11.15.23 BOA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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406 Attachment 5 ORANGE COUNTY Department of Environment, Agriculture,Parks&Recreation MEMORANDUM To: Taylor Perschau, Current Planning Supervisor, Planning and Inspections Department From: Christian Himi,DEAPR Land Conservation Manager Date: September 5,2023 Re: Lawrence Road Recreational Facility- Special Use Permit Application Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Lawrence Road Recreational Facility- Special Use Permit Application. The development would be a combination of a recreational facility, several tennis/pickleball courts, and a complex of athletic fields on approximately 85 acres located east of Lawrence Road and south of US 70A(with 72 acres within the Lower Eno Unprotected watershed and 13 acres in the Lower Eno Protected Watershed). The subject property is compiled of one parcel(PIN 9883-19-4355). The property contains three unnamed tributaries,two in the northeast portion of the tract which come to a confluence just off property, and one in the southwestern portion. The southern tributary forms a headwaters for Stony Creek just over 0.4 miles downstream to the south at a private pond. The northern stream does eventually drain directly into the Eno River, albeit approximately three miles downstream. DEAPR comments on development proposals are generally intended to a)address any concerns with respect to potential impacts on important natural or cultural resources, and b)identify any areas that might be desirable for possible dedication to the County for public recreation/open space pursuant to Section 7.11.5 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Natural Resources Review Comments: The plan calls for setting aside areas of Open Space,primarily including areas around riparian buffers that help protect the three unnamed tributaries on the property, and most of the wetlands as delineated within the site plan. The proposed Open Space appears to protect the stream corridors and all the jurisdictional wetlands,with the exception of the proposed access road that enters the northern portion of the property. Most of the eastern portion of the property is wooded. Several sections of riparian areas and stream buffers on the property are recognized in the 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map as"Resource Protection Areas". These areas were determined to be of conservation value considering several factors, including but not limited to the existence of floodplains,wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and soils of statewide importance. Cross-referencing the State Natural Heritage Program dataset of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Corridor Assessment confirms the area to be of Moderate to High conservation value(Ranked 7/10). It would be highly recommended that these areas be protected open space,as indicated on the site plan, and that the current existing native tree cover be retained as much as possible. This will allow the best protection of the stream buffer,reduction of the effects of storm water and erosion, and promote the continued use by local wildlife. Recommendations for retaining the most tree canopy coverage possible is recognized, amongst the many facets of the Green Growth Toolbox,in the letter of review submitted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as part of the previous development proposal package.