TITLE: Title
Update on the design for the Jones Creek Greenway (C-5181)
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Board with an update on the Jones Creek Greenway.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Christina Moon - 919-918-7325; Patricia McGuire - 919-918-7327; Zachary Hallock - 919-918-7329
INFORMATION: At the June 18th Board of Aldermen meeting, staff provided the Board with a brief update on the Jones Creek Greenway project. (Agenda materials may be found here: <https://carrboro.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=686486&GUID=87B4B141-060E-43B0-9B7E-2BAA056385A7&Options=&Search>=.) As noted in that agenda, staff is working with the design consultants, Wetherill Engineering, to incorporate input from members of the Board, the Greenways Commission and members of the public in the development of the 60-percent design. During the summer months, staff held productive meetings with Wetherill, Orange County and OWASA regarding the alignment of the proposed multi-use path, particularly with regard to the OWASA sewer easement, and possible locations for staging area(s) and construction access. Refinement of the project design including the development of renderings or other graphic images to better show the proposed bridge and the overall look of the trail are underway and a public hearing date for the 60-precent design is anticipated for September 24th.
In the interim, staff is preparing to conduct “before” bike/ped counts as part of the requirements for receiving federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds. Arrangements are also being made for a third public drop-in session to provide residents with an opportunity learn about the project and ask questions with the design firm, in a more informal setting. Once 60 percent design is complete, the consultants will focus on obtaining permits and associated easements as part of the preparation of the project proposal for bid. Staff will continue to update the Board on the project schedule.
As a reminder, the Jones Creek Greenway (TIP #C-5181) is a short segment of greenway that will extend from the Lake Hogan Farms subdivision to the existing Orange County greenway providing a direct connection from the subdivision to the Morris Grove Elementary School. The proposed greenway will run through the future Twin Creeks Park, roughly parallel to an OWASA sewer line and Buckhorn Branch and will involve a crossing of Buckhorn Branch.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: The anticipated total cost of the project is $850,250: 80 percent ($680,200) to be funded by federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds and the remaining 20 percent ($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 update and offer any additional feedback for the design for the Jones Creek Greenway.