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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Plan Update-1996CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1996 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE Adopted by the Craven County Board of Commissioners: June 17, 1996 Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission: July 26, 1996 Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. Wilmington, North Carolina The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1 CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 1995 LAND USE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Pa e SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE ..................... I-1 B. DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING ............................. 1. Craven County Permanent Population ........................... I-9 I-9 a) Regional and County Population Growth ..................... I-9 b) Geographic Distribution of Craven County's Population - 1970-1993 ... c) Composition by Age ................................. I-11 I-14 d) Composition by Race and Sex ........................... I-16 2. Craven County Seasonal Population ............................ a) Introduction and Methodology ........................... I-18 I-18 3. Craven County Housing Characteristics .......................... I-19 a) Number and Tenure of Private Housing Units b) Type and Condition of Private Housing Units ................. I-19 I-22 c) Substandard Housing ................................ I-26 4. Summary - Demographics and Housing .......................... I-27 C. ECONOMY 1. 2. Introduction ............................................ Employment and Income ................................... I-30 I-31 3. Education ............................................ I-35 4. 5. Tourism ............................................. Commercial Fishing ...................................... I-36 I-36 6. Manufacturing ......................................... I-37 7. 8. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point .......................... Agriculture ........................................... I-39 I-41 9. Commercial Forestry .................................. I-43 10. 11. Craven County Financial Condition ............................ Summary - Economy ..................................... I-43 I-44 D. EXISTING LAND USE ..................................... I-45 1. Introduction ........................................... I-45 2. Key Land Use Issues ..................................... I-47 3. Residential Land Use ..................................... I-48 4. Commercial Land Uses .................................... I-50 5. Industrial Land Use ...................................... I-50 6. Institutional Land Uses .................................... I-51 7. Transportation ......................................... I-53 1 8. Existing Ordinances and Land Use Controls ....................... I-53 9. Effectiveness of the 1988 Land Use Plan and Policies ................. I-58 E. LAND AND WATER USE COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS ............... I-59 1. General Discussion ...................................... I-59 2. 3. Unplanned Development ................................... Changes in Predominant Land Uses ............................ I-60 I-61 4. Summary ............................................I-62 F. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY ............... I-63 1. Topography/Geology and Groundwater Resources ................... I-63 2. 3. Flood Hazard Areas ...................................... Soils ............................................... I-63 I-67 4. Estuarine High Erosion Rate Areas ............................ I-69 5. Surface Water ......................................... I-69 6. Slopes in Excess of 12 %................................... I-72 7. Manmade Hazards ....................................... I-72 8. Fragile Areas .......................................... a) Coastal Wetlands ................................... I-72 I-74 �. b) Estuarine Waters ................................... I-74 c) Estuarine Shorelines ................................. I-74 d) Public Trust Areas .................................. I-74 e) 404 Wetlands ..................................... I-75 f) Natural Resource Fragile Areas .......................... g) Historic and Archaeological Sites ......................... I-76 I-76 h) Maritime Forests ................................... I-77 9. i) Other Fragile Areas ................................. Areas of Resource Potential ................................. I-77 I-77 a) Agricultural and Forestlands ............................ I-77 b) Valuable Mineral Resources ............................ c) Public Forests ..................................... I-78 I-78 d) Public Parks ...................................... I-78 e) Public Gamelands.................................. f) Private Wildlife Sanctuaries ............................. I-78 I-78 g) Marine Resources .................................. I-78 G. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES ............... I-81 1. Water Supply .......................................... I-81 2. 3. Wastewater Disposal ..................................... Solid Waste Disposal ..................................... I-84 I-84 4. Transportation ......................................... I-85 a) Roads .......................................... b) Airport ......................................... I-85 I-89 5. Educational Facilities ..................................... I-89 6. 7. Recreational Facilities ..................................... Other County Facilities I-90 I-94 .................................... 2 ISECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS A. PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ........................... H-1 1. YEAR-ROUND POPULATION PROJECTIONS ................. 2. POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY AGE, RACE, SEX .. II-1 H-7 3. HOUSING TRENDS ............... ............ II-10 B. PROJECTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND RELATED LAND USE ISSUES ........................... II-11 1. GENERAL ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS .................... II-11 2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY ........................ 3. MANUFACTURING ................................. II-13 II-13 4. FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE .......................... II-14 5. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE AND SERVICES ........... 6. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT ......................... II-14 II-15 C. PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND LAND USE ISSUES ... H-18 1. INTRODUCTION ................................... II-18 2. WATER SYSTEM ................................... II-19 3. WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL ............... II-19 4. STORM DRAINAGE ................................. 5. TRANSPORTATION............................... II-21 II-21 6. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ............................. II-23 7. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ........................... 8. RECREATION............... II-23 II-24 9. OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES .......................... II-24 D. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES ................................. II-25 ISECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ........................ III-1 SECTION IV: CRAVEN COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS ...................... IV-1 B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS .................. IV-2 C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ............ IV-6 D. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ................... IV-9 E. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ........................ IV-15 F. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES ....................... IV-16 POST -DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLANS AND POLICIES .......... IV-18 SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS . V-1 A. DEVELOPED CLASS ....... .... . V-1 B. COMMUNITY CLASS ...................................... V-1 C. URBAN TRANSITION ...................................... V-1 D. LIMITED TRANSITION ..... V-1 E. RURAL WITH SERVICES CLASS .............................. V-2 F. RURAL CLASS .......................................... V-2 G. CONSERVATION CLASS V-2 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated I-10 Counties, 1960-1994 Table 2: Craven County, Residence in 1985 -- State and County Level I-11 (Persons 5 Years and Over) Table 3: Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township I-13 and Municipality - Craven County, 1970-1993 Table 4: Total Population by Age - Craven County, 1980, 1990, 1994 I-14 Table 5: Percentages of Total Population by Age Group - Craven County, I-16 1980, 1990, 1994 Table 6: Number and Percent Increase by Race and Sex - Craven County, I-16 1980, 1990, 1994 Table 7: Percentages of Total Population by Race and Sex - Craven County, I-17 1980, 1990, 1994 Table 8: 1993 Military -Related Population, Craven County I-17 Table 9: Summary of Year -Round and Seasonal Private Housing Units - I-19 Craven County, 1970-1990 Table 10: Summary of Year -Round Housing Units by Tenure - Craven I-21 County, 1980-1990 Table 11: Median Value of Owner -Occupied Housing Units - Craven County, I-22 1980-1990 Table 12: Summary of Persons Per Unit and Overcrowded Conditions - I-23 Craven County, 1980-1990 Table 13: Housing Conditions - Craven County, 1970-1990 I-24 Table 14: Number of Year Round Housing Units Tied to Public Utilities - I-25 Craven County, 1970-1990 Table 15: Housing for Bachelor and Married Personnel, MCAS Cherry Point I-26 Table 16: Craven County Civilian Unemployment Rate I-31 Table 17: Craven County Employment by Industry, Employed Persons 16 I-32 Years and Over - 1992 Table 18: Travel Time to Work,Workers 16 years and Over - Craven County, I-33 1990 Table 19: Craven County and North Carolina Poverty Status, I-34 1979 and 1989 Table 20: North Carolina, Craven County Per Capita Income - 1990-1992 I-34 4 I Table 21: ma, Craven County -North Carolina, 1990 - Educational Attainment 18 I-35 Years of Age or Older Table 22: Craven County Tourism Income, 1981-1993 I-36 Table 23: Craven County Commercial Fishing Income, 1981-1993 I-37 Table 24: 1995 Craven County Industries I-37 Table 25: Economic Impact Summary, MCAS Cherry Point, NC I-39 Table 26: Craven County Farm Income, 1985-1993 I-42 Table 27: Non-farm/Commercial Forest Income Production, 1985 to 1993 I43 Table 28: Major Land Uses in Craven County, 1989 and 1995 I-45 Table 29: Estuarine Erosion Areas in Craven County, NC I-70 Table 30: Craven County Water System - Connection Line Sizes by Number I-81 of Miles Table 31: Craven County Water System - Storage Tanks and Capacity I-83 Table 32: Outline of Craven County Booster Pump Stations I-83 Table 33: Recommended Construction Priorities - Craven County 1992 I-85 Preliminary Thoroughfare Plan Table 34: Craven County Schools - Enrollment Versus Capacity, 1994-95 I-89 Table 35: Recreation Sites/Facilities Used by Craven County Parks and I-91 Recreation Table 36: Craven County Water Access Facilities I-93 Table 37: Craven County Fire Districts, 1994 Tax Rates I-94 Table 38: Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township II-3 and Municipality, Craven County, 1983-2005, No Base Loading Table 39: Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township II-4 and Municipality - Craven County, 1993-2005, #1: 1994 Low Growth Base Loading Table 40: Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township II-5 and Municipality - Craven County, 1993-2005, #2: High Growth Base Loading Table 41: Average Annual Year -Round Population Growth Rate and Percent II-6 Change, Craven County, 1980-2005 Table 42: Total Population by Age and Percent Change - Craven County, II-8 1993-2005 Table 43: Population and Percent Increase by Race and Sex - - Craven County, II-9 1993-2005 5 Table 44: Growth of Income -Producing Industries, Craven County, 1993-2005 II-11 Table 45: Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 II-13 and 2005 Table 46: Total Job Generation, NADEP Expansion II-15 Table 47: Job Generation, NADEP/Cecil Field Expansion II-15 Table 48: Employment Estimates - High Military Growth II-16 Craven County, 1993-2005 Table 49: Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 II-18 and 2005, High Military Growth Table 50: Craven County Regional Airport - Transportation Improvement II-22 Program -Aviation Element - North Carolina Department of Transportation 0 1 1 I 1 r I LIST OF MAPS Map 1 Craven County, North Carolina Townships Map I-15 Maps 2A & 2B: Concentrations of Substandard Housing I-28/29 Map 3: Craven County, North Carolina Existing Land Use I-46 Map 4: Craven County, North Carolina Location of Major Subdivisions - I-49 1993-94 Map 5: Craven County, North Carolina School Sites I-52 Map 6: Craven County, North Carolina Flood Hazard Map I-65 Map 7: Craven County, North Carolina Storm Surge Map I-66 Map 8: Craven County, North Carolina Soils Map I-68 Map 9: Estuarine Erosion Areas I-71 Map 10: Craven County, North Carolina I-73 Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas Map 11: Craven County, North Carolina SA, SB, SC Water Classifications I-80 Map 12: Craven County, North Carolina Water and Sewer Service Areas I-82 Map 13: Craven County, North Carolina Average Daily Traffic Volumes, I-86 1994 Map 14: Neuse River Bridge Replacement Alternatives I-88 Maps 15A & 15B: Land Classification Maps III-4/5 7 I SECTION I: ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS I I 1 1 r 1 I SECTION I. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS A. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION BASE The Craven County Land Use Plan was certified by the Coastal Resources Commission on January 28, 1994. This update of the land use plan is being undertaken in response to the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) decision made during the summer of 1993 which may impact growth at the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. The resulting growth may range from a low of 2,400 to a high of 12,000. When the 1993 land use plan was prepared, specific information on this expansion was not applicable. The military expansion will affect the demographic/economic data contained in the 1993 plan and impact the issues and policies that are included within the plan. Specifically, this update will accomplish the following: 1) Establishment of county -wide policies to deal with existing and anticipated land use issues created by the Cherry Point military expansion. 2) Assessment of county -wide infrastructure needs created by the military expansion. 3) Assessment of county -wide housing needs created by the military expansion. 4) Establishment of an effective citizen participation process. 5) Assessment of county -wide transportation planning issues created by the military expansion. 6) Establishment of a new land classification map which will include significant changes resulting from the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. 7) Assessment of environmental issues concerning increased military presence and activities in Craven County. 8) An updated land use plan based on an effective citizen participation plan. This plan update contains a summary of data collection and analysis, an existing land use map, a policy discussion, and a land classification map. It should be noted that the policy section of the plan is the most important part of the document. State and federal agencies will use the local land use policies in making project consistency, funding, and permit decisions. The 7B guidelines require that the following issues be addressed in the plan: 1) Resource Protection 2) Resource Production and Management 3) Economic and Community Development 4) Continuing Public Participation 5) Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans The 1993 Craven County land use plan included policy statements which addressed these five policy areas. The following provides a summary of the most significant 1993 policies. It is emphasized that this is only a summary and not the complete 1993 policies section. None of the 1993 policies exceeded the requirements of 15A NCAC 7H. I-1 i! RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS I PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS Soils: To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development posed by soil limitations in Craven County, the county will: -- Enforce all current regulations of the N.C. State Building Code and Craven County Health Department relating to building construction and septic tank installation/ replacement in areas with soils restrictions. — Support the development of central water and sewer systems in all areas of the county. -- The county will cooperate with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in the regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process. However, additional wetlands regulations will not be supported or locally imposed by the county. Flood Hazard Areas: -- Craven County will continue to coordinate all development within the special flood hazard area with the county's Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Groundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies: -- Craven County's water system is supplied by a series of wells. Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management through 15A N.C.A.C. Subchapters 2L and 2C. Craven County recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies and therefore supports the enforcement of these regulations. Also, the county may consider adopting controls which will discourage development which may encroach upon these wells. ,.k Manmade Hazards: — Craven County will support the technical requirements and state program approval for underground storage tanks as prescribed by 15A NCAC 2H, Criteria and Standards Applicable to Underground Storage Tanks. — Craven County opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes, as defined by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Listing of Hazardous Substances and Priority Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977, within the Craven County planning jurisdiction. -- Craven County supports continued growth and development of both the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport. 1-2 A I I 1 I i Stormwater Runoff: Craven County will support state regulations relating to stormwater runoff resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15A NCAC 2H.001-.1003). Cultural/Historic Resources: -- Craven County shall coordinate all housing rehabilitation/redevelopment projects with the N. C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural details or buildings are identified and preserved. Craven County will coordinate all public works projects with the N.C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant historic and archaeological sites. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas: — Industrial development which can comply with the use standards specified by 15A NCAC 7H may be located within conservation classified areas. Craven County aggressively encourages the development of industry. The county does not want any policies contained within this plan to prohibit industrial development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations. -- The county believes that all industrial prospects should be given a fair, case -by - case assessment in order to carefully compare possible economic benefits with possibly negative environmental effects. Such reviews will be coordinated by Craven County through various county agencies and departments. -- The Economic Development Commission may represent to qualified industrial clients the policy that Craven County will extend utility lines and/or make such improvements to utility systems as may be required to cause such industry to locate to a monetary amount not to exceed fifty (50) percent of the anticipated tax revenue for the first five (5) years after the industry has completed construction and occupied its facility. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION Package Treatment Plant Use: Craven County supports the construction of package treatment plants which are approved and permitted by the State Division of Environmental Management. As package plants are approved, Craven County supports requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system should the private operation fail. -- Craven County supports the discharge of package treatment plant effluent into 404 wetland areas. Marina and Floating Home Development: Craven County will enforce the following policies to govern floating homes and marina development: I-3 Craven County will allow the construction and expansion of marinas, including upland marinas, in all areas which satisfy the use standards for marinas as specified in 15A NCAC 7H. This shall include marinas proposed for location within Conservation areas. Craven County will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities for boats associated either with or independent of marinas. All applicable state and federal regulations must be satisfied. Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands: There are no estuarine system islands of any significance in Craven County's jurisdiction. For those islands which do exist, Craven County does not oppose development of the islands if the development satisfies the 15A NCAC 7H use standards. Bulkhead Construction: Craven County supports the construction of bulkheads as long as they fulfill the use standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H. Sea Level Rise: Craven County will implement the following policies to respond to sea level rise: -- Craven County will support bulkheading on the mainland to protect its shoreline areas from intruding water resulting from rising sea level. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES RECREATION RESOURCES — Subject to available funds, Craven County supports a comprehensive recreational program to provide a broad range of recreational facilities for its citizens. — The county could seek donations of land, bargain sales, or grant funds in order to obtain sites suitable for development as a water park or swimming area. Productive Agricultural Lands: -- Craven County supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service "Best Management Practices" program to protect productive agricultural lands. — Craven County, in recognition of the importance of agriculture to the county's economy, believes that existing federal and state permitting procedures pose enough limitations to the use of farmland in the county. Because of the soil types and topography, the county recognizes that proper drainage is essential and must be allowed to continue as needed, and as it does not result in irreversible damage to environmentally sensitive areas. Aquaculture: Craven County supports the development of aquaculture and mariculture facilities. ,A � A 1 I r ]A 1 Off -Road Vehicles: Craven County does not object to the responsible use of off -road or all terrain wheeled vehicles in all areas except coastal wetlands. Solid Waste: — Craven County supports a regional multi -county approach to solid waste management. — Craven County favors the siting of recycling centers, transfer stations and solid waste collection sites within all land classifications except those within the conservation category. Productive Forest Lands: Craven County encourages and supports utilization of the Forest Best Management Practices Manual, 1989, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources for all forestry operations. The county believes that imposing additional restrictions is not necessary at this time nor should be throughout the planning period. Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources: Residential, commercial, and industrial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards will be allowed in estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust areas. In all other areas, development will be allowed that is consistent with applicable local, state and federal regulations. Marine Resource Areas: -- Craven County supports the use standards for estuarine and public trust areas as specified in 15A NCAC 7H.0207. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT General: Craven County desires to expand its economic base, including tourism, commercial fishing, retail and wholesale trade, real estate and construction, and industrial development. Craven County will support growth and development at the densities specified in the land classification definitions. Craven County will remain committed to providing needed services, as economically feasible, to accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial development in the county. — The county believes that dense urban development should only take place where both adequate water and sewer facilities are provided. This is especially true for commercial and industrial land uses. — Craven County, generally, would like to see development continue in areas considered most feasible to accommodate the anticipated growth and development, where support services such as water and sewer (including septic tanks where necessary) are feasible, and where practical to provide. I-5 Water Supply: I -- Craven County supports the extension of central water service into all areas of the county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations. -- The county is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase the possibility of well contamination. Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management through N.C.A.C. Subchapter 21, and Subchapter 2C. Craven County recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies, and therefore supports the enforcement of these regulations. Sewer System: -- Craven County supports the discharge of effluent into 404 wetland areas. -- Craven County supports a discharge point(s) into the Neuse River to alleviate land application system(s) constrained by periods of extended wet weather. — Craven County supports the extension of central sewer service into all areas of the county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations. Stormwater: Craven County will cooperate with the NCDOT, the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff on all conservation classified areas. Energy Facility Siting and Development: Craven County will implement the following energy facility siting and development policies: -- Except for the Craven County Industrial Park energy generating facility, there are no electric generating plants located in or proposed for Craven County. However, the county will review proposals for development of electric generating plants, or plants associated with peat mining, on a case -by -case basis, judging the need for the facility against all identified possible adverse impacts. — Craven County will not oppose offshore drilling operations and onshore support facilities for which an environmental impact statement has been prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the environment. Redevelopment of Developed Areas: The most significant redevelopment issues facing Craven County through 2000 are substandard housing and reconstruction following a major storm. During the planning period, the county will attempt to correct its worst substandard housing conditions by implementing the following: -- The county should adopt a minimum housing code. -- The county will apply for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization, HOME and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds. I-6 r] 1 r Those policies address reconstruction needs. The county will allow the reconstruction of any structures demolished by natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Estuarine Access: Craven County supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in Chapter 15A, Subchapter 7M of the North Carolina Administrative Code. The county will conform to CAMA and other state and federal environmental regulations affecting the development of estuarine access areas. Craven County supports participation in state/local sponsored shoreline access projects. Types and Locations of Desired Industry: Industrial development is crucial to economic growth in Craven County. The county's heavy reliance on employment in the service, agricultural, and forestry sectors should be balanced by the development of a base of industrial/manufacturing employment. Therefore, Craven County supports all industrial development which satisfies applicable state and federal regulations. Commitment to State and Federal Programs: Craven County is receptive to all state and federal programs which provide improvements to the county. Assistance in Channel Maintenance: Craven County will consider on a case -by -case basis the provision of assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or state officials to obtain spoil sites, provide financial aid, and assist in securing or providing easements for work. Tourism: Craven County will implement the following policies. to further the development of tourism: — Craven County will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to improve access to the county. — Craven County will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas. -- Craven County will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of Travel and Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related industry, efforts to promote tourism -related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide shoreline resources. Transportation: — Craven County supports all transportation improvements proposed in the NCDOT County Thoroughfare Plan. • All Craven County Regional Airport improvements indicated in the airport's five-year transportation improvement program. This includes but it not limited to construction of a new terminal building and extension of runway 13-31. I-7 Craven County supports construction of the North Carolina Global Transpark and implementation of a regional economic zone, and special sales tax to support the Global Transpark. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION As the initial step in the preparation of this document, Craven County mainland prepared and adopted a "Citizen Participation Plan." The plan outlined the methodology for citizen involvement. Public involvement was generated through public information meetings and development of the plan by the Craven County Planning Board. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES The plan included detailed storm hazard mitigation policies. Listed below are some of the sources and documents utilized during preparation of this land use plan: -- Craven County 1993 Land Use Plan Update -- USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Craven County -- NCDOT, Planning and Policies Section -- Craven County Staff -- Craven County Schools -- North Carolina Division of Archives and History -- Flood Insurance Study, Craven County -- Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance -- N. C. State Data Center, Office of State Planning -- Craven County Subdivision Ordinance -- North Carolina Division of Community Assistance -- North Carolina Division of Coastal Management -- North Carolina Department of Commerce -- North Carolina Department of Transportation, Transportation Improvement Program, 1993-1999 -- Craven County Mobile Home Park Ordinance -- Craven County Code -- Community Plans and Liaison Office, Marine Corps Air Station, -- City of Havelock Staff -- Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station Expansion Environmental Impact Statement I 1 I I-8 IB. DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING 1 1. CRAVEN COUNTY PERMANENT POPULATION a) Regional and County Population Growth All twenty except four of the North Carolina counties regulated by the Coastal Area tY Management Act (CAMA) experienced a net permanent population growth from 1960 to 1994, as Table 1 indicates. The 60.6% increase in population growth in the coastal counties since 1960 is reflective of the well -documented national trend of migration to non -metropolitan areas which began in the late 1960s. By the early 1970s, coastal North Carolina felt the impact of this migration. Note that the twenty CAMA counties had a higher population growth rate than the state as a whole from 1960-1994. Some of the factors influencing the growth of the coastal region include expansion of military facilities, industrial decentralization, and in particular, the development of recreation and retirement centers. The growth of Craven and other coastal counties as recreational/retirement centers over the past twenty years has had a significant impact on the composition of the permanent population, and ultimately, the economic structure of the coastal region. The average household size has decreased and the median age has increased as coastal North Carolina has grown as a recreational/retirement center. The coastal areas are gradually losing their rural character as residential and commercial development have expanded significantly near the state's shoreline and estuarine areas over the past twenty years. Also, coastal counties such as Craven have had a noticeable shift toward a non -basic (service and retail) economy over the past twenty years. Increased retail trade and growth of service industries .' are the result of seasonal demand and retiree in -migration to the coastal region. The increased military and industrial presence in coastal North Carolina has also influenced permanent population growth, peak population growth, and changes in population composition in Craven and other coastal counties since 1960. The appeal of the region to industry and the military -- availability of open space, low tax and wage structure, relatively few "urban" problems -- also adds to its appeal to retirees and seasonal homeowners. Although population growth in the state's oceanfront counties has exceeded growth in the estuarine counties since 1960, Craven County has experienced the fastest growth of any of the non -oceanfront CAMA-regulated counties since 1960, with a 48.1 % growth rate over the thirty- four year period. Several factors may explain Craven County's sustained population growth, including its continuing association with the military community, its accessible estuarine resources, and rapid commercial growth in and adjacent to the City of New Bern. I-9 Table 1 Total Population and Percent Change for CAMA-Regulated Counties, 1960-1994 County Total Population Percent Increase 1960 1970 1980 1990 1994 '60-'70 '70280 '80290 '90294 Overall '60-'94 Carteret 27,438 31,603 41,092 52,556 57,750 15.2% 30.0% 27.9% 9.8% 110.4% Currituck 6,601 6,976 11,089 13,736 15,193 5.7% 58.9% 23.9% 10.6% 130.1% Dare 5,935 6,995 13,377 22,746 25,569 17.9% 91.2% 70.0% 12.4% 330.8% Hyde 5,765 5,571 5,873 5,411 5,346 -3.4% 5.4% -7.9% -1.2% -7.2% Beaufort 36,014 35,980 40,355 42,283 43,364 -0.1% 12.2% 4.8% 2.5% 20.4% Bertie 24,350 20,477 21,024 20,388 20,382 -15.9% 2.7% -3.0% -0.03% -16.2% Camden 5,598 5,453 5,829 5,904 6,108 -2.6% 6.9% 1.3% 3.5% 9.1% Chowan 11,729 10,764 12,558 13,506 14,167 -8.2% 16.7% 7.5% 4.9% 20.7% Craven 58,773 62,554 71,043 81,613 87,059 6.4% 13.6% 14.9% 6.7% 48.1% Pamlico 9,850 9,467 10,398 11,372 11,807 4.2% 9.8% 9.4% 3.8% 19.8% Pasquotank 25,630 26,824 28,462 31,298 32,820 4.7% 6.1% 10.0% 4.8% 28.0% Perquimans 9,178 8,351 9,486 10,447 10,655 -9.0% 13.6% 10.1% 1.9% 16.0% Tyrrell 4,520 3,806 3,975 3,856 3,851 -15.8% 4.4% -3.0% -0.1% -14.8% Washington 13,488 14,038 14,801 13,997 13,565 4.1% 5.4% -5.4% -3.0% 0.57% Gates 9,254 8,524 8,875 9,305 9,701 -7.9% 4.1% 4.8% 4.2% 4.8% Hertford 22,718 23,529 23,368 22,523 22,451 3.6% -0.7% -3.6% -0.3% -1.1% Brunswick 20,278 24,223 35,777 50,985 57,851 19.4% 47.7% 42.5% 13.4% 185.2% New Hanover 71,742 82,996 103,471 120,284 131,032 15.7% 24.7% 16.2% 8.9% 82.6% Pender 18,508 18,149 22,262 28,855 32,528 -1.9% 22.7% 29.6% 12.7% 75.7% Onslow 82,706 103,126 112,784 149,838 153,730 24.7% 9.4% 32.9% 2.5% 85.8% Total 470,075 509,406 595,899 710,903 755,320 8.4% 16.9% 19.3% 6.2% 60.6% North Carolina 4,556,155 5,084,411 5,880,095 6,628,637 7,023,663 11.6% 15.6% 12.7% 5.9% 54.1% Source: State Data Center, N.C. Office of State Planning. I-10 ! W M �►' Table 2 provides a summary of the 1985 place of residence of the county's 1990 population. Of these counted in Table 2, only 33,092, or 44.3 %, resided in the same dwelling runit in both 1985 and 1990. A total of 25,692 residents, or 34.5 % of those counted in 1990, had moved into Craven County since 1985. Table 2 Craven County Residence in 1985 -- State and County Level (Persons 5 Years and Over) Percentage of Total Total Same House in 1985 33,092 44.3 % iDifferent House in U.S. in 1985: Same County 15,830 21.2% Different County: Same State 5,901 7.9% Different State: Northeast 4,432 5.9 % Midwest 2,721 3.6 % South 7,801 10.5 % West 3,371 4.5 % Abroad in 1985: Puerto Rico 37 0.2 % U.S. Outlying Area 11 Foreign Country 1,418 1.990, Total Population Aged 5 Years and Over 74,614 100.0% Office of State Planning. Source: O g b) Geographic Distribution of Craven County's Population - 1970-1993 The most significant demographic trend in Craven County since 1970 has been an increase in "urban" population. The US Census classifies "urban" population as that portion of the populace living in incorporated municipalities or Census Designated Places (CDP's) with a population of 2,500 or more. In 1993, Craven County's "urban" populace was located in New Bern, Havelock, River Bend, and Trent Woods. These four areas had a combined population of 47,448, or 54.5 % of the total 1993 county population of 87,059. The 1990 Census year was the first year that Craven County's designated urban population exceeded the rural population. Table 3 depicts the geographic distribution of Craven County's population by municipality and unincorporated areas in 1970, 1980, 1990, and 1993. During the twenty-three year period, the county's municipal population increased by 140.6%, while the population located in unincorporated areas decreased by 11.1 %. The major reason for the dramatic growth in municipal population from 1970-1993 was the 1980 annexation of Cherry Point MCAS by the City of Havelock, and the incorporation of River Bend. Havelock, River Bend, and Trent Woods have displayed rapid municipal growth over the twenty-three year period. Of the county's four "rural" municipalities, only Cove City and Vanceboro enjoyed population growth from 1970-1993. While Bridgeton had a very slight population decrease from 1970-1993 (-3.6 %), Dover's population dropped by 23.9 % over the twenty-three year period. Additionally, the unincorporated areas of Craven County have shown a slight increase of .8.5 % since 1980. However, the overall growth for the twenty-three year period has decreased by 11.1 % . 1 I-12 Table 3 Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality Craven County, 1970-1993 Total Year -Round Population Percentage Change Overall Township Municipality or Area 1970 1980 1990 1993 1970-80 1980-90 1990-93 1970-93 Township 1 Vanceboro 758 833 946 1,000 9.9% 13.6% 5.7% 31.9% Unincorporated Areas 4,188 4,526 4,992 5,060 8.1% 10.3% 1.4% 20.8% Total Township 4,946 5,359 5,938 6,060 8.4% 10.8% 2.1% 22.5% Township 2 Bridgeton 520 461 498 501 -11.3% 8.0% 0.6% -3.7% Unincorporated Areas 2,737 3,953 5,873 6,155 44.4% 48.6% 4.8% 124.9% Total Township 3,257 4,414 6,371 6,656 35.5% 44.3% 4.5% 104.4% Township 3 Cove City 485 500 497 507 3.1% -0.6% 2.0% 4.5% Dover 585 600 452 556 2.6% -24.8% -1.3% -23.9% Unincorporated Areas 2,767 2,703 2,479 2,446 -2.3 % -8.3 % -1.3 % -11.6% Total Township 3,837 3,803 3,427 3,398 -0.9% -9.9% -0.8% -11.4% Township 5 Total Township 2,047 2,551 2,635 2,647 24.6% 3.3% 0.5% 29.3% Township 6 Havelock 3,012 17,718 20,300 20,072 488.2% 14.6% -1.1% 566.4% Unincorporated Areas 17,786 4,245 4,812 4,895 -76.1% 13.4% 1.7% -72.5% Total Township 20,798 21,963 25,112 24,967 5.6% 14.3% -0.6% 20.0% Township 7 Total Township 4,757 6,149 6,878 6,985 29.3% 11.9% 1.6% 46.8% Township 8 New Bern 14,660 14,557 17,363 21,106 -0.7% 19.3% 21.6% 44.0% River Bend --- 959 2,408 2,554 --- 151.1 % 6.1 % - Trent Woods 719 1,177 2,366 3,716 63.7% 101.0% 57.1% 416.8% Unincorporated Areas 5,746 7,952 6,656 6,466 38.4% -16.3% -2.9% 12.5% Total Township 21,125 24,645 28,793 33,842 16.7% 16.8% 17.5% 60.2% Township 9 Total Township 1,787 2,145 2,459 2,505 20.0% 14.6% 1.9% 40.2% Total Municipalities 20,739 36,805 44,829 49,901 77.5% 21.8% 11.3% 140.6% Total Unincorporated Areas 41,815 34,238 36,784 37,158 -18.1% 7.4% 1.0% -11.1% Total County 62,554 71,043 81,613 87,059 13.6% 14.9% 6.7% 39.2% Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. I-13 I c) Composition by Age I From 1980-1990, the total of individuals in Craven County who were 60 years of age and older increased substantially from 7,978 to 12,693. This group grew to a total of 14,051 in 1994. This trend has directly resulted from increasing investment in waterfront and other suburban property in Craven County by retirees. The total population by age segments for 1980-1994 is shown in Table 4. The township boundaries are depicted on Map 1. Table 4 1 Total Population by Age Craven County, 1980, 1990, 1994 Age Population by Age Group 1980 1990 1994 0-4 6,569 7,066 7,201 5-18 19-24 16,031 16,082 12,007 9,772 17,349 9,715 25-44 19,225 25,635 26,491 45-59 9,233 10,365 12,252 60-74 6,166 9,496 10,132 75 & Up 1,812 3,197 3,919 Total 71,043 81,613 87,059 Source: State Data Center, N.C. Office of State Planning. Several important trends in the composition of Craven County's population can be identified through a review of Table 4. In the ten-year period between 1980 and 1990, the three most rapidly growing segments of the population were the ages of 25-44, 60-74, and 75 and up. Between 1990 and 1994, there was a shift in age groups showing rapid growth. The top three segments for the period between 1990-1994 were the age groups of 5-18, 45-59, and 75 and up. The 1980-1990 trends for Craven County were consistent with those of North population tY Carolina. However, for the period between 1990 and 1994, the trends for Craven County were not as consistent with the state. The top three age groups for North Carolina were 0-4, 45-59, and 75 and up. The preschool and school age (0-18) population and the young adult (19-34) population have decreased in terms of percentages of total population during 1980-1994. The younger working (35-44) population and the elderly (60+) population have grown much faster than the total population in the fourteen -year period of 1980-1994 and now occupy larger percentages of the total population than they did in 1980. These trends are outlined in tabular form below. I-14 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF a 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMEN1\ NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \ :NY 1•lt etAurofrt eofrn rlY iN - • w/ IM N}j••• •� tali:... Nl2 :•=te rril J•N •i•ri `•�;;: •.. Nat: .'ii:{ ® •� Nc! nM t•i. . ma:• j o 1 qp COVE Wf •• of Ito /ns• la CITY - N!• (\ ` O • 4H .•rit! .=j �L••yyj7{t U" ...• pRif ---�.d� -----_--- JONES COUNTY N LEGEND •••-•••t SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONEE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFAGD ROAD DIVIDEC HIGHWAY ==1 I== HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE �o U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER RAILROAD «I+r++++++ --- — COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION . ,----;a EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS --°—� NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERM/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON Iva a- 9R GETON OF (I j "AA, - ` NEUSE .T. C4q �f'qtT bo I nw �• rfi� :•Aos , VMVFR l-M/ BEND •l •�l '• mr nN `\ 4 C R 0 A T A N ree CITY 0 P\•\ NAVELO ��a \ NATIONAL �• �.\ CRAVEN COUNTY y •. -b 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 TOWNSHIP NUMBER FOREST North Carolina NOTE: THERE'IS NOT A TOWNSHIP NUMBER 4. '� �' Pt.` TOWNSHIPS MAP �\ SCALE MAP 1 1 2 3 A MILES I-15 1 Table 5 Percentages of Total Population by Age Group Craven County, 1980, 1990, 1994 Age Group 1980 31.8% 1990 28.4% 1994 28.2% Preschool and School Age Population (0-18) Young Adult Population (19-34) 33.8 % 29.8 % 27.3 % Younger Working Population (35-44) 10.1 % 13.6 % 14.3 % 1 Older Working Population (45-59) 13.1 % 12.7 % 14.1 % Elderly Population (60 and up) 11.2 % 15.5 % 16.1 % Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. d) Composition by Race and Sex The analysis of Craven County's racial composition is an important part of this study of recent demographic trends, since changes in minority population profoundly affect issues such as housing and local economic and community development in eastern North Carolina. Category Table 6 Number and Percent Increase by Race and Sex Craven County - 1980, 1990, 1994 Total Population Percent Change 1980 1990 1994 1980-1990 Total White 50,554 58,478 63,528 25.6% Males 26,481 29,519 32,132 21.3 % Females 24,073 28,959 31,396 30.4% Total Minorities Males 20,489 10,124 23,135 . 