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I I I I I I TOWN OF M RFREE BORO I 1 1987 LAND USE PLAN 1 @ I i 1 0 1 1 1 COASTAL ZONE I INFORMATION CEN, -,- ER I 1 0 HD 268 1 M87 Tll 1988 1 1 1 1 1 i i -j T 0 W N 0 F M U R F R E E S B 0 R 0 11 9 8 -7 L A N D U S E P L A X Adopted by the Murfr eesboro Town Council February 9, 1988 Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission March 25, 1988 Prepared for: Murfreesboro Town Council Douglas R. Cox John Gaitten Jack A. Hassell ZOO Chester Hill, Jr. Jacob Ruffin William W. Hill, Mayor Alfred W. Green, Town Administrator 00 Prepared by: Murfreesboro Planning Board Bynum R. Brown Ronald Deloatch Jos-eph Dixon James Eason Cecil M. Forehand, Jr. Felton Murry A. Keith Wise Clarence Wynn, Jr. Planning assistance provided by: Mid-East Commission I Harding Square Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946-8043 Robert J. Paciocco, Planner-in-Charge Libby Anderson, Technical Assistant Preparation financed in part by: A grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Manage- ment Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. TOWN OF MURFREESBORO 1987 LAND USE PLAN CONTENTS 1. BACKGROUND PAGE A. Population ................................. 2 B. Housing .................................... 4 C. Economy .................................... 5 II. LAND USE A. Existing Conditions ........................ 8 B. Recent Development; Future Growth .......... 13 C. Land Use Concerns .......................... 15 D. Development Controls ....................... 18 E. Development Constraints .................... 21 111. POLICY OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION A. Resource Protection ...... *'**''*''* .... -, 33 B. Resource Production and Management ......... 37 C. Economic and Community Development ......... 41 D. Storm Hazards .............................. 46 E. Public Participation ....................... 51 IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION A. Purpose .................................... 53 B. Classification Scheme ...................... 54 C. Intergovernmental Coordination ............. 513 Appendix A - State and Federal Regulatory Devices Appendix B - Proposed U. S. 258 Bypass Appendix C - Agencies Coordinating Storm Preparedness Appendix D - Media Releases Bibliography ILLUSTRATIONS Figure I North Carolina Counties ........................ 7.5 2 Hertford County Land Use 1986 .................. 7.6 3 Regional Population 1980-1985 .................. 7.7 4 Population Age Structure 1980 .................. 7.8 5 Per Capita Income 1970-1984 .................... 7.9 6 Unemployment Rate 1976-1984 .................... 7.10 Map 1 Existing Land Use .............................. 32.3 2 Land Use Constraints ........................... 32.4 3 Murfreesboro Area Soils ........................ 32.5 4 Land Classification ............................ 58.2 TABLES 1 Regional Population ........................... 7.1 2 County Population ............................. 7.1 3 Population Age Structui-e 1980 ................. 7.1 4 Housing Characteristics igeo .................. 7.2 5 Hertford County Employment 1990 ............... 7.2 6 Labor Force ................................... 7.3 7 Retail Sales .................................. 7.3 8 Manufacturing Firms ........................... 7.4 9 Building Permits 1980-1986 .................... 32.1 10 Soil Characteristics .......................... 32.1 11 National Register Properties .................. 32.2 TOWN OF MURFREESBORO 1987 LAND USE PLAN 1. BACKGROUND Murfreesboro is a town rich in natural and cultural resources. Early settlers created a strong economy based on the area's water resources. From the prosperity that stemmed from the Town's natural environment, residents created a built environment of stately homes, offices and commercial buildings, many of which remain to distinguish the Town. The Town celebrates its bicentennial in 1987. The area was first visited by European explorers in the 16th century and an expedition from Jamestown, Virginia passed through the region one hundred years later. European settlers are thought to have made their home in Murfreesboro as early as 1710. William Murfree, an Irish immigrant, established a King's Landing on the banks of the Meherrin River in the 1700's. Here, a representa- tive of the English Crown inspected the trade goods passing through the river port. In i7e?, Murfree donated 97 acres of land for the incorporation of the Town, Murfreesborough, named in his honor. Water resources played an important role in the Town's economic history. Today, although most local residents are no longer dependent on the river for their livelihood, water resources continue to dominate the natural environment. Murfreesboro is located on the southwest bank of the Meherrin River. College Branch widens to Worrell Millpond just outside the Town's eastern boundary. Extensive areas of swamp and wetland border the river in the Murfreesboro area as it flows southeast through Hertford County. A. Population Murfreesboro is one of seven incorporated areas in Hertford County which occupies 362 square miles of northeastern North Carolina (Figure 1, pg. 7.5). The County is rural in nature. Together, undeveloped forest and farmland account for over 93% of all land in the County (Figure 29 pg. 7.6). Urban areas comprise only 2% of all land while rural developed areas account for about 4*5%* In 1985, Hertford County had almost 24,000 residents, ranking number four in population in the five-county region (Figure 31 pg. 7.7). The County has grown slightly since 1980s increasing in population by just over 2% between 1980 and 19e5 (Table Is pg. 7.1). Recent growth compensates to some extentg for the population decline noted during the period 1970-1980 when 2 the County lost about 1Y. of its 1970 population, In contrast, during this same period, the region as a whole grew by 9% and the population statewide increased almost 16%. Murfreesboro is the second most populous @own in Hertford County though the Town has been slowly losing population since 1970 (Table 2, pg. 7.1). In 1985 the Town had about 2,800 residents, down 7% from a igeo population of 3,000. Following the national trendq the population of the Town is aging. In 1970, almost 6% of the total population was under five years of age (Table 3, pg. 7.3). By 1980, that percentage had dropped by half (Figure 49 pg. 7.8). Between 1970 and 1980, there was little change in the school-age population (5-19 years). In contrast, during this same period, the percentage of the population of "childbearing age" (25-44 years) declined from 23 to 18%. The senior population (age 65 and older) increased from 9 to 11% of the population. The Town experiences a seasonal change in population though not to the extent found in other areas in the state, particularly coastal communities. Murfreesboro is the home of Chowan College, a private junior college founded in 1848. The school has a considerable impact on the local economic and social environ-- ments: college students comprises almost one-third the Town's total population and the school is one of the Town's largest landowners. Approximately 900 students are currently enrolled 3 in the College. About eOO live in residence halls on-campus. Summer enrollment is typically only one-tenth that of the regular term however the College hosts a variety of special programs and camps throughout the summer months. School offi- cials estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 individuals participate in programs at the Murfreesboro campu5 every summer. In additiong tourism in the Murfreesboro area appears to be increasing. Hertford County as a whole realized over three million dollars in tourism expenditures in 1985. Locally, tourism is promoted through the Chamber of Commerce and Historic Murfreesboro, Incorporated. The latter promotes the historic resources of the Town by offering tours of the historic area. Over 1,500 visitors are estimated to have visited the Town's historic sites in 1986. B. Housing The Town's 1980 population was housed among e6B dwelling units (Table 4, pg. 7.2). According to the County's building inspector's records, 99 new units were constructed in Murfreesboro between 1980 and 1986 (Table 9, pg. 30.1). In 1986 then, the Town is estimated to have had almost 1,000 residential dwelling units. Approximately e5% of all dwellings in the Town are single-family units, about average for the County and the region as a whole. Over one in four dwellings in the Town are 4 rental units. In 1980, about 7% of all existing units were vacant. Eight percent of all dwellings were without complete plumbing, about average for the region. In contrast, for Hertford County as a whole, only 3% of all units were without plumbing. In 1980o single-person households (typically elderly and young unmarried persons) accounted for almost 25% of all households. Household size in Murfreesboro in 1980 (2.6 persons per household) was somewhat smaller than the County and regional average (3.1 and 2.9 persons per household respectively). C. Economy Wholesa@e and retail trade enterprises comprise over 30% of the local employment base (Table 5% pg. 7.2). Government employment accounts for 23% of Hertford County employment, while manufacturing firms account for about 22%. Although agricultural operations utilize over 25% of the County's land area, less than 1% of total local employment is found in agricultural, forest, fishery, or mining enterprises. County per capita income has risen continuously since 1970, through lagging the increase noted for the state as a whole (Figure 59 pg. 7.9)o the per capita income of County residents was $89342. In contrast, statewide, per capita income was $10,852, 5 The County's labor force has grown more rapidly than local employment and so between 1978 and 1984 a 5teady increase was noted in the County's unemployment rate (Table 6, pg. 7.3). Recent employment data however indicates employment in Hertford County has been increasing following the statewide trend (Figure 6, pg. 7.10). The unemployment rate in 1985 was 7.5% in Hertford County and 5.4% statewide, down from 9.1% and 6.7% in 1984 respectively. In 1986v the unemployment rate in Hertford County was 7.6%; statewide the rate was 5.3%. Hertford County ranked third in the five-county region in retail sales in 1986 (Table 7, pg. 7.3). Sales in Hertford County were slightly more that than half that of sales in Beaufort County and about 20% that of sales in urbanizing Pitt County. At the same time, sales in Hertford County were 20% times greater than sales in Martin County in 1985 and about 25% greater than sales in Bertie County. Locally, there are eight major manufacturing firms in the Town which typically employ anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 persons (Table 89 pg. 7.4). Chowan College is a major local employerg employing about 180 persons, most of these being local residents. The Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce lists an additional 58 local commercial enterprises as members. These Chamber members include retail operations, restaurants, and professional offices. Although the Town has several large 6 employers, most of the jobs offered by these firms require few skills. Local officials note that skilled and professional workers demanding high-salaried positions must travel consider- able distances to find employ ment. Implications Although the Town has experienced relatively little change in population in recent yearsq the need for sound land use planning is not diminished. Every new residential and commercial development affects the land and the quality of life in the Town. Poorly planned or managed development can have irrever- sible effects on the Town's natural and cultural resources. The Town has several major employers. Historical evidence has demonstrated that business enterprises (particularly firms in the process of expansion or relocation) appreciate the local ameni- ties that stem from proper land and services planning. To that end, experience has shown that in general, the certainty that land use planning and regulation brings, stimulates commercial development. 7 Table I REGIONAL POPULATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- % Change % Change County 1960 1970 1980 1985 70-80 80-85 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beaufort 36,014 35,980 40,355 43,260 12.2% 7.2% Bertie 24,350 20,528 21,024 21,341 2.4% 1.5% HERTFORD 22,718 23,529 23,368 23,924 -0.7% 2.4% Martin 27,139 24,730 25,948 26,653 4.9% 2.7% Pitt 69,942 73,900 83,651 95,862 13.2% 14.6% ---- ------ ------ ------ ------ ----- ----- Region 180,163 178,667 194,346 211,040 8.8% 8.6% State 4,556,155 5.,082,059 5,881,766 6,253,951 15.7% 6.3% Source; U.S Census; N.C. Office of State Budget and Management Table 2 COUNTY POPULATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change Change 1960 1970 1980 1985 70-80 80-85 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ahoskie 4,583 5,105 4,887 4,936 -4.3% 1.0% Cofield n/a 318 465 534 46.2% 14.8% Como n/a 211 89 92 -57.8% 3.4% Harrellsville 171 165 151 150 -8.5% -0.7% MURFREESBORO 2,643 3,508 3,007 2,798 -14.3% -7.0% Winton 835 917 825 845 -10.0% 2.4% --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unincorp. area 14,486 13,305 13,944 14,569 4.8% 4.5% Total County 22,718 23,529 23,368 23,924 -0.7% 2.4% n/a= not available Source: Office of State Budget and Management Table 3 POPULATION AGE STRUCTURE --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1970 1980 County State No % No % (1980) (1980) ------ ------ 0-4 years 264 7.5% 121 4.0% 7.3% 6.9% 1 5-19 years 1,043 29.7% 1,054 35.1% 27.8% 25.5% 20-24 years 270 7.7% 431 14.3% 8.7% 9.8% 25-44 years 790 22.5% 542 18.0% 23.8% 28.0% 45-64 years 815 23.2% 544 18.1% 20.3% 19.6% 65 and older 326 9.3% 315 10.5% 12.1% 10.2% --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ,Total 3,508 100.0% 3,007 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Source: U.S. Census 7.1 Table 4 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 1980 ------------ ------ ------ Murfreesboro County Region 0 % % % _T_ot__a_1_H_o_u__se_h__o_1d__s ---------- 8-1-1 ------------- 7,499 ------------ 67,460 Single-person Hshlds 184 22.7% 1,518 20.2% 14,083 20.9% Total Housing Units 868 - 8,150 - 73,810 - Single-family Units 765 88.1% 6,699 82.2%, 57,853 78.4% Vacant Units 57 6.6% 651 8.0% 6,348 8.6% Renter Occupied 243 28.0% 2,420 29.7% 23,782 32.2% Condominium Units 0 - 40 0.5% 412 0.6% Units w/out plumbing 69 7.9% 220 2.7% 7,722 10.5%- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Persons/household 2.6 3.1 3.0 Median Value unit $34,100 $30,862 - Median Rent $106 $90 Source: U.S. Census Table 5 HERTFORD COUNTY EMPLOYMENT 1985 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Number of % Total State Employment Sector Employees Employment % ----------------------------------------------------------------- Wholesale & Retail Trade 2,041 30.3% 22.5% Government 1,541 22.9% 15.5% Manufacturing 1,451 21.5% 31.6% Service Industries 976 14.5% 14.9% Construction 347 5.1% 5.7% Transportation, Communications, 171 2.5% 4.8% Utilities Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 159 2.4% 4.1% Agriculture, Forestry, 53 0.8% 1.0% Fisheries, Mining ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total 6,739 100.0% 100.0% Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina note: employment presented here pertains only to employment insured under the N.C. employment Security Law 7.2 Table 6 COUNTY LABOR FORCE --------------------------------------------------------- Labor Total Unemployment Rate Year Force Employed County State --------------------------------------------------------- 1974 10,530 9,940 5.6% 4.5% 1975 10,360 9,610 7.2% 8.7% 1976 11,360 10,690 5.9% 6.2% 1977 12,020 11,140 7.3% 5.9% 1978 11,610 10,910 6.0% 4.3% 1979 11,850 11,01.0 7.1% 4.8% 1980 12,310 11,360 7.7% 6.5% 1981 11,770 10,850 7.8% 6.4% 1982 11,740 10,780 8.2% 9.0% 1983 11,700 10,610 9.3% 8.9% 1984 11,830 10,750 9.1% 6.7% 1985 9,750 9,020 7.5% 5.4% 1986 9,670 8,920 7.8% 5.3% ---------------------------------------------------- Source: Office of State Budget and Management; updated by Employment Security Commission Table 7 RETAIL SALES ($,000's) --------------------------------------------------------- County Fiscal Year Beaufort Bertie HERTFORD Martin Pitt ------------------------------------- ;--------------------- 1975 135,562 36,101 76,279 73,027 278,382 1976 159,530 40,880 87,539 82,899 318,493 1977 177,795 43,819 100,540 93,249 349,637 1978 191,566 46,491 102,848 93,359 372,759 1979 219,683 52,440 108,696 97,633 426,912 1980 223,745 50,996 120,747 103,241 462,937 1981 254,858 54,336 123,021 109,607 516,284 1982 258,037 57,818 133,807 114,041 542,045 1983 249,857 59,865 141,145 116,978 578,843 1984 277,511 61,667 162,367 123,998 694,144 1985 289,045 64,487 166,839 125,435 735,826 1986 314,513 62,199 169,259 137,241 831,083 --------------------------------------------------------- Cbg. 75-85 113.2% 78.6% 90.6% 71.8% 164.3% Source: Office of State Budget and Management (1975-84) and N.C. Department of Revenue (1985, 1986) 7.3 Table 8 MANUFACTURING FIRMS as of 4/87 ----------------------------------------------------------- Firm Product Employment Range ---- ------- ---------- ----- Georgia Pacific Wood products .345-355 Howell Metal Corp. Industial. equip. 