Item:
Title
Approve Land Acquisition of 32 acres at 3601 Southwest Durham Drive (a portion of REID 140125) as permanently protected open space within the New Hope Creek Corridor
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: November 10, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the purchase of 32 acres at 3601 Southwest Durham Drive, to use existing open space capital project funds to support 39% of project costs, and to authorize the Manager to execute the purchase agreement and grant contract documents as funding is secured.
Since 2002, Durham County has held a trail easement across the proposed 32-acre acquisition area and has managed a natural surface and boardwalk trail providing public access through this area and the County's adjacent New Hope Creek Preserve.
In February 2025, the County Open Space program applied to the NC Land & Water Fund and was recently awarded $326,525-covering 61% of the project cost-to support the acquisition and permanent protection of the land. The County's share is estimated at no more than $212,150, which is available through the Open Space and Farmland capital project account. No additional funding is required. A final project budget will be presented to the Board for approval prior to closing.
This acquisition will protect significant natural resources, including water quality, rare plant and animal habitats, and wildlife corridors. The site includes a State Natural Heritage Area bottomland forest and supports a State threatened, and critically imperiled tree, the shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa).
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The acquisition and 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...
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