HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-19-2009 - 1ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 19, 2009
Action Agenda
Item No. 2
SUBJECT: Proposed Master Plan - Hollow Rock Access Area at New Hope Preserve
DEPARTMENTS: ERCD, Parks & Recreation, PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
Planning
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed Master Plan
Key Issues
INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Stancil, 245 -2510
Lori Taft, 245 -2660
Marabeth Carr, 960 -3880
PURPOSE: To consider the proposed master plan for the Hollow Rock Access Area — a
multi jurisdictional public open space project located along New Hope Creek near the
Orange- Durham county line — and provide feedback to staff prior to possible adoption of a
master plan.
BACKGROUND: This 75 -acre site is located south of Erwin Road near the intersection
with Pickett Road. The property straddles the Orange- Durham county line, and is
comprised of multiple land parcels owned separately by Orange County, Durham County,
the Town of Chapel Hill and the Triangle Land Conservancy. New Hope Creek forms the
western boundary of the property. These properties were acquired as part of an overall
effort to protect land along New Hope Creek between Duke Forest and US 15/501 as a
linear nature preserve, with a planned trail. Durham County refers to its landholdings as
the "New Hope Creek Preserve," and Orange County has also used the working title of
"New Hope Preserve" to describe its landholdings along New Hope Creek (which includes
the Hollow Rock Access Area).
The purpose of the multi jurisdictional Hollow Rock Access Area project is to conserve
significant natural and cultural resource lands along New Hope Creek and to make
portions of the site available for low- impact recreational uses (in this case, the Hollow
Rock site).
In September 2006, Orange County joined in an interlocal agreement with the City of
Durham, Durham County and the Town of Chapel Hill for acquisition and master planning
of the property known as the "Hollow Rock Access Area" section of the New Hope Creek
corridor. Over an 18 -month period, a Master Plan Advisory Committee (known as the
Hollow Rock Master Plan Committee) held workshops and open houses to develop a
master plan that fulfills the four responsibilities assigned to it by the agreement:
2
1. To develop recommendations of uses to be allowed within different areas of the
Hollow Rock Access area.
2. To develop recommendations of facilities to be available within different areas of
the Hollow Rock Access area and proposed locations for said facilities.
3. To provide suggestions on priority phasing for recommended facilities.
4. To hold public input meetings on the recommended uses and facilities.
The attached Master Plan is the result of the Master Plan Committee's work. The plan
includes an overview of the process, background and history, public outreach, findings
and recommendations for development of the public access area in phases to serve the
purposes selected by the advisory group, created after multiple public meetings to solicit
input, and discussion of constraints and opportunities on the site.
Proposed future park amenities will include a small parking lot and restroom building,
hiking trails and educational opportunities, and the return of the historic "Hollow Rock
Store" to its original site. One step already taken, outside of the master plan process, is
the organization of a "Friends of the Hollow Rock Store" group that is working to raise
funds for the building's move and renovation.
The Master Plan includes the following specific priority facility recommendations:
• Phase 1 includes trails with some stream crossings, an ADA loop trail, educational
and entrance signage, parking, bike racks, temporary restrooms, a picnic area, the
old Hollow Rock Store building (relocated to the site), and use of the 2.6 -acre
Triangle Land Conservancy property.
• Phase 2 would occur if and when Pickett Road (which bisects the site) is closed,
and would include additional parking, permanent restrooms, loops, trails (and
stream crossings) and a gate on Pickett Road.
More detail on these facilities may be found in the Proposed Master Plan map included on
page 15 (bottom) of the Plan document (page 19 of this entire abstract package).
There are some key issues that will require resolution by the elected boards that own the
site before facility development or future activities can occur:
1. Pickett Road: Pickett Road bisects the Hollow Rock Access Area. After substantial
discussion, including information gathered from NCDOT and the regional and local
transportation staff, the Master Plan Committee noted in its findings that the
access area would function better with the road closed to through traffic, but notes
that this decision is one that requires further review and discussion. As such, the
Master Plan is designed so that Phase 1 assumes an open road, and Phase 2
assumes the road is closed.
2. Construction, Operation and Management: The Hollow Rock Access Area includes
land in two counties, owned by four different landowners (Orange County, Durham
County, Triangle Land Conservancy and the Town of Chapel Hill). The interlocal
agreement that governed the acquisition and master planning of the property does
not address how the property would be constructed or managed. Further
discussions are needed among the owners on how these activities would proceed.
At present, no funds have been allocated for facility construction or operation and
maintenance.
3. TLC Property: Triangle Land Conservancy agreed to allow its 2.6 -acre property
that is surrounded by public landholdings on the Orange County side of the site) to
be included in the master plan. TLC is interested, however, in selling the property
and the master plan includes use of the property as part of the site's envisioned
future. Consideration of this idea, cost of acquisition and maintenance of existing
buildings on the site are among the issues that will need to be addressed.
Additional detail on these key issues may be found in the attached Key Issues document.
Cost estimates were prepared as part of the master plan, and these figures are also
included in the Key Issues attachment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan. However, implementation of the plan, which would
come as a result of future elected board discussions, would have costs associated with both
construction and operation and maintenance.
The estimated cost of Phase 1 of the site development is $425,000 (Phase 1A, described as
`essential' elements, is estimated at $250,000- 350,000). There is no current funding for this
facility, a fact that was shared with the Master Plan Committee prior to planning. The FY
2009 -19 CIP reflects potential future funding in the amount of $625,000 in FY 2016 -17.
Operation and management of facilities constructed on site could be accomplished in a
variety of methods, and potential ideas toward this end are included in the attached Key
Issues document. The most likely initial issues to require action are 1) whether to allow for
the relocation of the old Hollow Rock Store to the site (and associated risk management,
upkeep and maintenance issues), and 2) whether the TLC property should be acquired,
including cost -share arrangements and the disposition of the existing buildings on the
property.
RECOMMENDATION (S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the
proposed master plan and take the following steps:
1. Refer the master plan to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council, Commission
for the Environment and Orange Unified Transportation Board, requesting feedback
and comments on the relevant components of the master plan by February 1, 2010;
2. Direct staff to develop more - detailed recommendations on the Pickett Road,
operation and management, and TLC property questions for subsequent Board
discussion, and
3. Ask the Clerk to schedule an opportunity to discuss the master plan and next steps
with the Durham County Board of Commissioners, Chapel Hill Town Council, and
Durham City Council during 2010.
No formal action on the master plan is requested at this time.
Proposed Master Plan
Hollow Rock Access Area
to the New Hope Preserve
September 2009
Hollow Rock Master Plan Committee
5
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Hollow Rock Access Area at New Hope Preserve
Proposed Master Plan
I. Introduction
In September 2006, four local governments (Orange County, Durham County, City of
Durham, and Town of Chapel Hill) signed an interlocal agreement for the acquisition,
planning and operation of the Hollow Rock portion of the New Hope Creek Corridor
master plan. The agreement also established a "Park Planning Advisory Committee"
to develop recommendations for an overall plan for the Hollow Rock area property.
Over the last year and a half, the Hollow Rock Master Plan Committee held 13
meetings, solicited public comment on concepts and ideas, and developed a master
plan with recommendations for the types and location of facilities for the Hollow Rock
Access Area'. (See Appendix 1 for a list of committee members.)
The Committee had the following responsibilities (by interlocal agreement):
1. To develop recommendations of uses to be allowed within different areas of the
Hollow Rock Access area.
2. To develop recommendations of facilities to be available within different areas
of the Hollow Rock Access area and proposed locations for said facilities.
3. To provide suggestions on priority phasing for recommended facilities.
4. To hold public input meetings on the recommended uses and facilities.
II. Background
The planned Hollow Rock Access Area is a multi - jurisdictional project to conserve
significant natural and cultural resource lands along New Hope Creek and to make
portions of the site available for low- impact recreational uses.
The 75 -acre site is located south of Erwin Road near the intersection with Pickett Road
(Figure A). The property straddles the Orange- Durham county line, and is comprised
of multiple land parcels owned separately by Orange County, Durham County, the
Town of Chapel Hill and the Triangle Land Conservancy. New Hope Creek forms the
western boundary of the property.
The name "Hollow Rock Access Area" is based on the 1991 New Hope Creek Corridor Master Plan,
and is used within the context of a larger "New Hope Preserve," which includes lands owned by Orange
County, Durham County, Town of Chapel Hill, and the Triangle Land Conservancy. Some of these
additional lands lie outside of the boundaries of the access area master plan project, and may or may
not include public access (other than long -term trail connections).
