TITLE: Title
Public Hearing for Jones Creek Greenway (C-5181) 30% Design
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide an update on the status of the Jones Creek Greenway at 30% design and to receive comments from the Board and members of the public.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Patricia McGuire - 919-918-7327; Christina Moon - 919-918-7325; Zachary Hallock - 919-918-7329
INFORMATION: At the April 9th Board of Aldermen meeting, the Board received a presentation from Wetherill Engineering on the Jones Creek Greenway at 15% design. The Jones Creek Greenway forms a short segment of the Bolin Creek Greenway system that, when finished, will extend from the northern end of Lake Hogan Farms Road to the existing southern end of Orange County’s Jones Creek Greenway.
This is the second formal presentation on the project, now at 30% design, and an opportunity to receive additional public comment. Following the same format as the 15% review, the consultants facilitated a drop-in information on the project prior to the Board meeting to receive comments and questions in a more informal setting. This second drop-in session was held at Morris Grove Elementary School. Much of the discussion at both the drop-in sessions focused on the size and appearance of the proposed bridge which will span the ravine providing a more direct connection from the north end of Lake Hogan Farm Road and the Orange County greenway and on to Morris Grove Elementary School for all users.
Greenway projects typically include check-in points at key intervals in the design process-usually 30% and 60% completion. A third and final drop-in information session and public hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 18th. At 60%, the overall project design is typically considered completed and consultants shift their focus to preparing for permit approvals from appropriate state and federal agencies. Staff will continue to keep the Board appraised on the status of the project following 60% design but does not anticipate seeking additional public comment, in order to keep the project on schedule.
Staff has heard an interest in collecting more accurate user data for existing and future bike-ped infrastructure as part of the comprehensive bicycle transportation plan update and is working with Wetherill Engineering to locate a place for a bike-ped counter along the trail.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: The anticipated total cost of the project is $850,250: 80% ($680,200) to be funded by federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds and the remaining 20% ($170,050) through local match. The use of CMAQ funds includes a Greenhouse Gas emission analysis before and after completion.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board receive the presentation from Wetherill Engineering, offer feedback and receive public comment to help inform the design for the Jones Creek Greenway.