10-19 Murf. Machine Shop Machinery parts 15-25 Revelle Ag Products Feed, seed 20-30 Revelle Builders Butler Buildings 10-20 Rollic of NC Textile prod 265-275 Rose Bro. Paving Asphalt 25-35 Tulloss Ind Equip Indstrl repair 10-14 ----------------------------------------------------------- Source: "Hertford County Land Use Plan Update 1986", Mid-East Commission, 1986, updated by Murfreesboro Planning Board 7.4 Figure I N. C. Counties A31,09 ALLIEGMANY STO.93 01OCKINONAIN CASWCLL 1PURMA 10 wc MORTHAMP104 WAAk- ARREIN ILUL AUF ATAU A WILK13 I I romsyTi, Gwn.@Dfta A MAXGC DU It ..r VADXLM M C; SLA It NI L vally [DILL DAV19 A.C9 A. FRAXKLIN NAIM ....... M AV.0&0. WAX& POLCOMM bUnK MAtFL-P" C.Af.. TT SWAJN subcomag U.80WILL ATAW&A ROWA all ..A .@Ywo R,,1.9AFOAD LINC -%CAOAARUS I - .00.9 L(I ....CTT J0.NST0. WAlft9 @lft JACX"@ -Eftolm x 10L K "610. STAML, G40.9041 LE.061% ACOM 21 LlV9LAft VXMIA U.'so. .,,0, AISOM C..O. OUPL." 0.(4 ONS'D. 0 X0 00930. ILAD9. rtguix COLUNSU3 in aul.3w.c Source: Office of State BUdget aind Management m = = m m = = Figure 2 Herf ord County Land Use 1986 Crop/posture (26.3%) Urban (2.3%) Rural developed (4.5%) Forest (66.9%) Source: Office Of State Budget and Management Figure 3 Regional Population 1960-1985 Pitt 90 - 80 - 70 60 - c a w 50 0 -C Beaufort 40 - 9 30 Martin HERTFORD 20 Bertie 10 0 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985' SOUrce: U.S. CenSUS; OffiCe Of State BUdget and Management Figure 4 Population Age Structure MURFREESBORO 1.4 - 1.3 1.2 - 1.1 - 29.77.35.1% 1 0.9 - U) -0 23.2% c 22.5% 0 0.8 - U) :3 0.7 - 00 0 0.6 - 18.0% 18.1% 0.5 - 14.3% 0.4 - N 0.3 -7.5% 7.7% 9-3%10.5% 0.2 - 4.0% 0.1 - 0 - z 0-4 years 5-19 years 20-24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65 and older 1970 1980 Source: U.S. Census Figure. 5 Per Capita Income 14 1970-1984 13 - 12 - 11 - 10,852 10 - 9,8 9 - 8,655 8 342 @8, 3, 7,16 7,737 7 - #49 1 6 - 5,77 5 - 4,860- 5,898 4 4,241 4,824 4,125 3 - 3,461 1 2 - 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 11980 1982 1984 @8, 8,3, 7 1 -7 0 Hertford County + State Source: office of State Budget and Management Figure 6 Unemployment Rate 10.0% - 1976-1986 9.0% - 8.0% - County 7.0% - 6.0% Q) S t a t e E 5.0% 0 E 4.07. 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 19B6 Year Source: Office of State Budget and Management, and Employment Security CommiSsion II. LAND USE A. Existing Conditions The Town limits encompass an area of about 1.7 square miles. Including the one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction, the Murfreesboro planning area covers about 8 square miles of Hertford County. U. S. 158/258 bisects the Town into northern and southern halves. A major north/south route in the area, N. C.- 11, forms parts of the Town's eastern boundary. All the major highways that traverse the Town intersect in the east central section of the community. Here, U. S. 158 and 25e divide. From this intersection, U. S. 158 continues east toward Winton and U. S. 258 continues north into Virginia. In 1986 the Town boundaries were extended into the extra- territorial jurisdiction. On U. S. 158/258 to the west, the Town annexed a fairly large area which included the Howell Metal operation, the new shopping plaza containing Byrd's Supermarket and a Family Dollar Store, and a residential neighborhood in the Jay Trail/Truitt Street area. The Town also acquired a large residential area by annexing the Roanoke-Chowan Regional Housing Authority (RCRHA) project and the new residences that have been constructed across from the project on State Route (S.R.) 1157. The 1986 annexation also extended the Murfreesboro town limits south on N.C. 11 to include the Fox Ridge townhouse development and Whitely's BBQ. As shown on the Map of Existing Land Use (pg. 32.3), most of the land within the Town limits has been developed. Residen- tial uses predominate, however the Town has an extensive area of commercial development along Main Street and two large industrial areas have developed in the northern half of the Town. The Town's oldest buildings are found in the north central area of the community near the river. The Murfreesboro Historic District occupies an area of about six square blocks, bounded by Wynn, Williams, and Second Streets. Many notable historic structures in the area are found north of Broad Street between Sycamore and Fourth Streets. Most residential dwellings in Murfreesboro (about 88% of all units) are single-family structures. The Town does however, have two major multifamily developments. The oldest, the RCRHA project, contains 50 multifamily units. The Fox Ridge townhouse development off N. C. 11 was constructed in the early 19eO's. This project contains 32 multifamily units. The planning area contains six mobile home developments; five are located in the extraterritorial area. Within the Town limits on U. S. 158 is the Murfree Trailer Court. Southwest of the Town is found the Westwood Mobile Home Park on S. R. 1157 and the Deerfield Mobile Home Park on S. R. 11(32. The Woodbridge Mobile Home Park and the Buena Vista Trailer Park are found on S. R. 1300 north of Murfreesboro. Maney's Neck Mobile Home Park is found northeast of Town across the river on U. S. 258. 9 Although most residential development has occurred within the Town limits, there has also been considerable development in the extraterritorial areaq particularly in the southern half of the Town. A few homes have been built along S. R. 1179 south of Chowan College, and there has been considerable residential development, as well as commercial development, along U. S. 15e/25E3 west of Murfreesboro. The Town has a number of churches of all denominations, and several public buildings including the Roberts-Vaughan Village Center, the Murfree Center, and the Town Hall. The largest institutional use in the Town is Chowan College. The college owns a large area of land in the southcentral portion of Town -between Union Street and Lakeview Drive. The college maintains a number of buildings including dormitories, academic and administrative buildings, and an athletic complex. In 1982 the college constructed a new Graphic Arts Center. Three major industrial areas are found within the Town. The oldest industrial area is found near the river. Georgia Pacific has its large wood processing operation at the east end of Broad Street between East and Third Street5q and its holdings extend north of Broad Street almost to the river. Royster Mercantile Companyq a fertilizer distributorg also has a large retail distribution warehouse along the river at the north end of Hart Street. 10 As the Town developed, industry expanded inland away from the river. A second major industrial area in the Town is found along Broad Street between Winder and Lawrence Street. The area extends north along Commercial Street and east along Darlene Street and is home for a number of industries including Tullos Industrial Equipment Iselling and servicing indu 5tria 1 equipment)s Revelle Builders (building services and supplies), and Rollic of North Carolina (textile products). The third industrial area within the Town, recently acquired through annexation, is the Howell Metal Corporation operation (producer of industrial equipment parts) on U. S. 158/258 on the western edge of the Town. There are several scattered industrial areas in the extra- territorial jurisdiction including an old cement-mixing plant on U. S. 15e/25E3 and Rose Brothers sand and gravel operation off U. S. 25E3 near the river. Commercial areas have developed both inside and outside t he -town limits. Main Street between First Street and West Street is dominated by commercial uses although some residential uses remain. The downtown commercial area extends one block north and south of Main Street in some places, and a few scat- tered commercial uses are found in other areas of the Town. The Town recently extended its commercial area by annexing the shopping plaza containing the Byrd's Supermarkets Revco Drug- 11 store, and the Family Dollar Store, Outside the Town boundary along U. S. 158/258 there are several commercial uses, and two commercial enterprises (restaurants) are found north of the Town along U. S. 258. Although there has been considerable development in the extraterritorial area along existing roads, most land within the extraterritorial jurisdiction remains undeveloped. Agricultural uses predominate. The planning area has one large tract of commercial forestland on the east side of U. S. 258 north of the river. This tractP owned by the Union Camp Corporation, extends north of the municipal wastewater treatment plant almost to the one-mile boundary, and extends southeast to the river. Scattered areas of woodland are found surrounding residential areas and between tracts cleared for agriculture. The remainder of the extraterritorial area has been cleared for farmlandq and much of it is still used for agri- culture4 The vast majority of land north of Murfreesboro along S, R* 1302 IWynn Streetl and S. R, 1300 is used for farming. Excluding the development that has occurred on the west side of S. R. 1300, cleared agricultural land is broken only by scattered clumps of woodland. Other large areas of agricultural land are found along S. R. 1180, N. C. 11, and U. S. 158. Although some strip residential development has occurred along these roads, cleared farmland adjoins residential properties. B. Recent Development; Future Growth Although the Town has lost population since 19eO, Murfrees- boro has experienced a moderate amount of residential and commercial development in the past five years. Nationwide and in Murfreesboro as well, household size is decreasing; more dwellings are needed to house even a stable population. As shown in Table 9 (pg. 32.1), 38 new single-family dwellings have been constructed in the Murfreesboro area since 1980. The rate of multifamily development has been almost twice the rate of single-family development. In many areas, although the rate of development will vary somewhat depending on economic factors such as interest rates% typically, the rate of single- family construction will be fairly steady. In contrast, the rate of multifamily development will fluctuate widely. As shown in Table 9, although twice as many multifamily units were construct- ed as single-family units, permits for multifamily dwellings were issued in only two years. In 1980, 29 permits were issued for construction in the RCRHA project on S.'R. 1157. No permits were issued for multifamily construction again until 19e5 when 32 permits were issued for construction of the Fox Ridge project on N. C. 11. Most new residential development in the Murfreesboro area has occurred in the southern half of the planning area. Resi- dential development has occurred primarily in three places: in the Maple Street/Edgewood Drive area; in the Jay Trail area, west 13 of Spring Ave"ue; and on S, R" 1157 near 1he RCRII 'I project. Recent commercial development has occurred pi-imarily along U. S. 158/259 in the western part of the Town and in the western extraterritorial jurisdiction. Local officials expect future development to follow the pattern established in recent years. Residential development is likely to continue in the southern half of the planning region. Development in this area will be further stimulated by con- struction of the U. S. 258 bypass. State transportation offi- cials have been considering a Murfreesboro bypass for a number of years and the project has now been listed on the State's 1987-1995 Transportation Improvement Program. Both a northerly and a southerly route are being considered by state transporta- tion planners. The Town has gone on record as supporting a northernly routing of the highway. Planning for the nine million dollar project is scheduled to begin in 1987 with construction starting in early 1991. Should the northern route be selected, it is likely that residential development in th e southern half of the Town, and especially in the southern extra- territorial area, will increase. Developers can then be certain that the bypass will finally be constructed (increasing access to and from the area), and that investments in the southern half of the community will not be threatened by highway construction. Upon completion of the project, commercial development is likely 14 to occur where the bypass intersects major highways such as N. C. 11 and U. S. 158. In the meantime, unless regulatory controls are changedg strip commercial development is likely to continUe west along U. S. 158/258. C. Land Use Concerns There are two major land use concerns in the Town: industrial development along the river in the northeast corner of the Town, and strip commercial development along U. S. 15e/258 at the western end of Town in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Murfreesboro developed as a port community on the banks of the Mehorrin River. Industrial and commercial uses can still be found near the river, 200 years after incorporation of the Town. Georgia Pacific, the Town's largest employer, has a large wood processing operation at the east end of Broad Street; the company's landholdings extend northeast to the river. The Murfreesboro plant makes wooden baskets and crates. The Georgia Pacific facilities include a milling plantg several warehouses, and lumber and equipment yards. The industrial area is located just south of the river, adjoins a residential area and a cemetery, and is close to the Town's Historic District. The plant impacts these areas with traffic generated by plant workers (abo ut 350) and large delivery vehicles; with noise; and occa- sionally with odors from processing activities. 15 Local officials are also concerned about the commercial development that is extending west along U. S. 15e/25e. Recent commercial construction was one justification for the annexation that occurred along the highway in 19e6. Strip development along major highways, whether residential or commercial, is a concern in many communities. Strip-type development creates traffic hazards:, through and turning traffic are often mixed in an unacceptable fashion. Such development is often unsightly, and can land-lock parcels with no highway frontage. In general, strip development is considered a poor use of land resources. Implications The Town% through its zoning ordinance, should encourage industrial uses to locate in areas appropriate for such develop- ment. Industrial uses should be constructed away from environ- mentally sensitive areas such as water and wetlands. In generalf residential, historic, and commercial areas should be buffered from industrial zones. The impacts of industrial development vary depending on the specific type of development proposed. Therefore, the Town might wish to consider performance-based standards, rather than use district regulations in controlling industrial development. Strip development can also be controlled through zoning regulations. The Town encourages new development and often, 16 commercial enterprises desire a visible location along major thoroughfares. Without prohibiting such development altogether, the -Town can control such development to regulate access and egress, landscaping, and signage. It is this way, highway development can be made as safe and aesthetically pleasing as possible. 