H
i Hollow Rock Planning Area
Open Space
100 -year Floodplain
^'�r^ Streams
t Building Footprints
Parcels City of Durham
0.
N S LT �S RA
Al
Hollow Rock Access
Figure A. Site Map
500 250 0 500
Feet
Hollow Rock Planning Area
Duh m ad O a a County
l"W a Pa 6, 2007 7:462 PM
N] IpS1fIMwHtocMM %pgkOpps_CmsSlFipus B_aiarmrA
���
7
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Human History of the Site
The Hollow Rock area has a long and colorful history of use. With its rich bottomland
soils and clean streams the Hollow Rock area supported abundant wildlife and was
well suited to agricultural uses. Native Americans traversed this area and established
a substantial community. Europeans also settled and gradually the trading paths
became roads, including present -day Erwin Road. During the 19th century the
Patterson family established a prominent mill near this crossroads, and by the turn of
the 20th century the Hollow Rock store had become a popular gathering place.
Although the last store building was demolished in the early 1990s the area retains a
strong sense of place, due in part to the forest management program by Duke
University and to the strong community presence from surrounding residents.
The name "Hollow Rock" comes from an unusual sandstone rock outcrop located
along the bank of New Hope Creek, north of the Erwin Road crossing and north of the
planning area. The rock has been carved out over time by flow of the river. A popular
Duke Forest trail brings many visitors to this site, especially in late spring when the
rhododendron is in bloom. South of Erwin Road, another interesting rock outcrop —the
"Hanging Rock " — extends out from the bank over New Hope Creek.
The land for the Hollow Rock Access Area was acquired in a series of transactions
from 2001 -08. Funding for land acquisition came from the State of North Carolina,
Durham County, Orange County, Town of Chapel Hill, City of Durham, Triangle Land
Conservancy and Erwin Area Neighborhood Group (EANG), which raised private
funds for purchasing land. Duke University was also an important partner, as were
other private landowners who conserved portions of their land along New Hope Creek.
r
.........
i
a rf �
-� W
r /
Hollow Rock
Planning Area
a P Figure B. vicinity Map
Streams
Roads 0.25 0.125 0 025
Miles
•
Hollow Rock Planning Area
Durham and Omrge County
as
0
:U S W oRDw Rock W dl ovAockPia m i ng611.m:
a•
r
1°
h
a P Figure B. vicinity Map
Streams
Roads 0.25 0.125 0 025
Miles
•
Hollow Rock Planning Area
Durham and Omrge County
Thmsday, September 6, 2007 12:1257 PM
:U S W oRDw Rock W dl ovAockPia m i ng611.m:
r
h
HAP
ILL
1
A
r
h
�
E
Hollow
Rock Access
Overview
IM Hollow Rock Planning
Area
O n S ace
a P Figure B. vicinity Map
Streams
Roads 0.25 0.125 0 025
Miles
•
Hollow Rock Planning Area
Durham and Omrge County
Thmsday, September 6, 2007 12:1257 PM
:U S W oRDw Rock W dl ovAockPia m i ng611.m:
E
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan
Project Purpose
September 2009
The New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan was adopted in 1991 by the City of
Durham, Durham County, Orange County, and the Town of Chapel Hill. The plan
called for the protection of an open space corridor along New Hope Creek and its
tributary streams for recreational trails and conserving wildlife habitat. The plan
identified 10 components —one of which was the "Hollow Rock Access Area."
The Hollow Rock Access Area is intended as a community low- impact recreational
area, with facilities and amenities that blend with the natural setting. The site is
envisioned as a gathering place for picnics and forest walks, and for people of all ages
to learn about the rich natural heritage and remarkable history of land use in the
Hollow Rock community.
The site is also envisioned as an important gateway to the regional New Hope Creek
trail system. Land protection along the New Hope Creek corridor extends well beyond
the boundaries of the Hollow Rock Access, with 1,900 acres of the Duke Forest
(Korstian Division) north of Erwin Road, and Orange and Durham counties owning
over 260 acres of additional conservation land downstream of the Hollow Rock area,
forming a nearly continuous corridor of open space south to Jordan Lake (Figure B).
In 2006 the four local governments signed an interlocal agreement for the planning
and operation of the Hollow Rock Access Area portion of the New Hope Creek master
plan. The agreement also established the advisory Committee to develop a master
plan for the property. A Hollow Rock master plan committee was appointed in late
2006 and charged with developing recommendations for the types and location of
facilities for the site. (See Appendix 1 for list of committee members.)
Site Characteristics
The property is entirely forested except for a two -acre clearing that has been
maintained in grass following several decades of agricultural use. The forest is a
combination of mature pine and mixed hardwoods bisected by a gravel section of
Pickett Road. The land slopes generally to the southwest toward New Hope Creek,
which forms the western property boundary. A number of small creeks flow through
the middle of the site before draining to New Hope Creek.
III. Site Analysis / Opportunities & Constraints
At the initial meeting of the master plan committee, staff presented an overview of the
property and a detailed analysis of the site's features and potential limitations. The
Opportunities and Constraints report summarized the history of land use, zoning and
planning issues, and an evaluation of the natural and cultural features present. The
following summarizes many of the key findings from that September 2007 report (for
more detail, see the full Opportunities and Constraints report included as Appendix 5).
10
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
The Orange County portion of the site is zoned Rural Buffer, which allows for parks
and government facilities, but no public water or sewer services. Streams require
undisturbed buffers up to 80 feet wide. The Durham County portion site is zoned RS-
20, which accommodates parks. Streams require 50 -foot undisturbed buffers.
In addition to the required county stream buffers, conservation easements held by the
State of NC (implemented as a result of grants to acquire the property) require 300 -
foot -wide buffers along streams, although some limited uses are allowed within those
buffers, including natural trails with bridge crossings, boardwalks, kiosks and benches.
A map of the areas protected with conservation easements is provided as Appendix 8.
Phvsical and Environmental Issues
The land slopes generally from the northeast (310' elevation) down to New Hope
Creek (265') in the far southwest of the property. The eastern half of the site drains to
a perennial tributary stream that flows through the middle of the property, under Pickett
Road and eventually to New Hope Creek. The New Hope Creek corridor includes a
narrow fringe of bottomland (100 -year floodplain) that extends northeast into the site
along both sides of the tributary stream. It is in this area that New Hope Creek begins
to flow through the easily eroded sedimentary rock of the Triassic Basin.
Most of the site is comprised of fairly mature hardwood forest typical of the Piedmont
alluvial and bottomland forest. The more upland portions of the site (generally east of
Pickett Road) are suitable for nature trails, natural /cultural education, and other low -
impact uses. The bottomland forest (west of Pickett Road) provides different
opportunities for environmental education. Nature trails should be designed to
minimize impacts to streams and bottomlands. Pedestrian bridges and boardwalks
will likely be necessary to navigate portions of the property.
The New Hope Creek aquatic habitat is recognized as "state significant" due the
presence of rare and endangered species of fish, crayfish, snails and mussels. The
unusually high quality of this aquatic habitat will need to be protected from any
potential sources of pollution. Environmental education should be encouraged, but
controlled in ways that limit the disturbance of aquatic organisms and their habitats.
There are no structures on the property, except for a well - established home site on the
Triangle Land Conservancy parcel. TLC uses the circa 1920 house and two
outbuildings for rental income and for storing equipment. A small meadow extends
from the house into the adjacent county -owned property.
Cultural and Archaeological Issues
A cultural and archaeological survey of the property was performed by Legacy
Research Associates, Inc. The purpose of the survey was to identify significant
cultural resources so that they could be evaluated and protected from park
development. The findings of the survey would also be useful for interpreting the park
property and the surrounding community.
Gt
11
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
The initial survey, completed in 2007, confirmed that the area where Erwin Road
crosses New Hope Creek has a long- standing tradition, rich in prehistory and history
for indigenous and Euro- American settlement. Additional survey in 2008 identified
areas of the park that should be restricted from development and /or protected during
facility construction. Information from these surveys was conveyed to the Hollow
Rock master plan committee and incorporated into the master plan.
Committee members participating in charrette design workshop
Access and Transportation Issues
The site is highly accessible to residents of southwest Durham and from Chapel Hill
via Erwin Road, Pickett Road, and other links to US 15 -501. Direct access to the
property could be from Erwin Road or from Pickett Road, which bisects the site.
Having portions of the park on both sides of Pickett Road not only presents more
complexity for locating entrances and parking, it also creates public safety issues. The
1991 New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan envisioned a small parking area for
this site on the west side of Pickett Road. That master plan did not, however,
anticipate there being parkland on both sides of Pickett Road.
