HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-11-2002 - 2 ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 11. 2002
Action Agenda
Item No. a
SUBJECT: Lands Legacy Annual ACdon Plan— FY 2002-2003
DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) I�
Conservation u
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Annual Action Plan 2002-2003 David Stancil, 245-2590
Map of Proposed Priority Areas Rich Shaw, 245-2591
Staff Memo on Adams Traci
Letter from Carrbom Mayor Nelson TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732.8181
Chapel HIII 9684501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider the draft Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan for fiscal year 2002-
2003.
BACKGROUND: The Board adopted the Lands Legacy Program in April 2000. Through
this program, Orange County seeks to protect its most critical natural and cultural
resources through a variety of voluntary means. Over the first two years of the program,
the County has protected 794 acres for future use as parkland, nature preserves, farmland
and hisfirmccultural sites.
The Lands Legacy Program is activated by adoption of an Annual Action Plan, consultant
with the CIP process. For this fiscal year, the Action Plan was withheld until decisions
about the CIP and bond sales were made, since these directly impact the Action Plan.
The draft Annual Action Plan for 2003-04 will be developed this fall and presented for the
Board's retreat in January 2W3.
The Action Plan identifies acquisition priorities for 2002-2003. Given the fact that the
fiscal year Is already underway, many of the priorities listed in the plan are already familiar
W fine Boom. The draft plan was developed with considerable input from bur citizen
advisory boards (with their areas of expertise in parentheses): Commission for the
Environment(natural areas end prime forest, riparian buHeral Agricultural Preservation
Board (farmland preservation), Historic Preservation Board indent;and cultural
resources)and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (parklands).
2
The draft Action Plan Is consistent with the Lands Legacy Long-Term Priorities document
(2002-2010)that was adopted by the Board in April, 2001.
The Town of Carrbom has requested that the Lands Legacy Program include funding for
acquisition of the Adams Tract, a 29 1 tract along Bolin Creek in Cambium, as a
potential joint project A separate memorandum is attached on this subject.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to accomplish the fail projects for FY 2002-2003 are
present in the current CIP and other existing sources, including appropriations from the
2001 Parks and Open Space bond, alternative financing for conservation easements, and
the Lands Legacy Fund (payers-you go funding). Where known, the proposed funding
source is listed in the attached Action Plan (Table 1). Final decisions on funding for land
acquisitions are considered as purchases are presented for approval in open session. As
in previous acquisitions, In each case separate project budgets with specific funding
streams and amounts will be addressed at that time
Carrboro's request for the Adams Tract acquisition is that funds from the 2001 Parks and
Open Space bond planned for Capboro greanways be used for this project. A total of
$750,000 was allocated for this project in the bond referendum, and the Town has
requested that the full amount be applied to this acquitted, as needed. The Board may
wish to discuss whether the matching funds expectation for joint parks projects should
apply in this case.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss and adopt
the Annual Action Plan for 2002-2003,with any desired revisions. The Manager also
recommends that the Board discuss the potential addition of the Adams Tract to the
Annual Action Plan, as outlined in the attached memorandum and letter from Canbom
Mayor Mike Nelson.
DYMPT1114 102
Lands ' 1 . Program
Annual a • 2002-2003
For the periodJu/y f, 2002—June 30, 2003
Introduction
The Lands Legacy program, adopted by Orange County In April 2000, is Initiated each year
by the creation of an Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan guides Lands Legacy
acqulShaba and land protection activides for the specified Fiscal year,
The process begins in August of each year, with staff identifying potential projects and
asking for initial guidance. Staff then meets with advisory boards far their input on
development of priorities for the coming year. Using the advisory board recommendations, a
draft Plan is prepared for distribution In the Board of Commissioners at their annual goal-
setting former. The Annual Acton Plan is then finalized concurrent with the CUP process
each spring. (Note: for Mls fiscal year, the Annual Action Man was Nonni busy dedslons
about the CIP aMborMsal varm made, sine Mere eractly/apart the Action Plan).
The past several months have seen a number of projects come to fruition, headed by the
receipt of a $789,155 grant from the USDA Farmland Protection Program in September. The
following is a draft Annual Anion Plan for our current fiscal year 2002-2003 (please see note
above). The plan incorporates comments from advisory boards last year, coupled with the
continuation and completion of goals and objectives from the current anion plan. The draft
Plan contains goals, a summary of advisory board comments, specific accon objectives, and
a county list of land acquisition and protection projects for the coming year. Also attached is
a list of accomplishments from the first half of the current fiscal year (2001-2002) and a
Performance Report for the Foot year of the Lands Legacy program (2000-01).
s 11 11
(Note: Plans to continue W pursue grant funding for County project;are implicit)
1. Upper Eno and Upper New Hope Riparian Buffers: Protest riparian buffers in the
Upper Eno River watershed critical area (including additions m Seven Mile Creek
Preserve) and the Upper New Hope Creek watershed.
2. Fauoutte Mill Historic Al Acquire conservation easements to protect properties
with historic structures and archaeological rtes In the Fauce res Mill area
3. Farmland Conservation Easements:Work with willing sellers (and partner entities,
if feasible) to acquire farmland conservation easements In priority watersheds, in
conjunction with federal Farmland Protection Program and NC Farmland Preservation
Trust Fund.
