Black Creek Greenway Realignment Project

Public Comment Summary – Feb. 22, 2005 Meeting

Staff: Doug McRainey, parks planning manager; Joe Godfrey, parks planner; Paul Kuhn, parks planner

PRCR Advisory Board Members: Kay Struffolino, Leta Huntsinger (Chair, Greenway Committee), Toby Kennedy, Steve Smutko

Greenway Committee Members: Bob Morris

Developer’s Representatives: David Finger, Highwoods Properties; Chuck Smith, Withers & Ravenal (engineering)

Others Attending: 30 Citizens

Purpose

To review proposed greenway realignment and gather citizen input to realign a short segment of Black Creek Greenway, north of Weston Parkway along Lake Crabtree. 

Introduction

Parks Planning Manager Doug McRainey welcomed citizens to the meeting and gave introductions of staff, board members and developer representatives. Doug then gave a PowerPoint presentation which was an overview of the project.  A question and answer period followed.  A series of maps documenting the proposed greenway realignment were stationed throughout the meeting room.  Those attending the meeting had an opportunity to provide comments with the use of Post-it Notes on those maps.

Citizens’ Questions and Comments

Will the trail be more likely to flood now that it is at a lower elevation and closer to the lake?

The proposed realignment of the trail is not at a lower elevation then the sections of trail immediately before or after the realigned section.

What is the proposed time frame for the project?

The trail will be constructed prior to construction of the development.  Construction of the trail should occur this spring. Construction of the development would begin this summer.

Will the trail be closed for construction?

The new trail will be constructed prior to taking the old trail off line.

Has Town Council approved the realignment?

In August 2004, the Town Council approved realigning this segment of Black Creek Greenway as a rezoning condition. However, the council has not approved details of the realignment.

Will this cost the taxpayers?

There will be no cost to the taxpayers.  The developers will pay all cost to design and build the relocated trail and overlook.

How wide of an area will be required to construct the new trail thru the existing woods?

A minimum of 20 feet

Will the proposed development be visible from the relocated trail?

The existing trees and vegetation plus the difference in elevation and the new plantings will minimize any views of the proposed development from the relocated trail.

How will the users of the trail know which trail is the primary greenway and which trail connects to the development?

The trails from the development will be 6 feet wide, the primary greenway is 10’ wide.  The trails are currently shown as a V-merge, however they will be redesigned to be T-intersections.

Will the gravel access trail from Weston One be upgraded?

The owner of Weston One is a different owner then of the Weston Lakeside Development.  The owner of Weston One has the ability to add another building and a parking deck and at this time does not want to commit any permanent connection which may limit its ability to expand in the future.

Is the tight turn adjacent to the lake being addressed at the north end of the property?

The tight turn will be addressed as part of a “Phase 2” of the project.  A permit from the state will be required to move the trail further away from the lake.  This turn will be addressed and the relocation will meet the requirements that the state has for relocating the trail further away from the lake.

Are there any site plans available that show the entire development along with the dry ponds?

Withers & Ravenal can provide additional plans showing more detailed information. 

Written Comments

• I don’t think there should be a roof on the ‘lookout’.  It spoils the view (DM)

• No roof preferred for  lookout. (EM)

• Anyway to mitigate 40’ clearing/grading along realigned trail?

• Straighten North curve up to property line fence as agreed w/Greenway Committee/PRCR Advisory Board – Walk Thru. (TK)

• Overlook should be left at least ½ or more uncovered.  (D)

• Overlook should not be covered – at least not completely.  I often see people on it obviously enjoying the sun – just an open view. (EF)

• Overlook is a must….making it larger is great!  Please try to maximize elevation as much as possible while maintaining a buffer…good for the Highwood guys. (S)

• Consider access down slope via stairs to provide more direct connection to trail from Weston One spur trail.  There is some concern that unless this connection is more direct that users will create their own access. (Greenway Committee)

• Suggest making BMP’s and landscaping more attractive and keeping current alignment (but smooth out curves) – make 10 ft. wide.

• Would much rather preserve existing habitat adjacent to lake – please do not re-align through the trees.

• Move realigned trail so that it crosses over the current location of the overlook, as agreed upon by Greenway Committee. (G’way Committee)

• Will the trees planted below the retaining wall be evergreen or deciduous?  We would prefer large evergreens (i.e. Nellie Stevens Hollies).  I would like the lookout to remain uncovered.  Thank you. (TG)

• Realign north terminating point with existing trail. Remove curve in trail. (Greenway Committee)

• What are the development plans for the area north of North Cary Park? (DH)