Orange County NC Website
CIS <br />Open Space <br />Conventional Plan <br />The approximately 40% open space is located mainly along an existing stream, around the <br />perimeter and in the middle of the subdivision. There is a cross connection between the two <br />main areas for a potential trail. One area of deficiency is along the eastern side of the property. <br />Among the various comments at the Neighborhood Information Meeting was requiring the <br />provision of a small buffer along the backs of lots 5, 6, and 7 to lessen the potential for <br />encroachments on neighboring property to the south. The open space for this lot layout is <br />preferable to the flexible development plan. There is a balance of perimeter open space and <br />centrally located open space which improves livability for residents. <br />Flexible Plan <br />Approximately 37.7% of the total acreage on the Conservation Cluster Flexible Plan would be in <br />Open Space. Virtually all of the open space is at the perimeter of the subdivision with little <br />centrally located open space. All of the development is confined to the central part of the <br />subdivision diminishing the `neighborhood feel' of the development. The location of the open <br />space is forced to the perimeter and there is little room left for development and centrally <br />located open space. <br />Environmental Assessment <br />The State Clearinghouse has returned all comments from State agencies, which are included in <br />the packet materials. There are no issues that would require an Environmental Impact <br />Statement to be prepared. Also, Orange County staff did not find any detrimental environmental <br />impacts associated with this development. Should no issues arise at the Public Hearing to <br />indicate otherwise, staff will complete a Finding of No Significant Impact memo and reference it <br />in the Findings of Fact prior to a decision of the Board of County Commissioners. <br />Biological Inventory <br />The submitted Biological Inventory (attached) indicates there are no substantial negative <br />environmental impacts associated with this development. <br />Parks and Recreation /ERCD <br />The Parks and Recreation Advisory Council (PRAC) has reviewed this proposal and <br />recommended the payment-in-lieu option rather than any public dedication [see attached <br />agency review comment]. Staff recommends that the payment-in-lieu option be accepted for <br />these lots [$422 x 45 = $18,990]. PRAC and ERCD also recommended that a trail connection to <br />the Efland Cheeks Elementary trail and Richmond Hills trail be required. Staff has included both <br />recommendations into the recommended SUP conditions of approval. Approximately 14,200 <br />square feet of private recreation space will need to be provided. This area has not been <br />designated at this time, but will most likely take the form of trail connections and possibly <br />sidewalks. <br />Sheriff <br />The Sheriff s office has not yet responded to service issues regarding this proposal. <br />