4. New Park Sites: Purchase additional parklands for establishing future parks at the
Me remaining sites identified in the 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Plan (White
Cross and Walnut Grave areas).
5. Town Greenways: Partner with the towns and other entices In acquiring land for
establishing or expanding greenways identified in town plans.
Lands leracyAmaralArnew Plan 200203 0oerIV4102 " I
6. Natural Areas and Prime Forests: Protect the highest priority natural areas and
prime forests identified in 1988 Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat and
1999 Landscape with Wildliea report.
J. Complete stewardship Plans: Develop stewardship plans for each Counl-awned
nature preserve and County-held conservation easement property.
8. Heritage/scenic Corridor Pilot Easement: Acquire a "pilot project" conservation
easement along a high priority viewshed of the historic St. Mary's Road corridor (a
Portion of the Great Indian Trading Path).
: r .
A. Commission for the Environment (CfE)
Continue efforts to protect Seven Mile Creek (Natural Areas NO2/NO3),
Southern Shagbark Hickory Forest (1116), and Pickard's Mountain (M01).
Work with partners to protect Upper Eno River watershed critical areas, lands
adjacent to Eno River State Park, and Upper New Hope Creek headwater.
Protect all higher priority Natural Area sites and consider all opportunities to
protect riparian habitats and associated natural areas throughout the
Coun"specially within the Little River and Morgan Creek comfort.
B. Agricultural Preservation Board (APB)
Continue purchasing farmland conservation easements from willing sellers.
Focus on farms within the Cane Creek, University Lake, Back Creek and
Upper Eno watersheds, and use new Agricultural Priority Area formula to
evaluate potential easement farms. Attempt to build a critical mass of
contiguous farm easements In those watersheds. Augment County funds by
pursuing state grants (e.g., Hall CWMTF) and partnering with others (e.g.,
OWASA, Soil and Water District, Eno River Assoc.). Conduct more outreach
to farm community. Consider co-locating a new agricultural center on land
acquired for other purposes.
C. Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (RPAC)
Collaborate with OWASA on establishing county parks) on OWASA lands
located outside Cane Creek watershed critical area. Pursue land acqulsltion
for establishing community parks at the two remaining areas recommended
in Master Recreation and Parks Plan: Walnut Grove and White Crass.
D. Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
Work with the owners of the Faucette Mill, Chatwocc, Halls Mill House, and
Smith-Cole House to protect the combination of historic and natural features
on those properties. Consider the protection of other important historic and
archaeological sites (e.g., Murphey School) whenever possible. Protect
"heritage cormal and other areas of scenic value (e.g., St. Mary's Road).
2
sanm eagaryar,.„raia�nae�n zoo? orarelUS/az
Involve HPC in matters concerning historic structures on County-acquired
lands. Allocate funds to protect historic structures on County property.
c • � e
The following are more specific acquisition objectives developed from existing plans,
discussions with conservation groups and other land conservation partners, in some
cases expanding upon or refining advisory board recommendations.
A. Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat
Protect (through acquisition or other means) the higher priority Natural Areas
Identified In cooperation with line Commission for the Environment
Protect the highest priority prime forest areas identified as the 1999 Triangle
• Land Conservancy hoped, entitled A Landscape With Wldik(Wilay et al.)
• Continue working with Eno River Association and others to protect (through
acquisition and other means) critical land far the Seven Mile Creek Preserve
• Work with the Eno River Aud iaton and others to project (through acquisition
and other means) other primary riparian lands and upland habitats in the Upper
Eno River watershed critical area and lands adjacent to Eno (liver State Park
• Work with Triangle Land Conservancy and others to protect (through acquisition
and other means) priority riparian lands and central county prime forest lands
located in the Upper New Hope Creek watershed
Coreider partnering with Cardboard on the acquisition of the "Adams Tracy along
Bella Creek, an identified natural area
B. Farmland Preservation
• Work with the Soil and Water District and/or OWASA to identify and prioritize
willing seller(s) or donors) of conservation easements in Cane Creek, Upper Eno
River, University Lake and Back Creek watersheds. (Where passible, build a
critical mass of contiguous farm easements in these watersheds.)
