TITLE: Title
Public Hearing for Jones Creek Greenway (C-5181) 15% Design
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide an update on the status of the Jones Creek Greenway at 15% 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: The Jones Creek Greenway is a short segment of the Bolin Creek Greenway system that will extend from the northern end of Lake Hogan Farms Road to the existing southern end of Orange County’s Jones Creek Greenway. While the Carrboro portion of the greenway is relatively short, it includes an important crossing over Jones Creek which, once completed, will enhance the corridor making it more accessible for users of different abilities. The crossing will also have to be designed to accommodate future road connections: north-south and east-west. The corridor provides a direct connection from the Lake Hogan Farms development to Morris Grove Elementary School and is already heavily used. The county’s segment, stretches north between Jones Creek and the future Twin Creek Park.
The Town selected Wetherill Engineering out of Raleigh to complete the design/bid process for the project and held a kick-off meeting on January 30th. Greenway designs typically include check-in points at key intervals in the design process-usually 30% and 60% completion. Following the Board’s interest in public engagement, staff has scheduled drop-in information sessions followed by public hearings at 15%, 30%, and 60% design. 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.
Subsequent to the kick-off meeting, the project was discussed at a joint meeting with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System. Town staff arranged a meeting with Police Department, Fire Department, Orange County and the School Assistant Superintendent to discuss ways to address EMS access and related safety interests along the greenway. Staff will continue to work with the consultants to integrate thoughtful design elements such as signage into the project design. Staff has also 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 will work 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.