Why is a paved path a problem near Bolin Creek?
Three important challenges stand out:
- The expense and pollution of building a cement roadway next to a creek on top of a sewer interceptor for several miles (Homestead Rd to Estes Extension).
- Construction of a pavement will require at least a 30 ft clearing. The narrow valley in this section of Bolin Creek puts the construction immediately next to the creek that will harm the riparian area next to Bolin Creek. This would forever alter the natural environment of Bolin Forest and Bolin Creek, eliminating needed tree canopy in our time of rapid climate change, and jeopardize the area’s water quality, as well as disrupt an important wildlife corridor.
- Logistically, it would be incredibly difficult to build. (See below.)
Why building a paved path a challenge not be undertaken?
- It would be built largely with NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) monies and must, therefore, meet NC DOT requirements. Although technically called a “greenway,” it is a paved roadway, requiring it being at least 10 feet wide and graded for ADA accessibility, clearing an area of at minimum 30 feet. Although the Morgan Creek Greenway and the Bolin Creek Greenway from Claremont to area schools was constructed this way, these paved “greenways” sit at least 50 feet away from Bolin Creek, not up against it, and do not offer the same topographical problems.
- The problem here is the steep topography. Placing a 30-foot roadway in a narrow valley will remove hundreds of trees, destabilize creek banks, increase erosion, and alter water temperatures, affecting the immense ecological value for wildlife, as well as for nature lovers and those using the forest for recreation and quiet, offered by the creek’s surrounding 425-acre forest. The “greenway” in several places would have to be right next to Bolin Creek, removing trees that anchor the creek’s bank on this side and eventually undercutting the “greenway” as the creek continues its stream movement.
- Bolin Creek, moreover, feeds into Little Creek, which flows into Jordan Lake, a regional drinking water supply for our growing population. Jordan Lake buffer rules only allow paved greenways to be used by a creek when no other practical alternative exists. Yet several practical, less expensive, better alternatives to a paved path along Bolin Creek do exist.
- The logistics of bringing in heavy machinery through steep hillsides, through the forest and over volcanic rock for several miles would be extremely challenging and would require blasting.
What exactly is Bolin Creek’s topography?
Bolin Creek passes southward through flat and gently rolling areas just south of Homestead Road within the Upper Bolin Creek Watershed, and this area serves as a flood plain during storm events. The creek then enters a valley with steep hills on both sides of Bolin Forest. This valley’s eastern slope sits extremely close to the creek, and that slope and the path here now are composed beneath the soil of volcanic rock, the vestige of an old volcano. The Ironwoods neighborhood is located above this section just past the point the railroad trestle crosses the creek.
What about recreation in Bolin Forest?
Bolin Forest is enjoyed during all seasons by numerous citizens of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, as well as by those from afar, given it is among North Carolina’s largest intact urban forests with many outstanding natural features and historic ones, as well. It is laced with non-paved trails used by hikers and bicyclists alike. It is a treasure trove for children wanting to explore a forest, as well as creek life, and a respite for those seeking the solace of a natural environment. The location of many trails can be seen on this connectivity map. (Link.) UNC employees and volunteers, in particular, have constructed a number of single-track unpaved, upland bike paths, built appropriately with water-mitigation measures, such as water bars and blue-stone gravel, to avoid erosion into the creek.
Where did the idea for a paved path come from?
The idea came from a consultant’s report, “Concept Plan for Carrboro Greenways,” that was presented in December 2009 to then-Carrboro Board of Aldermen. (Include link.) From the beginning, this plan was hugely controversial as it centered on a creek-side option for a paved greenway rather than on several better, less expensive other alternatives listed in the report. At the December meeting, Friends of Bolin Creek (FOBC) brought forward several pressing concerns about choosing the creek-side option, including the effects on water quality, stream health, and tree loss. As a result, the then-Board approved several alternative, non-controversial greenway options from the concept plan and tabled the option that would run pavement along Bolin Creek. Left pending was more public discussion in the future.
Why have plans for public debate taken so long?
Carrboro’s elected officials over the years have all attempted several times to develop a framework for public engagement around this controversial creek-side paved bike path. Hundreds of residents signed the Friends of Bolin Creek petition opposing a virtual roadway through the middle of the 425-acre Bolin Forest. Talks even among these elected officials themselves have broken down several times. In the past 13 years, in part because the community is so divided, neither these Town officials nor Town staff have been able to introduce a framework for any discussion. At one point, Town staff even organized help from the Dispute Settlement Center. Even so, the then-Aldermen were unable to reach a resolution. Recently, Carrboro Town Council membership has changed and now there is a renewed interest in revisiting this controversial option to pave along the creek. On xx, the Council decided to bring the issue up for discussion. Mayor Damon Seils and Town Manager Richard White have not yet decided when a public discussion will happen.
What is the timetable for OWASA’s sewer replacement?
OWASA’s plan to replace in two years a portion of the sewer line no doubt will cause disruption along the creek. OWASA can do the construction, however, with far less damage than the road clearing required for a paved bikeway along Bolin Creek. If such paving were to occur, OWASA maintenance requirements would kick in and any concrete bikeway would need to be sufficiently deep enough to handle heavy-duty OWASA trucks. Interestingly, the 2009 consultant’s report recommended any construction of a concrete bike path be delayed until after the OWASA sewer line is replaced. At that time, the “greenway” would be placed on top of the new sewer but at least 50 feet away from the creek. Given the topography of the lower portion of the valley, one can only imagine the leveling and blasting that would be needed to accomplish that recommendation.
What happens next?
Look out this fall and check bolincreek.org for any plans that Carrboro Town staff members, Carrboro Town Manager and/or Carrboro Town Council members put forward for a proposal for public engagement on this issue:
- How realistic is it?
- Who will be involved?
- Will neighborhoods directly affected be listened to and adequately represented?
- How much voice will be given to special interests, such as the biking
community, versus others?
- Will any public discussion take into account fully the many questions about a paved path that Town Council members have offered to Town staff members and the Town Manager, as well as the many questions that members of the public have raised, now and in the past?
- Will any proposal present equally the four alternative options for Bolin Forest put forward in the past by Carrboro Town Councils?
- Will it consider Bolin Forest’s natural value and the fact it is among North Carolina’s largest intact urban forests?