Preserve farmland that also contains riparian buffers to help meet multiple
conservat objectives
• Work with sail and Water DistricaNatural Resource Conservation Serviw to
secure Farm Bill funds for acquiring conservation easements
• Apply for a grant from the NO Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for assistance In
acquiring conservation easements
C. Parklands and Open Space
• Using existing plans and the comprehensive resource database, pursue
acquisition of park sites in the following areas:
White Cross Community Park
• North-central Orange (community park — previously titled "Cedar Grove-
Bible River Panff)
• Acquire key "missing (Iii properties for proposed New Hope Rustic Woodland
Tail (linking Chapel Hill/Carrbofo/County parks with Duke Forest and ERSP)
3
LAMS LttecyAnnua/ANnn Arn 2002-03 Drag 1114101
• In all acquisitions, be cognizant of potential school site co-location and the
potential for meeting other objectives for protection of riparian buffers, natural
areas/wildlife habitat and historic/archaeological sites
D. Cultural and Archaeological Sites
• Work with landowners In He Faucette MITI/Ctatwood area to protect Me
Combination of historic and natural features in Mat historic area
• Work with the HK and others to accomplish preservation of cultural and
archaeological sites associated with parkland acquisitions
• Protect some key Initial priority location(sJ along "heritage corridors" and areas
of scent value(e.g., St Marys Road) -
• Conduct research on known (or potential) historic and archaeological sites that
may be candidates for protection (e.g., Murphey Schoop
E. Riparian Buffers
Work with the Eno River Association and others to prated riparian corridors In
Me Upper Eno River pmte crid watershed
• Follow up as needed on the June 1, 2BU2 grant application to NC Clean Water
Management Trust Fund for protecting buffer lands in the Upper Eno watershed
• Continue to work with Triangle lard Conservancy and Eno River Association to
identify and protect priority areas in the New Hope Creek and tittle River
mrndors
• Work with the Morgan Creek Valley Alliance and others to identify ont my areas
far protection In the Morgan Creek corridor
• Work with Me Friends of Bolin Creek and others to Identify priority areas for
Inattention in Me Bolin Creek corridor
• Attempt to accomplish preservation of buffers in other water supply watersheds
through parkland and farmland acquisitions
4
la/MSL�9 AnuuBIK(ron Man 2002-03 Dart 11141,92
Priority List for 3 lay 11 11
The follot I fricall are from the list of objea lvev on the Russia ral
Seven Mrie Creek Preserve: Preserve one Ne Courral a lmgest $500,000 do$15 million tmaL Collaborate witlt farmers in
Continue to acquire and prolatt turner natural heritage areas with a depending on the mnoom of par String hide,as lhry are
priority lands for me Seven Milo goal of creating not=be oerve with land acquirad.Clean Wamr ecourromicadhignartical. This
Creak Naorelkeserve. Pinner walkingtlnih,oubfaorWucadua Tmsl Fund grant and partner continues a mall4year
with other groups where possible dead and possibly camp gll funding,along with 2001 Parke imthative,with an estimated
(a g_,F.no River Association). and(fol Space Band FUmis tlmatable of MOO-2001_
could be binding s
SouMein Shagbark Melmry Finnish a eouitymmtal area and Total dead$300,000,with Oiswviow vvlthlandownot;
boost/Masan Farm to JOrdnu provide a real between the potential cost Share with comri,d over finm previous
4ke Connector: Mason Farm Biological liesenre Botanical fil Foundation door_ Ncyeliale for Potential
Work with NC BOtvnioal Garden ("NC BOhnical Gallon)aid the Explw,Town ofClapel Hill closing be May 31,2003
Foundation to acquire important .Imdar Lake wane land,IF S Army and IlNC pan III add on as well.
1 drop I area adurcen to Mason Corp,of Engineers)
FounlBiological Rgswve.
Upper Eno Riparian RnRen'. Reatal riparian buffers in a water $i00,000(Lands-Leader Fund) Sir,visits and 611mv-zip for
Acquire conservation cool supply watershilorroal area. faraenyublic was easement CWMTF MW by Sept.30,
b perfect riparian buffrs in the Prole prime Coca and wildlife protest Applied for $1 fill willing scllerddoiors
Ede,Eno concluded octal h Came along npp¢.slmldms of the trillion In slat,matching funds by 01 31_ 'pannine
area Pannmwilh Eno River Eno therm and Seven Mile Creeh. Flom NC Cast Water retaisldans for eloelngs by
Mitchinson ad other groups if Management Tral fund in June 302003_
possible spring 2002
Farmland @vmmmb: To maintain acfitioal mass ofaWive $SSU,000 in Cnunty funds Identify willing cotton for July
Work with GWASA and Soil& Cmfort in production and also W (Lands Legacy Fund arW/m 15,2002 grant suurder(EPP).
Water DermellNRCS W acquire proleawater quality by prosaving afternanvo finavdng)to be CollaWramufitb Almortured
tmmland canomadon eawments riparian buR on farms_ consu 3 with SSOCOOO grail Economical Bee it and Soil
in Cane Graf,Bade Creak, awarded hour redoml Farmland and Water Districkest .
Faivornty Lake or Upper Eno Protection Fragment only to ERIC by December
watarsheic 2002 for transaction cons
LosMSLegaryAnnualACLm Plan 202-03 Draft 1114102
Faueene Mill liinludc Aran Protect prlel;ty historic stanlur¢ $IOO,000m 5150,000 toll Identfy tvilling lewbwners by
Acquire conceptuil,easements and potential archaeological sih,a, (Lauds Learn,Pund,point Ocrobh 91 and negotiate
to protect the nomMwiOn of and in doing so also protect pvima Goods),depending on the motel depositions for closings by
histari ,vrchawlogicel and fewer end wildli@hdbitaz asealated es planar under eamment May 31.2003.
natural lsenrcs f the Forgoing aim a somberly dnd�loped and is hwher there as an
Mill prig of the Eno Rioter. tofine En,River casement dnranan s .
Whim Coosa Park Person Traditional Your a combination Negotiate for use of OWASA- Identify potential donations by
Acquire25-]4 acres in small (ifanive and too impact recreation record lands, May chat Dacrmbar3l,2002. Prawn[
Bingham Trip.for a community in a location identified in 1989 $150,000 to$50arm)if options To Board in Jrrhkeb.
peek wcring sych OWASA if Most Recreation and Pads Plau. OWASA land nut available Negotiate national donation or
possible to locke,pink on (2001 Parks and Open Space salelry May31,1001
OWASA land couch,Crew BondsLL).
