WHEREAS, the Durham Board of County Commissioners, the Durham City Council and the North Carolina Department of Transportation recognize the importance of the American Tobacco Trail to the economic and social well being of the residents of the region; and
WHEREAS, all parties interested in the American Tobacco Trail have been aggressively pursuing the development of such a trail; and
WHEREAS, a well designed trail will contribute economic, social and recreational benefits to the citizens of Durham City and County; and
WHEREAS, preservation of the American Tobacco Trail for posterity involves the expenditure of Federal, State and local funds; and
WHEREAS, preservation of the former railroad bed for trail use and future transit use requires that the integrity of the American Tobacco Trail be maintained; and
WHEREAS, each additional at-grade crossing limits the ability of the trail to serve these useful purposes for current and future residents; and diminishes the trail’s safety and integrity; and
WHEREAS, the provision of safe bicycle, pedestrian and transit facilities will provide alternatives to dependence on automobile transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA, THE DURHAM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AND THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DO HEREBY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. That at-grade street and driveway crossings of the American Tobacco Trail will be discouraged in adopted plans, zoning changes, site plan approvals, and building construction approvals.
2. That the governmental agencies will work cooperatively to reduce the existing number of at-grade crossings to the minimum number possible.
3. That the governmental agencies participating in this agreement shall provide for land development which is harmonious with the development of the American Tobacco Trail and which enhances the community benefits of this trail.
4. That before any new at-grade crossings are approved by any of the respective government agencies, an advertised public meeting will be conducted locally in Durham.
5. That this resolution shall apply to the area identified on the American Tobacco Trail Master Plan map and any subsequently adopted amendments and extensions made to that plan.
December 5, 1997
Date
_________________________
Garland B. Garrett, Jr.
Secretary of Transportation,
N.C. Department of Transportation
________________
Date
Attest:
________________
Margaret Bowers
City Clerk
__________________________
Sylvia Kerckhoff
Mayor,
City of Durham
Attest:
________________
Garry Umstead
Clerk to the Board
__________________________
MaryAnn E. Black
Chairman,
Durham Board of County Commissioners