Agenda - 09-21-1999 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MaryAnn E. Black Chairman 615 Orindo Drive Durham, NC 27713 Ellen W. Reckhow Vice - Chairman 11 Pine Top Place Durham, NC 27705 N SEP 17 1999 COUNTY OF DURHAM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 14, 1999 Ms. Alice Gordon, Chairman Coun Board of Commissioners p�STR�B'`` Orange �' PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Ms. Gordon: William V. Bell 1003 Huntsman Drive Durham, NC 27713 Joe W. Bowser 9 Druid Place Durham, NC 27707 Becky M. Heron 4425 Kerley Road Durham, NC 27705 I am writing to inform you about an action taken by the Durham County Board of Commissioners at their meeting on Monday, September 13. The action is related to the site on the Orange/Durham County line that your Board is considering for possible acquisition for a construction and demolition landfill (C &D) or for other county use. As you may be aware, in 1992, as part of a countywide open space plan, Durham County adopted the Little River Corridor as one of five "natural area corridors" due to its outstanding natural significance. Special open space protection plans have been or will be prepared for each of these corridors. The New Hope Creek Corridor was one of the designated corridors, and Durham County, the City of Durham, Chapel Hill, and Orange County worked cooperatively to prepare a plan for the preserving the most important elements of that area. The Little River Corridor is strategically important for Durham and Orange Counties for several reasons. The protection of the upstream portions of the Little River is.important to help preserve the water quality for the Little River Reservoir. The existing high quality and purity of the water is evidenced by a number of rare mussel species that depend on very clean waters, including four species that are state listed as threatened and candidates for the federal endangered species list. The Little River corridor is also important for wildlife habitat and for its excellent potential for low - impact recreation opportunities for Durham and Orange residents. The Durham Board of County Commissioners previously approved spending $400,000 in county park and recreation bond funds to acquire lands along the Little River corridor. The County has already acquired 50 acres of land along this corridor at US 501 North using $204,000 of these funds. The 178 -acre tract in Orange County presently being considered for a C & D landfill (labeled `B" on the attached map) is bordered on the south and east by a 390 -acre Durham County Administrative Complex, 200 E. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701 (919) 560 -0027 Fax (919) 560 -0020 Equal Employment / Affinnative Action Employer