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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-13-2006-3ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 13, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. ~~_ SUBJECT: Master Plan Process -New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Proposed Master Plan Process 6/10/02 Memo from HPC 4/26/05 APB Resolution Map INFORMATION CONTACT: David Stancil, 245-2598 Lori Taft, 245-2660 PURPOSE: To consider a process for the creation of a master plan far the New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm property. BACKGROUND: At the end of 2001, Orange County acquired a 152-acre site from the late Nannie and Mary Blackwood located near the intersection of NC 86 and New Hope Church Road in northern Chapel Hill Township. The property was acquired because of its high conservation values (natural area, historic property, former farm) and its suitable location for a future County park. In acquiring the land, the Board noted that it would be land-banked far future use, and that the eventual park design should feature low-impact design and retain some of the agricultural, historic and scenic components of the property. In January, the Fairview Master Plan Committee and staff completed the master plan for the Fairview Public Campus. This plan was presented for review at the joint County/Town board meeting on February 23. While a number of previous projects are still in various stages of design completion/preconstruction (Northern Park, Twin Creeks) and require staff resources, the Board may wish to consider whether to move ahead with the next scheduled park master plan, the New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm. It is currently envisioned that preliminary staff work for the New Hope Preserve (with Durham County, Chapel Hill and Durham City) will begin later this spring, with a master plan committee for that effort being formed and beginning work this fall. The attached draft master plan process attempts tc layout a timetable, operating principles and committee structure that recognize the unusual case and unique opportunities that this site offers. It includes agricultural and historic components as well as the primary park and recreation themes that are somewhat different from previous efforts. The attached process envisions that the master plan would be created between May 2006 and January 2007 by a Master Plan Committee of 15 persons, convened by two County Commissioners. The Committee would also include representatives of Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (2), the Agricultural Preservation Board (APB), Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), Commission for the Environment and Planning Board, Four citizens at- large (including one farmer) are also proposed, Guiding principles are offered, similar to previous park planning efforts, to ensure environmental-sensitive design and to recognize the important natural and cultural features of the site, A Preliminary Concept Plan for the park, with generalized locations for groupings of uses (such as low-impact recreation, agricultural, etc), is also needed to guide the master planning effort. Staff proposes to bring this Preliminary Concept Plan far Board consideration at the time when appointments are made to the committee, projected for May 4. Funding does not presently exist for the construction of this future park, or for the necessary surveys that are precursors to the park master plan (topographic survey with tree identification, and cultural/archaeological survey). Staff proposes to include funds for design in the 2006-07 Capital Investment Plan (CIP), which would enable the committee to begin its work in the late spring, receive the survey information aver the summer, and then complete its work in the fall and winter. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Although the land far this park has been acquired, no funding has been identified for park construction or the pre-design surveys that are needed for master planning, The two surveys are projected to cast approximately $50,000, and would be part of the proposed 2006-07 CIP, Staff proposes to initiate the master plan process in the late-spring and acquire the survey results over the summer. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board 1) discuss and approve the proposed master plan process, making changes as desired, and 2) authorize the recruitment of citizens and members to serve on the proposed committee. Staff will prepare a draft Preliminary Concept Plan for Board consideration on May 4 (at the time when appointments would be made), as well as an action item for a June agenda to allow for the needed survey work to be funded in the proposed FY 2006-07 CIP to occur over the summer, as outlined above, 3 PROPOSED NEW HOPE PARK at BLACKWOOD FARM Master Plan Process Draft -February 20, 2006 To begin the planning for the proposed New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm (working title), the following is offered as a draft process for the Board's consideration. This draft is based on discussions by staff and comments from the Board at the time of acquisition in late 2001. This draft process for a Master Plan Work Group is designed to comprehensively integrate the many and varied components of this 152-acre site, located near the intersection of NC 86 and New Hope Church Road, I. Tentative Schedule of Activities* . Master Plan process and charge approved .. - March, 2006 Master Plan Work Group appointed / Prelimina Conce t Plan a rovaled May 4, 2006 Work Grou be ins work Late-Ma , Surve s authorized and conducted June-Au ust Interim report to Board of Commissioners October Work Grou com letes Master Plan Janua 31, 2007 Board of Commissioners reviews, modifies and a roves Master Plan February-March, 2007 Site plan approval, engineering, construction drawin sand bid documents com leted TBA Finalize and solicit bids, Board awards contract TBA Construction of ark -com leted TBA Park O ens TBA * subject to change 4 II. Proposed Master Plan Committee A. Charge 1 . DEVELOP A MASTER PLAN FOR THE NEW HOPE PARK AT BLACKWOOD FARM SITE, WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE PRE-CONCEPT PLAN, GUIDING PRINCIPLES (PL.EASE SEE ATTACHMENT 1) AND OTHER DIRECTION PROVIDED FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. 2. THE MASTER PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE 'THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: a. A master plan map for the park. The plan map should include all proposed buildings, playing fields, other fields, roads, parking, facilities, and amenities, as well as vegetative cover, hydrology and other components that are commonly included in park master plans. b. A written report in support of the master plan map, outlining the proposed uses, the design rationale, description of work group process, natural and cultural features, existing and proposed land uses, means of soliciting community input, potential future phases, and construction cast estimates. 3. THE MASTER PLAN WILL ADDRESS CO-LOCATION OF PROPOSED FACILITIES WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING FOR SYNERGIES OF USE AND APPROPRIATE TRANSITIONS BETWEEN DIFFEREN"T COMPONENTS OF THE PARK. 4. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL SUBSEQUENTLY ADDRESS PHASING, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARK. B. Product and Timeframe A Master Plan report and map, as described above, by ,January 31, 2007** Timeframe: May 2006 -January 2007** " -subject to change based on actual start date of the master plan design 5 C. Proposed Makeup of the New Hope Park Master Plan Committee • 2 County Commissioners (also serve as Committee conveners) • 2 Recreation and Parks Advisory Council members • 1 Agricultural Preservation Board member • 1 Commission for the Environment member • 1 Historic Preservation Commission member • 1 Economic Development Commission member • 1 Orange County Planning Board member • 4 citizens (at-large), including one farmer Staff County Manager or designee, Environment and Resource Conservation Director (project coordinator), Recreation and Parks Management Director, Economic Development Director, Planning Director, Open Space Design Specialist. Land Conservation Manager, Preservation Planner, Parks Supervisor (Assistance also to be solicited from County Engineer, Purchasing Director, District Conservationist and Cooperative Extension Director). III. Steps After Completion of the Master Plan Qnce completed, the Master Plan will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. The Board may approve the Plan, remand it back for further work, modify the Plan, or decide not to pursue the Plan, 6 ATTACHMENT 1 Guiding Principles In addition to the charge, the Committee shall use the following Guiding Principles in developing a Master Plan for the site,• • The park design should conform to the Pre-Concept Plan approved by the Board of Commissioners on , 2QQ6 • The site should promote apedestrian-friendly environment and work to discourage automobile traffic within the site • The protection of important stream corridors and natural areas should be a foremost consideration, and recreation and other facilities should be designed in concert with the natural surroundings wherever passible, Grading and alteration of the natural landscape should be minimized, • The master plan should address the site primarily as aloes-impact recreation park that reflects and features the agricultural and environmental heritage, historic stnactures and scenic and natural resources present • Generally, all portions of the site not used for recreation or other facilities should adhere to "Qlmsteadian" park and open space design principles, promoting open spaces, meadows, and fields that may flexibly be used for a variety of purposes • Efficiency opportunities in grouping of fields, facilities and infrastructure should be explored • The master plan should promote xeriscaping (native vegetation and minimal water use) within the entire site • The master plan should address incorporating the farmstead structures into the overall park design • The master plan should include the protection of scenic vistas within and adjacent to the site • The master plan should be designed with sensitivity to adjoining landowners • The master plan should ensure that facilities location are based on access and commonality of use Additional basic operating principles may be developed by the Board of Commissioners HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Memorandum Ta: Barry Jacobs, Chair, Orange County Board of Commissicners From: Betsy Underwood, Chair, Historic Preservation Commission Date: June 10, 2002 Subject: Blackwood Farm On behalf of the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for recognizing the importance of the Blackwood Farm as an irreplaceable local resource, and including it among the County's recent acquisitions. Few other sites provide such a Zink to our architectural and agricultural heritage within such a scenic setting, and we share the Agricultural Preservation Board's assessment that the Blackwood Farm is a special place worthy of preservation. While our appreciation of the site extends to its agricultural legacy our focus is on preserving the house and supporting building complex within its rural context. While the Blackwood farmhouse does not retain the integrity of the house at the Cate property, it exemplifies the common evolution of many Orange County houses. Built with local materials, the original core dwelling was a log structure with a sturdy stone chimney. The house was enlarged two-to-three more times with a series of additions to the rear. Finally during the Blackwood period of ownership, entire house was updated to reflect the popular side-gable bungalow form with the addition of a large front dormer. The "period of significance" for the Blackwood house is around 1920-1940 because the existing building reflects the Blackwood ownership and expansion; the character of the original sections of the house, which date to the 1820s and 1840s, are no longer visible except for the dates in the chimneys. The early twentieth-century character of the house and its outbuildings does not reduce its importance to the architectural history of Orange County, however. The house tells an important story in its existing condition, in that it documents the success of one local family to undertake a substantial renovation project to update an older house to reflect current architectural trends. The Historic Preservation Commission discussed many potential uses for the building complex at theirjoint site visit in April with the Agricultural Preservation Board and the Planning Board and at their May and June meetings., The HPC shared many of the APB's ideas for using the property for agricultural education and rural heritage purposes, while Blackwood Farm P~esen~ation P/an Page 2~ retaining the historic character of the house and building complex (which will require some restoration and long-term maintenance). The HPC also focused on the importance of preserving the historic roadways, and other components of the traditional landscape. We assume that the Board of Commissioners will establish a planning committee to develop program for the Blackwood property, and would like the opportunity to participate in this process and have a seat on the committee. Our role as the Historic Preservation Commission is not only to identify important cultural resources but also to advise the Board on strategies to protect them. We are grateful for the purchase of this significant tract and would like to volunteer to participate in the planning process as appropriate, 9 RESOLUTION Inclusion of Agricultural and Historic Components in Future Master Plan for the Proposed New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm WHEREAS, the County acquired the historic Blackwood Farm on New Hope Church Road and NC 86 in 2001, and WHEREAS, at the time of acquisition staff and the Board of Commissioners stated the intent to create a future park oriented toward low-impact recreation and the preservation of areas of scenic, agricultural and historic value within the site, and WHEREAS, the Agricultural Preservation Board has discussed on several occasions the many opportunities for agricultural functions within the future park: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the Agricultural Preservation Board requests that staff and the Board of Commissioners include an agricultural and historic preservation component in the future master plan for this site, tentatively planned to take place in 2006. This, the 26`h day of April, 2005 Noah Ranells, Chair Agricultural Preservation Board WITNESS: Carol Melton, staff n~---. ~ ~--- - ^--~- -.~ ~-.~- -~----- - -~ ~----- N A 200 0 200 400 Feet ~®~,