7
12
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
This section of Pickett Road is a gravel, state - maintained roadway between Erwin
Road to the Trinity School entrance, about 1,000 feet south of the park property. The
gravel road provides access to two private residences. Durham County's 1991
Thoroughfare Plan identifies Pickett Road as a "minor thoroughfare," and NCDOT
would like to pave the road, but has received resistance from adjoining landowners.
The future use of Pickett Road was one of the most significant issues that the
Committee dealt with in creating the master plan. The Committee considered the pros
and cons of closing a section of the road to through traffic. More details are provided
in the Findings of the Committee (Pages 10 -11) and in Appendix 5.
The site's close proximity to two schools (Forest View Elementary and Trinity School)
is an important asset. It will be important to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access to
the site from both schools as well as from the adjoining residential neighborhoods.
The Solterra neighborhood shares the northernmost boundary of the parkland, and
several informal trails have been created into the park property from that subdivision.
One official pedestrian access point into the park would be desirable from Solterra.
Similarly, a pedestrian access point and trailhead would be desirable along the eastern
park boundary to connect with neighborhoods to the east. That access could be
established in the future when the intervening vacant property is developed. Multiple
informal access points into the Hollow Rock Access Area should be discouraged to
minimize undesirable impacts along the park boundaries.
E:3
13
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
IV. Committee Meetings and Design Process
The committee met on 12 different occasions over a year and a half period, and
included design workshops (or "charrettes ") and two public input meetings. The
following table summarizes the activities of the committee meetings.
Date of Meeting Activities
September 18, 2007 Overview of project and charge to the committee,
review of Background information on Site, and
Challenges and Opportunities report.
October 12 & 14, 2007
Site Visits
October 29, 2007
Site visit debrief and discussion on additional Hollow
Rock area information.
January 30, 2008
Presentation on the Cultural and Archaeological
Survey Results. Discussion on facility preferences
and an update from staff on the process of closing
Picket Road.
February 28, 2008
Camrnun�ty input Meetrng
April 10, 2008
Pickett Road discussion and report from the City of
Durham Transportation staff. Continued discussion on
possible facilities and preferences generated from
1/30 and 2/28 Community Input meeting.
May 29, 2008
Design Charrette
June 30, 2008
Design Charrette continuation and discussion
September 4, 2008
Updates on additional Cultural and Archaeological
information and Pickett Road. Review and discussion
of 2 site plans schemes generated from the charrette.
November 5, 2008
Review of questionnaire responses from the
committee members and of two schemes developed
from the results. Presentation of a combination of
both schemes into a possible draft master plan.
Committee endorses the proposed draft master plan
to be presented at the Open House.
Decernber.3, 20138
Presentation of the draft Master play to the public for
{Opera House)
reviewed eornment
h F
�
February , 2009
rY
Review of public comments, and points included
p p s to be
into master plan. Discussion on possible phasing of
facilities.
March 4, 2009
Review of draft master plan and report, and
discussion of desired revisions for final adoption.
6
14
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
V. Findings
The Committee came to consensus on several basic findings that framed the creation
of the draft master plan.
1. The park design should be in keeping with the original recommendations of the
New Hope Creek Corridor Master Plan, the interlocal agreement, the various
conservation easements, and the recommendations from the cultural and
archaeological survey.
2. The uses and facilities need to be kept at a minimum and implemented using
sustainable design principles to promote a natural recreational experience and
have minimal impact on the natural and historic setting.
3. The meadow should remain open with no trees or permanent structures, and
should be used for only for activities that are in keeping with the natural and
cultural history of the site (e.g., informal play space, picnics, special events).
4. The cultural and archaeological survey provided information about the local
history and significant archaeological resources found on the property. It may
be prudent to conduct additional survey work prior to park construction.
5. The 2.6 acres owned by Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) should be
incorporated into the park. The land is more important than the house (ca.
1920), although recent improvements to the house might make it viable (if
desired) for a caretaker residence, exhibit space, or other uses. The existing
TLC shed could be used right away for sheltered picnic and educational uses.
6. The proposed new entrance from Erwin Road would require the relocation of
the existing entrance used by the Fisher and TLC residences. The Fishers and
TLC agree with the proposed relocation as long as they retain use of the new
entrance and adequate measures are taken for their privacy and security.
7. A recombination of existing parcel boundaries (west side of Pickett Road) might
benefit all parties, although such actions may require amendments to existing
conservation easements held by the State of North Carolina.
8. Future trails within the park should link with other Orange and Durham county
open space lands (New Hope Preserve) to the south and with existing Duke
Forest trails to the north. The only sanctioned trail link to Duke Forest should
be along New Hope Creek under the Erwin Road Bridge.
9. Future trails within the park should link with the Solterra subdivision located to
the northeast and eventually to the undeveloped property (and Randolph Road)
to the east, consistent with some future agreement with the owners of those
properties.
10
15
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan
September 2009
10. The former Hollow Rock Store building would bean asset to the future park. It
could be used to help educate visitors about the history of the site and the
neighboring community. The "Friends of Hollow Rock Store" intend to raise
funds for the relocation and renovation of the building in the park (Appendix 9).
11. There are many pros and cons to closing the gravel section of Pickett Road to
through traffic, but closing the road would be better for the park and its users.
The process for closing a road is difficult, however, so the master plan should
consider both scenarios: Pickett Road open and closed.
VI. Public Outreach and Input
Special meetings were held by the Master Plan Committee to receive public input both
before and after working on the design of the Hollow Rock Access Area.
A community Open House was held on February 28, 2008 at the New Hope
Improvement Center. Approximately 45 citizens were presented with an overview of
the site, including the many opportunities and constraints that would influence the
design of the park. People provided comments and ideas for the kinds of facilities they
wanted at the future park, including a "dot voting" exercise to identify preferences.
The results indicated a strong preference toward a park theme focused on the natural
and cultural heritage of the area. Facilities that received the most votes were hiking
trails, paved loop trail, restroom, and opportunities for environmental education. Most
people expressed interest in closing Pickett Road to through traffic. A complete list of
comments (verbal and written) from the Open House is provided as Appendix A.
16
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
A second public meeting was held on December 3, 2008, also at the New Hope
Improvement Center. The purpose of this meeting was to present the initial scheme
for the draft master plan and to solicit citizen feedback and additional ideas. There
were over 65 people in attendance (non- committee and staff members).
There were many questions about who would administer and operate the park. Others
asked how this site would be coordinated with the Duke Forest trails to the north and
other planned trails along New Hope Creek to the south. People offered their thoughts
about the potential closing of Pickett Road and how that might enhance the park.
Others were not in favor of closing the road to through traffic.
Finally, there were ideas offered for other facilities that had not been considered by the
committee, including a pedestrian bridge over Pickett Road, camp sites, a
canoe /kayak access area, a bike lane along Erwin Road, and signage about the
geology of the area. A number of people supported construction of a new sidewalk
along Erwin Road for children to access the property from Forest View Elementary
School.
A summary of the comments and suggestions from the second Public Meeting is
provided as Appendix B.
Two public meetings generated ideas and suggestions for the master plan
12
17
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
VII. Recommended Master Plan and Rationale
Based on its deliberations and discussions, along with public comment, the Master
Plan Committee proposes the following components of the draft master plan:
Master Plan Rationale
The design of the Master Plan was driven not only by the many opportunities that the
site offers and the types of facilities that the committee and community desired, but
also by the formidable site constraints —from the natural limitations (e.g., floodplains
and significant wildlife habitats), to the special regulations and conservation
easements imposed on this site to protect the significant natural and cultural
resources, to the findings of the cultural and archaeological surveys, which informed
decisions about the most - appropriate locations for many activities.
Providing safe access to the site proved to be one of the major design issues in
developing the Master Plan. Although the site is centrally located between Durham
and Chapel Hill, access via Erwin Road is quite difficult because of the large volume of
traffic and poor sight lines needed for safe ingress and egress. NCDOT
representatives worked with staff to identify two potential access points, which were
then evaluated by the committee and incorporated into the design.
Another major obstacle (or constraint) is that the site is bisected by Pickett Road.
Although most committee members favored closing a section of the road, the formal
process to do so is quite long and complex. As a result, the proposed Master Plan is
presented in two phases: one with Pickett Road open and one if it were ever closed.
Phase One could be completed regardless of the decision to close Pickett Road.
The site's natural, undisturbed setting is its most appealing feature. The many
development constraints imposed by three conservation easements and required
stream buffers will protect the setting, but they also severely limit the siting of the
desired park facilities. Of the park's total 75 acres only 12 acres are not limited by
conservation easements, stream buffers and areas with potential cultural and
archaeological significance. Most of the proposed facilities are, therefore, located
outside of those protected areas. A map of the areas protected with conservation
easements is provided as Appendix 8.
