Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
133 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> A. - V <br /> Department of Environment, <br /> Agriculture,Parks&Recreation <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: Tyler Sliger,Planner II, Planning and Inspections Department <br /> From: Christian Himi,DEAPR Land Conservation Manager <br /> Date: February 24, 2023 <br /> Re: Lawrence Road School-Conditional District Rezoning Application <br /> Thank you the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Lawrence Road School -Conditional <br /> District Rezoning Application. The development would be a combination of two school buildings, and a <br /> complex of athletic fields on approximately 85 acres located east of Lawrence Road and south of US 70A <br /> (with 72 acres within the Lower Eno Unprotected watershed and 13 acres in the Lower Eno Protected <br /> Watershed). The subject property is compiled of one parcel (PIN 9883-19-4355). <br /> The property contains three unnamed tributaries,two in the northeast portion of the tract which come to a <br /> confluence just off property, and one in the southwestern portion. The southern tributary forms a <br /> headwaters for Stony Creek just over 0.4 miles downstream to the south at a private pond. The northern <br /> stream does eventually drain directly in to the Eno River, albeit approximately three miles downstream. <br /> DEAPR comments on subdivisions are generally intended to a)address any concerns with respect to <br /> potential impacts on important natural or cultural resources, and b)identify any areas that might be <br /> desirable for possible dedication to the County for public recreation/open space pursuant to Section 7.11.5 <br /> of the Unified Development Ordinance. <br /> Natural Resources Review Comments: <br /> The plan calls for setting aside areas of Open Space,primarily including areas around riparian buffers that <br /> help protect the three unnamed tributaries on the property, and most of the wetlands as delineated within <br /> the site plan. The proposed Open Space appears to protect the stream corridors and all of the <br /> jurisdictional wetlands, less the proposed access road that enters the northern portion of the property. <br /> Several sections of riparian areas and stream buffers on the property,—are recognized in the 2030 Orange <br /> County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map as"Resource Protection Areas". These areas were <br /> determined to be of conservation value considering several factors, including but not limited to the <br /> existence of floodplains,wetlands,bottomland hardwood forests, and soils of statewide importance. Cross <br /> referencing the State Natural Heritage Program dataset of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Corridor <br /> Assessment confirms the area to be of Moderate to High conservation value (Ranked 7/10). It would be <br /> highly recommended that these areas be protected open space, as indicated on the site plan, and that the <br /> current existing native tree cover be retained as much as possible. This will allow the best protection of <br /> the stream buffer,reduction of the effects of storm water and erosion, and promote the continued use by <br /> local wildlife. Recommendations for retaining the most tree canopy coverage possible is recognized, <br /> amongst the many facets of the Green Growth Toolbox,in the letter of review submitted by the North <br /> Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as part of the development proposal package. <br />