Fox Hill Farm CenVal shows over 101 acres (33%) are Co be set aside as permanent open spare and deeded fo a homeowners' associatlon. Most of the open spare will be along fve riparian conitlors, which extend across the [ma. One of those wrridars contains a perennial stream (Little Ueek) antl its 100-year Flootlplain. ^ttle Creek Flows souN through the southeast comer tu the Eno lever. From the 1998 orthophoto it appears Nat [he riparian mrrltlors are forested with mature hardwoods, and Nose areas would be protected by stream buffers of varying widths afforded by the Lower Eno ProtecRd Watershed overlay dlshlR antl the Neuse Buffer Rules. Most areas Co be developed as home sites were cleared previously for agricultural use. It appears, however, that apProxima[ely 101ots along the proposed Farm Gate Drive antl another 101ots along the proposed Fox Hill Farm Dr'rve would require at least partial clearing of mature hardwoods itlentlfed as prime forest wllGllfe habitat in the 1999 Landscape with Wildlife report (Wiley et al.). There are no requirements in the ordinance to proteQ those areas. The site includes no proposed wildlife corridors identifetl In Ne Comprehensive Plan. Theproposetl wbtlivision does a fair job of providing open space and protecting riparian corridors located Nroughput the property. The preliminary plan appears consistent wiN the Caunry's desire to minimize adverse environmental impacts wiN respect N the protection of streams antl Floodplains. More mold be done N protect prime foresVwutlllfe habidt and prime farmland, but there are no County requirements N that effect. In conclusion, I do not rewmmend that any land be considered for possible dedication for public recreation/open space. let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss further. tt. Oavid 9ranril