10,985 23,531 11,003 14.8% 8.6% Females 10,365 12,150 12,528 20.8% Total Males 36,605 40,504 43,135 17.8 % Total Females 34,438 41,109 43,924 27.5 % Total County 71,043 81,613 87,059 22.5% Source: State Data Center, N.C. Office of State Planning. As Table 6 indicates, the minority population in Craven County grew at a lower rate than the white population from 1980-1994. The Craven County female population grew at a rate of 27.5 % from 1980-1994. In terms of percentage of total population, the most important population trends from 1980-94 by race and sex were the increase in white/non-black minority populations and the increase in the female population, as indicated in Table 7. Table 7 Percentages of Total Population by Race and Sex Craven County - 1980, 1990, 1994 Category Percentage of Total Population 1980 1990 1994 Net Change 1980-1990 Total White 71.2 % 71.7 % 72.9 % + 1.7 % Males 37.3 % 36.2 % 36.9 % -0.4 % Females 33.9 % 35.5 % 36.0 % +2.1 % Total Minority 28.8 % 28.3 % 27.0 % -1.8 % Males 14.2 % 12.3 % 12.6 % -1.6 % Females 14.5 % 13.5 % 14.3 % -0.2 % Total Males 51.5 % 49.6 % 49.5 % -2.0 % Total Females 48.5 % 50.4 % 50.4 % + 1.9 % Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. The relative decrease in minority population since 1980 indicates that the migratory pattern in Craven County in recent years has been dominated by an incoming white population. It is safe to state that minority population growth in Craven County has been almost entirely dependent on birth and death rates since 1980. A minority population relatively unaffected by migratory patterns is typical of coastal North Carolina counties, and is reflective of several socioeconomic factors such as education, housing availability and industrial development, which will be addressed in the discussion of economic conditions. The population growth of Craven County, particularly from 1990, has been affected by the increased military presence of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Table 8 provides the military population for Craven County. Table 8 1993 Military -Related Population Craven County Military: Active Duty 8,862 Retired 1,866 Civilian 3,021 Mil/Civ. Dependents 17,234 Total 31,073 Source: 1994 Economic Impact, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. I-17 u A 1 1 2. CRAVEN COUNTY SEASONAL POPULATION a) Introduction and Methodology In CAMA-regulated counties, a study of recreational or seasonal population is necessary to any overall analysis of demographic trends. In fact, for oceanfront counties, seasonal population is often more important than permanent population in defining the impact of growth on community facilities and fragile areas. Additionally, the recreational population has a profound effect on the economy of the coastal region, accounting for a large portion of the non - basic (service and retail) economy and indirectly impacting more basic industries such as fishing, agriculture, import/export, and manufacturing. In the preceding section, population data from the N.C. State Data Center was utilized to present year-round population trends. The estimation methods utilized by the N.C. State Data Center for year-round population (ratio correlation and administrative records) are not appropriate for estimating seasonal population. Enumeration of housing units is the most appropriate method of estimating recreational population. In the housing unit approach, the total number of housing units is multiplied by the average household size to obtain estimated population. For this study, use will be made of demographic methodology for measuring recreational populations for the Albemarle -Pamlico region developed by Paul D. Tschetter of East Carolina University in 1988. The advantage of the ECU methodology is that it relies on an extensive empirical enumeration of marina boat slips, motel rooms, and campgrounds in addition to private seasonal housing units. The study also includes an excellent approach to estimating average population by type of individual housing unit. For purposes of the ECU study (and this demographic analysis), "total seasonal housing units" includes (1) all single and multi -family private housing units used by the overnight tourist population rather than the permanent population; (2) all motel/hotel rooms [including bed and breakfasts]; (3) all seasonal and transient campground sites; and (4) all individual marina wet slips capable of docking boats of a size and type which can house people overnight. Marina facilities for fueling/repair only [no overnight dockage], and those that only dock commercial fishing boats, are excluded from the enumeration of seasonal housing units. In the ECU study mentioned above, the impact of seasonal population in Craven County was found to be minimal. For the 1987 base year, the total recreational infrastructure (seasonal housing, hotel rooms, campgrounds and marinas) accounted for less than five percent of total Craven County housing, and the total increase in population at full seasonal unit occupancy was only four percent. This already minimal impact is reduced when one considers that "overnight" marina spaces in Craven County, assumed to be 100% held for seasonal use in the ECU study, are largely held for personal use by permanent county residents. Also, most hotel/motel rooms in Craven County are used by overnight business guests rather than recreational users, which reduces the impact of the hotel/motel population on county infrastructure and services. In 1990, only 342 housing units in Craven County were classified as "seasonal, recreational, or occasional use" in the U.S. Census data. This is a 54% increase over the 222 seasonal units enumerated during the 1980 census. The ECU study assumed a household size I-18 11 for seasonal private housing of 3.3, which would result in a 1990 population increase for private seasonal units of only 1,129 at full occupancy. The overall impact of seasonal private housing on Craven County's infrastructure, traffic, and recreational facilities can be assumed to be minimal. According to the Craven County Boater's Guide, the county's nine marinas contain a total of only 67 transient slips, roughly half of which are located in Bridgeton or New Bern. The impact of overnight/seasonal marina traffic is minimal. The same can be said for impact from the two public campgrounds and one private campground located in the county's jurisdiction, which contain a total of only 152 spaces. The great majority of the hotel/motel rooms in Craven County are located within the cities of New Bern and Havelock. Impacts of overnight population at the Ramada Inn and small "mom and pop" motels scattered throughout the county jurisdiction are minimal. In summary, the impact of seasonal population in Craven County is not a significant land use issue in the county planning jurisdiction. The primary use of "seasonal" -type housing (motels, marinas, condos, etc.) appears to be more transient or business related than in neighboring oceanfront counties, and the total number of seasonal housing units is not substantial enough to provide a significant population impact even at full occupancy. It is likely that Craven County's appeal as a recreational center will continue to be primarily limited to the historic and waterfront areas in and near New Bern, with few, if any, significant planning issues arising from a demand for seasonal housing development in the county's jurisdiction during the planning period. 3. CRAVEN COUNTY HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS a) Number and Tenure of Private Housing Units The summary of population trends above indicates that seasonal population impact is minimal in the Craven County planning jurisdiction. This fact is corroborated by the relatively small numbers of seasonal dwelling units constructed in Craven County since 1970. Table 9 Summary of Year -Round and Seasonal Private Housing Units Craven County, 1970-1990 Tyne of Unit Number of Units Percentage Increase Overall 1970 1980 1990 1970-80 1980-90 1970-90 Year Round 18,876 25,333 31,951 34.2% 26.1% 69.3% Seasonal 61 216 341 254.1 % 58.3 % 460.7 % Total Units 18,937 25,549 32,293 34.9% 26.4% 70.5% Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning. 1 LJ I I 1 I-19 Despite the fact that seasonal unit construction increased at a faster rate during the '70s and ' 80s than year-round unit construction, seasonal private housing units only comprised approximately 1 %. of the total housing stock in Craven County in 1990. Only seven of the seasonal housing units in the 1990 census were classified as "condominium" units. Due to the slight impact of seasonal housing construction, this section will focus on the characteristics of year-round housing units, and specifically, the condition of year-round units in the planning jurisdiction. Revitalization of the county's existing housing stock has been a major planning and community development issue for Craven County throughout the 1987-1992 planning period, and will continue to be a major issue throughout the next planning period. Table 10 outlines the year-round number of housing units by tenure for Craven County townships in 1980 and 1990. The county's year-round housing stock increased 26.1 % from 1980-1990, which is almost twice as fast as the county population growth over the same period. The county's average household size dropped from 2.84 persons in 1980 to 2.64 persons in 1990. Growth in year-round housing units was highest in Townships 2, 6 and 8 over the 1980- 1990 period, which is consistent with the pattern of population growth in the county from 1980- 1990. Township 3, which lost population from 1980-1990, had a net loss in year-round housing units over the period, which can be attributed to a loss in mobile home stock and to demolition or abandonment of older occupied structures. Township 5, including the Harlowe community, displayed an unusual growth rate in housing stock of 24.6 % while its population only grew by 3.3 % from 1980-1990. This apparent inconsistency is partially explained by the growth of mobile home development in Township 5 in recent years, much of which has been initiated by larger households living in existing, older frame -built structures still utilized by a portion of the original household. Table 10 indicates that the ratios of owner -occupied, rental, and vacant units to total year-round units remained relatively constant during the 1980-90 period, with owner -occupied houses increasing slightly as a percentage of the whole and the vacancy rate increasing slightly. 1 [i u 11 1 I-20 Table 10 Summary of Year -Round Housing Units by Tenure Craven County, 1980-1990 Area Total Year -Round Units Owner Units (% of Total) Rental Units (% of Total) Vacant Units (% of Total) 1980 1990 Increase 1980 1990 1980 1990 1980 1990 Township 1 2,137 2,426 13.5% 1,463(68.5%) 1,786(73.6%) 388(18.2%) 460(19.0%) 286(13.3%) 180(7.4%) Township 2 1,783 2,765 55.1% 1,235(69.3%) 1,949(70.5%) 382(21.4%) 564(20.4%) 166(9.3%) 252(9.1%) Township 3 1,436 1,369 -4.7% 938(65.3%) 1,004(73.3%) 372(25.9%) 278(20.3%) 126(8.8%) 87(6.4%) Township 5 752 937 24.6% 563(74.9%) 720(76.9%) 149(19.8%) 132(14.1%) 40(5.3%) 85(9.0%) Township 6 6,133 8,003 30.5% 2,294(37.4%) 2,940(36.7%) 3,535(57.6%) 4,518(56.5%) 304(5.0%) 545(6.8%) Township 7 2,413 2,871 19.0 % 1,699(70.4 %) 2,104(73.3 %) 520(21.5 %) 572(20.0 %) 194(8.1 %) 195(6.7 %) Township 8 9,907 12,641 27.6% 5,867(59.2%) 7,437(58.8%) 3,389(34.2%) 4,189(33.1%) 651(6.6%) 1,015(8.0%) Township 9 772 939 21.6% 572(74.1%) 765(81.4%) 133(17.2%) 124(13.3%) 67(8.7%) 50(5.4%) Craven Co. 25,333 31,951 26.1% • 14,631(57.7%) 18,705(58.5%) 8,868(35.0%) 10,837(33.9%) 1,834(7.3%) 2,409(7.6%) Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning. I-21 11 1� fl F, The county vacancy rate of 7.6% in 1990 is consistent with the 1990 North Carolina vacancy rate of 7.4 % . The county ratio of rental housing to total year-round units (33.9 % in 1990) was higher than the state ratio of 29.7%. However, the percentage of rental units in Township 6 (Havelock/Cherry Point MCAS) is very high. In fact, the percentage of owner -occupied units was higher than the state 1990 owner -occupied percentage of 62.9 % in all Craven County townships except Townships 6 and 8, where Havelock and New Bern are located, respectively. The highest percentages of owner -occupied units were in Townships 9 and 5, which is consistent with the state-wide trend of higher percentages of owner -occupied units in rural areas. The vacancy rate was lowest in Township 9 in 1990, and highest in Townships 2 and 5. The vacant housing in Township 5 increased significantly from 1980-1990, which is attributable to abandonment of substandard housing and an increase in mobile homes for sale or rent. b) Type and Condition of Private Housing Units Table 11 provides an outline of the median value of year-round owner -occupied housing units by township for Craven County in 1980-1990. Table 11 Median Value of Owner -Occupied Housing Units Craven County, 1980-1990 1980 1990 Percent Increase, Area Median Value Median Value 1980-1990 Township 1 25,600 45,400 77.3 % Township 2 31,300 79,600 154.3% Township 3 22,600 40,900 80.0% Township 5 20,900 53,000 153.6% Township 6 43,900 67,900 54.7% Township 7 38,000 67,500 77.6% Township 8 40,800 70,800 73.5 % Township 9 32,600 50,600 55.2% Craven County 37,800 65,900 74.3% Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning. As might be expected, housing values increased the most from 1980 to 1990 in Township 2, location of Fairfield Harbor. The lowest median values in 1990 were in rural Townships 3, 1, 9, and 5. However, the median values in Township 5 have more than doubled since 1980, which is the result of rapid new modular/mobile home development in that township in recent years. The 1990 county median value of $65,900 is equivalent to North Carolina 1990 median value of $65,800. I-22 Overcrowding is an excellent indicator of substandard housing conditions. Table 12 provides a summary of persons per unit and overcrowded conditions for Craven County in 1980 and 1990. Table 12 Summary of Persons Per Unit and Overcrowded Conditions Craven County, 1980-1990 Total # of Units with 1.01 Area Occupied Units Mean Persons Per Unit or More Persons per Room ' 1980 1990 1980 1990 Numeric Change 1980 (% of 1990 (% of 1980-90 total) total) Township 1 1,851 2,246 2.89 2.65 -0.24 91(5.0%) 72(3.2%) Township 2 1,617 2,513 2.73 2.51 -0.22 65(4.0%) 56(2.2%) , Township 3 1,310 1,282 2.90 2.68 -0.22 92(7.0%) 43(3.4%) Township 5 712 852 3.58 3.19 -0.39 125(17.6%) 93(10.9%) Township 6 5,829 7,458 3.03 2.88 -0.15 148(2.5 %) 285(3.8 %) Township 7 2,219 2,676 2.77 2.59 -0.18 78(3.5 %) 60(2.2 %) Township 8 9,256 11,626 2.66 2.51 -0.15 382(3.1%) 261(2.2%) Township 9 705 889 3.06 2.79 -0.27 47(6.7 %) 30(4.3 %) Craven Co. 23,499 29,542 2.84 2.64 -0.20 929(4.0%) 900(3.0%) Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning. Not surprisingly, overcrowded conditions are worst in Township 5, which includes the Harlowe community and concentrations of older, deteriorated rural housing. Table 12 does indicate that overcrowded conditions in all of the county's townships were reduced from 1980- 1990. Improvement of the county's housing stock is the result of county and City of New Bern - sponsored building code enforcement and community development projects, and development of new housing in both urban and rural areas of the county since 1980. [I I-23 fl Table 13 Housing Conditions Craven County, 1970-1990 1970 (% of total) 1980 (% of total) 1990 (% of total) Total Year -Round Housing Units 18,876 Units in Structure 2 3 & 4 5 or more Mobile Home Age of Structure 1 1 1 < 1 yr. 1-5 yrs. 6-10 yrs. 11-20 yrs. 21-30 yrs. > 30 yrs. Year -Round Units with Inadequate Plumbing Facilities 13,926(73.7 %) 1,244(6.6%) 694(3.7 %) 1,182(6.3 %) 1,830(9.7 %) 955(5.0 %) 2,196(11.6 %) 2,204(11.7 %) 4,640(24.6 %) 4,141(21.9 %) 4,740(25.2 %) 2,852(15.1 %) Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning 25,333 18,202(71.9%) 831(3.3 %) 752(3.0 %) 1,984(7.8 %) 3,564(14.0%) 1,032(4.1 %) 3,528(13.9%) 3,956(15.6%) 5,295(20.9 %) 4,533(17.9%) 6,989(27.6 %) 1,111(4.4%) 31,951 21,990(68.8 %) 943(2.9 %) 1,373(4.3 %) 2,322(7.3 %) 5,323(16.7%) 994(3.1 %) 3,989(12.5%) 4,788(15.0%) 7,605(23.8 %) 4,281(13.4%) 10,294(32.2 %) 474(1.5 %) As indicated in Table 13, single-family housing (including mobile homes) has grown at a faster rate than multi -family housing since 1970, with multi -family (two or more units) accounting for only about 15 % of the 1990 year-round housing stock. In terms of structural characteristics, the most significant change in Craven County housing since 1970 has been the rapid development of mobile homes, which accounted for almost 17 % of total year-round units in 1990. Mobile home development had a 190% growth rate from 1970-1990 in Craven County. Continued mobile home development in the county's planning jurisdiction will result in a number of planning and development issues during the planning period, including development incompatibility issues and building code issues regarding installation of new mobile homes and structural modifications to existing units. Table 13 indicates that the median age of housing has not changed significantly in Craven County since 1970, except that there was a higher percentage of units aged 30 years and older in 1990 than in 1970 or 1980. This trend is the result of the aging of the housing stock in the rural areas and urban neighborhoods of New Bern and Havelock. Despite the fact that new construction has proceeded at a rapid pace in most of Craven County's townships since 1970, almost 50 % of the county's housing stock is over twenty years old, and a third of the housing stock is over thirty years old. Although the county's housing stock has not decreased in age as a result of new construction since 1970, the condition of housing has improved in recent years. In particular, condition of plumbing facilities is the primary indicator of substandard housing in U.S. census 1 I-24 data. In Craven County, the percentage of year-round housing units with inadequate plumbing facilities dropped from 15.1 % in 1970 to 1.5 % in 1990, a clear indication of the gradual reduction in the substandard housing units. Also, the percentage of housing units tied to public water and sewer system has increased significantly since 1970, another indication of ' improvements in substandard living conditions. , Table 14 Number of Year -Round Housing Units Tied to Public Utilities Craven County, 1970-1990 , 1970 (% of total) 1970 (% of total) 1990 (% of total) Total Year -Round Housing Units 18,876 25,333 31,951 Water Supply Public or Privately- 9,918(52.5%) 14,868(58.7%) 26,087(81.6%) Owned Water System Individual Well 8,594(45.6%) 10,210(40.3%) 5,835(18.3%) Other 351(1.9%) 255(1.0%) 29(0.1%) Sewage Disposal Public Sewer 9,057(48.0%) 11,851(46.8%) 17,751(55.6%) Septic Tank 7,852(41.6%) 12,495(49.3%) 13,737(43.0%) , Other 1,954(10.4%) 987(3.9%) 473(1.4%) Source: State Data Center, N. C. Office of State Planning. Based on the data in Table 14, Craven County has had tremendous success in improving the sanitary living conditions of its populace since 1970. Over 80% of county households are now tied into public or privately -maintained water supply systems, and the percentage of households without septic tanks or public sewer service dropped from over 10 % in 1970 to under 2% in 1990. The recent expansion of publicly -maintained water and sewer systems will I be discussed in detail in the public facilities section of this plan. Housing on the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is provided for bachelor and married personnel. There is a total of 3,899 spaces for bachelor personnel. This includes 241 spaces for transients and change of station personnel. For the married military personnel and their families, there are 2,764 family housing units plus a mobile home park with 76 spaces. Table 15 provides detailed housing unit information. ri I-25 L I 11 Table 15 Housing for Bachelor and Married Personnel MCAS Cherry Point MARRIED Officer Apartments Two -Story Units Capehart Townhouses Staff Noncommissioned Officer Capehart Townhouses Enlisted Slocum Village Hancock Village Fort Macon Village Lanham Mobile Home Site (Spaces) TOTAL BACHELOR Officer 48 Field Grade & Above 14 49 Company Grade 38 169 Transient Quarters 78 60 Staff Noncommissioned Officer 679 E-6 & Above 194 240 Transient Quarters 42 Enlisted 775 E-5 & Below 3,412 347 Transient Quarters 85 249 Permanent Change of Station 36 148 76 2,840 3,899 Source: 1994 Economic Impact, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. c) Substandard Housing Although housing rehabilitation and redevelopment of residential areas is generally outlined in the CAMA land use planning regulations as a redevelopment issue, the problem of substandard housing in the county planning jurisdiction has occupied increasing attention on the part of the county administration through the 1990s, and it is appropriate to offer some discussion of substandard housing in this section of the land use plan. Since 1979, Craven County has undertaken six CDBG housing programs and two NCHFA weatherization programs in the James City, Harlowe, Dover, and Pembroke communities, and at scatter sites throughout the county. Approximately 280 dwelling units have been demolished or improved to HUD Section 8 Existing Housing Standards through these programs. The county has integrated these housing improvements with ongoing water and sewer expansion projects in order to realize a cost-effective use of available funds, and to provide sanitary living conditions for residents in these redeveloped areas. In 1992, the county conducted a county -wide housing needs assessment in conjunction with applications for additional CDBG assistance and HOME (Home Investments Partnership Act) assistance. The worst concentrations of substandard housing are in Township 1 outside of the Vanceboro town limits, and in the Harlowe community in Township 5. Both of these areas display a high percentage of housing units with structural, electrical, heating, and plumbing problems including failing septic tanks and unsanitary water wells. These communities were included in the county's FY93 CDBG project. However, both communities continue to contain substandard housing. 1 I-26 Other areas in the county planning jurisdiction with relatively high percentages of substandard housing units include areas near Dover (Township 3); Fort Barnwell (3); Mile Road, S.R. 1643, 1478, 1644 near Vanceboro (1); Cayton (2); Pleasant Hill and Rocky Run (8); James City and Perrytown (7); and Riverdale and Pine Grove (6). It is difficult to quantify the total number of units in the county that would be classified as "substandard" according to HUD Section 8 guidelines. In 1980, a housing study performed by the Neuse River COG enumerated 4,300 units, or 17% of the county's year-round housing stock, with Section 8 deficiencies. Due to the aging of the housing stock discussed previously, and in particular, as a result of the recent proliferation of mobile home development, it is likely that the percentage of substandard units is still around 15 %. Assuming that the percentage of substandard units is identical in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county, there are probably about 2,150 substandard housing units (units with Section 8 deficiencies) within the county's jurisdiction. Maps 2A and 2B delineate the county's concentration of substandard housing. However, based on water, sewer, and general plumbing improvements made since 1970, and tougher building code enforcement, many of the most severe substandard conditions have been addressed in recent years. This is supported by 1990 census data, which indicated only 479 year-round housing units without complete plumbing facilities, only 361 total housing units (including seasonal units) with incomplete kitchen facilities, and 478 total housing units with inadequate sewage disposal systems. 4. SUMMARY - DEMOGRAPHICS AND HOUSING The following provides a summary of the most significant demographic and housing - related trends in Craven County during the last planning period: -- Craven County has experienced the fastest population growth of any non - oceanfront CAMA-regulated county since 1960. -- 57 % of Craven County's 1993 populace lived in a municipality. -- 1990 was the first census year that Craven County's "urban" population exceeded its "rural" population, this continued for 1993. -- Craven County's fastest growing areas are Havelock, New Bern, Trent Woods, and River Bend. -- Several rural areas of the county, particularly Cove City and Vanceboro, displayed appreciable population growth from 1980-1993. -- The county's school age population is decreasing, while the elderly population and age 30-44 population is increasing. -- The county's female population is increasing in relation to the male population, and the black population is decreasing in relation to the white population. -- There are 31,073 persons that are military -related in Craven County. 1 I-27 MAP 2A CONCENTRATIONS OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING L�csr�'ar�a.r�i" c o u v r r 3 r Y� 1 SIV, 11 61,46, %�1�1�1�1���1�NE 9-19 we I-28 MAP 2B CONCENTRATIONS OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING Aq i4ew qERN —607 Z. 4j -Mrsv 0.4. �fflma Coors AIR STAM" C R 01, A T A N F 0 R A i 1 0 N A 0.3 urs "ool. 6ocamck-4 IL CONCE NTRATIONS OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING 1-29 11 n 11 Ll -- In Craven County, the impact of seasonal population (residing in seasonal housing units, motels, marinas, and campgrounds) is minimal, and should not be considered a major issue in the county's planning jurisdiction. -- Seasonal housing units comprised only 1 % of Craven County's 1990 housing stock. -- The number of housing units in Craven County grew almost twice as fast as the population from 1980-1990, and the average household size decreased from 2.84 to 2.64 persons from 1980-1990. -- Housing values are highest in Township 2, and lowest in Township 3. -- Overcrowded housing conditions are worst in Township 5. -- Craven County's housing stock is gradually aging, with a higher percentage of units aged 30 years and older in 1990 than in 1980. -- The overall condition of the county's housing stock has improved significantly since 1970, particularly in terms of substandard plumbing and water and sewer service. -- Mobile home development has increased dramatically since 1970. -- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point provides 2,840 base housing units for married personnel and 3,899 base housing units for bachelor personnel. -- About 15 % of the housing in the county's planning jurisdiction can be considered substandard according to HUD Section 8 Existing Housing Standards. C. ECONOMY 1. INTRODUCTION Craven County has maintained an extremely strong economy through the 1980s and early 1990s. The backbone of the county's economic strength has been diversity. Craven County has an economic base equaled by few other eastern North Carolina counties. The following provides a summary of those factors which have strengthened the county's economy: -- Strong military presence. -- Fiscally sound local government. -- Strong industrial recruitment efforts. -- Stable retail trade sector. -- Strong growth in tourist industry. -- Strong growth in the service sector. I-30 2. EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME In 1990, there was a total of 38,688 employed people in Craven County. Of that total, 7,383, or 19% were employed by the military. This represented a significant decrease from 1980 when 26.8 % of the total labor force was employed by the military. The strong military presence in Craven County through the years has served to support unemployment rates which have consistently been low. Table 16 provides unemployment rates for the civilian labor force for selected years. Table 16 Craven County Civilian Unemployment Rate 1982* 1985* 1990** 1994* Civilian Labor Force 30,210 29,780 33,448 34,160 No. Employed 27,700 28,240 31,305 32,300 No. Unemployed 2,510 1,540 2,143 1,860 Craven County 8.3 % 5.2 % 6.4 % 5.4 % Unemployment Rate North Carolina 9.0 % 5.4 % 4.8 % 4.4 % Unemployment Rate Source: *N. C. Employment Security Commission. **U. S. 1990 Census. Throughout the 1980s, Craven County maintained an unemployment rate which was consistently below the North Carolina rate of unemployment. In 1990, the county unemployment rate had increased to 6.4 %, 1.6 % above the state rate of unemployment. In October, 1992, the county's unemployment rate had improved to 5.9%. The annual 1994 unemployment has continuously dropped to 5.4%. However, the rate is higher than the state. There are a number of reasons for the rise in the county's unemployment rate during the 1980's: The following summarizes those reasons: -- As a result of the passage of the 1990 federal luxury tax, Hatteras Yachts reduced its work force by approximately 500. -- Military personnel at Cherry Point decreased during the 1980's. (However, it is increasing in the early to mid 1990's.) -- As in all areas of the state, construction activity has declined. -- In the 1980s, the commercial fishing industry was continuing to decline. -- The 1990 Mid -East crisis had an extreme negative economic impact on Craven County. 77 I C 1 I I F n �L I-31 11 I fl f' 1 Craven County's civilian employment is heavily concentrated in the retail trade and service sectors. The largest single employment category is retail trade, which constitutes 19.3 % of all those employed who are 16 years of age and older. Manufacturing accounts for the second largest category with 17.7%. All service categories combined provide employment for 29.2 % of those employed who are 16 years of age and older. Table 17 provides a summary of Craven County's employment by industry. Of the county's total 1990 employed labor force, 26.9% were employed in some type of government job. The significant retail and service sector employment reflects support for those employed in government jobs. Table 17 Craven County Employment by Industry Employed Persons 16 Years and Over - 1992 Total Employment Percent Farm 606 1.2 % Agriculture, forestry & fisheries 407 0.8 % Mining 93 0.2 % Construction 2,109 4.3 % Manufacturing 4,117 8.3 % Transportation & public utilities 1,487 3.0% Wholesale trade 1,271 2.6% Retail trade 7,717 15.6% Finance, insurance & real estate 2,250 4.6% Services 8,454 17.1 % Federal, Civilian 5,655 11.4% Military 9,468 19.1 % State & local 5,833 11.8% Total 49,467 100.0% Source: 1990 U. S. Census. Of the county's total 1994 employed labor force, 42.3 % were employed in some type of government job. The significant retail and service sector employment reflects support for those employed in government jobs. Industrial employment accounted for 4,117 jobs, or 8.3 % of the total civilian/military labor force. In 1990, total industrial employment was 5,529. Industrial employment decreased slightly as a percentage of the total military/civilian labor force. In 1990, industrial employment had constituted 17.7 % of the total labor force. P I-32 Most of Craven County's labor force has succeeded in securing work locally. In 1990, the mean travel time to work was 17.7 minutes as compared to 19.8 minutes for the state as a whole. Table 18 provides a summary of travel time to work. Table 18 Travel Time to Work Workers 16 Years and Over Craven County, 1990 Number Percent Did not work at home: 0-4 minutes 1,458 3.8% 5-9 minutes 6,097 16.0% 10-14 minutes 9,086 23.8% 15-19 minutes 7,465 19.6% 20-24 minutes 4,271 11.2 % 25-29 minutes 1,606 4.2% 30-34 minutes 3,957 10.4% 35-39 minutes 552 1.5 % 40-44 minutes 653 1.7 % 45-59 minutes 1,410 3.7 % 60-89 minutes 822 2.2 % 90 or more minutes 150 0.4 % Worked at home 589 1.5 % 38,116 100.0% Mean travel time to work 17.7 minutes Source: 1990 U. S. Census Over 43 % of the county's labor force traveled 14 minutes or less to work in 1990. Only 25.6 % of the population had to travel longer than 25 minutes to their place of employment. The low travel times are indicative of strong employment opportunities within the county. Craven County's income production is steadily improving. Since 1979, the county's number of people living below the poverty level has decreased significantly. Table 19 provides a comparison of 1979 and 1989 poverty status for the county and North Carolina. I� 1 L I-33 1 1 Table 19 Craven County and North Carolina Poverty Status 1979 and 1989 ' 1979 1989 No. Percent No. Percent Craven County 12,318 18.5% 10,585 13.6% North Carolina 870,301 14.8% 829,858 13.0% ' Source: 1990 U. S. Census. In 1989, the county had only a slightly higher percentage of its population living in poverty than did the state as a whole. Also, the county's total of persons below poverty decreased by 1,733 persons, or 14%. ' Craven County continues to trail the state in overall income levels. In 1989, the county's mean household income was $30,811, while that of the state was $33,242. However, the county's mean household income had risen significantly since 1979 when it was $15,921. Normally, per capita income is considered a better indicator of an area's income producing capability or strength. Table 20 provides a comparison of North Carolina and Craven County per capita income. Table 20 North Carolina, Craven County Per Capita Income - 1990 - 1992 Craven Counry's Craven County North Carolina % of N. C. ' 1990 $14,217 $16,284 87% 1991 $14,914 $16,802 88% 1992 $16,059 $17,863 90% Source: N.C. State Data Center. ' From 1990 to 1992, the gap between Craven County per capita income level and that of the state narrowed slightly. In addition, the county's per capita income increased by $1,842, ' an increase of 13.0%. u 1 I-34 3. EDUCATION Craven County ranks ahead of the state as a whole in terms of secondary school educational attainment. Table 21 provides a summary of the 1990 state and county educational attainment. Table 21 Craven County - North Carolina, 1990 Educational Attainment, 18 Years of Age or Older Craven County North Carolina Total % Total % Less than 9th grade 4,968 8.4% 539,974 12.7% 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 8,828 14.6 % 737,773 17.4 % High school graduate 20,220 34.0 % 1,232,868 29.0 % Some college, no degree 13,817 23.4% 713,713 16.8% Associate degree 3,899 6.6 % 290,117 6.8 % Bachelor's degree 5,585 9.4% 510,003 12.0% Graduate or professional degree 2,097 3.6% 229,046 5.3% Total 59,414 100.0% 4,253,494 100.0% Source: 1990 U. S. Census. Approximately 34 % of the Craven County population 18 years of age or older in 1990 had graduated from high school as compared to 29 % for the state. Over 23 % of those over 18 years old had some college but no degree, while in the entire state only 16.8 % had some college training but no degree. In college degree attainment, the county trailed the state. In 1990, 19.6% of the county's population held college degrees. Within the state as a whole, 24.1 % of the population held college degrees. 1 1 I-35 u 4. TOURISM Tourism has historically been a strong contributor to the Craven County economy. In particular, tourism contribution to the county's economy sharply increased during the 1980s. Table 22 provides a summary of Craven County tourism income from 1981 to 1993. Table 22 Craven County Tourism Income, 1981-1993 Year Expenditures ($1,000,000) 1981 21.99 1982 19.41 1983 26.10 1984 26.16 1985 29.21 1986 30.01 1987 40.00 1988 41.14 1989* 46.66 1990 42.62 1991 46.47 1992 48.46 1993 52.47 *Model Change. Source: Department of Commerce, Division of Travel and Tourism. Over the eight year period, 1981 to 1988, tourism income increased by over 87%. Following 1988, the Division of Travel and Tourism changed the economic model which it was utilizing°to determine tourism income. Thus, it is difficult, if not impossible, to compare 1989- 1992 data with 1981-1988 data. However, over the four year period, 1989 to 1993, tourism income increased 13 %. From this trend it is clear that tourism continues to be a major factor in the county's economy. 5. COMMERCIAL FISHING Through the 1980s, commercial fishing has contributed to the Craven County economy. The county consistently ranked 14th to 16th in the state in annual total catch in pounds. Both poundage and dockside value have fluctuated greatly from year to year. No discernible trend in the industry has been established. Table 23 provides a summary of the commercial fishing activity from 1981 to 1993. I-36 Table 23 Craven County Commercial Fishing Income, 1981-1993 Year Pounds Dockside (Total Catch) Dollar Value 1981 115,960 $ 33,127 1982 59,853 $101,171 1983 485,140 $268,372 1984 558,570 $204,978 1985 857,433 $342,586 1986 688,710 $218,442 1987 457,640 $163,260 1988 644,442 $209, 919 1989 271,090 $123,679 1990 345,500 $121,045 1991 864,408 $325,093 1992 597,943 $293,949 1993 581,414 $311,401 Source: N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries Value and poundage appeared to be declining in the late 1980s. However, 1991 had the largest catch recorded since 1985. Commercial fishing is expected to continue at a modest level in Craven County. Water quality in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound will be a primary determinant of Craven County's commercial fishing production. 6. MANUFACTURING Manufacturing is an increasingly important contributor to Craven County's economy. Strong industrial recruitment efforts have resulted in the growth of industrial job opportunities. Table 24 provides a summary of the industries located in Craven County in 1995. Some of the industries are located outside of the county's planning jurisdiction in municipalities or extraterritorial jurisdiction areas. While not within the county's planning jurisdiction, the industries do contribute to the county's tax base and jobs inventory. Table 24 1995 Craven County Industries Industry Product Damco, Inc. Metal fabricating Encee Chemical Sales, Inc. Organic agents and compounds Phillips Plating Company Electroplating NADEP Aircraft engine parts Warmack Lumber Co., Inc. Logging & softwood lumber World Wood Corporation Kiln dried lumber & millwork Employees 10-19 20-49 20-49 1,000-4,999 10-19 50-99 7 1 A I-37 fI 1 Industry Havelock Sign Shop Jasper Textiles, Inc. Print Shop R. A. Precision, Inc. Amital Spinning Corporation Anderson, Gerald Logging Co., Inc. Atlantic Ice Company Barbour Boat Works Bengel, R.E. Sheet Metal Co. Berne Brass Works Custom Marine Fabrication, Inc. Dunn, Owen G. Co., Inc. Gaskins, W. J. & Sons, Inc. Hatteras Yachts Div. Genmar Industries Hudson Manufacturing Co. Maola Milk and Ice Cream Co., Inc. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. Matthews Boats Metts Garment Co. Moen, Inc. Monte Printing Co. New Bern Garment Co., Inc. New Bern Quarry, Inc. Print Shop of New Bern Riggs & Son Grain Mill Royster-Clark, Inc. Div. Martin Marietta Corp. S-B Power Tool Company Shopper, The Sun Journal, Inc. Div. Freedom Newspapers Tarmac Mid -Atlantic, Inc. Product Employees Signs 1-4 Men's and boy's knit shirts 100-249 Commercial printing 1-4 High tech mechanical components 250-499 Acrylic yarn 250-499 Logging 10-19 Ice 1-4 Welding, metal fabricating & boat 50-99 repair Sheet metal fabrication 20-49 Brass refinishing 1-4 Marine fabrication 10-19 Printing 10-19 Pulpwood and logs 10-19 Luxury yachts 500-999 Men's & women's clothing 100-249 Ice cream and milk 100-249 Crushed stone 10-19 Boats and boat repairing 1-4 Women's sportswear 50-99 Plumbing fixtures 500-999 Commercial printer 10-19 Children's knit sportswear 20-49 Crushed stone 2049 Commercial printing 1-4 Feed & seed 1-4 Fertilizer blending 10-19 Power tools 250-499 Newspaper publishing 50-99 Newspaper publishing 50-99 Concrete block 5-9 1� I-38 ' Industry Product Employees Tredegar Film Products Polyethylene film 50-99 ' Twin Rivers Printing Co. Printing 5-9 Uptown Cabinets Wooden kitchen cabinets 5-9 ' Urethane Innovators, Inc. Urethane rollers & replacement 5-9 parts West New Bern Tool & Saw Saw blade sharpening 1-4 ' ARR-MAZ Products Specialty asphalt chemicals 5-9 Edelmann Windshield wipers 50-99 ' Div. Stant Corp. Weyerhauser Co. Wood pulp 500-999 , Source: 1995 North Carolina Directory of Manufacturing Firms. Diversity is the strength of Craven County's industrial base. This diversity has helped ' Craven County maintain strong economic growth during the late 1980s and early 1990s. As industrial recruitment efforts continue, the county's industrial base is expected to expand. The ' county is pro -business and very supportive of industrial development. 7. MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT ' The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point generates a considerable amount of economic influence in the quad -county (Carteret, Craven, Jones, and Pamlico) region as well as the State ' of North Carolina. The total amount spent in the quad -county region in 1994 was $507,036,300. The projected amount for the fiscal year 1995 in the quad -county region is expected to decrease to $487,273,300. The projected amount to be spent in Craven County during fiscal year 1995 , is $372,326,700, which is 76% of the total spent in the quad -county. Table 25 is a summary of the economic impact of MCAS Cherry Point to Craven County, the quad -county region and the state. ' Table 25 Economic Impact Summary MCAS Cherry Point, NC Total Spent Total Spent ' 1994 Impact' in NC Quad -County SALARIES Military $258,515,300 $252,957,200 ' Civilian Appropriated 204,197,500 186,723,200 Nonappropriated 6,754,900 6,493,400 ' PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING 89,937,500 32,428,100 ' I-39 Table 25 (continued) Total Spent Total Spent 1994 Impact' in NC Quad -County CONSTRUCTION/ MAINTENANCE/SERVICE 17,900,000 7,191,000 ELECTRIC/TELEPHONE 15,056,800 14,750,000 TRAVEL (Administrative/Training) 127,200 -0- TRAINING 893,100 839,800 FEDERAL SCHOOL FUNDS 2,283,200 2,202,000 HEALTH AND MEDICAL Civilian Health & Medical 5,310,800 2,284,200 Program of the Uniform Services (CHAMPUS) Active Duty Inpatient Care 220,300 212,700 in Civilian Hospitals Supplemental Care 261,900 235,700 COMBINED FEDERAL 121,100 110,700 CAMPAIGN NAVY/MARINE CORPS 620,100 607,700 RELIEF SOCIETY PROJECT EQUAL 600 600 TOTAL $602,200,300 $507,036,300 Total Total Spent Total Spent Total Spent 1995 Project Economic Impact2 Expenditures in NC Craven County Quad -County SALARIES Military Civilian Appropriated Nonappropriated PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING CONSTRUCTION/ MAINTENANCE/SERVICE ELECTRIC TELEPHONE TRAVEL (Administrative/Training) TRAINING FEDERAL SCHOOL FUNDS $220,616,300 $220,616,300 250,696,900 250,696,900 139,905,300 47,159,800 43,637,000 22,161,000 $195,664,600 $212,453,500 138,008,600 222,128,200 6,402,000 17,537,600 19,853,300 2,094,700 6,001,600 13,885,200 13,885,200 13,329,800 650,000 290,700 -0- 11,574,300 115,700 -0- 2,319,800 1,126,800 992,200 2,535,400 2,535,400 1,975,000 13,885,200 -0- -0- 1,019,500 2,207,500 I-40 Table 25 (continued) 1 Total Total Spent Total Spent Total Spent 1995 Project Economic Impace Expenditures in NC Craven County Quad -County HEALTH AND MEDICAL Civilian Health & Medical Program of the Uniform Services (CHAMPUS) Active Duty Inpatient Care in Civilian,Hospitals Supplemental Care COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN NAVY/MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY PROJECT EQUAL TOTAL 4,116,700 3,595,400 1,700,600 2,253,800 , 237,100 237,100 152,200 184,900 ' 357,900 357,900 288,400 293,400 ' 281,400 72,300 28,000 47,100 554,600 554,600 554,600 543,500 ' 400 400 400 400 $691,368,300 $563,405,500 $372,326,700 $487,273,300 Source: ' 1994 Economic Impact, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Z Office of Community Plans and Liaison, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The air station's largest contribution to the local economy is from wages paid to its civilian and military personnel. In fiscal year 1994, the gross pay for military personnel and civilian employees in the quad -county region was $252,957,200. The projected 1995 pay for salaries in Craven County is $195,664,600. 