The merging of the many facility preferences was the least difficult of the design
issues. The committee readily agreed on the types of amenities and facilities
appropriate for the site, and their ideas fell right in line with the community interests
voiced at the public meetings. Hiking trails and environmental education were the
overwhelming choices for the most desired activities. Other common interests were
providing suitable access to the site for private vehicles, school buses, bike riders and
pedestrians. Other top vote getters were a picnic area, environmental signage,
informational kiosks and restrooms. Finally, the committee supported relocating the
old Hollow Rock Store to the property and using it as part of the entrance to the park.
13
18
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Facility Priorities
Basic decisions about the type of facilities for the Hollow Rock Access Area were
framed initially by the four local governments that contributed to the project, as they
defined the potential uses for the property, as set forth in the Interlocat Agreement:
"The Property shall be maintained in a natural scenic condition and restricted from any
development or use that would impair or interfere with the conservation purposes of the
Property. The following uses are specifically declared to be consistent with the conservation
purposes of the Property: open space, walking trails, parking, restroom facilities,
environmental or scientific projects or studies, and other similar low - impact activities. "
In keeping with this intent and guiding principles, and after considering all the
information presented, the Committee recommends the following plan for public facility
improvements for the Hollow Rock Access Area of the New Hope Preserve:
1. The following facilities are recommended as top priorities for Phase 1 of the
Hollow Rock Access Area (as shown on the attached Master Plan map).
• Natural surface trails
• Information kiosks and other educational /directional signage
• Platform overlooks for nature observation
• Entrance and parking area
• Pedestrian bridges for stream crossings
• Bike racks
• Restroom facilities (Temporary/rented "Port -a- John ")
• Picnic area
• ADA loop trail (1/3 mile)
• Former Hollow Rock Store building (relocated to the site)
• TLC property (2.6 acres), including the existing barn /shed structure
(revamped for other uses, including equipment storage, picnic tables and
environmental education)
2. A Phase 2 of the master plan is proposed if and when Pickett Road is closed. It
would be comprised of the following additional facilities:
• Additional parking (as the site will allow; no more than 20 -24 spaces)
• Restroom facilities (Perm anent/vauIt type)
• Additional loop trail and stream crossings (as necessary)
• Surface improvements to the Pickett roadbed (to be re -used for parking)
• Gate across Pickett Road (to prevent thru traffic, but allow access for
emergency vehicles and buses for school events)
14
PrOPOsed Master Plan
11011ow Rock Access Are
Ne W ffO
at
Phase 1 Preserve
Phase 2 Pick Pett e ROad opened Pickett Road
Closed
W-mor
M
LEGEND 11231200y . . ...
POSSIBLE ACCESS Pp1NT
OCATI
PROPOSCDE"', OJVS
101A, 'S
(to BE FIELD L%C ATCHIN.G PLATFORM
STR EAM CENTERLINE
r
S"J"Al BUFFER M,
ENJST""; TRAIL
FRDpOSrD I RAIL ( To BE
EUD LOCATED)
ZZ',SEII, A-A A.
BE FIELD
Ll Ul-
(Z��
•-rOP °sea Mas
Ho11OW Ro ck ter plan
access Area r-
at
New�- !J
Haile Preserve erve �
ged Area
Relac
ated Driveway
Entrance
Existing -�
Entra 9 Driveway
nce Closed
= , Fisher Pr Perty
C.;
�. N
9VF •RF
Possibl@
T
the rail connection to
Mill Site and Duke Trails - -=r
Rock
11,
1
21
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
VIII. Issues for Further Study
A. Coordination of Site Management
Management of the 75 -acre property will require a coordinated effort among the
project partners —both during the interim period and after the site is open for
public use. A detailed Management Plan should be developed that
includes the inter - jurisdictional roles and responsibilities for park
development, operation and stewardship. The Committee should continue
as an advisory board for the park with meetings twice annually or as needed.
B. Closing of Pickett Road
The Committee evaluated the pros and cons of closing the gravel section of
Pickett Road to through traffic, and determined that closing the road would
provide significant benefits to the park, including a) improved park design , b)
improved visitor safety, c) reduced development costs, and d) reduced impacts
on the natural environment and historic /archaeological resources. Durham and
Orange counties should consider closing a section of Pickett Road (as
recommended by the Committee) in cooperation with the NC Department
of Transportation.
C. Further Cultural and Archaeological Discovery
Recent cultural and archaeological surreys of the property revealed a great
deal of useful information for the park design and potential site interpretation.
The survey also determined that the site may contain additional archaeological
resources of high significance. Portions of the property should remain
available for further archaeological surveys in cooperation with the NC
Department of Cultural Resources, and perhaps some of that work could
occur prior to the construction of new facilities and opening of the park.
D. Potential Acquisition of the TLC Property
The Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) purchased 2.6 acres in 2002 with the
intent of establishing the Hollow Rock Access Area. The local government
partners should consider acquiring the TLC property (as recommended by
the Committee) and determine whether the existing house would be useful
for the park.
E. Improving Public Access to the Park
The Committee heard considerable public interest in facilitating public access to
the site. Durham and Orange counties should consider potential road
improvements, including an Erwin Road sidewalk from Forest View
Elementary School and a bike lane on Pickett Road.
F. Relocating the old Hollow Rock Store
The owners of the former Hollow Rock Store have offered the building to the
park and the "Friends of Hollow Rock Store" intend to raise funds for the
relocation and renovation of the building within the park. It may be necessary
17
22
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
to allow that work to proceed expeditiously to accommodate the interests
of the owner and to facilitate fundraising opportunities.
G. Assistance from Community Volunteers
Citizens from the surrounding community (including the staff from neighboring
schools) have offered their assistance to construct and maintain trails, kiosks,
foot bridges and other amenities. The local government partners should
utilize community volunteers to develop low -cost park infrastructure.
IX. Conclusion
The Hollow Rock Access Area is a place of important natural and cultural significance
in the region. The primary challenge for the creation of a low- impact recreation area is
to celebrate and acknowledge this location in a way that protects the resources for
which it remains significant.
The site is comprised of different ecosystems that can be used for environmental
education. The upland forest, the bottomland forest, the stream corridors, and New
Hope Creek itself will each serve to foster a greater understanding, appreciation, and
enjoyment of the natural world through environmental education.
The Hollow Rock Access Area has the potential to accommodate a variety of low -
impact activities without compromising the important natural and cultural values of the
property. Special care should be used to site park facilities in ways that preserve
those resources. Interpretive signs that describe the different features of the property
and how they fit into the history of the surrounding area are recommended.
The completion of the Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan demonstrates successful
intergovernmental coordination at two levels —the purchase of shared open space,
and the collaborative design of facilities for the future use and enjoyment of the site.
Once the master plan has been adopted, the project partners will develop agreements
for the construction and operation of the new facilities.
The third step of interlocal collaboration, yet to be written, will establish the Hollow
Rock Access Area as a nature preserve, providing education and enrichment to
residents of Durham and Orange counties, and for the greater region.
