Item:
Title
Approve Acceptance of a Donated 22-acre Conservation Easement from David and Carmen Durack at 1700 Woodstock Rd and 3900 W. Cornwallis Rd (a portion of REID 137661 and all of 137648) for Permanent Open Space Protection
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: August 10, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve acceptance of a donated 22-acre conservation easement from David and Carmen Durack at 1700 Woodstock Rd and 3900 W. Cornwallis Rd (a portion of REID 137661 and all of 137648) for permanent open space protection.
The landowners wish to permanently protect their property by donating a conservation easement to Durham County. As longtime residents, they have lived on the property for more than 40 years and seek to ensure it remains protected from future development and that its natural resources are preserved.
Under the conservation easement, the owners will retain full fee ownership of the land, while Durham County will hold the easement, which will permanently prohibit future development or subdivision of the easement area. No additional residential uses will be permitted within the easement area.
The easement donation reflects a significant commitment by the landowners, with an estimated value of approximately $500,000. Durham County's anticipated costs are for survey, closing, and title work, estimated at no more than $17,000. These expenses can be covered by existing funds within the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Capital Fund, so no additional funding is requested.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The protection of land for permanent open space aligns with Strategic Plan Goal 4: Environment - Protect natural resources and support and promote community and economic viability for all residents of Durham County, through the Natural Resource Stewardship and Protection Objective to protect and steward natural resources.
Resource Persons: Celeste Burns, Open Space & Real Estate Manager; Peri Manns, Deputy Dire...
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