Title
Vote to approve the Option to Purchase a Conservation Easement between Chatham County and Pokeberry Mitigation LLC on the 1.5 acres for the Pokeberry Creek and tributaries restoration project
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Pokeberry Mitigation LLC has an interest in acquiring a conservation easement from Chatham County for approximately 1.50 acres of land in Briar Chapel Park. The total footprint of the entire easement is approximately 100 acres and encompasses three other landowners: Congruus, Telford, and Lombard. The entire restoration footprint will be one of the largest restoration projects in the State of North Carolina. The project has been kicked off with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (and additional agencies) who have provided their initial review and feedback. The project should move forward this Spring.
Discussion & Analysis: As it relates to the footprint on County property, the proposed conservation easement would have the same restrictions that the County buffer rules already have in place. This area is not being used by the County for parking facilities and expansion into this area is highly unlikely. Including this area allows Pokeberry Mitigation LLC to fully restore the stream from Pokeberry Creek all the way up to Andrews Store Road. The stream at the culvert under Andrews Store Road is 'at grade' but the erosion and head cut begins immediately downstream of the culvert essentially under the existing bridge. Sewer lines have been exposed from this erosion, so it is in the Counties' best interest to have the section restored.
Pokeberry Mitigation LLC is not asking for the County to fund the project. They are simply requesting an easement over the 1.5 acres area to extend the restoration work up to Andrews Store Road.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This request aligns with Plan Chatham Goal Six to conserve natural resources.
Budgetary Impact: Chatham County would receive $20,000 for the easement.
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