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1. What is the purpose of this engagement process?

The Town Council seeks feedback on alternative trail alignments for the Bolin Creek Greenway, which was adopted in 2009 pending a request for additional community engagement to consider alignments for two sections of trail. 

Greenways Incorporated, which prepared the Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan in 2009, stated that the goal of the preparing different trail route alignments for Phases 3 and 4 was to provide options to the public that were distinctly different from one another so that user needs and preference, origins and designations could be determined. Please note that the plan has not been updated since 2009 and some of the maps show conditions and facilities which have since been constructed and may affect design considerations for the options shown. 

Access the Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan to learn more -- at https://www.carrboronc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12366/Bolin-Creek-Greenway-Conceptual-Master-Plan-

2. What are the alignment options?

In adopting the plan in 2009, the then-Board of Aldermen decided that additional public input was needed before deciding on the alignment of Phases 3 and 4. Alternative alignments or options for different ways of traveling were added into the plan, as described by the plan/consultant based on the direction received from the Board. Greenways Incorporated, which prepared the Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Plan in 2009, stated that the goal of the different trail alignments was to provide options to the public that were different from one another so that user needs and preference, origins and destinations could be determined.

Please note that the plan has not been updated since 2009, and some of the maps do not show conditions and facilities which have since been constructed and may affect design considerations for the options shown.  

The alignment options are as follows: 

• Creekside Trail Alignment – The proposed design for the greenway, recommended in the Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan, is for approximately two miles of trail near Bolin Creek, which extends from Estes Drive to Homestead Road. This option was identified as the ‘preferred alignment’ in the final draft of the plan and described as the most successful in terms of serving the largest number of neighborhoods along the corridor, offering the most options for accessing the trail.
• Upland Forest Alignment – A greenway alternative outside the floodplain that would direct users to Seawell School Road. This route utilizes existing trail corridors that vary in width from 18 inches to 15 feet. Some of the constraints of this alignment include steep topography, increased engineering costs, and potential ADA accessibility constraints.
• Bolin Connector Alignment – This route would tie into existing and proposed bicycle facilities. Proposed to create a “Complete Streets” concept. Complete Streets accommodate all modes of transportation, allowing bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, vehicles, as well as commercial and emergency vehicles to navigate Town streets safely. Challenges of this alignment include concerns that many parents expressed during 2009 engagement that they desired an off-road facility for their children to safely bicycle on. Additionally, making cost effective trail connections from Estes Drive to Homestead Road presented engineering constraints.

3. How long are the greenway segments that are under consideration?

The study area (Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan) for the Bolin Creek Greenway extends approximately three miles. The planning area starts at Estes Drive Extension and follows the creek north through Carolina North Forest to Homestead Road. Access the plan at https://www.carrboronc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12366/Bolin-Creek-Greenway-Conceptual-Master-Plan-

4. How can I learn more and express my views?

Public information resources available about these alignments include paper brochures, webpages with a storymap and map plotting activities, and public input tables that will be set up at various community events and programs.  Depending on your time and interest, you can do any of the following to learn more and express your views on this community project: 

• Visit our project webpage. We have maps, photos and information to help guide you through the area. 
• Take the survey!
• Experience a virtual tour of the greenway!
• Take a walk! You can access the greenway from Wilson Park, 101 Williams St. Town staff will place trail maps at trail entrances, or you can access an online map from a QR code to take a self-guided tour. Please note that a large tract of land south of UNC property is privately owned. Property boundaries for the tract, known as the PH Craig Property, begin just after the trail passes beneath the railroad trestle. 
• Drop by our table at a community event or if you spot us outside your favorite grocery store, laundromat or hair salon. Town staff will be out with public information boards and surveys. View the schedule of current engagement opportunities on our webpage.
• Learn more about the engagement process through the Bolin Creek Greenway Engagement Framework at https://www.carrboronc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13140/Community-Engagement-Planning-for-Bolin-Creek-Greenway-051923

5. Where can I find more information about environmental and biological features of the Bolin Creek Greenway, including how the trail construction may affect the environment?

People who are interested in learning more about the existing vegetation, wildlife, topography, significant natural features, and adjacent or intersecting streams are encouraged to read Chapter 2: Existing Conditions. This chapter provides detailed information about the field mapping conducted in January 2009. 

Access the Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan at https://www.carrboronc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12366/Bolin-Creek-Greenway-Conceptual-Master-Plan-

6. How much will this project cost the Town?

Until further technical studies are conducted, the project cost is unknown at this time. 

7. How will neighborhoods be affected by trail connectors?

Trail connections from some neighborhoods were requested during public workshops in 2009. At this time, details regarding the project's design, costs, cost-sharing and related issues remain to be determined and are unknown .

8. How long will this community engagement process be underway? What are the next steps?

This engagement process will be underway through Oct. 3, 2023. 

The Council has requested that public input be sought before it makes a decision about alignment of the trail. The Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan details a series of action steps following the adoption of the plan (Executive Summary – vi) including seeking funding sources, project design and coordination with stakeholders including neighboring jurisdictions and utilities.