17 D, Development Controls Land development in the Town is controlled by a variety of local, state, and federal regulations. Plans and policies enacted by the Town, the Countyp and various state agencies influence local land use decisions as well. 1. Regulatory Controls Local ordinances controlling land use decisions are described below. State and federal regulations that control land uses are listed in Appendix A. The Murfreesboro Zoning Ordinance was updated in 1986. To increase compliance with local zoning regulations, one of the amendments made in 1986 made the Town Administrator the local zoning administrator. Nowq before building permits are issued by the County, persons seeking to develop in Murfreesboro must present a zoning permit issued by the Town to show compliance with the local zoning ordinance. Subdivision Regulations has been written for the Town but have not been adopted. Mobile Home Park Regulations are included in the zoning ordinance. Floodplain Regulations are in effect in the small area of the Town subject to flooding along the Meherrin River. A Historic District Ordinance is administered by the Town's Historic District Commission. Septic Tank Regulations (Article 10 of the North Carolina Administrative Code) are enforced in the extraterritorial area. Over 99% of all units in the Town are serviced by sewers. Septic tanks are not permitted within the City limits. A Nuisance Ordinance is in effect. 2. Development Plans The State's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) lists two projects in the Murfreesboro area. The first is the U. S. 258 Murfreesboro bypass. Current development plans show the five-mile bypass taking a southerly route around the Town (Appendix B) although in the past, both southerly and northerly routes had been considered. Local officials have noted that a northerly route would be consistent with the current development pattern of the community and would have less environmental impact. Thus, in the summer of 1986 the Town issued an official statement of support for a northerly routing. The proposed highway will be two lanes on a four lane right-of-way. The project is expected to cost over nine million dollars with construction scheduled to begin in 1992. Also appearing in the state's TIP is replacement of the U. S. 258 bridge over the Meherrin River. This project is scheduled to begin in 1989 with an estimated cost of almost four million dollars. The Town's current Community Facilities and Public Improve- ments Plan was prepared in the early 19eO's and is now being updated by the Town Administrator. The Town has applied annually for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and in 1qe6 the Town received a $650,000 CDBG grant for housing improvements in two areas of the community. Should the Town experience a major natural disaster, activity beforeq during, and after the 19 storm event will be directed by the Hertford County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan. 3. Development Policies In July 1987o The Town formally adopted a utilities extension policy which had been local policy, unofficially, for a number of years. Hook-up to public services is now mandatory if the property lies within 200 feet of the service. Out-of-town customers pay a higher rate than in-town users. Almost all developed properties within the Town limits are serviced with water and sewer. Outside the Town, both the Carver Park subdivision and the River School on U. S. 158 are served with water and sewer. The Town plans to extend water and sewer service we5t outside the Town limits on U. S. 158 in the summer of 1987. This is the Town's first comprehensive land use plan. Planners did not analyze previous land use policies in developing the 1987 plan as no official development policies had ever been promulgated. Until adoption of this plan, most land development decisions had been made based solely on private considerations and the Town's zoning ordinance. 20 E, Development Constraints 1. Land Suitability Compared to other areas of the state, there are few physical factors constraining land development in Murfreesboro. Land use constraints can be classified into one of three categor- ies: physical limitations, fragile areas, and areas of resource potential. Physical Limitations for Development. A variety of factors determine the suitability of land for development. These include soil and subsoil conditions, topography, potential for flooding, and existing land uses in the development area. As shown on the Map of Land Use Constraints (pg. 32.4), the Murfreesboro region has a small area along the Meherrin River and Worrells Mill Swamp which is subject to periodic flooding. The Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) has defined the Zone A floodplain as those areas which have a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any year. In communities such as Murfreesboro which participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, the lowest floor of residential buildings must be elevated at or above flood level as determined by FIA; non-re5idential above base flood level as determined by FIA; non-residential structures can be flood-proofed instead. In the Murfreesboro area, a narrow Zone A floodplain is located along both banks of the Meherrin River in the northeast corner of the planning area. The 100-year flood- 21 plain also extends south from the river along Worr8115 Mill Swamp. A small portion of this flood-prone area is located within the Town limits with the major portion located in the extraterritorial area. The presence of poor soils and steep slopes also limit the development of land resources. Soil conditions determine the suitability of the land for in-ground sewage disposal systems. Before land can be build-upQn the stabilityo bearing capacity, and erodibility of the soil must also be considered. The major soils found in the Murfreesboro area are listed in Table 10 (pg. 32.1). As noted on the Mufreesboro Area Soils Map (pg. 32.5)p within the Town limits, soils types GpA, GoA, and the Norfolktype soils predominate. Within the corporate limits, soil type GpA identifies developed urban land. Dorovan soils are poorly drained organic soils on floodplains and are found in the extraterritorial area along the river. These soils are poorly suited for urban or recreational usesq and are considered poor soils for crop or pastureland as well. Dorovan soils have severe limitations for building construction and for the location of septic systems. Moreover, at certain times of the year, the high water table is above the soil surface in some places (note "plus sign" in "depth to high water table" column in Table 10). Norfolk-type soils - NoA, NoB, and NoC are the major soil types found in the remainder of the extraterritorial area. 22 Norfolk soils have only slight limitations for building construc- tion and only moderate limitations for septic systems. It is especially important to note soil conditions in the extraterrito- rial area where public sewage is not available. Winton soils are well drained soils on bluffs along rivers and major tributaries. In the Murfreesboro area Winton soils are found in the west side of the river on the bluff above the river's floodplain. The topography of this area limits its development potential. Slopes in this area are steep and generally are greater than 12%. The Town obtains its water from groundwater resources. The extensive groundwater reservoirs of the state's Coastal Plain region were considered a relatively unlimited source of water supply until recent years. Northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia share an aquifer system. Studies have documented that groundwater levels have been declining for a number of years. The largest declines have been noted in the groundwater layer serving a large portion of Hertford County and are attributed to relatively large water withdrawals in Virginia. The area's aquifer 5y5teM can be divided in three hydrogeo- logic units: the Cretaceaus aquifer system; the Teritiary aquifer system; and the water-table aquifer. The Cretaceaus aquifer provides Hertford County with much of its groundwater and is the aquifer in which the largest water level declines 23 have been noted, The oater-la6le aquifer recharges the underly- ing artesian aquifer units. In the Winton area, this layer lies close to the surface in many soils and is very vulnerable to pollution from septic tanks, industrial and municipal waste disposalp landfills, and agricultural activities. In an effort to protect public water supplies, many communi- ties are now regulating development in the recharge area of public wells. Development has already occurred near two of the Town's three public wells and to date, has produced no water' qual ity problems. The Town's downtown commercial area lies just south of the Sycamore Street well. Residential uses adjoin both the Town's well at the intersection of Spring Avenue and S. R. 1157 and the Town's third well off S. R. 1180 in the southwest corner of the extraterritorial area. Fragile Areas. The Murfreesboro area is rich in natural and cultural resources. The extent and location of these resources should be considered as development decisions are made. The Murfreesboro area has two Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs): the waters of the Meherrin River and the river's shoreline - up to 75 feet of its mean high water level. The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 (CAMA) established the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) and specified that the CRC identify and designate "areas of environmental concern" - AECs. AECs are areas with natural or cultural resources which are of statewide concern. Four categories of AECs have been 24 developed: the estuarine 5ysleffl@ the ocean hazard system; public water supplies; and natural and cultural resource areas. It has been determined that unregulated development in these areas have a hi gh probability of causing irreversible damage to public health, property, and the natural environment. Thus, the CRC has developed guidelines for development in these areas. According to the guidelines e5tablished by the CRC9 most projects in AECs require a CAMA permit. "Minor" development permits (generally projects altering less than 20 acres or involving structures less than 60,000 square feet) are issued by a local permit officer. "Major" development permits are issued by the Division of Coastal Management. The AECs in Murfreesboro are part of the estuarine system. Four types of natural areas are included in this system: estuarine waters, public trust areas, coastal wetlands, and estuarine shorelines. Public trust areas are water and submerged lands in the coastal region where the public has traditionally had the right of usep including the right of navigation. All navigable waterways in the coastal areas - including the Meherrin River - are considered public trust AECs. The shoreline of the river is also considered an AEC. For management purposesq all water in the state has been classified into one of three categories - inland fishing water,, where fishing is regulated by the Wildlife Resources Commission; 25 coastal fishing water, where fishing activity is under the jurisdiction of the Marine Fisheries Commission; and joint fishing waters, where regulations developed by agreement of both agencies are in effect. Under CAMA, joint fishing waters are regulated as estuarine waters; thus CAMA regulations control development along the river and with 75 feet of the mean high water level - the "estuarine shoreline." Aside from the region's two AECs, no unique areas have been identified. The state Natural Heritage Program has no record of any endangered species or habitats, or rare geologic areas within the planning area. The Town has within its corpa- rate limits, a number of buildings of historic importance and the state Department of Cultural Resources has identified five archaeologically sensitive areas in the planning area. The Town's National Register Historic District currently occupies an area of about six square blocks north and south of Main Street- between Winder and Fourth Streets. State historic officials expect that the District will be enlarged in the near future and that a number of other individually-eligible pro- perties will be proposed for National Register listing. Six properties within the District have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Table 11, pg. 32.2), and a seventh National Register property - the Columns - is located outside the district on the grounds of Chowan College. The Town's Historic 26 District has also been identified as an archaeologically sensi- tive area; state officials note that 15 archaeological sites have been identified within the district. Four other archaeolog- ically sensitive areas containing a total of 13 sites have been identified in addition; three lie within the Town's corporate limitsq the third lies in the extraterritorial area. Two areas which have a high probability for archaeological sites have been identified in the extraterritorial area. Areas of Resource Potential. Most of the planning area outside the City limits is currently used for agricultural purposes. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, much of that land is prime farmland. Agricultural officials have observed that prime farmland will be of major importance in providing the nation's short and long range needs for food and timber. To that endy conservation of prime farmland has become a national objective and is an important state agricultural goal as well. Prime farmland is defined by its current use (urban, built-upq and water areas cannot be considered prime farmland) and by the soils that comprise it. In Murfreesboro the CaB, GoA, NoA, NoB, and NoC soils are considered prime farmland soi,ls. These soils have properties that are favorable for the production of sustained high yields of crops. According to agricultural officials, these soils produce the highest yields 27 with minimal inputs of energy and economic re5ource5v and farming these soils results in the least damage to the environ- ment. As shown on the Murfreesboro area soils map, the region contains a fairly extensive area of the Norfolk soils. These soils are well distributed throughout the planning area, with the majority being found in the extraterritorial area. Areas of resource potential also include state parks, forest and wildlife preserves; private game preserves; and areas of valuable mineral deposits. The Murfreesboro planning area contains no public or private natural resource areas and no known mineral deposits. 