Creekwarerah 1odOCal wen.
Moral Trail Assi4 in gw.sitionfor preservation County=tdring Cunds of Railroad to Cafrbmo request
ill,mk arli Pro ofCartbom to and Tom a grccnway segment along SdOQ000(2001 Pads and COraesistadce. Pollee, upon
rc8re
m fending and warfare B01 in Creak, using Cmmly fonds as Open Space Bonds-Cari grant submittals.Assistialmrd
49sore tact along Bolin Crook Priced pad for grant
camA applications greevways)_ acquisition negotiations.
Paned urt0fa corn combination
Acquire 0rauge Park Searle ea ndlossotawmbireatin aid vo , $ on elaewion Nampa 2003ttalesennoruci
Acgdira2S"14 acres ugronc in arrive al area identified impiG in the $400000 $100,000 rktard April Mays 2003
Little 9itle Riverh,midway bmwecn 988 Master Promotion ad the and no 00.WOk tar donation I to Board iuerso 2Un.
L9(Ilg am large Cedar Omvo 1988 MesrerRcereeNon and Parks (2000-location affirmations Space Negotiate personal kale by
Tar identified park site Plan. Bond Paid TA-) Open Space VUno 30,2003.
identified{n Mater Plan Bonds—hL . i
LacersfegeryAnoce/Acssren Plan 2002-03 OmRtl,/4 102
Northern Chapal HJI 1)Content porous ofeusting open LAppmxunately$250,000 for Collaboracewdbpamas
Tonnship Rustic Tr space network America,New olverimg strips of casements (Tows of Chapel hill,TLC and
Acgnim essentenrs or stall Hope Creck. 2)Concern trails In or Four(2001 Parke mN Open DueWm)in pursuing lands in
Panels for public pedestrian Duke kureat to cuten[and proposed space bonds)L),2)$10,000 thin are economically pi
trails to link existing trail trai is in nearby OUrMm consistent for transactional omens T ands
segmom along New Hope ,ith the New Hope Creek Master Legacy Fund))-Arguisltion
l:rcnk Plan. Proteclnpanat buffers. Cunda Nom NC CICSn Water
Mgint Trust fund grant I
awarded to Triangle Land
Conservancy bar this project.
turner mu N/A Unknown
' - Cost estimates are rough estimates based on expected per acreage land paces,and actual negotiations may produce
different results. As acquisition opportunities are reviewed and evaluated, tire cost estimates will be refined. For many
projects, the costs of acquisition would be spread over multiple fiscal years (not all of the funds would be needed in H
2002-03).
Lar Lcgein AnnuelPtWn P/an 202-03 Prom 1 V41 I�
W01111154111. Illegal
In addition to speci0c acquisition
objectives, other actions may be
needed to facilitate long-term land The following anions were
conservation. For the coming year, accomplished from the previous
strategies include the following: Annual Action Plan (2001-2002).
1. Work with the Commission for Purchased the historic alackwootl
Farm (152 acres) far a future pads
the Environment to complete the located near New Hope Elementary
Natural Areas Element to the and Stanback Middle School.
Orange County Comprehensive
Plan, incorporating the results of Peomwed a mnservadon easement
the forthcoming update to the donation on 45 acres owned by Carl
Inventory of Natural Areas and and Eve Shy (Bingham Township).
Wildlife Habitat The easement will help protect
natural area/wiltllife habitat and
2. Continue meeting with members on farmland within the Cane
of the Orange County Land Creek watershed critical area.
Conservation Alliance twice a Collaborated with me Triangle [and
year to discuss potential Conservancy on purchase of 35 acre
opportunities for collaborator on tract frwn Stanley and Carolyn
conservation projects. Pace (bargain sale) to prated
portion of identified Natural Area site
3. Conduct outreach with as an addition to T-CS Steep Bottom
neighborhood groups, civic Branch Nature Preserve.
organizations and others to
discuss Lands Legacy program Helped establish the Morgan Creek
and the methods and benefits of valley Alliance, a new partnership
land conservation. in land conservation among entities
interested in protecting natural and
cultural heritage in the Morgan
Creek watershed.
4. Compile land acquisition inquiries
and opportunities from Applied for $t million from the NC
landowners and other potential Clean Water Management Trust
partners, and present to the Fund for acquisition of riparian
Board's for direction on whether buffers In the Upper Eno Watershed.
to pursue acquisition.
Applied for $788,900 from USDA
Farmland Protection Program
to purchase conservation
easements on three active fans.
8
LenCS LryaryArvua/Ansen Pon 2002-Ai O2ft 1U9102
Duke Forest, future County park and
Eno River State Paric
k k k k t Result
- Mappetl potential alignment of
rustic woodland trall In consultation with
Duke Forest Manager. Identified
The following priority projeC'IS were "missing link" properties, but took no
identified in the first rinterim"J anion on acquisition/easements,
Action Plan adopted for the Lands Pending further consultation wit BOCC.
Legacy program covering the period
from May 3, 2000 -June 30, 2001. 5. Secure or acquire 25-74 acres In
Bingham Township for community
1. Purchase land (100-200 acres) for park, working to locate park on
establishing a dlsMtt/regional park OWA awned lands if possible.
between Chapel HIII/Cariboro and Result — Worked with Oio S sort on
Hillsborough.
idenfifyln9 three potential park sites.