8. AGRICULTURE During the 1980's, Craven County did not rank in the top ten North Carolina counties in crop production in any category. However, agriculture is an extremely important part of Craven County's economy. From 1985 to 1987, the county's crop production income showed a substantial increase rising from an annual total of $22,514,537 to $35,475,275. There was a slight decrease in 1988. During the period from 1989 to 1993, the annual total showed a considerable rise from $38,524,990 to $46,867,097. The largest 1993 income producing commodities were: 1) tobacco, 2) farm forestry, 3) cotton, and 4) soybeans. Table 26 provides a summary of Craven County farm income from 1985 to 1993. I-41 M� ors M M M M � m� m M M ■pis M .m M M r ,�ZI]37lu li'1 Tobacco Flue Cured Cotton Peanuts Corn Soybeans Other Grain Potatoes Fruits & Vegetables Greenhouse & Nursery Hay & Other Crops Farm Forestry Total Crop Income Hogs Cattle Milk Poultry & Eggs Total Livestock Total Farm Income Government Payments Total Farm Income & Govt. Payments Table 26 Craven County Farm Income 1985-1993 1985 1986 1987 $12,601,855 $11,504,065 $12,986,203 0* 0* 0* 34,363 0* 0* 2,485,035 3,921,960 3,296,132 1,548,424 3,637,500 3,777,816 276,545 259,799 346,444 13,400 39,925 131,820 299,070 331,815 561,252 287,000 670,000 800,000 5,200 5,200 5,394 4,963,645 4,721,846 13,570,213 $22,514,537 $25,092,110 $35,475,275 $8,045,340 $12,502,912 $12,860,016 312,116 338,107 465,370 433,620 371,437 271,950 1,761,735 1,664,137 1,394,546 10 552 811 14 876 593 14 991 882 $33,067,348 $39,968,703 $50,467,157 422,472 1,199,098 2,228,664 1988 1989 1990 $14,106,351 $16,031,643 $18,418,925 0* 0* 1,687,972 0* 0* 0* 3,072,688 3,670,810 3,417,414 3,496,666 3,953,730 3,442,152 486,737 1,055,886 539,998 0 246,500 203,500 257,097 997,575 1,105,684 821,000 160,000 625,000 0 124,740 94,500 12,284,106 12,284,106* 12,284,106* $34,524,645 $38,524,990 $41,819,251 $8,446,979 $9,042,383 $12,027,530 500,028 500,028 528,450 269,560 269,560 0** 1.430.825 1.430.825 0** $1Q647, 992 $11,242,796 $12,555,980 $45,172,037 $49,767,786 $54,375,231 989,169 1,198,566 1,201.050 1991 1992 1993 $17,029,009 $18,033,934 18,387,495 5,974,590 4,972,010 5,312,273 0* 0** 0** 3,589,326 3,579,440 2,545,900 3,475,920 3,299,292 2,693,850 393,532 540,404 601,325 15,200 73,680 132,300 1,237,977 939,932 820,421 615,000 640,000 678,600 113,400 94,500 128,375 12,285,106* 14,737,873 15,566,558 $44,729,060 $46,911,065 $46,867,097 $9,902,812 $10,887,293 $13,148,048 528,450 741,630 263,900 0** 161,700 157,300 0** 0** 0** $1Q431,262 $11,790,623 13 569 248 $55,160,322 $58,701,688 $60,436,345 316,774 1,135,389 1,216,707 $33,489,820 $41,167,801 $52,695,821 $46,161,206 $50,966,352 $55,576,281 $55,477,096 $59,837,077 $61,653,052 Source: N. C. Cooperative Extension Service * Based on County Extension Agent estimate, no apparent significant change occurred. ** Counties may not show sales to avoid individual disclosures. I-42 While significantly trailing crop income, livestock income production has made a substantial contribution to the county's economy. Annual production has fluctuated from 1985 to 1993, ranging from a low of $10,431,262 in 1991 to a high of $14, 991, 882 in 1987. Generally, livestock production annually accounts for approximately 20 % to 30 % of the county's total farm income. By far the most important livestock commodity is hogs. Normally, hog production accounts for over 80 % of the county's total annual livestock income production. From 1985 to 1993, total farm income, exclusive of government payments, rose by 83 % from $33,067,348 to $60,436,345. While many areas of the county are developing, the county ' is expected to continue to be predominantly rural in terms of overall land use throughout the 1990s. Farm income should continue to be a significant contribution to the county's economy. 9. COMMERCIAL FORESTRY Commercial or non -farm forestry production is increasingly important to the Craven County economy. Table 27 provides a summary of the growth in commercial forestry income from 1985 to 1993. Table 27 Non-farm/Commercial Forest Income Production 1985 to 1993 Year Amount 1985 1986 3,309,097 3,147,898 1987 7,615,396 1988 4,526,152 r 1989 5,263,605 1990 5,263,605 1991 5,263,605 1992 4,417,761 1993 4,713,866 Source: N. C. Cooperative Extension Service I While the annual income has fluctuated from year to year, commercial forestry income increased by 59 % from 1986 to 1991. Forestry production is for both pulpwood and lumber. Because of the county's vast forest areas and substantial areas that are not suitable for development as agriculture, commercial forestry is expected to continue to be an important income producer. 10. CRAVEN COUNTY FINANCIAL CONDITION Craven County is fiscally sound and well managed. The stability of the county's government helps maintain an environment which is conducive to economic growth. In addition, local government revenues, primarily from property taxes are an indicator of economic growth. I-43 1 1 1 I 0 The county's 1985 total assessed tax value was $1,113,183,054. The tax rate was $0.80 per $100 of assessed value. In 1992, the assessed tax value had risen to $2,514,229,128, an increase of 126%. The 1992 tax rate was $0.6569 per $100 of assessed value. In 1994, the assessed tax value increased 17%, to a total of $2,943,438,745. The 1994 tax rate was $0.66 per $100 of assessed value. In the fall of 1992, the county applied for a bond rating for the purpose of issuing bonds for the construction of school facilities. Craven County received an Al rating from Moody. This extremely high rating is a further indicator of the stability of the county's government. 11. SUMMARY - ECONOMY The following provides a summary of the most significant economic trends in Craven County during the last five years: Craven County has a diverse, stable, and expanding economy. The Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station is the single most important contributor to the county's economy. In 1990, 19 % of the county's employed work force was employed by the military. $344.9 million was paid in 1994 for military personnel and civilian employees of Cherry Point. Retail trade constitutes the county's largest single employment category. From 1979 to 1989, the percentage of the county's people living in poverty decreased by 14 % . During the 1980's, both the county's mean household income and per capita income rose significantly. Tourism is an increasingly significant contributor to Craven County's economy. Successful Craven County industrial recruitment efforts have resulted in an increase in the county's industrial firms and jobs during the 1980's. Farm production is expected to continue to be a substantial contributor to the county's economy. I-44 D. EXISTING LAND USE 1. INTRODUCTION The majority of Craven County's total land area of 502,300 acres is forested. Much of the forestland is unsuited for either development or crop production. However, there has been a steady conversion of forestland to crop production and development. Craven County's primary urban areas are located in Township 8, which includes the municipalities of New Bern/Trent Woods/River Bend, and Township 6, which includes the Town of Havelock and the Cherry Point Marine Air Corps Station. The U.S. 70 corridor in Township 7 between New Bern and Havelock is the third most urbanized area. These general land use patterns have existed in the county for the past thirty years. The general existing land use patterns are shown on Map 3, Existing Land Use. There is no detailed land use acreage data available for Craven County. Past data has relied on information provided by the 1981 publication Profile of North Carolina Counties, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and estimates provided by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. Table 28 provides detailed land use information for 1989 and 1995. Table 28 Major Land Uses in Craven County, 1989 and 1995 Category 1989 Acres % of Total 1995 Acres % of Total Land 459, 900 A 91.6 % 459, 900 A 91.6 % - Farms 74,500 E 14.8 % 72,181 B 14.4 % 1 - Urban & Built-up' 34'000 E 6.8% 37,260 E 7.4% - Forestland - Parks (state, federal, local)2 280,706 E 63,694 F 56.0% 12.7% 279'000 ° 63,694 F 55.5% 12.7% - Right-of-way 7,000E 1.4% 7,765 c 1.5 % Water 42,400 8.4 % 42,400 8.4 % , Total 502,300 502,300 ' Includes Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station (13,164 acres). 2 Includes Croatan National Forest. Sources: A U.S. Soil Conservation Service; B USDA Consolidated Farm Services Agency; I Craven County Mapping Department; ° N.C. Forest Service; E Estimates from Holland Consulting Planners, Inc.; F Statistical Abstract of NC Counties. , Trends in growth and development cannot be determined for the six -year period (1989- 1995) due to the fact that the data were provided by a variety of sources and estimates. I-45 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART 'THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT\ NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \ f -- . t f.7t 14" 41 1.64 419 1148 ..to,• , NN a •qq q 141 ,14 ifii I , ,t •� •^,ft7t _r f n ' ttt C0V /�tt. � IZ l:tu.. . {Ttt l,1l1,0t1G DOI-Ea _------- JONES •..... SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY �. ==1 la HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE �a U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER �+++ RAILROAD --- — COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON BEAUFORT cOtmTY AGRICULTURAL OR FORESTED CONM4ERCIAL DREST c SCALE I 01 2 J a MLES CggTE��T i COVNTY 11 7 1701'f701 i CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina MAP 3, EXISTING LAND USE 1995 I-46 1 2. KEY LAND USE ISSUES IDuring the development of this land use plan, the following key land use issues must be addressed: 1 I • Development of "404" wetland areas. • Expansion of central water and sewer areas. • Increasing traffic congestion, in particular along the U.S. 70 corridor. • Continued support of economic/industrial development. • Zoning in the U.S. 70 New Bern to Havelock corridor in the vicinity of the Craven County Regional Airport. • Development of a regional solid waste disposal facility (refer to Development Constraints: Public Facilities, Solid Waste Disposal). • Support of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport. • Intergovernmental cooperation, coordination, and planning. • Construction of the new Neuse River Bridge. • Expansion of county -wide recreational opportunities. • Reduction of the county's number of substandard dwelling units. If the full Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station expansion occurs, approximately 14,400 additional people could be residing in Craven County. If this occurs, the impact of this population influx will result in additional land use issues which will include, but not necessarily be limited to the following: • Land use/AICUZ noise impact from military aircraft operations • Regional economic impact -- short and long term • Regional local government costs to support growth • Housing -- availability/cost of existing housing stock • Construction of new government housing • Recreation • Airspace -- training routes, capacity of existing restricted areas • Medical/emergency services • Transportation -- traffic, public transportation, bike/pedestrian traffic • Air quality • Infrastructure demand: electricity, water, wastewater, solid waste, stormwater • New outlying landing field site(s) I-47 • Range utilization • Educational facilities • Child care facilities 3. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE Since 1993, substantial residential development has occurred. From 1987 to 1992, a total of 141 subdivisions containing 2,074 residential lots were approved for development. Map 4 provides the location of all major subdivisions which were approved by the county from 1993 to 1994. During that period, a total of 43 subdivisions containing 340 residential lots were approved for development. Appendix I provides the name, location, number of lots, and date of approval for each subdivision. These subdivisions ranged in size from one lot to 60 lots. Major subdivisions are those which require guarantees for improvements. The greatest concentration of new residential lots was in Township 5, where five , residential subdivisions containing a total of 97 lots were approved. However, Township 1 had the highest number of new subdivisions approved. There were 13 residential subdivisions with a total of 50 approved lots in this township. However, from 1987 to 1994, 43 or 20% of the county's approved subdivisions were located in Township 7. The large number of lots approved for subdivision from 1987 to 1993 greatly exceeded the demand for residential construction. It is believed that many developers sought subdivision approval prior to the increased enforcement of state and federal land use related regulations, such as the 404 wetlands legislation. The rate of submittals for subdivision approval declined slightly during 1993 and 1994. Craven County does not have a county -wide zoning ordinance to regulate the location of land uses. There is a zoning ordinance affecting an area east of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. However, its principal purpose is sound attenuation and not land use control. Because of the lack of land use regulation, many residential areas are intermixed with non- residential land uses. The potential for conflicting land uses is great. The county is vigorously developing a county -wide water system. Because of poor soil conditions, both residential and non-residential land uses will increasingly locate in areas which have water service. Thus, problems resulting from conflicting land uses may be expected to increase. The potential expansion of the Marine Corps Air Station will intensify the problems resulting from conflicting land uses. Much of the residential development in the western portion of Township 7 is near the Craven County Regional Airport. As the airport's usage increases, conflicts with residential development may occur. In 1995, the county considered the adoption of a Craven County Regional Airport Height Control Ordinance. When adopted, this ordinance will be used to regulate the height of buildings within the airport vicinity. I-48 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEM0 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. A'be++tt i �A .;. oo� ! • .a D 0 u /na. 0 • W--- uj •aaT... .,wna JONES •�•••� LEGEND SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DMDED HIGHWAY =1 PC= HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE 70 U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER +I+rl+++u RAILROAD ---•—. COUNTY LINE —----- CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION ' 1-----r—i EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BEAUFORT t"TT MASL NATIONAL GRUNT L�" J CggT.tREr FOREST , ✓'•.�o"' 1 0,, c SCALE 1 0 1 2 1 ♦ MILES CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina LOCATIONS OF MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS: 1993-1994 MAP 4 I-49 BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON r I u Multi -family residential land use is significant. As cited in the housing section, in 1990 there were 4,638 multi -family units located in the county. It is estimated that these units occupied approximately 310 acres. Most of the multi -family units are located in Townships 7 and 8. However, without zoning, it is difficult to track or control the locations of multi -family units. Mobile homes are also an important residential land use. The county enforces a mobile home park ordinance which controls the design and construction of mobile home parks but does not regulate location. It is estimated that in 1994 there were approximately 73 mobile home parks in the county containing approximately 6,857 mobile homes. Most of the mobile home parks are located in Townships 6, 7, 8, and 9. 4. COMMERCIAL LAND USES The majority of the county's commercial land uses continue to be located within New Bern and Havelock or their extraterritorial jurisdiction areas. However, during the 1980s and early 1990s, especially 1988-1995, substantial commercial development has occurred along U.S. 70 between New Bern and Havelock. Most of this development has been strip commercialization occurring in a narrow corridor along the highway. A second major area of commercial development has been along U.S. 17 south of New Bern. This development has also been strip -type development, tieing in a narrow corridor along the highway and stretching several miles south of New Bern. Expansion of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will accelerate this growth. As in most rural counties, there are small variety and grocery stores scattered throughout the county at crossroads and along both major highways and secondary roads. These scattered commercial uses have normally not been a problem and provide retail services to a scattered rural population. However, it is expected that the number of these scattered retail stores will decrease as urbanization continues in Townships 6, 7 and 8 and the southeastern area of Township 2. 5. INDUSTRIAL LAND USE The principal industrial land use in Craven County is the Craven County Industrial Park which is located adjacent to the U.S. 70/S.R. 1225 interchange. The park was constructed in 1980 and contains 519 acres and 27 parcels. A total of ten parcels have been developed, leaving 17 for future industrial usage. Excellent utilities are provided to the park. Water service is furnished by a 16-inch line. There are two elevated water storage tanks: one with 200,000 gallon capacity, and a second with 250,000 gallon capacity. Sewer service is provided by 8-inch lines. The county contracts with the City of New Bern to provide sewer treatment. The contract provides for a 100,000 gallon per day park capacity. Currently there is a 40,000 gallon surplus capacity available to the park. The county has the option to negotiate additional sewer capacity if needed. In 1992, the city had a 500,000 gallon per day excess capacity. Electric service is provided by 23,000 kilowatt underground service. As industrial growth continues, the county will need to expand the Craven County Industrial Park or pursue development of an additional park(s). In 1992, the Moen Plant, which is located in the Craven County Industrial Park, undertook a 75,000 square foot expansion. In addition, Chadsworth occupied the industrial park's vacant Mack Truck building in 1993. I-50 Craven County owns a second industrial park, which is located within Havelock. This is an 80-acre site, with only four developed areas. No new development has taken place in the park since 1992. The largest single industrial land use in Craven County is the Weyerhauser Company plant located on N.C. 43 at the Neuse River in the southeastern area of Township 1. The plant produces bleached kraft pulp. As a result of the plant's production, there is tremendous logging truck traffic throughout the county, especially on N.C. 43. The Weyerhauser plant is situated in an isolated location. The company has been a "good neighbor" and an extremely important part of the county's industrial base. The county's remaining industrial uses are primarily located in New Bern, Havelock, and Vanceboro. The lack of a county sewer system will be a hindrance to major industrial development outside of urbanized areas or the Craven County Industrial Park. In addition, poor soil conditions will restrict the choices available for the location of new industries in the county. 6. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USES Institutional land uses normally include government land uses, churches, cemeteries, civic uses, clubs, and health services. Most of the major institutional land uses in Craven County are located within the municipalities and their extraterritorial areas. Within the county, the major institutional land use is the Croatan National Forest which contains 157,000 acres. The forest contains approximately 40 miles of streams and 4,300 acres of undeveloped lakes. The county does not own any significant recreational sites or parks. There are 21 school sites scattered throughout the county. The school locations are provided on Map 5. I F 1 I-51 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF s 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE I OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \ _ l :N4 147f I I I I 11 11 D[A10097 c"TT qN4f ••N" .1w. r.7t It77'.,,•'• It44 ` Nt law; •�� t I41t VANCEB R � fyti lin .w 14,t �•tt! 1, l0 Q\ ita! •%I4a7 r4N 14N a^ r .tt ••• i7 11M lost aso al. q •t/—�C/I: ••INN••• �.• I4w •lf I- •4t • Nor :r I44r 14M rn�„ 17 Ln M7 : N1 14t0 N4f . It7aI • ' �:�OVER _._.._.�_ Ia•� JONES A ••--•--• SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD ---' DIVIDED HIGHWAY �1 IC HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE �o U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER +I+H+++++ RAILROAD ----- COUNTY LINE CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION r----�� EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE I_= LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON IrY COUNTY 1001 `` Ia7r. Tarr, .itN Gas K! Iii1• KI �/ Is. j �•:iir•1 Kr. .:���, qM r4•r • M Jv .• 1 I. IY•4 r14! 1 �•.. • �� NYC • ••'I71t I ••Kr• rrr�• \ Y.• Kn ••f1 r � "' Ial1 � rw Tau •N7 1 r A i_OCATiON OF CRAVEN COUNTY SCHOOLS 1. ROGER R. BELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2. HAVELOCK HIGH SCHOOL 3.. HAVELOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL 4. HAVELOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 5. GRAHAM A. BARDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 6. ARTHUR W. EDWARDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 7. W. JESSE GURGANUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8. BRINSON MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 9. BRIDGETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10. OAKS ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 11. J. T. BARBER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 12. GROVER C. FIELDS MIDDLE SCHOOL 13. TRENT PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 14. H. J. MacDONALD MIDDLE SCHOOL 15. BANCERT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 16.. NEW BERN HIGH SCHOOL 17. BEN D. QUINN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 18. VANCEBORO-FARM LIFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 19. WEST CRAVEN HIGH SCHOOL 20. WEST CRAVEN \MIDDLE SCHOOL 21. JAMES W. SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RM BERN RIVER lI NAkIco i l NEUSE 7I1I ,� • to .1, 'M CgRJ fpe` / CO`NYY •nw�`� . riei• O] nit � /• nr •� CROATAN CITY 0 •�•ti•` } r '` �' / 44` NAVELOC• t�/' NATIONAL ''�• �' c 4,c: °°yj�I ; .';•:' CRAVEN COUNTY I lb { No rth Carolina 1,\ FOREST Ile LOVa SCHOOL SITES SCALE MAP 5 1 0 1 2 S 4 MILES I-52 d A F1 1 U n 7. TRANSPORTATION The draft of the 1992 Craven County Thoroughfare Plan prepared by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Statewide Planning Branch provides the following description of the Craven County transportation system. "Craven County is crossed by two major US routes. U.S. 70 is an east -west route which passes through Havelock and New Bern on its way from the Piedmont Region to the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. 17 is the only major north -south route in Craven County. It enters Craven County south of New Bern, travels north by northwest, and exits into Beaufort County after passing through Vanceboro. Other significant highways in Craven County are N.C. 43, N.C. 55, N.C. 101, N.C. 118, and N.C. 306. A small section of N.C. 41 is also located in Craven County where N.C. 41 terminates at U.S. 70. The county is also served by a major railroad, Norfolk Southern Corporation. Also of interest is the Camp Lejeune Railroad, a federally owned railroad connection between Cherry Point Marine Air Station and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. No civilian transportation is served by these railroads. Commercial air service for the county is presently provided by Craven County Regional Airport. This facility has seen steady growth since the mid-1980s. This trend is expected to continue due to the population growth and stimulated economy. Also located in Craven County is Cherry Point Marine Air Station. It is located northeast of Havelock and is the largest air station of the United States Marine Corps." Several transportation -related issues face the county. Traffic congestion is increasing on U.S. 17 in the vicinity of New Bern and on the U.S. 70 corridor east of New Bern to Havelock. A major issue confronting the county is replacement of the U.S. 17 bridge crossing the Neuse River. Aircraft operations at both the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport have some adverse effects on nearby land uses, especially residential land use. The county views both the military and civilian airports as essential assets and has worked to impose land use controls designed to minimize conflicts between the airports and adjacent land uses. 8. EXISTING ORDINANCES AND LAND USE CONTROLS Craven County has maintained a "conservative" approach to land use planning and regulations. The county supports planning through a full-time planning staff and active planning board. However, minimal regulatory controls have been adopted. When possible, the county relies on state and federal regulations to guide development. County -wide land use related zoning and a minimum housing code have not been adopted. The local controls which are in place are managed by the Board of Commissioners with the advice of the planning board and county planning staff. I-53 The following provides a summary of the county's land use related codes and ordinances. I 1988 Craven County CAMA Land Use Plan I The 1988 Craven County Land Use Plan was prepared to satisfy the CAMA planning requirements set forth in 15A NCAC 7B. The plan established policies addressing the areas of resource protection, resource production and management, economic and community development, public participation, and storm hazard mitigation. The 1988 policies are summarized in the "Establishment of Information Base" section of this plan. The policies are supportive of the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards and do not exceed the state's minimum requirement. In addition to the establishment of policies, the 1988 plan assessed existing land use related issues and forecast trends through a ten-year planning period. Craven County Subdivision Ordinance r In 1989, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted an updated subdivision ■ ordinance to replace the ordinance adopted in 1982. The following defines the purpose of the ordinance: I "The purpose of this ordinance is to establish procedures and standards for the development and subdivision of land within the territorial jurisdiction of the County of Craven; to provide for the orderly growth and development of Craven County; for the coordination of streets and highways within proposed subdivisions with existing or planned streets and highways and with other public facilities; for the dedication or reservation of recreation areas serving residents of the immediate neighborhood within the subdivision and of rights -of -way or easements for street and utility purposes; and for the distribution of population and traffic in a manner that will avoid congestion and overcrowding and will create conditions essential to public health, safety, and the general welfare. This ordinance is designed to further facilitate adequate provision of water, sewerage, parks, schools, and playgrounds, and also to facilitate the further subdivision of I larger tracts into smaller parcels of land. " Mobile Home Parks Ordinance In 1978, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted a mobile home parks ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate and control the design and minimum standards of any new planned mobile home park in order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of the county. A developer is required to submit a plat prepared by a registered surveyor which meets minimum design standards defined by the ordinance. The mobile home park ordinance needs to be updated to be consistent with current state statutes and responsive to existing development issues. A revised ordinance was drafted in 1990 but was not adopted. , I-54 I I 1 Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance In 1989, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted the Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance's area of control is limited to an area east of the air station which is impacted by noise from aircraft operating out of the air station. Sound attenuation is the primary purpose of the ordinance. Construction standards are established to require that soundproofing measures be incorporated into new construction within the area regulated by the ordinance. N.C. State Building Code Chapter 4 of the Craven County Code provides regulatory authority for enforcement of the state building codes. The chapter is adopted pursuant to authority granted by Chapter 703 and N.C.G.S. Section 153A-134. Specifically, the chapter provides for the following: -- The location, design, materials, equipment, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, maintenance, moving, demolition, removal, use, and occupancy of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such building or structure; -- The installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of plumbing systems'consisting of house sewers, building drains, waste and vent systems, hot and cold water supply systems, and all fixtures and appurtenances thereof; -- The installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of mechanical systems consisting of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, fuel burning equipment, and appurtenances thereof; -- The installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of electrical systems and appurtenances thereof; -- The installation of insulation; -- The construction of fences; -- The location and use of satellite receiving dishes; -- The numbering of houses. Chapter 10 specifically adopts the following North Carolina State Codes: building, plumbing, heating and electrical. Inspection fees are established. 1 I-55 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance In 1987, Craven County adopted the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The ordinance has the following purpose and objectives: Purpose "It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to: (1) Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities; (2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction; (3) Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters; (4) Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase erosion or flood damage; and, (5) Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands. Objectives The objectives of this chapter are: (1) To protect human life and health; (2) To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; (3) To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public; (4) To minimize prolonged business interruptions; I-56 (5) To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in floodplains; (6) To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood prone areas in such a manner as to minimize flood blight areas; and, (7) To ensure that potential home buyers are notified that property is in a flood area." The county building inspector is designated as the administrator and penalties for violation of the regulations are established. The FEMA flood insurance program is in effect throughout the county. Hurricane Evacuation, Hazard Mitigation. and Post -Disaster Reconstruction Plan, 1984 This document was prepared with funding from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management. The purpose of the study was to assess the risk factors affecting the county in the event of a hurricane or other major storm. Policies designed to lessen the damaging effects of such a storm were adopted. Evacuation and rebuilding procedures are included. ISeptic Tank Regulations The county's septic tank regulations are administrated by the County Health Department. ICraven County Recreation Plan In 1982, a county -wide recreation plan was prepared and adopted. The plan was updated in 1987 concurrent with the preparation of the 1988 land use plan. Recommendations for county -wide recreation programs and facilities needs are provided. 1987 Craven County Estuarine Shoreline and Beach Access Plan In 1987, the Craven County Board of Commissioners adopted a shoreline and beach access plan. The document defines shoreline access needs based on recommended state standards. As of 1992, the plan's recommendations had not been implemented. Minor CAMA Development Permits INo construction shall be permitted which requires a Minor Development Permit in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 113A-118 until the county has issued a Minor Development Permit in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 or Chapter 113A of the North Carolina General Statutes, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The county's building inspector issues minor permits. F1 1 I-57 N.C.G.S. 113A-118 defines a "minor development" (minor permit required) as any development other than a "major development" (major permit required). A "major development" is defined as follows: "A major development is any development which requires permission, licensing, approval, certification or authorization in any form from the Environmental Management Commission, the Department of Human Resources, the State Department of Economic and Community Development, the State Department of Administration, the North Carolina Mining Commission, the North Carolina Pesticides Board, the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Board, or any federal agency or authority; or which occupies a land or water area in excess of 20 acres; or which contemplates drilling for or excavating natural resources on land or under water; or which occupies on a single parcel a structure or structures in excess of a ground area of 60,000 square feet." Water and Sewer Policies Craven County aggressively pursues the policy that central water service should be provided to all areas of the county as funds become available. Central sewer service is normally not available outside of the municipal service areas. However, the county encourages developers to construct small individual systems which may eventually be tied together. Water and sewer districts are established by the county code. Those districts provide operational authority for the provision of both water and sewer service. Each district operates independent of Craven County management. Transportation Improvement Program 1993-1999 The N.C. Department of Transportation prepares and annually updates a 10-year schedule of highway and road improvements. The program includes major improvements which will have an impact on Craven County. Most notable of the improvements are a new bridge crossing the Neuse River at New Bern and a new route for U.S. 17 which will bypass New Bern. 9. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 1988 LAND USE PLAN AND POLICIES The county 1993 CAMA Land Use Plan was certified on January 28, 1994, by the Coastal Resources Commission. When the preparation of this plan began, the 1993 plan policies had been in effect for only nine months. Thus, it is impossible to assess at this early date the effectiveness of the 1993 policies. The 1993 plan included the following assessment of the 1988 Land Use Plan policies: "The policies included in the 1988 land use plan supported enforcement of the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards. However, most of the policies I-58 were generally worded and not specifically linked to the state's minimum use g Y P Y standards. From 1988 to 1992, questions frequently arose concerning the county's q q Y position on the following issues: -- Marina permitting and construction. 404 wetlands regulation. Minimum housing code enforcement. -- Mobile home park regulation. == County -wide zoning. Planned unit development construction. The 1988 plan has effectively supported the state's minimum use standards. During the preparation of this update, the county endeavored to specifically address the issues cited above and to clearly link the policy statements to the appropriate regulatory authority." The policies included in the 1993 Land Use Plan provided clarification of the county's position on those issues which were questioned in the 1988 Land Use Plan. In addition, the 1993 Land Use Plan policies support but do not exceed the requirements of the 15A NCAC 7H minimum use standards for Areas of Environmental Concern. E. LAND AND WATER USE COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS 1. GENERAL DISCUSSION Craven County is experiencing some significant land use compatibility problems. These problems have intensified during the past seven years and are expected to continue to be issues throughout the planning period. This section will discuss only the land use -related issues. Craven County's water resources are discussed in detail in the development constraints chapter of the plan. The following summarizes the major land use compatibility issues in Craven County: ® Most of the developed and developing areas within Craven County are not served by a central sewer system. • Much of the county's residential development is occurring along the Trent and Neuse Rivers, in or near estuarine shoreline areas. • Strip commercialization is occurring along U. S. 70 between Havelock and New Bern. This would be further encouraged by the expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. • "404" wetlands areas and associated federal regulations present obstacles to development and both agricultural and forestry land uses. 1 I-59 • There is increasing pressure for marina development, especially in the New Bern area. • Growth and development have resulted in heavy burdens on the county's road system. There is a critical need for new high-rise Neuse River and Trent River bridges at New Bern, and a New Bern by-pass for U. S. 17. • Compatibility problems between the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport with adjacent land uses have increased during the 1980s. Both facilities are significant county assets. While the impacts on adjacent development for aircraft operations should be minimized to the extent possible, the long-range operational viability of both facilities must be preserved. • Except for the Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance, county zoning has not been adopted to regulate development. • Soil limitations throughout much of the county present severe obstacles to development. • While Craven County has actively supported housing improvement programs, a significant amount of substandard housing continues to exist. The county has not had a minimum housing code to aid in the elimination of substandard housing conditions. • The possible expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station may greatly increase development pressure within the county and increase the demands on county facilities and services. 2. UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT I As indicated in the existing land use analysis, 2,414 residential lots were approved for subdivision from 1987 to 1994. While all were approved under regulation of the county's subdivision ordinance, there were no controls in place to regulate density or location. Craven County is making substantial investments in infrastructure systems, in particular water and sewer service. As growth continues, regulations should be in place to aid in preventing "overloads" on infrastructure systems. A second significant unplanned development problem exists along U. S. 70 between New Bern and Havelock. During the 1980s, commercial development has accelerated in this corridor. Continued growth may be expected during the planning period. Without regulation, the U. S. 70 corridor may become one continuous strip of development, thereby greatly increasing traffic congestion on the county's primary east -west traffic artery. Expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station personnel may significantly increase the development pressure. A specific development plan should be developed in close coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. I-60 1 Major problems resulting from unplanned industrial development are not anticipated. The county has an aggressive and effective industrial recruitment program. Industrial growth/ development has been encouraged to locate in industrial parks or in other scattered sites having access to central water and/or sewer services. Through 1995, there were no significant land use compatibility problems between industrial and non -industrial land uses. Some problems resulting from unplanned development will continue to exist between the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport with adjacent land uses. The adoption in 1989 of the Marine Corps Air Station Zoning Ordinance has greatly reduced the potential for problems resulting from unplanned development. In 1995, the county adopted a Craven County Regional Airport Height Control Ordinance which will aid in regulating development in the vicinity of the airport and reduce violations of essential airspace. The 1988 land use plan cited the following unplanned development problem: "... another problem is that since more development is taking place near already developed areas in Townships 6, 7, and 8 (i.e., New Bern, River Bend, and Trent Woods), it is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish which governmental jurisdiction actually has the land development "problem." For example, land uses on U. S. Highway 17 south near New Bern could conceivably be within close proximity to the fringe areas of both Trent Woods and River Bend. With development, especially new residential development, taking place in the south Highway 17 area, it will become more crucial than ever for all four jurisdictions to work cooperatively in order to assure well managed and orderly growth. Thus, the question of appropriate regulatory jurisdiction has itself emerged as a problem from unplanned developments." This issue continues to exist. Intergovernmental cooperation and planning will become an even greater need during the 1990s. 3. CHANGES IN PREDOMINANT LAND USES During the last seven years, the greatest changes in land use have been residential subdivision development and commercial development between New Bern and Havelock. However, it should be noted that many of the subdivisions which were approved for development have not experienced any significant residential construction. This pattern of development is expected to continue throughout the planning period. Transportation improvements, discussed in detail in the public facilities needs section of this plan, could stimulate significant land use changes during the planning period. The two most significant improvements will be the construction of a U. S. 17 bypass west of New Bern, and a new Neuse River bridge. An increase in the area, provided central sewer service will stimulate land use changes. Areas not suitable for development because of soil limitations will become candidates for development. This will serve to disperse development away from the traditional areas in Townships 6, 7, and 8. However, sewer service area expansion is expected to occur gradually during the planning period. 4. SUMMARY This section is intended to highlight the land use issues and problems being experienced by Craven County. It is emphasized that this is only a summary. The plan must be read in its entirety to fully appreciate the complexity of the issues confronting Craven County. The policies included in this plan must address the following: • Development of "404" wetland areas. • Expansion of central water and sewer service areas. • Increasing traffic congestion, in particular along the U. S. 70 corridor. • Continued support of economic/industrial development. • Zoning of the New Bern to Havelock U.S. 70 corridor. • Development of a regional solid waste disposal facility. (Refer to Development Constraints: Public Facilities, Solid Waste Disposal.) • Support of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport. • Support of the expansion of the Cherry Point Naval Aviation Depot and the reassignment of F/A-18 jets from Cecil Field, Florida to Cherry Point. • Impacts resulting from the possible expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. • Intergovernmental cooperation, coordination, and planning. I-62 F. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY 1. TOPOGRAPHY/GEOLOGY AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES The Neuse and Trent Rivers drain into Craven County. The flow in both rivers and their tributaries is sluggish. Generally, the county slopes to the southeast. Elevations range from 63 feet above sea level at Dover to five feet above sea level in the marshes and floodplains located in the central and southeastern sections of the county. Approximately 88 % of the county is almost level, 11 % gently sloping, and 1 % sloping to moderately steep. The county's groundwater is plentiful. In most places, it is located near the surface, particularly in winter and early spring. Most inactive borrow pits contain water, and several large natural lakes exist in the southeastern area of the county. Thousands of feet of sedimentary deposits underlie the county. The upper portions of these deposits contain aquifers which supply the county's well water. The surficiali aquifer extends down from the water table to a maximum depth of about 60 feet. It is thicker in the southern areas of the county. In the early development of the county, this aquifer provided the main source of small domestic water supplies. However, the dependence on shallow wells has decreased because of low yield, high dissolved iron content and contamination. The Castle Hayne formation supplies most of the county's wells. This aquifer is thin near the Lenoir and Pitt County lines but ranges up to 700 feet thick along the Carteret County line. In the upper part of the aquifer, the water is generally hard with high dissolved oxygen content. In the lower portions of the aquifer, the water is low in iron but salty in some places, especially the southern areas of the county. The Black Creek formation and upper part of the Tuscaloosa formation near Cove City provide excellent water sources for both New Bern and the county. However, this aquifer is not utilized east of Cove City because of its depth and probable salt water content. 2. FLOOD HAZARD AREAS Flood Insurance Rate Maps were prepared for Craven County in June, 1991, by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 100-year flood serves as the base flood for the purpose of floodplain management. The 100-year flood line represents the level that water would reach or "rise to" during a flood that may be expected to occur on the average of once during a 100-year period. Thus, there is a 1 % chance of a 100-year flood occurring during any one year. 1 1 surficial: groundwaters which are at or just below the surface. 1 I-63 Pi Map 6 provides the approximate boundaries of the Craven County areas which would be inundated by a 100-year flood. These areas may also suffer some hazards resulting from storm generated waves. The 100-year flood zone generally extends inland to areas where the 100-year flood depth is sufficient to support a 3-foot breaking wave. Such wave action would normally be associated with strong coastal storms. Because of the additional hazards associated with wave action, the National Flood Insurance Program regulations require more demanding construction procedures in those areas affected by wave action, including elevating structures on piles or piers. The flood areas are primarily located along shorelines, river bottoms, river tributaries, and pocosins. In 1986, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers prepared maps of coastal North Carolina which delineated the flooding which may be expected to occur as a result of hurricanes. The maps were prepared utilizing a computer base model named SLOSH, Sea Lake Overlaid Surge From Hurricanes. The model plots hurricane related flooding which may result from a number of characteristics including wind speed, wind direction, time, tide, etc. Ma 7 indicates the areas of Craven County which may be affected b hurricane - generated storm surge. The following defines the five storm surge categories: 1. Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour. Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees Category_P g P Y rY, , foliage, and unanchored mobile homes. No appreciable wind damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Storm surge possibly 4 to 5 feet above normal. Low-lying roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorage torn from moorings. Category 2. Winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour. Considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. No major wind damage to buildings. Storm surge possibly 6 to 8 feet above normal. Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 2 to 4 hours before arrival of hurricane center. Considerable damage to piers. Marinas flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorages torn from moorings. Evacuation of some shoreline residences and low-lying island areas required. r Category 3. Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour. Foliage tom from trees; large trees blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Storm surge possibly 9 to 12 feet above normal. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 i i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTALMANAGEMENT PROGRAM. THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEM0 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. 1 ` ' BfAUFORT cpUNi7 �.' .•4 ••ww•f 'mot �: 1•n ': ,• Ieet If•! aW Itta :'wL •: •iaq •n lar� ip' a•f � wr ,. r..'r' • lily''. :� • X. �S : rot •4fe �J •: llv�/ .,�`t1•.L' . +.oaf: f!. IaN •.�I • 1•q 'Nlf:� ;•, 'i001 !r ; f0 ,••. :ran •Mt •f•• '•.:. ;:;. .,,,!!!!... ' :•:; •h`; .tree �: .• i:.p.•: Ifl[ :rillY. �'. :' •• wit ": ;'I w1• J4" 'I•t4 1*454. lrtn .n 5Ht' ., Iru' I,iL"':.. Ill• It•• rt•t[ rf•a.•'• P F- �:. ..•.: Illt •'• •Its IaN 2 a'. •. ... rtf .. '! U tit .:CDV .. t,,ft no Ittf ,lt�•' CITY .•. Ittt 1 lift Ifn •. `� •war OOVER ,•Im :ONES l COUNTY p r LE= ...... SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD _ .:.:: , 100-YEAR FLOOD ZONE ---' DIVIDED HIGHWAY I� HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE �o U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER «+I+w+1 RAILROAD ---•— COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION ' --- :--T-i EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS "' "' •'' NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERM/BRIDGETON BERN "nvea I ,` '.`:�li•e •• '.E; tlft toe. TRENTt ia.�:::': •'•? ii'.' WOODS .. .�,.. .. Ira 'y• `" C4gTERET I :pUN �/�^�;`p ::yi'}.;.,y'a'rr''r, % � wd ,✓tit �\ti: ,o... .:{j �7: �G417Pr�D4� � �� , •� t X. ,' '=/' CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina FORE / •� LOV >ST �t�ti FLOOD HAZARD MAP scaLT MAP 6 1 0 t 2 3 4 MLES I-65 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF a 1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT\ NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \ >e OJr11 4" 1• `• / .il Nt N11 :INt $4116 INt •... •' .141. j n! o u /nt. tov to CIT'w C %o "u•77t - W 41's Ye, J 111, ply/0 q11 JONES �d ...... .4rES7E:.1JL SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY �1 I� HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE �o U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER •++r+a+I+F RAILROAD ----- COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION r—;---,-� EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS "'''' "' •' NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON Ili - -- --- ec.Irolrt—= ouw*+------ - + $an- 11tt W" ... rlu:•ins loi; .» i as Its /• 11r I.t loH • lie ss» •1 lot !B R COUNTY �. V yp� 7 R LEGEND CATEGORY I - 2 SURGE AREA ,- CATEGORY 3 ADDITIONAL SURGE AREA ® CATEGORY 4 - 5 ADDITIONAL SURGE AREA P4'bC/C0 � �• _-1—NEVSE - Ggg1fRfT 1.'•`'•'r.•.:: •?••••tip.--- 7: •� :,,� •liar �`. • n:11•'1!'' �7 Y\��� `•\ 4•" C A 0 A T .. N CITY 0 • , •• �' . �\ HAFELOC (J NATIONAL ,`•_fi ;. , '•/� . µ CRAVEN COUNTY �,j •� •� art y� �: �� ��� North Carolina - FOREST loll ' STORM SURGE MAP c SCALE MAP 7 1 0 I 2 3 q MLES I-66 P 1 Category 4. Winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees blown down; all signs down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many small residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Storm surge possibly 13 to 18 feet above normal. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. Major erosion of beaches. Category 5. Winds greater than 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees blown down; considerable damage to roofs of buildings; all signs down. Very severe and extensive damage to windows and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some complete building failures. Small buildings overturned or blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Storm surge possibly greater than 18 feet above normal. Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level. Low-lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives. A Category 3 storm would inundate approximately 15 to 20 % of the county's land area. The flooded areas would include all roads in river bottom areas and Craven County east of Clubfoot Creek, including many subdivisions approved for development in eastern Craven County. A long-range flooding problem could result from anticipated sea level rise. During the past century, the sea has risen approximately one foot. Generally, experts expect the sea level rise to accelerate during the next century and rise an additional four to seven feet. Such a rise in sea level would have a significant impact on Craven County. It is forecast that a five-foot sea level rise would result in approximately 20 % of the county's existing land area being lost. Most of the inundated land area would be located along river bottoms and in coastal and "404" wetland areas. It is not anticipated that significant population within the county's jurisdiction would be displaced. However, the county's road network in the eastern sections could be significantly disrupted. (Data provided by R. Paul Wilms and presented in "The Effects of Global Warming and Sea Level Rise on Coastal North Carolina," Carolina Planning, Fall, 1991.) Much of the county's coastal wetland areas could be lost. This is a serious potential problem which must be carefully monitored by the county and mitigative actions defined. 3. SOILS Craven County's soils are predominantly poor to very poorly drained. Extensive areas of the county have soils with severe limitations for development and septic tank usage. Map 8 provides a summary of the Craven County soil associations, their characteristics, and locations. In addition, Map 8 provides a general indication of the areas having the greatest potential for septic tank usage. However, the reader is cautioned that this is only a very general delineation and specific in -field analysis must be conducted by the Craven County Sanitarian to determine exact conditions for septic tank usage. The better soil conditions are found along the Neuse and Trent Rivers on high river bluff areas and in the upland areas located in the western sections of the county. I-67 n 1-1 I I1 i 1 L THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMEN' NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. 1 • .1V•',o "ROVER :ONES A •—•--•• LEGEND SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY =1 M� HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER + RAILROAD --- — COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION r---� r-� EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERM/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON =-1_7_1------'—L__:_A COUNTY BERN KEY TO SOIL TYPES VERY POORLY DRAINED AND POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL SOILS: ON BROAD INTERSTREAM FLATS AND IN DEPRESSIONS Rains-Pantego-Torhunta: Nearly level, poorly drained and very poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on uplands Deloss-Tomotley Nearly level, very poorly drained and poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on stream terraces WELL DRAINED TO POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL SOILS; NEAR DRAINAGEWAYS Goldsboro -Lynchburg -Norfolk Nearly level and gently sloping, moderately well drained, somewhat poorly drained, and well drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on uplands Altavista-Augusta-Tomotley Nearly level. moderately well drained to poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; on stream terraces MODERATELY WELL DRAINED TO VERY POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL SOILS; ON INTERSTREAM FLATS AND IN DEPRESSIONS Lenoir -Craven -Leaf: Nearly level and gently sloping, somewhat poorly drained, moderately well drained, and poorly drained soils that have a clayey and loamy subsoil; on uplands Leaf-Bayboro: Nearly level. poorly drained and very poorly drained soils that have a clayey and loamy subsoil• on uoiands Np4t,Co An'fa 1 • \� ` - NEUSE Ad TRENT % 1 •:} .rot WOODS RIVER gip' BEND CR0A. N T Ha 1 s NA o a cod \ . •� 7 VERY POORLY DRAINED, ORGANIC SOILS; ON INTERSTREAM FLATS Croatan-Dare; Nearly level, very poorly drained, organic soils that FT are subject to frequent ponding; on uplands VERY POORLY DRAINED, ORGANIC SOILS AND VERY POORLY DRAINED TO SOMEWHAT EXCESSIVELY DRAINED, MINERAL SOILS; ON STREAM TERRACES Murville-Ponzer-Leon: Nearly level and gently sloping, very ® poorly drained and poorly drained, sandy soils and nearly level, very poorly drained, organic soils; on stream terraces Tarboro -Seabrook -Arapahoe•. Nearly level and gently sloping. E2 somewhat excessively drained and moderately well drained. sandy soils and nearly level, very poorly drained, loamy soils; on stream terraces VERY POORLY DRAINED AND POORLY DRAINED, MINERAL AND ORGANIC SOILS; ON FLOOD PLAINS Masontown-Muckalee-Dorovan Nearly level. very poorly drained lO and poorly drained, loamy soils and nearly level. very poorly drained, organic soils that are flooded frequently; on flood plains POTENTIALLY FEASIBLE FOR PLACEMENT OF S� IiC TANKS 'Based on current soil survey reports on soil types with moderate to slight limitations. However, final determination can be made only upon on -site by the County Healty Department. IlCggr fR f? COVNrY FORES. �•� LOJ� ' Et G / SCALE 1 0 1 2 3 q MLE3 --- .� N % 8/ „a , CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina SOILS MAP MAP 8 I-68 fl Ll F11 4. ESTUARINE HIGH EROSION RATE AREAS Eroding shorelines in Craven County are common. In 1975, the Shoreline Erosion Inventory, North Carolina was published by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. This report continues to provide the most recent shoreline erosion data. Estuarine erosion rates were determined for eight "reaches" along the Neuse River shoreline using aerial photographs covering 32 years. The Neuse River average annual erosion rate for Craven County was determined to be 3.8 feet per year, which was next to the highest rate among all 15 counties in the study (Bertie County's rate was 0.92 feet per year, compared to 4.5 feet for Washington County, which had the highest rate). The Craven County study covered 47.41 miles and showed 46.56 miles were eroding (see Map 9), for a total loss of nearly 650 acres over the 32-year period. The average width of the eroded area was 121 feet. Table 29 provides data on each of the eight reaches. While some measures may have been taken to mitigate or eliminate some of the erosion, estuarine shoreline erosion continues to be a significant concern. 5. SURFACE WATER In August, 1992, the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan of the Albemarle - Pamlico Estuarine Study was published by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. The study included the entire drainage basin for the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds except for the portion of the Roanoke River basin that lies above the Lake Gaston Dam and the White Oak southwestern subbasin. This area includes Craven County and the Neuse and Trent Rivers. The following provides the goals and objectives of the study: "The goal of the Albemarle -Pamlico Project will be to provide the scientific knowledge and public awareness needed to make rational management decisions so that the Albemarle -Pamlico estuarine system can continue to supply citizens with natural resources, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic enjoyment. The objectives of the project will include, but are not limited to, generating understanding of what is needed to maintain, and where necessary restore the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the estuary, the wildlife habitat of the estuary, and the production levels of recreational and commercial fisheries of the estuary." The study cites general decline of surface water quality within the Albemarle and Pamlico basins over the last 43-year period covered by the study, 1945 to 1988. During that period the Neuse River experienced: 41 % increase in agricultural runoff; 12 % increase in nonpoint sources of pollution; 9 % increase in minor non -municipal wastewater treatment plants; 30 % increase in sediment; and 10% increase in low dissolved oxygen. 1 I-69 Table 29 1 Estuarine Erosion Areas in Craven County, North Carolina REACH NO. 1 Av. width lost to erosion 87.6 feet Av. height of bank 3.0 feet Langth of shoreline eroding 7.7 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 7.7 miles REACH NO. 2 Av. width lost to erosion 69.4 feet Av. height of bank 23.2 feet Length of shoreline eroding 3.8 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 3.8 miles REACH NO. 3 Av. width lost to erosion 147.1 feet Av. height of bank 20.3 feet Length of shoreline eroding Length of shoreline accreting 7.6 miles 0 miles Total length of shoreline 7.6 miles REACH NO. 4 Av. width lost to erosion 175.0 feet Av. height of bank 11.1 feet Length of shoreline eroding 10.5 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 10.5 miles Av. width lost to erosion 115.3 feet Av. height of bank 8.5 feet Length of shoreline eroding 5.5 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 6.3 miles REACH NO. 6 Av. width lost to erosion 119.2 feet Av. height of bank 9.0 feet Length of shoreline eroding 5.1 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 5.1 miles REACH NO. 7 Av. width lost to erosion 37.7 feet Av. height of bank 7.5 feet Length of shoreline eroding 1.6 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 1.6 miles REACH NO. 8 Av. width lost to erosion Av. height of bank 95.0 feet 5.1 feet , Length of shoreline eroding 4.8 miles Length of shoreline accreting 0 miles Total length of shoreline 4.8 miles Source: Shoreline Erosion Inventory, NC, USDA Soil Conservation Service, Raleigh, NC, October, 1975. I-70 1 ESTUARINE EROSION AREAS f 11 MAP 9 LEGEND REACH ,' z °� ►� r BOQ! SCALE 1b The preparation of this map was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and .Atmospheric Administration. Generally, the study cited the following concerns: Concern I: Excessive nutrient loading -- nuisance algai blooms and other deleterious effects. Concern II: Degradation of ground water and surface water quality -- increased turbidity, decreased transparency, increased sedimentation, alteration of salinity, contamination with other toxicants, and low dissolved oxygen. Concern III: Bacterial contaminati on n -- closure of waters to the harvest of shellfish. Concern IV: Cumulative impacts on water quality and biological degradation. With respect to the Neuse River, the study mentioned two particular areas of concern. First, algai blooms often cause foul smells and other poor aesthetic values in some tributaries of the Neuse River. Secondly, high concentrations of metals have occurred in the following areas: Trent River east, inner Neuse River, New Bern Neuse waterfront, Bridgeton Neuse waterfront, Trent River west, New Bern wastewater treatment plant, and Fairfield Harbor. Clearly the surface water quality in the county's rivers and tributaries is declining. 6. SLOPES IN EXCESS OF 12% ' In Craven County, slopes in excess of 12 % are rare. Such slopes are only found along the high riverfront areas along the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Excessive slope is not an obstacle to development in Craven County. 7. MANMADE HAZARDS Within Craven County, the primary manmade hazards are the Craven County Regional Airport, the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, and the Atlantic and East Carolina Railroad which serves the county. This railroad often provides for the transport of toxic and hazardous materials, such as jet fuel, through Craven County to the North Carolina State Port at Morehead City. Numerous other hazards are scattered throughout the county and are identified in Appendix II. Manmade hazards are not expected to be a deterrent to growth and development during the planning period. I8. FRAGILE AREAS Fragile areas are areas which could easily be damaged or destroyed by inappropriate, unplanned, or poorly planned development. These areas include both Areas of Environmental ' Concern (AEC's) and other natural resource fragile areas, as shown on Map 10. The following discusses each type of areas in detail. I-72 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMED NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. JONES 4 ••------ LEGEND SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DMDED HIGHWAY �1 MC HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE 70 U.S. NTJWERED HIGHWAY 0 N.C. NL'ABERED HIG-rIWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD I RU-NfBER RAILROAD ----- COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE - INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION .-� . , , ; , . EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS • NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANINIING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW ' BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON 6EAu*art WIN" COASTAL PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS INLAND PRIMARY NURSERY AREAS SPECIAL SECONDARY NURSERY AREAS NO TRAWL LINE LEGEND POTENTIAL 404 WETLAND AREAS (See Nate 4) See Note 3 COASTAL WETLANDS See Note 1 ESTUARINE WATERS See Note 2 ESTUARINE SHORELINE See Note 1 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS NOTES 1. ALL WATERS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CRAVEN COUNTY ARE EITHER ESTUARINE WATERS OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DEFINED IN 1SA NCAC 7H.0206 ESTUARINE WATERS AND.0207 PUBLIC TRUST AREAS. 2. ALL AREAS LYING 0.75 LANDWARD OF THE MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATERS ARE CLASSIFIED AS ESTUARINE SHORELINES. BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE. THESE AREAS CANNOT BE ACCURATELY MAPPED. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE DETERMINED IN THE FIELD THROUGH CAMA REVIEW AND PERMIT APPROVAL 3. COASTAL WETLAND AREAS EXIST IN CRAVEN COUNTY. BECAUSE OF MAP SCALE. COASTAL WETLAND AREAS MUST BE DETERMINED THROUGH ON -SITE ANALYSIS. 4. THE 404 WETLANDS DELINEATIONS ARE PRESENTED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IN NO WAY AFFECT THE PRECISE LOCATIONS OF 404 WETLANDS FOR REGULA• TORY PURPOSES. THOSE JURISOICTIONS/DETERMINATIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE BY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERSONNEL THROUGH INDIVIDUAL ON -SITE ANALYSIS. OR'E5�7+/� J LOJ Y 1�p `PP SCALE 1 0 I 2 3 4 MILES �R7fQfT iCOO"". CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN AND OTHER FRAGILE AREAS MAP MAP 10 I-73 Ia) Coastal Wetlands 1 Coastal wetlands are defined as salt marshes regularly- or irregularly -flooded by tides, including wind tides, provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. This area contains some, but not necessarily all of the following marsh plant species: Cordgrass, Black ' Needlerush, Glasswort, Salt Grass, Sea Lavendar, Bulrush, Saw Grass, Cat -tail, Salt Meadow Grass, and Salt Reed Grass. The coastal wetlands are vital to the complex food chain found in estuaries. They provide marine nursery areas and are essential to a sound commercial fishing industry. Coastal wetlands also serve as barriers against flood damage and control erosion between the estuary and uplands. Less than five percent of Craven County's land area includes coastal wetlands. The largest concentrations are located along the Trent River, Hancock Creek, Cohogue Creek, Clubfoot Creek, and Adams Creek. Coastal wetlands are not delineated on the fragile areas map. Locations must be determined through in -field site analysis and investigation. b) Estuarine Waters Estuarine waters are generally brackish waters found in coastal estuaries and bays. The boundary lines between inland and coastal fishing waters are set forth in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, and are provided in the most current revision of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries ' Regulations for Coastal Waters, codified at 15A NCAC 3Q-0200. It should be noted that this boundary line changes regularly, and the Marine Fisheries Regulations should be frequently consulted. Within Craven County, estuarine waters include waters located within the Neuse (generally below Pitch Kettle Creek) and Trent Rivers and tributaries leading to those waters. They are the dominant component and bonding element of the entire estuarine system, integrating aquatic influences from both the land and the sea. The estuarine waters are among the most productive natural environments of Craven County. The waters support the valuable commercial and sports fisheries of the coastal area which are comprised of estuarine dependent species. c) Estuarine Shorelines Estuarine shorelines are non -ocean shorelines that are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water. They are intimately connected to the estuary. The estuarine shoreline area extends from the mean high water level or normal water level along the estuaries, sounds, bays, and brackish waters for a distance of 75 feet landward. Development within the estuarine shorelines influences the quality of estuarine life and is subject to the damaging processes of shorefront erosion and flooding. 1 d Public Trust Areas Public trust areas are all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction; all natural bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to the mean high water level or mean 1 I-74 Ll� water level as the case may be, except privately -owned lakes to which the public has no right of access; all water in artificially created bodies of water containing significant public fishing resources or other public resources which are accessible to the public by navigation; and all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication, or any other means. In determining whether the public has acquired rights in artificially created bodies of water, the following factors shall be , considered: (1) the use of the body of water by the public, (2) the length of time the public has used the area, (3) the value of public resources in the body of water, (4) whether the public resources in the body of water are mobile to the extent that they can move into natural bodies of water, (5) whether the creation of the artificial body of water required permission from the state, and (6) the value of the body of water to the public for navigation from one public area to another public area. These areas are significant because the public has rights in these areas, including navigation and recreation. The public trust areas also support valuable commercial and sports fisheries, have aesthetic value, and are important resources for economic development. It is impossible to map the public trust area. The areas must be determined through in- field analysis and definition. e) 404 Wetlands 404 wetlands are areas covered by water or that have water-logged soils for long periods during the growing season. Plants growing in wetlands are capable of living in soils lacking oxygen for at least part of the growing season. Some wetlands, such as swamps, are obvious. Others are sometimes difficult to identify because they may be dry during part of the year. Wetlands include, but are not limited to, bottomlands, forests, swamps, pocosins, pine savannahs, bogs, marshes, and wet meadows. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone interested in depositing dredged or fill material into "waters of the United States," including wetlands, must apply for and receive a permit for such activities. Map 10, Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas, provides a general delineation of Craven County's wetlands areas. It is emphasized that the map is only a general indication and cannot be utilized to locate 404 wetland areas. The specific locations of wetlands areas must be determined through specific on -site analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington District Office. Wetlands are a significant natural resource because the provide recharge areas for , g YP g groundwater; serve as filter traps for sediment, pesticides and other pollutants; provide non- , structural flood control; buffer against shoreline erosion; serve as buffer zones between upland I-75 I 1 activities and valuable aquatic systems; and provide habitats for numerous furbearing animals, endangered species, and other wildlife. Simultaneous to the preparation of this plan, amendments to the federal definition of wetlands were being considered which reduce the areas afforded protection under the wetlands legislation. Those areas known as "non-splashable" wetlands, which include pine forests, meadows, and brushy areas where water lies just below the surface, would be eliminated from 404 regulation. This change would significantly increase the areas of Craven County which could be considered to have development potential. However, at the time of plan adoption, no changes had occurred and "404" jurisdictional decisions were being made according to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 manual. f) Natural Resource Fragile Areas Natural resource fragile areas are generally recognized to be of educational, scientific, or cultural value because of the natural features of the particular site. Features in these areas serve to distinguish them from the vast majority of the landscape. In Craven County, these areas include complex natural areas, areas that sustain remnant species, pocosins, wooded swamps, and prime wildlife habitats. Craven County's natural resource areas are identified in Appendix III. These areas cannot be accurately located on the Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas map because of map size and scale. g) Historic and Archaeological Sites Craven County contains a large number of archaeologically and historically significant sites. In fact, a county -wide architectural survey conducted by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources identified over 900 structures which could be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The following provides a listing of properties located within Craven County's planning jurisdiction which are on the study list for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places: 1. James Biddle House, Fort Barnwell vicinity 2. Brick Road, Belair vicinity 3. Caswell Branch Bridge and Brick Road FHWA, Beech Grave vicinity 4. Alfred Chapman House, Chapman's Chapel vicinity 5. Church Chapman House, Chapman's Chapel vicinity 6. Clubfoot and Harlowe's Creek Canal, Harlowe vicinity ' 7. Croatan Presbyterian Church, Croatan vicinity 8. Dudley House, Chapman's Chapel vicinity (location unknown) 9. James A. Emul House, Askin vicinity (location unknown) 10. Foy Barn, Foy Landing vicinity 11. Gaskins' General Store, Emul 12. Tom Haywood Store and Self -Kicking Machine, Croatan vicinity Lancaster House, Beaman's Fork vicinity 13. 1 I-76 14. Latham House, Olympia vicinity 15. Taylor -Bell House, Bachelor vicinity 16. Needham B. White House, Havelock vicinity 17. Abner Whitehead House, Bachelor vicinity 18. George M. Witherington House, Chapman's Chapel It is recommended that all development projects be coordinated with the Division of , Archives and History to avoid destruction of architecturally or archaeologically significant sites. h) Maritime Forests I There are no maritime forest areas located in Craven County. i) Other Fragile Areas There are no ocean dunes, ocean beaches/shorelines, inlet hazard ares, natural resource areas, complex natural areas, or unique geologic formations located in Craven County. 9. AREAS OF RESOURCE POTENTIAL , a) Agricultural and Forestlands , Craven County has extensive agricultural and forestlands. Both are an important part of the natural resources supporting the county's economy. The most productive farmland and i commercial forests are located in the western areas of the county. Those areas best suited for agricultural production are located on Map 8, Craven County General Soils Map. Most soils in Craven County may be productive for agricultural usage if properly drained. However, "404" wetlands regulations prohibit or severely restrict the drainage of most areas. To the maximum extent possible, Craven County's agricultural and forest resources should be developed as extremely important economic resources. State and federal regulations should minimize obstacles to utilization of these resources. Craven County supports the exemption of "non-splashable" wetlands from "404" regulatory protection. Approximately 70,699 acres, or 15 percent, of Craven County is considered prime farmland. This farmland occurs throughout the county on uplands and stream terraces mainly in areas near major drainage ways. In some parts of the county, prime farmland has been converted to urban uses. The loss of prime farmland puts pressure on marginal lands, which generally are either wet, more erodible, droughty, difficult to cultivate, or less productive than prime farmland. The following provides an identification of Craven County's prime farmland soil types: I Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Craven silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes Exum silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Goldsboro loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes Norfolk loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes I-77 ' Norfolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes Onslow loamy sand ' State loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes rb) Valuable Mineral Resources Craven County does not have a substantial peat reserve capable of being mined for commercial or industrial purposes like several other coastal counties. However, the county contains soil types with highly decomposed organic matter as surface layers and underlaid by �' I decayed material which may signify the presence of peat. These types of soils can be found in various pockets in the county, usually coinciding with very poorly drained soils. Craven County has the Martin Marietta rock quarry, which provides rock aggregate material for most of eastern North carolina, and a few small sand pits. There are no other known areas in the county which contain marketable mineral resources, such as phosphate. c) Public Forests Craven County contains extensive public forest lands. The Croatan National Forest, located in eastern Craven County contains 157,000 acres. This forest offers the most coastal environment of any national forest located in the eastern United States. Excellent opportunities exist for camping, hiking, swimming, boating, hunting, and fishing. In addition, the forest includes extensive 404 wetland areas. The forest area is generally delineated on Map 10, Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas. d) Public Parks There are no major public parks located in Craven County which have regional significance extending beyond Craven County. e) Public Gamelands Other than the Croatan National Forest, there are no public gamelands located in Craven County. f) Private Wildlife Sanctuaries There are no regionally or locally significant private wildlife sanctuaries located in Craven County. However, there are numerous private hunting clubs located in the county. g) Marine Resources Craven County contains valuable marine resource areas. The most significant are the coast primary nursery, inland primary nursery, and special secondary nursery areas. These areas, as defined by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, are delineated on Map 10, Areas of Environmental Concern and Other Fragile Areas. The nursery areas are concentrated I-78 in tributaries of the Neuse River in eastern Craven County. The primary and secondary nursery , areas are defined as follows: -- Primary nursery areas are those areas in the estuarine system where initial post -larval development takes place. These areas are usually located in the uppermost sections of a system where populations are uniformly very , early juveniles. -- Secondary nursery areas are those areas in the estuarine system where later juvenile development takes place. Populations are usually composed of developing sub -adults of similar size which have migrated from an upstream primary nursery areas to the secondary nursery area located in the middle portion of the estuarine system. The North Carolina Division of Environmental Management assigns water quality classifications to all waters of the State of North Carolina. The schedule of classifications for Craven County is provided by 15 NCAC 2B. The classifications are based upon the existing or contemplated best usage of the various streams and segments of streams within a basin, as determined through studies, evaluations, and comments received at public hearings. The state classifies tidal salt waters as follows: Class SA: shellfishin for market purposes and an other usage specified b g P rP Y g P Y the "SB" and "SC" classification; Class SB: primary recreation and any other usage specified by the SC classification;, Class SC: aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, and secondary recreation; , Swamp Waters: (Sw) Waters which have low velocities and other natural characteristics which are different from adjacent streams; ' NSW: Nutrient Sensitive Waters which require limitations on nutrient inputs. , Most of the waters within Craven County's planning jurisdiction are classified SB. Map 11 provides a general delineation of the water classifications. The classification locations cannot be accurately mapped in this Land Use Plan. Therefore, the written descriptions provided by 15 NCAC 2B must be relied upon for specific locations. I-79 1 11 n 1 I UPP Iss ISO c4R?FRET / CpIJNTY ► /co� G�w 182 '• • �170 y �A NSW pQM�ICp G�� SA / n03 1703.17oi • INSW / SA .1704 1769 700 SB ' SB SB SA ENS its SB lee- *, NEUSE 1144 1143 9: • If10 IS9 • •Py. •1,1 `1920 I004 �O� IUI ?� , , • • ff07 Isla 1106 4 :FAQ ' • 1101 1308 ..• 1101 •' . • ►IOS ' 1102 GAF GR .1100 O ` \ CROATAN SC CITY SW HAVELOC \. : 1100 NSW \ SC O SW r ;Z� \ NATIONAL NSW /^o \ f c rCHELL CREEK—, SA Sw 1711 NSW \NSW76� nos 1 ol SA /v 1707 NSW 1708 / 5 ,�o �� _5 7 :.1709 / CREEK/ SA , �- NSW/ i �I I np 171 1714 m 1715 �F 1711 If O l 0 eF4GFOR Y /A � w ► �c r ,•7J A Y � v >r,AA< < ' \CATFON �•1100 LAKE 1-754 � E FOREST-'l.LO��K The preparation of this map was financed in �` K part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, LAKE through funds provided by the Coastal Zone GREAT LAKE ELLIS / Management Act of 1972, as amended, which 31MON / GP is administered by the Office of Ocean and \ 110y0q CRAVEN COUNTY 4� North Carolina MAP 11 WATER CLASSIFICATIONS Coastal Resource Management, National SCALE Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. \ / 1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES • I-80 11 �I f! I I G. DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS: PUBLIC FACILITIES 1. WATER SUPPLY The Craven County water system serves Townships 1, 3, 9, 6, 7, and a portion of Township 8. Township 5 is not served by the county; residents in Township 5 rely upon individual wells for water supply. Township 2 is served by a private system, First Craven Sanitary District, and by the Town of Bridgeton. The county water systems are delineated on Map 12. The cities of New Bern and Havelock; the towns of Vanceboro, Cove City and Dover; and the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point all operate their own municipal water systems. The Town of River Bend is served by Carolina Water Company. For the area it serves, Craven County utilizes four groundwater wells, each a one -million gallon per day well. Davis Well is located on Old Dover Road, Wintergreen and Bryan Wells are both located on Wintergreen Road, and Dover -Fort Barnwell Well is located on Dover/Fort Barnwell Road. The average daily year-round usage is 1.4 million gallons per day (mgd). The maximum desirable usage is no more than 2 million gallons per day. Thus, with a 4 mgd total capacity, the county system is well equipped to handle such a demand. Most of the connection lines in the county's water system are 6" lines. Other line sizes range from 2" to 16" . Table 30 gives detailed information on the number of miles of each size line. Table 30 Craven County Water System Connection Line Sizes by Number of Miles Line Size 2" 2-1/2" 4„ 6" 8" 10" 12" 16" TOTAL Source: Craven County Water and Sewer Authority. Number of Miles 31.98 miles 0.06 miles 45.79 miles 148.1 miles 62.9 miles 43.34 miles 5.86 miles 8.7 miles 346.73 miles I-81 u [l P THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART HROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972. AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENI\ NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION._— \ f DOVER ur BONES +,d •—••••• LEGEND SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY ==1 HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE =0 U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER RAILROAD ----- COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN gumm COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION r-----r-i •--�—' •' EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS ' ' •' NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON allivr01YT cOUNTY 7 , aaa+rsat .'em .Ste / lala: ya /• ,a! I • '� 1M1 �iiY• nu a,e\ Ioe.1.......... nn •le • tm Nta �+•f r<N nit al •Itl> BERN ft,Eq S rl P""'C/cO '7 ' `; L • 1 NEUSE / . • . �� eGTe•. �• • ,w . • ua • iiei �V 1N COUNTY ••`i�� ... r•• r•:Her ��♦ . '10 + nn nu BEND l .?:y. .5S! :.;�• \ 9 �\ CROATAN CITY .• �. A ,� 37 CRAVEN COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT SERVICE AREA NATIONAL :�t�f:.:�.fn /. �`f y' < M'/' CRAVEN COUNTY WATER DISTRICTS LINES cps\•\ _ ••,• :,', " �'b ..�....�.. CRAVEN COUNTY � ' ;eee feet • • F[RST CRAVEN SANITARY DISTRICT WATER LINES North Carolina ' \ 4•✓ FOREST / • `�. FAIItFIELD CAROLINA WATER SERVICE AREA 1. 1 WATER k SEWER SERVICE AREAS SCALE MAP 12 1 0 1 2 3 a MILES I-82 I Water storage is provided to Craven County by eight elevated storage tanks. Table 31 provides a listing of each tank and its capacity. Table 31 Craven County Water System Storage Tanks and Capacity Storage Tank Piney Neck Road Fort Barnwell Jasper Brinson School River Shore Dare Drive Industrial Park Craven Wood Energy Ca aci 400,000 gallons 300,000 gallons 300,000 gallons 150,000 gallons 200,000 gallons 300,000 gallons 150,000 gallons 250,000 gallons Source: Craven County Water and Sewer Authority. Two of the storage tanks, Industrial Park and Craven Wood Energy, serve the industries of Craven County Industrial Park only. The industrial park is located approximately eight miles west of New Bern. Craven County has five booster pump stations, outlined in the table below. Table 32 Outline of Craven County Booster Pump Stations Location Number and Rate Horsepower Old Cherry Point Lawson Creek Fisher Avenue 1 - 400 gpm* 2 - 700 gpm 2 - 250 gpm *gallons per minute Source: Craven County Water and Sewer Authority 15 hp 40 hp each 15 hp each Booster pumps are activated when water levels in the elevated storage tanks drop. Craven County switched to a telemetry monitoring system in mid-1993. In general, water quality for the county is good, water level is high, and service is adequate through the planning period. 1 I-83 2. WASTEWATER DISPOSAL Most of Craven County's residents rely upon individual septic tanks for sewage disposal. The cities of New Bem and Havelock, the towns of Vanceboro and River Bend (Carolina Water Company), and the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point all operate their own sewage disposal systems. The county does, however, operate and maintain a sewage treatment system for Township 7. The t 1400 user system is a septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system, operating on a low pressure force main application. In essence, each house has its own pump station. The sewage is transported to a two -cell facultative lagoon which can treat 250,000 gallons per day (gpd), or an activated sludge wastewater plant with a 75,000 gpd capacity. The effluent from the facultative lagoon is permitted to be discharged to a 105-acre farm (the Arthur Farm) where it is used as land application for spraying on crops after it is treated. The treated effluent from the activated sludge plant is discharged into the Neuse River. The sewer system service area is shown on Map 12. There are plans to expand the wastewater collection system for service to additional users. To accommodate treatment of wastewater from additional users, plans are underway to expand treatment capacity. The existing 75,000 gpd activated sludge plant has been permitted for expansion to 150,000 gpd. The county has also purchased another activated sludge wastewater treatment plant with an existing permitted capacity of 25,000 gpd. Plans are underway to increase the capacity of this new plant to 100,000 gpd. In addition to the upgrades of the activated sludge plants discussed above, the county has plans to construct a new land application/spray irrigation system with a 500,000 gpd capacity. The new system will include facultative treatment of wastewater in a lagoon system, with discharge of the treated effluent to a spray irrigation system. 3. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL Craven County is responsible for its own solid waste disposal. The county contracts with a private firm for once per week curbside collection for the unincorporated and small incorporated areas. Although the county's landfill at Tuscarora is not scheduled to reach its physical capacity for several years, the landfill was officially closed in October, 1993. This was a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) imposed deadline after which there would be substantial liability for solid waste dumped at that site. The interim regional landfill, which is physically adjacent to the Tuscarora location, will be utilized by Pamlico and Carteret counties as well as Craven County, and will have a 4- to 5-year life expectancy. During the planning period, the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority will expand the landfill, while continuing to explore available options. In FY93-94, the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority received no additional monies in revenue bonds for operating costs. The $27 million received in FY92-93 was floated to help cover the cost of expanding the interim landfill. The Solid Waste Management Authority is operating solely through collection fees. I �I I-84 4. TRAN SPORTATION ' a) Roads ' Major routes in Craven County include U.S. 70 traversing the county from east to west and U.S. 17 running north -south. Other significant highways include N.C. 43, N.C. 55, N.C. 101, N.C. 118, and N.C. 306. fMap 13 outlines average annual daily traffic (ADT) counts compiled by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 1989 in Craven County. This map indicates that ' ADT volume on U.S. 70 between New Bern and Havelock is the highest in the county. Other particularly high volume areas are N.C. 55 south of the Pamlico County line to Bridgeton and N.C. 43 north of the Neuse River northward toward Ernul. Recommended construction priorities are shown in Table 33. The recommended priorities are based on needs, anticipated future traffic volumes, and technical data developed in the county's 1992 Preliminary Thoroughfare Plan. Table 33 Recommended Construction Priorities Craven County 1992 Preliminary Thoroughfare Plan ' Project Priority 2015 Through and Description Cost ($1000) Traffic ADT 1. US 70, New Bern Planning Area to SR 14,600 10,750 ' 1106 (7.30 mi.) 2. NC 101, Havelock Planning Area to 8,068 1,950 Carteret County (5.70 mi.) 3. US 17, US 17BYP to New Bern Planning 11,344 610 Area (7.10 mi.) 4. SR 1756 (Lake Road), Havelock Planning 908 620 Area to Carteret County (0.90 mi.) ' 5. River Road, SR 1440 to NC 43 (1.20 mi.) 1,200 N/A 6. Streets Ferry Rd., US 70 BUS to SR 1444 1,322. 520 (0.70 mi.) 7. NC 43, Pitt Co. to NC 118 (7.00 mi.) 7,000 N/A 1 Source: Craven County 1992 Thoroughfare Plan (Preliminary), October, 1992. I-85 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT\ NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. \` .cs ,60 1459 Htx 1434 21 .1," ,o twr ,cc i,a 1443 ' Itlt.. '� i1,7x - / l s I rs1 001 •� :i•uco ixtx1 :s. �. usg"t:, �....40 '=rii 11 Q •.:....: ••. ••: 123*150 C ,,; ' ixsx ' z . •1 is u 243 COV UTY rc O / 00ix39 w ucs... jYcs xc, .., .� A,,,,,w 10C --—_DO%ER.— -----! ' JONES ' LEGEND •-•••••• SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY ===1 Ic HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE 70 U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER + RAILROAD --- - COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION r--:; EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON BEAUFM c"TY f A N CITY 1 HAVEL uoo NATIONAL .mot v I UU F• / . V' 1300 FOREST /•, ,U bow / SCALE 1 2 3 4 MILES C4q), fT Cot, CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES 1994 MAP 13 I-86 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 In addition, the 1993-1999 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program included the following improvements: , -- N.C. 55, U.S. 17 to N.C. 304, Craven -Pamlico Counties. Upgrade existing roadway. -- New Bern, U.S. 17, SR 1278 (Trent Road) to U.S. 70 Business, Craven County. Upgrade existing roadway. -- U.S. 17, New Bern Bypass to Washington Bypass, Craven -Beaufort Counties. Widen existing roadway to a multi -lane facility. -- U.S. 70, Havelock Bypass, Craven County. Four lane divided facility on new location. -- N.C. 118. Replace bridge over Swift Creek. -- S.R. 1470. Replace bridge over Neuse River overflow. -- S.R. 1005. Replace bridge over Core Creek. -- S.R. 1746. Replace bridge over Slocum Creek. -- U.S. 17 - N.C. 55. Replace bridge over Neuse Creek. -- U.S. 70 Business. Replace bridge over Trent River. In September, 1995, construction will begin on the Neuse River Bridge replacement. The North Carolina Department of Transportation considered four different alternatives prior to selecting the final location, which is delineated on Map 14. I-87 -A MKI ` NEUSE RIVER REPLACEMENT BRIDGE PROPOSED ALIGNMENT MAP 14 0 1�0�00 SCALE IN FEET LEGEND: .,,......... NAVIGATION CHANNELS PROPOSED ALIGNMENT b Airport The Craven Regional Airport is only two miles south of New Bern, just off US 70 east. The airport serves as the commercial air service link for New Bern, Craven County, and North Carolina's Crystal Coast. More than 160,000 passengers used the facility during 1994. The airport's primary runway has just been expanded to 6,000 feet. It will now accommodate all corporate jet and regional airline aircraft and most twin -engine jet aircraft in the 100-seat range. ' There are presently 71 based aircraft at Craven County Regional Airport. There are 37 hangared aircraft and improved tiedown spaces for an additional 50 planes. During 1994, more than 70,000 aircraft operations were recorded. fBecause of the continued growth in the five -county service area, the Airport Authority is undertaking a major construction program for a new terminal building. It is expected that the ' new $10 million facility will be in service before the end of the decade. 5. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES ' Enrollment in the county's school system has decreased 1.5 % from the 1992-93 school year as reported in the 1993 land use plan update. Enrollment for the 1992-93 school year was ' 14,470, while the 1994-95 school year shows a total enrollment of 14,256 pupils. Table 34 shows total enrollment at each of the county's schools. ' Table 34 Craven County Schools Enrollment versus Capacity, 1994-95 ' School Enrollment Capacity % Over/ Under ' Arthur Edwards Elementary 903 786 + 14.9 % W. Jesse Gurganus Elementary 683 560 +21.9% West Craven Middle 844 634 +33.1 % ' West Craven High 920 990 - 7.0 % Trent Park Elementary 425 380 + 11.8 % ' Roger Bell Elementary 484 550 -12.0% Oaks Road Elementary 444 329 +34.9% New Bern High 1,544 1,900 -18.7% James W. Smith Elementary 658 625 + 5.3% J.T. Barber Elementary 369 400 - 7.7% Havelock Middle 767 892 -14.0% ' Havelock High 1,154 1,240 - 6.9% 1 I-89 School Havelock Elementary H.J. McDonald Middle Graham Barden Elementary Grover C. Fields Middle Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary Brinson Memorial Elementary Bridgeton Elementary Ben D. Quinn Elementary A. H. Bangert Elementary Total Source: New Bern/Craven Board of Education. ' Enrollment Capacity % Over/ Under 476 381 +24.9% ' 834 - 800 + 4.2 % 506 488 + 3.7 % ' 646 1,700 -62.0% 539 540 - 0.01 % ' 780 666 + 17.1 % 448 409 390 500 + 14.9 % ' -18.2 % 423 330 +28.2% 14,256 15,081 -5.5 % As shown in Table 34, it appears that Grover C. Fields Middle School is underutilized by 62%; however, this school is the old New Bern High School which had a large capacity of 1,700 students. Thus, this figure is misleading. A new high school, New Bern High, was built in 1990 to accommodate 1,900 students. Those schools which appear to be over capacity in terms of enrollment are A. H. Bangert Elementary (28.2 %), Havelock Elementary (24.9 %), West Craven Middle (33.1%), and Oaks Road Elementary (34.9%). According to New Bern/ Craven Board of Education, a bond referendum is going to be used to build a new middle school in Havelock. Long-range plans include building three additional elementary schools. General renovations and additional classrooms are scheduled to be built at all of Craven County's schools over the next few years. 6. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES The Craven County Parks and Recreation Department is staffed with a full-time director, an athletic director, two recreation program directors, a secretary, and two maintenance persons. The county acquired a 109-acre site on S.R. 1172 in October, 1995, which will be developed as a multi -purpose major recreational facility. The facility will include: softball/baseball fields, an office building, a gymnasium, tennis courts, playground, picnic area, soccer fields, and ample parking area. A projected five-year plan and budget has been developed. In addition, the City of New Bern has received state grant assistance for improvements to Lawson Creek and Union Point Parks. Craven County has traditionally relied upon the recreation facilities of schools and communities throughout the county for its recreation programs. The following table lists the recreational sites and facilities used by the Craven County Parks and Recreation Department. I-90 ' Table 35 Recreation Sites/Facilities Used by Craven County Parks and Recreation Site Township Facilities Carolina Pines 6 1 swimming pool Harlowe Community Building 5 1 outdoor basketball court 1 picnic shelter/restrooms 1 softball field 1 playground Craven Community College 8 4 tennis courts - lighted 1 soccer field - lighted A. H. Bangert Elementary School 8 Play apparatus (jungle gym, monkey bars) 1 backstop 1 multi -purpose hard surface area with 2 ' basketball goals Rocky Run Community Park 8 Picnic shelter Playground Ballfield Basketball goals Bridgeton Elementary School 2 2 tennis courts Play apparatus (swings) Open area 2 basketball goals (unpaved) Vanceboro-Farm Life Elementary 1 1 gymnasium School 1 softball field - lighted 1 Little League field - lighted 2 tennis courts - lighted 4 outdoor basketball goals (unpaved) Play apparatus Havelock Middle School 6 1 gymnasium 1 baseball field 2 paved basketball courts (multi -purpose) H.J. MacDonald Middle 8 1 gymnasium School 2 outdoor basketball goals (paved) ' 5 fields used for: soccer, football, and baseball 3 mite soccer fields J.T. Barber Elementary School 8 1 gymnasium 1 baseball field 1 soccer field Table 35 (Continued) Site Township Facilities West Craven High School 1 1 gymnasium 1 football field/stands - lighted 4 tennis courts - lighted 1 baseball field - lighted West Craven Middle School 1 1 gymnasium 1 baseball field - not lighted 1 softball field - not lighted 1 football field - not lighted Cove City 3 2 baseball fields Fort Barnwell 3 1 baseball field Tri-Community Fire Department 2 1 softball field 2 baseball/softball fields 1 track New Bern High School 8 8 tennis courts 2 soccer/football fields James W. Smith Elementary 3 Playground School Baseball field Brinson Memorial Elementary 7 1 softball field - lighted School Nature trail Amphitheater Grover C. Fields Middle School 8 1 track 1 gymnasium 1 soccer/football field 1 baseball field 1 auditorium Trent Park Elementary School 8 Playground Multi -purpose court Multi -purpose room Source: Craven County Parks & Recreation. There are several water access sites scattered throughout Craven County. According to the 1987 Waterfront Access Plan for Craven County, prepared by Talbert, Cox and Associates, these sites are traditional or informal sites, generally are on private property or at the end of state road rights -of -way, and are unimproved. Table 36 lists the water access points and their typical use and ownership. I-92 LTable 36 Craven County Water Access Facilities ' Ownership Typical Use Site Name Union Point Public Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Lawson Creek Public Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Tidewater Marina Private -Fee Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Merchant's Grocery Private -Fee Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Brice's Creek Access Public Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Neuse River Estates Private Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Fairfield Harbour Marina Private -Fee Private Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Riverbend Marina -Fee Glenburnie Park Public Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Bridgeton Access Area Public Sport Fishing Oak Ridge Public Sport Fishing Streets Ferry Landing Public Sport Fishing Spring Garden Public Sport Fishing Cowpen Landing Public Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating, Picnicking Pitch Kettle Private Sport Fishing Core Creek Landing Private -Fee Sport Fishing Turkey Quarter Creek Private Sport Fishing Ingram's Landing Private -Fee Sport Fishing Cahoogue Creek Landing Public Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Matthews Point Private -Fee Sport Fishing, Recreational Boating Godfrey Creek Estates Landing Private Sport Fishing, Hunting Neuse River Recreation Area Public Swimming, Picnicking Fishers Landing Public Sport Fishing Source: Waterfront Access Plan, Craven County, North Carolina; Talbert, Cox and Associates, October, 1987. The Cowpen Landing site was improved in 1992 with the aid of a $9,000 shoreline access grant from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. The county contributed $3,000 in cash and $2,500 in -kind services. The Weyerhaeuser Corporation contributed 1.51 acres of land. Project improvements included a boat 1 I-93 ramp, fencing, bulkheading, docks, parking area, picnic area, trash containers, and security lights. In addition to the above -listed public facilities, there are a number of private recreation facilities in Craven County which consist of golf and country clubs, racquet club, and small community pool facilities. 7. OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES The inventory of hospitals; health care facilities; police, fire, and emergency medical facilities; and other institutional facilities has not changed appreciably since the 1987 land use plan update. The county's fire departments operate on a voluntary basis. Currently, fire protection is adequate to meet demand and there are no plans in the immediate future to add new districts. Equipment acquisition is handled on an as -needed basis. Listed below are the county's fire districts and their tax rates. Table 37 Craven County Fire Districts 1994 Tax Rates Township Fire District Tax Rate (per $100)* 1 Vanceboro .6238 2 Tri-Community .6297 Little Swift Creek .6690 Sandy Pt. Service District .6619 3 Ft. Barnwell, Cove City, Dover .6681 5 Harlowe .6364 6 Havelock .6227 7 James City/Grantham .6464 8 West New Bern .6256 Rhems .6225 9 Jasper .6639 - Town of Bridgeton .5475 - Town of Trent Woods .1405 ' - Town of Riverbend .1775 - City of New Bern .5175 Source: Craven County Emergency Management Services; Craven County Tax Office. , *The tax rates vary for the individual fire districts based upon each district's ISO rating. The county's base tax rate of $0.60 is added to the fire tax to yield the figures shown in the above table. I-94 The county Sheriff's Department staffs 50 full-time and three part-time sworn officers, and 48 civilian employees. According to department officials, there are major plans for hiring additional personnel for the next budget year. The Sheriff's Department is requesting 12 sworn officers, four jailers, and one civilian dispatcher. Eleven additional positions are being requested to staff a satellite jail. The county's rescue squads operate on a strictly voluntary basis. There are seven ' individual squads serving the county's townships. Listed below are the rescue squads and their areas of coverage. CRAVEN COUNTY RESCUE SQUADS Township Rescue Squad 1 Vanceboro 2 Bridgeton 3 Ft. Barnwell/Cove City 9 New Bern/Craven County (and a portion of Township 8, including New Bern, Trent Woods, and River Bend) 7 Number 7 Township 5 & 6 Havelock Remainder of Township 8 not Craven Regional Medical covered by the New Bern/Craven Center ambulance service County Squad Source: Craven County Emergency Medical Services. 1 The City of Havelock has its own municipally -operated rescue squad with whom the county contracts to serve the unincorporated areas in Townships 5 and 6. Havelock has the only municipally -owned rescue squad in the county. There are 225 certified Basic and D-Class Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), 65 Intermediate EMT's, and 55 Advanced Intermediate EMT's serving the county. In FY93-94, there were no EMT's with paramedic status staffed on any of the rescue squads, but it was hoped that the hospital ambulance staff would acquire that status during the planning period. Also during the planning period, some Intermediate EMT's were expected to have completed additional training to achieve Advanced Intermediate EMT status. Craven Regional Medical Center in New Bern, an acute care facility, provides adequate major health care services for county residents. The 314-bed facility is staffed with approximately 1,400 full- and part-time employees. An expansion of the hospital to include the ' addition of an endoscopy facility, administration facility, and a floor for nursing care is expected I-95 to be completed in 1996. These additions will not increase staff or bed capacity; however, they will allow for sections to be moved and renovated. The county health department, in addition to providing primary care health clinics, also conducts health communications programs including adult care, high risk pregnancy, family planning, child health, and nutrition. Other county facilities include court system facilities, the county jail, and county offices housing various departments such as the tax office, permit office, social services, planning, and administration, all located in New Bern. r t I-96 1 1 SECTION II: PROJECTED LAND DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS I n Il 11 1 SECTION II. DEMOGRAPHIC DATA A. PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 1. YEAR-ROUND POPULATION PROJECTIONS In this section, recent trends in Craven County's population and housing characteristics will be utilized to project population growth and housing characteristics in the county throughout the five-year (to year 2000) and ten-year (to year 2005) planning periods. The continuing tide of year-round migration into Craven County is expected to have progressively greater impact on land use issues throughout the next ten years, especially if major expansion of the Cherry Point Air Station occurs. As development continues near fragile areas, resource protection will assume greater significance in the public eye. Continued development in areas within Craven County's planning jurisdiction will strain the capacity of the existing transportation system; increase demand for municipal or county -supplied water and wastewater and solid waste disposal; and place increasing demands on schools, recreational facilities, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and administrative/regulatory agencies. Despite increased pressure to control residential development, the basic demand for housing by incoming population -- in particular, affordable housing for the year-round population -- will be an important need to be addressed by local planning agencies in the coming decade. An informed analysis of where and how fast development will occur is crucial to the development of land use policies for Craven County's next ten-year planning period. Again, expansion of the Air Station will increase the importance of these issues. The 1993 CAMA Land Use Plan Update for Craven County indicated a population increase to 96,054 by the year 2000. However, the fall, 1994, North Carolina Office of State Planning population estimates indicated a population of 87,059 in 1993. The revised data, and potential growth at the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, justify revising the population forecasts. Concurrent with the preparation of the 1993 Land Use Plan, the 1993 Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) recommended that approximately 168 Navy F/A 18 Hornet jets be relocated from Cecil Field, Florida, to Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. Subsequently, in the spring of 1995, this number was reduced to approximately 140 jets. In addition, the Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) was expected to increase its personnel as the result of the realignment of workload from the Alemeda, California; Pensacola, Florida; and Norfolk, Virginia, NADEP's. The 1993 Land Use Plan recognized this potential growth in military/civilian personnel, but did not include it in the population forecasts or the demand capacity analysis. This land use plan update has been undertaken to reflect the impact of any personnel/operations activity increase at the air station. However, because the level of growth was uncertain at the time of plan preparation, three population forecast scenarios were developed. These included: (1) no additional Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station personnel, (2) a low growth scenario resulting from the addition of 2,400 NADEP-related civilian personnel and dependents, and (3) a high growth scenario resulting from the addition of 12,000 military personnel and dependents associated with the relocation of F/A 18 Hornet jets to Cherry Point. The three population forecasts for Craven County, each township, and each municipality are included in Tables 38 through 40. Based on the current distribution of Cherry Point military and civilian personnel, it was estimated that 75 % of all personnel and dependents would reside in Craven County. Based on current living patterns, the personnel/dependents, and additional primary civilian population, were distributed within the county as follows: Township 6 - 50%, Township 8 - 20%, Township 7 - 15%, Township 5 - 10%, and Township 2 - 5%. In all population forecast tables, the non-military population forecasts for the individual townships and municipalities are based on the assumption that the relative growth rates by specific area will remain the same from 1995 to 2005 as displayed from 1980-1990, and consideration of 1991 annexations by the City of New Bern and the Town of Trent Woods. The low growth scenario resulting from the NADEP expansion has occurred. Thus, the county's population is expected to increase to 97,280 in 2000 and 103,562 in 2005. This represents an increase of 19 % from 1993 to 2005. The high growth scenario indicates population growth from 87,059 in 1993 to 115,718 in 2005, an increase of 33 %. However, in July, 1995, the BRAC submitted a revised realignment recommendation which stipulated that the Cecil Field aircraft and personnel would relocate to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA. The high growth scenario forecast remains in the land use plan to fulfill the county's contractual obligations to the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and to allow for the possibility that a Cherry Point expansion may still occur as the result of the relocation of military personnel other than the Cecil Field personnel. I Based on Table 41, in the no base loading projection, the average annual population growth rate for the county and incorporated areas should decrease over the ten-year planning period compared to the 1980s, while the unincorporated areas' growth rate will increase slightly. In the low military growth projection, the total county and unincorporated areas' growth rates will increase, while that for the municipalities will decline. In the high military growth projection, all three growth rates will increase. Despite the expected slight decrease in annual growth rate over the ten-year planning period, the population growth rate in Craven County will still be higher than the North Carolina rate over the planning period years. From 1993-2005, the state population is estimated to show an 11.7 % increase. The Craven County population is anticipated to grow 15.1 % over the same period in the no base loading scenario. In the low military and high military growth projections, the projected changes are 19.0% and 32.9%, respectively. Based on Office of State Planning criteria, Craven County will experience net in -migration and "modest" population growth from 1990-2000 in the no base loading scenario. However, with expansion at Cherry Point, the net in -migration may range from moderate to high. II-2 m m m Now m m m m m man m m m= m r r Table 38 Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality Craven County, 1993-2005 No Base Loading Township Municipality or Area 1993 2000 2005 Percentage Change % Change 1993-2000 2000-05 1993-2005 Township I Vanceboro 1,000 1,068 1,131 6.8 % 5.8 % 13.1 % Unincorporated Areas 5,060 5,147 5,226 1.7% 1.5 % 3.3% Total Township 6,060 6,215 6,357 2.6% 2.3% 4.9% Township 2 Bridgeton 501 505 1508 0.8 % 0.7% 1.4% Unincorporated Areas 6,155 6,512 6,838 5.8% 5.0% 11.1% Total Township 6,656 7,017 7,346 5.4% 4.7% 10.4% Township 3 Cove City 507 520 531 2.5 % 2.2 % 4.8 % Dover 445 437 430 -1.7% -1.6% -3.3% Unincorporated Areas 2,446 2,404 2,366 -1.7% -1.6% -3.3% Total Township 3,398 3,361 3,328 -1.1 % -1.0% -2.1 % Township 5 Total Township 2,647 2,663 2,677 0.6% 0.5% 1.1% Township 6 Havelock 20,072 19,783 19,520 -1.4% -1.3% -2.7% Unincorporated Areas 4,895 5,001 5,097 2.2% 1.9% 4.1% Total Township 24,967 24,784 24,617 -0.7% -0.7% -1.4% Township 7 Total Township 6,985 7,121 7,244 1.9% 1.7% 3.7% Township 8 New Bern 21,106 25,841 30,157 22.4 % 16.7 % 42.9 % River Bend 2,554 2,739 2,907 7.2% 6.1% 13.8% Trent Woods 3,716 5,425 6,983 46.0% 28.7% 87.9% Unincorporated Areas 6,466 6,225 6,005 -3.7% -3.5% -7.1% Total Township 33,842 40,230 46,052 18.9% 14.5% 36.1% Township 9 Total Township 2,505 2,564 2,617 2.3 % 2.1 % 4.5 % Total Municipalities 49,901 56,319 62,168 12.9% 10.4% 24.6% Total Unincorporated Areas 37,158 37,636 38,069 1.3% 1.2% 2.5% Total County 87,059 93,955 100,237 7.9% 6.7% 15.1% Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. II-3 Table 39 Projected Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality Craven County, 1993-2005 #1: 1994 Low Growth Base Loading (1,200, or 50% of 2,400 total additional primary civilian job population + 2,125, or 50% of 4,250 total secondary [jobs] population.) Total Year -Round Population Percentage Change Township Municipality or Area 1993 2000 2005 1993-2000 2000-05 % Change 1993-2005 Township 1 Vanceboro 1,000 1,068 1,131 6.8% 5.9% 13.1% Unincorporated Areas 5,060 5,147 5,226 1.7% 1.5% 3.3% Total Township 6,060 6,215 6,357 2.6% 2.3% 4.9% Township 2 Bridgeton 501 517 520 3.2% 0.6% 3.8% (5% of Military/Secondary) Unincorporated Areas 6,155 6,666 6,992 8.3% 4.9% 13.6% Total Township 6,656 7,183 7,512 7.9% 4.6% 12.9% Township 3 Cove City 507 520 532 2.6% 2.2% 4.8% Dover 445 437 430 -1.7% -1.6% -3.3% Unincorporated Areas 2,446 2,404 2,366 -1.7% -1.6% -3.3% Total Township 3,398 3,362 3,328 -1.1% -1.0% -2.0% Township 5 Total Township 2,647 2,996 3,010 13.2% 0.5% 13.7% (10% of Military/Secondary) Township 6 Havelock 20,072 21,112 20,849 5.2% -1.2% 3.9% (50% of Military/Secondary) Unincorporated Areas 4,895 5,334 5,430 9.0% 1.8% 10.9% Total Township 24,967 26,446 26,279 5.9% -0.6% 5.3% Township 7 Total Township 6,985 7,620 7,743 9.1% 1.6% 10.9% (15% of Military/Secondary) Township 8 New Bern 21,106 26,262 30,578 24.4% 16.4% 44.9% (20% of Military/Secondary) River Bend 2,554 2,787 2,955 9.1% 6.0% 15.7% Trent Woods 3,716 5,508 7,066 48.2% 28.3% 90.2% Unincorporated Areas 6,466 6,337 6,117 -2.0% -3.5% -5.4% Total Township 33,842 40,894 46,716 20.8% 14.2% 38.0% Township 9 Total Township 2,505 2,564 2,617 2.3% 2.1% 4.5% Total Municipalities 49,901 58,211 64,061 16.7% 10.0% 28.4% Total Unincorporated Areas 37,158 39,069 39,501 5.1 % 1.1 % 6.3 % Total County 87,059 97,280 103,562 11.7% 6.5% 19.0% Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. II-4 min im" M M M M r WON it M W MM r Table 40 Projected Total Year -Round Population and Percentage Change by Township and Municipality Craven County, 1993-2005 #2: High Growth Base Loading (9,000, or 75% of 12,000 total additional military population + 1,200, or 50% of 2,400 additional primary civilian job population + 5,281, or 50% of 10,562 total secondary [jobs] population impact through 2000.) Total Year -Round Population Percentage Change % Change Township Municipality or Area 1993 2000 2005 1993-2000 2000-05 1993-2005 Township 1 Vanceboro 1,000 1,068 1,131 6.8% 5.8% 13.1% Unincorporated Areas 5,060 5,147 5,226 1.7% 1.5% 3.3% Total Township 6,060 6,216 6,357 2.6% 2.3% 4.9% Township 2 Bridgeton 501 562 567 12.2% 0.9% 13.2% (5 % of Military/Secondary) Unincorporated Areas 6,155 7,229 7,553 17.4 % 4.5 % 22.7 % Total Township 6,656 7,791 8,120 17.1% 4.2% 22.0% Township 3 Cove City 507 520 531 2.5% 2.2% 4.8% Dover 445 437 430 -1.7% -1.6% -3.3% Unincorporated Areas 2,446 2,404 2,366 -1.7% -1.6% -3.3% Total Township 3,398 3,361 3,328 -1.1 % -1.0% -2.1 % Township 5, Total Township 2,647 4,211 4,225 59.1% 0.3% 59.6% (10% of Military/Secondary) Township 6 Havelock 20,072 25,984 25,739 29.5% -0.9% 28.2% (50% of Military/Secondary) Unincorporated Areas 4,895 6,540 6,618 33.6% 1.2% 35.2% Total Township 24,967 32,524 32,357 30.3% -0.5% 29.6% Township 7 Total Township 6,985 9,443 9,566 35.2% 1.3% 36.9% (15% of Military/Secondary) Township 8 New Bern 21,106 27,812 32,096 31.8% 15.4% 52.1% (20% of Military/Secondary) River Bend 2,554 2,957 3,137 15.8% 6.1% 22.8% Trent Woods 3,716 5,820 7,332 56.6% 26.0% 97.3% Unincorporated Areas 6,466 6,736 6,582 4.2% -2.3% 1.8% Total Township 33,842 43,325 49,147 28.0% 13.4% 45.2% Township 9 Total Township 2,505 2,565 2,618 2.4% 2.1% 4.5% Total Municipalities 49,901 65,160 70,963 30.6% 8.9% 42.2% Total Unincorporated Areas 37,158 44,276 44,755 19.2% 1.1% 20.4% Total County 87,059 109,436 115,718 25.7% 5.7% 32.9% Source: State Data Center; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. II-5 Table 41 Average Annual Year -Round Population Growth Rate and Percent Change Craven County, 1980-2005 No Base Loading Low Military Growth High Military Growth Average Annual % Change in % Change in % Change in Year -Round Population Population Growth Rate Population Growth Rate Population Growth Rate Growth Rate Growth Rate 1980-90 to Growth Rate 1980-90 to Growth Rate 1980-90 to Area 1980-90 1993-2005 1993-05 1993-2005 1993-05 1993-2005 1993-05 Municipalities 2.17 % 1.56 % -0.61 % 1.87 % -0.30 % 2.99 % +0.82 % Unincorporated 0.76 % 0.86 % +0.10 % 1.19 % +0.43 % 2.41 % + 1.65 % Areas Total County 1.49 % 1.26 % -0.23 % 1.58 % +0.09 % 2.74 % + 1.25 % II-6 I From 1993-2005 in all three forecast scenarios the county's municipalities are F ty expected P to grow faster than its unincorporated areas. This shift in population to the county's municipalities is expected to continue throughout the planning period. The majority of any population increases resulting from expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station is expected to be concentrated in Townships 6 (50%), 8 (20%), 7 (15%), 5 (10%), and 2 (5%). In particular, New Bern, Trent Woods, River Bend, and the unincorporated areas of Township 2 will display appreciable growth throughout the ten-year planning period in all three forecast scenarios. It appears that population growth along the U. S. 17 corridor in the vicinity of New Bern will be significantly higher than growth along the U. S. 70 corridor in the no base loading and low military growth scenarios. However, in the high military growth scenario, the growth along the U. S. 70 corridor may be higher. In terms of impact on county services, projected growth in unincorporated areas of Townships 1, 2, 6, and 7 will be much more significant than population change in Townships 3, 5, and 9 throughout the next ten years in all three forecast scenarios. Additionally, while the county's role in Township 8 is dwindling with continued municipal annexation, continued cooperation with New Bern, Trent Woods and River Bend will be required throughout the planning period with continued rapid growth projected for those municipalities. 2. POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY AGE, RACE, SEX Tables 42 and 43 provide forecast data for age, race, and sex. In all three forecast scenarios, it is expected that the most rapidly growing age groups from 1990-2000 in Craven County will be the groups aged 35-54 and 65 and up. The growth of the 35-54 age group will be strongly influenced by the aging of the 30-39 age group, which grew so rapidly during the 1980s. The over-65 age group will continue to experience significant growth both as a result of in -migration and the steady decrease in the death rate for elderly individuals. Overall, Craven County's population will experience a significant increase in median age during the 1990s. In 1990, only 42 % of the county's population was age 35 or above. By the year 2000, over 49 % of the county's population is expected to be aged 35 or above. However, if the high military growth occurs, the 19 to 54 age groups will significantly increase. In fact, in the high military growth forecast, this age group will comprise 56 % of the population, while in the other two forecast scenarios, this age group accounts for 50% of the county's population. From 1990-2000, in all three forecasts, the white population in Craven County will continue to grow at a higher rate than. the non -white population. However, in the high growth scenario, the disparity between the white and non -white growth may be softened. Although the female population will continue to grow faster than the male population, this growth is largely the result of the continued trend of minority female growth outpacing minority male growth. Male and female growth rates during the 1990s in Craven County will be roughly equal, while in the 1980s the white female growth rate was almost double the white male growth rate. Table 42 Total Population by Age and Percent Change Craven County, 1993-2005 No Base Loading Low Military Growth High Military Growth Population By Population By Population By Population By Age Age Group Age Group % Change Age Group % Change Age Group % Change 1993 2005 1993-2005 2005 1993-2005 2005 1993-2005 0-4 7,201 8,987 24.8% 9,321 29.4% 9,321 29.4% 5-18 17,349 17,248 -0.6 % 17,813 2.7 % 17,813 2.7 % 19-34 23,729 24,178 1.9% 24,958 5.2% 30,856 30.0% 35-54 21,146 26,303 24.4 % 27,133 28.3 % 33,391 57.9 % 55-64 7,160 9,766 36.4 % 10,149 41.7 % 10,149 41.7 % 65-74 6,560 7,351 12.1 % 7,560 15.2 % 7,560 15.2 % 75+ 3,914 6,404 63.6% 6,628 69.3% 6,628 69.3% Total 87,059 100,237 15.1 % 103,562 Source: State Data Center, North Carolina Office of State Planning; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. II-8 19.0% 115,718 32.9% Table 43 Population and Percent Increase by Race and Sex Craven County, 1993-2005 No Base Loading Low Military Growth Total Total Total Category Population Population % Change Population % Change 1993 Total White 63,553 Males 32,125 Females 31,428 Total Non -White 23,506 Males 10,969 Females 12,537 Total Males 43,094 Total Females 43,965 Total County 87,059 Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. 2005 1993-2005 73,574 15.8 % 36,987 15.1% 36,587 16.4% 26,663 13.4 % 12,429 13.3 % 14,234 13.5 % 49,416 14.6% 50,821 15.6% 100,237 15.1% II-9 2005 1993-2005 High Military Growth Total Population % Change 2005 1993-2005 76,014 19.6% 84,937 33.6% 38,214 19.0% 42,700 32.9% 37,800 20.3% 42,237 34.4% 27,548 17.2% 30,781 30.9% 12,842 17.1 % 14,349 30.8% 14,706 17.3 % 16,432 31.1 % 51,056 18.5% 57,049 32.6% 52,506 19.4 % 58,669 33.4 % 103,562 19.0% 115,718 32.9% 3. HOUSING TRENDS I Under the no base loading and low military growth forecasts, significant housing development in suburban areas surrounding New Bern is expected to continue throughout the 1990s. However, based on the anticipated slight decrease in average annual population growth rate throughout the 1990s, a corresponding slight decrease in average annual housing starts is , indicated for the 1990s. This trend is substantiated by a steady decrease in the number of building permits for new residential construction issued by the county since 1984. However, it is anticipated that the rate of housing starts will continue to outpace population growth throughout the '90s as average household size continues to decrease throughout the county. The county's housing stock will continue to age throughout the 1990s, with deterioration of housing units in rural areas and inner-city areas of New Bern continuing to impact community development planning efforts. It is expected that the gradual elimination of substandard water supply and wastewater disposal conditions in the county's jurisdiction will continue throughout the five and ten-year planning periods as county -sponsored water and sewer construction projects move forward. If the high military growth occurs, the housing trends would be significantly altered. Based on family sizes of 3.2 for military personnel, 2.95 for NADEP personnel, and 2.64 for "spin-off" civilian population, a total demand for approximately 5,220 additional dwelling units r would be generated by 2000. Utilizing the forecast distribution of population, these units would be dispersed in the following townships: Township 2 261 Township 5 522 Township 6 2,610 Township 7 783 Township 8 1,044 An increase in housing demand of this magnitude will have a substantial impact on the county, especially in Townships 6, 7, and 8, where 85 % of the growth is expected to occur. This would place tremendous pressure on the New Bern -to -Havelock U. S. 70 corridor. The majority of the incoming military personnel, approximately 90%, will be enlisted. Thus, the housing demand will be focused on moderately -priced housing. Affordability of housing could become a critical issue if military housing for the lower grade personnel cannot be provided. Based on the number of subdivision lots which have been approved since 1987 (2,414), a deficiency of available vacant lots for new housing construction may exist. Because of the demand for affordable housing, and the large numbers of young households associated with the military increase, a proliferation of mobile homes and mobile home parks may be anticipated if military housing is not available for lower grade personnel. If an average military wage of $26,600 is assumed, the average affordable monthly expenditure for housing (including utilities) would be $665, or 30% of gross monthly income. Thus, rent or mortgage payments must be in the range of $450 to $500 or less for the majority of the personnel. If existing military housing is primarily committed to lower grade personnel, the demand for housing will be generated by upper grade enlisted personnel and officers. In this event, affordability should be less of an issue. II-10 Based on discussions with the county planning and community development staff, the county will continue its active participation in state -sponsored housing rehabilitation projects throughout the planning period. Craven County recently completed a $400,000 Home Investments Partnership Act (HOME) grant to perform scattered -site housing rehabilitation in its planning jurisdiction. In addition, the county received a FY93 CDBG Community Revitalization grant of $600,000 for the rehabilitation of 23 dwelling units. Target areas for future community development projects will be chosen based on continued windshield housing survey efforts by the county staff. Throughout the short-term planning period, it is expected that the Harlowe Community in Township 5, unincorporated areas in Townships 1 and 8, and the James City area in Township 7 will be specifically targeted for comprehensive CDBG projects. Location of existing water and sewer service will be an important consideration in designation of future CDBG comprehensive target areas. Scattered - site rehab beneficiaries will be targeted based on a needs rating system developed by the county staff, but will be distributed on a geographic basis according to directives by the Board of Commissioners B. PROJECTED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND RELATED LAND USE ISSUES 1. GENERAL ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS Table 44 provides a forecast of growth in Craven County's various industries from 1993 to 2005 in both earnings and employment. This forecast is based on the no base loading population forecast. If the high military growth forecast occurs, significant increases in the Federal Civilian Government; Federal Military; Retail Trade; Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate; and Services categories will occur. During the period, overall economic growth is anticipated. However, the county's rank within the state in per capita income is expected to drop from the 1990 rank of 39 to somewhere in the mid- to upper 40's position. Table 44 Growth of Income -Producing Industries, Craven County, 1993-2005 (Based on no base loading population forecast) Change Industry 1993 1995 2000 2005 1993-2005 Total Earnings [1] (Mil. 1987 $) 856.48 888.99 974.92 1,068.53 24.8% fFarm 8.47 8.51 8.66 8.92 5.3 % Agricultural Serv. Other 5.29 5.44 5.82 6.29 18.9 % ' Mining 2.67 2.81 3.11 3.42 28.1 % Construction 38.15 41.84 44.64 47.61 24.8 % Manufacturing 105.94 114.95 134.96 155.79 47.1 % Table 44 (continued) % Change Industry 1993 1995 2000 2005 1993-2005 Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util. 32.64 34.29 39.04 44.06 35.0% Wholesale Trade 25.19 25.70 27.48 29.41 16.8 % Retail Trade 67.48 70.35 79.12 88.83 31.6 % Finance, Ins. & Real Estate 20.77 21.77 24.93 28.43 36.9 % Services 138.17 145.84 169.18 195.07 41.2 % Federal Civilian Gov't. 157.29 161.80 172.60 183.33 16.6 % Federal Military 158.42 155.55 152.58 150.81 -4.8 % State and Local Gov't. 96.00 100.14 112.80 126.56 31.8 % U] Personal earnings are by place of work and exclude dividends, interest and rent, transfer payments, and social security contributions. They include proprietors' net income and wages. % Change 1993 1995 2000 2005 1993-2005 Total Employment (Thousands) 47.02 47.37 48.6 49.97 6.3 % Farm 0.62 Agricultural Serv. Other 0.40 Mining 0.07 Construction 1.92 Manufacturing 4.52 Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util. 1.51 Wholesale Trade 1.10 Retail Trade 6.64 Finance, Ins. & Real Estate 2.01 Services 8.19 Federal Civilian Gov't. 5.84 Federal Military 8.55 State and Local Gov't. 5.65 Source: Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. 0.59 0.63 0.48 -22.6 % 0.40 0.40 0.40 0 % 0.07 0.07 0.07 0 % 2.08 2.05 2.06 7.3 % 4.70 5.00 5.26 16.4 % 1.54 1.63 1.71 13.2 % 1.09 1.09 1.09 -0.9 % 6.70 7.20 7.68 15.7 % 2.05 2.18 2.33 15.9% 8.36 8.96 9.58 17.0 % 5.86 5.76 5.87 0.5 % 8.20 7.60 7.11 -16.8 % 5.73 6.03 6.33 12.0 % II-12 1 L� 1 The rank of industry types in Craven County in 1993 and 2005 is provided in Table 45. Very little change in the rankings is expected to occur. The most significant change will be in the federal military category. Without the expansion resulting from the addition of NADEP and Cecil Field personnel, this employment group will decline from first to third in employment rank and first to fourth in earnings rank. As a result, retail trade shows a decrease in earnings rank from sixth to eighth place. Services will rise to first place in both employment and earnings. Table 45 Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 and 2005 Employment Rank Earnings Rank Industry 1993 2005 1993 2005 Farm 11 11 11 11 Agricultural Serv. Other 12 12 12 12 Mining 13 13 13 13 Construction 8 7 7 7 Manufacturing 6 6 4 3 Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util. 9 9 8 8 Wholesale trade 10 10 9 9 Retail Trade 3 2 6 8 Finance, Ins. & Real Estate 7 8 10 10 Services 2 1 3 1 Federal Civilian Government 4 5 2 2 Federal Military 1 3 1 4 State and Local Government 5 4 5 5 Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. Projected economic trends and land use issues for specific industries are outlined in the following sections. 2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY During the planning period, agricultural and forestry employment is expected to decline by 22.6%. However, overall farm and forestry income is expected to increase. A slight decrease in total farm/forestry acreage is anticipated. Consolidation of some cropland may be expected, resulting in more efficient farm production. Continued forestry production, especially in the western sections of the county, will be a vital part of the county's overall economy. 