2. Facility Limitations As a community grows, service demands increase. More police and fire protection may be needed; additional classrooms or schools may be necessary. Demand for public water and sewer service increases. Planning for future service demands helps avoid shortfalls in provision of public services. Development can. be severely constrained when the demand for vital services such as water and sewer, exceeds supply. Population growth in Hertford County and in Murfreesboro in particular has been slow in recent years. Between 1970 and 19e5, the County has grown by less than 2%. Most growth during this 2E3 period occurred in outlying areas outside of towns; Murfreesboro lost about 20% of its population during this period. The population of the Town is likely to remain steady over the next five years or increase very slightly. Annexation of several residential areas in the extraterritorial area in 1qe6 brought about 300 persons within the city limits. In 1986 the Town had about 39100 residents. Unless a new major employer locates nearby or Chowan College experiences a significant in enrollmento it is unlikely the Town's population will exceed 3,500 by 1990. Water Service. Almost all properties within the corporate limits are serviced with public water. Water mains have been extended outside of Town to the Carver Park subdivision and the River View School and the Town plans on extending service west on U. S.159/U. S. 25(3 in the summer of 1987. Murfreesboro is a water-rich community. The Town's three wells have a capacity of 3.5 million gallons per day (gpd). Storage capacity is 575,000 gpd. Water demand now averages about 400,000 gpd. At some future date, the Town's storage capacity may have to be increased. Water supply however, should not limit growth in the forseeable future. Sewer Service. Sewer service is also provided to almost all developed properties within the Town limits and the Carver Park and River View School as well. 29 Murfreesboro has a land application wastewater treatment system with an estimated capacity of 476,000 gpd. The Town has a fairly serious problem with infiltration of water from outside the system. Thus system demand is fairly weather-dependent. Average daily demand varies from about 2509000 gpd during dry weather to about 650,000 gpd during wet periods. By correcting infiltration/inflow problems within the systemp local demand could almost double and still be accommo- dated by the existing treatment plant. The Town is currently investigating expansion of the system's spray fields and in late 1987 will begin an inflow study. Until infiltration problems are controlled however, the capacity of the Town's treatment system may be the greatest limitation to future growth. Public Schools. The capacity of county schools will not constrain development in the foreseeable future. As noted below all schools are currently being used well below capacity. School Enrollment 'e6-87 Capacity % Capacity River View 640 750 e5 Murfreesboro Middle 3e5 675 57 Murfreesboro High 470 1,000 47 TOTAL 19495 2,425 62 30 Consolidation of Ahoskie and Murfreesboro High Schools has been proposed in the past. Proponents note that a large consoli- dated school would increase the quality of education in the County by offering an expanded curriculum and increasing social and athletic opportunities. In May 1987 the County Board of Education announced tentative plans to consolidate the County High Schools and the Middle Schools. Officials plan to use Ahoskie High School as the County's central high school and the Murfreesboro High School as the consolidated middle school. Roads. Lack of service by a major interstate highway is often cited as one of the major factors that has limited growth in northeastern North Carolina. It is unlikely that this situation will change in the foreseeable future given the current lack of federal funding. State highway improvements in the Murfreesboro area will effect local development to some extent. The Murfreesboro U. S. 258 bypass will help alleviate downtown congestion and facilitate traffic movement to Virginia's growing Tidewater area when the project is completed in the mid-*1990's. Downtown highway projects scheduled for 1907 also help ease traffic problems. The Main Street/Wynn Street intersection will be widened to accommodate tractor-trailers which frequently utilize the intersection. Trucks currently must make such wide turns into Wynn Street that vehicles on Wynn Street are often forced to 31 back-up to allow trucks to complete the turn. State transporta- tion officials also plan to add a turn lane at the Chowan Plaza Shopping Center on U. S. 15e/U. S. 25B on the west side of Town. Implications Given the slow rate of growth anticipated in the next five yearsp the capacity of the local public facilities will meet future demands. The capacity of the Town's sewage treatment system is likely to be the greatest limitation to future growth unless problems with infiltration/inflow are remedied. 32 Table 9 BUILDING PERMITS 1980-1986 ------------------------------------------------------ Single- Multi- Commercial/ Year Family Family Industrial Institutional 1980 5 29 2 1 1981 5 0 3 1 1982 5 0 0 1 1983 8 0 6 0 1984 5 0 3 0 1985 5 32 4 2 1986 5 0 2 2 ----------------------------------------------------- Total 38 61 20 7 Source: compiled by Mid-East Commission from County Building Inspector records Table 10 SOIL CHARACTERIETTICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LiMit.-ltim.ns for: ---------------------- Soi 1 18 u i I d i n g s w /o S a ptir- R un c f f C'2pth to High Code Type Slope Basements Tanks Pot.onti-.1.1 Wat.- Table (ft) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ B9 Bibb 0% Severe Severe Moderate 0.5 - 1.5 BOB Bonneau loamy sand 0 - 6 7. S I i q h t Moderate Low 03. 5 - 5. 0 BOC Bonneau loamy sand 6 - 12 X Moderate Moderate Low '13. aq- 5.0 CaB * Caroline fine sandy loam 2-67 Moderate Severe Moderate > 6.0 Cr9 f Craven fine sandy loam 1-4% Moderate Severe Moderate 2.0 - 3.01 CrD2 Craven fine sandy loam B-IT" Moderate Severe Modera@m 2.0 - 3.0 DO Dorovan 0-f 1. Severe Severe High' +1 - 0.5 GOA * Goldsboro fine sandy loam 0-2-YA Moderate Severe S I il q h ILI, 1L. 0 - 3.0 GpA Goldsboro-Urban cosplex, 0_2% Moderate Severe Slight 2.0 - 3. 0 LF Leaf loam 0% Severe Severe High 0.5 - 1.5 Ly Lynchburg fine sandy loam 0% Severe Severe Moderate 0. qj - 1.5 NoA * Norfolk loamy fine sand 0 - 2 11y. Slight Moderate Slight 4.0 - 6.0 NoB * Norfolk loamy fine sand 2-6X Slight Moderate Slight 1. 0 - 6.0 NoC # Norfolk loamy fine sand 6-10% Moderate Moderate Slight 4.0 - 6.0 Ra Rains fine sandy loam 0% Severe Severe Moderate 0.0 - 1.0 RuA Rumford loamy sand 0-3% Slight Slight Slight > 6.0 Se Seabrook loamy sand ox Severe Severe Moderate 2.0 - 4.0 TaB Tarboro sand 0-5% Severe Severe Low < 6.0 Ud Udorthents, sandy 01 (1) (1) (1) (1) WT Winton 12-60Z Severe Severe Moderate 2.0 - 4.0 ------- ----------------- -------------- - -------- - -------------------------------------------- t indicates prime farmland sail (1) soil characteristics vary; on-site investigation needed Source: Soil Survey of Hertford County, U.S.B.A., S.C.S., July !994 32.1 Table 11 NATIONAL REG15TER PROPERTIES ---- -------- ----------- SITE LOCATION DESCRIPTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Murfreesboro National Downtown Murfreesboro, National Register Register Historic generally between Winder Historic District District and Lawrence Streets north and south of Main Street. Myrick-Yeates- 327 W. Main Street Finest example of Albei-t Vaughan House Gamaliel Jones' Greek Revival houses remaining in Murfreesboro. Freeman House 200 E. Broad Street Original Academy building. Academy eventually become Chowan College. The Columns Jones Drive Built to replace the Chowan College original Academy building, the building has been used as a chapel, class rooms, offices and dormatory for Chowan College. Multiple additions have been made to the exterior since construction; interior has been remodeled. Melrose 100 E. Broa d Street Originally a side gable house reoriented to face south. Large side and rear Greek Revival additions made; classical porch and side chimneys added. Myrick House 402 Broad Street Exterior is stable and unaltered except for remains of replacement porch. 32.2 William Rea Store E. Williams Street One of oldest commercial buildings in North Carolina. Circa 1790 ship chandler's shop. In 1803 a law office was attached. Roberts-Vaughan 130 E. Main Street Federal house was enlarged House during Greek Revival period. Pedimented portico also added. Much of the older section remains unaltered. Outbuildings included a bath house. John Wheeler House 403 E. Broad Street House was the only brick dependency in Murfreesboro. Source: N. C. Department of Cultural Resources 32.21 EXISTING LAND USE VN 41, cn 0@0 - St. -,St (D Eft (D rt 0 cn :3 H., 0 En ID rr Ct F' ......... rr t3r cn [EITI" 7; E oad St. r M. A]Uo Milo br ............... ........................... ......... \,N! . . ........ F % Al.; It .......... *. ....... W ...... ***:. I--- - _', - . .1 ......... .......... ILI r - 5p@@ ... kji' S.R. 1157 F r tic of this map was financed in Th P' a . __' - A ., --- . ............... P.; 1. through . grant pr.,ided bv the North Carolina Coastal M.ag&m Program. th by Moto :t.i.Z r.ugh f-d. pr-ided a Ul anage"ent Act of 1972. .. -end d, hich T. du-i t.r d the 0 fice of Ocean and b .am ' Z Y. Men: ent. National our. Oceanic and Atmospheric Adat iztration. Coast" ln S. lie lie A .. lrl ........... ... 32.3 LAND USE CONSTRAINTS ............... ........ ......... . ............ . .......... . .......... ........... . .................. .. . .... . .... ................ ..... .............. .............. ... ..... .... . ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... ........... ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... . . .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . .......... .. ......... .. . ................... .......... .......... .. .... ............ 4 L Main St. 'i, lit ...... .. 71 --- ...... - ------------ - - -------------------- Th. preparation of t is ... cad in ------- f P art tiLrouah a arant provided by Progo"'t' Carolina Coastal Management th ra through funds Provided by th:.Coa:tal.Z a Management Act of 1972. 3 ad d. hich i a s cim"i ster-d by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Re...rc. M_g....t. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 7 32.4 Map 1 Murfreesboro Area Soils R. G M, Sao N Do b BOB 8.8 N.A A OLF N.A Go B NOA 'G.A Do Nook J A BOB 154 _@pA iV 60 AURF od @4 0 C c,oz NOS N.A. oil NOA P oL., NZA t-) r Nos 'k: NaA GOA NOS RuA WT BOB 10 oA,. N4C NOA 808 Re Zq @IA z NOS 808 Nook Re M NO a Nos 0 0 N G.A,-,-L Source: U.S!-D.A., S.C.S., "Soil Survey of Hertford County North C@rol III. POLICY OBJECTIVES A. Resource Protection The Town is located on the western bank of the Meherrin River. The River was important in the early development of the Town and continues to be a valuable recreational, aesthetico and environmental resource of statewide concern. The Town values this resource and supports local, state, and interstate efforts to preserve and enhance the quality of its waters. The River and its shoreline are Areas of Environmental Concern. The Town's policy and management objectives for these Areas of Environmental Concern are those stated in the North Carolina Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H.0203): $Ito give the highest priority to the protection and coordinated management of these areas, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, social, economic, and aesthetic values and to ensure that development occurring within these AECs is compatible with natural characteristics so as to Minimize the likelihood of significant loss of private property and public re5ources.1' In accordance with this overall objective, the Town will permit only those land uses which conform to the general use standards of the North Carolina Administrative Code (15 NCAC 7H.0209) for development within the Estuarine System. In general, the Town, will only support water-dependent uses along its fragile river shoreline. 33 The Town has other natural areas which to varying degrees, pose limitations to development. Floodplains, steep slopes and soils unsuitable for septic systems are found in some places in and around Murfreesboro. The Town will not support development in areas with natural hazards or in places where development may have negative impacts on historic or archaeologic resources. The Town encourages new development and welcomes new indus- tria 1 and commercial concerns. The Town supports all development that protects natural areas and in turn, enhances the quality of life for local residents. It is important that natural and cultural resources be protected from the impacts of development during construction and over the long term. Groundwater resources supply Murfreesboro residents with water. Planners and local officials have only recently begun to understand the sensitivity of this valuable resource. Reports indicate that relatively large water withdrawals in recent years has caused a substantial decline in the level of underground reserves. Groundwater across the state is threatened by the more than 379000 underground storage tanks that officials estimate may have leaks. New local development should not have negative impacts on local groundwater quantity and quality. The Town opposes development and activities in other areas that may cause future shortfalls in groundwater supply or pose severe risks to the quality of underground waters. 34 Following is a listing of policy goals the Town has adopted to protect its natural resources. Included are strategies that the Town will attempt to implement over the next five years in an effort to achieve these policy goals. protect and enhance water quality in the Meherrin River - support current state and federal efforts to preserve the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. - encourage strict enforcement of all water quality regulations by the State's Department of Environmental Management. - support state and federal programs such as the state's Agricultural Cost Share Program which attempts to reduce non-point agricultural run-off. - ensure proper functioning of the Town's wastewater treatment system: apply for state and federal funding to correct infiltration problems. preserve and protect Areas of Environmental Concern prohibit development in AECs that does not meet the management objectives of 15 NCAC 7H.0203. Discourage all development in the Town's AECs which is not water-dependent. permit development in AECs only if such development meets the use standards in 15 NCAC 7H.0209. The loca- tion, design, and construction of any project in an AEC must give highest priority to the conservation of the river and its shoreline and to protecting public rights of navigation and recreation. classify the Meherrin River and shoreline areas less than 50 feet in elevation as Conservation on the Town's Land Classification Map. protect the Town's present and future water supply support state and federal programs that regulate underground storage of hazardous materials. Support regulations that require tightness-testing for existing tanks and construction standards for new tanks. 35 Immediate removal of leaking tanks should be required. Support establishment of a state fund to stop tank leaks and to clean up affected water supplies. oppose further groundwater withdrawals by large water- users in Virginia. support state efforts to develop a groundwater manage- ment program for northeastern North Carolina; consider delineating a groundwater protection district around well-fields and adopting appropriate use regulations. encourage the state Department of Environmental Management to designate northeastern North Carolina as a Capacity Use Area. protect the Town's historic and cultural resources support the Murfreesboro Historical Association in their efforts to preserveg enhance, and promote the historic resources of the community. support strict enforcement of the Historic District Ordinance. when reviewing subdivision proposals, note location of project in relation to archaeologically sensitive areas in planning area. If plan shows potential conflicts, encourage redesign of project or request detailed archaeologic survey. discourage development in areas where land is not physically suitable for development continue participating in the Federal Flood Insurance Program and enforce the Town's Floodplain Ordinance. support strict enforcement of the state's Environmental Health Code regarding the siting of in-ground septic systems. consider the suitability of soils for septic tanks when developing a subdivision ordinance. Require large lots in areas with severe limitations. in areas experiencing septic failures outside of Town, investigate the possibility of servicing with sewers. 36 9, Resource Production and Management Murfreesboro is located at the western edge of Hertford County, in the heart of rural northeastern North Carolina. Directly or indirectly, many residents are involved in the development of the County's natural resources. Crop and pasture- land accounts for 26% of all land in the County. Forestlandq much of which is used as commercial forestland, accounts for 67% of all land in Hertford County. Agricultural lands are the County's prime resource areas. Much of the County's farmland is considered prime farmland by agricultural officials. In 1984, 47,300 acres of land was harvested for crops, with the County ranking 34th in the state for total harvested cropland. The County ranked 27th in the state in the amount of corn bushels sold in 1984, and ranked fourth in the poundage of peanuts produced. Most of the land within Murfreesboro's Town limits has been developed for urban uses, however most of the land outside of Town is used for agriculture. The Town encourages the use of adjoining rural areas for agricultural production and will support all efforts to ensure the viability of the County's agricultural economy. The Town is especially concerned with preserving areas with prime farmland soils. At the same time, agricultural uses should not have negative impacts on other natural resources such as the Meherrin River or its tributaries or on historic or archaeologic resources. 