AGENDA #4k(2)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Referral of the Report of the Morgan Creek Trail Conceptual Plan Committee
DATE: June 26, 2006
PURPOSE
The attached resolution would accept the Report of the Morgan Creek Trail Conceptual Plan Committee and refer it to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Transportation Board, Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, OWASA, University of North Carolina, Town of Carrboro, and Town staff for comment and further recommendations. The resolution would also schedule a public forum for September 25, 2006 and thank the Committee for its service.
On November 27, 2000, the Council adopted the Report of the Merritt Pasture Access Committee to the Town Council, which recommended that the Town build a first phase of the Morgan Creek Trail in order to achieve public access to the Merritt Pasture.
On May 29, 2002, the Council appointed a Morgan Creek Trail Concept Plan Committee.
In January 2006, the Council adopted an updated version of the Chapel Hill Greenways Comprehensive Master Plan which recommended development of a paved bicycle and pedestrian multiple-use Morgan Creek Trail from Culbreth Road to the Carrboro Town line at Smith Level Road. The Plan also recommended development of a side trail to access Merritt’s Pasture.
On June 14, 2006, the Committee voted to adopt its Report of the Morgan Creek Trail Conceptual Plan Committee and to present its recommendations to the Council.
DISCUSSION
We believe that the Committee has done a good job of addressing options for development of the Morgan Creek Trail. We recommend that the Committee’s report be referred for review and comment by the Pedestrian Advisory Board, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Transportation Board, Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, OWASA, University of North Carolina, Town of Carrboro, and Town staff.
RECOMMENDATION
Manager’s Recommendation: That the Council adopt the attached resolution which would accept the Report of the Morgan Creek Trail Conceptual Plan Committee and refer it to various advisory boards, agencies, and Town staff for comment. The resolution would schedule a public forum for September 25, 2006.