Result- Purchased 193 acres owned by Report developed on "Mitigation Lands
the Hunter (44 acres) and Cate families Tract." Further evaluation needed for
(149 acres with historic farmstead) for consideration by SOCC and O1
the proposed Chapel Hill Township 6. Acquire land in Eno Township or
District Park and Educational Schley area for community park if no
Campus(May/June 2001). other parks are otherwise Identified
2. Purchase additional 25-60 acres at by December 2000.
Nodhem Human Services Center to Result - Evaluated potential 200-acre
help convert Rom community park
to Cedar Grave District Park, park site donation for the proposed
"Preserve" subdivision (February 2001).
Result - Developed pre-concept plans Subdivision proposal was withdrawn.
for future Cedar Grove Park. Unable Began negotiations for the potential
t0 negotiate purchase of adjacent lands acquisition of Blackwood Farm.
in 2000-01, but negotiations continuing J. Work wit willing seller and OWASA
on other adjacent lands or Sail & Water Disold to acquire a
3. Purchase or otherwise acquire lands pilot project farmland conservation
In the Seven Mile Creek area, easement, angering the Cane Creek
especially portions of Identified watershed.
natural areas. Res i. It - Prepared conservation
Result - Acquired 139 acres from easement to protect farmland Owned by
Mayes' Hill, Ltd- including pottion of Victor and Lucille Wagers (Cedar
Natural area site E@, for the Seven Grove Township) using $07,000 grant
Mlle Creek Preserve(June 2001). (50% of cost) from NC Farmland
Preservation Trust Fund. (Cloud in July
4. Map and acquire lands in pilot 2001.)
project final linking Town parks,
9
LaMS[EgaryAnnaa/Atlbn ANP 2002-03 Low 1114102 � O
A. Consider other objectives as r r
opportunities arise.
RasuRS: The FY 2002-03 Annual Action Plan
would continue to build on the
• Purchased the orange County acquisition projects of previous
potion (136 acres) of the proposed years, with potential projects in each
391 acre Little River Regional of the Lands Legacy priority areas
Park and Natural Area (November (natural areas, parkland, cultural
2, 2000) to be owned and managed resources, farmland easements and
jointly with Durham County watershed buffers.
[Durham completed the purchase of
its 255-acre portion in July 2001] At the same time, a renewed
• Received a grant a $262,000 from emphasis Is proposed on public
the federal Land and Water outreach about the program, and
Conservation Fund for development stewardship plans for lands in the
of the tittle River Regional Park program.
and Natural Area (October 2000)
The frst two years of the program
• Began work on proposed saw tremendous strides in
conservation easement donation by acquisitions of priority resource
Carl and Eve Shy (45 acres in Bingham Township). Closed In lands, with 794 acres currently
October 2002. acquired and several mare projects
in the works. This has in large part
• Commenced an update of Orange enabled the County W essentially
County's Inventory of Natural preserve one acre for every acre of
Areas and Will Habitat using land that has been developed.
$5,000 grant from the NC Natural
Heritage Program (to be completed This Action Plan and the FY 2003-04
in 2003) Action Plan to be presented in
January will begin to propose
• Held Initial meetings of the Orange acquisition targets and resource
County Land Conservation protection opportunities for the new
Alliance (October 2000 and April bond funds approved by voters in
2001), banging together staff from November 2001.
partner shares In land conservation
W share Information far potential
collaboration on resource protection
projects
Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan (Draft)
Priority Areas 2002 - 2003
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ORANGE COUNTY
ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Commissioners
Jahn Link, County Manager
From: David Sheri Environment and Resource Conservation Director
Date: November 6, 2002
Re: Town of Carrboro Request for Funding—"Adams Tract"
In May of this year, the Town of Carrboro conveyed a request to the County for
$500,000 W serve as local government match for a Clean Water Management
Trust Fund grant application. The Town's grant application requests $958,050
from the State toward the purchase of a 28.9-acre tract along Bolin Creek in
Carrboro known as the"Adams Tral This letter is provided as Attachment 1.
In October, Carrboro Mayor Mike Nelson and Alderman Alex Zaffmn met with the
Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Commissioners to reiterate Interest in this
request, and asked that the funds allocated in the 2001 Parks and Open Space
bond for Carrboro greenways be allocated toward this purchase. A letter to this
effect Is provided as Attachment 2. The tract does contain land along Bolin Creek
that could be part of the eventual Bolin Creek Cromwell It also contains
approximately 10 acres that are within an Identified N.C. Natural Heritage site
To explore this project's potential fit with the Lands legacy program, I have
evaluated the proposal in light of how it meets the Joint Parks Guidelines and
Criteri (adopted by the Board in 1999 for the evaluation of potential projects).
These same criteria are incorporated into the Lands Legary Program for
evaluating parkland and open space projects.
The relationship to the proposed 'Planning Process for Joint County/$own Parks
and Open Space Projects" has not been explored, since this document relates to
facility development and has just been transmitted by the Intergovernmental
Parks (IP) Work Group for the Board's consideration.
Adopted Joint Parks Guidelines and Criteria
(Note:The Town has addressed its orvn review of haw the projed meets these criteria as eeh of
Attachment 1).
