The largely undeveloped Green Level area represents the last expansive rural landscape in the vicinity of Research Triangle Park. Green Level is exemplary of late 19th century agricultural communities of the central Piedmont region of North Carolina. It is one of two historic districts within Cary's planning jurisdiction that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
A goal of Cary's Open Space and Historic Resources Plan is to preserve historic landscapes that reflect our rural heritage. To make this possible, the Town is launching the Rural Landscape Preservation Project with a grant from the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
Public Meetings
- Monday, June 30, 2003
- Tuesday, July 8, 2003
- Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Because of extensive public interest, the Town has scheduled additional workshops with citizens to develop a vision for the area. Community residents have been meeting with the project consultant, N.C. State University's Design Research and Service Laboratory.
At a June 10 workshop, participants broke into groups for "vision statements" addressing concerns or aspirations. The group crafted a draft vision statement for discussion June 30. Issues include development; traffic; property rights; farmland and watershed preservation; the historic district and landmarks; and parks and open space.
Residents' and property owners' top issues
Maps - Project Area & Green Level Historic District
More Details
The Rural Landscape Preservation Project will produce maps, educational materials and professional advice to help resource landowners of the Green Level Historic District decide what should happen with their property in the future. The Town hopes they will be encouraged to:
- Preserve significant natural resources and open space through their own initiative, at no cost to the public
- Participate in the Town of Cary open space preservation program, whereby the Town would purchase conservation easements or enter into other agreements to save scenic, historic, cultural or natural resources
The total budget for the Rural Landscape Preservation Project is $19,000. The state Department of Cultural Resources has provided $11,000 for the project, which will be a prototype for other communities working to preserve rural landscapes and historic resources.
Questions & Answers about the Rural Landscape Preservation Project
Contact
Scott Ramage
Principal Planner
Town of Cary Planning Department
P.O. Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 462-3888
scott.ramage@townofcary.org