I commend the City of Raleigh in its efforts to make our city more livable and vibrant through its Planning Raleigh 2030 initiative.
I would like to offer the following feedback on the Comprehensive Plan 2030 with regard to its zoning classifications and road projects in the Umstead State Park area of Raleigh.
Opposition to the Lake Boone Trail Extension: The Comprehensive Plan 2030 calls for extending Lake Boone Trail from Blue Ridge Road to Edwards Mill Road. I am very concerned about the impact of such an extension on the streams and farmland. Such farmland is increasingly rare and serves as a vital border to the 300 acre Schenck Memorial Forest and 6,000 acre Umstead State Park used by thousands of citizens each year. The farmland cushions Schenck and Umstead from noise, air, and water pollution. The stream that the Lake Boone Extension would cross is a tributary of Richland Creek, and the addition of a road would inevitably diminish water quality, even when the best management practices are followed. Reedy Creek Road already serves as a connector between Blue Ridge and Edwards Mill Road and does not experience heavy traffic. I therefore oppose the Lake Boone Trail Extension.
Support for Zoning Classifications with Modifications: I am very pleased that much of the farmland west of Edwards Mill Road is classified as Public Parks and Open Space. This classification is appropriate considering the inherent value of this open space, currently used as the NCSU Equine Educational Unit. It protects water quality, educates students, and provides recreation. Its proximity to neighboring Schenck Memorial Forest, Richland Lake, and Umstead State Park is another reason for zoning this area as open space.
I support designating the remaining open space between Blue Ridge and Edwards Mill Road as Public Parks and Open Space instead of Public Facilities. Such a designation would respect the 2005 Capital Area Master Plan for State Government that calls for all land west of Edwards Mill Road to remain classified as open space. Additionally, changing the designation to Public Parks and Open Space would help ensure that the land along the Reedy Creek Greenway remain unified. Most importantly, such a designation would protect our water and open space.
Thank you for taking my input into consideration.
Sincerely,
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