37 There are large areas of commercial forestland within and adjoining the Murfreesboro planning area. The Town's largest employer is Georgia Pacific, a national timber and wood products firm. The Town supports the presence of the lumbering industry in the area. The Town will support expansion of commercial forestry and wood processing operations if these will have no major adverse impacts on other resources such as local fisheriesp surface and groundwater, and historic structures, In all cases the Town desires that cleared areas be replanted as soon as possible. In years past, a moderate amount of commercial fishing occurred in the County and in the Murfreesboro area. The spring herring fishery traditionally has been an important local activity for commercial and recreational fisherman alike. Degradation of the river by industrial% urban, and agricultural uses has had severe impacts on the quality and quantity of the river's fishery. Currentlyp most fishing that occurs in the Meherrin is for recreational purposes. The Town supports locals state, and federal efforts to improve the quality of the region'5 fisheries. Improving both the recreational and commercial fisheries is encouraged. There are currently no areas in or around Murfreesboro where mining or other mineral production activities are taking place. The Town will support mining and quarrying activities only if 38 those activities can be shown to have no adverse impacts on the Town's agricultural and water resources. Following is a listing of policy goals the Town has adopted to protect its productive natural resources. Included are strategies that the Town will attempt to implement over the next five years in an effort to achieve these policy goals. protect and enhance agricultural uses in the Murfreesboro area classify agricultural areas outside of Town as rural on the Town's Land Use Classification Map; specify a rural/agriculture subclass. to the extent feasible, design betterment systems for public improvements so that agricultural property whose agricultural use does not benefit from those improvements is not charged for such improvements. consider starting a farmers market in downtown Murfreesboro; work with other area towns to develop markets in every community in which all County farmers could participate. support diversification of the local agricultural economy. encourage farmers owning parcels of ten or more acres to apply for use-value assessment. protect commercial forest lands delineate areas of commercial forestland on the Town's Land Classification Map and classify them as rural; specify a rural/forestry subclass. encourage owners of parcels 20 or more acres in size to apply for use-value assessment. protect and enhance commercial and recreational fishing activ- ity in the Meherrin River support and comply with local, state and federal efforts to improve commercial and recreational fisher- ies. 39 support efforts to increase boat access to the Meherrin and its tributaries. support the Environmental Protection Agency's Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study. support state and federal programs which attempt to reduce non-point pollution. These include the Agri- cultural Cost Share Program and the Conservation Provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill. publicize the recreational fishing opportunities available in the area in regional tourism brochures. preserve areas of prime farmland use the County's detailed Soil Survey to identify areas of prime farmland; to the extent feasible, direct development to other areas and reserve these areas for agricultural uses. support state and federal efforts to preserve areas of prime farmland. support development of a comprehensive state program for farmland preservation. Support legislation that proposes to study programs existing in other areas and to develop appropriate programs and techniques for use in North Carolina. ensure efficients environmentally sound agricultural production support use of Best Management Practices for agricul- tural production. work with the Soil Conservation Service to encourage participation in the state's Agricultural Cost Share Program. support the Conservation Provisions of the 19E35 Farm Bill: conservation reserve conservation compliance sodbuster swampbuster 40 discourage development that will have adverse impacts on the area'5 productive natural resources support mining activity only if project demonstrates that prime agricultural lands and water quality will be preserved. adopt subdivision regulations that require prime farmland soils to be identified; in subdivision reviewo encourage areas of prime farmland to be left as open space. C. Economic and Community Development Murfreesboroo a town 200 years old in 1987, is considered by preservation officials to be one of North Carolina's "great- est cultural treasurers". In addition to its historic resources, the Town is home to several large industrial concerns and to Chowan College, a private junior educational concern. The Town values its historic and institutional resources and supports all efforts to preserve, promote and expand them. A proposed overall community development strategy focuses on strengthening and promoting the Town's historic character. The Town supports expansion of existing industries and welcomes new commercial and industrial concerns to the Murfreesboro area. However, new industrial development should not have negative impacts on the natural environment or the area's historic and cultural resources. New commercial and industrial development should enhance the quality of life for loca-1 residents. 41 New and expanding industrial uses are encouraged to locate on available industrial land away from the Meherrin River and historic areas. The Town encourages the location of "clean" non-polluting industries, and those that provide both technical and especially professional positions. Given the recreational and cultural opportunities available in and around Murfreesboro, additional tourist enterprises such as bed and breakfasts, restaurantsq and retail shops would be welcomed. These would also then serve students and visitors at Chowan College. Develop- ment of any kind that will have adverse impacts on the river or the Town's historic resources will not be supported. Land within the Town has been developed for urban usesq primarily residential in nature. Outside of Town, the area is rural; agricultural uses predominate. The Town appreciates this pattern of development. To that end and to provide for the efficient delivery of public services, the Town will encourage new development demanding urban services to locate within the city limits and attempt to reserve outlying areas for agricult- ural and low density residential uses. When new development cannot be accommodated within the Town, the Town will support their development in appropriate locations outside of Town and when feasible, will provide public services. - The Town is committed to maintaining and enhancing the qual ity of life in Murfreesboro. The Town supports reuse of 42 existing structures and redevelopment in areas were reuse is not feasible. The Town supports improving its existing housing stock, as shown by its current participation in the Community Development Block Grant Program, and supports new construction, especially development that will serve the housing needs of the elderly and of low and moderate income groups. The Town values the Meher'rin River for the recreational and aesthetic amenities it supplies. The Town supports increasing access to the River and will support development of marinas in the Murfreesboro area if developed in accordance to state guidelines. Marinas providing public access would be especially welcomed. There are few floating homes in the area and so the Town has adopted no official ppolicy on their use. The Town supports state and federal programs that will assist the Town in attaining its goals for resource protection and community development. These include but are not limited to public access programso programs for conserving prime farmland and preserving water qualityo highway improvement programsq community develop- ment programst and programs which assist in preserving historic and archaeologic resources. Following is a listing of policy goals the Town has adopted to provide for community growth and for the economic development of the Town* Included are strategies that the Town will attempt to implement over the next five years in an effort to achieve these policy goals. 43 support expansion of existing industry and recruitment of new industrial and commercial enterprises develop an overall plan for community revitalization. Appoint an ad hoc committee to develop a revitalization strategy. Include members of the Council, Planning Board, Historic Commission, Murfreesboro Historical Association, Chamber of Commerce, and Industrial Development Commission among others. Focus efforts on preserving, enhancing, and promoting the Town's historic and cultural resources. solicit technical assistance from groups such as the small business center at Roanoke-Chowan Callegeg the Mid-East Commission, and Northeast North Carolina Tomorrow, which can provide information and staff assistance for new and small businesses and economic development projects. Promote these groups within the business community. support Chowan College in any plans it may propose for expansion locally. pr ovide for the orderly growth of areas within Murfreesboro and within the one-mile planning jurisdiction revise and adopt subdivision regulations. continue to issue zoning permits locally. review zoning map and ordinance as plans for U. S. 258 bylass progress. Consider effects of commercial rezoning along the highway on downtown commercial areas; consider developing highway overlay zone. revise zoning districts to assure that sufficient space is available for industrial expansion in the Commercial Street area; do not expand industrial district near the river. consider revising zoning ordinance to prohibit further commercial strip development along U. S. 158/U. S. 258. Review the ordinance for adequacy of sign regula- tions and access controls. on the Town's Land Classification Map, classify areas within a one-mile radius of Murfreesboro according to the guidelines of 15 NCAC 7B.0200. Developed areas within the Town should be classified Urban. Developed 44 areas outside of Town which are currently or are expected to be served by water and/or sewer should be classified Transition. Agricultural and forest land should be classified Rural. Areas of Environmental Concern and other sensitive natural or cultural resource areas should be classified Conservation. - preserve and enhance the quality of life in Murfreesboro consider applying for state and federal funds under the Main Street Program to improve the downtown area and enhance the historic character of the local business district. support the social and cultural events at Chowan College. - increase public access to the Chowan River work with the Murfreesboro Historical Association to develop a public access area long the river. Should additional land be needed, contact the Division of Coastal Management for assistance in funding land acquisition. consider contacting the state Office of Water Resources for assistance in funding a waterfront project through their Civil Works Projects Program. - provide for adequate housing for all community residents continue to apply for funding for local housing improvements under the Community Development Block Grant Program. support development of low and moderate income housing in the Murfreesboro area. promote tourism locally and throughout northeastern North Carolina support the Murfreesboro Historical Association in promoting the Town's historic and cultural resources. participate in local and regional efforts to promote tourism in northeastern North Carolina. support the concept of initiating a paddlewheel showboat which would tour coastal North Carolina; express desire for making Murfreesboro a stopping-point along proposed route. 45 D. Storm Hazards North Carolina is well-known for the hurricanes and tropical storms that batter its coastline and the tornados that ravage inland areas. Typically, the bulk of hurricane storm damage occurs in coastal areas. Hurricanes and tropical storms have howeverv caused severe damage inland areas in the past. Thus, even inland counties and their local municipalities must effec- tively plan for storm hazards. This section summarizes the actions Hertford County and the Town of Murfreesboro have under- taken to protect residents and resources from the damaging effects of hurricanes and other major storm events. 1. Hazard Areas In the Murfreesboro region, areas adjoining the Meherrin River and areas subject to flooding along local streams are those areas most threatened by a major storm event. As shown on the Map of Land Use Constraints, the river and its shoreline is an Area of Environmental Concern. This sensitive area is severely threatened by damage due to flooding, erosionv wave actionp and high winds. In addition this area has been designated a Zone A floodplain by the Federal Insurance Administration. Most of the extraterritorial area on the east side of the river and land adjoining the western bank of the Meherrin is subject to flood- ing. Floodplain areas also border the Town to the east% adjoin- ing Worrells Mill Swamp. Flood-prone areas are moderately 46 threatened by damaging forces such as high winds and flooding, and to a lesser extent, by erosion and wave action. The Town is fortunate in that all areas in the community severely threatened by damage from storms are basically undeve- loped. As shown on the Map of Existing Land Usep farming and forestry activities predominate in the northeastern extraterrior- tial area. However limited residential development has occurred in the floodplain area along U. S. 258. Maney's Neck Mobile Home Park is found in the flood-prone area on the west side of U. S. 258 and a small subdivision has been developed adjoining the mobile home park. Just north of this residential area near the river, is a sand and gravel operation. Two restuarant-type operations are also found in the flood-prone area on the west side of U. S. 258. 2.- Evacuation and Reconstruction In 19809 Hertford County adopted a plan to guide the actions of various local officials in the event of a major storm occurence in the County. Murfreesboro is under the jurisdiction of this plan, (the Hertford County Hurricane Evacuation and Shelter Plany) which was revised in January of 1997. Two groups have been formed to implement the plan. A Control Group exer- cises overall direction and control of hurricane evacuation operations and reconstruction activities immediately after the storm event. This group is composed of the chairman of the Board 47 of County Commissioners, the mayors of all municipalities in the County (including Murfreesboro), and the County Emergency Management Coordinator. A Support Group provides personnel and material resouces for the actions requested by the Control Group. The Support Group also provides direction to personnel engaged in operations and provides data. and recommendations to the Control Group. This group has 26 members including the Murfreesboro Town Manager, the Chief of Police, and the Chief of the Murfreesboro Fire Department. The Evacuation Plan details the duties and responsibilities of each member of the Control and Support Group as a storm event unfolds. Five levels of increasing preparedness (Conditions 4-0) are outlined; a "Reentry" stage constitutes a sixth. The plan identifies eight "potential problem areas" - areas contain- ing mobile homes or areas of dilapidated housing - which would be evacuated during Condition 1. These are areas of unsubstan- tial housing and moible home parks where storm damage could be especially severe. Four of these eight problem areas lie within the Murfreesboro planning region. The County Evacuation Plan has identified Wise's Mobile Home Park, Woodridge Mobile Home Parky Deerfield Mobile Home Park and Maney's Neck Mobile Home Park as being severely threatened by wind damage. Residents of these areas would be evacuated during Condition 1, early in the storm event. Evacuees would be moved to either the Riverview 48 School on U. S. 158 east of Murfreesboro, or to Murfreesboro High School on N. C. 11 south of Town. Reentry into affected areas will be directed by the Control Group. Upon reentry, the County Tax Assessor, a member of the Support Groups will assemble personnel and conduct a damage assessment. Should damage from a storm be especially severe, the County has the authority to impose a temporary moratorium on all development in the area. Such a measure would be used only if damage to a particular area is very serious and if redevelopment of the area in the same manner would pose residents with similar health and safety problems in the future. After emergency operations to restore public health and safety and initial damage assessment are completed, the Town Council will assume responsibility for ensuring orderly repair and rebuilding in the Town. The Planning Board will act as an advisory group. CAMA permitting officers will be included in redevelopment planning for areas where CAMA permits would be necessary, The Town advocates the following schedule for staging and permitting repairs and construction in the Town: first priority - replacement of essential services such as power, waters sewers telephone, and roadways; second priority - minor repairs; third priority - major repairs; fourth priority - new development. All repairs and new development will be in conform- ance with applicable state and local development controls 49 including the state building code and the Town's zoning ordinance including local floodplain regulations. 