Environment and Resources Conservation
PO Box 8181/J06-A Revere Road
HnAMOrough, NC 27278
irce 245 250
Orange County
Joint Parks Guidelines and Criteria
(urtoVIM13/189,&Ji
1. Basic Guidelines for All Joint Town/Cuunty prn,jeeh(adopted 5/3100):
A 1'mjLdts shoddmcctmtdtiplenceds and serve multiple jmuofictloas(ha,
community,district or mirrored parks 23 to 200 acres or rote—met offer
a wick variety c f awfveriese inelodig active and low-impreduserearon)
B. Projects that meal multiple oriuda monies hion weighting
2. Parks Project Evaluation Criteria(ado tap d 12/]/99) _
Cathode
Does the project Fria existing maNtmry funds forma 1 sliry;Jmi[vlidiun with floe exµGnest mot lea61a 1',I mamb
in recent,
N¢. The Town has not identified any funds of As own for the grant, and is asking the County to provide Me
matching lands from the 2001 bond funds allocated for Carrbom lessoncepsym
To there exiabence of Mar partnerships and precious commihnrnts M the same entity?
Yes. Carrbom and Orsn a Counts have worked together on Smith Middle School playing field
Ia a, ,a a ruled onahi1,b aween th e rum eat an d the inventory of exiadn0 hon1itiea and lands(19 99 J¢inrMaster Recreation
and Paris repro)
Yes, the site contains frontage along Bolin Creek, a future greenway route, and contains a portion of an
menlined Natural Heritage site(ounce?area). However, thrice urns is needed from the Town on whether the
future Bolin Creek Greenwast,extension would be on this side of Bolin Creek
E the lard owned by a eutirv'P No, eorren n Aerate ownershl
wea'umrnt
Yes a Tow has une and other andin6 oppurtunio th
to s. nit Town has application to the NC Clean Water Management Tmst Fund and plans
t What in the stofth deaf to the Land and water Conservation Fund in 2003
wbaHS the cost of the parsec?,arouse mwadable s a m re
Them an askappraisalf$fheproperty showsameAetprice o/$1.35 million. IDs owner has previously
Indlcaled an asking price pr to t,is than of If en The Town does have gresk[hare adopted
Yen The Town tices have a gLand Use plan in both as etl¢ptetl Recreatron and parts Master Plan, and fhe
Door me Northam Sandy Ahead Land Use Plan.
Yes, Ihcprujmately contain idmNfed in the Inventory,introduced Areas and Waffled eatuMmtq area County, mad
Yes, ap site. sly 10 acres is within sMe BOi (Bolo Creek), a large identigetl naturel area antl a NC Natural
Heritage an. _
Yes. The p spaffiuc use the compatible with is natural W reesR
Yes. The proposal to use H site in its natural slate with a greenway is consistent bounded ded by the areas tp the
west and the undeveloped Hprece Williams heIX and other lands to the north It is b¢unded by the milroatl on
the east.
IS the confined
tenti l trail, T e surr use appropriate amthe surrounding somu Yes. N¢proposed use is for conservation
and Whaapotentialtrail location of are amorearesto th&are a be, Ontle(is ita e _
Whet is they sweII as locationofll¢projeto to nmbethe prep le beard? The Adams central
Trlo iii located WhcL
precut adjacent diparr y Meloatedr relative to aeuumbuecentelr servedti The Adams Tarot Is Iota @tl wlNin and of
aoes the ac tict prom te oratedy of Williliereas inthecenteroln&Imost _
Does the ac pare food economy wildlifecnspaenetwork andgBoli Creek, atheventuallloaantl
preservation of Nis Fact woultl add to the open space network along Bolin Creek, and eventually add to the
Galin Creek Greenaway,
EnNmnm¢nl and Resource Conservator
PO Box 8181 130srA Revere Road
Hukbocnu9n, NG 27278
(919)2452590
I�
Is her d tt ( g ho I Yes the site Is near Coml Elementary Sch I
4th Indf oriented ti t . bl and VP P' I the me 01 d b(C uid l ds Ind
en wic
n rally sunixtre I d ) WA No active excreation recreation proposed. The silo would not 6 itable for active
ramethation due to t comdar and ni area
Will the ucyuishon Judi purldoes of Upl Em and N hope Comae mervium inhere;(if at 'wble)9WA-
6ut the acguistion will furMef eMUfs ro add to Me Bolin Creek comtlor(which Is part ofJOmen Lake
waterahed).
ty pwsn(lira pur91ion)to Neproposed afM opk podeesilympowPl[sLad4 POten(lally yea.AOOe93 4VUltl be
omplemot through adjacent Wilson Pads eliminating illegal palling along Estes Drive Extension, which
now occurs
Conclusion
As shown above, the proposal meets most of the criteria for joint parks and open
space projects, but does not meet all. For example, the primary criterion calling
for a 50% match by the requesting local government is not met. However, other
important voters, such as the protection of identified Natural Heritage sites, are
met.
As a land acquisition project, this project is not applicable ad the IP Work Group's
recently-recommended policy ("Planning Process for Joint County/Town Open
Space Projects"), although some provisions of that document may be prudent to
apply, such as the appointment of a County/Town Project Planning Group(PPG)
to oversee the acquisition activities. Additionally, once a policy governing joint
facilities projects Is adopted, that policy would govern eventual greenway
extension along this Corridor(and through this property), If pursued as ajoint
County/Town project.