3. MANUFACTURING Manufacturing will increase its earnings ranking slightly from fourth to third and remain constant in employment rank at sixth. Manufacturing employment as a percentage of total county employment should increase slightly during the planning period. It is expected that Craven County will continue vigorous and effective industrial recruitment efforts. While the county will continue to focus its efforts on industrial park development, scattered site non -hazardous industries will be supported by the county. Major , industrial development issues will be: -- Provision of water and sewer utilities. -- Development of improved ground transportation systems. -- Continued improvement of the Craven County Regional Airport and associated commercial air service. -- Development of industrial park sites. -- Coordination of industrial development with regulatory controls such as 404 wetland permit requirements. 4. FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE L Employment in the finance and real estate category is expected to increase by 15.9 % by 2005. However, this employment sector will decline slightly in both employment and earnings rank. It is expected that seasonal housing and retirement housing will comprise a larger percentage of Craven County's housing inventory. However, the major portion of construction activity will continue to be for year-round housing. The rate of subdivision approval should slow during the planning period. It is unlikely that the county can sustain the quantity of subdivision approvals which occurred during the late 1980's. Major issues confronting real estate, construction and finance will include: -- Water and sewer service availability. -- 404 wetland regulations. -- County -wide or spot zoning. -- Overall capability of Craven County to provide services to accommodate growth. 5. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE AND SERVICES I Wholesale trade will remain almost constant through 2005 in both employment and earnings rank. Retail trade should increase its employment rank slightly from third to second but decline in earnings rank from sixth to eighth. By 2005, the provision of services will be the most significant employment category within the county in terms of both employment and earnings. Total services earnings are expected to increase by 41.2 % from 1993 to 2005. It , should be noted that wholesale/retail trade and services are heavily tied to a continued strong military presence in Craven County. 6. GOVERNM ENT EMPLOYMENT Without the high military growth, federal military employment and earnings will decline from 1993 to 2005. This is reflective of the national trend for defense cuts. Federal civilian employment should remain constant while state/local government employment should increase by 12.0%. Again, it is emphasized that any significant reductions in federal military and civilian employment would have a serious negative impact on Craven County's economy. However, the transfer of NADEP and/or Cecil Field personnel to the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station will have a substantial impact on the local economy. Tables 46 and 47 provide summaries of the anticipated job generation impact resulting from the NADEP and Cecil Field increases. ' Table 46 Total Job Generation NADEP Expansion Sector Change Multiplier Secondary Jobs Military -700 .4 -280 Civilian +800 2.45 1,960 Dependents + 1.600 .6 960 ' Total Change 1,700 2,640 Total Jobs: 2,740 Source: Craven County Committee of 100; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. Table 47 Job Generation ' NADEP/Cecil Field Expansion Sector Change Multiplier Secondary Jobs Military 4,200 .4 1,680 Civilian 1,100 2.45 2,695 Dependents 6.700 .6 4.020 Total Change 12,000 8,395 Total Jobs: 13,695 Source: Craven County Committee of 100; Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. Depending upon which military growth scenario occurs, the total job impact should range from 2,740 to 13,695. All of the military related, including civilian, and most of the secondary jobs will be located in Craven County and its municipalities. If the Cecil Field transfer occurs, the Federal Military would become the county's largest employment category. Table 48 includes revised earnings and employment estimates based on the high military growth occurring. Industry Total Earnings [1] (Mil. 1987 $) Table 48 Employment Estimates - High Military Growth Craven County, 1993 - 2005 1993 1995 2000 2005 856.48 934.33 1,131.70 1,187.81 % Change 1993-2005 38.7 % Farm 8.47 8.51 8.66 8.92 5.3 % Agricultural Serv. Other 5.29 5.44 5.82 6.29 18.9 % Mining 2.67 2.81 3.11 3.42 28.1 % Construction 38.15 41.84 44.64 47.61 24.8 % Manufacturing 105.94 114.95 134.96 155.79 47.1 % Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util. 32.64 34.29 39.04 44.06 35.0% Wholesale Trade 25.19 25.70 27.48 29.41 16.8 % Retail Trade 67.48 78.45 106.70 111.27 64.9 % Finance, Ins. & Real Estate 20.77 24.48 32.86 34.40 65.6% Services 138.17 162.80 220.32 230.95 67.1 % Federal Civilian Gov't. 157.29 179.37 176.68 179.64 14.2 % Federal Military 158.42 155.55 218.63 209.49 32.2 % State and Local Gov't. 96.00 100.14 112.80 126.56 31.8 % [1] Personal earnings are by place of work and exclude dividends, interest and rent, transfer payments, and social security contributions. They include proprietors' net income and wages. II-16 ' Table 48 (continued) % Change 1993 1995 2000 2005 1993-2005 Total Employment (Thousands) 47.02 50.80 62.00 63.35 34.7 % Farm 0.62 0.59 0.63 0.48 -22.6 % ' 0.40 0.40 0.0 % Agricultural Serv. Other 0.40 0.40 Mining 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.0% Construction 1.92 2.08. 2.05 2.06 7.3 % Manufacturing 4.52 4.70 5.00 5.26 16.4 % 1.51 1.54 1.63 1.71 13.3 % Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util. Wholesale Trade 1.10 1.09 1.09 1.09 -1.0 % 7.72 10.50 10.95 64.9 % Retail Trade 6.64 Finance, Ins. & Real Estate 2.01 2.37 3.1-8 3.33 82.4% Services 8.19 9.65 13.06 13.69 67.2 % Federal Civilian Gov't. 5.84 6.66 6.56 6.67 14.2 % Federal Military 8.55 8.20 11.80 11.31 32.3 % State and Local Gov't. 5.65 5.73 6.03 6.33 12.0% ' Source: Woods & Poole Economics, Inc. Retail Trade; Finance, Ins., and Real Estate; Services; Federal Civilian Government, and Federal Military 1 adjusted by Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. i i II-17 Ir1 Table 49 ' Rank of Industry by Employment Earnings, Craven County, 1993 and 2005 High Military Growth , Employment Rank Earnings_Rank Industry 1993 2005 1993 2005 Farm 11 11 11 11 Agricultural Serv. Other 12 12 12 12 Mining 13 13 13 13 Construction 8 7 7 7 Manufacturing 6 6 4 5 Trans., Comm. & Publ. Util. 9 9 8 8 Wholesale trade 10 10 9 10 Retail Trade 3 3 6 6 Finance, Ins. & Real Estate 7 8 10 9 ' Services 2 1 3 1 Federal Civilian Government 4 4 2 3 Federal Military 1 2 1 2 State and Local Government 5 5 5 4 Source: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. With the high military growth forecast, the federal military declines to number two in both employment and earnings rank. The services sector rises to the number one employment and earnings category. C. PUBLIC FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND LAND USE ISSUES 1. INTRODUCTION This section discusses public facilities developments and land use issues both with and t without expansion of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The United States Navy prepared a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess impacts which may be expected from the expansion of Cherry Point. At the time of preparation of this plan, the Cherry Point , EIS was not available for public review. Thus, detailed analysis of the impact of the Air Station expansion on county services and infrastructure was not available. The assessments of impact ' which are included in this plan are not based on detailed data included in the EIS. This plan is not intended to conflict with the Cherry Point EIS. Upon release of the Cherry Point EIS, the conclusions/assessments included in that document will supersede the impact assessments contained in this document. 77 LJ 1 2. WATER SYSTEM ' The existing water system will be expanded during the planning period to include most of Township 2, which is under the jurisdiction of First Craven Sanitary District. Installation of a central water system is planned for the area of Township 5, which is presently served by private wells containing poor quality drinking water. As Craven County continues its growth, other "fill-in" water lines will expand existing water systems where demand and cash flow allow for the payback on water line expansions. As the ex waters stem ands and additional industrial development occurs, there will be Y P a need for additional wells to be installed in the Northwest Craven portion of the county. This is the area of prime quality drinking water. Elevated tanks will be required to continue to provide consistent pressure throughout the system as well as to provide fire protection for the ' citizens. Elevated tanks are proposed in Townships 2, 5, and 7. The southeast comer of Township 3 will also require an elevated storage tank in the latter stages of the planning period. Additional tanks may be required depending on the volume of industrial and residential growth. If the high military growth occurs, approximately 5,220 additional households will be generated. The North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources requirements indicate that on average a person generates 60 gallons of sewage per day. If this is inflated 10% for water consumption (not all water consumed goes into the sewer system), then an individual utilizes an average of 66 gallons per day. Based on the high military growth, the people residing in Craven County would generate a total increase in average water demand of 1,021,746 gallons per day. This demand would be spread among the county, municipal, and Cherry Point water supply systems. The county's water system would serve many of the personnel locating in Townships 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Expansion of the water system, in particular in Townships 6 and 7, may be expected. Potable water at MCAS Cherry Point is pumped from a network of deep wells located aboard the air station. A new potable water treatment plant and additional wells are under construction and will become operational in early 1995. The new water treatment facility and additional wells will increase the daily capacity from 4.5 to 6.0 million gallons per day. This capacity upgrade is adequate to support the existing and proposed potable water requirements of the Air Station. The source of water is the Castle Hayne aquifer. 3. WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL As growth proceeds eastward through the county and around the rivers, sewer expansion must keep up with additional demand. During the planning period, expansion of the existing Neuse River- (Township 7) wastewater treatment plant is planned which will provide for an ' additional 500,000 gpd. The Havelock to New Bern corridor is continuing a steady growth rate, and it is anticipated that central sewer will be expanded throughout that entire region as soils are tightly constrained for efficiently working septic tanks/nitrification fields. The installation of icentral sewers along the rivers will eliminate the present leaking of poorly treated septic tank wastewater into streams and rivers. Other areas of the county that need sewer in the future are the presently unsewered incorporated communities, such as the Towns of Cove City and Dover. Each of these towns has central water systems, but they have not yet installed central sewer systems due to the high cost of these systems. As grants are made available in the future, the feasibility of implementing sewer systems will become much easier. In order to protect the health of the citizens in the future, central sewer will need to be installed in these relatively densely populated communities. Other areas of the county are potential targets for central sewer, perhaps in cluster arrangements. An example of this need would be the unincorporated community of Ft. Barnwell. Development, and thus demand for central sewer, will continue in the ETJ areas around the presently sewered communities of the City of New Bem and the Towns of Havelock and Vanceboro. The location of future private development and/or industry will also mandate central sewer systems. In some areas, the private utility systems may begin to be taken over by the town and/or the county. Governmental units assuming responsibility for discharge points generally means a high level of responsibility and quality of effluent discharged to the rivers of the region. If the high military growth occurs, the total Craven County residence population of 15,418 will generate an average daily sewage volume of 925,080 gallons. This demand will be divided among the Craven County, Cherry Point, and municipalities' systems. The county's sewer system is limited to Township 7. Approximately 7,740 of the total military -generated population increase will be in Township 7. This population would generate an average daily sewage demand of approximately 464,400 gallons. This would exceed the capacity of the existing Craven County sewer system. In other areas of the county not served by municipal sewage treatment systems, the population will have to continue to rely on septic tanks and package treatment plants for sewage treatment. The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point provides its own sewage collection and treatment. Recent upgrades of the system have been completed. With the upgrade, the STP has a design capacity of 3.5 million gallons per day (mgd) and a peak flow capacity of 7.5 mgd. Wastewater effluent from the plant is discharged into the Neuse River. A collection system infiltration and inflow (I/I) program quantifies and eliminates excessive water to the wastewater system and provides for the future repair of piping systems that experience the greatest inflow. An analysis is being conducted on the sludge treatment process to determine compliance with -new regulations on sludge disposal. Corrections to the system will be programmed based on findings of the analysis. Sludge produced from the sanitary wastewater treatment plant is land applied in a permitted sludge disposal area at MCAS. MCAS Cherry Point maintains a separate industrial waste treatment system, with the pretreatment plant in Building 1005, and other associated buildings and several industrial waste collection stations. The industrial waste system is being upgraded, and these improvements are expected to be implemented in 1995. At that time, the plant will have a design capacity of 0.63 mgd and a peak flow capacity of 0.91 mgd. Effluent from the plant flows to the STP for final treatment. The sludge is pressed into a cake, stored in leakproof containers, and disposed of by contract in approved hazard waste landfills in South Carolina. f] 1 fl II-20 I 11 LJ U I Ll 4. STORM DRAINAGE With or without expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, management of stormwater runoff will remain an important issue in Craven County. Improvement of water quality in the Trent and Neuse Rivers is important to both the tourist and fishing industries. Urban development, industrial, and agricultural runoff are all contributors to water pollution. There is no single culprit. If the high military growth scenario occurs, the primary impact on stormwater runoff will result from residential construction and on -base military construction. As urban development continues in Craven County, so will the construction of impervious and semi -permeable surfaces, and the potential for surficial water contamination will increase. Given that fact, it is recommended that the county strongly support existing Division of Environmental Management water quality section regulations (15 NCAC 2H.1000) during the planning period. The county should also participate in and contribute to studies of storm drainage undertaken by public and private agencies, support United States Department of Agriculture Best Management Practices for croplands, and work closely with the Division of Marine Fisheries to protect primary and secondary nursery areas. Many of the county's primary nursery areas are located adjacent to Cherry Point. Caution should be taken to protect these areas from surficial water contamination. 5. TRANSPORTATION Transportation improvements are essential to Craven County's continued growth and economic development. The Development Constraints: Public Facilities section of this plan discusses proposed highway improvements in detail. All identified projects are supported by Craven County in the policies section of this plan. Major improvements include: new bridges over the Trent and Neuse Rivers, widening of U.S. 17 from the New Bern Bypass to the Craven -Beaufort county line, construction of a U.S. 17 New Bern Bypass, and construction of a U.S. 70 Havelock Bypass. In addition, continued development of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will require protection/improvement of the base's access routes to the Morehead City Port and Camp Lejeune. Access routes to the Air Station should be protected. This should include control of development in the vicinity of the main gates to the Air Station. The need for good base transportation access will be a much more significant issue if the high growth scenario occurs. The Craven County Regional Airport is extremely important to the county's overall transportation system. Table 50 provides a summary of improvements proposed within the planning period. The policies section of this plan supports those improvements. 1 II-21 Table 50 Craven County Regional Airport Transportation Improvement Program - Aviation Element North Carolina Department of Transportation Improvement Total Cost Federal Share State Share Local Share Fiscal Year 1996 Terminal Building (Phase 1) $4,750,000 $550,000 $2,100,000 $2,100,000 ARFF Vehicle 500,000 450,000 25,000 25,000 ARFF Station 250,000 225,000 12,500 12,500 Rehab/Seal Air Carrier Ramp 40,000 36,000 2,000 2,000 Fiscal Year 1997 Terminal Building (Phase II) 4,750,000 550,000 2,100,000 2,100,000 GA/Corporate Ramp Exp. 350,000 315,000 17,500 17,500 Maintenance Equipment I 50,000 -0- 25,000 25,000 Maintenance Equipment II 12,000. -0- 6,000 6,000 Fiscal Year 1998 Terminal Building & Ramp 4,700,000 1,500,000 1,600,000 1,600,000 MALSR 300,000 270,000 15,000 15,000 Fiscal Year 1999 Runway 4-22 Rehabilitation 750,000 675,000 37,500 37,500 Mobile Communications Vehicle 30,000 -0- 15,000 15,000 Emergency Fire Access Road 150,000 135,000 7,500 7,500 Airfield Security Fencing 70,000 63,000 3,500 3,500 Emergency Power 48,000 43,200 2,400 2,400 Terminal Development Payout 800,000 -0- 400,000 400,000 Fiscal Year 2000 Terminal Development Payout 800,000 -0- 400,000 400,000 Source: Craven County Regional Airport. L� II-22 6. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL The provision of adequate solid waste disposal will continue to be an issue during the planning period. Craven County will support efforts by the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority to determine whether to build a waste to energy incinerator, expand the landfill, or to blend available disposal options. An interim regional landfill located at Tuscarora will accommodate disposal needs through the planning period. The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will continue to be responsible for its own solid waste collection. Solid waste is handled by both MCAS Cherry Point personnel and private contractors. Refuse from all sources, except the family housing areas in Hancock Village, Fort Macon, and Slocum Village, is collected by base personnel and hauled to the transfer station located west of Building 96. At that point, it is transferred to private contractors and transported to the Tuscarora regional landfill. The family housing areas of Hancock Village, Fort Macon, and Slocum Village dispose of residential refuse by service contract. There are no longer sanitary landfills in operation on the station. Recyclables are collected once per week by a contractor. A construction debris landfill is located between Access Road and Runway 14. This landfill is utilized for disposal of nonputrid construction debris, concrete, rock, wood, tree trimmings, and other like materials. 7. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Craven County will face significant educational facilities needs during the planning period. In 1992-1993, ten of the county's 21 schools were over capacity. Long-range improvement plans include: _= Two new middle schools Three new elementary schools -- General renovations (with additional classrooms) at all Craven County schools. ' These improvements are supported by the policy statements included within this plan. ' Based on the anticipated NADEP expansion and the initial Cecil Field realignment of 168 F-18 Hornet jets, and accompanying personnel, the military prepared estimates of school -age children to be added to impacted school systems. In 1995, the anticipated number of F-18's has been reduced to 140. As a "crude" indicator of school system impact, the military's original forecast has been proportionately reduced to reflect 140 F-18's (a 17% reduction). The following provides a summary of the incoming Craven County school -age children based on the ' realignment of 140 F-18's: Elementary School 964 Middle School 298 High School 209 Total 1,471 II-23 In 1995, twelve, or 57% of the county's schools, were over capacity. Nine of the 14 elementary schools were over capacity. However, five new schools and renovations/additions at all existing schools will reduce the existing capacity deficiencies. The increase in school -age children resulting from Cherry Point expansion would result in a 10.3 % increase in school enrollment. Most of this increase should be expected to occur in the elementary schools, where 964 students would be added. 8. RECREATION In 1987, Craven County adopted a Recreation Plan and a Waterfront Access Plan. Both documents included specific recommendations for improvements which are summarized as follows: RECREATION PLAN Improvement Regional Park Small Park Water Access Area Waterfront Park Estimated Cost $ 1,883,850 544,785 284,155 1,331,075 WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN BOAT ACCESS SITE PRIORITIES Site 1. Turkey Quarter Creek 2. Bridgeton Access Area 3. Matthews Point 4. Godfrey Creek Estates Landing Improvement Improved ramp, parking, picnic tables Improved ramp, parking Sandy beach for swimming, parking Sandy beach for swimming, docks 1 In 1995, the county was attempting to secure a large park site (± 100 acres) for , development of a major recreational facility. The policy statements contained in this plan support these improvements. 9. OTHER COUNTY FACILITIES Other county facilities needs during the planning period will include: -- Equipment additions at the fire and emergency services departments. -- Expansion/improvements to the Craven Regional Medical Center. II-24 -- Expansion/improvement of the county jail. -- Expansion of Craven County's administrative office space. If the high military growth scenario occurs, the county will access additional needs and rrespond, as necessary, to accommodate Cherry Point expansion. The greatest impact may be expected on the following: ' -- Transportation systems, including roads and the county's airport. -- Infrastructure, including water and sewer systems. -- Police, fire, and rescue services. D. REDEVELOPMENT ISSUES Craven County's most pressing redevelopment issue will be the preservation of standard housing for low -to -moderate income families and individuals. There are no significant commercial areas requiring clearance or redevelopment. In 1990, over 45 % of the county's housing stock was 20 years old or older. Thus, by 2000, approximately 14,575 dwelling units would have aged to 30 years old or older. The county has not had a minimum housing code enforcement program to require acceptable structural and weatherization standards. While overall housing conditions have improved during the '70s and '80s, substantial problems still exist. Craven County will undertake the following in support of residential redevelopment: ' -- Support applications for North Carolina Community Development housing rehabilitation funds. -- Support applications for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency home improvement funds. ' -- Investigate the development and enforcement of a minimum housing code. A second area of concern will be redevelopment of areas following a hurricane or other natural disaster. The specifics of such redevelopment are dealt with in the storm hazard mitigation and post -disaster reconstruction plan. However, Craven County will support the ' reconstruction of any properties destroyed by natural disaster, consistent with applicable Craven County ordinances. 7 LI 1 II-25 [i I I I I SECTION III: LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM u 1 I SECTION III. LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM As explained in the introduction to the policy statements, land use plans prepared to comply with 15A NCAC 7B regulations have three areas of impact on application: (1) to set policy to guide local planning and land use management decisions; (2) review of projects for consistency with local planning policies; and (3) the establishment of local policies for areas of environmental concern. The CAMA regulations require the establishment of a specific land classification system to support the local government's policy statements. The CAMA 15A NCAC 7B regulations state: "The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local governments to identify the future use of all lands. The designation of land classes allows the local government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding growth. The CAMA guidelines provide for the following land classifications: developed, urban transition, limited transition, community, rural, rural with services, and conservation. These classifications may be further defined by a local government. In applying these classifications, a local government should carefully consider where and when various types of development should be encouraged. Additionally, the areas of environmental concern requiring protection should be identified and mapped. Each applicable land classification must be represented on a land classification map. ' The following land classifications are delineated on Maps 15A and 15B. The Land Classification Map is divided into eastern and western areas to allow for larger, more legible maps. DEVELOPED: Areas included in the developed land classification are currently ' predominantly urban in character. The following areas are classified developed: Fairfield Harbor, James City, and the U. S. 70 corridor between New Bern and Havelock including the area around the Craven Regional Airport. Municipal types of services are in place or are expected to be provided within the next five to ten years. Land uses include residential (single and multi -family), commercial, institutional, transportation, industrial parks, open space, industrial, and other urban land uses at high ' or moderate densities. Residential densities are allowed in excess of an average of three dwelling units per acre. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. COMMUNITY: This classification includes areas which are presently developed at low densities and are suitable for septic tank usage. The classification includes Jasper, Fort Barnwell, Askin, Cayton, Ernul, North Harlowe, Dover, Cove City, the Core Creek Church area south of Cove City, and the Riverside -Honolulu area. Uses include single- family residences, isolated general and convenience stores, churches, public facilities, ' health care facilities, businesses, industrial development and mixed land uses at low densities. Very limited municipal type services, including water service, may be available. Sewer service may be provided to correct an existing or projected public health hazard. Residential densities shall average two dwelling units per acre. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. URBAN TRANSITION: Areas included in the urban transition classification are presently being developed for urban purposes, or will be developed in the next five to ten years. These areas will eventually require complete urban services. The urban transition areas include mixed land uses such as residential (single and multi -family), commercial, institutional, industrial, industrial parks, transportation, and other uses approaching high to moderate densities. Residential densities are allowed in excess of an average of three dwelling units per acre. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. LIMITED TRANSITION: Areas included in the limited transition classification are areas which will experience increasing development during the next five to ten years. The limited transition areas are all located in eastern Craven County along N.C. 101 and north of N.C. 101 along some shoreline and interior land areas. Some municipal type services will be required. The limited transition classification is intended for predominantly residential uses. However, some scattered commercial, health care, and industrial development may occur. Clustering or development associated with planned unit developments may be appropriate. Residential densities at an average of three units per acre or less are acceptable. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. RURAL WITH SERVICES: Areas included within the rural with services classification are developed at low density. This classification is defined by a one -mile wide corridor following all paved secondary roads (except for S.R. 1621 north of Cayton community) not classified in another land classification. This classification is delineated on Map 15. Land uses include residential use where limited water and/or sewer services are provided in order to avert existing or projected health problems, public facilities, health care facilities, commercial, and industrial uses. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. Lot sizes will be large and the provision of services will not disrupt the primary rural character of the landscape. Residential densities shall average two dwelling units per acre. RURAL: Areas included within the rural classification include lands that are appropriate for or presently used for agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, and other uses that should be located in a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. This classification includes all land areas not otherwise classified. The predominant land uses are agricultural, commercial forestry, residential, and scattered industrial development. However, public facilities, health care facilities, on -site water and sewer systems, hazardous or noxious uses, industrial, and commercial uses are allowed. In addition, all uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. Rural water and sewer systems may be available to help avert poor water quality and health problems. Residential densities shall average two dwelling units per acre. 1 E III-2 ICONSERVATION CLASSIFICATIONS COASTAL WETLANDS: This classification includes all areas of coastal wetlands ' which include any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides. However, tidal flooding is understood not to include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Because of map size and scale (Maps 15A and 15B), these areas cannot be accurately mapped. Precise identification and locations must be made in the field. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. ' ESTUARINE SHORELINES: All areas lying 0-75 feet landward of the mean high water level of estuarine waters are classified as estuarine shorelines. Because of map size and scale, these area cannot be accurately mapped. Precise locations must be determined in the field. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. ESTUARINE AND PUBLIC TRUST WATERS: All public trust areas and estuarine waters are included in this classification. All waters of Craven County are classified as estuarine waters as described by 15A NCAC 7H.0206 or public trust waters as described by 15A NCAC 7H.0207. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H shall be permitted. ' For all conservation classifications, precise identification of locations must be made in the field by the appropriate permitting agency. P TLEGENQ ® DEVELOPED ® URBAN TRANSITION LIMITED TRANSITION COMMUNITY RURAL WITH SERVICES (SEE NOTE 4) RURAL NOTE 1) NOTE 2) NOTE 3) CONSERVATION: INCLUDES COASTAL WETLANDS, ESTUARINE SHORELINES, ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS. (SEE NOTES 1, 2 AND 3) NOTE 4) SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY =1 Or-- HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE 70 U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 0 N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY 1100 . SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER RAILROAD ----- COUNTY LINE --- - - - CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON COASTAL WETLANDS: THE COASTAL WETLAND AREAS ARE DEFINED BY 15A NCAC 7H.0205 AS ANY SALT MARSH OR OTHER MARSH SUBJECT TO REGULAR OR OCCASIONAL FLOODING BY TIDES, INCLUDING WIND TIDES (WHETHER OR NOT THE TIDE WATERS REACH THE MARSHLAND AREAS THROUGH NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL WATER COURSES), PROVIDED THIS SHALL NOT INCLUDE HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM TIDES. PRECISE LOCATIONS OF ALL COASTAL WETLAND AREAS MUST BE DETERMINED IN THE ESTUARINE SHORELINES: ALL AREAS LYING 3-75' LANDWARD OF THE MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATERS ARE CLASSIFIED AS ESTUARINE SHORELINE AREAS. PRECISE LOCATIONS MUST BE DEi LRMINED NV THE FIELD. ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS: ALL WATERS OF CRAVEN COUNTY ARE CLASSIFIED AS ESTUARINE WATERS AS DESCRIBED BY 15A NCAC 7H.0206, OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DESCRIBED BY 1SA NCAC 7H.0207. ALL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE USE STANDARDS CCNTAINED IN 15A NCAC 7H. THE RURAL WITH SERVICES CORRIDORS" ARE ONE MILE WIDE. THEY EXTEND ONE-HALF MILE ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD ALONG WHICH -1 HE CLASSIFICATION IS LOCATED. Li L_. THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART 'THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL'MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF '1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENI�, BEAUFORT COUNTY NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION. 1 i L7 I LEGEND •''• ' ,• I6J8 t621 •:164y)•;•• '�4•K':1642 •• �' : -f84t • TO cRFF,yI,a �S •.'►r43 ••..' •• • I• •'•.i �� •.•li33 ' • •' •'' is 9 r C 1476 ' '••' '� • •�' "•'. • • '•'•' • 6J� 1478 VAN • ' ' ' ''r�;•, ��� �.'''�;�. :'.-...�..•:.•. • tax, 1 c 1451 •� 10 GRIFTON a '14SG;' '''•' ' ,: / 1468 .�•�•'•' r 4ta; 1454 , • •'• '•' : ;• 'SRO �'• .L . •i44a 1624; 1625' 2g ' i•:�ll ,I617 T. •11820 ' ': • � M•.i6�o.' •:alp /., �e..�a: I��r;:'4:••�7"J'•;�' � '�' •.IC1a' Isis, .. 1480 ' :I260' 12•;•,•' ... •� ;•� �,•:` ' '•azs ;�••' . •''.'. ;4•;" NC CSC srJ~ri•.•.'.'.'. '12751324 No 273 .. •,� •,•, ,;..•1274 ••. ,258 ' • .; •••�• '•• . •'t[-44' 1261 ,•4';37. i�: • •1245 •''?2' f/ `: 'i:' • 125= •�2R5.''• t '12Za• .. '•:•''''•,•••'Q2 I j••• �• 12.4J•,� Wks-"" ®•��t.': • • •ter `�; .:�;117Q • Z • • , y • 7 •� . / • •' 1229 1223 Y�5 0 Z WFIR ' 1265::. ••• «.::::•:. .. �.'• '� ::�•.: 1237 JONES �y1or" COUNTY SCALE 1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES C +' tYS �A a v a . • CITY OF ,NE%N 3ERN WESTERN 0 CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina RIVER: LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP MAP 15A III-4 L EGE:VQ 1 DEVELOPED NOTE I) COASTAL WETLANDS; THE COASTAL WETLAND URBAN TRANSITION AREAS ARE DEFINED BY ISA NCAC 7FUM5 AS ANY SALT MARSH OR OTF-R MARSH SUBJECT TO REGULAR OR OCCASIONAL FLOODING BY TIDES. INCLUDING WIND TIDES (WHETHER OR NOT THE TIDE WATERS ' LIMITED TRANSITION REACH THE MARSHLAND AREAS THROUGH NAT, U AL OR ARTIFICIAL WATER COURSES, PROVIDED THIS I::: : r SHALL NOT INCLUDE HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM TIDES. PRECISE LOCATIONS OF ALL COASTAL W L ND AREAS MUST BE o=ERhIINm IN T'rm , i COMMUNITY NOTE b ESTUARINE SHORELINES: ALL AREAS LYLNG RURAL WITH SERVICES (SEE NOTE ) LANDWARD OFTIM MEAN HIGH WATER LEVEL OR NORMAL WATER LEVEL OF ESTUARINE WATZS ARE CL SSIFTED AS ESTUARINE SHCREL.WE AREAS. PRECSE LOCATIONS MUST BE Dr—rMiL IINED V .r-- RURAL FIELD. a NOTE 3) ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS: ALL WATERS OF GQAVEN COUNTY ARE CLASSIFi---D AS ESTUARINE WATERS As DESCRIBED BY ISA NCAC 7H=6, OR PUBLIC TRUST AREAS AS DESCRIBe�7i BY CONSERVATION: ISA NCAC 7rLOM7. ALL DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE INCLUDES COASTAL WETLANDS, ESTUARINE SHORELINES, CONSISTENT WTIH THE USE STANDARDS CCV?aNeJ ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS. IN I5A NCAC ;H. (SEE NOTES 1, 2 A 3) NOTE 4) THE RURAL ATM I-S VICE CORRIDORS' ARE C. ONE MILE WIDE . THEY =CI'=VD ONE-HALF MILE ON EITHER SIDE OF TEE ROAD ALONG WHICH iri-E •..... SOIL, GRAVEL, OR STONE SURFACED ROAD CLASSIFICATION IS LOCATED. HARD SURFACED ROAD DIVIDED HIGHWAY IC HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE ' 70 U.S. NUMBERED HIGHWAY N.C. NUMBERED HIGHWAY ' I100 SECONDARY ROAD NUMBER RAILROAD ----- COUNTY LINE ------ CORPORATE LIMIT LINE INCORPORATED AREA NOT UNDER CRAVEN " COUNTY PLANNING JURISDICTION ' r-,----� EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AREAS NOT UNDER CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING ' JURISDICTION CORPORATE LIMIT LINES SEPARATING NEW `"' BERN/TRENT WOODS, NEW BERN/BRIDGETON 1 J THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TION NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRA LEGEND i P ' j AMA/o ' K NNI NEUSE CgRTFRRT / Cp�NTY ' �rN J'f • . �il + J'..1 � ' + :Y �* $ ✓ ` sir BACK SEEK/ Ap ice. r., C;J=J j,:'• . •1+' / i �� •I100� w � •• _�,• •r f J ' NATIONAL 00 ZJ� �,w�fi 1�r at A0 LONG Of LAKE rwTFOH I100 LAKE ITSG qp L AKE FOREST .f '•LO`� GREAT LAKE SIMON GP / SCALE / 1 0 1 2 34 MILES / . - Y� / %eFAGFOR r EASTERN CRAVEN COUNTY North Carolina LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP MAP 15B 1 1 A i 1 F 1 I I SECTION IV: CRAVEN COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS SE CTION IV: CRAVEN COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS A. INTRODUCTION TO POLICY STATEMENTS The previous sections of this plan identify a number of areas of concern dealing with growth, development, and the environment. The plan also discusses many opportunities and assets which exist within Craven County. This section provides policies designed to address growth management and protect the county's assets. The policy statements should address the desires and objectives of the citizens of Craven County, and respond to the policy statement requirements of the Coastal Resources Commission as defined by 15A NCAC 7B. The policy statements are extremely important and have a day-to-day impact on businesses and individual citizens within the county. The statements have an impact in three areas: • CAMA minor and major permitting as required by NCGS 113A-118 prior to undertaking any development in any area of environmental concern. • Establishment of local planning policy. • Review of proposed projects requiring state or federal assistance or approval to determine consistency with local policies. For the issuance of CAMA permits within areas of environmental concern, the state's minimum acceptable use standards are defined by 15A NCAC 7H. A local unit of government must adopt policies which are, at a minimum, equal to and consistent with the state's minimum use standards. A local unit of government may adopt policies which are more stringent than the minimum use standards. For example, the state standards allow marinas to be located within estuarine waters if some minimum conditions are met. A local government may adopt a policy stating that marinas will not be permitted within estuarine waters, or allowed only if some additional local policies are met. If this were to occur, a CAMA permit for marina construction in estuarine waters would not be issued, or issued only -if all local policies are satisfied. IT IS CRUCIAL THAT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF ITS POLICIES WITHIN AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. The second area of land use plan application is that of establishing policies to guide the jurisdiction's local planning. This may apply both within areas of environmental concern where CAMA regulations apply and in non-CAMA regulated areas of the county. Non-CAMA-related ' recommendations must be implemented with local land use ordinances such as zoning, development, or subdivision ordinances. If a land use plan recommends that the average residential density should be three dwelling units per acre within a particular area, then that density must be achieved through local regulatory controls. (This should not be confused with the interaction of the land use plan with the CAMA regulations and 15A NCAC 7H use standards.) LI I IV-1 1 The final area of application is that of "Consistency Review. " Proposals and applications for state and federal assistance or requests for agency approval of projects are normally reviewed against a jurisdiction's land use plan to determine if the project is consistent with local policies. Inconsistencies with local policies could serve as grounds for denial or revision of a project. For example, an individual or agency may request state approval to construct a nursing home/health care facility. If the proposed location of the project is within an area in which the land use plan does not allow such a facility, the project may be judged to be inconsistent with the local land use plan. The Coastal Resources Commission requires all governments to specify stated development policies under each one of five broad topics. These topics include: -- Resource Protection -- Resource Production and Management -- Economic and Community Development -- Continuing Public Participation -- Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plans Based on the analysis of existing conditions and trends, suggestions from the county's citizens, and substantial input and guidance from the Craven County Planning Department, the policies in the following sections have been formulated to provide guides for regulating growth, development, and resource management throughout the planning period in each separate area. Policies that were considered but not adopted are provided in Appendix IV. B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS Soils: To mitigate existing septic tank problems and other restrictions on development posed by soil limitations in Craven County, the county will: (a) Enforce all current regulations of the N.C. State Building Code and Craven County Health Department relating to building construction and septic tank installation/ replacement in areas with soils restrictions. (b) Coordinate all development activity with appropriate county and state regulatory personnel, and in particular, with the Craven County Sanitarian. (c) Support the development of central water and sewer systems in all areas of the county. (d) Development in areas where soil types have limited bearing capacity will not be ' encouraged. However, the county will permit development in such areas, as long as such development complies with other local, state, and federal environmental regulations. (e) In areas with possible septic tank limitations, Craven County will remain committed to ■ decisions rendered by the Craven County Health Department's Sanitarian. IV-2 Arm Corps will cooperate with the U. S. of (f) The county p Y rP Engineers in the regulation/enforcement of the 404 wetlands permit process. However, additional wetlands regulations will not be supported or locally imposed by the county. Flood Hazard Areas: (a) Craven County will continue to coordinate all development within the special flood hazard area with the county's Inspections Department, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, FEMA, and the U.S. Corps of Engineers. (b) Craven County realizes the inevitability of some development occurring in flood prone areas. Therefore, the county will continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforce its "regular" Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance through the county building inspection program. Proposed developments shall provide protective measures which comply with flood insurance requirements. IGroundwater/Protection of Potable Water Supplies: (a) It shall be the policy of Craven County to conserve its surficials groundwater resources by enforcing CAMA and N.C. Division of Environmental Management stormwater run-off regulations through implementation of the county's subdivision ordinance, and by coordinating local development activities involving chemical storage or underground storage tank installation/abandonment with Craven County Emergency Management personnel and the Groundwater Section of the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. b Craven County's water system is supplied by a series of wells. Land uses near () groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management through 15A NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C. Craven County recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies and therefore supports the enforcement of these regulations. Also, the county may consider adopting controls which will discourage development that may encroach upon these wells. Manmade Hazards: (a) Craven County will support the technical requirements and state program approval for underground storage tanks as prescribed by 15A NCAC 2H, Criteria and Standards Applicable to Underground Storage Tanks. (b) Craven County opposes the disposal of any toxic wastes, as defined by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Listing of Hazardous Substances and Priority Pollutants (developed pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 1977) within the Craven r County planning jurisdiction. I'Groundwaters which are at or just below the surface. I IV-3 (c) Craven County supports continued growth and development of both the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and the Craven County Regional Airport. (d) Craven County supports the continued development of MCAS Cherry Point and the required infrastructure. (e) Development in the vicinity of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point should be compatible with the Cherry Point AICUZ. Incompatible development should be minimized in high noise impact areas. Stormwater Runoff: Craven County will support state regulations relating to stormwater runoff resulting from development (Stormwater Disposal Policy 15A NCAC 2H.001-.1003). Cultural/Historic Resources: (a) Craven County shall coordinate all housing rehabilitation/redevelopment projects with the N.C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure that any significant architectural details or buildings are identified and preserved. (b) Craven County will coordinate all public works projects with the N.C. Division of Archives and History, to ensure the identification and preservation of significant historic and archaeological sites. (c) Craven County recognizes the historic significance of Cherry Point to the nation and region. The county encourages protection of historic sites such as Gate 6. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas: I (a) Industrial development which can comply with the use standards specified by 15A NCAC 7H may be located within conservation classified areas. Craven County aggressively encourages the development of industry. The county does not want any policies contained within this plan to prohibit industrial development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations. (b) The county, in cooperation with the incorporated municipalities, will continue to support an active industrial recruitment program, as currently conducted by the Craven County Committee of 100, seeking low pollution, light manufacturing industries and those which do not require large commitments of water and/or sewer. (c) Craven County should seek technical assistance and financial help to develop another industrial park, if the need dictates. The county also supports the eventual development of an air industrial park near the airport for aviation -related concerns. IV-4 (d) The county believes that all industrial prospects should be given a fair, case -by -case assessment in order to carefully compare possible economic benefits with possibly negative environmental effects. Such reviews will be coordinated by Craven County through various county agencies and departments. (e) The Economic Development Commission may represent to qualified industrial clients the policy that Craven County will extend utility lines, and/or make such improvements to utility systems as may be required to cause such industry to locate, to a monetary amount not to exceed fifty (50) percent of the anticipated tax revenue for the first five (5) years after the industry has completed construction and occupied its facility. (f) Craven County supports the establishment of natural gas lines to WAS Cherry Point and other potential users if the service should become available to the region. (g) Craven County supports the re-establishment of jet fuel distribution that would be barged into the Naval Boat Docks at MCAS Cherry Point and then distributed via pipeline aboard base to the appropriate fuel farms. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION Package Treatment Plant Use: (a) Craven County supports the construction of package treatment plants which are approved and permitted by the State Division of Environmental Management. As package plants are approved, Craven County supports requirement of a specific contingency plan specifying how ongoing private operation and maintenance of the plant will be provided, and detailing provisions for assumption of the plant into a public system should the private operation fail. (b) Craven County supports the discharge of package treatment plant effluent into 404 wetland areas. I Marina and Floating Home Development: Craven County will enforce the following policies to govern floating homes and marina development: a O Craven County will allow the construction and expansion of marinas, including upland ry P g P marinas, in all areas which satisfy the use standards for marinas as specified in 15A NCAC 7H. This shall include marinas proposed for location within Conservation areas. (b) Craven County will allow construction of dry stack storage facilities for boats associated either with or independent of marinas. All applicable state and federal regulations must be satisfied. (c) Floating homes are not an issue or problem in Craven County. However, the county discourages the anchoring of floating homes within its planning jurisdiction. Craven County will investigate the development of an ordinance to regulate floating homes. I IV-5 1 Development of Sound and Estuarine Islands: There are no estuarine system islands of any significance in Craven County's jurisdiction. For those islands which do exist, Craven County does not oppose development of the islands if the development satisfies the 15A NCAC 7H use standards. Bulkhead Construction: Craven County supports the construction of bulkheads as long as they fulfill the use standards set forth in 15A NCAC 7H. Sea Level Rise: Craven County will implement the following policies to respond to sea level rise: (a) Craven County will continuously monitor the effects of sea level rise and update the land use plan policies as necessary to protect the county's public and private properties from rising water levels. (b) Craven County will support bulkheading on the mainland to protect its shoreline areas from intruding water resulting from rising sea level. C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES RECREATION RESOURCES (a) Subject to available funds, Craven County supports a comprehensive recreational program to provide a broad range of recreational facilities for its citizens. (b) As required by the Craven County Subdivision Ordinance, Craven County may require the dedication of public shoreline access sites in subdivisions having two hundred (200) or more lots after consideration of the following: • Topography, geology, access and location of land in the development available for dedication; • Location relative to residential population concentration; • Size and shape of the development and land available for dedication; • The feasibility of dedication; • Availability and proximity of previously acquired public accessways; • Consistency with the Craven County Land Use Plan. (c) The county could seek donations of land, bargain sales, or grant funds in order to obtain sites suitable for development as a water park or swimming area. (d) In the long term, Craven County would like to see an additional boat access ramp developed along the Neuse River that is free and open to the public. IV-6 I e Generally, the coup is committed to pursuing development of at least one waterfront () Y � county P g P park or similar facility suitable for swimming, preferably along the shoreline of the Neuse River. Productive Agricultural Lands: (a) Craven County supports and encourages use of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service "Best Management Practices" program to protect productive agricultural lands. (b) Craven County, in recognition of the importance of agriculture to the county's economy, believes that existing federal and state permitting procedures pose enough limitations to the use of farmland in the county. Because of the soil types and topography, the county recognizes that proper drainage is essential and must be allowed to continue as needed, Y, and as it does not result in irreversible damage to environmentally sensitive areas. Aquaculture: Craven County supports the development of aquaculture and mariculture facilities. Off -Road Vehicles: Craven County does not object to the responsible use of off -road or all terrain wheeled vehicles in all areas except coastal wetlands. Solid Waste: (a) Craven County supports a regional multi -county approach to solid waste management. (b) Craven County favors the siting of recycling centers, transfer stations and solid waste collection sites within all land classifications except those within the conservation category. Peat or Phosphate Mining: Policies addressing this issue are not applicable to Craven County. Productive Forest Lands: (a) Craven County encourages and supports utilization of the Forest Best Management Practices Manual, 1989, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources for all forestry operations. The county believes that imposing additional restrictions is not necessary at this time nor should be throughout the planning period. (b) Craven County encourages the Croatan National Forest to maintain land holdings no land swaps) within the vicinity of Cherry Point. These forest areas serve as protection from encroachment. Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Impacts on Resources: Residential, commercial, and industrial development which meets 15A NCAC 7H use standards will be allowed in estuarine shoreline, estuarine water, and public trust areas. In all other areas, development will be allowed that is consistent with applicable local, state and federal regulations. I IV-7 I Marine Resource Areas: I (a) Craven County supports the use standards for estuarine and public trust areas as specified in 15A NCAC 7H.0207. (b) Craven County reserves the right to comment on the individual policies and requirements of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. (c) The county will support enforcement of current state, federal, and local regulations to improve water quality. (d) Craven County has reservations concerning the Albemarle -Pamlico Study Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. The county recommends to the Governor of the State of North Carolina and the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina that the plan not be endorsed without (1) a thorough examination of all the adverse economic consequences of plan implementation; (2) a specific accounting of all of the costs of implementation and administration of the plan, including additional state and local staff and restoration costs; (3) an impact analysis being conducted on the tax base and related tax rates of counties within the Albemarle -Pamlico study area; and (4) an analysis being conducted of the legal implications for the state and local governments imposing substantial additional regulations on privately -owned property in the affected region. (e) As regulated by the Craven County subdivision ordinance, the following policy shall govern land subdivision in subdivisions located adjacent to primary nursery areas: Subdivisions located adjacent to waters identified as primary nursery areas by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries or tributaries leading to such waters shall be designed to accomplish the following: (a) A permanent conservation zone of 75 feet shall be established in which all land disturbing activities will be prohibited, except for shoreline stabilization activities allowed under CAMA permitting requirements. (b) All structures shall maintain a minimum setback of 100 feet from the mean low water line. (c) All parking areas shall be located as far away as possible from water, wetland, and shoreline areas adjacent to the subdivision. (d) Only strip paving will be allowed. Curb and gutter shall be prohibited. (e) Channeling stormwater runoff directly into water bodies shall be prohibited. Stormwater runoff shall be routed through swales and other systems designed to increase time of concentration, decrease velocity, increase infiltration, allow suspended soils to settle, and remove pollutants. IV-8 1 D. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT General: Craven County desires to expand its economic base, including Cherry Point expansion, tourism, commercial fishing, retail and wholesale trade, real estate and construction, and industrial development. Craven County will support growth and development at the densities specified in the land classification definitions. The desired pattern of development is shown on the Land Classification Map 13. The county's economic development goals should be compatible with, and complementary to, Cherry Point's existing and proposed activities. The following Economic and Community Development policies shall apply: (a) Craven County will remain committed to providing needed services, as economically feasible, to accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial development in the county. (b) The existing low density rural communities which are scattered throughout the county are a long established residential pattern in Craven County. This pattern will continue to be i encouraged by the county. i (c) All newly developing subdivisions will have to adhere to the standards of the county subdivision regulations. (d) The county believes that dense urban development should only take place where both adequate water and sewer facilities are provided. This is especially true for commercial and industrial land uses. (e) Craven County, generally, would like to see development continue in areas considered most feasible` to accommodate the anticipated growth and development, where support services such as water and sewer (including septic tanks where necessary) are feasible, and where practical to provide. (f) The county would like to see continued enforcement of existing density and development controls, i.e., subdivision regulations and septic tank permits. (g) Development will be permitted in some areas subject to erosion, provided proposals comply with policies of this plan that apply to estuarine shorelines. (h) Craven County supports the construction of schools on behalf of the Cherry Point community. The immediate construction of a new middle school in Havelock is needed. (i) Land use and development trends should be compatible with the mission of Cherry Point so as to avoid future encroachment on the base. 11 t 1 IV-9 I Water Supply: i (a) Craven County supports the extension of central water service into all areas of the county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations. (b) Craven County supports the addition of wells to its system to increase water supply. 1 . (c) The county is aware that inappropriate land uses near well fields increase the possibility of well contamination. Land uses near groundwater sources are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management through NCAC Subchapters 2L and 2C. Craven County recognizes the importance of protecting potable water supplies, and therefore supports the enforcement of these regulations. (d) Craven County supports all efforts to secure available state and federal funding for the construction and/or expansion of public and private water systems. Sewer System: (a) Craven County supports the discharge of effluent into 404 wetland areas. (b) Craven County supports a discharge point(s) into the Neuse River to alleviate land application system(s) constrained by periods of extended wet weather. (c) Craven County supports the extension of central sewer service into all areas of the county, including the construction of lines to and through conservation areas to serve development which meets all applicable state and federal regulations. (d) Craven County supports all efforts to secure available state and federal funding for the construction and/or expansion of public and private sewer systems. 1, Stormwater: Craven County will cooperate with the N.C. Department of Transportation, the N.C. Division of Environmental Management, and other state agencies in mitigating the impact of stormwater runoff on all conservation classified areas. Energy Facility Siting and Development: Craven County will implement the following energy facility siting and development policies: (a) Except for the Craven County Industrial Park energy generating facility, there are no s electric generating plants located in or proposed for Craven County. However, the county will review proposals for development of electric generating plants, or plants , associated with peat mining, on a case -by -case basis, judging the need for the facility against all identified possible adverse impacts. (b) Craven County will not oppose offshore drilling operations and onshore support facilities " for which an environmental impact statement has been prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the environment. IV-10 I I Redevelopment of Developed Areas: The most significant redevelopment issues facing Craven P P g P g County through 2000 are substandard housing and reconstruction following a major storm. During the planning period, the county will attempt to correct its worst substandard housing conditions by implementing the following: (a) The county should adopt a minimum housing code. The entire county will benefit from improved control of structural conditions. Caution must be exercised in the implementation of this effort. Craven County does not desire to displace families or unreasonably require building demolition. However, the county does intend to require that buildings which are a health hazard and which detract from community appearance it be removed. (b) The county will apply for Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency funds. (c) All redevelopment efforts will be coordinated with the Craven County Building Inspections Department. (d) The county will continue to work with the City of New Bern in encouraging redevelopment activities of the waterfront area, such as Union Point Park, and other projects of mutual interest and concern. The second redevelopment concern is reconstruction following a hurricane or other natural disaster. The Storm Hazard Mitigation, Post -Disaster Recovery, and Evacuation Plan provides policies for responding to hurricanes or other natural disasters. Those policies address reconstruction needs. The county will allow the reconstruction of any structures demolished by natural disaster when the reconstruction complies with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Estuarine Access: Craven County supports participation in state/local sponsored shoreline access projects. With the exception of the following policy, Craven County supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in Chapter 15A, Subchapter 7M of the North Carolina Administrative Code. Consistent with the Craven County Subdivision Ordinance, in all subdivisions adjacent to a shoreline and having two hundred (200) or more lots, the developer shall dedicate land, at the option of the county, for public access at the time and according to the following standards and formula: General Standard, Formula It is hereby found and determined that the public interest, convenience, health, welfare and safety require that public access to the shoreline areas be provided in each subdivision having two hundred (200) or more lots and being located adjacent to a shoreline. Determination of Land The county shall determine whether to require public accessway dedication after consideration of the following: a) Topography, geology, access and location of land in the development available for dedication; b) Location relative to residential population concentration; c) Size and shape of the development and land available for dedication; d) The feasibility of dedication; e) Availability and proximity of previously acquired public accessways; f) Consistency with the Craven County Land Use Plan. Credit for Private Accesswav Where private accessways are provided in a proposed development and such space is to be privately owned and maintained by the future residents of the development, credit may be given against the requirement of public accessway dedication. The county must find it in the public interest to do so and that all of the following standards are met: a) The private ownership and maintenance of the accessway is adequately provided for by recorded written agreement, conveyance or restrictions; b) The perpetual use of the private accessway shall be restricted for accessway purposes by recorded covenant, which runs with the land in favor of the future owners of property and which cannot be deleted or eliminated without the consent of the county or its successor; c) The proposed private accessway is reasonably adaptable for use for public and accessway purposes, taking into consideration such factors as size, shape, topography, geology, access and location; d) Facilities proposed for the private accessway are in substantial accordance with the provisions of this ordinance; and e) The accessway for which credit is given meets accessway needs of all existing and future residents of the area. Procedure In the case of a subdivision for which a plat is required to be recorded, as a condition of preliminary plat approval, the developer shall agree in writing to dedicate public access, at the option of the county, according to the standards and formula in this section. A recommendation from the Planning board shall be forwarded to the county board of commissioners. At the time of approval of the preliminary subdivision plat, the county shall determine the public accessway to be dedicated. At the time of filing of the final subdivision plat, the developer shall dedicate the public accessway. The county will conform to CAMA and other state and federal environmental regulations affecting the development of estuarine access areas. IV-12 1 1 Types and Locations of Desired Industry: Industrial development is crucial to economic growth in Craven County. The county's heavy reliance on employment in the service, agricultural, and forestry sectors should be balanced by the development of a base of industrial/manufacturing employment. Therefore, Craven County supports all industrial development which satisfies applicable state and federal regulations. Programs: Craven Commitment to State and FederalCountyis receptive to all state and federal programs which provide improvements to the county. The county will continue to fully support such programs, especially the following: the North Carolina Department of Transportation road and bridge improvement programs, the CAMA planning process and permitting programs, the Community Development Block Grant program, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency programs, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers channel maintenance projects, all state/federal funding programs to support development of water/sewer systems, programs which may provide funding for solid waste disposal facilities, USDA funded drainage and erosion control projects, shoreline access projects, and state/federal projects to enhance economic development and tourism. Assistance in Channel Maintenance: Proper maintenance of channels is very important to Craven County because of the substantial economic impact of commercial fisheries and tourism. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, safe and efficient movement of commercial fishing, recreational vehicles, military vessels, and transport vessels could be impeded. Craven County will consider on a case -by -case basis the provision of assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or state officials to obtain spoil sites, provide financial aid, and assist in securing or providing easements for work. The county supports maintenance of channels in the Neuse River, Slocum Creek, and Hancock Creek which serve the military. Tourism: Craven County will implement the following policies to further the development of tourism: (a) Craven County will support North Carolina Department of Transportation projects to improve access to the county. b Craven County will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline areas. () tY PP P J (c) Craven County will continue to support the activities of the North Carolina Division of Travel and Tourism; specifically, the monitoring of tourism -related industry, efforts to promote tourism -related commercial activity, and efforts to enhance and provide shoreline resources. (d) Craven County will continue to support its Tourism Development Authority through the employment of a full-time director. (e) Craven County will continue to participate in the "Keep America Beautiful" campaign. (f) Craven County tourism programs should be coordinated with Cherry Point Public Affairs officials. Weekly base tours are conducted for the public and should be advertised locally. IV-13 Transportation: (a) Craven County supports the following transportation improvements and programs: (1) U.S. 70, New Bern planning area to S. R. 1106. (2) N.C. 101, Havelock planning area to Carteret County. (3) U.S. 17, U.S. 17 Bypass to New Bern planning area. (4) S.R. 1756 (Lake Road), Havelock planning area to Carteret County. (5) River Road, S.R. 1440 to N.C. 43. (6) Streets Ferry Road, U. S.70 Business to S.R. 1444. (7) N.C. 43, Pitt County to N.C. 118. (8) N.C. 55, U.S. 17 to N.C. 304, Craven -Pamlico counties. Upgrade existing roadway. (9) New Bern, U.S. 17, S.R. 1278 (Trent Road) to U.S. 70 Business, Craven County. Upgrade existing roadway. (10) U.S. 17, New Bern Bypass to Washington Bypass, Craven -Beaufort counties. Widen existing roadway to a multi -lane facility. (11) U.S. 70, Havelock Bypass, Craven County. Four -lane divided facility on new location. (12) N.C. 118, replace bridge over Swift Creek. (13) S.R. 1470, replace bridge over Neuse River overflow. (14) S.R. 1005, replace bridge over Core Creek. (15) S.R. 1746, replace ridge over Slocum Creek. (16) U.S. 17 N.C. 55, replace bridge over Neuse River. (17) U.S. 70 Business, replace bridge over Trent River. (18) All Craven County Regional Airport improvements indicated in the airport's five- year transportation improvement program. This includes but it not limited to construction of a new terminal building and extension of runway 13-31. IV-14 (19) Implementation of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, wildflower research project throughout the county. (b) Craven County supports construction of the North Carolina Global Transpark and implementation of a regional economic zone, and special tax to support the Regional Economic Zone. (c) Craven County supports transportation improvements which will improve access to the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (d) The county's transportation system planning should consider the Marine Corps' need to move equipment and personnel to/from the Morehead City Port and Camp Lejeune. E. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION As the initial step in the preparation of this document, Craven County prepared and adopted a "Citizen Participation Plan." The plan outlined the methodology for citizen involvement (see Appendix V). Public involvement was generated through public information meetings and development of the plan by the Craven County Planning Board. A public information meeting was conducted at the outset of the project on April 3, 1995, at 8:00 p.m. in the Craven County Administration Building in New Bern. Subsequently, meetings of the Planning Board were held on April 11, 1995; April 27, 1995; and June 22, 1995. All meetings were advertised and open to the public. The Board of Commissioners conducted a public information meeting for review and comment on the plan on July 27, 1995. The meeting was advertised in the Sun Journal. The preliminary plan was submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for comment on August 22, 1995. Following receipt of CRC comments, the plan was amended, and a formal public hearing on the final document was conducted on June 17, 1996. The public hearing was advertised in the Sun Journal. The plan was approved by the Craven County Board of Commissioners on June 17, 1996, and submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission for certification. The plan was certified on July 26, 1996. Citizen input will continue to be solicited, primarily through the Planning Board, with advertised and adequately publicized public meetings held to discuss special land use issues and to keep citizens informed. IV-15 F. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION POLICIES I The effect of storm related flooding in Craven County is discussed on pages I-62 through I-66 of the Land Use Plan, and areas subject to storm surge flooding are shown on Map 6, page I-65. The most severely affected section of the county during a major storm would be the eastern area of the county east of Clubfoot Creek where a Category 3 storm would inundate almost the entire area. All developed areas of Craven County are subject to wind damage. Hazard mitigation, or actions taken to reduce the probability or impact of a disaster could involve a number of activities or policy decisions. The starting point, however, is to identify the types of hazards (including the relative severity and magnitude of risks), and the extent of development (including residential, commercial, etc.) located in storm hazard areas. Hurricanes are extremely powerful, often unpredictable forces of nature. The four causes of fatalities and property damage are high winds, flooding, wave action, and erosion. Two of these, high winds and flooding, apply to Craven County. Policy Statements: Storm Hazard Mitigation In order to minimize the damage potentially caused by the effects of a hurricane or other major storm, Craven County proposes the following policies: High Winds Craven County supports enforcement of the N.C. State Building Code. The county will continue to enforce the State Building Code on wind resistant construction with design standards of 110 mph wind loads. Flooding I Craven County is an active participant in the National Flood Insurance program and is supportive of hazard mitigation elements. The county is participating in the regular phase of the insurance program. This program is administered locally by the Craven County Building Inspector. When reviewing development proposals, the county will work to reduce density in areas susceptible to flooding. In addition, the county will encourage the public purchase of land in the most hazardous areas. 1. Mitigation Policies Related to Redevelopment of Hazard Areas After a Storm I Reconstruction of damaged properties in Craven County after a storm will be subject to the following: The North Carolina Building Code requires any building damaged in excess of 50 percent of its value to conform with code requirements for new buildings when repaired. (This will be particularly beneficial in the event of wind damage.) IV-16 �. ° The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires that all existing structures must comply with requirements related to elevation above the 100-year floodplain elevation and floodproofmg if they are substantially improved. A substantial improvement is defined as "any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building either before the improvement or repair is started, or before damage occurred if the building has been damaged." ' Evacuation Plans The county will coordinate evacuation planning with all county agencies and municipalities. Craven County will encourage motels, condominiums, and multi -family developments (five or more dwelling units) to post evacuation instructions that identify routes and the locations of available public shelters. The county will update an evacuation route map annually. Copies will be kept at the County Administration Building in New Bern for free distribution to the public. Implementation: Storm Hazard Miti ag tion 1. Craven County will continue to enforce the standards of the State Building Code. 2. The county will continue to support enforcement of State and Federal programs which aid in mitigation of hurricane hazards, including CAMA, FEMA, as .well as local ordinances such as zoning and flood damage prevention regulations. 3. The county will discourage high density development in high hazard areas through implementation of the county's Subdivision Ordinance. 4. Craven County supports the public acquisition of high hazard areas with state and federal funds when voluntary acquisition can be accomplished. The county discourages condemnation of land for this purpose. 5. Developed structures which were destroyed or sustained "major damage" and which did not conform to Craven County's building regulations, and other storm hazard mitigation policies, i.e., basic measures to reduce damage by high winds, flooding, wave action or erosion, must be repaired or redeveloped according to those policies. In some instances, this may mean relocation of construction, or no reconstruction at all. Building permits to restore destroyed or "major" damaged structures which were built in conformance with the county's building code and county storm hazard mitigation policies shall be issued automatically. All structures suffering major damage will be repaired according to the State Building Code and county Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. All structures suffering minor damage, regardless of location, will be allowed to be rebuilt to the original condition prior to the storm. u I IV-17 POST -DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION PLAN AND POLICIES I A. Introduction I This post -disaster plan provides a program which will permit Craven County to deal with the aftermaths of a storm in an organized and efficient manner. The plan provides the mechanisms, procedures, and policies that will enable the county to learn from its storm experiences and to rebuild the developed areas in a wise and practical manner. The post -disaster reconstruction plan encompasses three distinct reconstruction periods: ° The emergency period is the reconstruction phase immediately after a storm. Emphasis will be placed on restoring public health and safety, assessing the nature and extent of storm damage, and qualifying for and obtaining whatever federal and state assistance might be available. The restoration period covers the weeks and months following a storm disaster. Emphasis will be placed on restoring community facilities, utilities, essential businesses, etc., so that the county and its municipalities can once again function in a normal manner. ° The replacement reconstruction period will be the period during which the county is rebuilt. This period may last from months to years depending on the nature and extent of the damaged incurred. It is important that county officials clearly understand the joint federal -state -local procedures for providing assistance to rebuild after a storm so that county damage assessment and reconstruction efforts are carried out in an efficient manner that will qualify Craven County for the different types of assistance that are available. The requirements are generally delineated in the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-288) which authorizes a wide range of financial and direct assistance to both local communities and individuals. The sequence of procedures to be followed after a major storm event is as follows: 1. Craven County damage assessment teams survey storm damage within the county. 2. Damage information is compiled and summarized and the nature and extent of damage is reported to the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (DEM). 3. DEM compiles local data and makes recommendations to the Governor concerning state action. 4. The Governor may request a Presidential declaration of "emergency" or "major disaster. " A Presidential declaration would make a variety of federal resources available to Craven County, its municipalities and individuals. IV-18 5. Federal Relief assistance provided to a community after an "emergency" has been declared typically ends one month after the initial Presidential declaration. Where a "major disaster" has been declared, federal assistance for "emergency" work typically ends six months after the declaration and federal assistance for "permanent" work ends after 18 months. The followingsummarizes the reconstruction emphasis of current federal disaster assistance P programs: ° Executive Order 1198 (Floodplain Management) directs all federal agencies to avoid either directly or indirectly supporting future unwise development in floodplains (e.g., through sewer grants in locations that foster floodplain development.) ° Section 406 of the Disaster Relief Act can require communities, as a prerequisite for federal disaster assistance, to take specific actions to mitigate future flood losses. Craven County maintains a comprehensive listing of the Federal Disaster Assistance Programs that may be available to the county following a major storm. The programs identified fall into the categories of Temporary Housing, Individual Assistance, and Assistance to Local and State Governments. The remainder of this chapter presents recommended recovery procedures in the general sequence of response by the county. While damage assessment (Sections B and C) will be the first operations conducted by the county after a disaster, it should be realized that the recommended recovery operations (Section D) will begin simultaneously. The remainder of this r chapter is, therefore, organized as follows: rl 1. Procedures that Craven County should follow to carry out its damage assessment program to meet all federal and state requirements including organization of the damage assessment team and recommended damage assessment procedures. 2. An overall organizational framework for restoration operations after the emergency period. 3. Replacement/reconstruction policies that the county should adopt to insure that future development that does occur in local hazard areas is constructed in a manner consistent with sound land use planning, public safety considerations, and existing and evolving federal and state policy. B. Organization of Local Damage Assessment Team A local damage assessment team should include individuals who are qualified to give reliable estimates of the original value of structures, an estimated value of sustained damages, and a description of the repairs. Additionally, the logistics involved in assessing damage in unincorporated sections of the county after a major storm will necessitate the organization of IV-19 several damage assessment teams in Craven County. The following are recommended team members. Public ProRe= Survey Team County Manager County Department Head(s) Professional Engineer Architect * Sheriff's Deputy (driver) Business and Industry Survey Team Tax Assessor Building Inspector Industrial/Commercial Real Estate Broker Chamber of Commerce Representative Architect * Committee of 100 representative Sheriff's Deputy (driver) Private Dwelling Survev Team "" Tax Assessor Building Inspector Residential Real Estate Broker Building Contractor * Sheriff's Deputy (drier) *Community volunteers, if available. The Emergency Management Coordinator should immediately undertake a recruitment effort to secure the necessary volunteers and to establish a training program to familiarize the members of the damage assessment team with required damage classification procedures and reporting requirements. It is suggested that the county assume the responsibility for developing and implementing a training program for both county damage assessment teams and the local damage assessment teams that the municipalities may establish. In establishing the county teams, it must be recognized that it might be very difficult to fill certain positions, such as the building contractor position, because the services of individuals with such skills will likely be in great demand after a storm disaster. A commitment from the Home Builders Association may be a way of guaranteeing needed assistance. Additionally, the Emergency Management Coordinator should establish an active "volunteer file;" volunteers should have standing instructions where to automatically report following a storm. Damage assessment forms and procedures should be prepared now and distributed to volunteers as part of the training program. IV-20 C. Damage Assessment Procedures and Requirements rDamage assessment is defined as rapid means of determining a realistic estimate of the amount of damage caused by a natural or manmade disaster. For a storm disaster, it is expressed in terms of 1) number of structures damaged; 2) magnitude of damage by structure type; 3) estimated total dollar loss; and 4) estimated total dollar loss covered by insurance. After a major storm event, members of the Damage Assessment Team should report to the Emergency Operations Center for a briefing from the Emergency Management Coordinator. Private pilots may provide assistance during the damage assessment phase. The first phase of the assessment should consist of only an external visual survey of damaged structures. A more detailed second phase assessment can be made after the initial damage reports are filed. The initial damage assessment should make an estimate of the extent of damage incurred by each structure and identify the cause (wind, flooding, wave action, combination, etc.) of the damage to each structure. This first phase assessment should be made by "windshield" survey. Damaged structures should be classified in accordance with the suggested state guidelines as follows: • Destroyed (repairs would cost more than 50 percent of value).* • Major (repairs would cost more than 30 percent of the value). • Minor (repairs would cost less than 30 percent of the value, but the structure is currently uninhabitable). • Habitable (some minor damage, with repairs less than 15 percent of the value). *Note: Any structure which is located in an AEC that is damaged over 50% of its value is considered destroyed under CAMA regulations, and a new CAMA permit will be required for reconstruction. It will be necessary to thoroughly document each assessment. In many cases, mail boxes and other information typically used to identify specific structures will not be found. Consequently, the Damage Assessment Team must be provided with tax maps (aerial photographs with property line overlays), other maps and photographic equipment in order to record and document its field observations. Enough information to complete the Damage Assessment Worksheet must be obtained on each damaged structure. The second phase of the Damage Assessment Operation will be to estimate the value of the damages sustained. This operation should be carried out in the Emergency Operations Center under the direction and supervision of the Emergency Management Coordinator. A special team consisting of county tax clerks, tax assessment personnel, and other qualified staff should be organized by the Emergency Management Coordinator. This team should then be incorporated into this Damage Assessment Plan. I IV-21 In order to estimate total damage values, it will be necessary to have the following information available for use at the Emergency Operations Center: • A set of property tax maps (including aerial photographs) identical to those utilized by the damage assessment field team. • County maps delineating areas assigned to each team. • Copies of all county property tax records. This information should indicate the estimated value of all commercial and residential structures within the county. Because time will be of the essence, it is recommended that the county immediately commence a project listing the property values of existing structures in unincorporated areas of the county on the appropriate lots of the property tax maps that will be kept at the Emergency Operations Center. This should be completed now in advance of a storm. The information will prove invaluable if a storm disaster does occur. This set of tax maps should be updated annually prior to the hurricane season. The flood insurance policy coverage for property owners in flood hazard areas should be updated before each hurricane season. This can be accomplished in concert with the local mortgage institutions. Annual updates should be disseminated to each town and kept available in the Emergency Operations Center for estimating the value of sustained damages covered by hazard insurance. In order to produce the damage value information required, the following methodology is recommended: 1. The number of businesses and residential structures that have been damaged within unincorporated areas of the county should be summarized by damage classification category. 