X. Appendices
Appendix 1:
List of Committee Members
Appendix 2:
Preliminary Cost Estimates
Appendix 3:
Summary of Public Input (February 2008 Open House)
Appendix 4:
Summary of Comments (December 2008 Public Meeting)
Appendix 5:
Proposed Pickett Road Closure (Pros and Cons)
Appendix 6:
Opportunities and Constraints Report
Appendix 7:
Interlocal Agreement
Appendix 8:
Conservation Easements Map (Figure C)
Appendix 9:
Photos of Hollow Rock Store (1972 and 2006)
18
23
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Appendix 1
Hollow Rock Master Planning Committee
Committee Members
Appointment
Wendy Jacobs (Co- chair)
Durham County
Barry Jacobs (Co- chair)
Orange County
Gail Boyarsky
Orange County
John Goebel
Durham County
Alice Gordon
Orange County
Ed Harrison
Town of Chapel Hill
Becky Heron
Durham County
Ingrid Metcalf
Orange County
Ellen Reckhow
Durham County
Dawn Santoianni
Orange County
Bill Strom
Town of Chapel Hill
Charles Welch
Durham County
Mike Woodard
City of Durham
Consultant Members Affiliation
Judd Edeburn Duke University
Leigh Ann Cienek Triangle Land Conservancy
Lead Staff
Affiliation
Jane Korest
Durham County
David Stancil
Orange County
Marabeth Carr
Orange County
Beth Timson
City of Durham
Bill Webster
Town of Chapel Hill
Other Staff /Consultants
Affiliation
Lori Taft
Orange County
Perdita Holtz
Orange County
Greg Schuster
Durham County
Jeff Masten
Triangle Land Conservancy
John Kent
New Hope Audubon
Jeff Fisher
Adjacent Landowner
Tina Moon
Orange County
Rich Shaw
Orange County
Dan Derby
Orange County
19
24
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Appendix 2
Hollow Rock Access Area at New Hope Preserve
Preliminary Cost Estimate
(Development Only)
Cost Estimate - Phase 1 A (essential elements) Low Minh
Entrance Driveway and Parking
(Gravel / HC Paved / Wheel Stops)
100,000
120,000
Site Amenities
(Picnic Tables, Waste /Recycling Receptacles, and Dog Waste
Receptacles)
8,000
10,000
Restroom Rental annual 1 year / 5 ears
2,000
10,000
Additional survey work - Cultural & Archaeological and /or
Topographic Estimate
20,000
30,000
Entrance Sign and Educational Si na a Art/Structure
15,000
20,000
Bridges - 4 stream crossings east side of Pickett Rd **
80,000
125,000
Contingencies
25,000
35,000
Total
$250,000 1
$350,000
Mid -Range
Cost Estimate - Phase 1 R
$300,000
I_nw Minh
Land Acquisition LC parcel)***
96,500
96,500
Platform Overlooks for nature observation **
10,000
30,000
Additional Educational Si na a Art/Structure
7,000
10,000
Additional survey work - Cultural & Archaeological and /or
Topographic Estimate
113,500
136,500
Mid -Range
Cost Estimate - Phase 2
$125,000
Low Minh
Parking
(Gravel / HC Paved / Wheel Stops)
40,000
50,000
Pickett Road improvements (Top-dress ravel
15,000
20,000
Gate
5,000
10,000
Additional survey work - Cultural & Archaeological and /or
Topographic Estimate
10,000
20,000
Restroom vault type) and engineering
30,000
35,000
Bridges - 2 stream crossings west side of Pickett Rd **
50,000
60,000
Contingencies
25,000
30,000
Total
$175,000
1 $225,000
Mid -Range $200,000
* Assumes all trails, kiosks, bike racks are constructed by staff and volunteers
** Assumes some amount for consultant and regulatory fees and tests
" Does not include any work on existing house and outbuildings
(Estimates do not include potential costs for rock excavation or dealing with other unsuitable materials
that might be found on the site.)
9C
25
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Appendix 3
Public Input from the Community Open House
February 28, 2008
I. Audience Comments and Recommendations
1. What about the west side?
2. Children / Young interests / Education
3. Safe parking - easy access for buses and pedestrian
4. History of area - long -term human occupation
5. Pedestrian Bridge
6. Low impact trails - Loop and Linear
7. Conservation Lands / Ecological
8. Endorse closing Picket Road - Compromise public use options
9. Closing Pickett Road - Compromise public use options
10. Close Pickett Road — could use part of the roadway for parking
11. Adjacent Landowner - Impacts of public use on residence (trails, privacy)
12. Trash Dump - Environmental Issue
13. Integrate old Hollow Rock Store - Possible locations
14. Visual Buffer/ Natural Boundary
15. Bird Watching Platforms - Near trails or stream
16. Don't duplicate /triplicate Botanical Gardens /Education
17. Educational displays of poisonous species
18. Working steam - powered sawmill with whistle
19. Small Amphitheater
20. Outdoor Classroom
21. Historic Roads Trading Path
22. Water Quality / Habitat
23. Diversity of Species
24. Geology
25. Duke Forest neighbor
26. Connects to Jordan Lake - Regional Implications
27. Involve area Churches
28. April 8 celebration of Durham County's purchase of Duke property
II. Written Comments in response to questions
What kinds of facilities (or experience) would you most want to have at this public
area?
• Follow the interlocal agreement to foster the conservation purposes of the property.
• Education, Education facilities, amphitheater, classroom, old store
• Hiking Trails, Bird watching platform
• Low Impact, Bring back the Hollow Rock Store
• Hollow Rock Store
• Trails, Shelter or building for Environmental Education Programs & Cultural & Historical
21
26
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
• Natural — A couple of trails, low impact. An outdoor classroom for Forest View Elementary.
Maximum 4 picnic tables — good for school to do outdoor art projects.
• Parking access to trail going downstream toward Jordan Lake as well as access to a pedestrian
bridge over Erwin Road to Duke Forest.
• Meeting place for classes, simple education sites, museum, field guides unique to this site (our
school can help), bathrooms
• 1. Preservation and educational pieces related to the rich cultural and environmental history of
the area. 2. Hiking Ability to join various trails together and link up with Duke Forest trails so
hikers can do longer hikes (over 3 miles ... even 10 or 12 miles). 3. A primitive backcountry style
campsite or two (Like the new ones at Eno River Pipers Creek Campground)
• Well maintained hiking trails, benches along the way for sitting /enjoying the scenery, a rustic
assembly shelter surrounded by forest for discussions, food and drink and concerts, a facility
free of motorized vehicles of any kind, interests of children /young people should dominate.
Do you feel closing Pickett Road to through traffic would be positive or negative?
• Definitely negative. Pickett Road is a thoroughfare according to the staff presentation and the
public needs this east -west access. Instead use a pedestrian bridge over Pickett Road. It is not
likely that the state will close the road in any case.
• Negative. Close road. Consider options for access that would allow buses from other
communities.
• Positive
• Yes
• Positive. Would still like access from Erwin Rd if possible without a stop light- otherwise, just
close and get access another way.
• Positive
• Positive. I'm very sick of seeing all the trash, including things like mattresses, couches,
garbage cans and hit dead deer! Hooligans drive into the woods and still go hunting. Needs to
be closed.
• Very Positive, an opportunity for parking area
• Hiking, History Museum
• Positive. Very dangerous intersection with Garrett Rd, Add traffic light at Randolph and Erwin.
• Positive. Great for access to both sides of road, great for parking, safer for pedestrians, not
longer a traffic hazard on Erwin Road.
• Positive. Do it!
• Definitely positive. For many reasons. The exit from Pickett Road onto Erwin Road is extremely
dangerous and the Park needs to be free of the traffic.
111. Results from the Dot Voting Exercise
Focus on Historic and Cultural History (30 dots total)
6 Amphitheater & Outdoor Classroom
2 Simple identification of what is there
6 Incorporate TLC structures into the site
1 Birding Tower
1 Program for school kids to come from urban areas and neighboring schools
14 Placed in general on sheet
Comment: Emphasize study of aquatic insect/ invertebrate life as indicator of water quality
Facilities for Environmental Education (25 Dots Total)
Comment: This is what makes this area unique, as compared to other outdoor facilities
22
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009 27
Large Group Shelter (9 Dots Total)
1 Add onto the existing Triangle Land Conservancy shed
2 Needs to be a meeting place for schools
2 Art place
4 Placed in general on sheet
Comment: Concept, needs to be defined
Hiking Trails (30 Dots, all placed in general on sheet)
Comment: Develop trail start to Jordan Lake
Restrooms (10 Dots, all placed in general on sheet)
Accessible Trail Loop (17 Dots, all placed in general on sheet)
Comment: Variety of trails /lengths
Comment: Highlight habitat types (e.g., Ferns, Rock Formations, Wetlands)
Picnic Area(s) (5 Dots Total)
5 Small picnic area
Comment: Who will patrol the site for trash removal?
Open Play Meadow (8 Dots Total)
Comment: Add the bird watching platform
Other - Close Pickett Road (30 Dots, all placed in general on sheet)
Comment: Explore a parking development along a closed Pickett Road
Comment: Bring Hollow Rock store home.... near Pickett Road
23
28
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Appendix 4
Summary of Comments from Public Meeting
December 3, 2008
1. Connection to Duke Forest
2. Who will administer/ operate the new park?
3. Pickett Road rationale
4. Pedestrian bridge desirable if Pickett Road not closed
5. Dangerous intersection at Pickett and Erwin
6. Trails liaison /coordination
7. Campsites (for young people)
8. Educational information on artifacts (i.e., what to do if you find one)
9. Use for the old store building?
10. Who will run the park? Hours of operation?
11. Recommend no lighting
12. Canoe / Kayak access? Downstream? Portage
13. Volunteer Trail Work
14. Overflow parking west side of New Hope Creek
15. Sue Whitfield — artifacts from the old store
16. Access to undeveloped land to the east
17. Lock in access to subdivisions / Parking
18. How will Duke Forest and Hollow Rock work together to coordinate trails?
19. All weather passage under bridge needed to Duke Forest trails (coordinate)
20. Recommend signage about the geology, including Triassic Basin
21. What about funding?
22. Volunteer trail work
23. Could the site eventually become part of State parks network?
24. Will Pickett Road remain dirt? How about parking spaces?
25. Sidewalk to connect to Forest View Elementary School. Funding?
26. Will people come by bike?
27. Bike trails to Jordan Lake — Can there be connections?
28. Should the plan construct the view for a biker — Durham side?
29. Request Bike route along Erwin — DOT
30. Questions about the State conservation easement restrictions (EEP / CWMTF)
24
29
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan September 2009
Appendix 5
Proposed Pickett Road Closure
Pros /Cons Discussion Points (4110108)
Background
This document is a compilation of the Pros and Cons for closing Pickett Road between
Randolph Road and Erwin Road, as provided by City of Durham Transportation Division,
Durham City /County Planning and Orange County Planning.