3. Coordinating Agencies The state and federal agencies involved in coordinating local storm hazard mitigation and hurricane prepardness activi-- ties are listed in Appendix C. 4. Policy Objectives - The Town acknowledges that the Murfreesboro area is subject to storms that threaten the health, safetyp and welfare of its residents and the integrity of its natural and cultural re- sources. In an effort to plan for such natural storm disasters and to safeguard local residents, resourcesq and property, the Town has adopted the following storm hazard policy objectives. - reduce the potential for storm damage enforce the Town's floodplain ordinance. enforce the state building code in all new construction. consider adopting a housing code. - protect natural areas sensitive to storm hazards classify AECs as Conservation on the Town's Land Classification Map. - increase public awareness of the need for hurricane preparation support the "preparedne5s" program the County Office of Emergency Management conducts in local schools. participate in the storm evacuation exercise held each year by the Office of Emergency Management. 50 E, Public Participation The preparation of Murfreesboro's Land Use Plan was the responsibility of the Murfreesboro Planning Board. A workshop session introducing Board members to the planning process was held in December of 1996 and the group agreed to incorporate land use planning activities within their regular meeting schedule. At their first meetingg the Planning Board agreed that soliciting public input would be an important goal of the planning process. The Board discussed conducting a public survey. Ultimately the group agreed that since the Town was not currently facing any major development issues, their efforts would be better spent in other actions. Instead'of seeking public input through a survey, the Board decided to utilize the media to encourage attendance at Planning Board meetings and to inform residents of the work the group was involved in. Notices of all Board meetings were submitted to a local radio station (WBCG) for broadcast. Similarly, all meetings were advertised in the Hertford County News-Herald, and articles summarizing the information and issues discussed at each Board meeting were submitted to the paper for publication. Copies of all radio public service announcements and articles submitted tog or appearing in the News-Herald are included in Appendix D. 51 The Planning Board and the Town Council will be the primary groups through which public input will be accepted as the planning program continues over the next five years. The Planning Board will continue to meet monthly to assist the Council in implementing the strategies for attaining policy objectives on resource protectiong productiong and economic and community development proposed in the 1987 Land Use Plan. Following the example of the current planning program, soliciting public input will be a primary goal of all future planning endeavors. The Planning Board and the Council recognize the importance of keeping the citizenry informed of current planning concerns and of receiving the comments and concerns of local residents. Thus, the Town has adopted the following policy objectives: solicit citizen input in all planning decisions advertise all Council and Planning Board meetings in the News-Herald: emphasize that citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings dealing with planning issues. apprise the public of planning issues as they develop report important planning and community develop- ment issues, decisions, and developments to the News-Herald; propose feature articles for espe- cially important issues. 52 IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION A. Purpose Murfreesboro has adopted a system of land classification and an official Land Classification Map to assist local officials in attaining policy objectives in the areas of resource protection and productiong and economic and community development. Four broad categories of land classification have been developed and are delineated on the Town's Map of Land Classification (pg. 56.2). The map sets out a proposed development pattern for the Murfreesboro planning region. Based on this classification schemeq the Town has designated areas it believes are appropriate to accommodate additional growth and development, and areas it believ es would be better left in a rural condition. The clasi:-ii- fication5 reflect proposed future land uses and attempt to link land use, policy objectives, and implementation actions. This is the Town's first Land Classification Map. Until certification of this plang the Town had been under the juri.sdic- tion of Hertford County's 1986 Land Use Plan and Classification Map. If the County's and the Town's classification maps are comparedg some inconsistencies are evident. In general however, density classifications are consistent, e.g. Rural Classifica- tions adjoin Community areas, and it is likely that any discrep- ancies will be resolved when the County updates its plan. 53 9, Classification 5chome The Town's land classification scheme is based on the guidelines for land classif ic"ation out 1 ined in the Coastal Area Management Act's Land Use Planning Guidelines. The general characteristics of each class are outlined in Exhibit 1. 1. Developed The Developed classification encompasses all land within the corporate limits of the Town. In its 1987 Land Use Plan, the Town stated that it will encourage new development to locate within the city limits whenever possible. By applying the Developed classification to all areas within Town, local offi-- cials are attempting to facilitate this pattern of development. At the same time,) the Developed classification reflects the existing pattern of service provision, as all areas within the city limits are serviced by public water. The only area within the city limits not classified Developed is the area bordered (approximately) by S. R. 1179, Chowan Street, and N. C. 11. Most of this area is undeveloped - in woodland or agricultural use. One exception is land in the vicinity the Fox Ridge development and Murfreesboro High School and this area was only recently brought within the city limits as a result of a 1986 annexation. 2. Transition Transition areas adjoin the Developed area and delineate areas of existing or anticipated high density development 54 outside of the Town's corporate limits. Public water and in some places@ public sewer, extends to service some areas of certain Transition zones. At this time no area designated Transition is currently serviced throughout with public water or public sewer. It is likely however, that Transition zones will be those areas given priority when the Town extends water and/or sewer service. As shown on the Land Classification Map, the Town has three distinct areas designated Transition: the area between S. R. 1179 within the city limits; the area outside of Town which includes the Carver Park subdivision and River View School; and an area adjoining U. S. 15e/258 west of Town and extending northy east of S. R. 1166. Although there is currently little development in the Transition area along N. C. 11, local planners believe development activity in this area will increase, given its location along the highway and the gradual southward expan- sion of the Town's residential area. A considerable amount of development has already occurred in the Carver Park and U. S. 158/25E3 Transition area. However a good deal of land remains open and available for development and planners expect develop- ment of these areas to continue - the Carver Park area primarily for-residential uses and the U. S. 158/259 area for a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. 55 3. Community A small area outside of Town on the west side of S. R. 1166 is shown in the Community classification. This area is currently residential in nature and densities here as generally lower than across the roadway in the area designated Transition. The Community area extends west along S. R. 1157 to encompass the Westwood Mobile Home Park and the single-family residential development which has occurred along the highway. 4. Rural The Rural Classification encompasses most of the land outside of Town. As noted on the Land Classification Map, the Rural class has been divided into three subclasses to reflect existing land uses Rural General, Rural Agriculture, and Rural Forestry. The Rural Agriculture area encompasses a large area north of Town between S. R. 1300 and the river. This area is almost exclusively devoted to agricultural uses and the Town supports its continued use for agricultural operations over the next five years. A large area of Rural Forestry appears in the northeast corner of the extraterritorial area. This area generally denotes the Union Camp tree farm. The Rural General subclass encompasses a mix of low density residential uses9 agricultural land, and scattered areas of woodland. The Town appreciates the rural character of these 56 outlying areas and has cla5sifiod those aroa@-:@ Rural in an attempt to maintain an open, low density ari-angement. 5. Conservation The Conservation Class designates areas in the Murfreesboro planning region the Town believes should be kept undeveloped in a natural condition. The Conservation designation has been applied to the Meherrin River and most of its shoreline up to 75 feet from the high water line. Specifically, shoreline areas less than 50 feet in elevation within 75 feet of the mean high water line are classified Conservation. A 50 foot elevation level is included as a limit for the Conservation designation as the western bank of the river has a steep bluff within 75 feet of the shoreline. In contrast to low-lying areas, Town officials do not feel it is necessary to restrict development in this area to protect environmental quality, given its high elevation. The river is an Area of Environmental Concern. Its waters are considered Joint Fishing Waters by the state Division of Marine Fisheries and so the river's shoreline is also an area ol special environmental concern. The Town values the river for the aesthetic, recreationalg and commercial amenities it pro- vides, and has classified the river and its shoreline Conserva- tion in an effort to protect this resource of local and regional importance. 57 C, Intergover"mental Coordination The Town's Land Classification Map has been designed to guide the actions of private developers and public agencies at all levels of government, in activities affecting land develop- ment in the Murfreesboro region. Many of the planning objectives set forth in the Town's Land Use Plan will enhance the land use goals of neighboring communities, the Co unty, and the coastal region as a whole. The Town will work with the various public groups noted in this plan to ensure that the planning objectives and policy actions adopted as part of this plan will be imple- mented as the Town develops over the next five years. 59 EXHIBIT I LAND CLASSIFICATION Developed Purpose - provide for continued intensive develop- s ment Land Uses - mixed: residentialg commercial, indus- 01a 5 trial Services - usually all urban services provided: water, sewer, police, fire, etc. Density - 3 or more dwelling units(du)/acre Lot Sizes - usually small, in some areas averaging as little as 15,000 sq. ft. Transition Purpose - provide for future intensive development Class Land Uses - mixed Services - water and sewer both usually present or anticipated; police and fire protection usually provided Density - usually 3 or more du/acre Lot Sizes - usually small, many times averaging 20,000 sq. ft. Comment - usually adjoins Developed Class Community Purpose - provide for clustered, low density Class arrangement (crossroads community) Land Uses - mixed Services - sometimes water; no sewer Density - usually 2 du/acre or less Lot Sizes - generally 20,000-309000 sq. ft. Rural Purpose - agriculture and very low density residen- Class tial Land Uses - farming, forestrys residential Services - none Density - generally greater than I du/acre Lot Sizes - not applicable Conservation Purpose - resource protection Class Land Uses - AECs and other sensitive natural areas Services - none Comment - land basically to remain undeveloped or developed only under controlled condi- tions A LAND CLASSIFICATION ... ... .... ......... The preparation of this sap was financed in P rt t it d . hr ugh gran provi d by the 4omh n Ca t Man. gement F-g-s. Ul oas a through funds Provided by th:.Coastal Zone M_ lent A t of 1972. s .dad. which a g& n t Oc.a. and is c-d by the Office of is g ... nt. L4ati_ I Resource Ma'a i.tr.ti... lk if OC@oaaznticl and Atmspheri Ad-A 58.2 Appendix A STATE REGULATORY DEVICES Agency Licenses and Permits ---------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Natural Resources - Permits to discharge to and Community Development surface waters or operate Division of Environmental wastewater treatment Management plants or oil discharge permits; NPDES Permits, (G. S. 143-215). - Permits for septic tanks to be used for industrial purposes (G. S. 143-215. 3). - Permits for withdrawal of surface or ground waters in capacity use areas (G. S. 143-215.15. - Permits for air pollution abatement facilities and sources (G. S. 143-215.) 108). Permits for construction of complex sources; e. g. parking lots, subdivis- ions, stadiums, etc. (G.S. 143-215.109). Permits for construction of a well over 100,000 gallons/day (G. S. 87-88). Department of Natural Resources Permits to dredge and/or and Community Development fill in estuarine waters, Division of Parks and Recreation tidelands, etc. (G. S. 113-229). ------------------------------------------------------- Department of Natural Resources Permits to undertake and Community Development development in Areas of Division of Coastal Management Environmental Concern (G. S. 113A-118). Agency Licenses and Permits NOTE: Minor development permit's arc, issued by local government. Department of Natural Resources - Permits to alter or to and Community Development construct a dam (G. S. Division of Land Resources 143-215.66). - Permits to mine (G. S. 74-51). - Permits to drill an explanatory oil or gas well (G. S. 113-391). - Permits to conduct geographical exploration (G. S. 113-391). - Sedimentation erosion control plans for any land disturbing activity Of over one contiguous acre (G. S. 113A-54). Department of Natural Resources Permits to construct an and Community Development oil refinery. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Administration Easements to fill where lands are proposed to be raised above the normal high water mark of navigable waters by filling (G. S. 146.6 (c)). ----- -- ----- ---------- -------- Department of Human Resources Approval to operate a solid waste disposal site or facility (G. S. 130-166.16). Approval for construction of any public water facility that furnishes Water to ten or more residences (G. S. 130-160.1) FEDERAL REGULATORY DEVICES Agency Licenses and Permits Army Corps of Engineers Permits required under (Department of Defense) Section 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors of 1899; permits to construct ill navigable waters. Permits required under Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Permits required under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972; permits to undertake dredging and/or filling activities. --------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Coast Guard Permits for bridges, cause- (Department of ways, pipelines over navigable Transportation) waters; required under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Geological Survey Permits required for off-shore Bureau of Land Management drilling. (Department of Interior) Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor rights-of-ways. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Licenses for siting, construc- tion and operation of nuclear- power plants; required under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Energy Regulatory Permits for construction, Commission operation and maintenance of interstate pipeline facilities required under the Natural Gas Act of 1938. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agency Licenses and Permits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - ----- - - - - - - Federal Energy Regulatory Orders of friterconnection of Commission electric transmissiDn facili- ties under Section 202 (b) of the Federal Power (Act. Pei-mission required for abandonment of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities Lind er Sec t i o n 7C (b) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938. Appendix B Proposed U.S. 258 Bypass LN LUZ -IN 119Z Uot rR-600 lut NORTHAMPTON U" COUNTY Mat U0 LM L M 1,V VA UQ1 N. IUA <.. ; - U9.2 Fit Et SO 0,74 Mrk 1.0 1"a .120 C W. KX. 671 1.0 FA0 .1 M.Pl.tw 15" 1193 1102 1174 it 14 Lin 10 UL, W1 ;@@ 1@ list 38 A '.1t LUL im 12 M'. LUI Tctb@ IL41 Im 01 LLIA 114L UAZ VD3 12AULL 11*4 1160 35 1A 1ML t HERTFOR COUNTY 4 C',,k 1. 01 FA US 258, MURFREESBORO BYPASS, HERTFORD COUNTY. TWO LANE ROADWAY ON FOUR LANE RIGHT OF WAY, NEW LOCATION. Source: N.C. "Highway Improvement Program Maps 1987-199511 note: Town has gone on record (July 1987) as supporting a northerly routing of bypass. Appendix C AGENCIES COORDINATING STORM PREPAREDNESS N. C.- Division of Coastal Management -State Office: Division of Coastal Management Department of Natural Resources and Community Development P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611 (919) 733-2293 Field Office: Division of Coastal Management Department of Natural Resources and Community Development 109 South Water Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909 (919) 308-1558 N. C. Division of Emergency Management (al5o includes National Flood Insurance Program Information) State Office: Division of Emergency Management Department of Crime Control and Public Safety 116 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27611 (91c?) 733-3867 Regional Office: Area Emergency Management Coordinator N. C. Division of Emergency Management Beaufort County Courthouse Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946-2773 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency 500 C Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20472 Public Information - (202) 287-0300 Publications - (202) 2e7-0689 Regional Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV 1375 Peachtree Street, N. E. Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Public Information - (404) e81-2000 Disaster Assistance Program - (404) 881-3641 Flood Insurance Program (404) 881-2391 Appendix D Media Releases THE NEWS HERALD WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1986 AHOSKIE, NORTH CAROLINA Murf-ireesboro to get land use plan M U ptt,I4Vr,E'S El 0 R 0 -?-' By- ficials in Murfreesboro this year general outline of the plan, noting its December of next-'Vear, the PlannI'. opted to participate in the CAMA importance as a tool for guiding ing Board hopes 'to- have in place,, a' process. growth and development in the town master land use plan for, the town. Bob Paclocco. executive director over the next five years. The Planning Board met Dec. 2 to of the Mid-East Commission, met Special emphasis was placed on begin the process in accordance with with the planning board to introduce the importance of public participa- the guidelins of the state's Coastal the members to the planning pro- tion throughout the update process. Area Management Act (CAMA). - cess. Paciocco impressed upon them Notices will be placed in the Adopted in 1974, CAMA specifies the purpose of the plan and the im- News-Herald so the public will know that the states 20 coastal counties portance of their role in the process. when meetings will be held and what -prepare land use plans and that Ruth Leggett, from the state will be discussed during the plans be updated every five years. Department of Natural Resources meetings. All meetings will be open Municipalities such as Murfreesboro and Community Development, to the public and all interested have the option of preparing CAMA discu*ssed the history of the plans citizens are encouraged to attend. . plans. Planning for cpmmunities and noted that particular attention Regular planning board meetings which have chosen not to prepare will be given in this year's plans to will be held on the first Tuesday of their own plans is done through water quality and storm hazard ..each month. The next meeting will county ]Find use plans. Local of- mitigation. Leggett also presented a be at I p.m. in the town hall Jan. 5. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Libby Anderson - 946-8043 The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet an Tijesdayi, January 6 to begin work an the Town's I-and Use Plan. The meeting will be held at I pm in the Town Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. the Nevals-lieralb For Hartford County and The Roanoke-Chovvan Area Wednesday, December 31,1986 Planning board will discuss socioeconomic statistics MURFREESBORO - The plann- according to guidelines set out as ing board will discuss current part of the state's Coastal Area socioeconomic conditions in Mur- Management Act (CAMA). freesbdro at its meeting at I p.m. The CAMA land use plan will be Tuesday. used to guide growth and develop- Among the topics on the agenda ment in Murfreesboro over the next are population, housing and f i ve years. economic data which will be con- Tuesday's meeting is open to the sidered in developing a land use plan public. with all interested citizens for 1987. The plan will be prepared encouraged to attend. Mid-East Commission P. 0. Drawer 1787 Washington, NC 27889 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Libby Anderson -- 946-8043 STATISTICS ON LOCAL POPULATION AND ECONOMY DISCUSSED Murfreesboro - The Murfreesboro Planning Board met on Tuesday, January 6 to review current statistics on population, housing, and economy in Murfreesboro and Hertford County. The meeting was the second in a series of meetings the Planning Board will hold to prepare the Town's first master Land Use Plan. The plan will be prepared according to the guidelines of the States Coastal Area Management Act and will serve as a guide to direct growth and development in the Town over the next five (5) years. Planners noted that Murfreesboro's population has been slowly declining since 1970. A similar situation has been noted in most other towns in Hertford County and population figures indicate most new growth in the County has occurred in outlying areas. Figures issued by the Office of State Management suggest a 1985 County population of almost 24,000 persons. About 2,800 persons were estimated to be residing within the Town of Murfree- sboro in 1985, down from a 1980 population of about 3,000 persons. The Planning Board's next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 3 at 1:00 pm in the Town Hall. At this meeting Planning Board members will review existing land uses in the lown and discuss any identified conflicts in existing uses. Meetings are open to the public and all interested citizens are invited to attend. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Libby Anderson - 946-0043 The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet on Tuesdayo February 3 to continue its work in preparing the Town's first Land Use Plan. The agenda for Tuesday's meeting will include a. review of current land uses in the Town. The meeting will be held at 1 pm in the Town Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. the. Nelus-seral'a For Hertford County and. The Roanoke-Chowan Area Wedne3day, January 28.1987 Planning boards will discuss Land Use Plans WINTON - Local land use plann- ing is. well underway in Hertford County. Tuesday, planning boards in both Murfreesboro and Winton will meet to discuss progress on local plans. .In Murfreesboro, the Planning Board will review current land uses in the town and discuss any existing or potential conflicts in land uses. The Winton Planning Board will discuss current socio-economic con- ditions in the County as well as in the town. Both Murfreesboro and Win- ton are preparing plans in ac- cordance with the guldelines'of thd State's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). For Murfreesboro, this will be the town's first land use plan; Winton is updating a plan prepared in 1981. Planning board meetings In both :communities are open to the public and all Interested pers;ow are en- couraged to attend. The Mur- freesboro Planning Board will meet at I p.m. Feb. 3 In the Town Hall. The Winton. Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Winton Town Hall. MID-EAST COMMISSION P. 0. DRAWER 1787 WASHINGTON, NC 27889 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Libby Anderson - 946-8043 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS REVIEWED Murfreesboro - Industrial development along the river and adjoining re5idential areas-9 and commercial strip development along Route 158/25e were identified by the Planning Board as the two major land use concerns facing Murfreesboro. The Murfrees- boro Planning Board met Tuesday, February 3 to review current land uses in the Town and identify and discuss conflicts in land uses. The meeting was the third the Board has held as part of its work in preparing a land use plan for the Town. The Board noted that although the Town has undergone little change in population since 1970, new development has occurred. Between 1980 and 1?86, almost 100 permits were issued for residential development and 20 permits were issued foi- commercial or industrial structures. New residential development has occurred in the southern half of the Town and in the southern portion of the Town's extraterritorial jurisdiction. New commercial development has occurred primarily in the western port of the Town along Route 159/259. Planners concurred that areas of future growth will be determined by the route of the proposed Route 256 bypass, The state's current transportation Mid-East Commission P.O. Drawer 1787 Washington, NC 27889 For Immediate Release For More Information: Libby Anderson - 946-8043 Public Service Announcement The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet in The Town Hall at 1:00 March 3 to continue its work in preparing the Town's first land use plan. The Winton Planning Board will also meet March 3,at 7:00 in the Winton Town Hall to continue its work in updating the Winton land use plan. Both meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are encouraged to attend the Vions-lieralb For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Monday, March 2,1987 Planning boards set meetings The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet at I p.m. March 3 in the Town Hall to discuss constraints to land development. This will be the town's first comprehensive land use plan. Also on that date, the Winton Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. in the Winton Town Hall to review current land uses in the town and discuss any existing or potential conflicts in land uses. Both towns are preparing plans in accordance with the guidelines of the State's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Wednesday, April 1, 1987 Planning board identifies. development constraints .MURFREESBORO - is subject to flooding and there is Floodplains, steep slopes and poor also a small area of floodplain soils limit development in some bordering on Worrell's Millpond. places in the Murfreesboro area. Poor soils can also be a physical Planning board members learned of barrier to development, especially these and several other constraints in areas not serviced by public to local land development during a sewers. In reviewing a detailed soils special meeting last week. map of the area, planners were ad- The meeting was the third in a vised soils with severe limitations series the board will hold this year as it prepares a comprehensive land for development are found in only a few places in the Murfreesboro sec- use plan for the town. The plan is be- tion. At the same time, the board ing prepared in accordance with the observed the planning area has an guidelines of the state's Coastal abundance of soils which are con- Area Management Act (CAMA). sidered "prime farmland soils" by The board is being advised by Libby agricultural experts. It was pointed Anderson of. the Mid-East Commis- I out that when possible, areas wita sion. 'these soils should be reserved for State guidelines specify that con- agriculture. straints to land development be identified. Land use.constraints are The board will continue its work classified into one of three on the land use plan at their next categories: physical limitations, meeting at I p.m. April 7 in the areas of resource potential and municipal building. The agenda for fragile areas. this meeting, which is open to the Floodplains are considered a public, will include a review of en- physical limitation to development. vironmentally sensitive areas and of Planners noted much of the ex- the town's historic and ar- traterritorial area northeast of town chaeologicar resources. Mid-Ea6l Commission P. 0. Box 17e7 Washingtono NC 27889 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMTION - Libby Anderson 946-8043 Public Service Announcement The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet in the Town Hall at 1:00 pm April 7 to continue its work in preparing the Town's first land use plan. The Winton Planning Board will also meet April 7 at 7:00 pm in the Winton Town Hall to continue its work in updating the Winton land use plan. Both meetings.are open to the public and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. The topic of both meetings will be "Constraints to Land Develop- ment". Zhe' Ve'w'% )iella 16 For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Friday, April 3,1987 Twotownsplan land use meetings Planning boards in Murfreesboro and Winton will meet Tuesday to continue their work in preparing local land use plans. The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet at I p.m. April 7 at the Town Hall and Winton Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. April 7 in the Town Hall. These meetings are open to the .public and board members en- courage interested persons to at- tend. Both towns are preparing land use plans in accordance with the guidelines of the state's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Winton is updating a plan prepared in 1981 while the Mur- freesboro Planning Board is prepar- ing the town's first comprehensive land use plan. At earlier meetings socioeconomic conditions. existing land uses and land use concerns were reviewed. Zhe Ve)US-lieral.b. For Hertford County and.The Roanoke-Chowan Area "Wednesday, April 15,1987 Constraints to development 7 reViewed by Winton and Mu'rfreesboro WASHINGTON - Planning infiltration problems. Board's in Murfreesboro and Winton The Murfreesboro and Winton met Tuesday, April 6. to discuss con- Planning Boards will meet again. straints to future land development. May 5. The Murfreesboro Board Poor. soils, the presence of meets at 1:00 in the Town Hall: the floodplains and state-regulated Winton Board meets at 7:00 in the Areas of Environmental Concern Winton Town Hall. Interested may constrain development in some citizens from both communities are areas of both communities planners encouraged to attend. noted. Both boards are currently working to prepared land use plans for their communities. At previous meetings. current information on population, economic::@conditions, and 4ridlusg were analyzed. Both Murfrees;@ro and Winton are preparing plans in accordance with 'the guidelines of the State's Coastal Area Manage- ment Act (CAMA). Physical factors such as soils, floodplains, and aquifer rechange areas could limit development in certain places in both communities planners noted. .The capacity of public services such as water and sewer systems has limited develop- ment in some communities Mur- freesboro