The Town's request in May of Nis year was for $500,000, with a more-recent
refinement asking that the Town's full portion of the 2001 bond funds for
greenways ($750,000) be used to this end.
The acquisition of his tract would further the expansion of the Bolin Crack
Greenway, by providing land along the Master Plan route that could be
incorporated into the greenway. Clarification is needed that the greenway could
be placed on this side of Bolin Creek, as the existing Town plans show the
Proposed greenway, on Ne opposite side of the creek. However, this is merely a
line on a map and there Is no design for the greenway at this time.
While construction of the remainder of the greenway N the Adams Tract: may be
some years in the offing, greenway segments are often acquired in piecemeal
fashion as part of a master plan. Acquisition of Me Adams Tract would enhance
that goal, by acquiring land for the eventual extension of Bolin Creek Greenway,
which would also eventually tie to trails proposed on the Chapel Hill Township
toonentrosandRievuree Con rvatiar
PO Box 81811306-A Revorn Road
HillsMqu9h,NC 2727B
(919f 205-2590
Park and Educational Campus property (all of which are part of the Town's
Master Parks and Recreation Plan).
A total of $400,000 is available in the current fiscal year for greenways projects
(as part of the first bond sale). This is a part of the $1.75 million In the bond far
Chapel Hill and Camboro greenways, to link to County open space network. That
amount was originally identified as $1.0 million for Chapel Hill greenways
projects, and $750,000 for Carrboro projects — with the understanding that
projects that worked to tie together County and Town open space network would
be given higher priority_
As the project meets most of the adopted criteria and is consistent with Lands
legacy goals, two possible approaches to address the Town's request might be:
a. Agree to appropriate the $400,000 for greenways in the current fiscal year
(2001 bond funds) as the County's portion of the project match, with any
remaining amount (up to the $750,000 maximum) to be appropriated in
future years as deemed feasible — with the understanding that the Town
will match any remaining amount of purchase price and associated costs
not funded by the grant, and/or
o If the funding sources (County bond funds, Clean Water Management
.grant, other grants) end up meeting the total acquisition east, ask the
Town to reimburse the County for 50% of the County's match over the
next five fiscal years— consistent with the adopted joint parks criteria.
I hope this brief evaluation is useful in considering the Town's request. Please
feel free to contact me If you have any questions.
E�� Oren 181130eo cavareRad
PO Box 8bor/306A Ferere Road
Hilla(919)2h, NC 0
f9t9)2452580
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TOWN XOF CARRBORO
CARi
W W wOplabx31,2002 P.
111e liarsyNe Barry J9WM,Channel
Call County Board of Commassom s
i 8=3101
1-01101501 NC 2]278
Dear Commie®Doer J amts:
On Whatt Of Me Board of A'daman,l am mqusseng a wmmmnent from the County
Commiseiorew b allocate Mris,doOROm thagresnwey acquisition be Me to swine
Canduort In Me ptadlese of the seams Trail.
brtboro vieux axquitakon of this Prldedis as wejd or deverio lg our level
bystem. It is a All link cormur q Chi Hill relwork of teen gets re all derads Me
HOMM Wglarg Intl cad the curet buffer. AcquleNw of al property will dgnifkertly
BMance Wr ali or pNVbO a compraltenelw network Walla ".tml&and
bikeways tar BouMSm O engs County. In atldllen,pmeemirg Me Ia3will help ua
protect Bolin creek,one he steamers Orange Coal most slgnMmrtl natural
rB.4aurme.
TM robot meant appraisal her this 26ace IaC is$1.35 Millen. Our Adams Twcb
CommMes has mrcmmmded he Me Board v(Aldermen that we IMmatlebly seek an
option Rpm the Adan s faniy. The Balk war be discussing this materetauriii
memng and I expect IN Board a support Min request.
wasd srattadaloam Mat Moreyaseressagom Me gmenwayapanl sends
Com as ion dteaw anOamoftig Ikka p Ourrec on Mboot yap Met Me
Cpmmesiarers have an app&vnayM d'ISmwz aurtEQUes1 an November it".
Tme fieoff wsOnweswahaveapplmdforagra kmMe Clean WOr
Aenagsmsrd Trust PUM cad wgl M ePDMn S7M,C awl n th grave. ay Nn"cummlMgM roM O a ga Cwnry b D o tribe adva 00 fkm the gmemw y Omer will
sPangmen IN lawn's applwevns and will be advarMpeoua In leveraging Omer mvnef.
Pe f Maa� Trust t a StsoonmpaealBlewMath Dm bafomarWdWMe
Clew M WaerMw PUM 1'Jf(ep, Igmalb appwtlaY yqurastlatanw.
Sincerely.
l a Pra�aamr
isi want
ki l�
MlckeeNeson, —Mor
CaRaaro Board ofadermen
Adults Property Pmemisam CDMMInec
Ruben W.Masan,Tawn Nargger
JQl Wr�MX4ff5TREXT.94RROORC IC 27510-(5191 0424F41 FAX X1*j
TOWN OF CARRBORO a
NQRTK CAROLINA 17, 2002
The Honorable Barry Jacobs, Chairman
Orange County Board of Commissioners
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough. NC =8
Dear Commas
�o"id cs.