Pros
Safety
• Bisects the Park — There is a safety issue to those trying to cross the road to get from
one area of the park to another, especially for groups of school children.
• Cars tend to drive too fast on this road and use it regularly as a cut through despite the
fact that it is dirt.
• The uneven nature of the existing roadbed could cause a speeding car to easily lose
control.
• There is no definition as to the width of the road. As a result of not having a defined
shoulder area, there isn't a safe area for walking or biking.
• The NCDOT does not have a track record for installing traffic calming on state
maintained roads (Pickett Road is a state road). If Pickett Road is improved, (i.e.,
paved) and draws more traffic, it may be difficult to have traffic calming measures
installed.
Aesthetics
• Closing the road would enhance the natural open space experience by limiting noise,
pollution, hazards and other negative impacts from nearby traffic.
• The dirt roadbed and speeding traffic cause large amounts of dust. The dust penetrates
deep into the woods, coating the vegetation and posing a potential health hazards by
causing lung, eye and/or skin irritation.
• The road has been used as an illegal trash dumping site, which will probably continue if
the road remains open.
Access/Parkine
• It is a duplicate road. Randolph Road is parallel road that is less than a 1/z mile away.
Patrons of the adjacent private school, which also has access to Randolph Road, are the
main use of Pickett Road.
• The NCDOT might not permit parking along this public road.
Page 1 of 2
IM
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan
Cons
September 2009
Connectivity
• West of 15 -501, there are only three connections between Erwin Road and Pickett
Road; these connections are Pickett, Randolph, and Ridge. There appears to be little
chance of additional connections as new development occurs, and these connections
become more important considering the two schools on Pickett Road.
• Subsequent reduction in connectivity is against local policy to support increased
connectivity.
Access
• The immediate adjacent property owner is not Trinity School, and accessibility to the
Trinity School will be impacted.
• The use permit for Trinity School may include language to prevent the road closing.
• All adjacent properties would need frontage on a public road after the road closing.
• NCDOT would need to issue a driveway permit if the road were closed, but might be
opposed to approving such a permit.
Impacts of Traffic Diversion
• Randolph Road and all intersections from Pickett Rd. to Randolph Rd. and to Erwin Rd.
do not have the capacity to handle the increased traffic.
• There is not ample storage on Randolph Road to handle an increase in left turns.
• Right turns at Randolph will pose safety issues.
Emergency Vehicle Response Time
• Law enforcement, fire and EMS response times might be affected by a road closure.
Thoroughfare Plan
• Pickett Road is a minor thoroughfare in the 1991 Thoroughfare Plan. It will be difficult
to close a road on the Plan. The Plan will be updated with the 2035 Long Range
Transportation Plan.
• There is not an established precedent for closing a minor thoroughfare.
• Traffic would be re- routed to Randolph Road, which is not a minor thoroughfare.
Other Issues
• The road is not paved and there are only 420 daily vehicle trips (based on NCDOT
count in 2005). Traffic calming might not be needed at this point.
• The logistics of closing the road would involve coordinating two NCDOT district
engineer offices to remove from state maintenance.
• If abandoned, Durham County might not be able to request NCDOT paving for the
road.
Page 2 of 2
26
CT
Appendix 6
Hollow Rock Access Area
at
New Hope Creek
Opportunities and Constraints
September 18, 2007
Durham County Open Space and Real Estate Division
Orange County Environment & Resource Conservation Department
32
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
Table of Contents
Page
I. Background ................................ ............................... 1
H. Planning and Zoning .................... ............................... 2
III. Surrounding Land Uses ................. ............................... 3
IV. Location and Access ..................... ............................... 3
V. Property Description ..................... ............................... 4
VI. Cultural and Archaeological Survey ... ............................... 5
VII. Opportunities and Constraints .......... ............................... 6
i
33
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
I. Background
The planning area is located south of Erwin Road (SR 1734) near the intersection with
Pickett Road (SR 1303). It extends from New Hope Creek eastward approximately
1,000 feet beyond the Orange and Durham county boundary. The 75 -acre planning
area is comprised of multiple parcels of land owned by Orange County, Duke University
or the Triangle Land Conservancy. The property presently owned by Duke University
is under contract for purchase by Durham County, Orange County and the Town of
Chapel Hill in April 2008. The planning area consists of approximately 42.75 acres in
Orange County and 32.15 acres in Durham County. A vicinity map (Figure A) and a
site map (Figure B) are attached.
The planning area is completely forested with a combination of mature pine and mixed
hardwoods except for a two -acre clearing for a home site located on the Triangle Land
Conservancy parcel. The land slopes generally to the southwest toward New Hope
Creek, which forms the western property boundary. Small creeks flow through the
middle of the site before draining to New Hope Creek.
Land protection along the New Hope Creek corridor extends beyond the boundaries of
this parkland planning area. Duke University manages 1,900 acres of the Duke Forest
(Korstian Division) north of Erwin Road and adjacent to New Hope Creek; Orange
County and Durham County own over 260 acres of additional conservation lands
downstream of the Hollow Rock Access area, with a nearly continuous open space
corridor to Jordan Lake.
New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan
The planning area was acquired to support the implementation of the New Hope
Corridor Open Space Master Plan, which was adopted in 1991 by the governing boards
of Durham, Chapel Hill, Durham County, and Orange County. The master plan called
for the protection of an open space corridor along New Hope Creek and its tributary
streams for recreational trails and conserving wildlife habitat. The master plan
identified 10 geographic areas —one of which was the "Hollow Rock Access Area"
(Appendix 1).
The "Hollow Rock" area along New Hope Creek has a long and colorful history of use
dating back to the pre - Colonial period. There is evidence of significant Native
American presence, an historic crossroads, the farming of rich bottomland soils along
the creek, the former Patterson mill and Hollow Rock store, large -scale timber
management in Duke Forest, and the ongoing use of the New Hope Creek corridor by
the people and wildlife in the Hollow Rock community.
The name "Hollow Rock" comes from an unusual sandstone rock outcrop located along
the bank of New Hope Creek, north of the Erwin Road crossing and north of the
planning area. The rock has been carved out over time by flow of the river. A popular
Page 1 of 8
34
Hollow Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
Duke Forest trail brings many visitors to this site -- especially in late spring when the
rhododendron is in bloom.'
The New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee (NHCCAC) was created in 1992 to
advise the four local governments regarding implementation of the New Hope Corridor
Open Space Master Plan. The committee continues to serve in that role and is
supportive of establishing the Hollow Rock Access Area.
Land Acquisition
The project area was acquired in a series of transactions from 2001 -07. The Triangle
Land Conservancy (TLC) purchased the first two acres in 2002, and then advocated for
further acquisitions by local government partners. Orange County purchased a 7 -acre
parcel from Duke University in 2006 and a 22 -acre parcel from Wade and Carolyn
Penny in 2006. [TLC obtained a grant from the State of N.C. for the Penny tract.] The
purchase of a 43 -acre tract from Duke University by Durham and Orange counties and
the Town of Chapel Hill was committed to in April 2005, and will be purchased in April
2008. Additional funds for that purchase came from the City of Durham, the State of
N.C., and the Erwin Area Neighborhood Group (EANG). The State awarded grants for
the purchase of the 43 -acre Duke tract and the 22 -acre Penny tract. Both grants
required that the sites be protected with permanent conservation easements. EANG
raised $200,000 in private funds toward the local governments' purchase of the 43 -acre
Duke tract. These privately pledged funds were collected and administered by TLC.
Interlocal Agreement
In September 2006, the four local governments signed an interlocal agreement for the
acquisition, planning and operation of the Hollow Rock portion of the New Hope Creek
master plan. The agreement also established a "Park Planning Advisory Committee" to
develop recommendations for an overall plan for the Hollow Rock area property.