planners observed..Mur-.. freesboro is fortunate to be water- rich officials noted: the town has adequate water supply to meet de- mand well into the 1990's and pro- bably beyond. -In contrast, the capacity of the Town's wastewater treatment system may pose some limitations to future development unless actions are taken to col7rect system infiltra- tion problems. The capacity of the treatment plant i@ more than ade- -4uate to treat average system de- mand planners noted.. However in periods of wet weather. storm water enters the system and system demand may double, even triple; and exceed capacity. The Town is currently in-' vestigating alternatives to correct Mid-East Oommis5ion P. 0. Box 1787 Washingtong NC 27889 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043 Public Service Announcement - The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet in the Town Hall at 1:00 pm May 5 to continue its work in preparing the Town's first land use plan. The Winton Planning Board will also meet May 5 at 7:00 pm in the Winton Town Hall to continue its work in updating the Winton land use plan. Both meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. Both boards will begin developing policies on resource protection and community development. MiO-Ea5l Commission P. 0. Box 1787 Washington, NC 27889 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043 Policy Planning Sessions Set Planning Boards in Winton and Murfreesboro will meet Tuesdayo May 5 to begin developing policy statements on future land development. Both Boards are currently preparing land use plans according to the guidelines of the state's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). State guidelines specify that local plans address a number of policy areas including resource protection, resource production and management, and economic and community development. Development along shoreline areasq development in and around sensitive natural@ historic and archaeological areas, river accessp tourismp and community revitalization are some of the issues that will be reviewed. In Winton, planners will also discuss the capacity of local community facilities and their relationship to future development. Both meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. The Murfreesboro Planning Board meets at 1:00 pm in the Town Hall. The Winton Planning Board meets at 7:00 pm in the Winton Town Hall. Mid-East Commission P. 0. Box 17e7 Washington, NC 27889 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043 Planning Board Develops Policies on Resource Protection Murfreesboro - Murfreesboro planners approved five policies for protecting the area's natural resources at their meeting May 5. The policies will be included in the Town's land use plan. The Planning Board has been working on preparing a land use plan for the Town since December of last year. The Board is now beginning to formulate policy goals for land development in the Murfreesboro area. The Murfreesboro Land Use Plan is being prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the State's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Board members approved five policies for resource protection and-a number of strategies to attain each policy objective. Protecting and enhancing water quality in the Meherrin River should be a major local goal planners agreed. To attain this objective, planners suggested that the Town should encourage strict enforcement of water quality regulations by the State Department of Environmental Management and support programs such as the Agricultural Cost Share Program which help reduce pollu- tion from agricultural operations. Preserving and protecting Areas of Environmental Concern and protecting the Town's present and future water supply should also be included as important local goals planners agreed. Similarly, planners included protection of the Town's historic and cultural resources in their list of policy statements. As a fifth objective, planners recommended that the Town adopt a policy to discourage develop- ment in areas where land is not physically suitable for develop- ment. Planners urged that the Town continue participating in the Federal Flood Insurance Program and that strict enforcement of the State's Environmental Health Code was necessary in the extraterritorial area where septic tanks are used. The Planning Board will address policies in the areas of Resource Production and Management, and Economic and Community Development at their next meeting on June 2. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. Meetings are held at 1:00 pm in the Murfreesboro Town Hall. Mid-East Commission P. 0. Drawer 1787 Washington, NC 27889 May 27, 1987 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION Libby Anderson 946-8043 Public Service Announcement Planning Boards in Murfreesboro and Winton will meet on Tuesday, June 2 to continue working on local land use plans. The Murfreesboro Board meets at 1:00 pm in the Town Hall. The Winton Board meets at 7:00 pm in the Winton Town Hall. Interested persons are urged to attend. Zhe Nevis-lieralb For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Friday, May 29, 1987 Moro, Winton Planning Boards to meet The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet at 1 p.m. June 2 in the town hall to continue working on local land. use plans. At 7 p.m. June 2, the Winton Planning Board will meet in the town hall to review the town's current land classification map and discuss what changes, if any, should be made in this year's plan. Both meetings are open to the public. Zhie @4'2)0% *. Ker a lb For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Wednesday, June 17,1987 Land management a policies,outlined MURFREESBORO - The Im- peanuts produced. portance of farming and forestry ac- Forest-related operations are also tivities to the Murfreesboro area has important activities locally and been recognized by its planning county-wide, according to the board board. -,members. A policy was adopted to At their most recent meeting, 'protect commercial forestland and planning board members agreed on discourage development that will six policies in the area of resources have adverse impacts on the area's production and management. productive natural resources such Noting that one of every four acres as farm and forest land. of land in the county is cropland or These policy objectives will be in- pastureland, the board urged the cluded in the land use plan the Mur- town to adopt policies to protect and freesboro board is preparing. The enhance agricultural uses In the plan, being prepared according to Murfreesboro area and.to preserve the guidelines of the State's Coastal prime farmland areas. - Area Management Act, will be the Emphasizing the importance of town's first comprehensive land use farming locally, board members plan. observed that in 1984 Hertford Coun- The 'work will continue when the ty ranked 29th In the state in the board meets at I p.m. July 17 in the amount of corn bushels sold and town hall. The meeting is open to all ranked fourth in the poundage of Interested inddividuals. Mid-East Commission P. 0. Box 17B7 Washington, NC 27809 June 30, 1987 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043 Public Service Announcement The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, July 7 to continue working on the Town's land use plan. All interest- ed persons are encouraged to attend. Meeting begins at 1:00 pm in the Town Hall. MiO-Ea5t Commission P. 0. Box 1787 Washington, NC 27eB9 June 30, 19e7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson 946-8043 Murfreesboro Planners to Meet The Murfreesboro Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, July 7 to finalize policy objectives for inclusion in the Town's 1987 Land Use Plan. The Board has been working since December to prepare a land use plan for the Town in accordance with the guidelines of the State's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). The Planning Board has been compiling information on existing land uses, constraints to development, and socioeconomic data, and is now entering the final stages of the Planning process. At Tuesday's meeting the Board will also begin to prepare a land classification map for the Murfreesboro area. The Planning Board meets at 1:00 pm in the Murfreesboro Town Hall. All inter- ested persons are encouraged to attend. the Netan-3eralb For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Wednesday, July 22, 1987 Council members to get land classification plan MURFREESBORO - The Mur- major elements of the Town's first municipalities. Most local govern- the state for review and comment. freesboro Planning Board com- CAMA Land Use Plan. ments have elected to participate in pleted several months of work by ap- the CAMA planning process; this A public hearing and final adop- proving a land classification scheme The Coastal Area Management will be Murfreesboro's first com- tion of the plan is scheduled for late for the town and its extraterritorial Act (CAMA) was adopted in 1972 in' prehensive land use plan. fall. The Council's Aug. 25 meeting is area. an effort to protect tile state's fragile open to the public. The Council Planners met July 7 to finalize coastal area. CAMA requires com- The Town Council will review the meets at I p.m. in the Town Hall. In- policy objectives on economic and prehensive land use planning in all preliminary Land Use Plan at its terested persons may obtain a copy community development, public 20 of the state's "coastal counties" Aug. 25 meeting. Upon Council ap- of the draft plan from the Mid-East participation, and storm hazard (of which Her(ford is one), and op- proval of the Planning Board's Commission, P.O. Box 1787, mitigation. therchy completing the tional land tise plannins- hv Inval work. the plan will be submitted to Washington, N.C. Mid-East Commission P. 0. Box 1787 Washingtong NC 27889 September 29 19e7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043 Public Service Announcement The Murfreesboro Town Council will meet Tuesday, September E3 to review the Town's preliminary Land Use Plan. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the Council meeting which begins at 1:00 pm in the Murfreesboro Town Hall. Zhe NeVIS.Iijerala For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Friday. Seaternber, 4,1987 Council to review Land Use Plan MURFREESBORO -- The Murfreesboro Town Council will review the town's preliminary Land Use Plan at its Sept. 8 meeting. At the meeting, the Planning Board will receive the Council's comments on its preliminary planning efforts. Contingent upon Council approval, the plan will then be sent to state officials for review and comment. A public hearing and final adoption of the plan is scheduled for late fall. The meeting begins at I p.m. in the town hail. Thle Vions-.3cra.16, For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area Mboro co un cif an- nro ves preliminary Land Use Plan MURFREESBORO - Council on the north side. " allows placement of all mobile members in Murfreesboro Tuesday Mrs. Anderson said this could homes that were constructed since adopted a Preliminary Land Use easily be changed. 1970. It stipulates that the tongue Plan. Cox then made a motion to ap- and axle must be removed from the The plan, submitted by Mrs. Libby prove the preliminary plan. There mobile home and it has to be placed Anderson of the Mid-East Commis- was a second from Gaitten and the on a foundation. sion, Is a preliminary draft, she said, vote was unanimous. Council agreed to rezone the "We need your approval today so we In other action, council held two Fieldcrest Subdivision (Phillips' can send the plan to Raleigh where it public hearings on rezoning. One in- property) from R-20MH to R-15MH. will be gone over with a fine-toothed volved mobile homes and the other It was noted that the planning board comb, " she told council members. was a piece of property owned by had determined that the rezoning She said she was sure state of- G.D. Phillips Jr. would not adversely affect existing ficials would recomend some Up until Tuesday, the town's R- homes. changes, which would be made. 2OMH zone provided for family-type Council also approved a budget Mayor Billy Hill told the board he dwellings including shingled double- amendment to provide for paying had not had time to read "the thick, wide modular and mobile homes. the electrical expenses for the Mur- complicated document" but said if The amendment to the ordinance free Center and the old town hall. council members felt comfortable enough to approve it he would go along with them. Councilman Doug Cox commend- ed Mrs. Anderson on the job she had done and said he feels the plan will provide "us with a useful tool. I feel comfortable enough to approve it," he said. John Gaitten, another council member, said the plan seems reasonable and logical. Wednesday Mrs. Anderson told council that the county and some towns are more September 9, 19r, familiar with the plan since they have had it for several years and this is the first one for Murfreesboro. "There are no hidden meanings, just recommendations," she added. The planning board, she continued, has given the plan its approval. The plan provides information to new residents, developers and sets out ideas about areas that can be developed extensively. She pointed out that the plan does recommend that land now in use for agriculture and forestry be preserved. "Do you feel too restrictive as far as development relates to agriculture and forestry?" Gaitten asked. "This is only a five-year plan," Mrs. Anderson said. "It can be changed if it appears too restric- tive. " Cox pointed out that the plans shows the U.S. 158 bypass on the south side of the town "when we have gone on record as supporting it 8 Friday, January 1, 1988 The News-Herald NOTICEOF PUBLICHEARING TOWNCIF MURFREESBORO CITIZENS The Town of Murfreesboro will receive Public comment on the Town's 1987 CAMA Land Use Plan on Tuesday, February 9 at 1:00 p.m. In the Murfreesboro Town Hall. The Plan outlines policies an land use and development that the Town will follow over the next five years and classifies land in the Town and the extraterritorial area according to the guidelines of the state's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Copies of the pion are available for review at the Murfreesboro Town Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Honorable WILLIAM W, HILL , Mayor, Town of Mur. freesboro Hc 01 01 BIBLIOGRAPHY Hertford County Office of Emergency Management, Hertford County Hurricane Evacuation and Shelter Plan. Winton, NC, January 1987. Historic Murfreesboro, Incorporated, "Historic Murfreesboro North Carolina." Mid-East Commission5 "Hertford County Land Use Plan Update." 1986. News Heraldp "Bottleneck to be Eased at Murfreesboro at Murfreesboro Corner." 26 November 1986. News Herald, "Officials Look at Past? Future." 2 January 1987. North Carolina Department of Commerce, .1985-86 Directory Manufac- turing Firms. Raleigh,,1984. North Carolina Department of Commerce5 Division of Travel and Tourism, "1985 North Carolina Travel Study." Raleigho May 1986. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History, Correspondencep 28 January 1987. North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Parks and Recreation, Correspond- ence, 1 December 1986. North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Environmental Management, "Interim Report on Groundwater Conditions in Northeastern North Carolina." Raleighp November 1977. North Carolina Department of Transportation, Transportation Improvement Program. December 1986. Office of State Budget and Management, Profile North Carolina Counties. Raleigh, Seventh Edition 1986. Office of State Budget and Management, '!North Carolina Municipal Population 1985." Raleigh, September 1986. Office of State Budget and Management, Statistical Abstract North Carolina State Government. Raleigh, Fifth Edition 1984. Telephone Interview, Darrell Nicholson, Registrar Chowan College., 17 December 1986. U, S, Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Hertford County North Carolina.- July 1984. U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, .1970 Census of Population. Washingtons D. C. Government Printing Offices March 1983. U* S, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1980 Census of Pogulation. Washington% D. C. Government Printing Offices October 1983. I I i i I t i i i I I I P@ I I I I I I I I illimi@ililimillell -3 6668 -141-02 -9308 i