2. The value of each damaged structure should be obtained from the marked set of tax maps and multiplied by the following percentages* for appropriate damage classification category: • Destroyed - 100 % • Major Damage - 50% • Minor Damage (uninhabitable) - 25 % • Habitable - 10% *These percentages are to be used only for assigning damage value; they do not agree with the structural damage percentages on page IV-21. 3. The total value of damages for the unincorporated areas of the county should then be summarized. IV-22 11 4. The estimated value loss covered by hazard insurance should then be determined by: 1) estimating full coverage for all damaged structures for situations where the average value of such coverage exceeds the amount of damage to the structure; and 2) multiplying the number of structures where damage exceeds the average value of insurance coverage by the average value of such coverage. 5. Damage assessment reports should be obtained from each incorporated area and the data should then be consolidated into a single county damage assessment report which should be forwarded to the appropriate state officials. 6. Damage to public roads and utility systems should be estimated by utilizing current construction costs for facilities by lineal foot (e.g., 10' water line replacement cost = X$/L.F.). The Damage Assessment Plan is intended to be the mechanism for estimating overall property damage in the event of a civil disaster. The procedure recommended above represents an approach for making a relatively quick, realistic "order of magnitude" damage estimate after a disaster. However, the organization and data collection must be completed prior to the storm event. D. Organization of Recovery Operation Damage assessment operations are oriented to take place during the emergency period. After the emergency operations to restore public health and safety and the initial damage assessments are completed, the state guidelines suggest that a Recovery Task Force to guide restoration and reconstruction activities be created to guide restoration and reconstruction activities during a post -emergency phase which could last from weeks to possibly more than a year. The responsibilities of the Task Force will be: 1. Establishing an overall restoration schedule. 2. Setting restoration priorities, in advance, by definition. 3. Determining requirements for outside assistance and requesting such assistance when beyond local capabilities. (Pre -disaster agreement, procedures, contact persons, should be defined before the disaster event.) 4. Keeping the appropriate state officials informed using Situation and Damage Report. 5. Keeping the public informed. 6. Assemblingand maintaining records of actions taken and expenditures and obligations g � incurred. Standardized forms should be developed in advance and kept on file at the EOC. 7. Proclaiming a local "state of emergency" if warranted. I IV-23 8. Commencing cleanup, debris removal and utility restoration activities which would i include coordination of restoration activities undertaken by private utility companies. 9. Undertaking repair and restoration of essential public facilities and services in accordance r with priorities developed through the situation evaluations. 10. Assisting private businesses and individual property owners in 1) obtaining information on the various types of assistance that might be available from federal and state agencies, 2) in understanding the various assistance programs, and 3) applying for such assistance. When a major storm does eventually hit Craven County and major damages occur, consideration should be given to establishing a Community Assistance Team within the appropriate county department to carry out the above functions as long as there is a need to do so. The following sequence of activities and schedule is submitted as a guide which should be considered by the Recovery Task Force and reviewed as necessary after the damage assessment activities are completed. Activi1y Time Frame 1) Complete initial damage assessment Immediately after storm passes 2) Complete second phase damage Completed by second week after the assessment storm 3) Prepare summary of reconstruction Completed one week after second phase priorities and master reconstruction damage assessment is completed schedule 4) Decision with regard to imposition of One week after second phase damage temporary development moratorium assessment is completed 5) Set reconstruction priorities and prepare Completed one week after summary of master reconstruction schedule reconstruction needs is completed 6) Begin repairs to critical utilities and As soon as possible after disaster facilities 7) Permitting of reconstruction activities for One week after second phase damage all structures receiving minor damage not assessment is completed included in development moratorium areas 8) Permitting of reconstruction activities for Two weeks after second phase damage all structures receiving major damage not assessment is completed included in development moratorium areas , 9) Initiate assessment of existing mitigation Two weeks after second phase damage policies assessment is completed IV-24 Activity Time Frame ' 10) Complete reevaluation of hazard areas The length of the period for conducting and mitigation policies in areas subjected reevaluations and receiving input from to development moratorium the state should not exceed two months 11) Review mitigation policies and Two months after temporary development standards for areas development moratorium is imposed. subjected to development moratorium (Subject to change based on and lift development moratorium circumstances encountered) 12) Permit new development Upon suspension of any temporary development moratorium E. Recommended Reconstruction Policies It is recommended that the Craven County Task Force consist of the following individuals: 0 Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners • Craven County Manager • Emergency Management Coordinator • Chief County Tax Appraiser • Craven County Building Inspector • Craven County Planning Director The following policies have been designed 1) to be considered and adopted by the Craven County Board of Commissioners prior to a storm; and 2) implemented, as appropriate, after a storm occurs. Permitting 1. Building permits to restore structures located outside of designated AEC areas that were previously built in conformance with local codes, .standards, and the provisions of the North Carolina Building Code shall be issued automatically. 2. All structures suffering major damages as defined in the county's Damage Assessment Plan shall be repaired or rebuilt to conform with the provisions of the North Carolina Building Code and the Craven County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, structure suffering minor damage as defined in the Craven County Damage 3. All stru g g tY g Assessment Plan shall be permitted to be rebuilt to their original state before the storm condition. 4. For all structures in designated AECs, a determination shall be made for each AEC as to whether the provisions of the N.C. Building Code, the state regulations for Areas of Environmental Concern and the Craven County Flood Prevention Ordinance. For areas where the construction and use requirements appear adequate, permits shall be issued in accordance with permitting policies 1, 2 and 3. For AECs where the construction and I IV-25 use requirements do not appear to have been adequate in mitigating damages, a Temporary Development Moratorium for all structures located within that specific AEC shall be imposed. , 5. For all structures located outside of designated AEC's, all provisions of the N. C. Building Code and the Craven County Flood Prevention Ordinance shall be satisfied. 6. Permits shall not be issued in areas subject to a Temporary Displacement Moratorium until such a moratorium is lifted by the Craven County Board of Commissioners. Utility and Facility Reconstruction 1. When state/federal funds are available, all damaged water and sewers stems (both public Y and private) shall be repaired so as to be elevated above the 100-year floodplain or shall be floodproofed, with the methods employed and the construction being certified by a i registered professional engineer. 2. When state/federal funds are available, all damaged roads used as major evacuation , routes in flood hazard areas shall be repaired so as to be elevated at least one foot above the 100-year floodplain elevation. 3. When state/federal funds are available, all local roads that have to be completely rebuilt shall be elevated so as to be above the 100-year floodplain elevation. Temporary Development Moratorium Under certain circumstances, interim development moratoriums can be used in order to give a local government time to assess damages, to make sound decisions and to learn from its storm experiences. Such a moratorium must be temporary and it must be reasonably related to the public health, safety and welfare. It is not possible to determine prior to a storm whether a temporary development moratorium will be needed. Such a measure should only be used if damage in a particular area is very serious and if redevelopment of the area in the same manner as previously existed would submit the residents of the area to similar public health and safety problems. The Craven County policy regarding the proclamation of temporary development moratoriums shall be to: Require the Craven County Recovery Task Force to assess whether a Temporary Development Moratorium is needed within one week after the damage assessment process is completed. Such an assessment should clearly document why such a moratorium is needed, delineate the specific .uses that would be affected by the moratorium, propose a specific schedule of activities and actions that will be taken during the moratorium period, and establish a specific time period during which the moratorium will be in effect. , IV-26 1 pi 1 SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS I Fj 1 1 r] SECTION V: RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATIONS The 15A NCAC 7B planning guidelines require that the Craven County Land Use Plan relate the policies section to the land classification map and provide an indication of the land uses considered appropriate in each land classification. The county does not have county -wide zoning. Therefore, consistency between the land classification system and zoning is not an issue. The county's subdivision ordinance was updated in 1989 to ensure consistency with the land use planning program. A. DEVELOPED CLASS The developed classification includes Fairfield Harbor, James City, and the U. S. 70 corridor between New Bern and Havelock. The incorporated areas of New Bern, Bridgeton, Havelock, Vanceboro, River Bend, and Trent Woods are under the jurisdiction of their own land use plans. These will be high growth areas requiring the full range of urban services. The developed class will accommodate all normal land uses including: single and multi -family residential, commercial, public and semi-public, institutional, transportation, and industrial. B. COMMUNITY CLASS Moderate density development, three dwelling units per acre or less, will be allowed in this classification. Water and sewer utilities will be provided to eliminate health hazards. Land uses will be limited to single and multi -family residential usage and commercial/service uses necessary to support residential development. Support uses shall include: general and convenience stores, public facilities, health care facilities, service facilities, and offices. The community class may include some light industrial development. This classification includes Jasper, Fort Barnwell, Askin, Cayton, Ernul, North Harlowe, the Core Creek Church area south of Cove City, and the Riverside -Honolulu area. C. URBAN TRANSITION Areas classified urban transition will provide lands to accommodate future urban growth within the planning period. The average development densities will be less than the developed class densities and greater than the limited transition class densities. These areas may be able to support urban development by being generally free of physical limitations and be served or accessible to service by urban services. Development may include mixed land uses such as single and multi -family residential, commercial, institutional, transportation, industrial, and other uses at high to moderate densities. Urban services should include water, sewer (including land application treatment systems), streets, police, and fire protection. The urban transition areas are concentrated along the U. S. 70 developed corridor, U. S. 17 south of New Bern and north and east of Bridgeton. D. LIMITED TRANSITION CLASS The limited transition classification provides for controlled development with some urban services. This classification exists along N. C. 101 east of Havelock and generally in the V-1 Clubfoot and Adams Creek areas. In both locations, the classification extends one-half mile from the centerline of N.C. 304 on both sides of the highway. This classification will require the development of some urban services including water and sewer utilities. The predominant ✓ land use will be moderate density residential development. However, other urban land uses including the following will be allowed: commercial, public and semi-public, multi -family residential, service, office, institutional, commercial, and light industrial. E. RURAL WITH SERVICES CLASS The rural with services classification provides for very low density land uses, including residential, where limited water services are provided in order to avert an existing or projected health problem. Central sewer service may be provided. The areas included are those which are expected to be provided water service during the planning. This category is essential to support expansion of the Craven County water system. The classification is located along most U. S., N. C., and secondary roads located north and west of New Bern. It is the intent of this plan that the rural with services classification follow the location of the county's Farmers Home Administration funded water system. The corridors following the waterlines are intended to be one -mile wide. They extend one-half mile on either side of the road along which the classification is located. Other services such as volunteer fire protection, rescue service, health care facilities, and government services to include prisons are allowed. Business and industrial development uses and activities should be allowed. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H will be permitted. F. RURAL CLASS The rural class is the broadest of the land classes and is designated to provide for agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses. Residences may be located within the rural class where urban services are not required and where natural resources will not be permanently impaired. Central water and sewer may be available within this classification. Some large developments may be encouraged in the rural class when there is an absence of otherwise suitable land within the developed and transition classes and/or when there is a possible adverse development. Such large developments or uses include industrial parks, land application sewer systems, and power plants. Public facilities, health care facilities, businesses, on -site water and septic tank use, industrial uses, hazardous or noxious uses, and government services to include prisons are allowed. In addition, all uses allowed by 15A NCAC 7H will be permitted. G. CONSERVATION CLASS The conservation classes are designated to provide for effective long-term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas which include the following categories: coastal wetlands, estuarine shorelines, primary nursery areas, and estuarine and public trust waters. Policy statements under Resource Protection and Resource Production and Management in Section IV of this plan address the county's intentions under this classifications. The locations of this classification are shown on Map 15. All uses allowed by 15A NCAC 711 will be permitted. V-2 rA W U m m m m m m m i m m m= m m m m r m r 11 I I 1 fl 1 APPENDIX I CRAVEN COUNTY SUBDMSIONS APPROVED JANUARY, 1993, TO DECEMBER, 1994 Subdivision Location # of Lots Date Approved 1. Amberwood Phase 2 Twp. 1, SR 1443 - State Camp Rd. 3 05/03/93 2. Amos Douglas Land Twp. 9, SR 1224, Tuscarora-Rhems Rd. 6 06/07/93 3. Antioch Park Twp. 2, SR.1433, Antioch Rd. 1 12/19/94 4. Beatty Acres Twp. 8, SR 1307, Old Pollocksville Rd. 1 12/20/93 5. Amos Conner IV Twp. 7, US Hwy. 70E 1 12/19/94 6. Butler Farm Sec. 2 Twp. 1, SR 1440, Streets Ferry Rd. 8 05/02/94 7. Cherry Branch So. Sec. I Twp. 5, NC Hwy. 306 37 05/02/94 8. Cherry Branch So. Sec. II Twp. 5, NC Hwy. 306 16 10/17/94 9. Christine Knox Twp. 2, SR 1003, Aurora Rd. 1 03/15/93 10. Creekside Phase 3 Twp. 9, SR 1226, New Liberty Rd. 1 12/20/93 11. Cypress Bay on the Neuse Twp. 5, SR 1704, Becton Rd. 23 11/07/94 Phase 1 12. Cypress Bay on the Neuse Twp. 5, SR 1704, Becton Rd. 15 12/19/94 Phase 2 13. Deborah T. Craig Twp. 1, SR 1642, Purser Rd. 1 12/20/93 14. Deer Run Phase 2 Twp. 7, SR 1144, Crump Farm Rd. 14 11/15/93 15. Deerfield Phase VI Twp. 8, US Hwy. 17S 60 05/16/94 16. Everhart Twp. 7, SR 1113, Old Cherry Point Rd. 4 12/20/93 17. Gracie Farm Sec. 1 Twp. 8, SR 1481, Jack Dail Rd. 5 02/15/93 18. Haddock's Twp. 1, SR 1642, Purser Road 1 12/20/93 19. Haddock's Two Twp. 1, SR 1642, Purser Road 1 12/19/94 20. Harbour Point Commons Twp. 2, SR 1600, Broad Creek Road 4 04/04/94 21. Hogan Drive Ext. Lot 16 Twp. 6, SR 1908, Snead Road 1 .04/04/94 22. The Home Place Phase 2 Twp. 7, SR 1004, Brices Creek Rd. 29 09/06/94 23. Howard Ange Twp. 1, SR 1463, Country Acres Rd. 16 11/01/93 24. Katie Price Caton Twp. 6, SR 1105, Lewis Farm Rd. 3 08/15/94 25. Kornegay Acres Twp. 9, NC 55W 1 07/06/93 26. Lee's Branch Est. Part 3 Twp. 7, SR I I11, Old Airport Rd. 2 10/04/93 27. Lilliput Landing Sec. 6 Twp. 7, SR 1193, Lilliput Drive 5 08/02/93 APPENDIX II HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CRAVEN COUNTY EaLl-lity I Category of Material Stored HandiMart Gasoline Hatteras Yachts Gasoline; solvents Havelock Central Office Gasoline Kiwi Mart Gasoline Lofton Park Exxon Gasoline Mallard Food Shop Gasoline; propane gas Moen, Inc. Sulfuric acid; propane gas New Bem Service Center Gasoline N. C. Natural Gas Co. Natural gas Parker Town 'n Country Gasoline R. A. Precision Lapping oil, mineral spirits; trichlorothane, rust inhibitor, dipping oil, alkaline base Riverdale Fuel Mart Gasoline Bosch Power Tools Methanol, fuel oil, nitrogen, ammonia Ross Exxon Gasoline Smith T. P. Station Gasoline, propane gas South 17 Fuel Mart Gasoline Speedway Gasoline Superpac Gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, propane gas Trent Fuel Mart Gasoline Tryon 66 Gasoline UPS Fuel oil Vanceboro Central Office Gasoline W. S. Clark & Sons, Inc. Fertilizer Weyerhauser Company Hydrogen preparation Williams Texaco Gasoline Sources: Office of Emergency Management, N. C. Department of Administration. Craven County Emergency Management Services. 1 F APPENDIX III NATURAL RESOURCE AREAS - CRAVEN COUNTY EXPLANATION TO ACCOMPANY NATURAL HERITAGE ELEMENT MAPS. The accompanying dot map shows approximate locations of significant ecological resources in the area mapped. It is provided to give you an indication of general areas where such resources occur. The resources mapped, called elements of natural diversity, are those judged by the Natural Heritage Program as most critically needing protection. They include rare plant and animal species, high quality and rare ecosystems (also called natural communities), and priority natural areas. The rare species include all species officially protected by state and federal legislation, candidates for such listing, and some additional significantly rare species. Lists of monitored species and descriptions of natural community types are available ' from the Natural Heritage Program for a small charge. Natural areas are sites that are included on the Natural Heritage Program priority list. They are areas judged to be worthy of special protection, but they may or may not currently have any protection. These maps are generated from locations in the Natural Heritage Program database. In interpreting them you :rust be .aware of the following limitations: The intensity of inventory for biological resources varies from place to place, and only very limited areas have been carefully examined for all kinds of elements. The absence of records does not necessarily indicate a true absence of elements. The absence of records may equally represent the lack of biological survey. There is some lag time between reporting of elements to the Natural Heritage Program and entry into the database. Recently reported occurrences may not yet be on these maps. The database is continuously updated. Each map is dated. Older maps will not reflect more recent records. The useful life of a map varies greatly with the amount of survey ' activity in the area. Any map is likely to be out of date after a year, and in areas with current inventory projects they may become out of date much more quickly. Element records vary in the precision with which the location is known. Although most are accurate within_ 1/4 mile or less, some may represent more general information. The most vague locations are not plotted. Points on the map represent only the center of an occurrence. Occurrences vary in the area they cover around the center. A few animals may range over a large area. Aquatic animals often extend a long distance along the course of a stream. Ecosystem (natural community) occurrences and priority natural areas sometimes cover large areas. An occurrence anywhere in the vicinity of a proposed action suggests a possible concern. These maps may not be useful for finding actual locations on the ' ground. If you need more specific information about a particular site, you should contact the Natural Heritage Program. The Natural Heritage Program can provide more detailed information and biological interpretation from its records. A map of the site,. preferably on a US Geological Survey quadrangle map, should be sent to the Natural Heritage along with a brief explanation of the nature of the project. In planning projects with potential ' environmental impact, contact with the Natural Heritage Program early in the process can help avoid potential conflicts. f1 1 1 rJ North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Division of Parks and Recreation Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources P.O. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611 == m i m m r m m m m m m= m= m= o Anima Is NA Plants Nature Natural Areas Nnti irnl Hpritnnp.- Flements unty irolina Dgrom 1993 EXPLANATION OF SPECIES STATUS CODES , The attached output from the N.C. Natural Heritage Program database is a listing of the elements (rare species, geologic features, natural communities, special animal habitats) known to occur in your geographic area of interest. Following is an explanation of the four columns of status codes on the righthand side of the printout. STATE STATUS Plants: E = Endangered C = Candidate T = Threatened SR = Significantly Rare SC = Special Concern From most recent Natural Heritage Program and Plant Conservation Program lists. ' E,T,and SC species are protected by state law (the Plant Protec- tion and Conservation Act, 1979); the other two categories indicate rarity and the need for population monitoring and ' conservation action, as determined by the Plant Conservation and Natural Heritage Programs. Animals: E = Endangered SC = Special Concern T = Threatened UNK= Undetermined ' SR = Significantly Rare EX = Extirpated = Proposed (E,T, or SC) ,P_ The Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern statuses ' for Vertebrates and Mollusks are from "Endangered Wildlife of North Carolina", June 13, 1990, N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. As of that date, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians have legally protected State status, whereas lists for Fishes and Mollusks have not yet been adopted for legal protection. Statuses for invertebrates other than mollusks and , butterflies are primarily taken from Cooper, J.E., S.S. Robinson, and J.B. Funderburg (Eds.). 1977. Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. N.C. Museum of Natural History, Raleigh, NC. 444 pages + i-xvi. The Significantly Rare, Undetermined, and Extirpated statuses are (for the most part) Natural Heritage Program designations. They indicate rarity and the need for population monitoring and conservation action. CRAVEN COUNTY SCIENTIFIC AND STATE" TED. STATE aLOBAL COMMON NAME PROT. PROT. RANX RANK +�** crav*n county ' ** Vertebrates AIMOPHILA AESTIVALIS Sc C2 S3B,S2 G3 BACHMANIS SPARROW ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS T T/SA 83 G5 AMERICAN ALLIGATOR ANHINGA ANHINGA SR S2B,SZ G5 'ANHINGA CROTALUS ADAMANTEUS SR S1 GB EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE HALIAEETUB LEUCOCEPHALUS E LE SSB,S2 04 BALD EAGLE LATERALLUS JAMAICENSIS SR C2 S3B,S2 G4? BLACK RAIL NECTURUS LEWISI SC 3C. S3 G3 NEUSE RIVER WATERDOG NOTROPIS BIFRENATUS SC SH G5 'BRIDLE SHINER NOTURUS FURIOSUS POP 1 SC S2 G3T2Q CAROLINA MADTOM - NEUSE RIVER POPULATION PHALACROCORAX AURITUS SR SIB,S5 G5 ' DOUBLE -CRESTED CORMORANT PICOIDES BOREALIS E LE S2 G2 REDS -COCKADED WOODPECKER TRICHECHUS MANATUS E LE SIN G2? MANATEE URSUS AMERICANUS SR S3 G5 BLACK BEAR ** Invertebrates CALEPHELIS VIRGINIENSIS SR S3? G4 LITTLE METALMARK ERYNNIS MARTIALIS SR 63? G4 MOTTLED DUSKY WING EUAGROTIS LUBRICANS SR S2S3 G5 SLIPPERY DART EUPHYES DUKESI SR S2? G3G4 SKIPPER 'DUKES' HESPERIA ATTALUS SLOSSONAE SR SSS3 G4T3 DOTTED SKIPPER ' LITHOPHANE LEMMERI LEMMERIS NOCTUID MOTH SR 3C S1S3 G3G4 MEGATHYMUS YUCCAS SR S3? G4 YUCCA SKIPPER METALEPSIS FISHII SR SU G4G5 A NOCTUID MOTH PAPAIPEMA SP 3 SR S3? G4? SOUTHEASTERN CANE BORER PROBLEMA BYSSUS SR S2? G3G4 BYSSUS SKIPPER PYREFERRA CEROMATICA ANNOINTED SALLOW MOTH SR C2 S1S3 GU SATYRIUM KINGI SR S3? G3G4 KING'S HAIRSTREAK SCIENT17XC AND COMMON NAME �* Vascular plants AESCHYNOMENE VIRGINICA VIRGINIA JOINTVETCH AGALINIS APHYLLA SCALE -LEAF GERARDIA AGALINIS LINIFOLIA FLAXLEAF GERARDIA AGALINIS VIRGATA BRANCHED GERARDIA ANDROPOGON MOHRII BOG BLUESTEM ASPLENIUM HETERORESILIENS CAROLINA SPLEENWORT BIDENS CORONATA CROWNED BEGGARTICKS CLADIUM MARISCOIDES TWIG -RUSH CYSTOPTERIS TE44NESSEENSIS TENNESSEE BLADDER -FERN DIONAEA MUSCIPULA VENUS FLYTRAP ELEOCHARIS ROBBINSII ROBBINS'S SPXXERUSH ERIOCAULON AQUATICUM SEVEN -ANGLED PIPEWORT ISOETES RIPARIA RIVERBANK QUILLWORT LITSEA AESTIVALIS PONDSPICE MINUARTIA GODFREYI GODFREY'S SANDWORT MYRIOPHYLLUM LAXUM LOOSE WATERMILFOIL PELTANDRA SAGITTIFOLIA SPOONFLOWER PLATANTHERA INTEGRA YELLOW FRINGELESS ORCHID PLATANTHERA NIVEA SNOWY ORCHID PONTHIEVA RACEMOSA SHADOW -WITCH QUERCUS AUSTRINA BLUFF OAK RHYNCHOSPORA ALBA NORTHERN WHITE BEAKSEDGE RHYNCHOSPORA BREVISETA SHORTBRISTLED BEAKSEDGE SAGITTARIA STAGNORUM WATER ARROWHEAD SCHOENOPLECTUS ACUTUS HARDSTEM BULRUSH SCHOENOPLECTUS ETUBERCULATUS CANBY'S BULRUSH SCIRPUS LINEATUS DROOPING BULRUSH SCLERIA GEORGIANA GEORGIA NUTRUSH OThTa roD. QTATIS GLOBAL PROT. PROT. RANK RANK E LT S1 G2 C S2 G3G4 OR S2 G3G4 C S1 G3G4 C S1 04? E C2 S1 G20 SR 61 G5 OR S2 G5 E-SC S1 G5 C-SC C2 S3 G3 C S2 G4G5 SR S2 G5 SR S1 G4 C C2 S2 G4G5 E C2 Si G1 T C2 Si G3 SR S2 G3G4 T 3C Si G5 T 61 G5 OR S2 G4GS OR S1 G5 C S2 GS C S1 G3G4 OR 61 G4G5 OR SH G5 SR S3 G3G4 C S2 G4 SR S2 G4 11 1 11 scznmzpzo AND coxxox xME ATATZ PROT, PRO• BT36wa BROT. RANK wUQvrz RANK SOLIDAGO VERNA E C2 S3 G3 SPRING -FLOWERING GOLDENROD TOFIELDIA GLABRA C C2 S3 03 CAROLINA ASPHODEL UTRICULARIA OLIVACEA T S2 G4 DWARF BLADDERWORT VERONICA AMERICANA SR S2 GS AMERICAN SPEEDWELL ** Nonvascular plants SPHAGNUM FITZGERALDII SR S2S3 G2G3 FITZGERALD'S PEATMOSS ** Natural communities BASIC MESIC FOREST (COASTAL PLAIN SUBTYPE) S1? G5T3 BAY FOREST S3? G3G4? BRACKISH MARSH S5 G5 COASTAL FRINGE EVERGREEN FOREST S1 G3? COASTAL FRINGE SANDHILL S1 G3? COASTAL PLAIN MARL OUTCROP S1 G27 DRY-MESIC OAK --HICKORY FOREST S5 G5 HIGH POCOSIN $4 G4 LOW POCOSIN S3 G3 MESIC MIXED HARDWOOD FOREST (COASTAL PLAIN SU S4 G5TS MESIC PINE FLATWOODS S3 GS NATURAL LAKE SHORELINE 52 G2 NONRIVERINE WET HARDWOOD FOREST 81 G1 PINE SAVANNA S2 03 PINE/SCRUB OAK SANDHILL 83 G4 POND PINE WOODLAND S4 G4G5 SMALL DEPRESSION POCOSIN ,81? G2? SMALL DEPRESSION POND 02 G3 TIDAL CYPRESS --GUM SWAMP S3 04 TIDAL FRESHWATER MARSH S3 G4 VERNAL POOL, S2 G3 SCIENTIFIC AND STATE FED* eTATE GLOBAL COMMON NAME PROT, PROT. RAND RANK WET PINE FLATWOODS S3 G3G4 XERIC SANDHILL SCRUB S4 as ** Geologic features CENOZOIC FOSSILS PALEOCENE FOSSILS SINKHOLE ** Special animal habitats OSPREY NESTING AREA WADING BIRD ROOKERY NC Natural Heritage Program NC Division of marks and Recreation January 1995 fl APPENDIX IV POLICIES CONSIDERED BUT NOT ADOPTED CRAVEN COUNTY 1993 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE B. RESOURCE PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENTS PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS ' Soils: • Continue to enforce the county's subdivision regulations, possibly requiring larger ' lot sizes for residences in areas where soils are not as well suited for septic tank placement in accord with rules enforced by the County Health Department. (88)' u H I-J Flood Hazard Areas: Craven County will continue to enforce its flood damage prevention ordinance and follow the storm hazard mitigation plan herein. Industrial Impacts on Fragile Areas: The county will continue to seek to provide water and/or sewer through existing system according to current policies, i.e., encourage new industries to pay their own costs of water and/or sewer extensions by offering to pay a portion of the potential tax revenues the industry may generate for five years. The county will continue to provide water and/or sewer to new industries through its existing system. On a case -by -case basis, the county will negotiate with individual industries to provide support, both administrative and financial, for the construction of water and sewer utilities. MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCE PROTECTION Package Treatment Plant Use: Currently, centralized sewer outside of the municipalities is provided only in Township 7 (the James City area, primarily). The use of small package treatment systems has generally been viewed as acceptable in Craven County as an aid to orderly growth and development, provided necessary environmental permits can be obtained. Although the county does consider the eventual provision of county- wide sewer service to be desirable, realistically even on a limited township basis, the costs would be prohibitive. Therefore, package treatment plants in "growth" areas are an acceptable alternative. It is not the county's desire, however, to see a proliferation of small package treatment systems which bear no relation to each other. Developers will be encouraged to cooperate so that any such system (each �1 to be reviewed on a case -by -case basis) can be developed in some pattern of uniformity. (88) Marina and Floating Home Development: The county supports the development of marinas in compliance with existing environmental regulations. The county believes that additional studies of the county's needs are required in order to indicate possible sizes or locations or marinas. The county will allow marinas to be developed in compliance with state, federal, and local environmental and health regulations. Also, in cases where there are more than 30 boat slips provided, the developer shall be required to provide pumpout facilities for the disposal of wastewater. Also, the county believes that as long as all requirements are complied with, marinas should be allowed in any land classification, except within the rural classification. (88) So-called "floating homes" to date have not been an issue or problem in Craven County's jurisdiction. However, it is quite possible that during the planning period, this issue could arise. (88) C. RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES RECREATION RESOURCES To ensure access in newly developing subdivisions along the waterways, the county could assume responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of these accessways and provide free and open access to the general public. (88) Off -Road Vehicles: The mention of "off -road" vehicles in coastal North Carolina usually conjures ideas of four-wheel drive type vehicles running up and down sandy beaches. However, there are no ocean beaches in Craven County. Nevertheless, off -road vehicles are important in some sections of the county because of the necessity for land owners or hunters to travel in wooded or swampy areas. As this property is private and not available to the public as public beaches are, the use of these vehicles is acceptable in these cases. (88) Marine Resource Areas: Craven County will support the following goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan of the Albemarle -Pamlico Estuarine Study: Goal A: Basin -wide protection of living aquatic resources from the toxic or otherwise deleterious effects of excessive nutrient loading or nutrient imbalance. Objective a: Achievement of the maximum nutrient reduction goals prescribed in the Nutrient Sensitive Waters management 1i F i 1 �1 it ' strategies (Chowan, Neuse, and Tar -Pamlico Rivers). Revision and implementation of the strategies as necessary ' to restore and/or protect the respective basins and/or newly designated basins from excessive nutrient loading by 2003. ' Objective b: Maintenance of the necessary concentrations and balance of nutrients, by 2003, to minimize the possibility of anthropogenically induced or enhanced (1) blue-green algae blooms (freshwater) that have a range of deleterious toxic effects on the food web and users of the waters, and (2) toxic dinoflagellate blooms (saltwater) that may cause fish kills or ' disrupt the natural food web. Objective c: Protection of the growth and propagation of submerged aquatic vegetation from toxic concentrations of nitrate, and shading from epiphytic growth and blooms of floating algae (blue -greens, greens, and browns) by 2003. ' Goal B: Protection of living aquatic resources from the toxic effects of anthropogenic contaminants, including sediment (excessive sedimentation and turbidity, and reduced transparency); salt and fresh water; other toxicants (such as metals and organochlorines); and oxygen consuming wastes. Objective a: Protection of sensitive aquatic life stages and submerged aquatic vegetation from excessive turbidity and sedimentation and insufficient transparency by 2003. Objective b: Protection of submerged aquatic vegetation, primary nursery areas, and other marine or brackish aquatic communities from the reduction of salinity. Objective c: Elimination of the contributions of and/or discharges or other ' toxicants in toxic amounts, so that no new habitat is lost and no new toxicity to aquatic organisms is detectable. Objective d: Restoration, where feasible, of toxicant degraded water and sediment. ' Objective e: Minimization of the incidence and severity of anthropogenically exacerbated low dissolved oxygen events and their contribution to the causes of fish and benthos kills. Goal C: Restoration by 2008 to "approved" status (i.e., sufficiently low bacterial concentrations to open to regular harvest) all SA shellfish waters currently "prohibited," "restricted," or "conditionally approved." I Objective a: Reduction of the areal extent of "prohibited," "restricted," and "conditionally approved" areas of SA waters by 20% as of �J 1997, by 50% as of 2003, and by 100% as of 2008. Objective b: Improvement of the long-term frequency 2003. water quality necessary to reduce the of temporary closures by 50% as of Goal D: Improvement in the ability to test for potential human health hazards resulting from the ingestion of shellfish through the adoption or incorporation of a new pathogen indicator species and associated standards as soon as they are developed by the National Indicator Study (estimated by 1997). Goal E: Protection of existing aquatic living resources, including threatened and endangered species, through the direct protection of species and communities, and through the protection and, where necessary, the restoration of water quality. Objective a: Preservation of the current biological integrity in all estuarine systems of the A/P region as measured and monitored using a yet -to -be -determined estuarine biotic index (estimated five year development period). Objective b: Restoration to or maintenance of a biological integrity rating of "fair" or better as determined using biotic indices (N. C. Division of Environmental Management's macroinvertebrate and fish indices) in the freshwater streams in the Piedmont of the A/P region by the year 2003. D. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT General: Because of the expanding water service in previously unserved areas (Townships 1, 3 and 9), and the increasing potential for additional residential growth, it may become necessary to develop additional land development controls such as zoning to ensure orderly and well managed growth. (88) Energy Facility Siting and Development: Craven County does not oppose offshore exploratory drilling for oil or gas. In the event that oil or gas is discovered, Craven County will not oppose drilling operations and onshore support facilities for which an Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared with a finding of no significant impact on the environment. Craven County supports and requests full disclosure of development plans, with mitigative measures that will be undertaken to prevent adverse impacts on the environment, the infrastructure, and the social systems of the county. The county also requests full disclosure of any adopted plans. Offshore drilling and the development of onshore support facilities may have severe costs for the county as ri well as advantages. The costs should be borne by the company(ies) which profits from offshore drilling and onshore support facilities. In some coastal counties, the siting or location of energy facilities relates to either peat mining or phosphate mining, or offshore oil exploration. However, in the absence of significant peat reserves, phosphate, or oil resources within the county's jurisdiction, no specific detailed policies in this area can be formulated at this time. Should the siting of an energy facility become a realistic possibility for Craven County, it shall be the policy of the county to carefully review each such project and require strict adherence to federal, state, and any local environmental regulations. (88) Redevelopment of Developed Areas: Craven County would like to see redevelopment/rehabilitation activities occur in communities identified as having concentrations of substandard housing and other neighborhood conditions. The county will try to link various redevelopment activities together where feasible. (88) Assistance in Channel Maintenance: Proper maintenance of channels, including periodic dredging, is very important to Craven County mainly because of the economic impact of commercial fisheries. If 1985 is taken as an indication, then water quality in the Neuse River is improving and commercial fishing is also increasing in the county's waters. If silt or other deposits fill in the channels, this could impede efficient mobility and docking of commercial and recreational vessels. With adequate channel maintenance, Craven County can make better utilization of its waterways for water transportation and recreation purposes. (88) F1 I APPENDIX V CRAVEN COUNTY CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN PREPARATION OF LAND USE PLAN FISCAL YEAR 1994-95 Craven County has received a FY94-95 Coastal Area Management Act grant for the update of its existing Land Use Plan. This update is being undertaken to respond to the expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. Adequate citizen participation in the development of the Plan is essential to the preparation of a document responsive to the needs of the citizens of Craven County. To ensure such input, the following citizen participation program will be utilized by the county. The Craven County Planning Board will be responsible for supervision of the project. The Planning Board will report to and coordinate plan development with the Craven County Board of Commissioners. The Planning Board will work with the county's planning consultant to ensure that the final product will survey existing land use, identify policies, recommend strategies/actions, and identify Areas of Environmental Concern. Emphasis will be placed on amending the plan to respond to the expansion of the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. The plan will focus on issues created by the military expansion, including infrastructure needs, housing needs, transportation planning, and environmental. A completely new land classification map will be provided. Specifically, the planning consultant and the Planning Board will be responsible for ensuring accomplishment of the following: — Establishment of policies to deal with existing and anticipated land use issues created by the Cherry Point military expansion. — Assessment of county -wide infrastructure needs created by the military expansion. — Assessment of county -wide housing needs created by the military expansion. — Establishment of an effective citizen participation process. — Assessment of county -wide transportation planning issues created by the military expansion. — Preparation of a new land classification map which will include significant changes resulting from the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station and Naval Aviation Depot. — Assessment of environmental issues concerning increased military presence and activities in Craven County. — Preparation of hurricane mitigation and post -disaster recovery plans and policies. — An updated Land Use Plan based on an effective citizen participation process. The following schedule will be utilized: March - April, 1995 — complete identification of existing land use problems, develop socioeconomic base data, and review community facilities needs. 2. April, 1995 — The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public information meeting. The meeting will be advertised in a local newspaper. The county will specifically discuss the policy statements contained in the 1993 Craven County Land Use Plan, and the Citizen Participation Plan will be adopted. The significance of the policy statements to the CAMA land use planning process shall be described. The process by which Craven County will solicit the views of a wide cross-section of citizens in the development of the updated policy statements will be explained. 4. May - July, 1995 — Continue preparation of a draft Land Use Plan and conduct meetings with the Craven County Planning Board. 5. August, 1995 — Present complete draft sections of the plan and preliminary policy statements to the Planning Board. 6. September, 1995 — Review draft Land Use Plan with the Board of Commissioners. 7. September, 1995 — Conduct a public information meeting for review of the proposed plan, and submit draft of completed Land Use Plan to the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources staff for review and comment. 8. Following receipt of Coastal Resources Commission comments (estimate October or November, 1995) — Present proposed Land Use Plan to Board of Commissioners for adoption, and conduct a formal public hearing. All meetings of the Craven County Planning Board and Board of Commissioners at which the update of the Land Use Plan will be discussed will be advertised in a local newspaper. All meetings will be open to the public. The county will encourage and consider all economic, social, ethnic, and cultural viewpoints. No major non-English speaking groups are known to exist in Craven County. 3/22/95 LI i