TIME STAMP 30:50
(See attached, Item H2, which is included as a reference in these minutes.)
Ms. Amos and Mr. Nestor briefed the Council on the options for the Marvin Creek Connector Trail, noting that the Council ruled out returning the trail easement in the previous discussion.
Please refer to the attached memo and map for greater context of each route option for the Marvin Creek Connector Trail.
Mr. Nestor noted that Option 1, the original route, was the staff recommended option, as it has lowest impact on existing vegetation and is the furthest away from homes.
Option 1 Cost Break Down:
• Blue Ridge Trail Works Quote: $24,750
• Engineering: Analyzing the impact of the bridge would cost $5,000 to $15,000
• Surveying: Between $5,500 and $7,500
• Environmental and Wetlands: $5,000 to $8,000
• Additional Engineering and Studies: up to an additional $20,000 (DEPENDING ON RISE ANALYSIS).
He then explained that Option 2 was a conceptual reroute that would require a new easement from the Preserve at Marvin HOA and would require an additional bridge, as it crosses a stream. He also noted that additional screening would be needed, as this route is much closer to homes in Marvin Creek.
Option 2 Cost Break Down:
• Blue Ridge Trail Works Quote: $27,750
• Preliminary Engineering: $5,000 to $10,000
• Surveying: Between $5,500 and $7,500
• Environmental and Wetlands: $5,000 to $8,000
• Additional Engineering and Studies: up to an additional $20,000 (not likely for this option).
Mr. Nestor explained that Option 3 was a conceptual route that would require a new easement from the Preserve at Marvin HOA, as well as an easement from the owner of 9683 Saddle Avenue. He noted that staff does not believe Option 3 to be a feasible route, as it would require the removal of much vegetation, an additional easement from a private property owner, and the route may require the construction of an additional bridge. He noted that the cost of this option would likely be greater than Options 1 or 2.
He then explained that Option 3A was an option similar to Option 1, as it would follow an existing sewer easement that lies along the rear of 9683 Saddle Avenue and would then cross the floodplain to the current easement from the Marvin Creek HOA. He noted that this option would require the same studies and have a similar cost to Option 1.
Council discussed this topic in depth, immediately ruling out Option 3, as it would require an easement that would traverse private property. Council also ruled out Option 2, as the route is too close to homes in Marvin Creek.
Mayor Pro Tempore asked Ms. Amos for the funding amounts that the Village currently has in its Greenway Capital Project Fund and in its contingency line item. She also asked if staff were currently pursuing any grants for trail construction. Ms. Amos stated that the Village has approximately $42,000 in its Greenway Capital Project Fund and an additional $50,000 in contingency.
Ms. Amos noted that the Village did apply for another grant to fund trail construction, stating that the application was to complete the Marvin Loop Greenway by constructing the remaining portion from Saddle Avenue to Wheatfield Drive. Alternatively, she noted that the Village could amend its application to fund this project. She then noted that the Village could receive more discretionary funds from the North Carolina General Assembly in the coming months.
Mayor Pro Tempore Vandenberg then confirmed with Mr. Nestor that the Village has no violations regarding wetlands and NFIP. Mr. Nestor confirmed there were no violations.
Mayor Pro Tempore Vandenberg then asked for Mr. Nestor to explain the difference in building in a conservation area versus common open space.
Mr. Nestor noted that open space and conservation areas are one in the same under the Village's old ordinance and the MDO. He noted that these lands cannot be developed for homes or further subdivided. He then stated that these spaces may be used publicly for public sidewalks and/or multiuse trails.