An 11- member Hollow Rock master plan committee was appointed in late 2006 and
charged with developing recommendations for the types and location of facilities within
the Hollow Rock Access Area. It is expected that the future park will be designed in
ways that will maintain the site's natural, cultural and scenic values.
II. Planning and Zoning
The subject property is split by the Orange - Durham county boundary (Figure B).
The Orange County portion of the site is classified as Rural Buffer. According to the
Comprehensive Plan, development in the Rural Buffer should avoid areas where it
would have a detrimental effect on state or federally recognized historic - cultural sites
or to unique or endangered plant and animal species. Permitted uses include parks,
schools, and government facilities. Residential development is allowed at a maximum
density of one dwelling per two acres. No public water or sewer services are permitted.
Any streams in Orange County recognized by the Planning Department require 65 -foot-
1 South of Erwin Road, there is another interesting rock outcrop —the so- called "Hanging Rock," which
extends out from the bank high over New Hope Creek. Hanging Rock is on the portion of Orange County's
New Hope Preserve that was acquired from the Penny family in 2006.
Page 2 of 8
35
Ho/ %w Rock Area / New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
wide undisturbed buffers (Resource Protection Areas). The site is within the Cape Fear
River Basin (New Hope Creek sub - basin), but is not within a watershed protection
overlay district identified in the Orange County Zoning Ordinance.
The Durham County portion of the site is zoned RS -20, single family residential with
20,000 square foot lots. Perennial and intermittent streams on the Durham portion of
the planning area require 50 -foot undisturbed buffers.
In addition to the required local government (i.e., county) stream buffers, existing or
future conservation easements held by the State of NC require 300 - foot -wide buffers
along those same streams.
III. Surrounding Land Uses
The planning area is surrounded by a combination of undeveloped and rural residential
properties, but suburban residential development occurs less than 1/2 mile to the
southeast. The portion of the site in Orange County is bordered to the west by New
Hope Creek and the Fisher residence (1.7 acres; private), to the north and west by
Erwin Road and Duke Forest, and to the southeast by private lands owned by Wade
and Carolyn Penny for which a conservation easement is in progress. The portion of
the site in Durham County is bordered on the north by the Solterra residential
development, to the east by a 20.5 -acre undeveloped tract, and to the south by
additional land owned by the Pennys (18.5 acres; private), which has limited
development potential by virtue of conservation easements granted to Durham County.
Further south on Pickett Road (past the Pennys) are Trinity School and the Hope Creek
and Garrett Farms residential subdivisions.
An aerial map of the property and surrounding area is provided as Figure D.
IV. Location and Access
The property is situated midway between Durham and Chapel Hill along Erwin Road
(SR 1737 )—a well traveled east -west roadway, and within two miles of the I -40
interchange with US 15-501 (Durham to Chapel Hill Road). Access to the property can
be either on Erwin Road or from Pickett Road (SR 1303), which begins at Erwin Road
about 1,000 feet north of the New Hope Creek bridge crossing. This western end of
Pickett Road is a fairly narrow gravel roadway from Erwin Road to the intersection
with Cambridge Road. Pickett Road bisects the Hollow Rock park property and
provides access to two residences above the Cambridge Road intersection.
The New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan envisioned a small parking area on
the west side of Pickett Road. Orange County acquired the 7 -acre property located at
the corner of Erwin and Pickett roads for that purpose. The master plan did not,
however, anticipate the acquisition of land east of Pickett Road. Because the property
is on both sides of Pickett Road there needs to be further consideration of where to
locate the park entrance(s) and parking area(s). Pedestrian access to the property
from nearby residential neighborhoods and schools should also be considered.
Page 3 of 8
36
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
V. Property Description
Land Cover
The property is almost entirely forested with mature loblolly pine and mixed -aged
hardwoods. There is one small open area (+ 2 acres) that straddles the boundary
between the Triangle Land Conservancy and Orange County landholdings. That
location has been maintained as a home site and small field for over 80 years.
The forested area includes three stands of mature loblolly pine —one adjacent to Erwin
Road, west of Pickett Road (± 6 acres); one adjacent to the Penny property, west of
Pickett Road (± 2 ac.); and one along the southern boundary of the Duke tract, east of
Pickett Road (± 5 acres). The pines average from 15 to 18 inches in diameter (dbh).
Most of the forest is comprised of fairly mature hardwoods typical of the Piedmont
alluvial and bottomland forest. The more upland portion of the site (east of Pickett
Road) is comprised of a variety of tree species such oak, hickory, sweetgum, maple and
mature pine. Numerous hardwoods are over 18 inches in diameter (dbh).
The lower -lying areas (west of Pickett Road) include river birch, sycamore, box elder,
Shumard oak, shagbark hickory, tulip tree, and sweet gum. The soils are fairly rich in
this area, as indicated by the abundance of sugarberry, Florida maple, ash, slippery
elm, eastern hop - hornbeam, painted buckeye, and pawpaw. There are small areas with
invasive exotic plants (e.g., Chinese privet, multiflora rose, and Japanese stilt grass),
but much less than is found on the conservation lands located downstream. The
excellent condition of the riparian forest, and its connection to other conservation lands
upstream and downstream, enables this property to serve as excellent habitat for
wildlife, including white- tailed deer, bobcat, northern river otter, wild turkey, barred
owl, red - shouldered hawk and a large variety of other birds.
Topography and Hydrology
The land slopes generally from the northeast (310 feet elev.) down to New Hope Creek
(265 feet) in the far southwest of the property. The New Hope Creek corridor includes a
narrow fringe of bottomland within the 100 -year floodplain. That bottomland (and
floodplain) extends to the northeast into the site along an unnamed tributary stream,
almost to where the stream flows under Pickett Road. A topographic map is provided
as Figure E.
The unnamed New Hope tributary flows through the middle of the property in a
southwesterly direction. The property slopes from both sides to the tributary. Two or
three wet weather (ephemeral) streams drain the northeast portion of the site, carrying
rainwater to the tributary and eventually to New Hope Creek.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program recently designated this section of New
Hope Creek as having aquatic habitat of state significance, due to the presence of rare
and endangered species of fish, crayfish, snails and mussels. A biologist field report for
the natural area is provided as Appendix 3.
Page 4 of 8
37
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
Soils
Soil Survey maps of Orange and Durham counties identify a variety of soil types within
the planning area. The northeast (upland) portion of the site has White Store clay
loam — moderately well drained soil found on ridges and the sides of narrow upland
slopes. Slope, erosion, surface runoff, and slow permeability are the main limitations to
its use and management. The potential for urban, cropland and active recreation uses
is low. Most areas with this soil are used as woodland, as has been the case for this
site. The southwest (lowland) half of the property has bottomland soils ( Creedmoor and
Congaree fine sandy loam) with low potential for most urban uses. The Congaree soil is
associated with floodplain along New Hope Creek and the unnamed feeder stream. The
Creedmore soil is located on the northwest portion of the site, adjacent to Erwin Road.
Sometimes used for cropland and pasture, the soil has moderate potential for active
recreation use. A soils map of the property is provided as Figure F.
Existing Structures and Improvements
There are no structures on the property, except for a well - established home site located
on the Triangle Land Conservancy parcel. The site includes an old house (ca. 1920) and
small outbuildings, which TLC uses for rental income and for storing equipment. A
small field (± 1 acre) extends from the house into the Orange County preserve. That
field has been maintained for agricultural uses over the past 80 years or more.
A walking trail enters the western half of the property from Pickett Road and winds its
way down to New Hope Creek. The trail was created as a "temporary trail" in 2005 to
enable local elected officials and state grant officials to tour the site prior to acquisition.
Since then visitors from the neighborhood and nearby Forest View Elementary School
have used the trail for periodic visits to New Hope Creek. A second walking trail enters
the eastern half of the site from Pickett Road. The short trail follows the riparian
corridor upstream before looping back through the upland forest and back to the road.
A small remnant portion of the former Hillsborough - Fayetteville road remains visible,
immediate southwest of the intersection of Erwin Road and Pickett Road. The old road
and its significance will be described in the cultural and archaeological survey.
VI. Cultural and Archaeological Survey
Legacy Research Associates, Inc. was selected in September 2007 to conduct a cultural
and archaeological survey of the planning area. The purpose of the survey is to identify
and evaluate significant cultural resources located on the property so that they will be
protected from park development and available for future interpretation of the site.
The survey is scheduled to be completed in November 2007. The final report will
reference previously recorded archaeological sites and describe any new sites identified
by this new survey. A summary of the survey findings and recommendations will be
presented to the Hollow Rock park master plan committee.
