9.13.23 BOA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

174 ORANGE COUNTY Department of Environment, Agriculture,Parks&Recreation MEMORANDUM To: Taylor Perschau, Current Planning Supervisor, Planning and Inspections Department From: Christian Himi,Land Conservation Manager, DEAPR Date: July 26,2023 Re: The Nest at 54 West- Special Use Permit Application Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Special Use Permit Application upon land listed under The Nest at 54 West LLC. The development would include 20 guest cabins and a main building serving as a common/community area,with associated open space, on approximately 21.51 acres located on the north side of NC Highway 54, east of the intersection with Mebane Oaks Road. The subject property is one parcel(PIN 9820-50-8290) and is within the Haw River Watershed. The property contains two unnamed tributaries, and their confluence,which drain directly into Cane Creek around .38 miles east of the property boundary. DEAPR comments on development projects 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 approximately two-thirds of the property as open space,primarily around the riparian buffers of the two unnamed tributaries as delineated within the site plan. The easternmost area on the property containing the tributary and associated forested area, approximately one acre in size, is recognized in the 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map as a "Resource Protection Area". 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 Inventory and the dataset of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Corridor Assessment confirms the primary tributary and associated forested corridor (approximately 100-150 feet from centerline),to be of medium conservation value(Score 5110). The section of Cane Creek directly south of NC 54, one-half mile downstream, is listed by the County and State Natural Heritage Area Inventory(Lower Cane Creek Slopes and Bottoms). This Natural Heritage Program site is listed as primary habitat for the four toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum.. However, no known occurrences of this species have been documented to date. Any such use of the areas around the tributaries should allow it to remain in its natural and wooded state, and the recommendation would be to provide only low-impact recreational uses in the designated open space. The improvement of the existing roadbed to modern standards, including culverts and/or bridging, should be done with care to limit the disturbance of the stream bed and walls.All other uses or potential improvements associated with the development of the tract should be located outside of this area.