The Board of Aldermen and I have a long-standing desire to protect the Bolin Creek
corridor through land preservation and other protective measures.One of the ways that
we have demonstrated our commitment Is to require developers to set aside qO percent
of residential developmentfor open space, much of it along Bolin and other creeks. In
evi ltioP we established a Committee to explore ways to preserve the Adams Tract.
The Town's sped to acquire the Adams properly will protect a natural resource and
preserve a pad of the community's heritage. Compared to developers or other Interested
parties,we believe that the Town would be the best steward to maintain the value and
the beauty of the property by keeping it as an open, green space. Being located next to
Wilson Park, twould be a keystone addition to the area's parks and proposed
graenways.
Our ability to purchase this property has been hindered by the Governors decisions to
withhold the December 2001 Clean Water Management Trust Fund allocation and state-
selected local revenues to help offset the budget crisis. Even in the best of times,
acquiring land for preservation Is difficult.The current financial circumstances have
greatly increased our obstades.
We are pursuing multiple sources of funding. Accordingly,we are re urecifing $500,000
from the Lands Legacy Program to serve as a local government match for other federal,
state,and private grants. A chart demonstrating how this project meets the Jdnt Falls
Guidelines and Corona Is attached. -
We consider this property to be one of Carrbom's special places-a beautiful cultural
and natural resource.We would like very much to have the County's assistance In
assuring this legacy remains for the enjoyment of future Carrbom and Orange County
generations.
Sincemly,
Michael Nelson, Mayor
Attachment:Joint Parks Guidelines and Criteria
m: Ca menot Board of Aldermen
Adams Property Preservation Committee
Robert W. Morgan,Town Manager
a
Orange County
Joint Parks Guidelines and Criteria
(adopted 1L7`99, 56100)
1. Basic Guidelines for AlU Joint TawWCounty projects (adopted 513100):
A NOlwts should mast mtildbie needs and serve mlDdplejumadictio ni(i.e unity, -
distinct or regarded parks-25 to 200 amcs or more-Nat after a wide vsdcty of
activities,including seise and low impact rmwation)
B. Projects Nat meet multiple criteria receive oigherweighOng
2. Parks Project Evaluation Criteria(adopted 1217/99)
,Due$ o project Ahavee N toners container foods n near Jalb a quuscasdngpindenoonn,wild the ervhpecobjj on of ad[cut a"1°'.t 1°match
memory?
Governor's »
d dw ov W wiNhold contribute to M p mate-shared of the preouv and a Tow norms downturn a has
severely Ito t named the n Watt s0 an ge contribute W red purchase of the property.The redo m submitting a great
proposal to the Clean{Pater Management Trust Fund and plena to submit one to the Federal Land and Water
Cohere eximn Fund in 2001.
Is s-Smih Middle dle prior chparMe[ships and previous wmmitmems m the same mfity?of
Yes-e a m Middle b hood
L there a relationship between the protect end tls inventory of esisiia facihdes and lands(19991oim Master Reawdon
ands properbyrt)
The r ahasyag government coafink elan the proposed Bolin Creek Greenwe .
T the darn is award
parmy a goveanmenources
Is Door potential a multiple odder oppor W purchase Me property.
Is Nerown Is submitting tinga area n pr (coding nMe Clean The Town Is she Load anagran[proposaltion Clean Water Maregemenl Trust F}tatl and plena to submit agrvit
resat a the Land area water whose to Conservation a Fund
County in zoos.
proposal
owner cost oRuested rammatiw toavailable Cnunry remuruw.
The
wrnerhas o re uened two rubber, More an if completion of an rdning project,is Naeev atlopted faciliryplanR
No
Does the
Bohn recontainaafirebern B01 mthe inceMory of NaWral Areas nnJ Wildlifr Rehires,Oenrsge CowryNU
Yea a Bohn Creek. Site Number:801
h e spaceaparkusecompatible eP adjacent lave uses?
Open space and grcenway uses are proposed. The property is adjacent W Wilson Park A conceptual plan is being
developed.
Is Ne Proposed intensity of land use apPropriaa LOr Na surrounding sera?
-
Open space and greenway uses are proposed The property is adjacent to Wilson Park.A conceptual plan is being
developed.
What u the geographic hiumb Of the project relative W Me armte be served(is it a central location fr We wogs
population),as well as the location relative W has number of people served?
It is centrally located and provides Rev access to th or owed Bolin Creek Occurs,
Does me project promote communy of addhfa com 9, greenways and dinar r parknga
Yea
Is the land adjacent to new or exinwg schools?
'. Nu although the proposed r in dos b Condom Classicality School.
proximally
Is fib<lmd[arpotevtial alive rec�eanonsmr[abio rode cePorthe I ('�alloi&wcfiandsrud
a3
enm;ly-sensitive lends)'! .
open space and greenwaY uses currently proposed. The property is adjacent to Wilson Park.A conceptual plan.
bein tlevelo <d.
Will tie acipivirion Nrther puposusor llpper Eno end New Hope Condor aalioa eHorts(i`applicable)?
s
is a
Cars to the prppuxad site sae and easily acensplish<d?
Y<sc