Page 5 of 8
38
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
VII. Opportunities and Constraints
The Hollow Rock parklands were acquired for the purpose of protecting this segment of
the New Hope Creek corridor for low - impact recreation, environmental education and
wildlife habitat —all consistent with the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan.
The land was acquired by several conservation partners, including the State of North
Carolina that contributed funds through the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund
(CWMTF) and the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP). Both of those grant
programs required that the lands be protected with permanent conservation easements
that prohibit all but a few uses of the property. A summary of the two conservation
easements is provided as Appendix 2.
The Hollow Rock parklands could accommodate a variety of low- impact activities
without compromising the important natural and cultural values of the property.
Special care will be needed when siting and designing those facilities. Interpretive
signs could be used to describe the different features of the property and how they fit
into the history of the site and the surrounding areas.
The site is comprised of different ecosystems that could be used for environmental
education. The upland forest, the bottomland forest, the stream corridors, and New
Hope Creek itself could each serve to foster a greater understanding, appreciation, and
enjoyment of the natural world through environmental education. Examples of
potential programs include birding, stream ecology, wildlife discovery, reptiles and
amphibians, butterflies and caterpillars.
The following is a list of specific opportunities and constraints that have been identified
for the property thus far. Please note that some items are listed under both categories.
A. Opportunities:
1. Access — The site is highly accessible to residents of southwest Durham and
Chapel Hill via Erwin Road, Pickett Road, and other links to US 15 -501.
2. Mature Upland Forest — many of the forested areas are suitable for nature
trails, environmental education, and other low - impact uses. Perimeter forest
areas will help to buffer adjacent private properties from future park activities.
3. Bottomland Forest — the lower forest (west of Pickett Road) is in excellent
condition, and provides opportunities for environmental education. Nature
trails through the wetter areas should be properly designed, including bridges
and boardwalks. Signage should advise people how to avoid harming the flora
and fauna in this area.
4. New Hope Creek Aquatic Habitat — the unusually high quality of this aquatic
habitat provides an opportunity for people to learn about rare and endangered
organisms living in New Hope Creek (e.g., fish, crayfish, snails and mussels).
Page 6 of 8
CT
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek Opportunities and Constraints
5. Historic and Archaeological Sites — The information gathered from the current
survey will likely be useful for interpreting the property and the surrounding
community. [e.g., remnants of the former Hillsborough - Fayetteville road]
6. Proximity to other Facilities — The site's close proximity to other publicly
accessible facilities is an asset that should be considered in determining the
future use of the property. Nearby facilities include the Trinity School and
Forest View Elementary School.
B. Constraints:
1. Access — Pickett Road (SR 1734) bisects the property so the master plan will
need to address parking and access to parkland on two sides of the public road.
2. Adjacent residences — There are a few homes located adjacent to the site. The
design of the park and its facilities should consider the potential effects on those
neighbors (Fisher, Penny and the Solterra subdivision).
3. Historic and archaeological resources — The current cultural/archaeological
survey might identify areas on the property that should be avoided or protected
from any uses, including trails.
4. Streams — Undisturbed buffers (300- feet -wide) are required along New Hope
Creek and its tributary streams, consistent with conservation easements .held by
the State of North Carolina. The conservation easements allow limited facilities,
such as nature trails with bridges, boardwalks and benches.
5. New Hope Creek Aquatic Habitat — the unusually high quality of this aquatic
habitat must be protected from any potential sources of pollution.
Environmental education should be encouraged, but limited so as not overly
disturb the organisms in New Hope Creek (e.g., fish, crayfish, snails, mussels).
Page 7 of 8
Ho/ %w Rock Area /New Hope Creek
List of Figures
Figure A
Vicinity Map
Figure B
Site Map
Figure C
Conservation Easements
Figure D
Aerial Map
Figure E
Topographic Map
Figure F
Soils Map
40
Opportunities and Constraints
List of Appendices
Appendix 1
New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan, Hollow Rock Access
Area (Component 6)
Appendix 2
Summary of the Conservation Easements held by State of NC
Appendix 3
Site Report, New Hope Creek Aquatic Habitat (NC Natural
Heritage Program)
Appendix 4
1938 Aerial photo of the Hollow Rock area
Page 8 of 8
Appendix 7
Tj
THE i7E CO
s �
W.-
M M t R.W.
41
ME t _40
E s M. *�
a t ii :t joW Ws: the
s a ;
df ! w a Political
Durham',, the TOWN of CHAPEL
r fenr,d to as "Chapel Hi1i�`t• the,
o Nary Carolina I hewinafter ref
".Peres ". This-A r mw t, 4 made:
:
mole 20 of Chapter 1b0A of the G,
WME EAS$. e m�
Durhm acid , age Counties new
eve-io i ent `ai,ropertn, it er C
fir. � !� i.. � - - - {...t • r t
t t i to i a� i` tt st
! s !' c so tt •
ti a st ► U 1111 111 i t s
a t
WrMFSS'F—TH
1 Of 11
rr -� a ►s r ! ## #i# a • a r # a :� # ## # ## r
r >- a e • � : # #. rata ® ' � a _� as <:
2of11
42
43
3 6H I
44
Drange ' ial tribut ns stall be cuff -set b �t �d t fox* 'ire
pmgraph. 4 WOW.
4. pate autdbxttio -as and Grant un&.
45
Q-1
tht,WgOg The x =a r and
•s � si tat s �
u t,a
6 t
47
14. #'_# for i # Of
an dr interpretatiGn of K :any Of its
7 of 11
48
a of 11
49
IG .T .F 'BX CFA OF i3 r M w "
FOR THE CM, OF DURHAM.
M.
ATE E T
This ffihment hay
by t °t qo GA
2
lo/Cozo.-L, I
e Officer
,m
naimer req
Control Act
leaf 1.
1
C?
a I
X11
54
Appendix 9
Hollow Rock Store - Then and Now
John Brown's Store in Winter 1972 (photo by Steve Heron)
The old store now located on the property of Jan Gregg (photo by Rich Shaw)
Hollow Rock Access Area
Key Issues for Further Study
Attachment 2 55
The proposed Hollow Rock master plan includes several Issues for Further Study
(pages 17 -18), but three of those issues are highlighted below for the Board's initial
consideration and discussion.
Closing of Pickett Road
The Committee evaluated the pros and cons of closing the gravel section of
Pickett Road to through traffic, and determined that closing the road would
provide significant benefits to the park, including a) improved park design,
b) improved visitor safety, c) reduced development costs, and d) reduced
impacts on the natural environment and historic /archaeological resources.
Durham and Orange counties should consider closing a section of Pickett
Road (as recommended by the Committee) in cooperation with the NC
DOT.
Staff further notes that Durham and Orange counties would need to follow a public
participation process that would include a thorough assessment of impacts on
Randolph Road and other Durham roadways. The Master Plan is also designed for
a Phase I (open Pickett Road) and Phase II (closed Pickett Road).
Coordination of Site Management
Management of the 75 -acre property will require a coordinated effort among
the project partners —both during the interim period and after the site is open
for public use. A detailed Management Plan should be developed that
includes the inter - jurisdictional roles and responsibilities for park
development, operation and stewardship. The Committee should continue
as an advisory board for the park with meetings twice annually or as
needed.
Staff notes that adoption of the proposed Master Plan does not commit the County
to any future expenditure for development of the Hollow Rock Park site. Any
potential funding for this site would be determined during the adoption of the yearly
County capital budget.
Also, while it is anticipated the Committee would have some ongoing advisory role
as the park is being planned, the Interlocal Agreement does not speak to
continuing the Committee after the property is developed. Significant conversations
will be needed among the landowners about a management structure for the site,
and a new interlocal agreement will likely be needed to speak to how the Hollow
Rock Access Area would be managed. These arrangements would be needed
before moving to consideration of facility construction or site opening.
Hollow Rock Access Area Attachment 2 56
Potential Acquisition of the TLC Property
The Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) purchased 2.6 acres in 2002 with the
intent of establishing the Hollow Rock Access Area. The local government
partners should consider acquiring the TLC property (as recommended by
the Committee) and determine whether the existing house would be useful
for the park.
TLC has been instrumental in acquiring other portions of the New Hope Preserve,
so decisions on this 2.6 -acre parcel should be considered in context with the larger
role TLC has played in protection of the New Hope Creek corridor. The property
does contain a house and other outbuildings, the disposition or maintenance of
which should be evaluated as part of any proposal to consider acquisition. TLC is
developing a proposal for possible sale of the property to the partners. Potential
cost - shares, and access issues with an adjoining landowner will need to be taken
into consideration.